Stockport issue 51

FREE Please

take on

e

W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K APRIL - JUNE 2017

STOCKPORT & TRAFFORD EDITION 51

Rick is Back!

AS HE HEADS OUT ON TOUR RICK ASTLEY'S ALBUM HITS NUMBER ONE!

Bill Granger's Everyday Asian Food

Home Alterations to make life easier

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Superb Seaside Holidays Coach SELF-DRIVE & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS

nclusive £204 holidays GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

from

per person

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

Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our eight hotels cover the nation’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.

have our own fleet of executive Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in ches that usoffer totheoffer comfort, while enables our self-drive holidays freedom of having your own car. el from a selection of pick up Every break includes: nts across the UK. • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation

vehicle features air conditioning and on board • Breakfast & 3-course evening meal o make your journey as comfortable as possible.

• Live nightly entertainment also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet elp you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let Certificate of Excellence Awards now of any planned comfort breaks.

We aim to We are proud to announce that five of our group – The Barrowfield, Devonshire,depending Daish’s, Bournemouth ou to your hotel between 3-5pm, on Sands and Claremont Hotels – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016. ngth of the journey.

DHoalidisayhs’s

Seven fabulous locations, eight great hotels.

Every break includes:

Llandudno Newquay

Isle of Wight

Torquay Weymouth

Torquay

uth

Bournemo

e

Eastbourn

d Self-Drive

Coach an Price List

Brochure

rs_AW.indd

2017_cove

Holidays

Eastbourne

• Return coach travel (self-drive option

t

Isle of Wigh

Holiday &

Bournemouth

• Comfy en suite accommodation

2017 02/12/2016

09:51

3

Request your new 2017 brochure now!

Daish’s Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Bournemouth Sands Claremont Hotel • Breakfast & 3-courseTheevening meal

Introducing Daish’s – New pickups in your area: Manchester, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Stockport.

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points make it easy to get away.

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

MAY 04

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£204

25

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£209

5

£264

JUNE 09

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno JULY

04

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£234

09

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£279

19

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£284

AUGUST 13

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£244

17

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£274

19

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£239

23

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£274

SEPTEMBER 26

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£259

27

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£254

5

£234

5

£204

OCTOBER 11

Russell Hotel – Weymouth NOVEMBER

01

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2016. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

n available)

Call 01202 638840 or visit daishs.com quote 50PlusMC facebook.com/daishs

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

@daishs_holidays

Twittering on With Tyler Grundy Starting this edition's ‘Twittering On' a rather sombre note. Remembering the vast amount of celebrities that we lost throughout 2016, the social media world has been typing in fear. Will this trend continue into 2017? (I mean it is likely, we are after all an ageing population).

Now I do not mean to boast but as I write this, I have just finished watching the series on my ultra-high definition TV and some of the scenes are truly breathtaking. I myself love the show and would recommend it to you readers today, if you have not watched it already although, I imagine many of you will have done. But I must admit, I had a second agenda other than for my viewing pleasure when I watched the show.

I shall regale you with one of my favorite tweets before moving swiftly on. I imagine you will be able to guess the famous figure to which the user was referring;

“He’s made it into 2017, Brucey!

Wrap him up in cotton wool now!”

Attenborough Does It Again!

The internet following its initial airing was in uproar over a certain scene in the very first episode involving newborn iguanas and racer snakes.

The scene unfolded into a deadly chase between the two. If you have seen it then I imagine the scene has stuck with you.

The original Planet Earth presented by David Attenborough is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series’ ever produced. The series originally aired in 2006 and the follow up aptly titled Planet Earth II concluded this winter.

inside

The epic scene has been widely compared to this decade's hit show Game of Thrones. Now if you are not familiar with that show it is filled to the brim with sex, incest, and head popping violence (literally). I saw many a viewer compare the intensity of the snakes swarming the baby iguana and the close ups of its final moments of its short life with the violence and gore ever present in Game of Thrones, many noting that Planet Earth had just raised the bar.

In case you are one of those not familiar with Game of Thrones, I shall regale you with a story I heard going around about the show's latest season.

It is renowned for its openness in showing full frontal female nudity and there was recently a rumor stating that if the showrunners did not even the score with full frontal male nudity then the show would risk being cancelled.

Coincidently, they obliged. Anyway, that is just a taster of what kind of a show Thrones is.

Admittedly, the scoring of the Planet Earth scene by world-renowned

TRAVEL...

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN 10-11

RICK ASTLEY NEW TOUR 14-15

HOME ALTERATIONS...

MAKING IT AS EASY TO LIVE IN AS POSSIBLE 19-20

BILL GRANGER'S EVERY DAY ASIAN PAGES 30-33

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 860 194 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

4

| WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TWITTER composer Hans Zimmer did add a sense of epic proportion to the chase.

65 Years of Queen Liz!

Understandably, the internet could not miss such an opportunity to create an account for the iguana that made it to safety. With its first post being a thank you to all its fans who wished him well, while also informing us he was “bricking it” running across those rocks.

Indeed, this is the popular term of endearment for Queen Elizabeth II within the Twitter universe. As I write this section, I must admit I was a little puzzled as to how long a ‘Sapphire Jubilee’ was a recognition of. Then to realize that it was the first of its kind as no other English monarch has celebrated 65 years on the throne.

30p For A Freddo?!

Yes, you read that correctly. The famous frog chocolate bar, that back in my childhood days was an affordable 10p has been steadily rising in price over the last few years.

Now at the risk of not making myself sound too old, 30p in my childhood would have bought me a 10p Freddo and two 10p mixes from my local corner shop. I have no doubt this little tale will have you musing what you could have purchased with that amount of money back in the day.

Some are linking the sudden rise in price with Brexit. First, they say it was the Toblerone when the chocolate bar, just weeks after the Brexit vote, announced they would be changing the traditional triangle shape of the bar. Albeit a minute change to the size of the triangles. Those passionate Twitter users have remerged here as well once again relating the rise in Freddo’s price to Brexit. Light humor over, here comes the academics.

Here comes the inevitable history lesson from a history graduate.

Some of you may be familiar with my historical tangents by now. Freddos were first introduced to Britain in 1973 and enjoyed their first stint on our shelves up until 1979 before again reappearing 15 years later.

The evolution of the Freddo bar can be seen above. And don’t let the picture fool you, as in recent years the Freddo has actually decreased in size as the price has increased. There is also a rumour that at one stage in the life of Freddo it stood at an absolute bargain price of 5p.

This picture is the Coronation of a young Queen Elizabeth II on the 2nd of June 1953 which took place more than a year after her reign began.

I thought it was apt to take this opportunity to see what Twitter was saying about her reign as Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

The most bizarre fact I have stumbled upon, although I am dubious about it, is that the Queen is the only person in the UK who does not require a driving license to drive. We really are in the realms of twittering on now.

Watch out Ticket Touts are about.

In recent weeks, a string of high profile artists have announced tours of the UK. From Celine Dion, of Titantic fame and the young and hugely successful Ed Sheeran, the ginger haired bloke who started off as a busker and made it big.

Both were sellouts in the multiple arenas they announced. For Sheeran the tickets ranged from a modest £44 to £77 for the better ones. Whereas for Dion officially the tickets stood at £49 to £163. Crazy right? I mean £163 for a one hit wonder, well in my eyes anyway.

Now the shows are sold out, and this rather sadly is not because of committed fans but due to touts who buy tickets in bulk (in many cases you can buy up to 7 per person) and sell them on in some instances up to 10 times the normal asking price.

Tickets that were originally priced at £44 are now going for the cheapest price of £152 right up to £220 and beyond. And this is on a website that is basically dedicated to the touting of tickets! We all know ticket touts to be shady men standing outside of arenas buying and selling tickets on the night.

Now the game has changed.

I believe I can divide the rest of the tweets about her reign into three categories. We have the “65 years of doing nothing” brigade. We have, “Time to step down and let your son have a ago” posse and finally we have, “God save the Queen long may she reign” patriots who are the overwhelming majority in this case.

Rosie Returns!

Consistent viewers of the nation’s favorite soap Coronation Street will have noticed a familiar face return to the cobbles in these past weeks. That is correct, Rosie Webster has returned!

Online, fans of the show were quick to point out that although she may provide a bit of glamor and beauty for the show's male audience; it cannot make up for her lack of acting talent.

One Twitter user wrote;

“Clearly Rosie Webster hasn’t spent the last few years away from Corrie at acting school”.

Fans these days will go to desperate measures to see their idols. One young Twitter user has already been forced to sell her house and car after spending £1,300 on tickets to see Ed Sheeran (pictured above) and is now moving back in with her parents. Of course, there is no guarantee the tickets will even come her way. I guess 30p for a Freddo does not sound so crazy after all.

I shall leave you with some musings as I always do. How much would you be willing to pay to take you and your other half to see their favourite act?

A few years ago I myself saw Sir Tom Jones who if the opportunity comes I would urge you to see. 50 quid I paid.

So go on, treat yourself.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

|

5

TRAVEL the freshest produce and a wonderful atmosphere in which to shop, as well as wander and watch.

Europe by Train –

an Arts and Food Tour

Fr o m S ilver T ravel A dvisor w i t h t h a n k s t o Louise H ammond

We all know that great art and wonderful meals are not be rushed, so what could be better than a relaxed trip by train through Europe, savouring both! With just a little planning, you could be delighting in the great culture and cuisine across the Channel, relaxing on your journey, marvelling at dramatic scenery and pretty countryside. Senior railcards are available, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits usually associated with youngsters on their gap years!

Writer, Louise Hammond headed off to do some research, on a My InterRail trip. Leaving from re-vamped St Pancreas, a work of art in itself, her first stop was Djon, famous for mustard and also home to the Palais de Ducs which includes the famous Musée des Beaux-Arts, along with incredible half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Not to mention the little owls (chouette) which bring good luck!

Then they travelled onto Lausanne,

6

| WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

with a tremendous cathedral featuring Gothic carvings and a stunning view.

Onwards to Milan, which is a culturevultures dream! Churches, galleries and palazzos are without doubt, here in abundance. The pastries satisfied any cake lovers’ dream that could be had and hit the spot every time. Any space can be filled with a slice of the local panettone.

And so to Venice, one of Louise’s favourite cities, where she was able to indulge in churches and their decoration to her heart’s content – Santa Maria della Fava, San Lio and San Zaccaria - Tintoretto and Canaletto feature almost everywhere.

There was also a long Vaporetta aqua bus ride around the outside of the city, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the view of the palazzos. More lovely cake was found here too - the Venetian specialties of zaletti (cornmeal biscuits with sultanas) and almond croissants and cakes from Pasticceria da Bonifacio in Calle degli Albanesi.

The food markets in Venice provide

Innsbruck was the next stop, via lovely Verona for lunch, climbing high into the mountains. The pleasure of travelling by rail is a day sightseeing in each city, and then a day relaxing on the train and taking in the view. The scenery changed, from sea level in Venice, as did the buildings and the food! The following day, the boots were on for a mountain walk (13.7 miles in the end!) up the Nordkette wall of mountains along with good footpaths, with forest tracks and a steep climb for the first few hours up to Planotzenhof (good stop for drinks) to a wonderful 1777 chapel with a painted apse recently restored at Hottinger Bild at a height of 2969 feet or 905 metres. Once descended, Louise decided a trip to Café Sacher in the Hofburg Imperial Palace which serves original Sacher-Torte was essential.

With the final couple of days calling, Louise took the train through the Alps to St Anton am Arlberg, with the carriages twisting and turning, dropping down slowly, ears popping through Vorarlberg to Bludenz and Feldkirch, with glimpses of waterfalls along the way. Then it was on to Leichtenstein, and finally oh so efficient Switzerland, where the highspeed train carried her to Paris in time for an evening stroll before the final day spent exploring Paris! The last day offered a walk along the Seine by the Louvre and across to Musée d’Orsay, with its rich collection of impressionist art in what was a train station but looks like a palace.

It was the Paris European Heritage Days (an open week-end for free admission to attractions): the Société Générale, founded in 1864 to develop commerce and industry, was open with one of the largest mosaic floors in France.

After an amazing trip, much food sampled, churches, palaces and museums visited and wonderful city life enjoyed, Louise returned to London, vowing to travel by European trains again – as soon as possible!

Contact service@silvertraveladvisor.com for more information

utiful 100 acres of bea an th re o m in e Set Ribby Hall Villag e, id ys tr n u co e Lancashir ort tination for a sh es d ct fe er p e th is . break or holiday

COTTAGES SLEEPING 4 FROM JUST £319 for a family of four

Whether you want to have some downtime with just your partner or wish to bring all the family along for a generational get together: you’ll feel truly at home here with us. We even have Dog Friendly properties available!

174 self catering cottages to stay in – or try a luxurious pine lodge or larger accommodation option with private hot tub!

New family fun lagoon style, swimming pool available Indoor & outdoor activities for all ages – from golf, to segway, soft play to waterwalkerz!

Restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment on The Village – including special events through the year Exclusive multi award-winning Spa for adults only

OR WHY NOT INVEST IN A HOLIDAY HOME HERE?

T’s & C’s: Price based on a midweek stay in a 4 berth self-catering cottage, from 17th Nov 17th Dec 2017. Subject to change and availability.

ONLY 15 MINUTES FROM BLACKPOOL & LYTHAM ST.ANNES

www.ellensmith.co.uk

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 coastal resorts.

On your first day of travel we pick you up at your front door at a pre-arranged time in a minibus or taxi. You are then transferred to a central meeting point, either Birch Services or Poplar Services dependant upon where you live, where the coach is waiting for you.

Within 15 to 30 minutes you’re on your way aboard our luxury coach travelling directly to your holiday destination, making suitable stops en-route. The hotels that we use are of a 3 or 4 star standard or occasionally a good quality family run 2 star hotel. Upon your return to either Birch Services or Poplar your taxi or minibus is waiting to whisk you home.

Included in every tour... l

Good Standard Hotel l Half Board l All Excursions l Door to Door Service

Ellen Smith Price Promise 1. Everything is included in the final price – no hidden charges 2. Every customer will pay the same price - no last minute reductions!

3. No currency charges - even post Brexit!

4. Any additional charges from the hotel will be passed on without surcharge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we'll refund the difference to the whole coach

rs 2 017

OUT NOW!

DO OR TO DO OR

2017 BROCHURE

Coach Tou

A SELECTION OF OUR 2017 COACH TOURS

www.ellen smith.co.uk Membershi p No: 10228

Looe, Cornwall - The Portbyhan Hotel

Paignton - The Palace Hotel

Situated on the south coast in Cornwall, Looe is a favourite holiday destination with a fine beach, shops, cafes, a working harbour and has a lovely riverside location.

Welcome to Paignton, part of the stunning English Riviera, situated on the South Devon coastline in sheltered Torbay. Paignton is very popular if you are looking for a quiet break.

1st May - 5 Days - £329

1st May - 5 Days - £319

5th May - 3 Days - £169

Eastbourne - The Haddon Hall Hotel

Blackpool - The Doric Hotel

Bournemouth - The Mayfair Hotel

13th May - 8 Days - £489

22nd May - 5 Days - £239

29th May - 5 Days - £299

Cumbria & Northumbria The Gilsland Hall Hotel

The English Riviera, Torquay The Derwent Hotel

Scarborough - The Esplanade Hotel

29th May - 5 Days - £319

4th June - 6 Days - £359

4th June - 6 Days - £379

Eastbourne is a town with grace that has something for everyone - a landscaped pedestrianised town centre, bordered by a large range of shops, a clean well managed beach and seafront renowned for its attractive three tier flower decked level promenade.

We return to the beautifully located Gilsland Spa Hotel, lying almost under the shadows of Hadrian’s Wall. On this tour we enjoy excursions to The Lake District for Cumbria, Northumbria and Scotland – the Northern fringes will captivate you.

INTERESTED?

A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged - even if you're on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it's the resort's infectious zest for life. Or maybe it's just that, uniquely, whatever your routine Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.

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

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2017 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

St Annes On Sea, Value Weekend - Lindum Hotel

Half-board accommodation, one night of entertainment, a visit to a town/area by coach & a three course Sunday lunch which proved very popular with our clients.

With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all - a vast variety of shops and restaurants, buzzing nightlife, endless countryside offering peace and relaxation and beautiful award winning gardens.

On this holiday you can enjoy the golden beaches, superb parks and gardens and a wide range of leisure amenities which have given Scarborough its justifiable reputation, as well as the natural beauty and historical heritage of Yorkshire.

Find us on facebook & twitter (search for ellensmithtours)

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

a little pampering in the sun. The two of them had found the perfect solution to ensure marital harmony for their golden years.

January is the perfect time of year to escape from the UK with a direct flight to Barbados and then a quick hop to join the Royal Clipper. And what a welcoming ship it is, by far the most elegant and photogenic in the port, a vision of beauty with comfort and charm in equal measures.

The Royal Clipper – The Windward Islands of the Caribbean “I absolutely must go on that ship….” Carolyn (a vibrant 65 year old Norwegian, now on her fourth Star Clippers cruise) explained over a sundowner rum punch that she had been in Barbados a few years earlier on board a large cruise liner, and her eyes were drawn across the marina. It was love at first sight, and she has never looked back.

many a small yacht in the past and still wanted to experience the buzz from travelling by sail power. His wife however, preferred luxury holidays with

Usually we would return to the ship for lunch which was also a buffet (including a fabulous beach barbecue in Antigua – what a way to lunch in style!), and any thought of hunger later in the afternoon was soon dispelled by tea served at 5pm in the tropical bar area where a soulful singer and keyboard player entertained.

The secret? The essence of a Star Clippers voyage is that it’s a genuine sailing experience on board the largest full-rigged ship in the world……with all of the comfort, superb dining and service of a 5 star cruise.

“I still want to enjoy sailing but not with all that responsibility.” This time it was George’s turn to explain why he had the Star Clippers bug. He had captained

10 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

After just a day or two, life on board established a delightful and relaxed daily routine. Rising early to enjoy the sunrise with a dazzling display of oranges and pinks through the clouds and over the hills of the islands, accompanied by the water performance of the flying fish and the birds swooping to catch them. Then with my appetite likewise awakened, it was high time for a buffet breakfast (the bread choice and quality alone rivalled any top hotel), and the not too arduous task of deciding on the plan for the day ahead. The ship called in at a different island each day (St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique), and a range of excursions were on offer.

D ebbie M arshall f r o m S ilver T ravel A dvisor

Then it was time to ascend to the upper deck, to savour the setting sun, cocktail of the day in hand, and enjoy the Sailaway. Dramatic and emotional music (Vangelis, `1492 Conquest of Paradise’) provides the atmosphere while the crew hoist the sails, the captain watches over and the guests step to the side of the

TRAVEL

Relaxing of the Jetty

incredible web of ropes and pulleys, as our elegant ship set sail for the next destination.

Dinner is a la carte, where guests can choose to sit separately to eat if they choose, although it’s more interesting to be on a mixed table for 6 or 8. Evening entertainment is very informal, with a highlight being a steel band.

Snorkelling equipment is available free of charge, and for those who prefer a little self-indulgence, there’s also an excellent spa with a range of treatments. And a gym should all that wonderful food be resulting in a couple of unwelcome extra inches around the waist.

The seven days went by all too fast, with experiences to savour that will last a lifetime. New friendships made, stories told and a true sense of well-being shared.

Star Clippers (0808 231 4798, www.starclippers. co.uk) offers fully crewed tall ship sailing cruises



in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indonesia, Cuba and Asia, and transatlantic crossings each spring



and autumn. A 7 night Caribbean sailing around the Windward Islands (departing 13th January 2018) on board the magnificent flagship Royal Clipper costs from £1979 per person, including return UK flights, transfers, all meals on board and port charges. Or cruise only from £1227.

  

Est.1923

Coach Holidays

call for full 201 BROCHUR 7 E Eastbourne

Isle of Wight

Freephone: 0800 083 9900 Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

Torquay

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn, BB6 7SP

IMPERIAL HOTEL POSTCARD.indd 11

Located on the south coast within the historic county of Sussex, lies the elegant seaside resort of Eastbourne. Renowned for its top sunshine records and award winning beaches, Eastbourne is understandably a popular holiday destination for all.

With a sprinkling of high street shops, centrally located, a Victorian pier and a rich history boasting a variety of castles, museums and galleries, Eastbourne is sure to cater for your every need.

Imperial Hotel Located just a stone’s throw away from the promenade and band stand, this grand Victorian hotel is full of character and home to a number of spacious, comfortable bedrooms, all accessible via lifts.

Guests are able to unwind in the relaxing lounge area before an evening meal in the Majestic Restaurant, offering hearty, home cooked food.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Two lifts serving all floors l Porterage.

Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of astounding natural beauty with a variety of attractions to suit all ages.

Located on the south east coast of the island, the traditional seaside resort of Shanklin is home to golden sandy beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages. It is understandably one of the most popular resorts on the island with plenty to entertain.

Ocean View Hotel Situated in a premier location with an idyllic seaside position, the charming, well-appointed Ocean View Hotel boasts uninterrupted panoramic views across Sandown Bay. The hotel also offers a large sprung dance floor and provides live entertainment most evenings.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and sea views rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor swimming pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Please note that on each floor of the hotel, some steps may need to be negotiated.

12 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

19/12/2014 Located in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is renowned for its mild climate, award winning sandy beaches and secluded coves and has been a popular holiday destination since the early 19th century.

With its distinctive European atmosphere, sophisticated environment and beautifully varied scenery, Torquay remains a popular holiday destination.

Abbey Lawn Hotel If you’re looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey with stunning views of the bay, the Abbey Lawn hotel offers an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The hotel comprises superb facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool and a conservatory lounge overlooking the bay, where guests can relax and enjoy a drink.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and front facing rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

09:58

5 Days from £189 7 Day Tours 2017

5 Day Tours 2017

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

6 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

24 Apr £189

£189

£189

30 Apr £299

£299

£299

01 May £199

£199

£199

07 May £315

£315

£315

8 Day Tours 2017

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast Sat/Sun Departure

22/23 Apr

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

£325 £325 £329

IMPERIAL OCEAN ABBEY VIEW£349 LAWN 29/30 Apr £349 £349

£209

£209

14 May £325

£325

£325

15 May £219

£219

£219

21 May £335

£335

£335

06/07 May

£359 £359 £359

22 May £225

-

£225

28 May £345

£345

£345

29 May £229

£229

£229

13/14 May

£369 £369 £369

04 Jun £355

£355

£355

05 Jun £239

£239

-

11 Jun £379

£379

£379

20/21 May

£379 £379 £379

18 Jun £379

£379

£379

27/28 May

£389 £389 £389

25 Jun £379

£379

£379

03/04 Jun

£399 £399 £399

02 July £379

£379

£379

09 July £379

£379

£379

10/11 Jun

£409 £409 £409

16 July £379

£379

£379

17/18 Jun

£409 £409 £409

08 May

-

12 Jun £239

£239

£239

19 Jun £239

£239

-

26 Jun £239

£239

£239

03 July £239

£239

-

10 July

£239

£239

-

17 July £239

£239

£239

24 July £239

£239

£239

23 July £379

£379

£379

24/25 Jun

£409 £409 £409

31 July £239

£239

-

30 July £379

£379

£379

01/02 July

£409 £409 £409

07 Aug £239

£239

£239

06 Aug £379

£379

£379

14 Aug £239

£239

-

13 Aug £379

£379

£379

08/09 July

£409 £409 £409

21 Aug £239

£239

£239

20 Aug £379

£379

£379

15/16 July

£409 £409 £409

27 Aug £379

£379

£379

22/23 July

£409 £409 £409

29/30 July

£409 £409 £409

05/06 Aug

£409 £409 £409

28 Aug £239

£239

-

04 Sept £239

-

£239

03 Sept £369

£369

£369

11 Sept £229

£229

£229

10 Sept £369

£369

£369

18 Sept

£225

-

17 Sept £359

£359

£359

24 Sept £329

£329

£329

12/13 Aug

£409 £409 £409

19/20 Aug

£409 £409 £409

26/27 Aug

£409 £409 £409

02/03 Sept

£389 £389 £389

09/10 Sept

£379 £379 £379

16/17 Sept

£369 £369 £369

23/24 Sept

£359 £359 £359

-

25 Sept £219

£219

£239

30 Sept £215

£239

£239

Imperial Hotel: Supplements per person: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Abbey Lawn : Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10

08 Oct £249

£249

£249

22 Oct £239

£239

£239

Only standard rooms available on 7 Day Tours

Your Groups’ Specialist for coach holidays in the UK and Europe

We can tailor make tours to your specific requirements, if you want more information then contact our groups department on 0800 7851025 or email groups@robinsons-holidays.co.uk

With over 90 years of experience in tailor making holidays, we at Robinsons offer a personal service. Whether you need help with part or all of your groups holidays we can lend a hand in organising, booking and everything in-between.

We are flexible in our approach and can offer destinations found in this brochure or we can tailor make to your specification, whether in the UK or Europe. We offer all of our group’s excellent benefits: • 1 FREE place for every 10 paying passengers • Special interest and activity groups catered for • Complete financial security-BCH Bonded

Imperial Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £35 Abbey Lawn Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Front Facing Room - £15 Ocean View Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Sea View Room - £15

The Robinsons Difference Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

We offer you ...

3 4/6/7/8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 3 2 included excursions 3 Local pick-up points 3 Service of driver courier

Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 13

Rick Astley The Quiet Man of Pop You won’t see photos of him in celebrity magazines falling out of nightclubs at 4am or attending every premier in sight.

Yet, in almost three decades in the limelight the shy lad from Warrington, Cheshire, has had a string of hits and possesses one of the most distinctive voices in the business. He has just finished a sell-out tour across the USA and the UK and the reaction from fans old and new underlines the long-lasting appeal of the clean-cut icon who, with his smart hairstyle and metrosexual wardrobe, looks years younger than 51.

This timeless assurance may be down to his simple philosophy on life:

“I’m a person who tries not to have regrets.”

Some of that down-to-earth approach could lie in his Northern upbringing. He was the youngest of three boys and a

14 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

girl and showed musical promise early, singing in the choir at his local church at 10.

He learned to play the drums, piano/ keyboards, guitar and saxophone and in his teens was gigging in pubs and clubs with various bands like FBI. He commented: “I used to go to soul nights because I loved dancing, and so did my friends, and we loved the music. We used to go to listen to black American soul.”

In 1985, Rick was performing with FBI, playing their own music, when he caught the attention of well-known record producer Pete Waterman.

He persuaded the youngsters to come to London to work at his company, PWL recording studio, under what became the famous production team of Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman.

In ‘80s pop, Stock Aitken Waterman was THE leading force.

During this time of learning, the young singer also doubled as studio teaboy.

As he recalled: “Working as a teaboy may have helped my confidence but not everyone else was so pleased. I could never remember who had milk or how many sugars, and I had an unusual talent for spilling tea on the recording console!”

At just 21 in 1987, Rick released his debut single “Never Gonna Give You Up”, and it had a huge impact. It took instant residence in the charts and became the year’s best-selling single in the UK as well as making No.1 in 16 different countries.

The song became the centrepiece of debut album “Whenever You Need Somebody” which sold a remarkable 15 million copies worldwide. He even cracked the US Top 10 – a notoriously difficult achievement for any British singer, especially with a debut single, earning him a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist.”

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Suddenly, the shy Northern lad was catapulted into the international world of stardom, and the following years saw Rick released a string of further hits.

The soulful songs with a mature depth of delivery from his rich voice made him a household name. “Whenever You Need Somebody”, “Hold Me In Your Arms, “She Wants To Dance With Me”, Take Me To Your Heart” and “Hopelessly” all propelled him into singles’ charts across the globe. During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Rick Astley was everywhere – on TV, radio and the music charts.

By 1993, he was a wealthy man with little to prove to the world. Some might say his innate shyness made him a slightly uncomfortable fit with the often brash world of celebrity. By then, he had a baby daughter, Emilie, and a wife, and he wanted to spend more time with them. So he decided to retire - at the age of just 27.

material I was working on was pretty good. So I decided to go for it.”

It proved to be a good decision. The album reached No.1 and the single from it, “Dance” with its official video proved to be a hit. Suddenly, Rick was everywhere in the media again – although this time, a more assured and confident performer, comfortable in his own skin.

As he insisted: “My time away from the spotlight allowed me to rediscover my love for music, and I’m doing it for me now and no-one else.”

The quiet man of pop has found his voice in more ways than one.

For much of the ‘90s and into the 2000s, he was out of the music business, out of the spotlight. Then, in 2001, Rick returned, signing a co-publishing deal with Polydor and releasing single “Keep It Turned On.” When his first compilation album “Greatest Hits” came out in 2000, it reached No.16 on the UK albums’ chart.

In 2003, he reached No.10 in the UK as a songwriter with “Shakespeare’s (Way With) Words” performed by boyband One True Voice.

In 2004, Rick toured for the first time in 14 years, which led to a record contract with Sony BMG. In 2005, he released the album “Portrait” covering classics like “Vincent” and “Close To You”. In 2008, the album “The Ultimate Collection: Rick Astley” burst into the public’s consciousness and again went into the UK Top 40 albums’ chart.

Later that year, Rick was nominated for the “Best Act Ever” award at the MTV Europe Music Awards and fans went into over-drive to ensure their hero received it.

On the back of this, “Never Gonna Give You Up” returned to the UK charts – more than 21 years after it was released.

During the late 2000s, Rick continued extensive touring across the globe and in 2010 was a special guest on Peter Kay’s tour “The Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour … Now On Tour” and to mark the occasion, he released a new single, “Lights Out”, on his own label which was well-received.

He became a DJ for London’s Magic FM with a popular weekly show, then co-hosted Chris Evens Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, again with Peter Kay. In 2016, Rick released “Keep Singing” from his forthcoming album “50” – prompted by his turning 50. He told Amanda Holden on the “Lorraine” show: “It was a big milestone.

I got back in the studio and friends were telling me the

* For the latest news on Rick’s appearances go to www.rickastley.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 15

Plan for your future… …To enjoy today!

When you have spent all your life taking care of your loved ones the last thing you want to worry about is leaving them in financial difficulties.

Our resident Wills expert, Christine Thornley from Gorvins Solicitors, recently spoke to us to explain how their bespoke over 50’s packages are designed to meet the demands and needs of people aged 50 + who want to protect themselves and their loved ones during their lifetime and when they die.

There are many ways you can plan for the future for you and your family and we often get asked ‘What are my options to help my family?’ ‘How can I ensure my loved ones are protected?’ and ‘Is it simple to do?’

The answer is yes and by using a professional solicitor you can rest assured you have planned properly for your and their futures.

16 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

So what are your options? ۥ Making a Will: the staple to any effective future planning. Every person with assets and/or family should have a valid Will yet a staggering 2/3 people have still not made one.

A Will is a powerful, legal document enabling you to let those who you

Protecting Investment & love and care about benefit from your Declaration of Trust estate. It also allows you to build trustsparents into it to children, Some andsafeguard grandparents are very grandchildren others and can keen to help theirand children make their way belife, used minimise inheritance in not to least to get them out of the tax charges. family home before they celebrate their 40th birthday! However, not everyone is in

• Power of Attorney: is arguably a position where they are able to just give the most important document you will away thousands of pounds. For some, they ever make. The lifeblood of planning are happy to provide a financial contribution for your future. A power of attorney so long as this is treated as an investment, will not only give you peace of mind which they can get back if they need the that, should anything happen to you, cash in the or perhaps once their you will befuture, looked after and your offspring arebe better off with financially no affairs will dealt but itand also longer need assistance.

When it comes to removes some of the stress from your property, wayisofalready doing this is adding family atone what a difficult time.name to the title register for the house your that is being purchased by the offspring.

Think of a Power of Attorney as the most important document Parents have to beinsurance aware, however, if they you can have; most people don’t already own a property, then adding your realise that if you lose the ability to name to the title register of another home make financial or welfare decisions will mean that you incur the additional 3% for yourself, due to a disease such as of Stamp Duty Land Tax charge, potentially dementia or Alzheimers, your partner

adding thousands of pounds to your

having it paid back in the future.

conveyancing or family do bill. not automatically have

job to make the process easy and straightforward.

You should however bear in mind that, if Yes, it may of take a is bitput ofinplanning a declaration trust place, thenow!

Yes, you think youascan put off monies willmay not be treated a gift to ityour until a later date!

And Yes, you may children, and therefore will not be a ‘PET’ think it will be upsetting to discuss for inheritance tax planning purposes. This such issues with your family, but what is because you have not given the monies can be done in a matter of hours now, away – they are effectively just on loan – and can save you time, effort and stress they still belong to you, so the value of your later down the line. estate will not be reduced for inheritance tax With 2017 upon us, now is the time purposes. to plan for your future so that you can enjoy and make the most of today with your family, friends and loved ones.

the right to make decisions on your behalf.aIfDeclaration you fail toofplan you Making Trustahead is a way to will have no say at all in who helps protect your interest in the property, without with your finances welfare. incurring additional taxand charges, and it can FRIENDS, haveFAMILY a two-foldMEMBERS, benefit: SPOUSES, PARTNERS AND CIVIL PARTNERS ARE ALL returned to the donor when the property EXAMPLES OF INDIVIDUALS is sold.

WHO CAN BE CHOSEN.

1. The sum of money provided will be

2. is safeguarded from making • Money Inheritance Tax Planning: the its

way to way the other partner if it was Tax sensible to plan.

Inheritance originally used to help a couple the planning can seem like a long,onto drawn and but theiritrelationship outmarket process, really doesn’t subsequently down. have to be. By breaks speaking to a solicitor about the exemptions and reliefs that are available, easilyand save A Declaration of you Trustcan is flexible a you and your family time and money. great way to protect your money which Of course there are other to also has additional benefits asways mentioned plan for the future including trusts above. Helping your children onto the for children and other vulnerable property ladder doesn’t have to be a one relatives, funeral plans and way street out of your bank account. It’s succession planning and it is our more than possible to see this money as

Gorvins & Estate Planning discuss Power call of ToTospeak toaTasoula Attorney or any aspect 0161 930 5117 or e-mailof lifetime planning contact actonit@gorvins.com Christine Thornley on

0161 930 e-mail We will give you5117; the precise legal

willsteam@gorvins.com advice you need to be able to protect or money visit our your and website order your estate as www.gorvins.com efficiently and effectively as possible.

an investment, and have the possibility of

The Experts in Wills, Trusts & Probate Give you and your family total peace of mind

Making a Will

Lasting Power of Attorney

Court of Protection

Trusts

Deputyships

Inheritance Tax

Estate Administration

Elderly Care

Probate

Planning for your future and ensuring your family are protected in the way you want is simple and hassle free with our specialist team of qualified solicitors.

Chat with us to discuss your needs; whether it’s here at our offices or in the comfort of your own home, we can help you with:

•P

L ANNING F

FUTURE

•

O

UR

• OR

•Y

ACT O N

IT

Act On It Today and contact us on 0161 930 5117 or e-mail actonit@gorvins.com www.gorvins.com/act-on-it

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 17

Whitefield WINDOWS E S TA B L I S H E D S I N C E 1 9 8 3

With over 30 years experience making houses feel like homes Whitefield Windows is a family-run business with a proud heritage of craftsmanship and excellent customer satisfaction. Established in 1983 we have over 30 years’ experience in replacing windows and doors and creating porches and orangeries. That’s valuable expertise you can rely on when making the right selection to enhance your home.

With a wide range of styles and finishes we can help you to: • Transform the look and feel of your home • Enhance your home’s resale value (not to mention its kerb appeal) • Lower your heating bills and save you money • Reinforce the security of your home and give you peace of mind • Increase your soundproofing, and • Reduce condensation inside.

Whitefield Windows (Stockport) Ltd. Whitefield Rd, Bredbury, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 2QR

Tel: 0161 494 5103

enquiry@whitefieldwindows.co.uk www.whitefieldwindows.co.uk 18 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HOME http://www.fmb.org.uk or the National Federation of Builders at http://www. builders.org.uk CONSERVATORIES and ORANGERIES are very popular these days as they give extra rooms to any property, allowing in plenty of light and, very often, bringing you closer to the garden.

BI-FOLD DOORS or SLIDING DOORS are another excellent way of bringing in light and air into a room and really work well in the Spring and Summer in particular, allowing a free flow into your garden especially for entertaining.

HOME ALTERATIONS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER IF an Englishman’s home is his castle then it’s up to each of us to keep that “safe place” as comfortable and easy to live in as possible as time goes by.

Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to improve homes with easy living in mind. Innovations are emerging constantly - from something as simple as a heated butter knife that slices through cold spreads to smart plugs that switch electronics on and off remotely.

office or sewing room, or creating an extra small lounge to give you both somewhere to sit separately where you are in charge of the TV remote control!

If you like the property you’ve got but want to extend it, talk to a local builder preferably one referred to you by someone who has had work done by him. If you don’t know anyone, consult the Federation of Master Builders at

Is your living room THREE PIECE SUITE or SOFA a lot less comfortable these days than it once was? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to a new suite or even a large corner sofa that makes the most of your room, allowing plenty of seating options and looking thoroughly modern.

Many have integrated recliners to allow you to really stretch out and relax. Pop down to your local furniture store or browse online to see what suits your rooms best and what fits both your lifestyle and budget.

Now that many of us love our home entertainment and prefer to see our favourite films on TV alongside our favourite programmes, perhaps it’s also time to invest in one of the latest smart TVs. Stream films on Netflix or surf websites on the big screen if you prefer. You’ll be surprised at how TV technology has changed in the last few

A sensible starting point is to look at whether your PROPERTY is too big or too small for you. When family have grown up and moved away, it’s often a good time to look around you and honestly assess whether you either need the space you’ve got or if you need more.

The former could prompt a move to something smaller, more economical but which involves a more comfortable lifestyle. If the latter applies, then it might be time to consider either adapting the space you have more effectively or extending it to meet your needs.

You can often adapt a room yourself, turning a small bedroom into an

A large corner sofa canmake the most of your room, allowing plenty of seating options and looking thoroughly modern.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 19

HOME

years so take a look at what will work best in your living room or bedroom Another area that is now very hi-tech is HOME SECURITY. There are smart locks providing something extra in protection and a wireless world in which smart locks, CCTV cameras, smart doorbells, smoke detectors and even your lights can all communicate with one another. A safe night’s sleep and peace of mind is all there on offer.

Logically, we spend a large part of our lives in our BEDROOMS so it’s definitely worthwhile spending money here and especially on your bed. If you’ve had your mattress for several years, it’s time to invest in one of the latest Memory Foam mattresses that react to your body shape and ensure you a good, supported night’s sleep.

Dimmer switches, calming décor and soft lights can all add to the relaxation here.

When it comes to clever gadgets, the latest KITCHEN ideas are set to make life so easy. From the newest blenders and spiralisers to boiling water taps and intelligent pans that work with a an iphone app to tell you when your salmon is cooked.

It may also be time to invest in new kitchen units or install a useful island unit that allows you to work easily when you’re baking or making a meal. Today’s kitchens are designed to make your lifestyle as easy as possible so it’s definitely worth consulting an experienced kitchen company about this.

Ensure you’ve got comfortable chairs or stools available and a system of storage and work spaces that allows time spent there to be really enjoyable.

Are your rooms looking a little shabby? Investing in new DECORATING lifts the spirits and lighten rooms. The latest bright shades banish dark corners and open up dingy areas and if you combine these with new LIGHTING and more MIRRORS you’ll be astonished at the amount of useful light suddenly available in your home. It even feels more airy!

Incidentally, if you’re looking at light, it’s definitely worth installing good lighting outside to give both you and your visitors better visibility there.

BATHROOMS have now become THE place to spend time relaxing. Try a large tub instead of your old bath, a walk-in shower instead of your current model and twin sinks and vanity units that allow you both to get ready at once.

If you have limited use of hands or fingers, there’s a world of amazing gizmos out there – from ringpull openers and twohandled cups to tap-turners and kettle-tippers, all designed to make your life simpler and easier.

And if you’ve always meant to improve your GARDEN but never got around to it, don’t forget that having a pleasant garden in which to relax and spend time happily is really good for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Find out more at the websites of Carers UK at http://www. carersuk.org and Age UK at http://www.ageuk.org.uk

So the time may be right for new decking, some easygoing garden furniture and planned areas of greenery, shrubbery and blooms to delight you and make you feel well all the year round.

20 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

HOME AND GARDEN Great start. The top section that has the handle will be flipped upsidedown to become the planting section, and the bottom part of the bottle is now the water reservoir. Fill the reservoir with about 30 mm (1.in) of water.

Grab your old cotton t-shirt. It’s time to create your ‘wick’, which will help pull the water from the reservoir to the soil where your seedling will use it. Have you ever dipped a tissue in a glass of water and watched the water travel vertically through the fabric?

That’s what your cloth will do, too. Cut a 20 mm hole. Push the wick through the bottom of the planter – where the lid once was – leaving half of it DANGLING.

DIY Gardens

Self-watering milk container got milk?

• 1 x 2-litre (68 fl oz/8 cup) empty milk bottle with lid • permanent marker • scissors • old cotton t-shirt • domestic stapler and staples • premium organic potting mix • seedling of choice

I never really came to grips with the scale of the dairy industry until I had kids. Within a couple of years my partner gave birth to two beautiful little girls and before we knew it, both of them turned into milk monsters.

Milk is everything for a milk monster.

It is their mornings, their nights, their middle of the nights and, when in

doubt, it is any other time of day they start misbehaving and tearing the place apart.

I still don’t feel completely comfortable that my children’s main source of nourishment comes from a farm animal that goes moo, but I am comfortable and confident that I am now truly a parent. We now duly pay taxes and contribute to the economy because our kids drink most of our income in milk.

Rather than live in fear at the idea of an empty bottle of milk when the monsters are calling, shift your focus to creating a handy planting device, because a bottle can be easily converted into a selfwatering planter.

A planter that waters itself you say?!

Yes, it is possible to build a mini wicking planter using nothing more than an old milk container and some simple household materials. This could be the beginning of the end of the milk horror story, and the time you start feeding the monsters more vegetables instead.

Cut the plastic milk bottle horizontally about a third of the way down, just underneath the handle. You want this to be even, so rather than free-styling it, make a line and follow it.

22 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Staple the top of the wick using a conventional office or domestic stapler.

This will keep it from slipping. Cut a cross into the lid.

Feed the wick through the lid and screw it back onto the milk bottle. This will allow the wick to DRAW WATER up into the planter, while the cap will prevent soil from falling into the reservoir.

Transformation is nearly complete.

Now, combine the two sections to create the Optimus Prime of small space gardening. Organic potting mix.

You know, the good stuff. The stuff that SMELLS LIKE DARK CHOCOLATE. Now, take your seedling of choice and plant it into your soil. Ideally you want a plant that can mature in this small space, such as a variety of lettuce or a basil plant. Water it in so that the soil is damp. The wick will draw water from the reservoir below and replenish the plant as required.

Top up from time to time or as the water level drops. Behold! A thing of inexpensive, functional, unbridled BEAUTY. Wicking beds for everyone!

Quality Quality || Service Service || Value Value Fascias, Fascias, Soffits Soffits & & Guttering Guttering • Complete Replacement • Complete Replacement

• 18mm PVCu Fascias • 18mm PVCu Fascias • 9mm PVCu Soffits • 9mm PVCu Soffits • Guttering and fall pipes • Guttering and fall pipes • Concealed Ventilation • Concealed Ventilation • New Felt Trays • New Felt Trays • Bird Guard • Bird Guard

25% 25% OFF OFF

Tiled Tiled Conservatory Conservatory Roofs Roofs • Cool in Summer • Cool in Summer

• Warm in Winter • Warm in Winter • Fully Insulated • Fully Insulated • Choice of External Tiles • Choice of External Tiles • Spot lights x 3 • Spot lights x 3 • Fully Plastered Ceilings • Fully Plastered Ceilings

FREE FREE Spotlights Spotlights

EPDM EPDM Rubber Rubber Flat Flat roofs roofs • New 18mm OSB Boards • New 18mm OSB Boards • 50mm Insulation • 50mm Insulation • New fascias • New fascias • EPDM Rubber roof sheet • EPDM Rubber roof sheet • New edge trims • New edge trims • New Guttering • New Guttering

20% 20% OFF OFF

Mock Mock Tudor Tudor Beams Beams • Looks like timber • Looks like timber • Hard wearing • Hard wearing • Maintenance free • Maintenance free • 15 Year Guarantee • 15 Year Guarantee • Quick installation • Quick installation • Variety of colours • Variety of colours

30% 30% OFF OFF

For a free quote, call us today on: For a free quote, call us today on:

0800 0800 032 032 0802 0802 * Quote reference: OV50 * Quote reference: OV50

* Offers not be used in conjunction with any other offers * Offers not be used in conjunction with any other offers

Or Or Visit Visit our our website: website: www.rooflinedesign.co.uk www.rooflinedesign.co.uk

rs ffeers d f f ennd O O g iinng usstt e r pr mu S Sp rrryy m oonn uur soo H s H

HOME addressed this problem, and a whirlpool bath, which gives healing massage from the whirlpool jets, is available. However, you must enter the bath, then wait for it to fill before you can bathe, and it must be emptied before you exit. Another option is the walk in shower with seat, and grab handles. Anyone planning a bathroom for the elderly or disabled should also remember to design the position of the sink to allow space beneath to pull a wheelchair up close, and to look for toilets which are higher than usual, with sturdy grab handles.

Accessories Towel rails can be conventional, or can be obtained resembling modern art. From circular to spiral, and various shapes between, there are also hot boxes for storing towels, and even one designed to look like a ladder, with heated shelves.

get the look ...

How do you view your bathroom? A place to relax, dream, and recharge.

Or as a purely functional place to shower and get set for the day. Either way, there are so many innovations now in bathroom design, that the avocado suite and those depressing shower curtains are as old hat as the tin bath by the kitchen fire.

For the purely functional bathroom, but with a 2lst century look, there are the wet rooms. Wet rooms take up about the same space as a bath, but allow much more space than a shower.

Going a stage further, you can now install a steam shower with bath, combined with chromotherapy lighting to match your mood, hydro massage jets and whirlpool bath combination. If you’re feeling sociable, you can go for a two person steam shower with folding seats and glass back panels. Features include body massage jets and an FM radio. Or how about a sauna and steam shower combination unit, with body jets, FM radio, hands free telephone and CD input.

But maybe you’re one of those people who like to relax and dream in your bath, or watch your favourite TV programme as you lie back in your favourite scented bubbles, gently massaged by whirlpool jets.

Whirlpool baths are available as:

Two person corner whirlpool baths with FM radio Two person corner bath with hand shower, FM radio and hydro massage jets.

Built in television, with a heated glass screen which keeps the picture clear of condensation, built in digital tuner, stereo sound with waterproof flush mounted speakers.

Hand basins have come a long way – basins are available which look like works of art, in clear glass, or bronze, in round or rectangular shapes and wall mounted, leaving floor space clear.

Lavatory pans can also be obtained that are wall hung, making it easier to keep the floor area around it clean.

For a wet room or shower, water tiles are an innovation. This new system of body sprays and showerheads can be fitted into a shower wall or ceiling to create a customised shower. The number of jets, the height and position can be fitted to the customers’ requirements.

For the less able The problems for those unable to climb into a conventional bath are huge.

No one likes to have to ask for help in taking a bath unless they have to, and so they tend to put it off, with resultant hygiene problems. The walk-in bath has

24 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Wall and floor tiles Available in a huge range of styles and materials. From marble to ceramic, the range is so vast, that you can be spoiled for choice. From pretty to functional, arty to natural, there’s a range out there to suit your design.

The accessories Nothing personalises your bathroom more than the accessories. From a bathroom cabinet behind a picture, to towels, or a linen bin, which is also a seat. Wall cupboards can be streamlined white, or wood, and mirrors can be large, to give the feeling of more space in a small bathroom. Toothbrush holders, soap dishes, and towel hooks can all be chosen in a style to harmonise with the look you’ve chosen.

A beautiful bathroom enhances your home and provides a bolthole to relax and unwind, so go for it, and enjoy it for years to come.

The windows To continue with the clear, uncluttered effect, there’s nothing as efficient in a bathroom as a screen. If you have jars and bottles on your window ledge, the screen can be fitted inside the window frame to leave the ledge clear, or outside the frame, so that the window ledge is covered when the blind is down. Either way, your cosmetics don’t have to be moved every time you want privacy. Blinds can be bought in a variety of styles and colours to suit your overall design.

Kitchens Bedrooms Bedrooms Bathrooms Bathrooms Kitchens

One stop shop, shop, tiles tiles and and flooring flooring available, available,everything everythingunder underone oneroof roof One stop

• Massive choice of traditional or modern • Massive choice of traditional or modern • Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days • Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days • Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turnaround.

• Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turnaround.

Financially solid Financially solid • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered • Established over 150 years with four experienced designers See • Established over 150 years with four experienced designers r Sw u e h o o e plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids quahliow oeour Se ations plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids q ualityty fuur r l l • ‘Buy ‘Buy Now, Now, Pay PayLater’ Later’subject subjectto tostatus status a n t s • in isis mfuarnititure ur

ur See oations ll instan our o on o e ssiitte

om placd.cedoeataut re jjjojp H omlce./comm Hom /e / e/VV i d ideoo

Bacup -- 352-358 352-358 Newchurch Newchurch Road, Road,Stacksteads, Stacksteads,Bacup.

Bacup.OL13 OL130LD 0LDTel: Tel:01706 01706252122 252122 Bacup Oswaldtwistle Oswaldtwistle Mills, Mills,Colliers ColliersStreet, Street,Oswaldtwistle.

Oswaldtwistle.BB5 BB53DE 3DETel: Tel:01254 01254304068 304068 Oswaldtwistle -- Oswaldtwistle Ulverston -- Kitchen Kitchen House, House, Brogden/Market Brogden/MarketStreet, Street,Ulverston.

Ulverston.LA12 LA127AH 7AHTel: Tel:01229 01229581828 581828 Ulverston Blackburn Market Market Hall, Hall,Church ChurchStreet, Street,Blackburn.

Blackburn.BB1 BB15AF 5AFTel: Tel:01254 01254669215 669215 Blackburn -- Blackburn

www.rossendaleinteriors.com www.rossendaleinteriors.com

HOME AND GARDEN

with great fondness. We built a garden bed, had a cup of tea, and then we moved on to the next.

Building a raised bed or veggie patch • rake • tape measure • pencil • 8 x cypress pine lengths: 3.6 m x 200 mm/38 mm (11 ft 9. in x 8 in/1. in) • circular saw • 100 x 70 mm (2. in) bulge head screws • drill set • spirit level

The Good ol’ days There was once a time when the world of the Little Veggie Patch Co (LVPC) only featured the raised garden bed – and cups of tea in between. A typical

day would entail a trip to the timber yard for some 38 mm (1. in) cypress pine beauties, a trip to Bunnings for some 75 mm (3 in) baton screws, and a return trip home because we had forgotten the drill.

It was a world that in itself was quite worldly, because the early days of LVPC was a melting pot of cultures that came together and built raised garden beds.

The first person to get involved was a passionate travelling Frenchman by the name of Sylvain.

He was my first veggie patch soulmate, and co-creator of the business, and I look back on those early, organic days

With the raised garden bed front and centre, life was so uncomplicated. Our style of edible gardening was more broadly based on the themes of permaculture back then.

Larger spaces, more interaction between the elements, a more complete cyclical system. Along with a garden bed, there may be some fruit trees, a composting system, and the notion that perhaps one day the owners would get off the grid. Since then we have pulled away from traditional permaculture because one of its basic ideas is to take what you have got, and then improve it. But how can you take a slab of concrete on the 35th floor and use it to grow plants? A business evolution has led us to smaller and even smaller space gardening, and that’s the place we find ourselves now.

Of course, if you have room for a raised garden bed, it’s still the perfect infrastructure for growing food. For us, it also gives us the chance to reminisce about the good ol’ days.

Before starting the construction, it is important to make the site for your garden bed completely LEVEL. Use a rake to make a flat pad. This will make the entire process sooooo much easier.

Make sure you spend a bit of time getting this part right, removing any weeds and grasses in the process.

Start measuring and marking up the timbers. We like to organise an

26 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

OLD-FASHIONED production line set-up – economies of scale and scope we say! – and measure and make the timbers first. Measure the lengths twice and cut once.

Cut your timbers. For the bed we want to build, we need six 2.4 m (7 ft 101/2 in) lengths, six 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) widths and ten 600 mm (1 ft 111/2 in) uprights/braces. When cutting, it helps not to force the circular saw through too quickly. Give it time to cut and let it go at its own speed. You will get STRAIGHTER CUTS and everything will slot together more nicely. That will give us more reasons to celebrate with CUPS OF TEA. Start by affixing the two lengths of the garden bed in slabs of three 2.4 m (7 ft 101/2 in) lengths, braced together by three 600 mm (1 ft 111/2 in) uprights.

Lie lengths down with an end brace underneath.

The end brace should extend beyond the lengths by the exact thickness of the timber (38 mm/11/2 in). Size up using another timber length. It will make sense later.

As well as the two end uprights that are overhanging the thickness of the timber, attach a centre upright for extra rigidity.

Now it’s time to begin construction. Start by taking an entire length slab and nestle it into position. Use the spirit level to make sure it is completely level horizontally and vertically,

and affix one 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) width piece at ground level to hold it in place.

Build it up with two more pieces and you have half the unit complete. If we were cutting with robot precision and using timber of the exact same grade and thickness, adding the remaining pieces would result in a perfect fit first time, but this is WOODWORK, and we consider ourselves IMPERFECT. Because it’s very difficult to achieve perfection first time round, you may need to TEST-BUILD before screwing in. You can then chock the bottom one up or slightly dig it in to make it fit. Once happy, screw together using two 70 mm (23/4 in) bulge head screws for each piece of timber. Next comes the opposing side. Muscle it into position and attach it, ensuring it is level all over. TEA TIME perhaps? Nope, attach the remaining widths first and then put on a brew.

Credits are: The Little Veggie Patch Co. DIY Garden Projects: Easy Activities for Edible Gardening and Backyard Fun by Matt Pember and Dillon Seitchik-Reardon (Hardie Grant £20) Photography: John Laurie

The remaining uprights help to cover any blemishes or fixes that you’ve made along the way. Attach them at the four corners of the bed. To hold these uprights in place, use a couple of 70 mm (23/4in) bulge head screws from the inside of the bed. That way your bed exterior will be screw-free, and you’ll have a PERFECTLY CRAFTED raised garden bed (with all blemishes classily hidden).

Now your bed is ready to be filled up and planted out.

Ahh, the MEMORIES …

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 27

Fernlea

Independent living at Fernlea A place you will be proud to call home Lo cated at the hear t of Benefits of ou r sui tes : Ha zel G rove in Stock por t, • Al l-i n c l u s i ve co sts, Fernl ea , ou r award winning i n c l u d i n g c l e an in g, ca re home , offe rs first class l a u n d r y, a n d caterin g i ndepen dent living facilities.

• Ca r e p a c ka g e s

Our s uites are d esigned for a va i l a b l e tho s e with a h ighe r leve l of • Co m fo r ta b l e , fu lly i ndepen den ce, en cou raging f u r n i s h e d s u i tes res i dent s to live in the ir ow n, we ll maintained , fully • D i r e c t a n d e a sy access to a l l eve nt s an d th e furni s hed sur roun dings, m a i n fa c i l i t y whi l e b e ing a p ar t of a s uppo rtive community and • I n d e p e n d e nt access to l a r g e s u i te s s itu ated hav i ng the assurance that around a large o ur ca re team are the re if co u r t y a r d a ny a s s istan ce is n e ed e d.

“I have found another family at Fernlea” (comment from family member, 2016)

For more information call

0161 456 8322

Fernlea 20 Torkington Road Hazel Grove Stockport SK7 4RQ v i s i t u s at w w w. l i v i n gat fe r n l e a . co . u k w w w.fa c e b o o k . co m /o l e a ca re g ro u p

HOME

If you do need an item but not immediately, file or store it away in a way that easily lets you find items when you need them. We suggest transparent folders and boxes help you more easily see things that are stored. Organising papers and objects as they come into your environment only takes a few seconds.

However, if you put them in a pile, the pile will continue to grow and will become increasingly difficult to organise later on.

Group Items Always group your items together by task or purpose. For example, keep stamps, envelopes and address labels together and make letter sending organised and easy. Or keep notes and references for a particular project in one specific file and box. By doing so, you’ll not only save yourself time, but you’ll also make tidying up later super quick and easy! It’s much easier to put several items back in the same box or drawer than to put them all back in different places

Make tidying up a nightly routine

Streamlining: A Way To Save Yourself Time & Stress Does mess cause you stress? Do you despair at being disorganised? Does your environment inspire you and give you the confidence to make the most of your time? Many people believe creativity thrives in chaos the truth however, is quite different.

Most of us work to our best abilities in an organised, orderly environment that is free from any distractions.

Now let’s get streamlining!

Excess clutter can disrupt our concentration. It’s near impossible to maintain our focus when we have to constantly search to find what we need.

An organised, streamlined environment is the best way to maintain productivity and encourage clear thinking and creativity. It allows you to spend less time on chores and more time doing the things you like to do.

These are the things that drain your energy and take up time and space and can make you feel guilty. So as you need to reduce your clutter and gain back time and space just let it go. Try decluttering in short sessions and work methodically through one area at a time so that you stay motivated and can see the difference that you are making.

Be ruthless We could write lots of articles on decluttering tips and ideas but there isn’t room to go in depth in this article. Briefly and as a generalisation then if you haven’t used an item or worn a garment in the last 12 months then you are very unlikely to use or wear it in the future.

It only takes 28 days to develop a new habit, make a nightly tidy up yours. Gather stray papers and objects and keep them where they belong, this shouldn’t take any longer than five or ten minutes. This tiny task will ensure you start your day in an organised, tidy workspace, helping you to focus and feel more calm and centred.

Involve your family too – it’s not just one person’s responsibility. Label up a container or basket for each person in the house and if you find a possession of theirs lying around just pop it in their basket. Then each day they can put their possessions away in the right place.

Work with your natural instinct, not against it.

Start looking to where things naturally wind up and make a home for them there. This might mean fixing a shelf for reference books you need to display or storing them on a bookshelf, or placing a shoe rack by the front door. The key is to install an organised storage system where your objects naturally wind up instead of leaving them there in a messy, cluttered way.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 29

FOOD & DRINK

BILL GRANGER SHARES

BILL'S EVERYDAY ASIAN Thai fishcakes Fishcakes are a perennial favourite and this version is a great crowd-pleaser. Shallowfried in just a little oil, I guarantee the ones you make at home will not only taste better but will be healthier than anything you eat in a restaurant.

Makes 24

ingredients 500g boneless, skinless, fleshy white fish, roughly chopped 3 tablespoons red curry paste 1 teaspoon granulated sugar 2 tablespoons fish sauce 6 kaffir lime leaves, very finely sliced, or finely grated zest of 2 limes 60g snake beans or green beans, very thinly sliced 80ml light-flavoured oil cucumber relish (see recipe below)

Cucumber relish 125ml rice vinegar or white vinegar 125g caster sugar 1 small cucumber, quartered lengthways and finely sliced 1/2 tablespoon finely julienned ginger 1 large red chilli, de-seeded and finely sliced Place the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool. Pour into a bowl, add the cucumber, ginger and chilli and stir to combine.

METHOD Blend the fish in a food processor until smooth, scraping the sides down once or twice. Add the curry paste and pulse with the sugar, fish sauce and lime leaves.

Scrape into a large bowl, add the snake beans and stir to combine. Take a handful of the mixture and throw against the side of the bowl to firm the proteins, repeating a few times until the mixture is noticeably firmer.

30 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

With moistened hands, form slightly heaped tablespoonfuls of the mixture into discs. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat and fry in batches until browned and cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with the cucumber relish.

Butternut squash & coconut soup I had an unfortunate incident once with an enormous pumpkin we’d had on display at one of the restaurants and then put out the back and forgotten about. I won’t put you off by going into any more detail, but I wish I’d had this recipe at the time as, instead of wasting the pumpkin, I could have made a freezerful of this smooth, creamy soup.

SERVES 4

ingredients 2 tablespoons light-flavoured oil 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 1 red chilli, chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon paprika 1kg butternut squash, peeled, de-seeded and chopped

METHOD 2 carrots, roughly chopped 200ml coconut milk 3 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons lime juice, to taste extra coconut milk, to drizzle 1 red chilli, finely sliced on an angle 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the garlic and spices and cook over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the butternut squash and carrot and cook, stirring, over medium heat for a further minute.

Add 1.5 litres water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Cool slightly and purée until smooth. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce and lime juice and season with sea salt to taste.

Ladle into four serving bowls, drizzle with the extra coconut milk and dress with the chilli and coriander leaves.

Rather than use the garlic and dried spices you could also try making this with a heaped tablespoon of red curry paste.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 31

FOOD & DRINK

Massaman lamb curry The more serious foodies among us can be sticklers for staying true to a cuisine, but cultures have been crossing over and fusing flavours since the beginning of time. The name of this curry means ‘Muslim’, as the Thais used Muslim traders’ spices to add depth and enrich its flavour.

SERVES 4

ingredients

METHOD

3 teaspoons dried chilli flakes 1 tablespoon ground ginger 2 teaspoons cumin seeds 1 teaspoon white peppercorns 5 cardamom pods, cracked open and seeds removed (about 1/4 teaspoon) 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 red onion, roughly chopped 6 garlic cloves, crushed with the flat of a knife 1 lemon grass stalk, white part only, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons chopped coriander roots 3 tablespoons light-flavoured oil 4 French-trimmed lamb shanks (about 1.3kg) 400ml tin coconut milk 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon fish sauce 400g new potatoes, halved 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts large handful coriander leaves

Preheat the oven to 160o/gas mark 2–3. Use a mortar and pestle to roughly pound the chilli flakes, ground ginger, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cardamom and sea salt. Blend the onion, garlic, lemon grass, coriander roots and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a blender as finely as possible, then stir in the spice mix.

Alternatively, combine all the spices together in the blender.

32 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Heat the remaining oil in a large flameproof casserole dish over medium–high heat. Add the lamb shanks and brown for 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned all over.

Remove from the dish. Add the curry paste mix and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until fragrant. Return the lamb to the dish, add the coconut milk, 400ml water, sugar and fish sauce and bring to the boil. Remove the dish from the heat.

Add the potatoes and bake for 13/4–2 hours, turning the lamb 2–3 times while cooking, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone and the sauce has reduced. Skim any fat off the surface and discard. Stir in the lime juice and scatter with peanuts. Serve with coriander leaves and steamed rice.

perfect rice Rule one for anyone venturing into Asian cooking for the first time is not to be afraid of making perfect, fluffy rice. I used to think rice cookers were the foot spas of the kitchen in Asia and Australia until I discovered that they are actually very handy. Until I get around to buying one, however, here are three foolproof methods of getting rice right every time.

SERVES 4

Steamed rice

Brown rice

Coconut rice

400g long-grain white or jasmine rice 600ml water

400g long-grain brown or basmati rice 1 litre water

Rinse the rice in a fine sieve, preferably until the water runs clear, and drain well. Put the rice and water in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to the boil, put the lid on the pan, reduce the heat to low and cook for 12 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave to stand for 10 minutes. Do not remove the lid at any time during the cooking and standing process. Serve immediately.

Rinse the rice in a fine sieve, preferably until the water runs clear, and drain well. Put the rice and water in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to the boil, put the lid on the pan, reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave to stand for 15 minutes. Do not remove the lid at any time during the cooking and standing process. Serve immediately.

400g long-grain white rice 500ml water 100ml coconut milk 1 teaspoon sea salt Rinse the rice in a fine sieve, preferably until the water runs clear, and drain well. Put the rice, water, coconut milk and salt in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to the boil, put the lid on the pan, reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave to stand for 5 minutes. Do not remove the lid at any time during the cooking and standing process. Serve immediately.

Bill’s Everyday Asian by Bill Granger (Quadrille £16.99) Photography: Mikkel Vang For more recipes from Bill Granger visit our website www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 33

Leaving a legacy – what difference can you make?

The phrase “leaving a legacy” is often associated with an icon who has left something behind for future generations; the musician with a treasured back catalogue, the architect responsible for an amazing building, or a campaigner who tirelessly championed a cause and made real changes in society.

When thinking about a legacy left in a Will, we often think about huge sums of money left to family members or charities. But a legacy refers to a gift

of any size, and large or small a gift is always welcomed by a charity.

Anne Tinnion has been a volunteer at St Ann’s Hospice for over ten years. She says; “I just love my work at the hospice, everyone is so warm, friendly, caring and very welcoming.

Recently I had occasion to write my Will, without any hesitation I thought I must leave a bequest to St Ann’s.

The work they do is so wonderful, and I know that my legacy will be most welcome and put to good use.”

Jennie Gibson’s husband Alan, or Gib as she always called him, was cared

for at St Ann’s Hospice. Jennie says; “I can honestly say they made sure an awful situation became more bearable from the day we arrived.

The whole family were made to feel welcome and our little girls, Phoebe and Lila, were treated like celebrities.

Everyone at St Ann’s treated Gib with such compassion and respect and nothing was too much trouble. Losing Gib is the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through but the work the hospice does in ensuring families can be together during this time is nothing short of wonderful.”

St Ann’s Hospice is a charity providing specialist palliative care to adults across Greater Manchester.

Many people are surprised to learn that we’re a charity, assuming that hospices are part of the NHS. We only receive just over a third of our income from the NHS and we rely heavily on fundraising, donations and legacies to make up the rest. It costs us around £9 million each year to provide all of our services. During the last financial year, gifts left to us in Wills totalled over £3.7 million. Whilst we were very fortunate to have received some large legacies, much of this total was made up of smaller amounts, and each and every gift has made a real difference to our patients and their loved ones.

Here are some examples of the impact a gift in a Wil can have: £1,000 will pay

£3,600 will pay for

for our community team to visit 5 patients, supporting people who may prefer to be cared for at home.*

a 12 week day therapy programme for one of our outpatients, providing care as well as companionship.

£2,500 will pay

£7,300 will pay for 365 complementary therapy sessions, helping patients and their carers relax.

for 5 days of specialist palliative care for one of our inpatients and their loved ones.

£16,000 will pay to run all our hospice services for a day.

Registered charity number 258085

*Home services available in some areas

We can’t thank all our supporters enough for their commitment to helping St Ann’s. We wouldn’t be here without you, and our patients wouldn’t receive the care they need.

Thank you all.

If you would like to speak to one of our team about your legacy, please contact our Legacy Giving Officer Norma Young on 0161 498 2099 or email legacies@sah.org.uk

fostering

stockport.gov.uk/

Specialist Fostering Helping to turn a young persons life around.

We are looking for people who are passionate about the care of young people.

Interested?

0161 474 3400 familyplacement@stockport.gov.uk

You can expect an annual professional fee of up to

ÂŁ30k

+ generous allowances.

@smbc_fostering /stockportcouncilfostering

Making a difference.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 35

Providing local services for local people

A local independent charity providing information and support to people in later life.

For information on our many services visit our website www.ageukstockport.org.uk or call us on 0161 480 1211 Visit Age UK Stockport at our town centre public office for general Information and Advice and also Insurance and a range of other lifestyle Products and Services Unit 34 Great Underbank Mersey Shopping Centre Stockport SK1 1PD (Near the Post Office!)

For information or an appointment call

0161 477 1213

Offers fun, friendship and activities for living well and living independently.

Step Out delivers a fresh approach to Day Services supporting people through a range of building based and community activities in Stockport When people’s needs change generally or just for a period of time, there is a team of experienced and skilled staff who can offer assistance and support Open seven days a week and offering a range of times and sessions to suit individual needs.

If you are interested in any aspect of Step Out Stockport please contact us as follows Visit our website at: www.stepoutstockport.org Call us on: 0161 480 0480 Email us at: info@stepoutstockport.org

OUT AND ABOUT

Out & About A guide to the amazing events in and around Stockport for 2017

13th May - 14th May

1st July

The Tatton Park Country Show

Secrets of the Old Hall Adult Tours

Returning for the 4th year, this family

From the Lord of the manor's Great

Country Fair will have something for

Hall to its final use as a humble mole

everyone with all day entertainment.

catcher's cottage, uncover 500 years

www.oakleighfairs.co.uk

of occupation and the missing piece

Tatton Park, Knutsford

to the Tatton jigsaw.

goo.gl/Wj0lsF

Tatton Park, Knutsford 3rd June - 4th June

29th May - 2nd June

Be Amazed by Science..... at Tatton Park!

goo.gl/Wj0lsF

The Tatton Park Classic Car Spectacular with Giant Cheshire Autojumble One of Britain's best and most

Be Amazed by Science at Tatton Park

popular classic car events.

and discover the secrets of science

Around 2,000 classic, vintage and

and technology in the Mansion,

performance cars are on show

Gardens and Farm this May half

including nearly eighty of the UK's

term. Participate in spotting trails

top car club displays including

around the Mansion and Gardens

Jaguar, Lotus, Mercedes Benz, Ford

and then visit the Farm for a different

and all the classics of yesteryear.

workshop every day, including

www.cheshireautopromotions.co.uk

The RHS Flower Show

sessions on cheese making, animal

Tatton Park, Knutsford

Set in the height of summer, this

diets and farm machinery.

goo.gl/Wj0lsF

year’s show is packed with new

19th July - 23rd July

features, including Evolution-themed gardens, stunning sculptural displays

Trails available during Mansion and Garden opening hours, Farm

27th June

in the Art in the Garden area, Vertical

activities scheduled for 2.00pm.

Summer Deer Walk

Farm Activity Timetable: Tuesday

For centuries the Red and Fallow

and Young Landscaper of the Year

30th May – Diets and Digestion

Deer at Tatton Park have roamed

Gardens.

Wednesday 31st May – Challenge

freely over 1,000 acres of beautiful

the Root Chopper Thursday 1st

parkland. Join the Rangers for

Show favourites like the ever-popular

June – Weights and Measures Friday

guided evening walks of the summer

Back to Back Gardens, Water

2nd June – The Science of Butter &

parkland and, if lucky, observe new-

Gardens and gardening & cookery

Cheese Making PLEASE NOTE THAT

born calves and fawns. Minimum

demos also make a welcome return.

ACTIVITIES ARE FREE, BUT YOU

age: 8 years old. This event must be

Plus, with artisan food, a flowery

WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY

pre-booked.

Ferris wheel and acres of shopping

PARK AND ATTRACTION

Tatton Park, Knutsford

stalls there really is something for

Tatton Park, Knutsford

goo.gl/Wj0lsF

everyone. For info and tickets rhs.

goo.gl/Wj0lsF

Gardens, and Young Plantsperson

org.uk/tatton Tatton Park, Knutsford goo.gl/Wj0lsF

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 37

OUT AND ABOUT 4th May

Theatre

Buzz Hawkins: The Man Behind The Bradshaws Twice nominated for the Sony Radio Award for ‘Best Use Of Comedy’, writer-voicer-producer Buzz Hawkins brings radio’s longest running favourite funny family ‘The Bradshaws’ to life on stage before your very eyes (with some help from

8th May

little Billy Bradshaw).

All Or Nothing: The Mod Musical

Armed with the new comedy song

In 1964, a new phenomenon

2nd May

album ‘Catchy Choruses & Daft Bits’,

exploded onto the dingy British

Ruby Wax

the funniest nostalgia you’ll ever see,

streets. It was the essence of all that

Ruby Wax is a much loved US born

and with thirty-odd years of comedy

was cool. It was Mod.

comedian, actor and writer, along

writing to go at, you can expect an

with being the ‘it girl’ of mental

unforgettable rib-cracking night out.

The small faces encapsulated all that

health campaigning. She has a

The Plaza, Stockport,

is Mod, a unique blend of taste and

Master’s degree in Mindfulness-

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/

testosterone, neat, clothes obsessed

based Cognitive Therapy from

buzz-hawkins-the-man-behind-the-

and street-wise. This quintessentially

Oxford University.

bradshaws/

British ‘Mod’ Musical celebrates the unique sound of this iconic ‘60’s

This event is a follow up to her

Mod band.

sell out touring show, and best-

The Plaza, Stockport,

selling book, ‘Sane New World’,

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/all-

which helps us understand why we

or-nothing-the-mod-musical/

sabotage our sanity with our own thinking.

12th May

The Plaza, Stockport,

Kate Rusby

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-

Of all the stars in Folk Music’s

on/6351/ 5th May

The Magic Of Motown

wondrous firmament few shine as brightly as Yorkshire’s Kate Rusby.

3rd May

Now seen by over 1 million people

That'll Be The Day

worldwide, music fans are invited to

A remarkable interpretive singer,

After an incredible three decades of

the biggest party of the year as the

Kate’s soulful vocals resonate with

touring, the UK’s No.1 Rock & Roll

unstoppable Magic of Motown show

the wistful beauty of an earthbound

variety production That’ll Be The Day

steams into town.

angel.

Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-

Inhabiting a lyric with unforced

returns with another opportunity to see its latest most popular show!

back classic Motown hits, glittering

conviction – no matter how old or

Featuring a sensational line-up of

costume changes, dazzling dance

how modern – she has that rare

classic gold hits, spanning the 50’s

moves and outstanding musicianship

ability to transport her audience,

right through to the 70’s & 80’s,

in this explosive concert experience.

of touching them emotionally and

mixed as always, with even more

The Plaza, Stockport,

making each tune live vividly within

hilarious comedy!

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/

their experience and imagination.

The Plaza, Stockport,

the-magic-of-motown/

The Plaza, Stockport,

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/

thatll-be-the-day/

kate-rusby/

38 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

18th May

19th May

19th May

Talon- The Best Of The Eagles: 20th Anniversary Tour

Film - Carol

Film - Beautiful Thing

In this adaptation of the novel ‘The

It’s a long hot summer on a housing

Price of Salt’ by Patricia Highsmith,

estate in South London and the

Over the last two decades Talon

Therese (Rooney Mara), a young

temperature is rising! Jamie is

have risen from humble beginnings

department-store clerk in 1950s

bunking off school, while his mother

to one of the most successful theatre

Manhattan, meets Carol (Cate

Sandra juggles job promotion and

touring shows in the UK and the

Blanchett), a beautiful woman

a relationship with her hippy painter

‘20th ANNIVERSARY TOUR’ will

stuck in a depressing marriage of

boyfriend Tony. Next door lives the

once again feature all those classic

convenience.

sassy Leah who has been kicked out

‘Eagles Greatest Hits’ from their

of school and now spends her days

timeless back catalogue including

As their bond deepens and they

listening to Mama Cass records.

‘Hotel California’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘One

become romantically involved,

Meanwhile Jamie’s classmate Ste,

Of These Nights’, Take It To The

Carol finds the strength to leave

although sporty and popular at

Limit, ‘Desperado’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Life

her husband (Kyle Chandler).

school, is being bullied by his

In The Fast Lane’ and many more.

Unfortunately, her spouse starts to

drunken father at home.

raise questions about her fitness as a This world class seven piece band

mother when he realises that Carol’s

One night Ste seeks refuge in

are a phenomenon and have truly

relationships with her best friend

Sandra’s flat and ends up sleeping

transcended the tag of ‘tribute’.

Abby (Sarah Paulson) and Therese

head to toe with Jamie…..What

The Plaza, Stockport,

are more than just friendships.

develops is a delightful and touching

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/

The Plaza, Stockport,

romance between the two boys.

talon/

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/

The Plaza, Stockport,

film-carol-cert-15/

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/ film-beautiful-thing-cert-15/

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 39

OUT AND ABOUT 7th June

Blake With Brit Award winners BLAKE fresh from recent appearances on the Graham Norton Show, Strictly Come Dancing & The One Show, British harmony trio BLAKE present a brand new tour featuring the finest songs from stage and screen, with projections & lighting that bring the cinematic magic to life. Linked together with the 3rd June

Ken Dodd

boys famous improvised banter, the show features music from Hanz Zimmer, Ennio Morricone, Leonard Bernstein,

The Master of Mirth is here to tickle audiences with

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Cohen, The Beach Boys

the ‘longest stand-up routine ever’. Oh yes, Doddy is

& many more. This is the ultimate celebration of movies

guaranteed to amaze audiences with hilarious joke-

and musicals, all sung in thrilling vocal harmony.

telling, boundless energy and non-stop entertainment all night long…literally!

Including: You’ll Never Walk Alone

An evening full of plumptiousness is promised from

Memory

a true comedy legend who has been honoured with

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

countless awards, including a Lifetime Achievement

Music of the Night

Award at the prestigious British Comedy Awards, and is

Maria

also in the Guinness Book of Records for telling 1,500

The Plaza, Stockport,

jokes in three and a half hours. That’s more than seven

stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/blake/

jokes a minute!

The Plaza, Stockport, stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/ken-dodd/

9th June

Film - Kong: Skull Island The Producers of Godzilla transport audiences to the birthplace of one of the most powerful monster myths of all in KONG: SKULL ISLAND, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures.

When a scientific expedition to an uncharted island awakens titanic forces of nature, a mission of discovery becomes an explosive war between a monster and man. Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John Goodman and John C. Reilly star in a thrilling and original new adventure that reveals the untold story of how Kong became King.

The Plaza, Stockport, stockportplaza.co.uk/whats-on/film-kong-skull-islandcert-18-tbc/

40 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

the A service that will make you smile!

Offering Denture Perfection

• • • • •

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

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

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

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 41

If you’re aged over 60, call now for your free bowel cancer screening kit

Romiley Mobility Independence Matters

Daily Living Aids & Mobility Products • Mobility Scooters • Stairlifts • Wheelchairs • Tri-Walkers & Rollators • Riser Recliner Chairs • And much, much more

Tel: 0800 0214710 • 0161 312 7753 9 The Precinct, Compstall Road, Romiley, Stockport Cheshire, SK6 4EA • info@romileymobility.co.uk

www.romileymobility.co.uk

"The passing of a loved one is a challenging and difficult time.

We believe these challenges should remain emotional, not financial"

It's a call we hope you never have to make, but in the sad event of a loved ones passing we are here to help you at any time.

CARE

DEMENTIA EXPLAINED memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation, and cognitive skills such as abstract thinking, judgment and disorientation.

Most types of dementia are nonreversible (degenerative) but some causes of dementia can be prevented if identified soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse.

CARING FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA But who cares for those suffering with dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Society:-

Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects 850,000 people in the UK. It is estimated that there will be one million people with dementia in the UK by 2025 and that two thirds are women.

Dementia is becoming increasingly important because we are living longer and it is now the most common disease in the elderly with one in six people aged 80 and over with dementia.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years. Alzheimer’s Disease destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories affecting memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones.

Vascular Dementia affects men more than women and is due to cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain, brain cells die, leading to strokes. Dementia with Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve

cells of the brain. Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age when damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.

HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE DEMENTIA? Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for dementia because in the early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous as cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness. Other symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including language,

• There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK. • Family carers of people with dementia save the UK £11 billion a year.

• 80 per cent of people living in care homes have a form of dementia or severe memory problems.

• Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community while one third live in a care home.

PREVENTION Most causes of dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of dementia including:1. Regular physical exercise 2. Quitting smoking 3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes 4. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

5. Sleeping well 6. Managing stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B which has had notable effects.

Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to help reduce the rate of brain atrophy.

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

Cognitive Psychologist and Neuroscientist, Dr Lynda Shaw www.drlyndashaw.com

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 45

CARE HELPING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA • Understand and respect the person with dementia - help them feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and nonjudgemental • Respect cultural values and privacy • Regardless of how bad the dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves • Help them express their feelings.

• Choice is confusing – so keep it simple and easy • Remember each person with dementia is still a person with unique and valuable experiences • Isolation as a direct result of dementia is rife. Help those with dementia still be sociable and connect with their loved ones and people of all ages.

HELPING CARERS & THE FAMILY • Understand that caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs.

Absolute Care & Support specialise in Home Care support services for Adults with Physical Disabilities, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Impairment and Mental Health Conditions and those in need of short or long-term assistance with activities of daily life.

We knew we would need help on an ongoing basis. Absolute Care & Support helped us work a care plan around our needs.

COULD YOU JOIN OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED CARERS?

Absolute Care & Support specialise in Home Care support services for Adults with Physical Disabilities, Learning Difficulties, Sensory Impairment and Mental Health Conditions and those in need of short or long-term assistance with activities of daily life.

Call Karen or Janyce for more information on 0161 430 4676

Office 6, Holly House, Hyde Road, Woodley SK6 1NB

www.absolutecareandsupport.com

46 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

• The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Offer support, information and a listening ear.

• Becoming well informed is really important.

• Help them develop their own coping strategy with a strong network of family and friends

Providing Exceptional Care Throughout Cheshire

T h e B e lv e d e r e

C av e n d i s h C o u rt

Horseshoe Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7QP. Tel: 01625 242261

Horseshoe Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire SK9 7QP. Tel: 01625 242263

Care Home

Care Home

Dementia Nursing, Day Care and Palliative

Nursing, Residential, Personal, Palliative Respite, Day Care and Holiday Breaks

Hope Green

Carmel Lodge

London Road, Adlington, MacclesďŹ eld, Cheshire SK10 4NJ. Tel: 01625 242264

London Road, Adlington, MacclesďŹ eld Cheshire SK10 4NJ. Tel: 01625 242262

Residential Home

Residential Care, Day and Respite Care

Care Home

Residential Dementia, Respite and Day Care

www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk

“ W E W ER E D EL I G H T ED W I T H T HE R E S ULT S , W E AR E T HE EN V Y OF T HE N EI G HB OUR HOOD! ”

BUY NOW

PAY LATER

Mr and Mrs Smith

A DRI V E WAY A dream drive is closer than you think because at Resin Drives we will pay your VAT when you purchase either a Drive, Path, or Patio from our new and exclusive range.

of

CLASS Bankbuster Loan

Why should you install a Resin Drive?

That’s simple; our product naturally drains water through it which means no puddles. Also, with a slip resistant surface it provides better traction for tyres and gives more grip for when you walk on it, making your drive a safe place to be!

OVER

NO OBLIGATION

FREE

QUOTATION

YEARS EXPERIENCE

at 5.9% APR – 36-48-60-120 Months Representative example (60 months) Total Loan Amount: £7,000 Monthly Repayment: £134.82 Number of Repayments: 59 And Final Payment of: £134.30 Agreement Length: 60 Months Total Amount Payable: £8,088.68 Total Credit Charge: £1,088.68 Rate of Interest: 5.7% Fixed Representative APR: 5.9% APR

C A L L TH E DRI VE WAY, PATH AN D PATIO SPECIALISTS TODAY!

0800 007 5733 LINES OPEN 7AM - 10PM OR VISIT W WW.RESINDRIVES .CO.UK

Located just 5 minutes from Junction 26 of the M62.

Unit 1, South Bradford Trading Estate, Brighouse Road, Low Moor, Bradford, BD12 0NQ. Showroom open Mon to Fri 9am - 7pm. Sat and Sun 10am - 2pm.

48 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK