Stockport Issue 65

STOCKPORT EDITION 65

FEBRUARY - APRIL 2022

Elton John

THE ROCKET MAN ROCKS ON

Matt Tebbutt WEEKEND RECIPES

Time Travel in Malta

CATHY BARTROP RETURNS TO HER CHILDHOOD HOLIDAY ISLAND

Home & Interior Trends

FOR 2022 FROM BROADSTONE MILL

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Helping you to enjoy life - Our home is YOUR HOME

10/10/2019 10:35

Bankfield House is an independent, privately owned care home.

Situated in a quiet corner of Woodley.

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ankfield House is an independent privately owned care home situated in a quiet corner of Woodley, in the tranquillity of its own attractive landscape gardens consisting of a pond, barbecue and pergola.

We also hold our annual barbecue, together with bring & buys and raffles to raise money for our resident’s fund, to help purchase theatre tickets and entrance fees on their outings.

Our ethos is to assist our Residents in continuing to live their lives as independently as their specific needs determine by providing holistic care and support conductive to those needs.

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High Dependency Residential Care

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Permanent, Short Term, Respite and Day Care

We offer dedicated care, providing each individual resident with security, dignity and peace of mind in a homely family environment.

Our extensive person-centred activities itinerary is coordinated by our experienced full-time member of staff five days per week.

Activities take place within the care home and in the community through Start Point Coffee Shop, Communiversity, local Churches, Nursery Schools and allotments.

You will also find us on our Facebook page ‘Bankfield Bellbows’ which has been invaluable during COVID-19 for families and friends to connect with their loved ones and interact remotely in their activities and 6 weekly resident/ relative meetings.

During the summer months Bankfield House Residents are able to enjoy our gardens, planting herbs and tomatoes etc, in the raised garden beds.

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Organised activities by our experienced full time Activities Coordinator Outings, Theatre, Canal Boat Trips etc.

Links to the local community through Start Point Coffee Shop, Communiversity and Churches

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CCTV within the home and grounds

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Accommodates 30 residents

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Located in private grounds with landscape gardens, pergola, stone barbecue and pond Hairdresser, Chiropodist, Ophthalmic and Dental Services, Church Services Resident Relative Meetings

WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU!

Bankfield House Care Home, Bankfield Road, Woodley, Stockport, Cheshire SK16 1RQ. Tel: 0161 406 6468

CONTENTS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE 4-5

DAISH’S HOLIDAYS Self drive & coach inclusive breaks

6-7

TRAVEL Time travel in Malta from Silver Travel Advisor

14-15

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

22-23

MOTORING Steve Howarth’s test drive

29-30

HOME Streamlining your home in 2022

32-33

GARDEN Preparing your garden for Spring

34

HEALTH How to access your survivor mindset in challenging times.

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

Elton John THE ROCKET MAN ROCKS ON

Food BBC TV’S SATURDAY KITCHEN MATT TEBBUTT SHARES HIS RECIPES

An Oldham Coliseum Theatre Production

Saturday 7 Saturday 21 May Oldham Coliseum Theatre gratefully receives funding from:

DIRECTED BY CHRIS LAWSON Box Office 0161 624 2829 coliseum.org.uk oldhamcoliseumtheatre oldhamcoliseum

Oldham Coliseum Theatre is a Registered Charity, no: 508829. Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd Reg no. 1415547. VAT no: 223 7213-39

oldhamcoliseum

3

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks

GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

£219 from

per person

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

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Robinsons’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 26 luxury Mercedes coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Request your brochure now!

Every break includes: Return coach travel (self-drive option available)

Comfy en suite accommodation

Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Live nightly entertainment*

Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice We are proud to announce that five of our group – Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, County – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2021.

4 Wight Isle of

Torquay

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Scarborough

Eastbourne

Weymouth

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

Rochdale, Royton, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde, Stockport, Cheadle, Lymm Services.

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

DATE

HOTEL

MARCH

DAYS

PRICE

MAY

02

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£234

01

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£254

11

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£249

08

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£254

17

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£219

12

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£259

19

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£224

15

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£264

21

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£224

22

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£254

28

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£254

23

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£264

30

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

9

£389

28

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

£324

29

County Hotel – Lakes District

5

£334

APRIL

JUNE

04

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£264

06

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

9

£439

03

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£289

17

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£229

05

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£279

19

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£269

07

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£324

20

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£244

19

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£274

24

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

9

£409

24

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£344

25

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£244

26

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£304

facebook.com/robinsonsholidays1

Call - 01254 889900 Quote - 50PlusME or visit daishs.com

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 2021. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Offer ends 20th March 2022

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 01254 889900 or visit daishs.com

facebook.com/robinsonsholidays1

@RobinsonsHolida

5

TRAVEL | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

50 Plus Travel

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and most notably so in the past decade. Completed in 2015, the City Gate Project was a dramatic rethinking of the entrance to the city, conceived by Italian architect, Renzo Piano. It took many years of wrangling and the injection of some serious EU funding to finally make it happen but, it really has given the city a new lease of life.

City Gates

Time travel in Malta – Cathy Bartrop returns to her childhood holiday island

I was 9 yrs old in 1970 when my Dad, on his commute home from London, saw a small ad in the Evening Standard to buy an off plan, 2 bedroom holiday flat in Malta for an unmissable bargain price.

Within weeks he was off on an inspection flight to view the property (still a building site) in the south coast village of Birzebuggia that, for my teenage years, was to become our family holiday bolthole in the sun. At the opposite end of the island to the better known tourist resorts of Sliema and St Julians, there wasn't a whole lot going on in sleepy Birzebuggia but I have cherished memories of long, sun drenched days largely spent swimming off the rocks at St Peters Pool and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. As distractions, we occasionally ventured in to Valletta or Sliema for some shopping, had firework filled evenings at the many village Festas and never missed a trip to the Ta Qali craft village but, back then, my holiday focus was clear... call me shallow but, for my sister and me, our sole holiday objective was to develop the deepest possible tan to show off when we got home. SPF was unheard of - we would rub liberal amounts of olive oil into our skin and literally fry ourselves to a crisp.

I still love the heat but now, age 60, I finally know better and my devotion to sunbathing is over! So I was thrilled to be invited back as a guest of Visit Malta in September this year on a filming trip with a very different focus ... to take a look at what else Malta has to offer, beyond the obvious appeal of sun and sea. Spoiler alert...it was something of a revelation.

I began my time travel in Valletta. My memories of the capital are of a noisy, chaotic place where it was nigh on impossible to park and, to my young mind, full of boring, dusty looking old buildings. Clearly I was blind to its charms back then so was blown away by what this vibrant capital, the smallest in the EU, now offers. No surprise that the city has seen many changes over the past 50 years but physically

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The old bus station is gone and the grand fountain, once swallowed up amid the chaos of traffic, has been restored to its original glory as the focal point of a wide piazza. This marks the pedestrianised route in to the city, following a bridge across the bastion walls leading to an inviting boulevard flanked by the limestone clad, angular shapes of the new Parliament building, the centrepiece of Piano's vision. Its smooth lines broken by intriguing, irregular blocks of 'eye-lid' openings in the stone.

The design caused much controversy both for its construction cost and the visual concept. Locals, not without a hint of sarcasm, call it the 'cheese grater'. Modern design can often be divisive but, personally, I love the way it contrasts, yet compliments, the surrounding buildings. Adjacent to it, rising from the ruins of what was once the Royal Opera House (destroyed by Stuka dive bombers during WWII and subsequently used as a car park), there is now a magnificent open air theatre, pinned in place by the original Corinthian columns of the Opera House. And opposite, a row of beautiful, traditional buildings with the Malta's characteristic painted balconies. Collectively, these buildings set the tone for exploration of a city famed for multi-layered history but with its sights very much set on the future.

Parliament House Once they had repelled the invasion of the Turks in 1565, for the next 268 years under the Knights of St John, the money rolled in and Valletta was built within the safety of its fortified walls to rival other grand European capitals. The legacy is a city literally stuffed with fine Baroque buildings and prestigious palaces.

Many of these buildings have now been converted for more modern purposes, in particular, as boutique hotels and restaurants. I stayed at the Domus Zamitello hotel, a charming, classic style renovation of a 17th century Palazzo. It has the most fabulous location, with a terrace bar overlooking the theatre and Parliament House.

Other renovations have created public spaces - MUZA is a great example, the new home of the national collection of Fine Arts. The 500 year old building was renovated as part of Valletta's 2018 City of Culture programme and houses a fascinating collection. But aside from the art, pleasingly, by using modern techniques like installing photo voltaic panels and intelligent LED lighting, the building is also now carbon neutral.

Not everything has been modernised though, there are plenty of originals for history enthusiasts to relish. Casa Rocca Piccola for instance, a 16th century noble house which remains to this day a family home. Open to the public, it's well worth taking a tour. Like many buildings in the city it's relatively plain outside but, inside, you discover a maze of rooms on several floors centred around a shady courtyard garden. Below ground, you can also visit the bomb shelters where the residents would seek shelter from the relentless bombing raids the island suffered in World War II.You may well bump into the house's current custodian and resident, Nicolas, the 9th Marquis de Piro, a delightful octogenarian who clearly loves to meet visitors. He explained that the house was named after its first owner Don Pietro La Rocca, Admiral of the Order of St John in the league of Italy. As the Navy grew, so did the Admiral's status and so he built a bigger house, Casa Rocca Grande - making this one 'Piccola'. It certainly isn't small though and is packed to the gunnels with all manner of antiques, paintings, china, silverware and books collected by the De Piro generations since they took over the house in the late 18th Century. An original and fascinating slice of Maltese island history and local artistic endeavours.

standing temple in the world and, for that fact alone, really is a site to behold. The intrigue of the Neolithic period is that so little is certain. Guesswork is involved to answer the many ‘How’, ‘Why’, ‘What’ questions that instantly spring to mind. The fun of it is that, to some extent, you can make up your own theories, who is say they are wrong?!

Aside from Ggantija, Gozo too has come on in leaps and bounds from the sleepy island that I recall. Its smaller, quieter than Malta for sure but has its own, very distinct appeal. Now accessible via a 45 minute fast ferry from Valletta, its very easy these days to see the best of both.

I was fortunate enough to spend a good part of my day on Gozo in the company of local chef and restauranteur, Philip Spiteri. Time well spent as we toured around the island on a ‘shopping’ trip, gathering the pick of local produce. After five months of summer heat, the island looked parched but, when you are with someone like Philip who knows every inch of it, there is flavourful local produce to be found all year round...gorgeous fresh veg picked in a lush green valley irrigated by a natural water source, caper berries fresh from the tree for pickling, delicate creamy rounds of soft cheese, prickly pears carefully collected from their spiky bushes and of course, the catch of the day from the fish market, in this case, glorious blue-hued Lampuki and live clams. Back in the kitchen at his restaurant Ta’Philip, we saw the ingredients simply, yet oh so skilfully bought together to create a memorable and delicious Maltese feast.

Old or new, every building tells a story and there are plenty of museums to help unpeel the city's many layers of history, whether your interest lies in the Knights of Malta, the World Wars or Maritime history. Or to time travel back even further, the Museum of Archaeology is a real gem. The volume of Neolithic sites across Malta and Gozo is unparalleled in Europe and they include seven UNESCO World Heritage listed megalithic temples.Yet another aspect of this fascinating country that passed me by in my teens but which I now find genuinely mesmerising. If you can, plan on visiting the museum ahead of the sites. Most of the original artefacts found in the temples when they were excavated in the 1920s are displayed here and you will get the context and detail that will make subsequent site visits way more meaningful.

At only 17 by 9 miles, nowhere is far to drive on Malta so beyond the capital accessing the Neolithic sites is easy.You can of course Philip and his Lampuki pie go by road but one of the nicest ways to explore is to incorporate Farm to table dining is always going to be a winner in my book. But them as part of a hike. The dual megalithic temples of Hagar Qim the idea of using the best locally sourced produce also permeates and Mnajdra for example sit within 500 metres of each other and all levels of gastronomy and Malta has another trump card - the can be explored on a trail that takes you across the cliff tops from emergence of a sophisticated fine dining scene. The island received Dingli (at 250m, the highest point on Malta) along the coast, around the Michelin seal of approval with the publication of the Michelin the temples and on to the Blue Grotto. Our attempt at the hike was Guide to Malta in 2020. The new 2021 edition unfortunately curtailed by a heavy downpour lists 5 one star restaurants and an additional 26 and, after 5 months of baking summer heat, the Fact Box: rated as ‘Bib’ and ‘Plate’ recommended. For landscape was looking very parched indeed.

For general information on such a small island that is mightily impressive.

However, the idea of walking the route in Malta go to As I tucked in to a divine and complex six Spring with a green, flower filled landscape and course tasting menu under star filled skies at the www.visitmalta.com/en. spectacular sea views is very tempting.

Michelin star ION in Valletta (with panoramic For further details on holidays Ggantija views of the Grand Harbour) I couldn’t help but to Malta, to receive a quote or To see the mother of all the temples we headed smile at the memory of my childhood self for to book your holiday call to Gozo to visit Ggantija. As the name implies, whom the gastronomic holiday highlight would 0800 412 5678 quite literally a construction of gigantic stone. have been a trip to the Wimpey in Sliema for a Dating back to 3700 BC it is the oldest free Knickerbocker glory!

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Not Just For Singles

GLOSSOP AW N I N G S

SERVICE CENTRE

OUR

Caravan

SPECIAL EDITIONS

We’ve grown from small beginnings back in 1976 to become a one-stop shop with a huge range of 600 new & used caravans & motorhomes – plus awnings, accessories and comprehensive annual service checks and repairs to keep your caravan in first-class condition and give you peace of mind.

MAIN DEALERS FOR

You’ll soon discover why everyone from first-time buyers to regular customers return to us time and time again for the very best service, technical expertise and nationwide aftercare.

You’ll find us on the main A57 road at Glossop – gateway to the scenic landscapes, stunning views and wide open spaces of one of Britain’s finest holiday destinations, the Peak District and Derbyshire. Call in soon, call us on 01457 868011 – or visit our website at www.glossopcaravans.co.uk – to claim your key to an even better quality of life.

Tel: 01457 868011 sales@glossopcaravans.co.uk

glossopcaravans.co.uk E N D

O F M 6 7,

G LO S S O P,

M A I N A 5 7,

B R O O K F I E L D,

D E R BY S H I R E ,

S K 1 3

6 J F

Plus... P E C I A L

S OUR

EDITION

Motorhomes

DOOR TO DOOR COACH TOURS 2022 If you’ve never tried coach holidays before, why not let We’ve been established for over 120 years so we know a bit about coach holidays!

WE ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY BONDED And use some excellent privately-owned hotels.

All visits and excursions are included in the price.

We use modern coaches and mature friendly drivers.

HOW DOES IT WORK? On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services or Stockport.

WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS

WHAT ABOUT THE RETURN? It’s the same as the outward journey – but in reverse!

All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service.

That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no

WE NEVER DISCOUNT.

WITHIN 30 MINUTES

WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.

Either call our office on 01706 648126 or visit our website where you can browse all our holidays and save £10 per person by booking on-line.

therefore everybody onboard pays the same price.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND BOOK ON-LINE TO SAVE £10.00 PER PERSON

Join our facebook community by ‘liking’ our page to view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs.

ellensmithtours

THE RIVIERA -- TORQUAY THE ENGLISH ENGLISH RIVIERA TORQUAY DURHAM, BEAMISH & BOWES The Belgrave Sands Hotel The Blackwell Grange Hotel Star~ The Belgrave Sands Hotel & &4Spa Spa ~ 4 Star The 4 beauty Star of the Durham Dales offers a nice contrast Anstunning award-winning whereDurham, elegant with Beamishresort and historic An award-winning resort where elegantincluding Victorian villas, a home bustling harbour and palmthe Bowes Museum, of the famous ‘Silver Victorian villas, has a bustling harbour and palmSwan’.

Thebeaches region lotsthe to offer noits matter what fringed give Riviera fringed beaches give the Riviera its time of year youname. visit. well-earned well-earned name.

| £359 21st March March ||| 55 Days 28th 28th March 5 Days Days| |£429 £359

NORTH & NORTH&DEVON DEVON & CORNWALL CORNWALL TENBY PEMBROKESHIRE The Durrant House The Hotel TheGiltar Durrant House Hotel Hotel ~ ~3 3 Star Star Based in the port of Bideford, this tour

For thesein holidays weof stay in Tenby,this withtour its pastelBased the port Bideford, combines the best of Beautiful Cornwall andand coloured buildings, narrow streets, fortified walls, combines the best of Beautiful Cornwall and delightful North Devon. bustling atmosphere.

Tenby Bideford’s is one of thenarrow prettiest delightful North Devon.

Bideford’s narrow back streets and alleyways link the quay and resorts in South Wales. It is justly proud of its golden back streets and alleyways link the quay and the river, the old road has Whether a lovelybridge beaches andand picturesque harbour. you take the river, andthe thetown old road hasthe a lovelybridge a stroll through the alongBidefordto beaches, or that crosses river or linking other that crosses the river linking Bidefordto otheris enjoy a ride along the Pembrokeshire coast, Tenby areas of Devon. areas of Devon. an ideal base.

3rd April ||| 5 6 Days ||| £499 4th 4th April April 5 Days Days £289 £289

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL NORFOLK NORFOLK COAST COAST & & LLANDUDNO CITY CITY The Marlborough Hotel 3 Star Best Brook Hotel, Norwich Llandudno is Wales’s largest resort, uniquely situated Best Western Western Brook Hotel, Norwich ~ 3 Star between the Great and Little Ormes with two ~ 3 Star wonderful beaches, the award-winning North Shore, The East Anglia coast is starkly beautiful, with The Anglia coast isWest starkly beautiful, with and theEast quiet, sand-duned Shore. picture postcard fishing villages, and much picture postcard fishing villages, and much more, creating an idyll of rural charm. As a more, creating an idyll of rural charm. As a contrast, we feature the lovely Cathedral City contrast, we feature the lovely Cathedral City of Norwich, and the Norfolk Broads. of Norwich, and the Norfolk Broads.

11th April || 5 Days | |£339 18th 18th April April | 5 5 Days Days | £389 £389

TENBY TENBY & & PEMBROKESHIRE PEMBROKESHIRE YORKSHIRE GEMS The Giltar Cairn Hotel 3 StarTenby The Giltar Hotel, Hotel, Tenby ~ ~3 3 Star Star

For these holidays we stay in Tenby, with its

Based in theholidays Spa Town Harrogate, we with are perfectly For these weofstay in Tenby, its pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets, placed to visit some of Yorkshire’s gems.

Our March pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets, fortified walls, and theme. bustling atmosphere. tour has All Inclusive The Cairn Hotel was built fortified walls, and bustling atmosphere.

Tenby Harrogate’s is one of the prettiest resorts South during period of a Spa Towninwhen people Tenby is one of the prettiest resorts in South Wales.

Whether youtotake stroll through the came from far & wide takeathe waters.

Carefully Wales. Whether you takefeatures a stroll still through the modernised, grand welcome town or along theoriginal beaches, or enjoy a ride you town along the beaches, a ride to this or charming Victorian hotel.or enjoy along the Pembrokeshirecoast, Tenby is an

along the Pembrokeshirecoast, Tenby is an ideal base. ideal base.

|| 6| Days || £499 28th March 5 Days | £349 3rd April 3rd April 6 Days £499

PERTHSHIRE, ST. ANDREWS & PERTHSHIRE, ST. & ANDREWS & NORTH DEVON CORNWALL EDINBURGH EDINBURGH The Durrant House Hotel 3 Star Salutation Hotel, Perth ~ 3 Star Based in the port of Bideford, this ~ tour Salutation Hotel, Perth 3 combines Star the

Perthshire is a region ofand breath-taking variety, best of Beautiful Cornwall delightful North Devon.

Perthshire is a region of breath-taking variety, from its can serene glenson and expanse Bideford be found theendless banks of the Riverof from its where serenethe glens endless expanse of Torridge riverand widens into the Estuary. lush forest to its bleakly beautiful moors, lush forestnarrow to its back bleakly beautiful moors, link Bideford’s streets and alleyways rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. rushing and tumbling the quay rivers and the river, and the waterfalls. old road has a lovely bridge that crosses the river linking Bideford to other areas of Devon.

BOURNEMOUTH BOURNEMOUTH HEART OF ENGLAND Mayfair Hotel~ 3 The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern Mayfair Hotel~ 3 Star Star

With seven miles of golden sands and 4 Star With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan A Bournemouth lovely sightseeing with thingstown of of hastour it all – amany vast variety ofinterest, of Bournemouth has it all –the a vast variety of based in Great Malvern Malvern shops and restaurants,with endlessbeautiful countryside Hills overlooking the town.

We feature some of the shops and restaurants, endless countryside offering peace and relaxation and beautiful, best places the and area relaxation has to offer.and beautiful, offering peace award-winning gardens. award-winning gardens.

|| 5 Days || £339 28th March | 5 Days | £389 4th April 4th April 5 Days £339

SKEGNESS & BEST SKEGNESS & THE THE BEST OF OFTHE ENGLISH RIVIERA LINCOLNSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE TORQUAY The The Royal Royal Hotel, Hotel, Skegness Skegness ~ ~3 3 Star Star The Derwent Hotel 3 Star

Experience the best of Lincolnshire with Experience the best of Lincolnshire with An award-winning where elegant Victorian historic towns and resort villages, a thriving seaside villas, atowns bustling harbour andapalm-fringed beaches historic and villages, thriving seaside resort and ‘Bomber Country’ heritage. give the its well-earned name. resort andRiviera ‘Bomber Country’ heritage.

4th April|| 5 | 5 Days|| |£339 £289 4th 4th April April 5 Days Days £339

10th April 6 Days | | Days | | £379 11th 11th April April | 5 5 Days | £339 £339

WYE THE ROYAL WYE VALLEY VALLEY&& &THE THEBEST ROYAL SKEGNESS OF FOREST OF DEAN FOREST OF DEAN LINCOLNSHIRE Bells Hotel & Club 3 BellsRoyal HotelHotel, & Country Country Club 3~ ~Star 3 Star Star The Skegness

BLENHEIM, SEZINCOTE AND THE BLENHEIM, SEZINCOTE AND THE BEAUTIFUL NORFOLK COAST KENNET & AVON CANAL KENNET & AVON CANAL & CITY Best Western Blunsdon House BestWestern WesternBlunsdon Brook Hotel, Norwich Best House Hotel 3 Star~ Hotel ~4 4 Star Star

Experience this magical borderland on a

Experiencethe this magical borderland on a Experience best of Lincolnshire with historic scenic river cruise, a relaxing train ride and towns villages, seaside and scenicand river cruise,a athriving relaxing train resort ride and visits to County’ historic towns. This is a place where ‘Bomber visits to historic heritage. towns. This is a place where you can recharge your batteries, get off the you can recharge your batteries, get off the beaten track and escape the everyday. beaten track and escape the everyday.

11th April| |55Days Days || £339 18th 18th April April | 5 Days | £419 £419

AThe lovely tour forcoast the summer as we enjoy a Easttour Anglia is starklyas beautiful, witha picture A lovely for the summer we enjoy visit to unique Sezincote, a 200-year-old postcard fishing villages, and much more, creating visit to unique Sezincote, a 200-year-old Mogul a day exploring an idyllIndian of ruralPalace. charm. Spend As a contrast, we feature the Mogul Indian Palace.

Spend a day exploring Blenheim PalaceCity and relax with and a horse-drawn lovely Cathedral Norwich, the Norfolk Blenheim Palace andofrelax with a horse-drawn barge trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Broads. barge trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

18th April 5 Days | |Days | | £389 21st 21st April April | 5 5 Days | £449 £449

VISIT VISIT OUR OUR WEBSITE WEBSITE AND AND BOOK BOOK ON-LINE ON-LINE TO TO SAVE SAVE £10.00 £10.00 PER PER PERSON PERSON

Join Join our our facebook facebook community community by by ‘liking’ ‘liking’ our our page page to to view view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs. latest offers, customer comments and various photographs.

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ellensmithtours ellensmithtours

A SELECTION OF OUR COACH TOURS 2022

DO O

R CD OO TO A O C O C HR TO TO DO AC U OR H T O R SD O 2 0O UR 2 R S 20 2 22

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w.e llen smit w.e h.c llen smit o.uk h.co .uk

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WINDSOR CASTLE & WINDSOR & CRUISE CRUISE THE THE WYE VALLEYCASTLE & THE ROYAL THAMES THAMES FOREST OF DEAN The Bull Gerrard’s Cross The Bull&Hotel, Hotel, Gerrard’s Bells Hotel Forest of Dean Cross Golf ~ 4 Star ~ 34 Star Star Club

SOUTHSEA & SOUTHSEACOTSWOLDS & CHICHESTER CHICHESTER BLENHEIM, & THE HARBOUR CRUISE HARBOUR CRUISE KENNET & AVON CANAL Best Western Royal Hotel ~ Best Western Royal Beach Beach Hotel ~ Best Western Blunsdon House Hotel 3 Star 4 Star 3 Star

A lovely tour as we discover the splendour of A great tour for the summer – stroll along A lovely as we discover on thea splendour Experience thistour magical borderland scenic riverof A lovely tourtour for the as we–enjoy full day A great forsummer the summer strollaalong Royal Windsor and explore mighty Windsor Southsea seafront, visit the historic cathedral cruise, a relaxing trainand rideexplore and visitsmighty to historic towns. Guided Coachseafront, tour of the Cotswolds.

We also spend a Royal Windsor Windsor Southsea visit the historic cathedral Castle.

Offering a welcome contrast, we also of Chichester enjoy relaxing This is a placeOffering where you can recharge your batteries, exploring Blenheimand Palace anda relax with a horseCastle. a welcome contrast, we also daycity city of Chichester and enjoy a relaxing enjoy a relaxing along the the River Thames.drawn indulge&with gin tasting get off the beaten trackcruise and escape bargecruise trip onand the Kennet Avona enjoy a relaxing cruise along theeveryday.

River Thames. harbour harbour cruise and indulge with aCanal. gin tasting at Bombay Sapphire. at Bombay Sapphire.

18th Days | £419 | £489 21stApril April| 5| 5 Days

21st April | 5 | £449 | Days | 25th 25th April April | 5 5 Days Days | £459 £459

21st April | 5 Days | £489

PICTURESQUE PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE PEMBROKESHIRE ST ANNES-ON-SEA & GOWER & BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL GOWER St Ives Hotel 2 Star The Royal Hotel, St. Annes-on-Sea, on theRoyal Fylde coast, offers a The Ivy Ivy Bush Bush Hotel, Carmarthen ~ 3 Star gentle and peaceful way of life.

St. Annes boasts a Carmarthen ~ 3 Star beautifully restored Victorian Pier, promenade with

The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast

1st May | 5 Days | £419

Known as the Garden of England, Kent boasts

25th 2nd April May || 55 Days Days| |£439 £399

2nd May | 5 Days | £399

THE CITY WORCESTER BLACKPOOL THE HISTORIC HISTORIC CITY OF OF WORCESTER BLACKPOOL MAJESTIC MAGICAL SIGHTS OF KENT, THE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The Doric & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The Doric Hotel Hotel ~ ~3 3 Star Star THE SOUTH DOWNS OFA ENGLAND holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling Fownes Hotel ~ 3 Star A holiday in Blackpool will leave youHotel feeling FownesPark HotelHotel ~ 3 Star Chichester 3 Star Best Western Plus Burlington refreshed, relaxed and recharged – even if This is an area of literary greats, of culinary

Thisboth is an areaand of literary greats, Unearth hidden gems in of theculinary rolling brillianceiconic and iconic heritage. We enjoy the landscape of East Sussex of the We UK’senjoy most the brilliance and iconic– one heritage. birthplace of William Shakespeare and a geographically counties. birthplacediverse of William Shakespeare and a

refreshed, relaxed and recharged – even if 4 Star you are on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s

you are on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s the as resort’s infectious zest for life,boasts or maybe Known the Garden of England, Kent the resort’s infectious zest for life, or maybe it’s just that, uniquely, your routine, beautiful beaches, stunning whatever castles, exciting culture, relaxing river cruise, the historic city of it’s just that, uniquely, whateveris your routine, relaxing river cruise, the historic city of delicious food drink.

Our tourbreak ideally based can &offer a perfect from it.

Worcester, and the beautiful scenic Cotswolds.andBlackpool Blackpooland canwe offer a perfect break from it. include visits to some lovely Worcester, and the beautiful scenic Cotswolds.in Folkestone, coastal and inland towns.

2nd | 5| Days | £489 | £439 8thMay May 5 Days

8th May | 5 Days | £439

ber

Mem

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7049

7049

SPRING, SHIELDS SPRING, SOUTH SOUTH SHIELDS & & SOUTHSEA, CHICHESTER THE DURHAM COAST THE DURHAM COAST HARBOUR CRUISE & GIN! The Little Hotel ~ Star Best Royal Beach The Western Little Haven Haven Hotel ~3 3Hotel Star

A great Spring tour based in South Shields

3A Star great Spring tour based in South Shields overlooking the River Tyne and Little Haven

the Tyne and Little A overlooking great tour the River Summer – stroll along Haven Southsea Beach.

Wefor explore the scenic coastline before Beach. visit We the explore thecathedral scenic coastline before seafront, historic Chichester, enjoying time in the historic citycity of of Durham as enjoying timeharbour in the historic cityindulge of Durham enjoy a relaxing cruise and with aas gin well as a visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. tasting at aBombay well as visit to Sapphire!

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

25th April || 5 5 Days || £459 25th 25th April April | 5 Days Days | £439 £439

KENT, BEAUTIFUL GARDEN DEVONSHIRE & KENT, THE THE BEAUTIFUL DEVONSHIRE & ILFRACOMBE ILFRACOMBE SOUTH SHIELDS & THE MATURE SINGLES – AN GARDEN ENGLISH SPRING, OF ENGLAND The Royal & Fortescue OF ENGLAND DREAM, CAMBRIDGE, ELY, ST DURHAM The RoyalCOAST & Fortescue Hotel Hotel ~ ~ 3 Star Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel ALBANS AND MORE Riverside Hotel 3 Star Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel 3 Star A short break with excursions to interest ~ Star Best Cambridge Bar Hill AA great Spring tour based in Southto Shields short break with excursions interest ~4 4Western Star everyone. We take in North Devon throughout

natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast Hotel Known as the Garden of England, Kent boasts viewsThe across North Wales, multi award-winning and thetoGower Peninsula are famed all over beautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting beach huts, a wide-open sandy beach, plentyall ofover and the Gower Peninsula are famed beaches, stunning castles, exciting Visitbeautiful Cambridgeshire to travel through miles of lush, the world.

Glorious sandy beaches and rugged culture, and delicious food & drink. Our tour places to world. eat andGlorious wonderful seaside charm.and ruggedmarshy fenland, of medieval the sandy beaches culture, andcathedral delicioustowns food full & drink.

Our tour coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic markets, is ideally based in Folkestone, and we include and see thein city of Cambridge of the coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic is ideally based Folkestone, and- one we include towns, and little villages. visitsgreatest to some lovelyofcoastal and inland towns world’s centres learning. towns, and little villages. visits to some lovely coastal and inland towns

25th | £419 1stApril May| |55Days Days| £349

Mem

2nd | £299 9th May May| |55Days Days| £399

9th May | 5 Days | £299

overlooking and Little Haven Beach. everyone.the WeRiver takeTyne in North Devon throughout with visitsthe to interesting attractions which, time We explore coastline before enjoying with visits to scenic interesting attractions which, combined our excellent inwhen the historic city ofwith Durham as well as ahotel, visit to when combined with our excellent hotel, makes this an enjoyable break.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

makes this an enjoyable break.

25th April| 5 | 5 Days| |£479 £439 8th 8th May May | 5 Days Days | £479

BEAUTIFUL CORNWALL BEAUTIFUL CORNWALL WARNER LEISURE HOTELS Rosemundy House Nidd Hall Hotel Rosemundy House Hotel Hotel AA AA ~ ~ 4 Star Warner Hotels offer a high standard of 4 Star

Cornwall is in the far& west of Great on accommodation, food facilities and areBritain well known Cornwall iscabarets in the far west ofsome Great Britain on for attracting the country’s a fabulous peninsula tumbling into the vastofAtlantic a peninsula tumbling into the of vast Atlantic biggest star names.

A wide range activities Ocean, almost completely surrounded byand Ocean, almost completely surrounded by to leisure facilities from bowls, tennis and croquet the sea.

Cornwall is loved for its dramatic the sea.

Cornwall is loved for its dramatic indoor swimming pools, saunas, studios coastline, captivating fishingfitness harbours andand of coastline, captivating fishing and of much more are available for your harbours enjoyment. course, its pasties and cream teas! course, its pasties and cream teas!

2nd May || 5 Days | |£489 13th 13th May May | 6 6 Days Days | £519 £519

INTERESTED? INTERESTED? Call Call our our reservations reservations office office on on 01706 01706 648126 648126 and and request request a a copy copy of of our our 2022 2022 brochure. brochure. You’ll You’ll be be surprised surprised at at the the variations variations of of tours tours we operate.

Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk 13

TWITTERING ON

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY

Now, Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, is urging parents to “talk early and talk often” in an ageappropriate way.

She wants children better prepared for this dark side of the online world. She also hopes it will make youngsters feel easier about raising difficult issues going forward.

That message has not come as a result of an adult focus group second-guessing modern children’s dilemmas but from the Everyone’s Invited movement which allowed youngsters to air their views.

Sales’ bargains that sometimes aren’t SALES are great, aren’t they? The possibility of a bargain or your longed for outfit suddenly marked down to bargain levels is a thrill.

We can all get some amazing deals but there is a danger to grab at items in stores and believe you’ve got a real treasure – only for things to prove a little different.

My friend Carol thought she’d hit the jackpot when she saw a lovely little sports’ skirt, ideal for playing badminton. Its price was very attractive so she quickly bought it and went home a happy shopper.

Frighteningly, this revealed wide-spread sexual harassment and abuse in schools, suggesting that online porn can influence reallife behaviour and attitudes when it comes to gender roles, sex and consent.

While previously many of us would have suggested waiting until children become teenagers before broaching this one, Rachel de Souza wants parents to begin the conversation much earlier.

Using the advice from teens and young adults based on what they wish their parents had known, she has produced a guide to help adults with this possibly tricky conversation.

She doesn’t want this to happen all at once, though, but over time and in line with their developing maturity.

However, when she tried it on later, she found she could hardly get it over her hips. So, reluctantly, she returned to the store the next day with the item.

“My advice to parents and carers is to create the culture before the crisis,” she explained to a national newspaper. “Children have told us they want their mums and dads to create a safe, judgement-free space for them to talk about these issues.”

“I loved this skirt, but I can’t get it on,” she told the saleswoman.

“I’m not surprised, madam,” was the reply. “This is a boob tube so you’re at the wrong end.”

She’s right. It’s definitely better to tackle this thorny subject before there’s a problem and establish a channel of communication that allows children to talk to parents.

Exit Carol from the shop, red-faced and now re-thinking her sales’ strategy.

Singer Billie Eilish revealed only recently the negative impact that watching pornography from an early age had on her. She started at 11 and it gave her nightmares and made subsequent dating difficult.

There is a huge gap between what parents think happens and their own children’s reality. While only a quarter of parents believe their child has viewed pornography online the truth is that more than half of all 11 to 13 year-olds have.

Parents need to address porn children watch IT’S a sad reflection of the times that parents are being urged to talk to children as young as nine about online porn.

Yet, this is sensible advice given the avalanche of porn available today on all forms of technology, including our children’s mobile phones and iPads.

There has been concern for some time about the ease of access for children often browsing the internet unsupervised and the possible damage from the images they see.

14

This is a new world to all of us who grew up without smartphones but it’s one that adults urgently need to appreciate.

Taking action now is the only way to protect our children properly and help them come to terms with this unsavoury area of life.

together information about him from Facebook and then took him to court. The result was £6,000 in compensation plus £1,545 costs.

While prompting a small cheer from many other businesses who have been victims of trolls, the case is also a great step forward for fairness.

Honest criticism should be generally welcome and offer any business the chance to improve. In fact, how else would they know someone had an unhappy experience rather than just voting with their feet?

Rushing into online reviews can be unfair – and dangerous!

BUSINESSES can live or die by online reviews these days so rushing to TripAdvisor to record your opinion always needs careful consideration.

Unfortunately, not everyone is so thoughtful - or honest - in this and the damage to venues in the hospitality industry in particular can be huge.

Malicious criticism, however, is totally unacceptable. It can ruin reputations and discourage potential customers and, obviously, that can be the motivation of some posters.

Going onto TripAdvisor and other sites is commonplace for many of us these days. We want to share our experiences with others, to praise those that deserve it and alert the public to potentially negative experiences.

Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, there is a pressing need for balance.

Steve Hoddy, the owner of Blackpool restaurant The Bispham Kitchen had enough after one TripAdvisor poster made a series of derogatory online statements about his venue.

If you go somewhere that makes Fawlty Towers look like a Michelin starred establishment, it’s reasonable to say what went wrong. Equally, if you get exceptional service, delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s right to share this, too.

The false and malicious reviews – including claims like “the owner stares at you weirdly” and that customers had been made ill – prompted him to turn detective and track down his troll.

Anyone who has been in business knows that dealing with the public means constantly treading a fine line. So it’s completely wrong to hurl unfounded anonymous criticism out into the ether.

Unhappily for this particular individual, Mr Hoddy has two law degrees and admirable determination. Over three years, he pieced

And, as this troll found, it can also come back to bite you in the rear.

or email: help@aamail.org 15

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

THE ROCKET MAN ROCKS ON NOT many British singers can claim a box-office smash hit film about their lives and No.1 hits in the 1980s, ‘90s and 2000s but Elton John can.

Sir Elton Hercules John, to give him his full name (although he was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight), is that rarity in the pop music world: a star who has endured and whose fan base traverses all ages and types.

He’s now 74, still successful, still productive and happy with the person he acknowledges he is. But it wasn’t always that way.

As anyone who has seen his autobiographical film Rocket Man knows, as a youngster he was not always happy with who he was and the life he led.

Music probably saved him so it’s no surprise to learn that he started playing the piano at the age of four. He was raised in Pinner in London and both his parents were interested in music.

As a result, they exposed young Reggie to the popular singers of the day. When he first heard rock ‘n roll, he was hooked.

He had regular piano lessons and music swiftly became the most important force in his life. He was educated locally and, at the age of 15 was hired as a pianist at a nearby pub. At 17, he left school and his A level studies for a career in music.

16

He and some friends started a band called Bluesology which proved successful, backing touring American soul and R & B musicians like the Isley Brothers. In 1966, the band became singer Long John Baldry’s supporting band.

In 1967, Reggie answered an advert in the New Musical Express

by Liberty Records looking for new talent. He was given some lyrics by Bernie Taupin, who had also answered the advert, and so began a fruitful partnership that resulted in countless hit songs.

Six months later, Reggie changed his name to Elton John and the duo joined Dick James’s DJM Records as staff songwriters in 1968. Over the next two years, they wrote material for artists including Lulu and Roger Cook.

Unlike most collaborations, Bernie would write a batch of lyrics and give it to Elton to provide the music, resulting in many haunting, memorable songs.

For their second album, thanks in no small way to Elton’s rich falsetto voice, they created Your Song which reached No.7 in the UK singles’ chart and No.8 in the US. The album named Elton John reached No.4 in the US Billboard 200 and No.5 in the UK albums’ chart.

Elton’s first American concert - at the Troubador Club in Los Angeles in August, 1970 - was a great success and his next album Tumbleweed Connection that year reached No.2 in the UK and No.5 in the US. Elton and Bernie then wrote the soundrack to the 1971 film Friends followed by the album Madman Across the Water, which again did well. This included hit songs Levon and Tiny Dancer and this time heralded a string of hit albums on both sides of the water.

The album Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player came out at the start of 1973 and reached No.1 in both the UK and the US. This produced hits Crocodile Rock and Daniel, topping the charts in both countries.

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road followed in 1973 and contained the US No.1 single Bennie and the Jets, along with the title song, plus Candle in the Wind and Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.

Elton formed his own company, The Rocket Record Company and signed acts including Neil Sedaka and Kiki Dee. Instead of releasing his own songs through the company, though, he signed an $8 million contract with MCA and in 1974 they released Elton John’s Greatest Hits.

In 1975, he was asked by The Who to take part in the film adaptation of the rock opera Tommy and to perform Pinball Wizard, which also became a UK chart favourite.

By now, Elton was becoming known for his flambouyant costumes and fantastic specs as much for his music. Live audiences loved him, turning up in their thousands to see him perform.

The ‘70s were undoubtedly Elton’s most commercially successful period but in 1977, he announced that he was retiring from performing and Bernie Taupin began collaborating with other people.

He continued recording, however, and his next album included hit singles Part-time Love and Song for Guy. His 1983 album Too Low for Zero featured I’m Still Standing and I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues. And in 1990, he had a UK No.1 hit single with Sacrifice.

He has collaborated on appearances and records with some of music’s most famous names including John Lennon, George Michael, opera star Luciano Pavoretti, Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran.

In 1997, he asked Bernie Taupin to revise the lyrics of their 1973 song Candle in the Wind to honour Princess Diana and Elton gave a poignant performance at her Westminister Abbey funeral.

The song became the fastest and biggest-selling single of all time, eventually selling more than 33 million copies globally.

Elton has also created music for hit musicals including The Lion King in 1997 and Billy Elliott in 2005. In 2003, he capitalised on

his popularity in America by agreeing to perform 75 shows over three years at Caesar’s Palace on the Las Vegan Strip. He shared performances throughout the year with Celine Dion – while one performed the other rested.

In 2019, the film Rocket Man about his life answered many questions around his sexuality and won the singer many new fans.

He has received all kinds of accolades and awards throughout his career – from a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1975 to a CBE in 1996 and a knighthood in 1998 for his services to music and fundraising for AIDS charities.

He registered his civil partnership with long-term partner David Furnish in 2005 and upgraded their relationship to marriage in 2014. The couple have two sons.

Elton has had his share of health problems over the years but today remains a sprightly entertainer whose popularity has never really waned.

As he quite rightly says:

“An overview of my career is usually … glasses …homosexuality …Watford Football Club … tantrums … flowers. But the music was pretty phenomenal, you know.”

• Elton John’s latest UK tour starts in June, 2022.

For details go to https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/elton-john-tickets/artist/735394 17

Count Arthur Strong

MARCH

Thursday 17 March 8pm

Tuesday 1 March 8pm

£17.50

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA – THE GOLDEN COCKEREL

APRIL

DARA Ó BRIAIN £26

Wednesday 2 March 7.30pm

GIOVANNI PERNICE £32-£47 (VIP: £92.50)

Thursday 3 March 7.30pm

THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN £22.50-£24.50 (Discounts available) Saturday 5 March 7.30pm

SEANN WALSH

Saturday 19 March 7.30pm

£28-£36.50 (Discounts available) Sunday 20 March 7.30pm

NISH KUMAR £22.50

Monday 21 March 7.30pm

ED GAMBLE

MAKING SPACE

Saturday 5 March 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 March & Friday 13 May 7.30pm

£31

£33.50

£22.50

FAIRPORT CONVENTION Thursday 10 March 7.30pm

STEWART LEE £27.50

£7 (Students/Children: £1 off)

JASON MANFORD

Wednesday 30 March 7.30pm

£18.50 (Discounts available)

Friday 1 April 7.30pm

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? £25-£29

Friday 1 April 7.30pm

THE LINDISFARNE STORY £25

Saturday 2 April 7.30pm

Thursday 24 March 7.30pm

STEVE STEINMAN’S ANYTHING FOR LOVE

£31-£52.50 (VIP: £130)

Tuesday 5 April 7.30pm

TONY HADLEY

£29.50-£32.50 (Discounts available)

RAY MEARS

AN EVENING WITH CAROL KLEIN

BUXTON LIVE ACTS REVUE

Saturday 26 March 7.30pm

Wednesday 6 April 7.30pm

Thursday 17 & Friday 18 March 7.30pm

£28-£38 (Discounts available)

£32.50-£35

Friday 11 March 7.30pm

TOMMY EMMANUEL £36-£41.50

Saturday 12 March 7pm

£9.50

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA – LA BOHÈME £28-£36.50 (Discounts available)

Friday 25 March 7.30pm

£28 (Discounts available)

AIDA

£29-£33.50

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES

Tuesday 29 March 7.30pm

Thursday 7 April 7.30pm

£24.50-£31

£27.50 (Discounts available)

TWO PINTS PODCAST – LIVE!

BOX OFFICE 01298 72190 • BUXTONOPERAHOUSE.ORG.UK

THE CARPENTERS STORY

Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever

Sandi Toksvig Live!

English Touring Opera

Carol Klein

Stephen Venables

Steve Backshall

Saturday 9 April 7.30pm

GRAYSON PERRY £29.50-£35

Saturday 9 April 7.30pm

LIZA PULMAN £22.50

Sunday 10 April 7.30pm

STEPHEN VENABLES £20 (Discounts available) Monday 11 April 7.30pm

GILBERT O’SULLIVAN IN CONCERT £29.50-£36

Tuesday 12 April 7.30pm

Sunday 17 April 7.30pm

GRAEME HALL – THE DOGFATHER LIVE STEVE BACKSHALL – OCEAN

£49

Monday 18 April 3pm & 7pm

BARRY HUMPHRIES

£29.50 (Discounts available)

Wednesday 18 May 7.30pm

BILLIONAIRE BOY

JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA

Friday 29 April – Sunday 1 May

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 May

Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 April

Adults £19-£21, Children £15-£17

SWEENEY TODD

Friday 15 April 7.30pm

GRETCHEN PETERS £27.50-£33

Saturday 16 April 7.30pm

GYLES BRANDRETH £22.50

£19.50-£22.50 (Discounts available)

MAY £17.50 (Discounts available)

£46.50-£55

PEPPA PIG’S BEST DAY EVER

£21-£25

Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 April

£21-£23 (Discounts available)

£33.50

Tuesday 17 May 7.30pm

Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 May

FATHER BROWN – THE MURDERER IN THE MIRROR

SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE!

£35.50-£39

REMEMBERING THE OSCARS £32-£47

Saturday 14 May 7.30pm

Thursday 26 May 7.30pm

STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND £36

BUXTON DRAMA LEAGUE – THE CRUCIBLE

Thursday 26 May 8pm

Sunday 8 May 7.30pm

Friday 27 May 7.30pm

£38-£44

£31

THE ROBERT CRAY BAND

THE ANIMALS & FRIENDS KRIS DREVER & RACHEL BAIMAN

STEELEYE SPAN £25.50-£27.50

SIMON & OSCAR FROM OCEAN COLOUR SCENE £31

£25.50

Saturday 28 May 7.30pm

Monday 9 May 7.30pm

Wednesday 11 May 7.30pm

COUNT ARTHUR STRONG

£20

Sunday 29 May 7.30pm

CARL HUTCHINSON £17.50

BuxtonOpHouse

buxtonophouse

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MOTORING | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

22

KIA e-Niro NOW we all love a winner and here is another one – the allelectric Kia e-Niro, which was the northern car journalist’s Car of the Year in 2020.

Members of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers (including yours truly) voted the compact crossover as its top car beating strong competition in the final six from Renault, Mazda, Peugeot, Toyota and Volvo.

Members judged the e-Niro to be a truly affordable electric car, with prices starting from a shade under £35,000.

With a real world fully charged range of between 250 and 300 miles, excellent performance from its 201bhp electric motor, great handling and comfort they also decided it was as easy to live with as a combustion engine car.

The equipment list includes touchscreen sat-nav, a reversing camera, smart cruise control, xenon headlights and heated leather upholstery plus 17-inch alloy wheels.

The e-Niro is Kia’s first purpose-built electric car and with a 64kWh 457kg battery, placed low down between the axles so as not to compromise handling, it has two and a half times as much power storage capacity as their Soul EV of five years ago.

Members also felt it was a more practical family car than electric vehicles from other manufacturers. The e-Niro features adjustable control of the regenerative braking system so the driver can select how much of a braking effect the system has on the road.

And the car has something called Predictive Energy Control, which uses its radar cruise control sensors to measure your closing speed to the car in front and automatically adjust its motor regen system.

Also the e-Niro can charge up to 80 per cent on a normal domestic UK socket in less than 10 hours, with a DC rapid charger the same is possible in less than an hour.

For more information see www.kia.co.uk

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/

23

FOOD

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Matt Tebbutt is used to spending his Saturdays cooking - as the host of BBC TV’s Saturday Kitchen, he’s never short of a fast meal idea or a meal for guests that will impress. Here he shares some of those recipes with us.

KING SCALLOPS WITH PICKLED GIROLLES AND SEAWEED BUTTER SERVES 2 100ml (3½fl oz) water 100ml (3½fl oz) malt vinegar 150g (5½oz) girolle or chanterelle mushrooms, brushed clean 4 tbsp olive oil 2 fresh corn on the cob, kernels removed 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped 6 fat king (sea) scallops with roe Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the seaweed butter 100g (3½oz) unsalted butter, softened and kept at room temperature 1–2 tbsp dried seaweed, such as nori or dulse, crumbled 1 heaped tbsp white miso paste

This makes a special starter, ideally around late summer when both sweetcorn (corn) and girolles are in season. Don’t be put off by the thought of seaweed butter. It’s there to supercharge the taste of the scallops by adding another layer of that all-important savoury umami flavour.

METHOD You can make the seaweed butter in advance: put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

butter. (Leftover butter will keep in the fridge for 3–5 days or wrapped in the freezer for 3 months).

Bring the water and vinegar to the boil in a saucepan over a high heat and bubble until the liquid is reduced by half, 2-3 minutes.

Take off the heat, add the mushrooms and set aside to marinate for 1 hour.

Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat a dry frying pan (skillet) over a high heat until smoking hot, then add the remaining oil and the seasoned scallops. Cook on one side until golden brown (no more than 2 minutes), carefully turn the scallops over and remove the pan from the heat, allowing the scallops to rest in the pan.

Meanwhile, heat half the oil in a pan over a high heat and, when hot, add the corn kernels and cook, stirring, until soft (no more than 1-2 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat and add the spring onions (scallions) and 1-2 tablespoons of the seaweed

Spoon the cooked corn and spring onions into a serving dish, scatter over the marinated mushrooms, then top with the scallops. I like to drizzle the scallops with some melted seaweed butter before serving, if using, before adding the bun lid.

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ROAST BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH PANCETTA AND GRUYÈRE AND PARMESAN CREAM A rather decadent way to dress up a butternut squash. Bacon or pancetta and cheese seem to be regulars in my recipes, and I’m unapologetic on this point – they do make everything taste better!

SERVES 2 2 tbsp olive oil 4 slices of pancetta 1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced into 3-5cm (1-2in) thick pieces 1 rosemary sprig 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 300ml (10½fl oz) double (heavy) cream 100g (3½oz) Parmesan, grated 100g (3½oz) Gruyère cheese, grated Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the kale vinaigrette 50g (1¾oz) kale, trimmed and very finely chopped 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 3 tbsp olive oil 1 banana shallot, sliced into thin rounds

METHOD Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and cook the pancetta for a few minutes to release the fat. Remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside. Add the squash, rosemary and garlic, to the pan with the pancetta fat, season with salt and pepper and cook for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time to make sure it’s not sticking. Set aside and keep warm.

Bring the cream to the boil in a pan, then immediately remove from the heat and whisk in both cheeses until melted and thickened. Keep warm.

For the kale vinaigrette, using your hands, scrunch the chopped kale with the red wine vinegar in a bowl. Leave for 5 minutes to soften, then add the olive oil and shallot and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

When you’re ready to serve, pour some of the Gruyère and Parmesan cream into each bowl, spoon in some squash and garnish with the kale vinaigrette, with the pancetta crumbled over in shards.

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FOOD

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Cooking this highly prized fish whole makes for a real celebration dish, and it looks great served in the centre of the table ready for sharing. With its firm white flesh, sea bass is also the perfect fish to roast with fragrant lemon thyme.

ROAST BASS WITH FENNEL AND LEMON THYME SERVES 2 1 x whole sea bass, minimum 1kg (2lb 4oz), cleaned, scaled and gutted 2 tbsp olive oil 500g (1lb 2oz) potatoes, peeled (use a waxy variety) 4 whole garlic cloves 1 bunch of lemon thyme 2 bay leaves 1 lemon, sliced 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into 8-12 pieces 3 tbsp small capers, drained 3½ tbsp olive oil 150ml (5fl oz) dry white wine Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper For the salad 1 red chicory (endive), leaves separated 1 yellow chicory (endive), leaves separated Large handful of watercress Extra virgin olive oil Juice of 1 lemon

METHOD Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C fan/425°F/gas mark 7.

Pat the fish dry with paper towels and use the tip of a sharp knife to crisscross the flesh at regular intervals on both sides. Season the bass with sea salt and rub with the olive oil.

Put the potatoes and the garlic into a large pan of cold salted water over a high heat and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down and simmer until the potatoes are just tender when tested with the tip of a sharp knife. Drain and, when cool enough to handle, cut into 1cm (½in) thick slices. Reserve the garlic cloves.

Stuff the cavity of the fish with half the lemon thyme, the bay leaves and a few lemon slices.

Arrange the sliced potatoes and fennel in the base of a baking tray with the reserved garlic cloves and the capers. Lay the fish on top and drizzle the whole dish with the olive oil. Pour in the wine and scatter over the rest of the lemon thyme and the remaining 26

lemon slices. Roast for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.

The fish is cooked when the flesh easily pulls away from the bone when tested with the tip of a sharp knife.

For the salad, in a large bowl, combine the two types of chicory leaves and the watercress. Dress with the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.

Arrange the roasted potatoes, fennel and lemon slices on a warmed serving platter. Carefully lift the flesh from the bone and lay it over the potatoes. Grind over some black pepper and serve with any cooking juices from the baking tray, with the chicory salad alongside.

WEEKEND: Eating at Home: From Long Lazy Lunches to Fast Family Fixes by Matt Tebbutt (Quadrille, £22).

Photography: Matt Russell.

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HOME | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Home & Interior Trends for 2022 With the start of the new year underway, many of us will be considering whether it’s time to give our homes a well-deserved make-over.

Trends set to take centre stage this year include bright and bold interiors, natural materials and nature-inspired tones and luxury outdoors spaces to socialise in.

Colour Trends Neutrals will take a bit of a back seat in 2022 as people start to experiment with colour again, but the palette will stay very close to hues you’d find in nature. Especially with shades of green. We’ll relish brighter colours that give us hope for a return to normality.

Comfort and multifunctional space As working from home for many stays part of our everyday lives, bedrooms (along with other rooms in the home) have become increasingly multifunctional, with space for a work area, exercise, and that all-important sense of relaxation.

In 2022 it’s predicted popular bedroom interiors will include comforting neutral tones, and textured wall coverings or panelling used to add a sense of luxury to sleep spaces.

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When it comes to bedding, layered natural textures like linen and cotton in palettes of soft neutral tones are set to take centre stage Sustainability Design trends this year will continue with the theme of bringing the natural world indoors, and a drive to purchase and decorate more consciously too. Homeowners will be choosing materials based on longevity and timelessness, with natural materials such as wood, cork and stone being popular.

Luxury outdoor space Gardens became a prime entertaining spot due to the pandemic, with outdoor spaces seen as a relaxing extension of interior living which will continue into 2022, creating or revamping an outdoor space for ‘safely’ socialising with family & friends.

For everything Homeware visit Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet’s Home Department.

During February there is a Homeware Event with special offers and prize draws too. www.broadstonemillshoppingoutlet.co.uk

HOME | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Streamlining your home in 2022

THE events of the last two years have made many of us consider what’s important to us and streamline our lives – and the same applies to our homes.

Lockdown has meant more time spent at home which has underlined how we want to improve our lifstyle and just make life simpler and more comfortable.

So, in 2022, there’s the opportunity to carry out plans to make life better and easier - and it begins at home.

For a start, take a look at the space around you. It’s a safe bet that most of us have gathered together far too much stuff, a large proportion of which we just don’t need.

So now is an excellent time to DE-CLUTTER. Do this a little bit at a time but an easy start is to make a list of 10 things to get rid of from anywhere in your home. Identify a box, basket or area to gather the items you’re getting rid of and gradually add to it.

Don’t let the task overwhelm you; de-cluttering can be spread out so you could do a small amount every day. Just identify the main areas that need de-cluttering.

Have you got duplicate items in your kitchen, for example?

This is a good place to start and you definitely don’t need two of everything, from mixing bowls to kitchen utensils. Keep your favourites and get rid of the rest.

Make three separate piles: items you could take to a local charity shop, those for recycling and rubbish for throwing out.

As soon as you start making a space, you’ll feel better about individual rooms and want to streamline more. And keeping on top of it as a lifestyle. ensuring that items are put away, surfaces are clear and re-set and your home always looks fairly tidy, will continue to make you feel better.

Is the EXTERIOR of your home looking sad and in need of a coat of paint? Does guttering need cleaning?

Changing your FRONT DOOR makes a surprising difference to the look of your home. It’s the first thing visitors see so a contemporary, welcoming front door brightens up the whole of the outside.

Ensure your HALLWAY continues the warm welcome. If it’s looking gloomy, it could be a combination of lack of light and dark flooring and walls.

Invest in good lighting and paint the walls a lighter shade, complemented by flooring that is both practical and attractive.

De-cluttering should also happen here. It’s very easy to have boots and coats getting in the way in the hallway. Either find somewhere else handy for them or invest in a cupboard or other storage area to get them out of sight.

Re-arrange your FURNITURE as this can make a huge difference to your living area and can simplify the overall look of your living room.You’ll also be surprised at the space you now have which can make relaxing time so much better.

Clear off surfaces and make spaces on countertops, tables and other furniture where books and clutter mysteriously gather, cleaning as you go. Decide what is really essential and put away items in drawers and cupboards.

Check out paperwork, get it up to date and shred and throw out into the recycling what you don’t need anymore.

Go through your clothes and anything you’ve not worn for more than two years either goes on ebay, the charity shop, recycling or the bin.

Take a long, hard look at your FURNITURE. Do you have items that are simply cluttering up space unnecessarily? Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation take furniture to sell on for funds so your de-cluttering can help someone in need.

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HOME | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE Changing SOFT FURNISHINGS can also alter a room and doesn’t need to cost a fortune. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, or know someone who is, go to mill shops or outlets and buy enough material for matching curtains and cushion covers – even the odd throw.

– add a natural look to any area. They’re also a good-value way of improving any room.

This new colour scheme can liven up the most traditional room and help make it a lovely place in which to spend time.

Making your WINDOWS, DOORS and CONSERVATORY more energy-efficient not only makes them cosier and weather-resistant all year round but is also more cost-effective.

RE-DECORATE walls and either change or cheer up the paintwork. Even a fresh coat of white gloss can make rooms gleam and change the whole aspect of a living space. Consider the latest wallpaper, too, to add a modern twist to your room even if you can’t afford new furniture.

New FLOORING can change the look of a room. If you’re lucky enough to have good floorboards, invest in a sander and then varnish them afterwards. Add some sumptuous rugs and you’ve got a cosy, glowing room.

While energy bills are obviously in the news and could be a problem this Winter, it’s still worth planning on all the ways to insulate your home and help cut the bills.

Consider double or even triple glazing to reduce draughts, cut down on external noise and lessen any build-up of condensation.

This is also a good time to think about always turning off lights and heaters we don’t need, using the tumble dryer less and buying energy-efficient items like kettles.

Or, take a look at the latest carpets and flooring and choose a type to suit the area you want.Your local carpet retailer is a wealth of knowledge so explain your needs and they will offer plenty of ideas.

Better LIGHTING can transform any area. There are all kinds of lights available now that can brighten up a dark area and offer you extra space.

LED light bulbs can both help with the bills and add that modern glow, not to mention being better for the planet.

And while we’re on the subject of “going green”, PLANTS around the home – whether they’re hanging plants or in well-placed pots

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HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

What is Chiropractic Care?

When we talk about chiropractic care, it's important to understand that the nervous system and spine are integral to your long-term health. The spine should move in a certain way and continuously during the day. As humans, we sit too much and don't move enough. It starts to affect the function of the spine and can impair brain function. And since the brain is the master system of the body it can begin to have a negative effect on those areas.

"I'm in pain can chiropractic help me?"

At last the shortest day is behind us and with it brings the glimmering hopes of spring.When the good weather allows, it’s tempting to spend all day in the garden. However, a little caution and self-care can help to prevent a lot of gardening related injuries.

Gardening is a fantastic form of exercise, but as with all activities it’s better to build up slowly. Here are my top tips to keep you happy and pain free in the garden this spring.

1. Have a warm up before you start. A 10-minute walk with some gentle shoulder rolls, or slowly marching on the spot can help get your body moving.

2. Breaking sessions down into 30 minute chunks and taking time to rest between can really help prevent niggles and stiffness the next day 3. Lower backs and knees are particularly susceptible to gardening related injuries. Simple steps like sitting on a stool rather than constant bending, or using a kneeling pad can be of great benefit. Additionally, if lifting heavy things don’t be afraid to ask for help or do two trips instead of one.

4. Be aware of your posture when pruning hedges, especially if they are overhead height.Try and keep your shoulders relaxed to prevent extra strain on the neck.

5. As the warmer weather comes keep hydrated with plenty of water 6. If you are feeling any pain afterwards use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 10-15 minutes on the affected area.

As Chiropractors our role is to ensure your body is pain free and performing at its optimum. If you are struggling, or simply fancy a ‘check over’ this spring, please get in touch to see if we can help.

Your initial visit will include A private consultation with a chiropractor/osteopath.

X rays if necessary (normally £70) Spinal examination, orthopedic and neurological tests A confidential report of findings An explanation of our treatments procedure if we determine Chiropractic can help you.

For a limited time period, we will complete a full consultation, examination, Xrays (if necessary) and a full report of findings all for £35 (Normally £135) Offer open to new patients only

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We treat these conditions Headaches, neck pain, back pain Prevention of migraines Muscle spasms, joint pain Tired all the time

If your experiencing any of these symptoms please call our clinic today for an appointment

Marple chiropractic clinic 8-10 Derby way, Marple, SK6 7AH 0161 449 5006 www.chiropractichealthsolutions.co.uk Stockport Chiropractic Clinic 466 Didsbury Road,Heaton Mersey, SK4 3BS 0161 432 6708

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GARDEN | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Preparing your Garden for Spring Planning is the key to success in the spring garden says garden writer Julia Heaton.

Sunshine days of summer may seem an age away but spring certainly isn’t. So now is the ideal time to get some basic jobs out of the way in preparation for the new season and the pruning, planting and seed sowing ahead. Here are some of my essential tips to give you that all important head-start.

Get to grips with tools If you didn’t clean your hand tools (rakes, spades, trowels) properly on their last outing go ahead and remove any remnants of soil from the heads using a bristle brush. Leave them to soak in a mix of water and 10 per cent bleach for around half an hour, then dry them off and wipe down with an oily rag before storing.

As well as cleaning in water and detergent any bladed tools – like pruning knives, secateurs and garden shears – will benefit from sharpening and oiling so they provide nice clean cuts and stop the risk of spreading disease between plants. This will also make your tools easier to use and ensure they last, saving you money in the long term.

There’s also garden machinery, like the lawnmower, to check over. The latter needs to be in good working order and safe so make sure electric cables aren’t worn or chafed and that blades are clean and sharp. If you have a petrol mower it’s a good idea to drain any fuel off as it will have deteriorated during the cold winter weather.

Remove slugs and snails Don’t wait for pests to make a meal of your perennials. As temperatures in the ground start to rise hunt down slugs and snails emerging from hibernation and eggs preparing to hatch.

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Look for groups of tiny yellow and white eggs in sheltered places like underneath stones, shrubs or in the crown of perennial plants. Then leave them unprotected in the sunlight so that other wildlife can feed on them.

Beer traps are one of the many options for dealing with the adults.You could also create some dark, damp, places where they’ll love to hide out during the day – then all you need do is collect them. There are also deterrents like crushed egg shells, copper tape and coffee grounds. Consider also introducing plants that slugs avoid like agapanthus and Dicentra spectabilis.

Test the soil Once you’ve done a soil test you’ll know which plants will and won’t flourish in your garden. Tests from garden centres will tell you the pH level of the soil (whether alkaline, neutral or acid) so you can adjust it accordingly and make a more informed decision about what to grow.

Deal with weeds Annual weeds, like meadow grass and groundsel, are easy enough to pull-up but perennial weeds, such as couch grass, bindweed and dandelions, need careful handling. There are different types of weedkiller that you can call upon, depending on the area you want to treat. In densely planted borders though it’s probably better to do the job by hand. Just ensure that you remove as much of the root as possible, so there’s no chance of them resprouting.

Feed beds and borders Add some nutrients, by way of a general fertiliser, to mixed borders of trees, perennials, bulbs and shrubs. General fertilisers come in various forms including granular. This just requires sprinkling evenly throughout the border, according to the instructions on the box, and forking in. The latter is important as concentrations of fertiliser lying against plants can burn them.

Go ahead and mulch Once you’ve weeded and fed borders add a mulch. This is a layer of well-rotted garden compost, mushroom compost, bark or bagged soil improver and is one of the best things you can do for your plants. When spread an inch or more thick on the soil surface it acts like a barrier, depriving weeds of the light they need to germinate and trapping moisture so that plants have plenty to call upon when temperatures rise. All you need to do is leave nature to take its course as it rots down, improving structure and providing nutrients.

Give pots a dressing Container plants can’t always be repotted. If you’ve got a shrub, fruit tree or perennial growing in compost that’s a year old or more then a layer of fresh compost will be beneficial. Scrape away an inch or so of the old compost from the surface and replace with fresh. Plant roots will soon feel the benefit as creatures and microbes gradually integrate old with new.

Clean fencing and paths If your patio or paths are regularly in the shade then it can lead to a build-up of moss and green algae during winter, making it slippery and unsightly. If it’s not too bad then soapy water and a brush should do the job. Otherwise use a patio, path cleaner or pressure washer to despatch it. There are also specialist cleaners for wooden decking.

Check out fencing and other wooden structures like gates and pergolas and deal with any rot or winter damage. A power washer will help remove any dirt, moss or mildew and when completely dry freshen up with a couple of coats of wood preservative or paint.

Install a water butt If you haven’t already got a water butt it’s worth installing one in the long run. Use a diverter kit to siphon off rainwater from a downpipe on the side of your house. Harvesting rainfall is environmentally friendly and rain water is the better than tap water for plants. Ericaceous types, like camellias, particularly benefit as tap water is often more alkaline. Just as importantly, installing a few butts is good for your water bill too.

Go shopping Finally, take a quick inventory of what’s already in the shed and what you’ll be needing. Everything from compost and seeds down to pots and feed. This is also an ideal time to plan the summer-flowering bulbs you’ll want to plant in early spring.

Having a proper shopping list will help you focus on exactly what you want to accomplish this year.

Before undertaking any gardening tasks see page 31 for tips on how to keep happy and pain free in the garden this Spring from Marple Chiropractic Clinic.

Clean out shed and greenhouse Sweep down floors and surfaces. Tools in the shed should be hung so that you can get to them easily. The less clutter on the floor the better.

Wash down greenhouse windows inside and out with disinfectant. This will ensure that plants get enough light and also destroy any potential homes for pests and diseases to lurk in. Make sure all pots and seed trays from last year are clean too.

Then leave the door and windows open to help the space dry off.

Remember also to check glass for any damage and replace panes if necessary.

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HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR SURVIVOR MINDSET IN CHALLENGING TIMES

The last two years have taught most of us how resilient we can be, but many of us are wondering how we will cope with further challenging times that we may face in 2022, especially if we are already feeling exhausted. Difficult or stressful times can affect our responses, behaviours and beliefs. Our basic survival responses are instinctive, but we each have a preferred response to threat, whether it’s fight, flight, freeze or appease, as a result of learned past experiences and other factors, which means we are likely to behave in a particular way. So how can we access our survivor mindset to cope with the bumps and twists and turns in the road ahead?

Believe that you can cope. A survival mindset means we have a solid faith that whatever the situation is, it is survivable, and our brains begin to take charge in dealing with problems. The opposite to this is a victim mentality which can halt us in our tracks and will have an impact on our ability to make logical decisions, solve problems, manage stress, feel motivated and collaborate with others.

Deal with conflict so you can focus on the job ahead as a team.

International mediator and conflict specialist, Jane Gunn says: “Any conflict, or anything that threatens our needs and interests, values, attitudes and beliefs, is reacted to as if it were an immediate threat to our survival. But if there is a culture of transparency, honesty and respect then conflict flare ups can be diffused early (but not swept under the carpet) leaving the team to work well when we most need them to.

Rest is vital after stress. Neuroscientist and business psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw says: “When we experience danger or stress, the Sympathetic-Adrena-medullar (SAM) axis quickly responds 34

releasing adrenaline and noradrenalin. Our heart rate increases and our ‘fight, flee or freeze’ response is activated. Whilst the HypothalamusPituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis is slightly slower to respond, it will then be triggered to release cortisol from the adrenal glands. Cortisol is useful in the short term because it helps the brain’s use of glucose for energy, but it is toxic if it continues for too long. What is important is that we need the Parasympathetic Nervous System (rest and digest) to take over from the Sympathetic Nervous System (fight or flight) to find calm again when any immediate threat is over. Look after yourself well, take time to step away from stressful situations, prioritise good quality sleep and try and enjoy stress-busting exercise.

Communicate effectively and listen deeply. Jane Gunn says: “Learn about, understand and acknowledge every aspect of problems arising at work. Poor communication is at the heart of many relationship breakdowns, conflicts and disputes and leads to talent loss, poor productivity, low morale and loss of sales.”

Take a wider view: “We interpret everything we see, hear or experience in business according to our pre-existing view of the world but everyone understands the world in their own way We all have our strengths and knowing what yours are and playing to your strengths, and then knowing when you could benefit from the help of others is key to good survival in difficult times.”

Show empathy to others. “Put yourself in the other person’s position and understand why they see the world and their specific problems in that way to build trust and relationships. Trust in those around you and encourage others to trust in you”.

Be positive to build your resilience. Dr Lynda Shaw says: “Keep stress in check so it doesn’t become an added danger to you physically and mentally. Know you can be resilient. Build a plan, be adaptable, flexible and nimble. Whilst not everything can be controlled, a lot can be. Be positive – all challenges come to an end.”

Stay social. “Our social needs are treated by the brain in the same way as physical needs such as food or water. Business leaders need to build this into hybrid working in the future.” www.janegunn.co.uk and www.drlyndashaw.com

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