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BANKFIELD 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.
l Organised activities by our experienced full time Activities Coordinator
l Outings to the Theatre, Canal Boat Trips, Museums & Garden Centres etc.
l Links to the local community through Churches
l CCTV within the home and grounds
l Accommodates 30 residents
which their importance.
who Choice •
• Up to 30 residents, 24 single and 3 Twin Rooms
• 3 Lounges / 2 Dining Rooms / Large Conservatory
We offer dedicated care, providing each individual resident with security, dignity and peace of mind in a homely family environment.
• Permanent / Short Term / Respite Stay
• Day Care Service
• Home Made Cooked Food
l Located in private grounds with landscape gardens, pergola, stone barbecue and pond
l Hairdresser, Chiropodist, Ophthalmic and Dental Services, Church Services
l Six Weekly Resident Relative Meetings
• Social Activities on a Daily Basis
• Beautifully Appointed Formal Gardens
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.
• Visiting Practitioners
• Regular Outings
Our extensive person-centred activities itinerary is coordinated by our experienced full-time dedicated member of staff five days per week.
• Weekly Hairdressing
• CCTV/ 24hr Security
Activities take place within the care home and in the community through local Churches and Nursery Schools. During the summer months Bankfield House Residents are able to enjoy our gardens, planting herbs and tomatoes etc, in the raised garden beds.
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.
We also hold our annual barbecue, (weather permitting) 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.
By Angela Kelly
Would you be willing to open up your hear t and home and welcome individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine?
22-23
25-28
30-31
Recipes from Mary Berry fit for a Coronation
7 Flowers to Plant in Spring.
If you are willing to share your space with those in need of a safe place, you can find out more information here and register your interest:
A smile is one of the most basic, biologically uniform expressions of all humans. Smiling is not just a universal means of communicating, it’s also a frequent one. More than 30% of us smile more than 20 times a day and less than 14% of us smile less than 5 times a day.
Smiling has a host of benefits which include:
Mood Boosting - Psychologists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood smiling can lift your spirits. Boost your immunity - smiling makes your body more relaxed and contributes to a good health and stronger immunity.
Relieves Stress - Smiling releases endorphins which reduce stress and change your mood. Even forcing a smile has the same effect.
Lowering blood pressure - Reducing stress and smiling can also help lower blood pressure.
Smiles are infectious - Not only do others smile when we smile but studies also suggest we appear more attractive to others when we smile.
What if you don’t like your smile, do you suffer from loose poorly fitted or broken dentures? We have been helping denture wearers to get beautiful smiles.
Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.
In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.
At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth,
being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.
Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.
Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage.
Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.
By Angela Kelly
Staying patient is apparently viewed as a more positive trait by others. Research suggests that people who can stay calm in the face of these constant, petty frustrations are more likely to be empathetic, have a more even temperament and suffer less from depression.
So if you think you’re going to blow a gasket, just breathe, keep your temper and wait patiently.
HAVE you noticed how short-tempered we’ve become as a nation?
That famous British cool – the stiff upper lip and stoic approach –seem largely to have faded away in favour of impatience, temper and an unwillingness to understand the other person’s point of view.
Take to the road and you’ll see how quickly other drivers push to get past you, even if you’re keeping to the speed limit and sensible about driving conditions.
Road rage is now pretty common on a daily basis. According to police figures, there has been a steep rise since 2012 and in one recent year alone there were 18,605 road rage incidents recorded around Britain.
Queue anywhere and you’ll quickly winkle out the impatient people. Grumbling turns to raised voices in no time – and this from a nation so used to queuing post-war that our stoicism was the envy of the world.
In fact, it was hearing about a shocking incident in a Lidl store which reminded me how short tempers have actually become.
A woman waiting in the checkout queue felt another customer was taking too long and ended up screaming and shouting at him.
Worse, when another woman spoke up for him, asking her to calm down, the woman turned her ire on her …. chucking broccoli at her, bizarrely after scanning it first!
Patience is the ability to stay calm while you’re waiting for an outcome that you need or want. According to psychology experts, it comes in three main varieties: interpersonal patience, life hardship patience and daily hassles patience.
I suspect the latter causes the most problems for people and the advice is to focus to achieve what you want and to keep your emotions under control.
Self-discipline is the key here so we probably need to practise this skill more than others.
Yes, life can be irritating and make us impatient but we do need to keep a sense of proportion.
LIKE many people of my generation, it has taken a while to get my head around online influencers and their many followers. But just when that all seemed logical, along come ANIMALS with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok.
Yes, there are cats and dogs out there in cyberspace who are followed regularly by excited people all over the planet. Nor is it just followers they gain but often lucrative contracts for everything from petfood lines to their own feline fashions and doggy accessories.
They sometimes come in twos and threes. Darren and Phillip, alias the blueboys, are two bubbly Staffordshire bull terriers with more than 300,000 followers on TikTok and close to 10 million likes.
They wear cute dog outfits and followers are fascinated by their daily lives.
For bird enthusiasts, Wolfie and Sharky, two blue parrots regularly showcase their skills doing all sorts of tricks like skateboarding and playing basketball.
Now, a black and white cat called Gacek has captured the hearts of tourists visiting Polish city Szczecin. They’ve swapped visiting historical landmarks for a tour with Gacek.
He has his own Instagram page and a section on Google maps. Unfortunately, tourists constantly feeding him have made him a little, ahem, portly but he’s still adorable.
I don’t think our Jack Russell Ollie will be clocking up thousands of followers anytime soon, though.
He won’t keep still for a quick photo, is only interested in dog biscuits and lives a life dominated by naps. Not much to view there.
One such amazing lady is Stacey Victoria who lives in Huddersfield. She has revealed how she saves £200 a month with clever, waste-free ideas which even include re-purposing empty juice cartons into plant pots. She has cut back each month on items the family could do without and overhauled her shopping and now, she states: “I get such a good feeling from making use of discarded items again.”
There aren’t many upsides to the current money woes of people but taking that sort of practical, pro-active approach is a lesson to us all.
PIANOS have been popping up in train stations and shopping malls for a while with the world and his wife having a go to prove their musicality – or lack of it.
But the brainwave to build a TV series around this with expert judges secretly watching is sheer genius.
This is the idea behind The Piano, a new Channel 4 reality show filmed in train stations in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds, with the best amateur pianists invited along to demonstrate their skills.
THE severe hike in the cost of living has made all of us re-think daily household costs and general spending.
It’s a tough time, especially for those already struggling to get by, and heart-breaking to hear of many families and individuals whose lives have changed for the worse.
The only slight chink in the gloom is the way it has made many people more inventive with household cash and getting the most from every penny.
The result is surprisingly uplifting to the point of tears as talented youngsters and oldsters alike play, delighting passing station audiences and thousands more at home. Judges pop star Mika and star pianist Lang Lang both prove knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Many of the performances reveal amazing stories, like 13 year-old Lucy who became blind from eye cancer and young Daniel who fell in love with music during lockdown and taught himself to play through YouTube videos.
The various styles are fascinating but the passion is shared and reveals a hidden national musical treasure trove.
£214
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 35 luxury 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.
Every break includes:
from Return coach travel (self-drive option available) Comfy en suite accommodation Breakfast & 3-course evening meal
Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice
Coach & Self-Drive Holidays January 2023 – December 2023
Request your brochure now!
Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Live nightly entertainment
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.
When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you...
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).
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 2022/23. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.
Offer ends 30th April 2023
10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.
Sally Cope, Regional General Manager, UK/Northern Europe,Tourism Australia spoke to Jennie Carr about the incredible natural beauty in Australia and what Silver Travellers might enjoy best.
Given that this is such a vast country, almost the size of Europe, visitors would be challenged to visit the whole country in one visit. Interestingly, about 50% of all British travellers who do visit return to Australia at least once more.
Sally suggests a three weeks’ trip, starting in Sydney to explore the city, the harbour area the bridge and of course, the Opera House. Next fly to Uluru in the red centre of the country, to experience the remarkable outback landscape and learn about the Australia’s indigenous culture. It’s a very flat region and the skies seem enormous, perfect at night for stargazing with so little light pollution. Finally fly up to Cairns in tropical North Queensland, which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visiting these three places will give a real appreciation of the diversity of Australia’s landscapes and a good flavour of the country.
An absolute must do in Sydney is a harbour cruise, either on a small boat or with dinner on a larger vessel. Even for non-surfers, Bondi Beach can’t be missed, just enjoy a drink, people watch and get a sense of the Australian lifestyle. For great dining, head to Circular Quay and The Rocks area, with the old sandstone buildings whose building blocks were hand-carved by convicts. You can also take a tour with an Aborigine
guide and hear the traditional creation stories of the harbour area along with tales of the first European arrivals.
The Opera House is an extraordinary building just to visit, although Sally thoroughly recommends watching a show there if you can. Sydney is also the starting point for trips to the Hunter Valley Wine region and the Blue Mountains’ spectacular landscapes where very accessible bush walks are on offer.
Tasmania, nicknamed Tassie
This large island, off the coast of Victoria in the south east, has no international airport so you have to fly into Hobart, the capital, via another Australian city. Tasmania has over 40% of its land protected in some form of reserve, so eco-tourism and the environment are hugely important here. It’s incredibly easy to get out of the city into wilderness
areas. Coach tours can take you on full island tours or else self-driving gives the freedom to explore as you wish.
Hugely popular for Silver Travellers are multi-day walking tours such as the coastal Bay of Fires trip or Cradle Mountain Hikes, where you could see the famous Tasmanian Devil in the alpine scenery. You carry what you need for the day, then stay at lodges or cabins offering hot showers and a decent meal. So that’s wild walking but not wild camping! Perfect for slowing right down and immersing yourself in the pristine natural environment. Sally reckons it can be really transformational to get out into Tasmania’s wilderness.
For a collection of superb, small, independent boutique hotels (lodges in Australia), take a look at luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au. Sally really recommends them for their ‘sense of place’ and for really belonging to where they are located, along with the outstanding guided experiences they provide. Take Lake House, on Lake Daylesford in Victoria’s spa country which offers a school cooking school focussing on local produce: it’s true foodie’s delight. Or Bamurru Plains in the wetlands near Darwin which is akin to a safari lodge, with boat tours of the Sampan river for wildlife and bird spotting. All with high environmental and sustainability standards. As Sally put it, ‘muddy or dusty boots by day with a hot shower and a very good glass of wine in the evening.’
Lizard Island at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef, opposite Cooktown, has exceptional accommodation where you can swim out over the reef, possibly sharing the waves with a large green sea turtle. Off the coast of Adelaide in the south, Kangaroo Island is a haven for wildlife, kangaroos and koalas included, which is recovering fast from
Free up cash and live life to the full in a comfortable, low-maintenance home at Mount Pleasant Park. Join a friendly, like-minded community exclusive for the over 45s and get the most out of every day.
the fires in late 2019/early 2020: the bush vegetation regenerates swiftly. Just two and half hours from Perth, Margaret River and its surrounds are home to Australia’s premium wines, with self-guided wine tours, outstanding eateries and good places to stay. A must for gourmands.
Such a vast land mass, Australia generally does not suffer from over tourism or crowds so you can be confident of having space to enjoy your visits. Being in the Southern hemisphere the seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. In the middle of the year, head north to Darwin, Northern Queensland, Western Australia and the Kimberley for cooler drier weather. Go south in the summer (November to March) for the most comfortable time to travel.
Next steps
For all things Australian, visit australia.com. Call our Silver Travel Advisors to discuss and book your trip 0800 412 5678, they’ll help you create the perfect, personal itinerary.
2023 UK & EUROPEAN COACH HOLIDAYS & SHORT BREAKS
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the freedom of the open road and explore new destinations, investing in a caravan or motorhome could be a great option. Glossop Caravans is a trusted and reputable dealership that offers a wide range of high-quality caravans and motorhomes to suit any budget and lifestyle. Let’s explore the benefits of buying from Glossop Caravans and why investing in a caravan or motorhome will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
One of the biggest advantages of owning a caravan or motorhome is the freedom to explore. You can travel wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to worry about finding accommodation or sticking to a strict schedule. With a caravan or motorhome, you have everything you need right there with you, including a comfortable place to sleep, a kitchen to cook your own meals, and a bathroom for your convenience.
Owning a caravan or motorhome can also be a cost-effective way to travel. You won’t have to worry about paying for expensive hotels or eating out at restaurants every night. Instead, you can stock up on groceries and cook your own meals, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. Plus, with a caravan or motorhome, you’ll have the flexibility to travel for as long as you want.
When it comes to investing in a caravan or motorhome, quality and reliability are key. Glossop Caravans is renowned for offering high-quality vehicles that are built to last. All their caravans and motorhomes come with a warranty and are thoroughly checked and serviced when being sold, so you can rest assured that you’re getting a vehicle that’s in top condition.
Glossop Caravans offers a wide range of caravans and motorhomes to suit any budget and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a compact caravan for two people or a spacious motorhome that can accommodate the whole family, Glossop Caravans has something for everyone. Plus, with a range of different brands and models to choose from, you’ll be sure to find a vehicle that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Buying a caravan or motorhome is a big investment, and it’s important to have expert advice and support throughout the process. Glossop Caravans has a team of experienced and knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the buying process
and help you choose the perfect vehicle for your needs. Plus, they offer a range of after-sales services, including servicing and repairs, to keep your caravan or motorhome in top condition for years to come.
Jayne & Jason are loyal customers at Glossop Caravans. After owning tourers and static caravans, they decided to head on the open road and switched to a Motorhome & have enjoyed the open road ever since setting up an Instagram mrsts_ travels documenting their journeys!
“We waited a long time for our motorhome but we’ll worth it. Glossop kept us up to date then when collection day arrived we were blown away with the service received on handover. The van was inside full electric on and water to go through everything. It looked amazing.We’ve had tourers and a static and moved to motorhome. Kids grown up 1 granddaughter.We love the layout with the pop up seat-belted seats as when not using can be stored away. I personally don’t like seeing the seat belts all the time.”
“You don’t need lots we have 2 chairs table groundsheet barbecue cool box.We store everything under the bed. People are see to say oh motorhomes rattle around when you travel so a tip from me is I have storage baskets in the cupboards with all the things in plus easier to lift out the basket to get what you need. I also like a proper wine glass and mug so I use bubble wrap to wrap them. All the shelves I’ve lined with like a rubber matting stops things sliding about.”
“What we love with the chatsworth range is you get everything you need on it. Reversing camera canopy outside gas electric points even a shower and can blinds which was a must for me.We’ve had a year now and been to 30 different sites. Planned our European tour for June this year. So easy with a motorhome we decide on a Thursday night right let’s go.”
“Go visit glossop there’s all different layouts there fab to deal with. Great shop too for all your extras. Everybody is very helpful.When eventually we do change we’ll defo be back to glossop.”
Investing in a caravan or motorhome from Glossop Caravans can offer you the freedom to explore, cost-effective travel, quality and reliability, a range of options, and expert advice and support. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why owning a caravan or motorhome could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. So why wait? Head to Glossop Caravans today and start your adventure on the open road!
VERY often when car makers introduce an update it is merely cosmetic… aimed at persuading us that we must be seen to have the most up to date version.
However, our latest car on test is quite the reverse - while the 2023 UK built Swace self-charging hybrid looks pretty much like its predecessor a lot has changed under the skin.
It was already a good mid-size family estate car with lots of room, comfort, equipment and performance but Suzuki has now introduced several upgrades.
The first is in performance where the car’s 1.8 petrol four pot has got another 18bhp and the electric motor boosted to give a combined 140bhp meaning the 0 to 62 time goes down to 9.4 seconds (from 11.1) while economy and CO2 emissions are virtually unchanged at an impressive 62mpg combined and 102g/km.
Exterior styling has been refreshed, safety equipment enhanced and digital and multimedia systems upgraded as part of a higher standard specification across the two model range – Motion and Ultra.
A clear and easy to use eight inch central infotainment touch screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless smart phone connection, rear camera and adaptable cruise control are on all Swaces while Ultra versions also get Bi-LED headlights, parking sensors all round, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and smart door locking.
Those safety upgrades mean the car boasts advanced assist functions including emergency stop if it detects erratic driving, safe exit assist where a warning is triggered if a door is about to be opened into the
path of an oncoming vehicle, a pre collision system to help prevent crashes, auto high beam, lane departure alerts and road sign assist.
The car can be driven in EV only mode for short distances and there are also normal, eco and sport settings. Sat nav is now via your smartphone.
Priced at £29k for the Motion and £30,799 for the Ultra, Suzuki say they expect to only sell around 2,000 each year here, so there will be a degree of exclusivity for owners. Also UK-built Swaces are being exported to Europe.
However, more sharp-eyed readers will have spotted that the Swace has an almost identical twin in the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports with only a couple of differences beyond the badging - the Swace only has one engine option and a smaller infotainment screen.
It is the latest result of collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota (following the Suzuki Across and Toyota RAV4) although Suzuki only offer an estate version.
I got the chance to try out a Swace Ultra at a recent Suzuki UK launch event through the leafy lanes and A roads of North Cheshire and it proved to be a very capable, comfortable and easy to live with motor.
While Suzuki are not one of the biggest players in the UK car market they have a loyal fan base of customers, many of whom keep their cars for several years. The manufacturer also regularly scores well in satisfaction and reliability surveys.
So with great economy, lots of space for people and luggage plus all the latest kit and safety equipment the stylish Swace could well be a hit for Suzuki.
More info at www.suzuki.co.uk
For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/
WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS.
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service
That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service. That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definately no hassle!
We are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday group overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Ltd. This is a Government Approved Protection Scheme.
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay
WE ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY BONDED
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.
And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use moder n coaches ans mature friendly drivers.
WITHIN 30 MINUTES.
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.
SUPER HOTELS, ALL INCLUDED!
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to out waiting coach a Birch Services.
We use a wide range of mainly 3 and 4 star hotels, some privately owned many part of larger chains. All entrances and excursions are included in the price stated.
The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door!
COACHES AND DRIVERS.
We use modern executive coaches and all our drivers are experienced, mature and friendly!
WE NEVER DISCOUNT. therefore everybody on board pays the same price.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE RETURN. Your taxi will be waiting for you to take you home.
TRAVEL INSURANCE?
All our customers are offered our coach specific insurance, pre existing medical conditions are covered for UK travel with no upper age limit.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
in the UK, we will refund the difference to the whole coach!
Nothing we can think of!
SAVE £10.00 PER PERSON
Join our facebook community by ‘liking’ our page to view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs. ellensmithtours
you’ve never tried coach holidays before, why not let We’ve been established for over 120 yearsso we know a bit about coaching holidays!
HE’S been a bouncer, a DJ, a rapper and a kickboxer. Oh, and he’s a very successful actor in the UK and the US and is regularly suggested as the next James Bond – although he denies he’d ever do it.
Idrissa Akuna Elba – aka Idris Elba – has the kind of star quality that wannabes would kill for. And, as he reaches his 50s, a timeless magnetism that means his star never looks like waning.
This year sees the return of one of his most iconic characters – dark detective Luther – when a new Luther film comes to Netflix. The tall, deep-voiced actor, however, has managed to resist being totally typecast.
His starry story started in the London borough of Hackney where he was the only child of Winston, originally from Sierra Leone and Eve, from Ghana.
Idris shortened his forename while still at school in Canning Town where he also first became involved in acting. He saw an advert in The Stage for a play, auditioned and later met his first agent while performing the role.
In 1986 he started helping an uncle with his wedding DJ business and within a year had his own DJ company with some friends.
He won a place at the National Youth Music Theatre after receiving a £1,500 Prince’s Trust grant. Later, between roles in his early career, he worked in various jobs including tyre-fitting, cold-calling and night-shifts at Ford Dagenham.
He worked in nightclubs under the DJ nickname Big Driis but in his early 20s began auditioning for TV roles. His first acting role was in a murder reconstructions for Crimewatch and in 1994 he appeared in a BBC children’s drama called The Boot Street Band.
The following year, he landed his first significant role on medical drama series Bramwell, set in 1890s England. Then he was cast as a gigolo in an episode of Absolutely Fabulous, heralding many supporting roles in British TV including The Bill, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Dangerfield.
Idris decided, however, to move to New York City, returning to England occasionally for TV roles. In 2001 he played Achilles in a stage production of Troilus and Cressida in NYC.
After being in a supporting role in an episode of Law & Order, Idris won a starring role on the 2002 HBO drama series The Wire. This proved an important step as he appeared in this popular series until 2004 as Russell “Stringer” Bell, giving him his best-known role in America.
In 2005, he appeared in HBO film Sometimes in April about the Rwandan genocide and in a 2007 special Black Men: The Truth. He was in the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, filmed in Botswana – a series which premiered in 2008 on BBC One and attracted 6.3 million viewers.
In 2009, though, he signed a deal to star in the lead role in the six-part BBC TV series Luther. This aired in May, 2010, and the compelling detective series immediately captured viewers’ imagination. At the 2012 Golden Globes awards, it earned him Best Actor in a Series.
Alongside his TV career, however, he was carving out a very solid career in films. In 2007, he played the lead role in Daddy’s Little Girls as a blue-collar mechanic who falls in love with an attorney helping him gain custody of his children.
The same year, he appeared in 28 Weeks Later and This Christmas and the following year in horror film Prom Night and the Guy Ritchie London gangster movie RocknRolla.
In 2009, he starred in horror film The Unborn and in thriller Obsessed, opposite Beyonce, in a box-office success earning $29 million on its opening weekend.
Idris then played a black ops soldier in Legacy and another in thriller Takers before appearing in Kenneth Branagh’s film Thor based on the Marvel Comics’ superhero.
In 2012, Idris gave an impressive performance as Nelson Mandela in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom based on the African leader’s autobiography.
As part of his preparation for the role he spent a night locked in a cell alone on Robben Island where Mandela had been imprisoned. His subsequent performance earned him a Golden Globes’ nomination.
The same year, he played Captain Janek in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and in 2013 joined the cast of futuristic Pacific Rim.
It was back to mingling with superheroes when he reprised his role in Thor: The Dark World in 2013 then played a vengeful psychopathic serial killer in No Good Deed in 2014.
In 2015 he was in the superhero blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron. Several voice roles followed: in Disney’s Zootopia, as
villainous tiger Shere Khan in The Jungle Book and as sea lion Fluke in Pixar’s Finding Dory.
There’s no doubt Idris plays an excellent villain, showcased next in the Fast & Furious franchise spin-off Hobbs & Shaw but he feels equally at home in other genres – he played Macavity in the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.
Music has plainly been important in his own life. He has appeared in music videos, featured on various singles and performed raps. He even launched his own record label, 7Wallace Music.
Away from the small and large screens, he collaborated with the UK Parliament in their efforts to eradicate ebola from West Africa and in 2016 addressed Parliament about the lack of diversity onscreen in race, gender and sexuality. He said:
His love of martial arts resulted in a documentary Idris Elba: Fighter, chronicling his 12-month kickboxing and mixed martial arts training.
In his personal life, he has been married three times and has two children. He has stated that he is spiritual but not religious. He also loves sport and is an avid Arsenal supporter.
In 2016, he was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama.
He says he would “never be fearful of any character” and his long and successful career so far ably demonstrates just that.
experience locally and check building firm reviews and ratings online.
Shortlist your favourites and talk to them in person, asking plenty of questions about your project. Don’t rush into anything, especially handing over money, unless you’re completely confident in an individual company and have checked them out thoroughly.
Remember that a new extension, conservatory or orangerie will also need furnishing so ensure you’ve budgeted for everything.
If you are looking to downsize – and around 55,000 households a year do - it’s definitely worth doing your homework beforehand.
This is not just about paying bills, getting more for your money or having a financial plan. It is also about taking a good look at where you live and deciding if this is the best place for you.
Lockdown may have even forced you to assess if the amount of space and lifestyle you have is enough for you. So you may be looking to upgrade your property to something bigger, either by building and altering your current home or moving to a larger property.
Whatever you’re doing next, it’s important to have a realistic plan about, not just money, but also the details of your new life – like the furniture you will want, décor and daily lifestyle needs.
As we get older and children become independent, many people look to downsize and cut their bills, streamlining their way of living to something simpler and cheaper.
Or, you may prefer to upgrade your lifestyle, perhaps moving from a house to a swish apartment. The move may mean you need to seriously assess everything you own because there simply won’t be room for all of it.
Arm yourself with plenty of information whatever you plan to do. If you’re BUILDING onto an existing property, you may need a surveyor as well as a builder.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family or other reliable tradespeople that you’ve already used. Look for builders with
One body of research concluded that 64 is the best age to downsize as people are still mentally agile enough to deal with the house sale process and benefit most from getting rid of unused space. But it’s never too late to take good decisions to improve your lifestyle.
You may have family and friends nearby currently in a support network that can be really important as we get older so there are important questions to ask.
Does your new area have good transport system to ensure you can still get to see them and get about?
Are there good facilities like local GPs and clinics. Can you continue your hobbies and is it pet-friendly if you have a pet to take with you?
What sort of property are you considering? Is it a house, an apartment, sheltered housing, a retirement development or a park home?
Age UK have very helpful information on downsizing and also about the kinds of retirement properties to suit individuals. Go to ageco.co.uk for information.
They also suggest that if you have decided to downsize after careful consideration, put your property on the market then organise and de-clutter - but do give yourself lots of time for all this.
HIKES in the cost of living this year and a greater awareness of all our domestic bills has made many people think about changing the way they live.
If you measure up in your new place beforehand and make a floor plan you may be able to fit in your FURNITURE
It’s quite likely, though, that you may have to get rid of some –especially larger furniture that simply won’t fit into your new existence.
You could sell them on ebay or give them to a local charity or organisation like Freecycle which finds homes for furniture and other items.
It’s a good idea to DE-CLUTTER as soon as you start thinking about moving generally. Improving and refining your present property this way can help with a quick sale by making it more attractive to potential buyers.
If the task seems overwhelming, just try 10 minutes a day for a while to make inroads into it. This is sensible and stops you being exhausted and disheartened.
We also accumulate masses of paperwork over the years but it’s unlikely you’ll need it all so be brutal!
Ensure you give family and friends anything you want them to keep but otherwise be practical about whether or not you use an item and whether it will fit into your new home.
If, for example, you don’t have a garden at your new place or it’s a communal garden, you may not need a lawnmower.
Sell or give what you have identified as not needed and, again, local charity shops are very grateful for donations of all kinds of items including clothes, books and bric a brac.
Will your CURTAINS be useful or suitable for your new property or are you opting for new ones that better suit it? This may be the opportunity to go for new blinds – it’s certainly worth looking at the latest types which can really open up a room and make the most of available light.
Most people leave behind items like LIGHT FITTINGS because they go well with that property but you may have favourites that you feel would look good in your new home. Check details like ceiling height there before you start removing light fittings, though, as this may be pivotal in your choice.
Enjoy planning new colours and styles for your new décor. This is a chance for you to look at the latest shades and home-styles to create a new and happy home all over again.
that special celebration. The extensive menu includes always freshly made sandwiches and now so much more besides and as much as possible the ingredients and produce are sourced locally.
Alongside the ever-popular sweet Afternoon Tea there is a new savoury addition as well. Gorgeous cakes, pastries, freshly made scones and sweet treats are available seven days a week. You can also add a glass of fizz to your Afternoon Tea or lunch, or even a glass of wine or beer.
Gift vouchers are available, this is the perfect gift to say happy birthday, thank you or for an occasion such as Mother’s Day, for example. Why not pop along for the perfect cup of loose-leaf tea or bite to eat, and see for yourself?
Without a doubt, Angelica’s Tearoom will become a new favourite.
Now in a new position and much bigger than our previous tearoom you’ll love the decor, the light that the large mill windows allow in, the spacious feel as well as the new menu too! Angelica’s is a contemporary twist on a traditional tearoom with a stylish décor which is appealing to all who visit. The tearoom opened just before Christmas but had it’s official launch in February so it’s still feels and looks brand new.
Angelica’s Tearoom is the perfect place to meet with friends for breakfast, brunch, light lunch or afternoon tea – perfect for everyday or even
www.broadstonemillshoppingoutlet.co.uk
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 1h 20 mins
Makes: 12 medium sized empanadas
Ingredients:
600g Lamb shank
½ a bottle of Mary Berry’s
Blue Cheese Dressing
1 leek finely chopped
2 tbsp cooking oil
2 onions finely chopped
1 beaten egg
2 sheets ready to roll shortcrust pastry
100g Blue cheese, crumbled
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 200°C. On a baking tray place lamb shank and generously cover with Mary Berry’s Blue Cheese Dressing (about a third of a bottle or 80ml). Marinate overnight for the best results. Season lamb with black pepper and place in the oven for at least one hour or until cooked through. Set aside to cool.
Once cooled shred the meat off the bone and set aside. Bring a pan of oil to medium heat and fry onions and leeks until softened. Add your lamb, the rest of the blue cheese dressing and black pepper to taste. Take the filling off the heat and set aside.
Finely roll the pastry sheets and, using a large cookie cutter or a bowl, cut pastry into circles of roughly 12cm across.
Place two tablespoons of the filling in the centre of each round and fold the pastry over. To seal the empanada, use a fork to crimp the edges together.
Repeat with remaining rounds. You should end up with approximately 12 coronadas.
You can use any remaining dough to cut crowns to decorate the coronadas and give them a coronation themed twist.
Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15-20 min on 180°C until the pastry is golden brown in colour.
Serve with some extra Mary Berry’s Blue Cheese Dressing for drizzling or dipping and enjoy!
Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 25 mins Makes: 6-8 servings
Instructions:
Ingredients:
250g mushrooms cleaned and roughly sliced
1 clove garlic minced
1 tablespoon butter
150g grated Gruyere cheese
1 tbsp Mary Berry’s Light Salad Dressing, plus extra for serving.
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze (optional)
2 sheets ready to roll puff pastry.
3 tablespoons milk
Salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat oven to 180°C. Heat the butter in a frying pan and add the mushrooms, garlic, and thyme. Cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms are soft and darkened. Stir in the Mary Berry’s Light Salad Dressing and season with salt and pepper, gently mix. Sizzle with some balsamic glaze over and set aside.
Unroll the pastry and score a ½ inch border around the sheet. Pile the grated cheese followed by the mushrooms into the centre. Cut out a crown shape from the second puff pastry roll. Carefully place the puff pastry crown on the top of the tart.
Brush the edges and the crown with the milk and sprinkle with some fresh thyme. Bake for 20 minutes until the pastry is golden.
Serve warm, drizzled with some extra Mary Berry’s Light Salad Dressing and a side salad. Enjoy!
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6.
For the pastry, place the flour and butter in a food processor and blitz until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and 2-3 tbsp water and pulse to form a soft dough. Knead lightly, wrap in clingfilm and chill for 20-30 minutes.
Divide the pastry into 6 and use to line 6 x 10cm deep fluted tins. Line with foil and baking beans and bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and beans and cook for a further 5 minutes.
Prep: 25 minutes plus chilling
Cook: 25 minutes
Makes 6
Pastry:
175g plain flour
100g butter, diced
1 medium egg yolk
Filling:
100g asparagus tips, cut into 3’s
150ml double cream
2 medium eggs plus 1 medium egg yolk
100ml Mary Berry’s Blue Cheese Dressing
4 spring onions, sliced 50g Gruyere cheese, grated
1 tsp red bell pepper flakes
Meanwhile, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 2 minutes, drain and cool.
Whisk together the cream, eggs, egg yolk and blue cheese dressing in a large jug, season. Place the asparagus and spring onions in the pastry cases followed by the cheese. Pour over the sauce, sprinkle with pepper flakes and bake for 25 minutes until golden. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tins.
Try using Cheddar instead of Gruyere and a leek instead of the asparagus.
Instructions:
Peel the potatoes and cut lengthways into roughly 1cm slices. Cut each slice into fairly thick chips, rinse in cold water and pat dry with kitchen towel.
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully lower the chips into the hot oil and fry for 10 minutes, or until cooked through, but not browned. Carefully remove the chips from the pan, set aside to drain on kitchen paper.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place chips on a baking tray and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown.
Meanwhile cut fish into strips and season well with salt and pepper. Place the flour, whisked eggs and panko crumbs in 3 separate dishes, ready to coat the fish. Start by coating the fish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then coat the fish in the whisked eggs and finish
Preparation time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 45 mins
Level: easy
Total time: 1hr
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes
1 cup vegetable oil for frying
Sea salt (to taste)
2 cod fillets
Salt/pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup Panko crumb
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, whisked
4 tbsp Mary Berry’s Blue Cheese Dressing to serve
Lemon wedges to serve Chopped chives to serve
them off by coating in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to really press the breadcrumbs on the fish so they get a good crust.
Transfer the coated fish strips onto a baking sheet. Let the fish sticks rest while you heat the oil in the deep frying pan.
When oil is hot, add the fish strips. Fry for 3 minutes, after which the fish strips should be nicely browned on the underside and can be flipped.
Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the second side. Then remove and let them cool on a few paper towels.
Serve your double cooked chips and fish in paper cones, with a lemon wedge, sprinkle of chives and a drizzle of Mary Berry’s Blue Cheese Dressing.
Enjoy!
baskets, as they look great in all areas of the garden.
2. Marigolds
Marigolds are popular flowers for spring planting. The vibrant flowers do best in areas exposed to sunlight, therefore you should avoid planting marigolds in fully shaded areas such as behind trees. However, it is worth noting that in periods of extreme heat, these spring flowers will benefit from partial shade.
Some of the most popular flowers to plant in spring, marigolds are available in a range of stunning colours. The flowers can be planted in containers or flower beds, while smaller marigolds are perfect for creating beautiful borders in your spring garden.
Gardening is a popular hobby for people all over the world and it brings several benefits. It’s the perfect chance to keep busy and get some exercise while spending time in the great outdoors. It’s also a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine in the warmer months.
With Spring fast approaching, now is the perfect time to plan ahead and think of what to plant in your garden. Planting the correct flowers makes a huge difference to your garden - spring flowers bring joy, vibrancy and an abundance of colours to the space.
If you’re looking to create a thriving garden this spring, you’re in luck. In this post, we’re sharing 7 flowers to plant in spring. Let’s begin.
1. Primroses
Primroses are beautiful spring flowers that come in various different colours, from pink to yellow to white. You should plant primroses in spring and ensure you regularly water them. Most primroses thrive in moist soil, therefore you do not want to leave them underwatered.
The beautiful flowers are great options for people looking to add a burst of colour and fragrance to their garden. In terms of location, you can plant primroses in borders, window boxes or hanging
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers should be planted in spring, so they are ready to bloom in mid to late summer. Make sure to frequently water your sunflowers, and even more so during dry weather conditions. However, be careful not to overwater them as this can lead to root rot and become fatal for the plants.
As some of the most famous flowers in the world, sunflowers are loved by humans and wildlife alike. The vibrant petals attract all types of insects and pollinators including bees and more. Sunflowers are a great choice for your garden and are some of the best flowers to plant in spring.
With hydrangeas, you have the choice of planting them in either autumn or spring. The beautiful flowers do best in moist soil that is well drained. Available in a range of colours, the colour of the flower is actually determined by the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. To expand, hydrangeas will turn blue in acidic soil, whereas they will be pink in alkaline soil.
Hydrangeas are a stunning choice of flower to plant in spring and are sure to add warmth and colour to your garden from the minute they bloom.
5.
Petunias should be planted in spring. The gorgeous flowers like to be fully exposed to sunlight, so planting them in shaded areas is a no-go. The flowers will need watering more than usual in hot or dry weather conditions - this can be up to twice a day. Prop tip: take care not to over or underwater petunias as this will cause them to wilt, which can be detrimental.
The versatile flowers provide a great burst of colour wherever they go and can be placed in your choice of containers, hanging baskets or garden borders.
6. Zinnias
Zinnias are beautiful, vibrant flowers that should be planted in spring. The spring flowers thrive in full sun; they may be able to survive in partially shaded areas, however will not produce as many flowers. For best results, plant your zinnias in an area of your garden that is exposed to direct sunlight and avoid placing them in completely shaded areas.
The colourful flowers are a great addition to any garden in the spring, attracting bees and butterflies. Planting zinnias in your garden will have you on your way to creating a garden that is bursting with colour and life.
7. Lilies
Lily bulbs can be planted in early spring for bloom in mid-to-late summer. They are beautiful spring flowers to plant in March and are available in a variety of bright colours including pink, yellow, red and white. The classic flowers are considered low-maintenance and are easy to grow so won’t cause you any hassle.
The spring flowers look great wherever they are planted, whether in containers or dividing sections of your garden via borders.
Above, we have discussed what flowers to plant in spring to create a luscious spring garden filled with vibrancy and colour. You should now have an insight into some of the best flowers to plant in spring. Remember, it is important to choose your flowers wisely when deciding what to plant in spring, so they can bloom and grow properly.
Whatever you decide to plant in your garden this spring - whether it’s marigolds, petunias or primroses - we’re sure the space will look beautiful this spring and beyond.
