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WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST. HELENS JUNE - AUGUST 2013 EDITION 38

The world according

to Joan Cliff ’s

Back On Tour Competition inside to win tickets

Hairy Bikers

Delicious Summer dishes

It's not too late to adopt www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE LOCAL MAGAZINE

FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

e

Outstanding care in a magnificent setting Vibrant village centre - Belong

villages offer a range of amenities including bistro, hair and beauty salon, exercise studio, internet café and function rooms.

Expert nursing and dementia care - 24 hour care is delivered in

Visit your nearest Belong village to experience a radically different model of both housing and care.

family sized households by trained and qualified staff.

Actively chosen by older people who want the best for their lives, Belong’s award winning villages enable an active and independent lifestyle, while also being designed to support the needs of the most frail.

An award winning model • UK’s Healthcare Design Champion Building Better Healthcare Awards 2011

Modern apartments for independent living - One or two

bedroom apartments are available for rent or purchase.

• Dementia Carer of the Year National Care Awards 2011

• Best Elderly Care Design Award Design & Health International Awards 2010

• Lifetime Achievement Award in Dementia Care UK Dementia Congress 2010

• Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work 2010 • Bronze in Elderly Accommodation Council Awards 2010

Locations in Crewe, Macclesfield, Atherton and Wigan.

Your life, your pace, your way.

Supporting you in your own home - Belong also has a registered domiciliary care service, providing flexible, expert support to people in the community.

*Belong Warrington opening Summer 2014*

Call 0800 032 2266 to find out more or visit www.belong.org.uk

Belong sets the standard in dementia care Belong villages are operated by the CLS Care Services Group – a not-for-profit organisation with over thirty years’ experience in delivering outstanding care.

Its villages offer a purpose-built environment based on leading edge design to meet the needs of older people, particularly those with dementia. Belong villages are attracting national attention for their success in delivering a radically different model of both housing and care. For one, they have been designed around the needs of the very frail, typically 85 plus, sector of the population.

Embracing the community

From independent living to complex nursing care

Moreover, Belong’s support services are not restricted to those living within the village. Members of the community can be supported in their own home through the organisation’s registered domiciliary service, Belong at Home, or invited into the village to take advantage of Belong ‘Experience Days’ – a refreshing alternative to traditional day care.

Chief Executive, Nick Dykes, explains: “There are plenty of retirement villages out there for people over 55 who are able to lead reasonably active lives, but far fewer services designed for the growing population of frail older people.

“We had successfully pioneered a new ‘household’ model of care in our traditional care homes, but could not take this as far as we wanted because of the limitations of older buildings. In Belong, we were given a blank sheet of paper and were able to create mixed village communities that, for the first time, are able to accommodate the full spectrum of people’s needs.”

Residents can choose to live independently in village apartments, or enjoy a high level of support in the households. Even then, the level of support varies according to residents’ needs, from residential, through nursing to high dependency dementia care. The idea behind this is that villages should offer a home for life, with flexibility for residents to access different services should their needs change.

Leading edge design The design of the villages takes the lead from the needs of older people who live in them. Smaller households of around a dozen residents mean a family atmosphere can be created, and that residents are well understood and known to their carers.

Beyond this, strong links to other organisations have seen the village bring together a wide cross-section of the community, from toddler and baby groups through school teachers to memory clinics, creating a true sense of village life and, with it, opportunities for interaction with people of different ages and backgrounds.

Nick Dykes affirms the importance of this aspect. “One of the criticisms commonly levelled at retirement village type communities is that they are very insular. What we have been able to achieve in Belong is a more outward looking facility that has succeeded in bringing people in from the local community, whether just for a coffee or to join in activities on offer. Residents are equally flexible in the extent they choose to join in village life. Indeed, privacy and dignity are frequently cited amongst the best aspects of life in one of our villages.”

Responsible finances Behind the scenes, the CLS Group runs its operation on a financially sound but also ethical business model, generating the surplus that is required to ensure stability and security for residents. As a not for profit organisation, any surplus is reinvested into its services, people and facilities rather than benefiting private shareholders.

In particular, the open plan layout of these households supports easy orientation and ensures support workers are always visible to offer assistance in an unobtrusive way.

Residents have secure access to the outdoors from each household and can move freely in and out. At the same time, security is maintained between the households and village centre to ensure privacy within people’s own ‘homes’.

Crewe • Macclesfield • Atherton • Wigan • Warrington (opening Summer 2014)

content

NEW SHOE DEPARTMENT NOW OPEN

BIG BRANDS W MASSIVE SAVINGS

14-15

10-11 T R AV E L & L E I S U R E 7 Graham Smith...

Twittering On. 10-11 Travels around Tuscany...

By Maria Meredith.

INTERVIEWS 14-15 Joan Collins...

Joan Collins strolls through

the highlights of her life.

34-35 Suggs hits 50... ...and talks about his new show www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

4

‘My Life Story’.

ts...

26-27 34-35 38-39

FOOD & DRINK 26-27 The Hairy Dieters...

Delicious Summer dishes

H E A LT H 38-39 Learn to Relax...

Tips and advice to remove

stress from your life.

McGrath Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

something for everyone ... at The Farmers Market & Craft Centre

at Heskin Hall

over 30 shops...

High class Butchers, fresh Fruit & Veg, Gifts for all the family, Crafts, Clothing, Tea Room, Florist & Plant Centre, Wine Hampers, Art Gallery, Hair & Beauty, Kitchenware, Furniture & more.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES AND EVENT NEWS

Opening Times Tues - Sat: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm & Bank Holidays: 11am - 4pm

UNITS FOR RENT CALL FOR MORE DETAILS...

FREE PARKING & ENTRY

Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website

www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

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Graham Smith...

TWITTERING ON Twittering Pope I could of course make some very irreverent remark about the fact that the Pope has opened a Twitter account. But he’s got something going for him for he picked up over 300,000 followers in the first 24 hours of tweeting putting Stephen Fry and others in the shade.

I have a sneaking admiration for any 85-year-old who takes up social media but note that he has a new media department who will doubtless be handling his tweets before publication. It remains to be seen if congregations dwindle in the light of this innovation or whether many turn over in bed on Sunday morning and reach for their lap top!

The self-titled “bacontrepreneur” has also come up with other pork inspired products such as bacon roses, bacon lip balm and bacon baby formula.

And, for those “who love bacon to death”, he has created a £2,000 bacon-wrapped coffin.

Mr Esch added: “Bacon is delicious, people get excited when they smell it. When you walk into a room don’t you want people to be excited to see you?”

I told you they weren’t all locked up.

Coffin therapy Next time you fancy a lie down try a little coffin therapy!

A Ukrainian man is encouraging people to lie down for 15 minutes in one of his coffins to “prepare for the afterlife”.

Now why would I want to do that?

The coffin maker has been in business for ten years and says the feeling is just like being in a bed. It’s the same sheets and pillows with its own special aura. You can choose from one of ten coffins in a special room with birdsong, falling water and he says you go home in a completely different mood.

Err, no thanks

Little lit up donkey!

Hundreds of donkeys are to be fitted with glow-in-the-dark ear tags in Botswana to stop accidents on rural roads at night.

About 500 of the animals will be fitted with the reflective tags in the north of the country where one in ten crashes is donkey-related.

I think it’s a wonderful idea and also recommend the tags for those barmy joggers who tear around in pitch blackness.

The UK-based Society For The Protection Of Animals Abroad is paying for the Maun Animal Welfare Society, in Botswana, to carry out the project.

Is your man a pig?

A US company has created a gift for the man who has everything - bacon flavoured shaving scream.

J&D’s new product is described as “high end, luxurious bacon-scented shaving cream” and is on sale for about £9.

Inventor Justin Esch said: “There is nothing more powerful than the smell of bacon, nothing. Bacon is the smell of champions.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and bacon is the best part of breakfast. Why not smell like it and be the best?”

Laura Higham, outreach veterinary advisor for SPANA, said: “The people that own working donkeys are some of the very poorest in Botswana’s society and often have no choice other than to let their animals roam freely in search of food in the sparse desert environment.

“This practice is essential, but obviously makes the donkeys vulnerable to accidents and we hope that this simple solution will help reduce the number of collisions caused by the animals every year.”

The charities hope the project will be adopted in other parts of the country, and will be the first step towards making reflective tags a legal requirement for freely roaming livestock.

Isn’t science wonderful?

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7

H O L I D AY S

& T R AV E L

2013 BROCHURE OUT NOW-INCLUDIN G DAY EXCURSIO NS RING FOR YOUR COPY

Memory Lane is a well established coach company offering a high level of service. Our tour programme offers a wide range of UK and Continental Tours to many destinations and represent good value for money. All our Tour coaches are air conditioned for your comfort and most tours include admission with hot and cold drinks available.

Our Diner Coaches offer extra leg room as they are full size vehicles. The on board hostess will offer Morning Coffee and Lunch on touring days. All service and coaches are of the highest quality.

British & Continental Holidays & Short Breaks Date

Destination

Days

Hotel

DINER

EXECUTIVE Price

SRS

02 JUN BOURNEMOUTH

6HB

HINTON FIRS

YES

NO

£379

NIL

09 JUN TENBY

6HB

THE PARK HOTEL

NO

YES

£389

50

16 JUN CUMBRIA

7HB

GILSLAND SPA

YES

NO

£399

20

23 JUN TORQUAY

6HB

CORBYN HEAD HOTEL

NO

YES

£399

NIL

23 JUN IRELAND

6HB

CASTLECOURT HOTEL

NO

YES

£429

95

04 JUL

ISLE OF MAN

5HB

RUTLAND HOTEL

NO

YES

£395

40

05 JUL

WADDINGTON AIR SHOW

4HB

OLD BARN HOTEL

NO

YES

£259

70

13 JUL

TORQUAY

8HB

KISTOR HOTEL

NO

YES

£419

NIL

27 JUL

PAIGNTON

8HB

THE MARINE HOTEL

NO

YES

£489

NIL

29 JUL

WARNERS

5HB

THORSBY HALL - DRINKS INCLUSIVE

NO

YES

£438

NIL

02 AUG EDINBURGH TATTOO

3HB

BW KINGS MANOR

NO

YES

£259

45

03 AUG JERSEY - BATTLE OF THE FLOWERS

8HB

MAYFAIR HOTEL

NO

YES

£639

NIL

07 AUG EDINBURGH TATTOO

3HB

BW KINGS MANOR

NO

YES

£259

45

19 AUG WARNERS

5HB

SINAH WARREN

NO

YES

£399

NIL

24 AUG LLANDUDNO

7HB

QUEENS HOTEL

NO

YES

£379

18

31 AUG EASTBOURNE

8HB

HADDON HALL HOTEL

NO

YES

£439

NIL

01 SEP

BOURNEMOUTH

6HB

HINTON FIRS

YES

NO

£379

NIL

09 SEP

BLACKPOOL - ILLUMINATIONS

5HB

PARK HOUSE HOTEL

NO

YES

£259

NIL

22 SEP

BAMBURGH

6HB

VICTORIA HOTEL

YES

NO

£419

TBC

ALL TOURS - DOOR TO DOOR

8

HEATH STREET, GOLBORNE, www.50plusmagazine.co.uk WARRINGTON WA3 3AD.

28 SEP

LAKE GARDA, CASIMIRO & VENICE

29 SEP

LOOE

10HB

PARK HOTEL CASIMIRO

NO

YES

£695

135

6HB

HANNAFORE POINT

YES

NO

£429

TBC

04 OCT BLACKPOOL - ILLUMINATIONS

4HB

PARK HOUSE HOTEL

NO

YES

£199

NIL

07 0CT

5HB

MAYFAIR HOTEL

NO

YES

£439

NIL

11 OCT CUMBRIA - LINE DANCE SPECIAL

3FB

GILSLAND SPA

NO

YES

£145

TBC

12 OCT DURHAM & BEAMISH

2HB

HONEST LAWYER HOTEL

NO

YES

£99

15

13 OCT BOWNESS ON WINDERMERE

3HB

LINDETH HOWE HOTEL

NO

YES

£225

50

19 OCT THE RHINE ABLAZE

6HB

BEST WESTERN BELLE RHEINHOTEL

NO

YES

£479

100

21 OCT DUNOON

5HB

ESPLANADE HOTEL

YES

NO

£269

40

25 OCT TORQUAY - PARTY WEEKEND

4HB

KISTOR HOTEL

NO

YES

£139

NIL

31 OCT TENBY - TURKEY & TINSEL

5HB

THE BELGRAVE HOTEL

NO

YES

£249

NIL

01 NOV SOMERSET - BRIDGEWATER CARNIVAL

3HB

WESSEX HOTEL

NO

YES

£129

NIL

04 NOV CORNWALL - TURKEY & TINSEL

5HB

THE ROSEMUNDY HOUSE HOTEL

NO

YES

£269

NIL

07 NOV PAIGNTON - TURKEY & TINSEL

5HB

THE MARINE HOTEL

NO

YES

£279

NIL

08 NOV CUMBRIA - TURKEY & TINSEL

4HB

GILSLAND SPA

NO

YES

£235

NIL

11 NOV TORQUAY - TURKEY & TINSEL

5HB

THE KISTOR HOTEL

NO

YES

£239

NIL

18 NOV BOURNEMOUTH - TURKEY & TINSEL

5HB

THE HINTON FIRS HOTEL

NO

YES

£279

NIL

18 NOV LLANDUDNO - TURKEY & TINSEL

5HB

QUEENS HOTEL

NO

YES

£279

12

22 NOV PARIS

5HB

HOLIDAY INN & MS SEINE PRINCESS

NO

YES

£399

125

28 NOV VALKENBURG - XMAS MARKETS

5HB

SCHAEPKENS HOTEL

NO

YES

£359

TBC

01 DEC NORWICH - THURSFORD

3HB

HOLIDAY INN NORWICH

NO

YES

£229

60

06 DEC LLANDUDNO - TURKEY & TINSEL

4HB

QUEENS HOTEL

NO

YES

£199

12

06 DEC HARROGATE - PRE XMAS PARTY

4HB

WARNERS - NIDD HALL

NO

YES

£340

NIL

09 DEC OSTEND

5HB

ROYAL ASTOR HOTEL

NO

YES

£289

35

23 DEC DUMFRIES - CHRISTMAS

5HB

CAIRNDALE DUMFRIES HOTEL

NO

YES

£374

60

24 DEC CUMBRIA - CHRISTMAS

5HB

GILSLAND SPA

NO

YES

£525

25

24 DEC LLANDUDNO - CHRISTMAS

5FB

QUEENS HOTEL

NO

YES

£565

25

30 DEC DUMFRIES - NEW YEAR

4HB

CAIRNDALE DUMFRIES HOTEL

NO

YES

£409

80

30 DEC CUMBRIA - NEW YEAR

4HB

GILSLAND SPA

NO

YES

£399

20

JERSEY

DAY EXCURSIONS 26 MAY

LAKE DISTRICT & LAKES VISITOR CENTRE

0830 depart Return starts 4.45

£16.25 ADULT

£11.00 CHILD

30 MAY

CLEVELEYS & THE BOURNE POACHER COUNTRY & WESTERN

0900 depart Return starts 5.00

£27.75 ADULT

-

15 JUNE

STRATFORD UPON AVON

0815 depart Return starts 4.15

£21.00 ADULT

£14.00 CHILD

16 JUNE

NORTH WALES + FFESTINOG RAILWAY

0800 depart Return starts 4.45

£28.00 ADULT

£19.00 CHILD

20 JUNE

GARSTANG MARKET & CLEVELEYS

0915 depart Return starts 5.00

£10.50 ADULT

£7.50 CHILD

30 JUNE

WHITBY & HEARTBEAT COUNTRY

0815 depart Return starts 4.45

£21.80 ADULT

£14.20 CHILD

1 JULY

BAKEWELL WELL DRESSING & MARKET

0845 depart Return starts 4.30

£16.00 ADULT

£11.00 CHILD

10 JULY

CLEVELEYS & THE BOURNE POACHER - SUMMERTIME SPECIAL 0900 depart Return starts 5.00

£27.75 ADULT

-

21 JULY

FLEETWOOD TRAM SUNDAY & MARKET

0930 depart Return starts 5.15

£10.00 ADULT

£6.50 CHILD

25 JULY

ORMSKIRK MARKET & SOUTHPORT

0915 depart Return starts 5.00

£9.00 ADULT

£6.00 CHILD

27 JULY

YORK EXPRESS

0830 depart Return starts 6.00

£17.50 ADULT

£12.00 CHILD

6 AUG

CLITHEROE & BOUNDARY MILL & FISH 'N' CHIP LUNCH

0845 depart Return starts 5.00

£19.50 ADULT

£13.00 CHILD

10 AUG

THE STREAM IN THE SKY, LLANGOLEN & OSWESTRY

0815 depart Return starts 5.00

£27.95 ADULT

-

12 AUG

KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL & SKIPTON

0900 depart Return starts 4.45

£15.95 ADULT

£10.20 CHILD

( 01942 728960

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

9

y n a c s u T

Travels around

veladvisor.com)

ver Travel Advisor (silvertra

By Maria Meredith from Sil

Italy is one of my favourite places not only because I have family there (Parma) but also I love the many different areas- the Puglian trullis, the fabulous scenery and breath taking drives around the Amalfi coast, the Sicilian culture- not forgetting the fabulous food and wine! We had never been to Tuscany and decided it was time to go and see what all the fuss was about!

My Week in Tuscany Our Easyjet plane landed on time at Pisa, it’s much cheaper to fly here than to Florence and we picked up our hire car from Budget, which was a bargain £99 for the week. The car hire collection point is accessed via a 2 minute free bus ride and was one of the easiest car hire pick up/returns 10

we have had along with the bonus of being given a free upgrade. This was a very positive start.

Il Castelle, Certaldo Alta We set out for our first stop, La Fonte in Certaldo, where we were staying for four nights. Our first visit was to San Gimignano, which we did like but we found it very touristy and much preferred the old town of Certaldo. Here we were lucky enough to witness an Italian wedding which provided a great opportunity to experience a true Italian event and watch all the characters enjoy themselves. Sadly, we did not discover the relevance of the various metal life-sized men placed around the town, one of which was perched on top of a high tower, an art installation perhaps?

Certaldo Alto was accessed via a funicular railway which stays open until late (costs 1 euro each way).

It was far less touristy than San Gimignano and therefore was not as crowded. We enjoyed two excellent meals in Certaldo Alto– at Il Castello

and L’Antica Fonte - both with lovely views.

The owner of La Fonte strongly recommended taking the train to Florence (about 10 euros for a return ticket, the journey takes just under an hour to Santa Maria station, where you get off). It’s vital to check and double check train times as these can change at the last minute somewhat unpredictably.

Siena Siena was next on the agenda and this was the only place where we hadn’t pre-booked accommodation.

We found a brilliant hotel within 10 minutes’ walking distance of the Duomo, main square, restaurants & bars etc. It is the Hotel Villa Liberty and cost only 133 euros for B&B in a very good location. The only downside of our stay in Siena was that minutes after getting seated “al fresco” in our chosen restaurant that evening, the heavens opened!

En route to Lucca the following day we decided to take a detour to

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Volterra which I had read about in the tour guide. Volterra is another walled city and most definitely worth the journey. The countryside views en route were stunning and sadly I conceded that many were better than in the UK! And it wasn’t raining……

Our arrival at Albergo Villa Casanova was far later than we planned so we did not really have that much time to relax – this 5 star boutique hotel certainly had the “Wow” factor but at a price! Leaving the luxury of Casanova behind we set out for a morning sightseeing in Lucca before making our way to our last destination of Pisa.

We wished we had allowed more time for Lucca - we noticed many people cycling around the city walls and would have liked to have done the same. We did manage to get lost in the maze of streets but fortunately the lady I asked understood my Italian…. and more importantly. I understood her directions!

We had decided to return the car a day early as the cost of parking the car in the hotel garage was around the same price as taxis to/from the airport. We also felt it would be less stressful than the usual car hire return palaver, but I must say it was one of the easiest car hire returns ever!

The Royal Victoria Hotel in Pisa cost only £99 for B&B. Described as a very old antique hotel we appreciated it was going to be vastly different to the luxury we had experienced at Casanova but it was perfect for a short stay.

The Fields of Miracles was within 1015 minutes walking distance from our hotel with many bars & restaurants en route - obviously the closer to The Tower the more you pay. We chose a bar on the corner directly opposite the Tower and were pleasantly surprised to receive four delicious mini paninis along with our Peronis!

Leaning Tower of Pisa I had wanted to see the Leaning Tower for as long as I could remember and l was not disappointed. It has benefited from a “wash & brush up” and looked

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marvellous. We could not believe the extent that tourists were going to get wacky photos - what a laugh! And … yes…we got a few of our own too-it must be infectious. We will definitely return …in Spring or Autumn maybe.

That evening we chose La Buca restaurant near the Tower – the meal was nice but sadly the service did not match the quality of the food.

After a few more hours in The Fields of Miracles the following morning we returned to our hotel for the taxi to the airport to catch our late afternoon flight.

Our only regret is that we hadn’t booked a further two or three days in this beautiful part of the world with the ever present scent of Jasmine.

We returned feeling like we could do with another more relaxing holiday to totally “chill out”! We hardly had time to read more than a few pages of our books as the sightseeing, travelling and staying at four different accommodations was quite wearing - not to mention that I was suffering from “photography fatigue” after taking over 800 photos! In future I will bear this in mind or make a point of sightseeing only until mid pm returning to our accommodation for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and to read a few chapters.

Maria Meredith

writes for the over 50’s travel review and information website silvertraveladvisor. com. Maria is an active Silver Traveller; when her husband retired two years ago, she decided to join him at the age of 54 (one benefit of marrying an older man!). She has worked in banking, catering and for the last 28 years for M&S at a variety of stores.

She has many hobbies, entering competitions and photography being two of them. Travel has always been a big part of her life - visiting many places in Europe and also destinations further afield such as New Zealand, India & Mauritius. Her first ever cruise was last year to see the Northern Lights. She particularly enjoys reading about different customs and traditions and has many funny stories to share, hence Maria is delighted to be able to contribute to Silver Travel Advisor.

For more details please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com

11

Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

NEW for 2013 5 DAY SUMMER TOURS 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD PLUS 2 EXCURSIONS OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, SHANKLIN 5th June £239 19th June £239 3rd July £239 7th July £239 27th July £239 4th Aug £249 14th Aug £249 24th Aug £249 11th Sept £249 15th Sept £239 25th Sept £239 29th Sept £239

IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE 9th June 15th June plus day trip to France 23rd June 29th June 3th July 7th July plus day trip to France 21st July 27th July 31st July plus day trip to France 4th Aug 10th Aug 18th Aug plus day trip to France 24th Aug 1st Sept plus day trip to France 7th Sept 11th Sept 25th Sept 29th Sept plus day trip to France

£229 £239 £239 £239 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £239 £239 £239

For more tours please contact us or visit our website...

FREEPHONE 0800 083 9900

BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

VINEYARDS AND WINE Eastbourne – Vineyards and Wine The Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne 5 days/4 nights half board 1st June £239 21st September £239 Our tour stays at the Robinsons Holidays owned Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne, which is situated close to the promenade and seafront and to the town centre and all of the resorts amenities and shops. The hotel offers a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker.

Our tour includes an excursion to a local vineyard and includes a vineyard tour and wine tasting.

Isle of Wight Vineyard and Wine Tasting 5 days/4 nights half board 23rd June £239 28th August £239 Our tour stays at the Ocean View Hotel on the Isle of Wight. The hotel enjoys a unique location with commanding views over Sandown Bay; the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and guests can unwind in the comfortable piano bar prior to enjoying an evening meal in the hotel restaurant followed by an evening of entertainment or a quiet drink with friends.

During your stay we will also get the chance to sample wines from one vineyard on the Isle of Wight.

Carr-Taylor Vineyard and Winery – admission included Our excursion takes us to the Carr-Taylor Vineyard which is situated in Hastings, East Sussex. We include a vineyard tour, a sit-down tutored wine-tasting, a lunch of Cheddar, Stilton, Cornish Brie and salad, relish and crusty bread, then a choice of local cakes, and coffee or tea, before returning to the hotel for your evening meal.

Rosemary Vineyard Our excursion take us to Rosemary Vineyard, which is one of the world’s largest producers of English wines. The vineyard covers 30 acres and we will take a guided tours of the Vineyard and wine making process. We will also have a chance to sample the wines produced at the vineyard.

Full day mystery tour;

Full day mystery tour;

After a leisurely breakfast we take a mystery tour around the local area, stopping for lunch along the way. Afterwards we continue our drive before returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal.

After a leisurely breakfast we take a mystery tour around the local area, stopping for lunch along the way. Afterwards we continue our drive before returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal.

ISLE OF WIGHT GARDENS The Ocean View Hotel, 5 days/4 nights half board 13 July £239 18 August £239 With its mild climate the Isle of Wight provides the basis for a garden tour encompassing plants more usually associated with warmer climes such as the Mediterranean, South Africa and Australia. Our tour includes 2 garden visits, firstly to the Ventnor Botanic Garden where you can see the subtropical and exotic plant collection unrivalled elsewhere in the UK and the inspirational Mottistone Manor Gardens.

The Ocean View is a charming, well-appointed hotel, situated in a premier location with an idyllic seaside position just a pebbles throw away from Shanklin Beach. With a number of spacious guest rooms, many with sea views and balconies, you can sit and relax whilst enjoying the tranquil views of Shanklin beach.

What’s Included • Dinner, bed and breakfast • Two full day excursions • All admission costs to gardens

• Experienced leader who will enhance your knowledge and understanding • Free day to explore • Evening entertainment

FREEPHONE 0800 083 9900 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

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Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

The World according to Joan

Joan Collins returned to the UK in April with her her sell-out show “One Night With Joan” and this stroll through the highlights of her life brings a touch of genuine glamour into our humdrum lives writes Angela Kelly.

The British actress, writer and columnist who famously turned down Richard Burton and bested Joan Crawford may unbelievably now be 79 but - being Joan - she never misses an opportunity to show real Hollywood glitz at its best and most enduring. As she insists in her down-toearth way: “I’ve often been accused of over-egging the pudding in the costume and make-up department, but that’s one of the illusions that form a part of what this person called Joan Collins is all about.”

To discover the real Joan Collins, though, it’s necessary to go back to her roots and trace her rise to fame and fortune. She was born in May, 1933 in London, to a former

nightclub hostess and a successful talent agent. She was one of three children – her sister Jackie is a successful novelist whose books have sold more than 400 million copies.

Joan was a very pretty child and grew up into an attractive dark-haired beauty. She had her first theatre appearance at the age of nine and obviously developed a taste for acting through her teenage years. She became a Rank starlet and appeared in a host of relatively forgettable films, occasional TV appearances and pin-up shoots but, to improve her budding career, she moved to Hollywood in the 1950s. Her first film role was in 1951 in B-movie “Lady Godiva Rides Again.”

For the next three decades, she became a Hollywood fixture, driving her signature pink Thunderbird and keeping the gossip columnists happy with a reported succession of high-profile liaisons with famous men including Dennis Hopper and Warren Beatty.

She impressed, however, in the films “The Stud” and “The Bitch” which were both adapted from sister Jackie’s

best-selling novels. In 1978 she published her first memoir, “Past Imperfect” about her life – unsurprisingly, also a best-seller.

In 1981, she went for an audition for struggling primetime drama “Dynasty”, for a part that Sophia Loren had already turned down. Alexis Carrington Colby was the vicious, vengeful ex-wife of family patriarch Blake Carrington, played by John Forsythe. Joan got the part, and was absolutely brilliant in the role.

Ratings immediately started to rise. As the show’s creator Aaron Spelling insisted: “We didn’t write Joan Collins.

She played Joan Collins. We wrote a character, but the character could have been played by 50 people and 49 of them would have failed. She made it work.”

In fact, she made it work so well that Alexis - with her seductive glamour, gorgeous clothes and make-up and great storylines - became the character with whom Joan has become enduringly associated. She was nominated six times for a Golden Globe before finally winning one in 1983.

“Dynasty” ended its run in 1989 but Joan appeared as Alexis in the 1991 mini-series “Dynasty: The Reunion.”

The original series, though, remains warm and familiar in the minds of the public and there are regularly calls for its revival. Speaking on TV’s “Loose Women” programme just recently, British actress Stephanie Beacham - who also went into the series - said she and Joan had been talking about just such a revival, and regular TV watchers know it’s “never say never” when it comes to bringing back successful soaps.

research, and remains a true celebrity in a sea of passing wannabes.

She has always looked after her figure and continues to be as glamorous as ever, taking her own advice on everything from eating meals from a smaller plate to keep her weight down to avoiding sunshine on her face to protect her looks. Her outspoken and witty pronouncements on various subjects have helped keep her in the public eye and she has had a variety of regular opinion columns in newspapers and magazines.

In her 2011 book “The World According to Joan”, she admits that she has “always been extremely frank, perhaps too much so. Often friends say to me sarcastically ‘Oh why don’t you say what you mean, Joanie!’ Well, I’m afraid I usually do which is why I have been called opinionated, stubborn, obdurate, headstrong, prejudiced and politically incorrect.

“Perhaps I am, but I have now reached an age and a stage when I basically do what I like as much as I can, without trying to hurt anyone.”

While being Joan Collins is much about a life lived in the spotlight, it’s plain that not only is she a clever actress and a genuine icon but that she’s discovered the secret of longevity when it comes to engaging with the public.

And audiences from Manchester’s Lowry to London’s Leicester Square Theatre discovered that “One Night With Joan” is also a unique and memorable experience.

Of course, much of Joan Collins’ fame has come from her life away from the film and TV cameras. She married her first husband, Irish actor Maxwell Reed, in 1952 and divorced him three years later. She married British actor Anthony Newley in 1963 and they had two children before she divorced him in 1970.

Joan was married for 11 years to Apple Records’ president Ron Kass, with whom she had daughter Katy. Her fourth marriage was to Swedish pop singer Peter Holm, which ended after just 13 months with a messy divorce. Then in 2003 she married her fifth husband, theatre company manager Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior. Here, finally, Joan seems to have found her soul-mate and the couple renewed their marriage vows in 2009.

She says that today’s “metrosexual-looking” actors don’t compare with the stars of yesteryear although she believes that Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jude Law are “wonderful actors.” Joan makes the exception “on the macho front” for George Clooney and she also likes Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr. Her all-time sexiest star, though, is Marlon Brando – “unforgettable” is her verdict.

After “Dynasty” helped give Joan the highest profile of her career, she continued to act and write both romance novels and self-help beauty and lifestyle books. She’s become involved in a variety of charity work, mostly linked to children with disabilities and aiding breast cancer

For more information on Joan Collins’ go to www.joancollins.net www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Mon 3 June I 7.30pm I Theatre I £21

Blake The UK's most popular Brit-Award-winning harmony group return with a new two hour show featuring songs from their latest album Start Over along with the pop and classical harmony covers the boys are famous for worldwide. Don't miss your chance to experience them in a nique lie intimate setting, for one night only!

Tues 4 June | 7.30pm | Theatre | £18.50

Celebrity Cook Off Live The UK’s best live cooking show comes to the Brindley on Thursday 4 June when Cheryl Baker hosts Celebrity Cook-Off Live! The show which also features celebrity chefs Tony Tobin from Spice World, The Green Gourmet and Ready Steady Cook and Marcus Bean from This Morning and Ready Steady Cook is an interactive live game show and cooking demonstration experience. Two teams will battle it out to find out who can cook the best dish.

The show will start off with presenter Cheryl Baker addressing the audience and playing a number of funny and amusing games to begin the evening.

These games will help select which members of the audience will be joining the chefs on stage.

The chefs, with the help of the audience, will then have a specified time to prepare, cook and present

the meal. The show will feature two courses each evening. To spice the show up each chef will spin the wheel of fortune that will give the chef a random food item that they must include within their meal.

See the chefs cook some of the best and exciting meals that are bound to wet your appetite.

Sat 8 June I 7.30pm I Theatre I £17

Let's Hang On A musical journey through the career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. You will hear the story of these blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who took the world by storm all before the age of 30.

Features December 63, Grease, Working My Way Back To You, Who Loves You, Bye Bye Baby and many, many more.

Fri 21 June 2013 | 8pm | Theatre | £20

Dennis Locorriere – Point Zero Tour Dennis has a voice which is recognised the world over but his own story is now so much more than Dr Hook. His contemporary achievements now include a book of his poetry and cartoons, his Post Cool live CD, two earlier critically acclaimed solo albums, two live concert DVD’s and major appearances at Glastonbury & Cropredy Festivals. He has now played to over 1 million people in the UK.

www.dennislocorriere.com

Sat 22 June | 8pm | Theatre | £18

The ELO Experience - A tribute to Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra

a celebration and a bit of a showcase for what they are planning to bring to the Brindley in 2014. Starring Pauline Daniels, Dean Sullivan, Linzi Germain and Suzanne Collins.

40 years on, and the music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra is still regularly played on radio stations throughout the world. Re-live this fantastic music and take a magical trip down memory lane for 2 hours with The ELO Experience.

This show, currently wowing audiences up and down the country, is not to be missed.

Sun 30 June | 7.30pm | Theatre | £10

Pauline’s Birthday Party - Starring Pauline Daniels

FOR OUR 2013 FESTIVE PANTOMIME

What a way to spend your 58th birthday. Pauline wants to spend it doing what she does best...... entertaining! This night is all about everything that she does. There will be theatrical pieces, songs, stand up and general mayhem come along and be a guest at the party.

Mon 8, Tues 9 & Wed 10 July 7.30pm Theatre | £15

A Night at the Theatre Four of Merseyside's favourite actors take to the stage with an evening packed with what the theatre is all about there will be extracts from all your favourite plays, songs from musicals and lots of fun

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OUT & ABOUT

CHESHIRE SHOW 2013 JUNE 18th - 19th

As Cheshire Agricultural society celebrates its 175th anniversary organisers of the Cheshire County Show are gearing up for what promises to be another action-packed event on June 18 and 19.

With its roots firmly embedded in Cheshire’s rich farming history the main focus of the show will once again be the thousands of animals including livestock, horses and dogs in competition.

The Sainsbury’s Agri-Centre will also keep the show’s agricultural heritage alive with the wider public as members of the county’s farming community demonstrate the methods used to get milk, cheese, meat and other foodstuffs on to supermarket shelves.

Visitors will also be able to sample to culinary delights of the Roberts Speciality Food Hall, where over a hundred food producers from Cheshire and across the UK are expected display tasty treats.

In addition to the animals the public will get the chance see a variety of rural past times including falconry, ferreting and a pack of hounds in the Countryside Experience Area.

In the Roberts Speciality Food Live Theatre some of the North West’s top food experts including Simon Rimmer, Claire Lara, Nigel Haworth and Sean Wilson will give live cookery demonstrations showing how to produce a range of delicious dishes.

A thrilling schedule is planned for the main ring where attractions will include a heart-stopping display by one of the World’s leading stunt motorcyclists Matt Coulter AKA ‘The Kangaroo Kid’ and stirring live music from the Scots Guard Association Pipe and Drum Band Back who return by popular demand.

The St. Helens Sinfonietta, an orchestra of professional musicians, was founded by Alan Free in 1997 and has been offering live performances of classical music in St. Helens ever since.

Its programmes aim to provide a good range of musical experience while appealing to the widest possible audience. Its strength can vary from a small string or wind ensemble to a full orchestra of close on 50 players.

Featured soloists include fine local musicians and exciting young performers with their future before them. The Sinfonietta has given the first performances of several works by the distinguished St. Helens-based composer David Forshaw.

As well as orchestral concerts, the Sinfonietta presents an enterprising series of recitals featuring guest performers and orchestra members in a remarkable range of styles.

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More regular updates on the 2013 show – which is expected to attract 80,000 visitors – will be available on the website in the run up to the event so make sure to visit www.cheshirecountyshow.org.uk for more information.

Connections - CONCERT £12 St. Helens Sinfonietta Saturday 15th June, 7.30 pm at the United Reformed Church Leader Celia Hebbron Conductor Alan Free Helen Francis (contralto) Dave Thomas (bassoon) The world of music is one great network of relationships.

Bach’s brilliant concertos are his response to those everfertile Vivaldi. In the twentieth century, Benjamin Britten and Lennox Berkeley - friends and collaborators - looked to their great senior, Edward Elgar, and indeed to Henry Purcell two centuries earlier (regarded by some as the greatest English composer)

Cors Celebre - RECITAL £6

Music Theatre Night

Thursday 8th August, 2 pm at the United Reformed Church Denise Burrows, Jackie Howard (cors anglais) Brenda Redmond (piano)

CONCERT £12 St. Helens Sinfonietta Saturday 21st September, 7.30 pm at the THEATRE ROYAL Conductor Alan Free Kate Brian (soprano), Jean-Pascal Heynemand (tenor) De La Salle Combined Choir Director Colin Ashton-Hunt

The cor anglais, or English horn (similarly called by musicians simply ‘the cor’), is the genial uncle of the oboe - a deeper voice, a mellower tone - most often heard in orchestral solos, such as the famous melody in Dvorák’s New World Symphony. A recital with two of them together is a rarity indeed - perhaps unique!

A very special evening of songs and orchestral music from the great stage musicals such as My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, kismet, and Les Miserablés, ending with a magnificent compilation of the best songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. A true feast of favourites!

The above events are just a selection of what we have on offer this year.

For more information please visit www.sinfonietta.org.uk or ring Alan on 01925 291 273. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

All proceeds from the event will be used locally to support the ChildLine Schools Service in the Wigan area. The service needs to recruit at least 12 volunteers to reach the 102 primary schools in Wigan.

Tickets for the Ball will cost ÂŁ49, which includes a Champagne & Pimms reception and dinner. Music and dancing will be provided by the fabulous Stephen Bayliss and Janette Monroe. There will also be an auction, raffle and casino tables on the night.

Please book a ticket and join us for an enjoyable evening and, at the same time, you’ll be making a real difference to vulnerable children in Wigan!

If you have any questions, please contact us at anytime at info@childlineball.org.uk and you can follow us on twitter @ChildLineBall.

As in previous years we expect there to be a great demand for tickets and these will therefore be reserved on a first come, first served basis. If anyone would like to book tickets please contact Dave Stewart on 07743 843 422 or Julie Cheetham on 07884 498 549 or visit www.childlineball.org.uk

WIGAN JAZZ FESTIVAL 2013 11th - 14th July 2013

The Wigan International Jazz Festival is back with a truly international line-up for 2013. It offers a unique blend of allstar acts, free events and educational workshops and hands-on masterclasses from some of the best in the business.

All events at Robin Park Indoor Sports Centre, Loire Drive, Wigan unless otherwise stated.

For more information, please visit www.wlct.org/Arts-and-Festivals

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If you are interested, why not give Duncan a call for an informal chat? T: 0151 257 2410

ChildLine was launched on BBC TV on 30 October 1986 and was the first national helpline for children in the world and with it came a revolution in child protection. For the first time abused children had someone they could ask for help.

Since starting, ChildLine has counselled over one million children. In 2006 ChildLine became part of the NSPCC.

Our volunteers include retired and out of work, active people who are looking for something worthwhile to pursue.

Out of pocket expenses are paid. Volunteers really enjoy the benefits of regular social contact and being part of an appreciated team.

The ChildLine Midsummer Ball is taking place on Saturday 15th June 2013 in the Lion of Vienna Suite at the De Vere Whites Hotel, Horwich in aid of ChildLine.

Halton Community Transport are looking for suitable people to join their team of Community Drivers.

Saturday 15th June 2013

Volunteer Drivers Wanted

CHILDLINE MIDSUMMER BALL 2013

Join us...

For our 2013 events at The Farmers Market & Craft Centre

Fathers Day June 16th 2013

Treat dad to a day out, lunch with a glass of beer or wine, plus gifts galore especially from The Loft on the 1st floor in the centre.

Funtime at Heskin July – August 2013

Come to the Ladybird Lounge for lots of childrens entertainment, with craft classes to make your own toys and gifts.

Catwalk and Cocktails Fashion Show

Thursday 26th September 2013– 6pm – 9pm With free glass of bubbly on arrival.

Opening Times Tues - Sat: 11am - 4pm | Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm & Bank Holidays

Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website

www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

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JOIN COSTCO TODAY! Did you know, as a

Retired Employee

you may qualify for Costco Membership?

Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selection of top quality brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Individual Membership You qualify for Individual Membership if you belong to specific employment groups – please see below for details of qualifying categories. To join Costco and start saving please provide your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employment, PLUS a current utility bill (electricity, gas, telephone, water) or a bank statement addressed to your home.

The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is ÂŁ25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Individual Members Eligibility Criteria Current or retired employee of: Banking/Finance, Civil Servant, Education, Fire/Rescue, Insurance, Local Government, Medical/Health Service, Police Force, Post Office, Airline.

Qualified as: Chartered Architect, Chartered/Civil Engineer, Chartered Surveyor, Dentist, Optician, Pharmacist, Qualified Accountant, Solicitor/Barrister, Magistrate/Advocate

Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership You are invited to join us at our

Preview Event Thursday 6th June 2013, 5pm - 7pm

Complimentary food and drink will be served at the event

For further information, please contact our Membership Team at Costco Haydock on

01942 868 600

* Membership Criteria applies. Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Costco Haydock Andover Road Haydock Merseyside WA11 9FA T: 01942 868 600 E: marketing108@costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

0151 239 1000 www.clblaw.co.uk

How can we help you?

Canter Levin and Berg Solicitors have been practising Law

Discounts for Age UK MM Clients Age UKMM clients receive a 5% discount and we donate 10% of our fee to Age UKMM

Our Private Client Department can help you with: Ø Making a Will Ø Will Disputes Ø Probate and Estate Administration Ø Powers of Attorney Ø Care Home Claims

Advice Clinics We now run Advice Clinics at the New Warrington Age UK Information and Advice Centre by appointment.

Unit 10, 14 Sankey Street, Warrington, WA1 1TD Golden Square Shopping Centre. T: 01925 639018

Monday 3rd June

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1pm - 3.30pm

Tea Dance Join us for a fantastic afternoon of dancing, live music, tea and cakes. All monies raised will benefit Age UK MM. Prize Draw Marks & Spencer Vouchers: First Prize £50 Second Prize £30 Third Prize £15

All monies raised in support of

Entrance Fee £3.50 Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL

It's not too late to welcome an adopted child into your family!

If you are aged over 50, then you could be a perfect match to adopt an older child or sibling group.

You may be: • In a relationship but unable to have biological children • Divorced and/or re-married • Single later in life • Have children of your own but feel you still have lots to offer Whatever your situation, WWiSH would love to hear from you.

We need to find loving families for children who are over the age of four, or a sibling group, waiting to be adopted across Warrington, Wigan and St.Helens.

To find out more, or to request an information pack:

01942 487272 wwish@wigan.gov.uk www.wwish.org.uk

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Mature adopters needed to help children looking for families A pioneering shared adoption service - WWiSH is calling on more mature people to come forward to adopt. The service, a merger of Warrington, Wigan and St.Helens local authority adoption services, hope to reduce the shortfall of adoptive parents for older children and sibling groups.

Adopting an older child can often mean less disruption to established routines. Night feeds, interrupted sleep and expensive childcare are a thing of the past and it allows adopters more scope to continue with their existing lifestyle.

Ruth, adoption manager explains: “An older adopter can help meet the needs of the children awaiting their forever family. We have many children over the age of four who tend to remain in care, we tend to find that older children thrive with older adoptive parents.”

Many adopters with WWiSH have reported the love they feel from older children, who are able to articulate their joy and express their emotions about being adopted, is like no other. Adopting a sibling group can allow you to establish a fully-fledged family of your own with children who are biologically related.

People believe that they may be too old to adopt, or that their personal circumstances may be a barrier, however these are often just misconceptions.

Consideration does need to be given to your health and wellbeing, as we need to ensure you could care for a child into adulthood. However, medical conditions won’t strictly prevent you from adopting so it is always worth having a chat with us.

Age really is just a number…

Jackie (56) & Bill (58) adopted Layla (8) earlier this year.

“We certainly don’t think of ourselves as old. Becoming parents again later in life is something we’ve wanted for a long time.

We met four years ago and both have children from our previous marriages. I have always loved being a mum, and always wanted more children, but when my first marriage broke down, I never thought that would be an option. After years of being a single parent, I met Bill who was in similar circumstances and shared my love of family life.

After moving in together, we tried to ignore our maternal and paternal instincts. However, soon enough we decided that adopting an older child was the way forward.

At first we felt our age would go against us, but soon realised it could work in our favour, our life experiences

have made us quite resilient, laid back and well rounded - even with two divorces between us! We have so much knowledge of bringing up children and were both already experienced in the trials and tribulations of playing stepparent. We’d brought three children up, and kept them on the ‘straight and narrow’ so to speak, (despite the usual teenage wobbles); and supported them through some tough periods in their lives, including our respective break ups and all the associated heartache.

In May 2012 we came across WWiSH, and submitted an enquiry on the website. Within a couple of days Sally from the WWiSH team called us. We had a brief discussion and arranged an informal visit.

The rest, as they say, is history. We followed the process as expected; it was much more efficient than we had presumed it would be! We attended the open evenings, did research, spoke to previous adopters, undertook the assessment and home visits, all at times convenient to us; WWiSH were very welcoming about the fact that we worked and reassured us that this would be beneficial to a child in terms of structure and stability.

In December 2012 it was time to consider the profiles of some of the children awaiting adoption. We made the decision that a girl would be best matched to us.

Three months later we met Layla a very outgoing, confident lady, who came bouncing towards us, all pigtails and dirty knees, and we instantly knew she was the one for us. Following panel dates, paperwork and introductory days out and teatime visits, we welcomed her into our home, as a fully-fledged member of our family. She burst in through the doors, gave us a massive hug, ran up the stairs to her new bedroom.

We can honestly say that adopting has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of our lives, and it feels like Layla has been here forever. She is an amazing character, nurturing her personality and talents is a real pleasure, I think being a parent later in life, makes you treasure it even more."

To find out more, call 01942 487272, e-mail wwish@wigan.gov.uk or visit www.wwish.org.uk

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

delicious summer dishes

MUSHROOM, FETA AND TOMATO BAKED PEPPERS It’s always important for food to look good, whether you’re dieting or not, and these peppers are a delight to the eye as well as the tastebuds. A great vegetarian recipe, this has lots of strong flavours that come together in a beautifully colouful and well-balanced dish.

SERVES 2 4 sun-dried tomato pieces in oil, drained well 2 tsp sunflower oil 175g chestnut mushrooms, wiped and diced 20g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 50g dry white breadcrumbs 1/2 small bunch of parsley, leaves finely chopped 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 100g feta or soft goat’s cheese, drained 2 smallish peppers, red or yellow freshly ground black pepper 401 calories per portion Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and stir-fry the mushrooms over a high heat for 4 minutes.

Add the roughly chopped hazelnuts and fry for a further minute until the nuts are lightly toasted. Season with a good grind of black pepper and remove from the heat.

Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley and chilli flakes until thoroughly combined. Break the cheese into small chunks and toss them through the stuffing lightly. Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom and carefully remove the seeds and membrane.

Place the peppers in a small foil-lined roasting tin, cut side up, and fill each half with the mushroom and feta stuffing. Cover the surface of the stuffing with a small piece of foil. Bake for 35 minutes until tender, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time. Serve warm with a lightly dressed mixed salad.

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MAKES 8 KEBABS 700g lean lamb leg (or leg steaks) 2 small yellow peppers 2 small red peppers 2 small red onions 150m1 low-fat natural yoghurt 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp mint sauce 6 pitta breads 1 romaine lettuce heart, shredded 1 medium carrot, finely grated 3 ripe vine tomatoes, sliced 15cm piece of cucumber, thinly sliced flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges and hot chilli sauce, to serve Marinade 2 tsp cumin seeds 203 calories per portion 381 calories per portion (with pitta)

LEMONY LAMB KEBABS There’s nothing better than the scent of lemony, herby lamb cooking on the barbecue. It’s a healthy way of cooking too, as much of the fat drips away. We like to eat these kebabs tucked into warm pitta bread, but you can also enjoy them with just a side salad or some vegetables.

2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp fine sea salt freshly ground black pepper

To make the marinade, put the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar and pound to a coarse powder. You can use 11/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander if you prefer, but the flavour won’t be quite as good as freshly ground spices. Add the thyme leaves and crush them into the spices for a few seconds.

Tip the spices and thyme into a large non-metallic bowl and stir in the lemon zest and juice, garlic, oil, salt and lots of black pepper.

Trim as much fat as possible off the lamb, then cut the meat into rough 3cm chunks — you should have about 40 chunks. Add the lamb to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables for the kebabs. Deseed the peppers and cut them into 3cm chunks. Cut each onion into 8 wedges with the root intact.

Remove the lamb from the fridge and thread the meat on to 8 metal skewers — these should be about 25cm long — alternating with the pieces of pepper and onion. Season with a little more salt and pepper.

Cook over a hot barbecue or under a preheated hot grill (close to the element) for 6-8 minutes. Turn once or twice until the lamb and vegetables are lightly charred — the meat should be pink in the middle. Mix the yoghurt, garlic and chopped mint or mint sauce together in a small bowl to make the yoghurt sauce.

Warm the pitta bread on the barbecue, in the toaster or under a grill and carefully cut down one side with a sharp knife. Pull the bread open and stuff with shredded lettuce leaves, grated carrot, tomatoes and cucumber. Slide the meat and vegetables off the skewers and into the pittas using a fork. Drizzle a little of the minty yoghurt sauce and serve with some chilli sauce and lemon wedges too if you fancy. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Creating Space...

Why on earth is it that we never seem to have enough space in the home – however big or small our property?

even mobile baskets that can house items you may need in the kitchen.

But for longer term ideas, examine all those corners, walls and open areas in your home for possibilities involving new shelves or permanent storage units.

Space is always at a premium. When the family is young we seem to accumulate cupboards full of toys and games, when they’re teens – if you can get them to put anything in a wardrobe – hangers and drawers are crammed with clothes and the latest fad. Even as we get older, the space problems don’t seem to diminish as we hoard a lifetime of happy memories and items we just can’t bear to throw away.

Interior designer Arvin Rodrigues says: “Most houses have under-stair cupboards and these provide useful space for storing the vacuum cleaner, suitcases and other small items. If these spaces are tall, shelves could be placed at higher levels to make the most of this space. Small under-stair cupboards could be transformed into drawers for all sorts of things.”

So before you start taking an objective look at potential new storage space around your home, take a long, hard look at your current cupboards, shelves and wardrobes and de-clutter.

It’s quite cathartic to free up space, and local charity shops will definitely benefit from items you no longer use.

To house the rest, and as a temporary solution, there are plenty of clever storage systems around - from clear plastic boxes and wicker baskets to racking and wooden chests. There are

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He also suggests high-level shelving for narrow hallways which don’t encroach on floor space. And these sentiments are echoed by chartered architectural technologist Gary Willis.

“When lack of storage becomes an issue, the automatic response is to box up the items and attempt to hide them away, but let’s think out of the box for a moment. Most people will consider what is directly in front of them on a horizontal plane; look upwards for your storage needs.”

Gary also says that garages and sheds often provide ample storage already

“but just require some organisation.

Very cheap, heavy duty racking or spur shelving in a garage or shed can generate substantial storage space.

Just ensure that brackets and racking are securely fixed to the walls first.”

In the kitchen, why not free up space by putting your microwave on a glass shelf above the work surface? Hang sharp knives inside a high cabinet to save drawer space and keep them out of children’s reach, or store wooden spoons and other utensils bouquet-style in a handsome pitcher or canister.

“Kitchens are typically built to a fixed height,” states Gary, “leaving at least 300mm (12”) of space above wall cupboards that could be used for storage. Exploit this space by placing charming storage boxes to hide away items like old cook books, sewing kits etc.”

Take a fresh look at living room furniture. “Coffee tables that have storage for magazines and bric a brac are useful, as are sofas with storage in the armrest,” suggests Arvin. Consider furniture you can buy relatively cheaply that you can improve. Arvin’s own home boasts 29

cost-effective but beautifully restored second-hand chests of drawers which add to storage space and also create much-admired pieces of furniture.

He states: “Shelves around doors and windows and even beside radiators, if safe, could provide storage and look nice, too. A coat cupboard in the entrance is really handy and doesn’t need to be very big or deep. It could also function as a shoe cupboard at the lower level, and the sides employed to hang keys, scarves and hats.”

Gary looks to unusual areas for help with storage: “The bay window area in a living room is another great place that often has under-used space.

Rather than use loose furniture that is often set into the room, consider a bay window seat with integral storage.”

Bathrooms again offer more storage potential. “Consider shelves over the toilet water tank, cupboards under the wash basin and even a shelf over the bathtub,” advises Arvin. “Bigger cabinets could be hung from the wall above mirrors or even over the entrance door.”

Utilise under-bed storage in bedrooms or consider buying a bed with builtin storage space. A bed headboard can be built for additional bedding storage, plus somewhere to put books, lamps or a radio on top. An ottoman or upholstered cube can double as a dressing table chair and offers extra space, and an artistic

pile of pretty, unusual hat-boxes can complement the bedroom décor and provide further storage solutions.

Lofts are often under-used areas in our homes but can be altered at reasonable cost to become an effective storage room by boarding out. “Floorboards also help to insulate the house, preventing heat loss and reducing your heating bills,” explains loft expert Chris Waldron.

“We’re not looking at making the loft habitable and so needing Building Regulations’ approval,” he adds.

“Just comfortable enough to sit in for an hour now and again with plenty of light and an absence of spiders hanging from the rafters!”

Aluminium loft ladders or a folding wooden ladder make access easy and fitting a light in the loft – “a pendant light with an energy saving bulb and pull switch is ideal” – makes this an easy, accessible area that can add substantially to your house storage space.

And an added bonus is that floor boarding helps insulate the house, preventing heat loss and reducing your heating bills. So you get much more storage space and kinder heating bills as well!

Whatever you decide about storage, it’s worth acknowledging that you don’t always need to hide items away to keep them stored tidily. Sometimes – as with books, ornaments or lamps – it’s worth putting them somewhere where their “storage” actually creates an attractive room feature.

Now that’s thinking outside the box!

CONTACT THE EXPERTS: Arvin Rodrigues, Transform Interior Designs go to www.transforminteriordesigns.co.uk Gary Willis, Novensus architectural design services go to www.novensus.co.uk Chris Waldron, Bolton Joinery go to www.chriswaldron.co.uk 30

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PUZZLE PAGE Word Ladder Move from the word at the top of the box to the word at the bottom using the exact number of rungs provided by changing one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter).

F O O T

ACROSS 8 Geographical group including Yell and Unst (9) 9 World’s second‑largest bird (3) 10 US city associated with Al Capone (7) 11 Aircraft location system (5) 12 Main division of geological time (3) 14 Engineer Brunel’s first name (8) 16 Car’s starting mechanism (8) 18 Outward motion of the tide (3) 21 Famous 1836 battle in Texas (5) 23 White‑faced clown (7) 25 Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 26 Spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism (5,4)

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SUGGS - MY LIFE STORY I’VE JUST TURNED 50, THE KIDS HAVE LEFT HOME, AND MY CAT JUST DIED Suggs – still best known as the legendary frontman of feelgood band Madness – was 50 last January.

He was lying in the bath on his birthday, nursing an epic hangover from the celebrations the night before when there was the most almighty crash.

‘I jumped out of the water,’ he says, ‘and there, lying amid shards of broken glass, was our four-year-old cat, a British blue called Mamba. I’d put up the glass shelf

myself and it must have given way. I knew he was dead from the strange angle of his body. I couldn’t believe it.

I loved that cat.

‘I was 50. My kids had recently left home and now the cat was dead. I was really upset. It triggered a deluge of emotion, an event that somehow tipped me over the edge. I began to consider my own mortality and, out of that, the idea for exploring my own past somehow crystallised.’

The result, is his new stage show. ‘It’s a memoir,’ says Suggs. ‘It’s not stand-up. It’s not An Evening With… I toyed with calling it Mad-Life Crisis. In the end, though, having gone all round the houses, I’ve called it My Life Story which won’t win any prizes for originality but does at least tell you what you can expect, the good bits and the darker moments.’

It turns out there have been plenty of both.

Born Graham McPherson in Hastings, he’s the only child of a jazz singer called Edith and a father, William – but everyone called him Mac – who worked for a photographic developers but whose life was increasingly overtaken by drugs.

‘Dad left home when I was about three. I have no recollection of him and he never featured in my life. My mum later told me she’d come home and found him with needles sticking out of his hands. Heroin was his drug of choice and it’s a one-way street that takes you further and further away from real life. In the end, it did for the marriage.’

Mother and son then moved to Liverpool where Edith sang in the clubs, winning the accolade of Melody Maker’s Jazz Newcomer of the Year in the mid-60s. She performed regularly at the Blue Angel to where The Beatles and Cilla Black would repair after sessions at The Cavern.

Moving south to London, Suggs’ life was unstructured, to say the least. Soho was his mother’s stomping ground where she both sang and worked in bars for extra money.

They lived in a succession of rented rooms, the young lad trailing around after her when she went drinking in famous watering holes like the Colony.

‘I’ll never forget it,’ says Suggs. ‘You’d walk up this rickety green staircase and enter a room full of artists and actors and various

INTERVIEW hangers-on, all drinking and smoking. But, amid all the booze, it was a creative hotbed. Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, George Melly, Jeffrey Bernard – they were all regulars.

‘Was it an unsuitable place for a young child?

Absolutely. I clearly remember staring up through the thick fog of tobacco smoke, the occasional hand ruffling my hair or giving me a florin, sometimes even a ten bob note. I couldn’t really understand what was going on at an adult level which was probably all for the best. But there was a feeling of community and I was never in any danger.’

Even so, in time Edith decided that her son would do better living out of London in Pembrokeshire with her sister, Diana, and her three children. ‘It was nice to have other kids around but I missed Mum. She was doing what she thought was the right thing. She was finding it difficult to find the two of us somewhere stable to live so she thought I’d be better off in Haverfordwest.’

Three years later, Suggs was back in London, living with Edith, and about to go to secondary in Swiss Cottage. It’s where he acquired his nickname. ‘The other kids used to call me Gray or Mac and I wanted something a bit more distinctive. I was looking through a book of my mum’s about jazz musicians.

‘I took a pin and, eyes closed, stuck it into the middle of a page. It went through the name Peter which didn’t seem especially memorable and then I noticed his second name was Suggs which somehow resonated with me. He was the drummer in an obscure jazz band in Kentucky. Graffiti was becoming popular and people had these amazing names – or tags, as they were called. Now I had mine.’

Had he known it, this was the moment when his estranged father was on the point of bowing it. ‘I didn’t find this out until many years later when I was researching the new show. It’s a tragic story. My father started injecting himself with paraffin and was then sectioned under the Mental Health Act. ‘When he was eventually released, he moved to Birmingham where he married again. He died aged 40 from a whole variety of drug-related conditions, his wife following him, probably from a drug overdose, a year later. So just as I was getting together with the band that became Madness, my father’s time was up.

I’ve always found that rather poignant.’

These revelations prompted him recently to ask his mother about his father. ‘She told me he was a very nice man. “Just like you,” she said. That was the most shocking thing she could have said in many ways. I’d had him down in my mind as some sort of wayward old wastrel who’d just pushed off. The fact that he was really nice upset me. But then heroin is an unforgiving mistress.’ www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Given his colourful upbringing, it is perhaps not too surprising that Suggs married young. By 21, he had a wife, a baby daughter and a mews house in Camden bought with the money he’d made from Madness’s regular appearances in the Top 10. ‘To some extent, I think it’s true to say that I deliberately created Fortress Suggs to give my life a bit of structure. Having said that, I’d fallen in love with Anne. I wanted to be married to her.’

A professional singer who works under the name Bette Bright, the two are still together three decades later.

They have two daughters – Scarlett, 29 and Viva, 25 – who now sing as a duo under their own names. ‘My mother, my wife, my daughters – I’m surrounded by women who sing,’ says Suggs.

Nor has he hung up his own microphone. ‘2012 was an extraordinary year for us. You wouldn’t have anticipated the Queen was going to invite us on her roof to play or that we were going to play at the Olympic closing ceremony. Like any human being we were insecure but we realise now we’re pretty good.’

The band have just release their tenth album Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da and are planning a series of gigs in the UK this summer.

‘Madness have always been about accentuating the positive,’ says Suggs. ‘It’s no accident our songs are still played, still enjoyed 30 years down the line.

They’re upbeat, timeless, a clear-eyed celebration of life as it’s lived. And we’re still together, still making music. For me, the band has always been a bit like a surrogate family. We’re all a bit dysfunctional, all a bit stronger for being together.’

The only problem now for Suggs is shoehorning his less-than-conventional first half-century into his new show. ‘When we were rehearsing,’ he says, ‘my keyboard player would stop every so often and say: “Was that bit really true?” And it was, all of it. Amazing, really.’

Suggs: My Life Story opened on at Southsea Kings Theatre on 2nd April and tours all over the UK including:NEW BRIGHTON FLORAL PAVILION | 28th May 0151 666 0000 LANCASTER GRAND THEATRE | 29th May 01524 646 95 WARRINGTON PARR HALL | 30th May 01925 442 345 PRESTON CHARTER THEATRE | 31st MAY 0844 844 7710

For more information and to book tickets for venues near you, visit www.suggslive.com or call 0844 875 8758 35

PLAYING THE SENIOR’S

FAVOURITE GAME The advancing years, it used to be said, bring wisdom. Now they bring golf. If not already members extra disposable time is increasingly spent at their local golf club.

Why? Well, what else can they do to fill the livelong day that used to be occupied by work? Furthermore, as pronounced in a once-popular lyric, the best things in life are illegal, immoral or they make you fat, and golf is the exception that proves this rule.

Golf is good exercise, stimulating competitive sport and warm companionship, and it is inevitably staged in a wonderful scenic setting, be it undulating parkland, broken woodland, or water-fringed links with gorse and dunes and ups and downs. At the same time, big prize money has made the professional game a great spectator sport, too, commanding audiences of millions on TV and adding universal appeal to the game.

During an average game of golf you are likely to walk five miles. Can you remember the last time you did that? It has all the right things to promote good health. Cardio vascular workout, exercising the limbs and promoting social mixing both on and off the course.

If you haven’t undertaken regular exercise for some time you’d be well advised to have a medical check before starting to play golf. You don’t have to plunge in and play 18 holes immediately. Try a gentle stroll around a couple of holes and ease yourself into it is the experts’ advice.

Being 50 plus you do need to be aware of the dangers of playing golf if they have an existing back problem. If you have not exercised your lower and middle back muscles for some 36

time the exertion of swinging a club could cause discomfort. It is important to seek medical advice and follow it. It may be that a gentle introduction, building up to full participation over an extended period is the answer for you. Build up your muscles by regular strength training, e.g. in a fitness centre.

Golf is probably one of the most social sports where you will meet people from most walks of life on the same level. If you get the bug you can engage the services of a club professional to teach you the finer points but it is equally suited to the amateur who just enjoys the exercise and the company.

We hear much of the degeneration of our mental health as we age. Golf is not only physically beneficial but has been proved to stimulate mental health by improving hand to eye co-ordination and mental agility through the scoring system.

Coupled with club selection and observational exercise it is an all round game to keep seniors on the ball for many years to come.

Like many thousands, I started on semi retirement, proceeding from rabbit to veteran without middle-aged mastery in-between, inspired by the late eminent Seve Ballesteros who gave me a demonstration on a Press trip to La Manga Club in Spain.

My wife also started then. The number of women refusing to be golf widows and insisting on playing, too, is exploding, limited only by the discrimination against them at some clubs.

Variety is the spice of golf as it is of life, and the 2,000-odd clubs in Britain offer every kind of challenge, helped by the ingenious handicap system by which every player has a points rating which subtracts from the lesser player’s score according to his or her established status, so that even a beginner can tackle a champion.

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Incidentally, the days when only golf club members could acquire an official handicap are over. There are now a number of “pay and play’ golf courses throughout the country making it more accessible for more people to acquire a handicap.

Golfing holidays play a large part in the over 50s lifestyle, as they open the door to sporting pleasure in the UK and throughout the world. You are not restricted to British courses even for a single day’s play.

Altogether, the deal gives you a choice of seven star courses including Scottish-style links, sheltered forest and pleasant parkland. You travel out and back on the same day, playing 18 holes or more if you’re fast.

Looking further afield, Spain and Portugal have caught the golfing bug in a big way and attract British golfers year round but particularly appeal to retirees aiming to avoid the bite of winter.

The Costa del Sol is virtually one long stretch of golf courses from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar. My favourite is Sotogrand a 4,400 - acre sporting estate near Marbella, which has been a second-home for the affluent international golf set for 30 years. Following the boost it enjoyed as venue for the 1997 Ryder Cup, with subsequent exposure to the world’s third biggest TV audience, it is expanding and broadening it’s appeal beyond the millionaires who once occupied it villas.

Now, there are a wide choice of duplexes and apartments with terraces overlooking its marina, Puerto Sotogrande.

The course at Chobham Golf Club was designed by Clive Clark & Peter Alliss, on the backdrop of mature Surrey parkland, the course boasts beautiful tree lined fairways that give the impression of a course much older than it truly is.

When you incorporate the addition of multiple lakes and wellestablished greens, you have the makings of a course that is highly enjoyable, and offers a challenge to any standard of golfer.

The course at Chobham is a delightful easy walk with great views and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Predominantly of the bird variety, attracted in by the six large lakes which are home to many breeds of nesting birds.

Chobham Golf Club is proud to have a very strong and enthusiastic senior section run and managed by the senior’s themselves. Recently the club has been reaching out to golfers who find themselves at a stage between being a casual golfer to wanting to give further commitment to golf.

Ideal for those who are unsure as to whether or not they would feel confident joining a golf club full time, they have introduced an ‘Academy Membership’ with the intention to get like-minded people together and allow them to experience the friendly atmosphere that Chobham Golf Club exudes. Academy membership is a perfect stepping stone to full membership of the club.

Regardless of your age or experience you can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome to Chobham Golf Club.

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37

HEALTH

Learning to relax in today’s rushabout, hi-tech, highly stressed world has never been more important.

As heart attack rates soar and stress-related illness becomes common, we owe it to ourselves to factor relaxation into our weekly routine. Even retirement can be stressful. How often do we pack the day with things we “simply must do” and not leave enough time to just chill out and do nothing?

Sometimes we can relax in a hobby – lose ourselves in model-making or crafts, or help our bodies de-stress with a game of badminton, a session of Tai Chi, going swimming or taking a lovely long walk in the fresh air, away from phones and computers.

MASSAGE is a great way to undo those knots in your shoulders and really relax your body. There are many different types of massage available including aromatherapy massage when warmed essential oils are used on the body with a variety of stroking, rubbing and kneading movements.

Marie Hurst from Body Harmony, who specialises in aromatherapy and Bowen Therapy – a very gentle massage for specific problems – says that stress can be a killer.

“The Japanese have an officially recognised condition called Karoshi – death from stress caused by too much work,” she stated Stress is also believed to be responsible for a variety of symptoms and illnesses from high blood pressure and heart problems to insomnia and skin conditions. “A regular massage is an excellent way of alleviating stress and promoting relaxation,” she states.

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SPA DAYS AND BREAKS are a wonderful way to combine treatments with total relaxation. Usually, they are offered in hotel spas or fitness centres and involve a preplanned day or weekend of treatments like body massage, facials and Indian head massage, with the opportunity to use gym and swimming pool facilities whenever you want.

A light meal at lunchtime is often included in the price.

YOGA, the ancient spiritual, physical and mental philosophy is another useful way to combat stressful lifestyles and promote wellbeing. As yoga teacher Linda Obertelli Roden from Wellbeing For Life explains: “Living with the mind and body relaxed is a natural state for us. It is only the pace of our lives that makes us forget this.

“Yoga is particularly beneficial for relaxation as there are many relaxing breaths to learn as well as postures (asanas). The word yoga means union, a union of mind and body.”

Linda runs vitality and wellbeing workshops and classes, often in wellknown fitness centres like David Lloyd and Virgin, She adds: “Many of my clients say they have the best night’s sleep after a yoga or Pilates class.”

MEDITATION has been practised for thousands of years and was originally meant to help deepen our understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. Today it’s more commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.

It can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind as you focus your attention and eliminate the many jumbled thoughts that tend to crowd in. Meditation can enhance physical and emotional wellbeing, offering a sense of calm, peace and balance that helps overall health.

Margaret Walton, who runs meditation and relaxation courses, says that focusing on the body and on our breathing can help to focus the mind, “to bring us to the present moment, to calm us and help us find a sense of inner stillness and peace.”

Margaret points out that we can be so habitually tense, almost without realising it, “that we gradually become accustomed to the sensation of living in a tense state and just think of it as ‘normal.’”

She offers some clues that may help you to spot undue levels of tension, including: tense muscles, heart racing or pounding, hyperventilating or feeling light-headed, persistent tiredness or exhaustion, aches and pains, difficulty with sleeping or gritting your teeth at night, waking up tired, loss of appetite or not eating well, minor ailments like headaches, and a sense of rush and pressure.

She suggests simple exercises for each area of the body.

“Tense up and then relax muscle groups,” she states. “Do each exercise three times. As you get better with time at relaxing these areas, use less tension before relaxing.”

Hands – Hands are commonly one of the first parts of our body to show tension. When they tense up, they tend to either clench up into a fist or to hold tight onto something.

Instead, stretch out your hands so that your fingers are straight and spread out. Hold that position for a moment and feel the tension across your palms and the back of your hands. Then let your hands relax and flop beside you, or on your lap. Resist the urge to hold onto something; just let them hang loosely beside you or let them rest on your lap.

Shoulders – When we are tense our shoulders are commonly raised or hunched. Instead, pull your shoulders

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down, feel the tension down your arms and up your neck.

Hold that position for a moment. Then let them relax and return to a natural position, not hunched.

Head and neck - The neck muscles can only relax when they are not supporting the weight of your head. That is, if you are lying comfortably with your head supported in a straight line with your spine, or if you are standing or sitting with your head balanced and looking straight ahead – neither angled to one side nor looking up or down.

Many of us tend to spend a lot of time holding our head in one position whilst working, for example. Rotate your head to the extent of its movement in each direction, then allow your head to return to the straight ahead, balanced position.

Face – There are many muscles in our face – used, of course, for speaking eating and for facial expression, but this is one of the areas most likely to show tension. As with other muscle groups, it is possible to ten se up and then relax these muscles. You can also let all expression go from your face: let your forehead become smooth, your jaw sag with your teeth just apart (though your lips may still be closed), your eyes looking straight ahead and into the distance and not squinting.

Breathing – When you are tense, your breathing tends to become faster and shallower. So, allow your breathing to come from lower down in your abdomen (this doesn’t mean inhaling a lot of air, rather just a little air but from low down).

This will help you to slow your breathing down a little, but don’t actually hold your breath. Let it become gentle, easy and regular. Once it is comfortable, you may be able to slow your breathing a little more.

Relaxing thoughts – Although this physical relaxation method doesn’t aim for deep relaxation it should still help you to relax mentally, too. Adds Margaret: “It isn’t possible to be really relaxed physically while being tense mentally, or vice versa.”

For more details about: • Linda Obertelli Roden and Wellbeing for Life go to www. wellbeing4life.co.uk • Margaret Walton’s courses at The Wellbeing Farm go to www.thewellbeingfarm.co.uk • Body Harmony email bodyharmonyuk@yahoo.co.uk • The General Council for Massage www.gcmt.org.uk • The British Meditation Society www.britishmeditationsociety.org 39

A Summer Holiday to Remember!

SUPERSTAR ROCKER CLIFF RICHARD RETURNS TO THE UK IN 2013 WITH MIDSUMMER NIGHTS He’s Britain’s most successful artist with over 250 million record sales worldwide and over 120 top 40 hits. He’s a star of the screen with films like The Young Ones and Summer Holiday. He’s gained millions of loyal fans, and has a place in the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music.

Win! Tickets to see Cliff Richard and The Military Wives perform live in the UK in 2013 Superstar rocker Cliff Richard returns to the UK this June with his Midsummer Night’s series of shows and here is your chance to see him rocking and reeling live, supported by The Military Wives Choirs 50 Plus Magazine are giving away 10 pairs of tickets to see Sir Cliff perform. To win a pair of tickets simply answer the following question:

What was Cliff Richards 1st UK number one single?

1.) Living Doll 2.) Summer Holiday And now, Sir Cliff Richard O.B.E. is returning to the UK in June 2013 for a spectacular Midsummer Nights series of shows, Still Reelin’ and A-Rockin’, in the most stunning venues in England:

Saturday June 1

Harewood House (West Yorkshire)

Sunday June 2

Old Trafford Cricket Ground (Lancashire)

Thursday June 6

Blickling Estate (East Anglia)

Saturday June 8

Warwick Castle (Warwickshire)

Sunday June 9

Hatfield House (Hertfordshire)

Saturday June 15

The County Ground, Hove (Sussex)

Sunday June 16

3.) Congratulations Name:...........................................................................................

Address:....................................................................................... ...................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................

Postcode:......................................................................................

ANSWER:...................................................................................... ......................................................................................................

Tel:.................................................................................................

Email:............................................................................................

Please send form to Unit 6 Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG. Tickets are also available to purchase via see tickets and a charitable donation made by the promoter of the concert will go to the Military Wives Choirs Foundation which brings women in the military community closer together through singing.

Powderham Castle (Devon)

Terms and conditions

Knighted in 1995 – the first rock and roll superstar to be honoured with the title – Cliff has always been a firm favourite with his fans. Incredibly, his 2011 calendar pipped JLS, Justin Bieber and Michael Bublé’s efforts to the post, going on to win the Best Celebrity Retail Calendar award.

And his wine, produced in his own Portuguese vineyard, holds Tesco’s record of being the fastest-selling bottle in the supermarket’s history.

Any entries made after the closing date or through a different method will not be counted. Winners will be selected and notified via 50 Plus Magazine.

The prize offering is 10 Pairs of tickets to Sir Cliff Richard’s 2013 ‘’Midsummer Night’s – Still Reelin’ and a-Rockin’’ series of outdoor concerts, for the venue closest to the winners local area.

With a career spanning six decades and a legion of dedicated admirers, Cliff says he can’t wait to put on the show of a lifetime.

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Competition runs from 22/4//13 to 24/5/13 Entries have to be made by completing (1) step: (i) Answering the following question correctly ‘What was Cliff Richards 1st UK number one single?’

The prize is not exchangeable for cash or any other item. This competition is not open to any persons directly or indirectly involved with the running of the competition, or their direct family members. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering this competition.

St Vincent’s 60 Plus Apartments

Make the Most of Your Retirement Years St Vincent's has 60 Plus retirement appartments in the Warrington area, get in touch to find out more...

We offer: • Self contained apartments, but with an on-site warden • 24 hour emergency call out • Secure door entry system • Communal gardens, and laundry • Free repairs and maintenance service • Links with health professionals • A lift • A communal lounge to meet up with friends • Full and varied social life if you want it, although some of our residents choose to enjoy a quieter life - it's entirely up to you!

Our Handyman Service We offer a free handyperson service to all our customers who live in our sheltered housing schemes, get those little jobs, such as hanging a door, or fitting a grab rail, done for free.

St Vincent's has over 40 years experience in providing retirement schemes for senior members of the community

Give Jane a call on 0845 606 6565 if you would like more information or to discuss your circumstances. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Visit our website at www.svha.co.uk

41

Complete Denture Service

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

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

3. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible.

The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality. Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process.

It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

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

This article was written by 50 Plus journalist Sheila Alcock.

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Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures

Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

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

Denture construction is more art than science.

Choice of Dentures

There are three main quality standards in denture materials: Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, ultra impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic.

Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and inexpensive, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking.

However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person.

Your Dentures need Attention 1.

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3.

4.

5.

6.

42

When they become loose.

When teeth or denture base discolours.

When tooth surfaces become flat.

When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).

When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

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Smile!

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2012 Treatment Abroad Medical In In 2012 thethe Treatment Abroad Medical InTourism 2012 Survey theSurvey Treatment Abroad Medical revealed that 20,000 Tourism revealed that 20,000 Tourism Survey revealed thatoverseas 20,000 people from UK travelled overseas people from thethe UK travelled for dental treatment. people from the UK travelled overseas for dental treatment. for dental treatment.

Budapest has long been established as Budapest long been established as the mosthas popular destination in Europe Budapest has long beendestination established as the most popular dental in because of the high standards of dental the most popular dental destination in Europe of the high standards care, because the rigorous training and education because ofrigorous the hightraining standards ofEurope dental care, the and of Hungarian dentists, and the huge of dental of care, the rigorous training education Hungarian dentists, andand the savings on offer to UK patients. education of on Hungarian dentists, and the huge savings offer to UK patients. huge savings offer to UKfrom patients.

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DEMENTIA EXPLAINED

By Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist, Dr Lynda Shaw.

Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects nearly 600,000 people in the UK and that number is rising. Dementia is becoming more and more important because we are living longer and Dementia is now the most common disease in the elderly.

cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain and brain cells are likely to die. This can lead to strokes or infarcts (mini strokes) and there is an increased possibility of vascular dementia.

The most common cause of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into Dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years.

Dementia with Lewy bodies

During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells. Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for Dementia. In the early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous because cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Most types of Dementia are non-reversible (degenerative) but some causes of Dementia may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse Dementia is rare in people under age 60. The risk for Dementia increases as a person gets older.

Four main types of Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of Dementia and accounts for 50% - 60% of all cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories.

Alzheimer’s can affect memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones.

Vascular Dementia Vascular Dementia is the second most common form of Dementia and accounts for about 20% of all cases. It affects men more than women and is due to

44

Dementia with Lewy bodies is the third most common cause of Dementia and may occur in up to 20% of cases. Dementia with Lewy bodies is similar to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease in that it is caused by the degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain. Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve cells of the brain.

Fronto-temporal dementia Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age. It takes its name from the fact that damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.

Symptoms Dementia affects people differently but symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including in language, memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation and cognitive skills such as abstract thinking, or judgment and disorientation.

Mild cognitive impairment is somewhere between normal forgetfulness due to ageing and the development of Dementia. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with everyday activities and are often aware of the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops Dementia.

Prevention Most causes of Dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of Dementia.

1. Mental Exercise 2. Quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes can help us reduce our risk of vascular Dementia.

3. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

4. Regular physical exercise may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

5. Sleep Well 6. Managing Stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B this has had notable effects. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to do something to the reduction in the rate of brain atrophy.

8. Identify MCI as quickly as possible. In studies

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carried out in memory clinics, 10-15 per cent of people with MCI went on to develop Dementia in each year that the research results were followed up. It is therefore very important to identify people with MCI, as they may be in the very early stages of the disease and more likely to benefit from early treatment in the future. However, many people with MCI improve or remain stable, and do not develop Dementia.

In recent years, however, treatments that can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are becoming available. Other treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease in the brain are also being developed. It is important that people with Alzheimer’s disease are identified as early as possible, so that they can benefit from these treatments in the future.

Identifying people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one way to try to achieve this but so far, none of the techniques available are sufficiently developed to provide a definitive diagnosis in patients with MCI.

Helping those with Dementia • •

• •

Understanding and respecting the person with Dementia Helping the person feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and non-judgemental Respecting cultural values and privacy Regardless of how bad the Dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves

• • • •

Help them express their feelings.

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

Helping Families of those with Dementia 1. Caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs. The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle.

2. Becoming well informed is really important.

3. Developing good coping skills 4. Having a strong network of family and friends also are important 5. Staying physically active helps us cope emotionally to being a carer 6. Getting support groups for respite and expression of concerns

DR LYNDA SHAW RUNS AN ADVISORY SERVICE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE SUFFERING WITH DEMENTIA. www.drlyndashaw.com

Waverley House Dementia Care Home

• Under new management/ownership • Undergoing major refurbishment • Registered for 30 – ensuite and non ensuite rooms available • Respite care now available • Residential, convalescence and end of life care available • Two lounges and conservatory overlooking beautiful enclosed gardens • Wheelchair friendly • Radio assisted nurse call system in every room • Organised activities, walks, outings • Visits available from Chiropodist, hairdresser and physiotherapist • Freshly prepared meals. Catered to specific needs

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any questions or enquiries, we will be more than happy to help.

Waverley House

Mobile: 07852 271290 n Telephone: 01925 602453 Fax: 01530 245588 / 01925 210736

27 Victoria Road, Grappenhall, Warrington WA4 2EN www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Registered with CQC, Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire Social Services Members of the National Care Home Association

waverley-house@btconnect.com

We are a family owned dementia care home in a quiet residential area of Grappenhall. We provide care with compassion in a safe, homely environment whilst providing dignity and quality of life.

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SOLUTI0NS SOLUTI0NS

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