Merseyside, Southport & Ormskirk issue 58

£229

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Robinsons’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 35 luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

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

Every break includes:

from Return coach travel (self-drive option available) Comfy en suite accommodation Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice

Coach & Self-Drive Holidays January 2023 – December 2023

Request your brochure now!

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Live nightly entertainment

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

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

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

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

Price includes return coach travel from:

WW Pick-up: Leyland, Chorley, Coppull, Standish, Wigan, Ashton in Makerfield, Newton le Willows, Warrington, Lymm Services.

MS2 Pick-up: Burscough, Ormskirk, St Helens, Widnes, Runcorn, Northwich, Middlewich, Sandbach Services.

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

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2022/23. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Offer ends 31st May 2023

Twittering On

BY ANGELA KELLY

IN THIS ISSUE

6-7 TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

8-9 TRAVEL

There’s nowhere like Australia

12-13 CELEBRITY FEATURE

Idris Elba returns as Luther

14-15 ALTERNATIVE HOMES Change the way you live

16-17 APOLLO REMASTERED at Williamson Art Gallery & Musuem

Travel

Celebrity Feature

22-24 FOOD

Recipes from Jo Pratt

25 MOTORING

Steve Howarth test drives a Suzuki Swace

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180

E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

Belong is a not-for-profit organisation, drawing on over 30 years of experience in supporting people with dementia. Combining high quality support with a focus on wellbeing, our aim to ensure peace of mind and quality of life. Small family-sized households

BREAST SCREENING Saves lives through detecting cancer early

The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 – 70 every 3 years for a mammogram. Each GP Practice is screened in turn and all women registered with a GP will receive an invitation.

What happens when I reach 71?

Women over the age of 71 will not be sent an appointment automatically but they can self-refer for a mammogram every 3 years by contacting us.

Why do I need to be screened?

1 in 8 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lives. Breast cancer is now the most common cause of cancer in women in this country.

Early detection saves lives

What is breast screening?

Breast screening (or mammography) is an x-ray of the breast that is used to find any changes in the breast tissue that could be cancer, so they can be investigated early.

South Lancashire Breast

Screening is your local service, covering Wigan, West Lancs and Chorley and South Ribble

01942 774713

bsuappointments@wwl.nhs.uk

www.wwl.nhs.uk/specialities/breast_screening

South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit

Most breast changes will not be cancer, but if cancer is found, the treatment needed will often be less intense and the chance of making a full recovery is much higher

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of survival

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Staying patient is apparently viewed as a more positive trait by others. Research suggests that people who can stay calm in the face of these constant, petty frustrations are more likely to be empathetic, have a more even temperament and suffer less from depression.

So if you think you’re going to blow a gasket, just breathe, keep your temper and wait patiently.

Patience is definitely a virtue

HAVE you noticed how short-tempered we’ve become as a nation?

That famous British cool – the stiff upper lip and stoic approach –seem largely to have faded away in favour of impatience, temper and an unwillingness to understand the other person’s point of view.

Take to the road and you’ll see how quickly other drivers push to get past you, even if you’re keeping to the speed limit and sensible about driving conditions.

Road rage is now pretty common on a daily basis. According to police figures, there has been a steep rise since 2012 and in one recent year alone there were 18,605 road rage incidents recorded around Britain.

Queue anywhere and you’ll quickly winkle out the impatient people. Grumbling turns to raised voices in no time – and this from a nation so used to queuing post-war that our stoicism was the envy of the world.

In fact, it was hearing about a shocking incident in a Lidl store which reminded me how short tempers have actually become.

A woman waiting in the checkout queue felt another customer was taking too long and ended up screaming and shouting at him.

Worse, when another woman spoke up for him, asking her to calm down, the woman turned her ire on her …. chucking broccoli at her, bizarrely after scanning it first!

Patience is the ability to stay calm while you’re waiting for an outcome that you need or want. According to psychology experts, it comes in three main varieties: interpersonal patience, life hardship patience and daily hassles patience.

I suspect the latter causes the most problems for people and the advice is to focus to achieve what you want and to keep your emotions under control.

Self-discipline is the key here so we probably need to practise this skill more than others.

Yes, life can be irritating and make us impatient but we do need to keep a sense of proportion.

Pets with millions of online followers

LIKE many people of my generation, it has taken a while to get my head around online influencers and their many followers. But just when that all seemed logical, along come ANIMALS with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok.

Yes, there are cats and dogs out there in cyberspace who are followed regularly by excited people all over the planet. Nor is it just followers they gain but often lucrative contracts for everything from petfood lines to their own feline fashions and doggy accessories.

They sometimes come in twos and threes. Darren and Phillip, alias the blueboys, are two bubbly Staffordshire bull terriers with more than 300,000 followers on TikTok and close to 10 million likes.

They wear cute dog outfits and followers are fascinated by their daily lives.

For bird enthusiasts, Wolfie and Sharky, two blue parrots regularly showcase their skills doing all sorts of tricks like skateboarding and playing basketball.

Now, a black and white cat called Gacek has captured the hearts of tourists visiting Polish city Szczecin. They’ve swapped visiting historical landmarks for a tour with Gacek.

He has his own Instagram page and a section on Google maps. Unfortunately, tourists constantly feeding him have made him a little, ahem, portly but he’s still adorable.

I don’t think our Jack Russell Ollie will be clocking up thousands of followers anytime soon, though.

He won’t keep still for a quick photo, is only interested in dog biscuits and lives a life dominated by naps. Not much to view there.

One such amazing lady is Stacey Victoria who lives in Huddersfield. She has revealed how she saves £200 a month with clever, waste-free ideas which even include re-purposing empty juice cartons into plant pots. She has cut back each month on items the family could do without and overhauled her shopping and now, she states: “I get such a good feeling from making use of discarded items again.”

There aren’t many upsides to the current money woes of people but taking that sort of practical, pro-active approach is a lesson to us all.

Hidden genius of ordinary people

PIANOS have been popping up in train stations and shopping malls for a while with the world and his wife having a go to prove their musicality – or lack of it.

But the brainwave to build a TV series around this with expert judges secretly watching is sheer genius.

This is the idea behind The Piano, a new Channel 4 reality show filmed in train stations in London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Leeds, with the best amateur pianists invited along to demonstrate their skills.

Helping the cost of living

THE severe hike in the cost of living has made all of us re-think daily household costs and general spending.

It’s a tough time, especially for those already struggling to get by, and heart-breaking to hear of many families and individuals whose lives have changed for the worse.

The only slight chink in the gloom is the way it has made many people more inventive with household cash and getting the most from every penny.

The result is surprisingly uplifting to the point of tears as talented youngsters and oldsters alike play, delighting passing station audiences and thousands more at home. Judges pop star Mika and star pianist Lang Lang both prove knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

Many of the performances reveal amazing stories, like 13 year-old Lucy who became blind from eye cancer and young Daniel who fell in love with music during lockdown and taught himself to play through YouTube videos.

The various styles are fascinating but the passion is shared and reveals a hidden national musical treasure trove.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

THERE’S NOWHERE LIKE AUSTRALIA

Sally Cope, Regional General Manager, UK/Northern Europe,Tourism Australia spoke to Jennie Carr about the incredible natural beauty in Australia and what Silver Travellers might enjoy best.

First time visitors

Given that this is such a vast country, almost the size of Europe, visitors would be challenged to visit the whole country in one visit. Interestingly, about 50% of all British travellers who do visit return to Australia at least once more.

Sally suggests a three weeks’ trip, starting in Sydney to explore the city, the harbour area the bridge and of course, the Opera House. Next fly to Uluru in the red centre of the country, to experience the remarkable outback landscape and learn about the Australia’s indigenous culture. It’s a very flat region and the skies seem enormous, perfect at night for stargazing with so little light pollution. Finally fly up to Cairns in tropical North Queensland, which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visiting these three places will give a real appreciation of the diversity of Australia’s landscapes and a good flavour of the country.

Sydney’s attractions

An absolute must do in Sydney is a harbour cruise, either on a small boat or with dinner on a larger vessel. Even for non-surfers, Bondi Beach can’t be missed, just enjoy a drink, people watch and get a sense of the Australian lifestyle. For great dining, head to Circular Quay and The Rocks area, with the old sandstone buildings whose building blocks were hand-carved by convicts. You can also take a tour with an Aborigine

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

guide and hear the traditional creation stories of the harbour area along with tales of the first European arrivals.

The Opera House is an extraordinary building just to visit, although Sally thoroughly recommends watching a show there if you can. Sydney is also the starting point for trips to the Hunter Valley Wine region and the Blue Mountains’ spectacular landscapes where very accessible bush walks are on offer.

Tasmania, nicknamed Tassie

This large island, off the coast of Victoria in the south east, has no international airport so you have to fly into Hobart, the capital, via another Australian city. Tasmania has over 40% of its land protected in some form of reserve, so eco-tourism and the environment are hugely important here. It’s incredibly easy to get out of the city into wilderness

Margaret River,Western Australia

areas. Coach tours can take you on full island tours or else self-driving gives the freedom to explore as you wish.

Hugely popular for Silver Travellers are multi-day walking tours such as the coastal Bay of Fires trip or Cradle Mountain Hikes, where you could see the famous Tasmanian Devil in the alpine scenery. You carry what you need for the day, then stay at lodges or cabins offering hot showers and a decent meal. So that’s wild walking but not wild camping! Perfect for slowing right down and immersing yourself in the pristine natural environment. Sally reckons it can be really transformational to get out into Tasmania’s wilderness.

Luxury Experiences across Australia

For a collection of superb, small, independent boutique hotels (lodges in Australia), take a look at luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au. Sally really recommends them for their ‘sense of place’ and for really belonging to where they are located, along with the outstanding guided experiences they provide. Take Lake House, on Lake Daylesford in Victoria’s spa country which offers a school cooking school focussing on local produce: it’s true foodie’s delight. Or Bamurru Plains in the wetlands near Darwin which is akin to a safari lodge, with boat tours of the Sampan river for wildlife and bird spotting. All with high environmental and sustainability standards. As Sally put it, ‘muddy or dusty boots by day with a hot shower and a very good glass of wine in the evening.’

Extraordinary Australia

Lizard Island at the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef, opposite Cooktown, has exceptional accommodation where you can swim out over the reef, possibly sharing the waves with a large green sea turtle. Off the coast of Adelaide in the south, Kangaroo Island is a haven for wildlife, kangaroos and koalas included, which is recovering fast from

IT’S TIME TO FOCUS ON LIFE NOT THE COST OF LIVING

Free up cash and live life to the full in a comfortable, low-maintenance home at Mount Pleasant Park. Join a friendly, like-minded community exclusive for the over 45s and get the most out of every day.

the fires in late 2019/early 2020: the bush vegetation regenerates swiftly. Just two and half hours from Perth, Margaret River and its surrounds are home to Australia’s premium wines, with self-guided wine tours, outstanding eateries and good places to stay. A must for gourmands.

When to visit Australia

Such a vast land mass, Australia generally does not suffer from over tourism or crowds so you can be confident of having space to enjoy your visits. Being in the Southern hemisphere the seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. In the middle of the year, head north to Darwin, Northern Queensland, Western Australia and the Kimberley for cooler drier weather. Go south in the summer (November to March) for the most comfortable time to travel.

Next steps

For all things Australian, visit australia.com. Call our Silver Travel Advisors to discuss and book your trip 0800 412 5678, they’ll help you create the perfect, personal itinerary.

Opera house and Harbour bridge

2023 UK & EUROPEAN COACH HOLIDAYS & SHORT BREAKS

IDRIS ELBA STAR QUALITY

HE’S been a bouncer, a DJ, a rapper and a kickboxer. Oh, and he’s a very successful actor in the UK and the US and is regularly suggested as the next James Bond – although he denies he’d ever do it.

Idrissa Akuna Elba – aka Idris Elba – has the kind of star quality that wannabes would kill for. And, as he reaches his 50s, a timeless magnetism that means his star never looks like waning.

This year sees the return of one of his most iconic characters – dark detective Luther – when a new Luther film comes to Netflix. The tall, deep-voiced actor, however, has managed to resist being totally typecast.

His starry story started in the London borough of Hackney where he was the only child of Winston, originally from Sierra Leone and Eve, from Ghana.

Idris shortened his forename while still at school in Canning Town where he also first became involved in acting. He saw an advert in The Stage for a play, auditioned and later met his first agent while performing the role.

In 1986 he started helping an uncle with his wedding DJ business and within a year had his own DJ company with some friends.

He won a place at the National Youth Music Theatre after receiving a £1,500 Prince’s Trust grant. Later, between roles in his early career, he worked in various jobs including tyre-fitting, cold-calling and night-shifts at Ford Dagenham.

He worked in nightclubs under the DJ nickname Big Driis but in his early 20s began auditioning for TV roles. His first acting role was in a murder reconstructions for Crimewatch and in 1994 he appeared in a BBC children’s drama called The Boot Street Band.

The following year, he landed his first significant role on medical drama series Bramwell, set in 1890s England. Then he was cast as a gigolo in an episode of Absolutely Fabulous, heralding many supporting roles in British TV including The Bill, The Ruth Rendell Mysteries and Dangerfield.

Idris decided, however, to move to New York City, returning to England occasionally for TV roles. In 2001 he played Achilles in a stage production of Troilus and Cressida in NYC.

After being in a supporting role in an episode of Law & Order, Idris won a starring role on the 2002 HBO drama series The Wire. This proved an important step as he appeared in this popular series until 2004 as Russell “Stringer” Bell, giving him his best-known role in America.

In 2005, he appeared in HBO film Sometimes in April about the Rwandan genocide and in a 2007 special Black Men: The Truth. He was in the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, filmed in Botswana – a series which premiered in 2008 on BBC One and attracted 6.3 million viewers.

In 2009, though, he signed a deal to star in the lead role in the six-part BBC TV series Luther. This aired in May, 2010, and the compelling detective series immediately captured viewers’ imagination. At the 2012 Golden Globes awards, it earned him Best Actor in a Series.

Alongside his TV career, however, he was carving out a very solid career in films. In 2007, he played the lead role in Daddy’s Little Girls as a blue-collar mechanic who falls in love with an attorney helping him gain custody of his children.

The same year, he appeared in 28 Weeks Later and This Christmas and the following year in horror film Prom Night and the Guy Ritchie London gangster movie RocknRolla.

In 2009, he starred in horror film The Unborn and in thriller Obsessed, opposite Beyonce, in a box-office success earning $29 million on its opening weekend.

Idris then played a black ops soldier in Legacy and another in thriller Takers before appearing in Kenneth Branagh’s film Thor based on the Marvel Comics’ superhero.

In 2012, Idris gave an impressive performance as Nelson Mandela in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom based on the African leader’s autobiography.

As part of his preparation for the role he spent a night locked in a cell alone on Robben Island where Mandela had been imprisoned. His subsequent performance earned him a Golden Globes’ nomination.

The same year, he played Captain Janek in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and in 2013 joined the cast of futuristic Pacific Rim.

It was back to mingling with superheroes when he reprised his role in Thor: The Dark World in 2013 then played a vengeful psychopathic serial killer in No Good Deed in 2014.

In 2015 he was in the superhero blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron. Several voice roles followed: in Disney’s Zootopia, as

villainous tiger Shere Khan in The Jungle Book and as sea lion Fluke in Pixar’s Finding Dory.

There’s no doubt Idris plays an excellent villain, showcased next in the Fast & Furious franchise spin-off Hobbs & Shaw but he feels equally at home in other genres – he played Macavity in the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats.

Music has plainly been important in his own life. He has appeared in music videos, featured on various singles and performed raps. He even launched his own record label, 7Wallace Music.

Away from the small and large screens, he collaborated with the UK Parliament in their efforts to eradicate ebola from West Africa and in 2016 addressed Parliament about the lack of diversity onscreen in race, gender and sexuality. He said:

“Change is coming but it’s taking its sweet time.”

His love of martial arts resulted in a documentary Idris Elba: Fighter, chronicling his 12-month kickboxing and mixed martial arts training.

In his personal life, he has been married three times and has two children. He has stated that he is spiritual but not religious. He also loves sport and is an avid Arsenal supporter.

In 2016, he was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama.

He says he would “never be fearful of any character” and his long and successful career so far ably demonstrates just that.

ALTERNATIVE HOMES

experience locally and check building firm reviews and ratings online.

Shortlist your favourites and talk to them in person, asking plenty of questions about your project. Don’t rush into anything, especially handing over money, unless you’re completely confident in an individual company and have checked them out thoroughly.

Remember that a new extension, conservatory or orangerie will also need furnishing so ensure you’ve budgeted for everything.

If you are looking to downsize – and around 55,000 households a year do - it’s definitely worth doing your homework beforehand.

This is not just about paying bills, getting more for your money or having a financial plan. It is also about taking a good look at where you live and deciding if this is the best place for you.

Lockdown may have even forced you to assess if the amount of space and lifestyle you have is enough for you. So you may be looking to upgrade your property to something bigger, either by building and altering your current home or moving to a larger property.

Whatever you’re doing next, it’s important to have a realistic plan about, not just money, but also the details of your new life – like the furniture you will want, décor and daily lifestyle needs.

As we get older and children become independent, many people look to downsize and cut their bills, streamlining their way of living to something simpler and cheaper.

Or, you may prefer to upgrade your lifestyle, perhaps moving from a house to a swish apartment. The move may mean you need to seriously assess everything you own because there simply won’t be room for all of it.

Arm yourself with plenty of information whatever you plan to do. If you’re BUILDING onto an existing property, you may need a surveyor as well as a builder.

Ask for recommendations from friends and family or other reliable tradespeople that you’ve already used. Look for builders with

One body of research concluded that 64 is the best age to downsize as people are still mentally agile enough to deal with the house sale process and benefit most from getting rid of unused space. But it’s never too late to take good decisions to improve your lifestyle.

You may have family and friends nearby currently in a support network that can be really important as we get older so there are important questions to ask.

Does your new area have good transport system to ensure you can still get to see them and get about?

Are there good facilities like local GPs and clinics. Can you continue your hobbies and is it pet-friendly if you have a pet to take with you?

What sort of property are you considering? Is it a house, an apartment, sheltered housing, a retirement development or a park home?

Age UK have very helpful information on downsizing and also about the kinds of retirement properties to suit individuals. Go to ageco.co.uk for information.

They also suggest that if you have decided to downsize after careful consideration, put your property on the market then organise and de-clutter - but do give yourself lots of time for all this.

HIKES in the cost of living this year and a greater awareness of all our domestic bills has made many people think about changing the way they live.

If you measure up in your new place beforehand and make a floor plan you may be able to fit in your FURNITURE

It’s quite likely, though, that you may have to get rid of some –especially larger furniture that simply won’t fit into your new existence.

You could sell them on ebay or give them to a local charity or organisation like Freecycle which finds homes for furniture and other items.

It’s a good idea to DE-CLUTTER as soon as you start thinking about moving generally. Improving and refining your present property this way can help with a quick sale by making it more attractive to potential buyers.

If the task seems overwhelming, just try 10 minutes a day for a while to make inroads into it. This is sensible and stops you being exhausted and disheartened.

We also accumulate masses of paperwork over the years but it’s unlikely you’ll need it all so be brutal!

Ensure you give family and friends anything you want them to keep but otherwise be practical about whether or not you use an item and whether it will fit into your new home.

If, for example, you don’t have a garden at your new place or it’s a communal garden, you may not need a lawnmower.

Sell or give what you have identified as not needed and, again, local charity shops are very grateful for donations of all kinds of items including clothes, books and bric a brac.

Will your CURTAINS be useful or suitable for your new property or are you opting for new ones that better suit it? This may be the opportunity to go for new blinds – it’s certainly worth looking at the latest types which can really open up a room and make the most of available light.

Most people leave behind items like LIGHT FITTINGS because they go well with that property but you may have favourites that you feel would look good in your new home. Check details like ceiling height there before you start removing light fittings, though, as this may be pivotal in your choice.

Enjoy planning new colours and styles for your new décor. This is a chance for you to look at the latest shades and home-styles to create a new and happy home all over again.

Established over 35 years

Your Local Mo bility Store OPENING TIMES:

Monday till Friday 9.00am till 4.00pm

Saturday - 10.00am till 1.00pm

Sunday - CLOSED

LLG Wheelchairs Ltd have been in the mobility business since 1983, offering a high quality service to our customers throughout the UK. We carry one of the largest stocks of new and used mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs and mobility accessories in the North West. We don’t just sell wheelchairs and mobility scooters in Leigh – we can also supply small household mobility aids to stair lifts and everything in-between throughout the North West and the UK. Our after-sales customer care is second to none.

If you have a disability or mobility problem our aim is to help you to find the best solution, so why not contact us or call into our showroom. Our experienced staff are always happy to offer friendly and useful advice on the best mobility solution for your needs.

FINANCE AVAILABLE along with free HOME DEMONSTRATION on request.

3 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE IS INCLUDED WITH EVERY POWERED WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY SCOOTER PURCHASED

HEAD OFFICE (LEIGH BRANCH)

PARSONAGE GARAGE, KIRKHALL LANE

LEIGH WN7 5RP

TEL: 01942 606668

sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk

www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk

Spectacular images on a never-before-seen scale

Explore the Moon landings in spectacular high definition for the very first time. Showcasing images from Andy Saunders’ extraordinary book Apollo Remastered.

By applying pain-staking care and cutting-edge enhancement techniques, Saunders has created the highest quality Apollo photographs ever produced.

28th April – 2nd September 2023

Wednesday & Thursday: 10am-5pm | Friday: 10am – 9pm | Saturday: 10am-5pm williamsonartgallery.org

Summer opening hours:

Wednesday - Friday 1pm - 5pm

Saturday & Sunday 10am - 5pm

The oldest standing building on Merseyside – a fantastic place for the whole family to discover 870 years of history.

Unrivalled views across the Mersey.

Our stunning grounds offer the perfect place for a picnic!

Guided tours available on request.

Sefton’s home for arts and culture

Be inspired in their art galleries and discover an impressive variety of work including paintings, sculpture, digital art and more. Five galleries feature work from The Atkinson’s own art collection and exhibitions delivered in partnership with other cultural organisations. Artworks from local artists are also available to purchase at The Atkinson.

You can get creative too! The Atkinson encourage local artists to get involved in exhibition open calls and take part in workshops led by a wide range of experts. An insightful programme of regular talks and lectures delve deeper into their museum and gallery programme. The free ‘Object of the Month’ lunchtime talks take place on the second Wednesday of every month at 1pm and highlight different objects from The Atkinson’s fine art and social history collections.

The Atkinson is Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature, and history. May 2023 marks ten years since The Atkinson re-opened as a combined arts centre following a multi-million pound refurbishment. There is so much to discover under one roof, and for free too!

7

The stunning Egyptology museum showcases Anne Goodison’s personal artefacts in an interactive display. Mrs Goodison was one of a handful of wealthy Victorian ladies in the North West who were fascinated by ancient Egypt, and The Atkinson are lucky to have her collection to show you.

24 June 5 Aug

Their traditional Theatre and dynamic Studio space present an outstanding programme of music, comedy and performing arts. You can visit the Box Office or check The Atkinson’s website to find out what’s on, there is first-class entertainment all year round. Highlights this summer include an evening with comedian Andy Hamilton (7 Jun), a celebration of the Man in Black from The Johnny Cash Roadshow (24 June) and a production of Jane Austin’s Sense & Sensibility (5 Aug).

The local history museum, Between Land & Sea, tells the story of Sefton from prehistoric times to the present day. Bring objects to life by scanning QR codes with your phone, send a digital postcard from Sunny Southport and take a selfie in a historic costume from the dressing up wall.

The Atkinson is home to Southport Library who offer a range of services to the local community and visitors alike. Oh, and did we mention there is an award-winning café and a fabulous gift shop too?...

The building itself is fully accessible, with lifts to access all areas. The Atkinson has toilets on all floors, baby changing facilities on the ground floor as well as full adult Changing Places facility on the first floor.

We hope you enjoy discovering all The Atkinson has to offer.

The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB theatkinson.co.uk

Atkinson Lord Street

Summer Exhibitions

Free Entry

The Story So Far

27 May 2023 – 2 March 2024

Looking at the theme of storytelling, this exhibition includes highlights from The Atkinson’s and the Harris Art Gallery’s collections of narrative paintings. The exhibition looks at differing kinds of story-telling, from the illustration of historical and literary texts, to coastal and rural genre, as well as classical and domestic scenes.

Herbert Ponting: Explorer and Photographer

10 June – 2 September 2023

Best known for his work on the Terra Nova Expedition to the Antarctic with Captain Scott in 1911, discover Ponting’s incredible story through photographs on loan from Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, and research by biographer Anne Strathie.

Gordon Cheung: Garden of Perfect Brightness

3 June – 9 September 2023

Constructed around the concept of a Chinese garden with sculptures created from Financial Times newspapers, the exhibition is a poetic exploration of the relationship between nature, culture, and power in the digital age.

Blue and White Pottery: From China to The Willow Pattern and Beyond

17 June – 28 October 2023

A showcase of The Atkinson’s historic blue and white pottery collection, reflecting on the ongoing fascination with The Willow Pattern and blue and white decoration.

Exhibition Partners:

Images (left to right): Bird Scaring – March (1896) by George Clausen (1852–1944). Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Preston. Gordon Cheung in his studio with Chinese Scholar Rock sculptures. Herbert Ponting with his kinematograph (From The Great White South, image © Anne Strathie). Ceramic Platter with Willow Pattern decoration. The Atkinson. Permanent collection.

ONLY

Jo Pratt is a highly respected chef and author, known for her passion for inspirational, modern, and tasty food. She has published several best-selling cookbooks, including The Flexible Vegetarian and most recently The Flexible Baker, and her work has been featured in leading food and lifestyle magazines.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Jo is the perfect partner for Cooks & Co’s mission to inspire home cooks to explore and experiment with exciting new flavours, and try creating different cuisines from around the world.

PORK, PORCINI AND LENTIL STROGANOFF WITH BRAISED RICE

Your traditional stroganoff might not usually include the addition of brown lentils or dried Porcini mushrooms, but they really do add a touch of magic in the form of richness and depth of flavour. Once you’ve the ingredients prepared this is a wonderfully quick and easy recipe to make, and ideal for both a midweek or special weekend meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes / Serves 4 / gluten-free

• 25g Cooks&Co Dried Porcini

Mushrooms

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated or crushed

• Pinch cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 300g pork fillet, cut into slim strips

• 1 x 400g tin Cooks&Co Brown Lentils, drained

• 2 x Cooks&Co Roasted Red Peppers, cut into thin strips

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 200ml sour cream

• 80g baby spinach leaves

• Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the rice

• 40g butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bay leaf

• 250g basmati rice

• 500ml chicken stock

Method

Put the Cooks&Co Dried Porcini Mushrooms into a measuring jug and pour in boiling water until it reaches 450ml in the jug. Set aside and leave the mushrooms to rehydrate. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

For the rice, melt the butter in a heavy based braising casserole dish with a lid. Add the onion and bay leaf and cook gently for about 10 minutes until the onion has softened but not coloured. Stir in the rice. Once it is coated in the butter, pour in the stock, increase the heat, bring to the boil and cover with the lid. Put in the oven and cook for 20 minutes without removing the lid. Once cooked, remove from the oven, and leave to stand for about 5 minutes to continue to absorb any moisture in the pan.

Meanwhile, to make the stroganoff, heat a large frying pan with the 1 tbsp olive oil. Gently cook sliced onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cayenne pepper and paprika. Cook for about 30 seconds. Increase the heat, add the pork, and stir fry for a couple of minutes until the pork is starting to cook through.

Stir in the Cooks&Co Brown Lentils, Cooks&Co Roasted Red Peppers, soaked porcini mushrooms and all the liquid. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the spinach, a little at a time and stir until wilted.

Finally, stir in the Dijon mustard, sour cream and season with salt and pepper.

Remove the lid from the rice pan, run a fork through the rice to separate the grains and serve alongside the stroganoff. Switch it up…

Sliced beef or chicken are just as tasty as pork in the stroganoff cooked in the same way.

For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for 4 large portobello mushrooms, cut into thick slices and cook as above. In addition, you’ll need to swap the chicken stock for cooking the rice to vegetable stock. If you want this to be vegan friendly as well, use a plant-based sour cream or natural yoghurt in the stroganoff, and a plant-based butter in the rice.

SEARED TUNA STEAKS WITH SWEETIE DROP PEPPERS, PINEAPPLE SALSA AND SUSHI RICE SALAD

This recipe really is sunshine on a plate. You’ll love all the summery flavours coming from the smoky seared tuna, sticky rice salad, and sweet tangy pineapple salsa with its ‘pop’ of colour and flavour coming from the delicious Cooks&Co Sweetie Drop Peppers. If the weather is on your side, make the most of it and sear the tuna and pineapple on your barbeque.

Preparation time: 20 minutes / Cooking time: 18-20 minutes / Serves 4 /

gluten-free

Ingredients

• 4 tuna steaks, about 2 cm thick

• Sunflower or vegetable oil

• Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salsa

• 1 small ripe pineapple

• ½ jar Cooks&Co Sweetie Drop

Peppers, drained

• 4 spring onions, finely chopped

• Juice 1 lime

• 1/3 bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Sushi Rice Salad

• 300g sushi/Japanese rice

• 5 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 1 tsp flaked sea salt

• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander

Method

For the sushi rice salad, wash the rice in cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well and put the rice in a saucepan with 400ml cold water. Bring to the boil, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook on a low heat for 10 minutes without removing the lid at all. Remove the pan from the heat and leave the lid on for a further five minutes. Meanwhile, gently heat the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small pan stirring until the sugar has just dissolved. Tip the rice into a wide flat dish or roasting tray and pour over the rice vinegar mixture. Sprinkle over the coriander and carefully fold into the rice with a wooden spoon, allowing it to cool as you mix. If not using immediately, cover with a cloth and keep in a cool place.

To make the salsa, remove the top and base from the pineapple, then cut away the outside brown skin. Cut the flesh into 8 wedges and remove the tough inner core.

Heat a large frying pan or griddle over a medium heat and sear the wedges all over for about 5 minutes until they are lightly golden. Remove from the pan and cut into small pieces. Tip into a bowl and add the Cooks&Co Sweetie Drop Peppers, spring onions, lime juice, coriander, olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.

To cook the tuna, return the frying pan or griddle to the hob over a high heat. Rub a little sunflower or vegetable oil all over the tuna steaks and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sit the tuna in the super-hot pan, and sear for about 1 ½ minutes each side, until it is still slightly pink inside, and not overcooked.

Transfer the tuna to plates and serve with the slightly warm salsa and Sushi Rice Salad.

CHERRY STREUSEL CAKE WITH CHERRY CREAM

This irresistible cake is wonderfully straight forward to prepare and can be served as a dessert with the delicious cherry cream or enjoyed over a few days as treat at any time of the day. Better still it is perfectly suitable to serve anyone who is gluten-free.

Preparation time: 30 minutes / Cooking time: 50 hour / Serves 8-10 / gluten-free

• 425g can of Cooks&Co Pitted Black Cherries

• 50g caster sugar

• 200ml double cream

• 1 tbsp kirsch (cherry liqueur)

Base

• 115g unsalted butter, soft

• 115g caster sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste

• 3 large eggs

• 75g ground almonds

• 75g polenta

• 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free if required)

Streusel topping

• 85g porridge oats (gluten-free if required)

• 65g unsalted butter, diced

• 25g caster sugar

• 65g coconut flakes

Method

Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line the base and sides of a 20cm square cake tin with a piece of baking parchment.

Drain the Cooks&Co Pitted Black Cherries, reserving the liquid. Sit the drained cherries on a plate lined with some kitchen paper to absorb any excess liquid.

Put the cherry syrup in a wide saucepan with the 50g caster sugar. Bring to the boil and leave to reduce to a more syrupy consistency until you have about 150ml in quantity. Set aside and leave to cool completely.

For the base, beat together the butter, sugar and vanilla using an electric mixer until you have a light and fluffy consistency. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the ground almonds, polenta and baking powder. Spread the cake batter into the base of the prepared tin.

Scatter the drained cherries over the top of the base.

To make the streusel topping, put the oats, butter and caster sugar in a large bowl. Add the coconut flakes, crushing them in your hands as you add them, to break them into slightly smaller pieces. Rub everything together with your fingertips to make a rough crumble mixture and scatter on top of the cherries. Put in the oven and bake for 50 minutes until nicely golden and the centre feels firm when lightly pressed.

Cool in the tin for about 30 minutes before serving warm or cooling completely on a wire rack.

To make the cherry cream. Lightly whisk the double cream until it starts to form soft peaks. Stir the kirsch into the cooled cherry syrup, then fold this through the cream giving you a pretty, pink cherry flavoured cream. Serve with slices of the cherry streusel cake.

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE SUZUKI SWACE

VERY often when car makers introduce an update it is merely cosmetic… aimed at persuading us that we must be seen to have the most up to date version.

However, our latest car on test is quite the reverse - while the 2023 UK built Swace self-charging hybrid looks pretty much like its predecessor a lot has changed under the skin.

It was already a good mid-size family estate car with lots of room, comfort, equipment and performance but Suzuki has now introduced several upgrades.

The first is in performance where the car’s 1.8 petrol four pot has got another 18bhp and the electric motor boosted to give a combined 140bhp meaning the 0 to 62 time goes down to 9.4 seconds (from 11.1) while economy and CO2 emissions are virtually unchanged at an impressive 62mpg combined and 102g/km.

Exterior styling has been refreshed, safety equipment enhanced and digital and multimedia systems upgraded as part of a higher standard specification across the two model range – Motion and Ultra.

A clear and easy to use eight inch central infotainment touch screen, heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless smart phone connection, rear camera and adaptable cruise control are on all Swaces while Ultra versions also get Bi-LED headlights, parking sensors all round, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and smart door locking.

Those safety upgrades mean the car boasts advanced assist functions including emergency stop if it detects erratic driving, safe exit assist where a warning is triggered if a door is about to be opened into the

path of an oncoming vehicle, a pre collision system to help prevent crashes, auto high beam, lane departure alerts and road sign assist.

The car can be driven in EV only mode for short distances and there are also normal, eco and sport settings. Sat nav is now via your smartphone.

Priced at £29k for the Motion and £30,799 for the Ultra, Suzuki say they expect to only sell around 2,000 each year here, so there will be a degree of exclusivity for owners. Also UK-built Swaces are being exported to Europe.

However, more sharp-eyed readers will have spotted that the Swace has an almost identical twin in the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports with only a couple of differences beyond the badging - the Swace only has one engine option and a smaller infotainment screen.

It is the latest result of collaboration between Suzuki and Toyota (following the Suzuki Across and Toyota RAV4) although Suzuki only offer an estate version.

I got the chance to try out a Swace Ultra at a recent Suzuki UK launch event through the leafy lanes and A roads of North Cheshire and it proved to be a very capable, comfortable and easy to live with motor.

While Suzuki are not one of the biggest players in the UK car market they have a loyal fan base of customers, many of whom keep their cars for several years. The manufacturer also regularly scores well in satisfaction and reliability surveys.

So with great economy, lots of space for people and luggage plus all the latest kit and safety equipment the stylish Swace could well be a hit for Suzuki.

More info at www.suzuki.co.uk

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

£229

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

Every break includes:

from Return coach travel (self-drive option available) Comfy en suite accommodation Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

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Coach & Self-Drive Holidays January 2023 – December 2023

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Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Live nightly entertainment

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

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

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Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2022/23. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 31st May 2023

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

We’ll get you smiling ...

Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial (false) looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street specialise in correcting.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN?

A Clinitcal Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).

It is this qualification that allows the clinicians to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted

to supply dentures direct to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT.

Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?

DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING

Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION

1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

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

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

MY DENTURES HAVE BECOME LOOSE!

This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

DENTURES ON IMPLANTS

This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE?

Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

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.

Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street can offer all aspects of denture care including;

l Free Consultations

l Denture cleaning and polishing service

l Repair of broken or cracked dentures

l Relining existing dentures to improve fit

l New full dentures

l New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *

l Sports mouth guards

*Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.

Over 40s most at risk of Glaucoma

With two million people missing a routine eye test during lockdown, serious and irreversible eye conditions such as glaucoma have gone undetected. People who are over 40 years of age are most at risk of developing glaucoma (known as a silent killer of vision as patients have few symptoms as the disease progresses) and how to minimise the risks of developing it in later life.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness. It is where the optic nerve (the electrical cable that carries information from your eye to your brain) degenerates more quickly than it should, usually because the pressure within the eye is too high. Our brains are able to compensate for the natural degeneration so we have little awareness of disease progression however this means there are often no symptoms until the disease is very advanced, and we cannot (yet!) rejuvenate a human optic nerve.

Why does it happen?

There are different reasons why the eye pressure can increase, indeed we do need eye pressure otherwise our eyes would collapse like a balloon with no air in. There is therefore a continuous circulation of fluid inside the eye, and pressure rise is usually gradual and caused by increased resistance of drainage of fluid from the eye into the bloodstream.

More rarely, the eye pressure can rise because the lens inside the eye runs out of space (the lens is one of the few things that continues growing throughout our life like our hair and nails). If this happens then the pressure rise can be very abrupt, high and painful - acute angle closure glaucoma.

Are there any symptoms?

It’s important to note that a lot of people who suffer from glaucoma don’t experience any symptoms early on, which is why regular eye checks are so important. The general recommendation is to visit your optician at least every two years for an examination for a full health check with prescription review, and at least yearly if there are added risk factors, for example a family history. In acute angle closure glaucoma the abrupt rise in eye pressure may cause pain, particularly in bright lights, headache, nausea and vomiting as well as vision loss.

What can influence your chances of getting glaucoma?

Unfortunately, there is little that one can do to reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. Having a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and not smoking will reduce the risk of other diseases of the optic nerve.

However, you are more at risk of the disease if you have the following:

• Have a family history of glaucoma

• Are over 40 years of age

• Are short-sighted or long-sighted

• Hypertension

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

General management of the condition and the latest treatments

If your optician suspects you have glaucoma, you will be referred to an eye doctor specialising in glaucoma, who will assess your vision and examine your eyes including the pressure, then you will receive several tests including a test of your field of vision and a scan of the back of the eye to look for subtle signs of damage to the optic nerve.

Treatment for glaucoma aims to lower the eye pressure using one or a combination of eyedrops, tablets, surgery, and laser treatment. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) now recommends a laser procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) as the first line treatment. There are now newer minimally invasive glaucoma surgery procedures that can be done at the same time as a cataract operation, or as stand-alone, to lower the eye pressure. These procedures may help patients have a better quality of life and lower eye pressure without needing eye drops.

Prioritise your eye health

I am urging patients not to neglect their eye health. The key to avoiding glaucoma progression is to have regular eye checks which crucially include eye pressure measurement, optic nerve examination and a field test (the ability to see things out of the corner of your eye).

Mr Hussam Muntasser MBChb, MSc, FRCOphth Consultant Ophthalmologist (specialising in glaucoma) iSIGHT Clinic Southport

Reduce your glaucoma drops regime