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JANUARY - MARCH 2015
WIGAN & WARRINGTON EDITION 42
Torvill & Dean
Our Life On Ice...
Hairy Bikers
Healthy Low Calorie Recipes
EL
2015
AV & TR S
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HOL
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British
aks nenta & Conti lidays, Short Breursions Ho Exc Day
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BOOK WILL AND WE FEBRUARY INTO OUR ENTER YOUDRAW FREE
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emory
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Memory Lane Holidays & Travel
2015 Brochure out now – call for your FREE copy THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s
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H O L I D AY S
& T R AV E L
BRITISH & CONTINENTAL DOOR TO DOOR HOLIDAYS, SHORT BREAKS & DAY EXCURSIONS 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 Coachers 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. Here are just a small selection for 2015
PLEASE VISIT WWW.MEMORYLANETRAVEL.CO.UK FOR MORE DETAILS DATE
DESTINATION
DAYS
HOTEL
PRICE DINER
SS
LLANDUDNO - Great Gt. Britain Break TORQUAY - Including 99p bar NORTH WALES - Including nightly free bar
5HB 5HB 4HB
Queens Hotel Rainbow Hotel WARNERS - Bodelwydden Castle
£209 NO NIL £159 NO NIL £235 NO NIL
JANUARY 12 Jan 12 Jan 23 Jan
FEBRUARY 02 Feb 06 Feb 09 Feb 13 Feb 20 Feb 23 Feb
CUMBRIA - Winter Warmer- nightly drinks PROMOTIONS CUMBRIA - Line Dance Weekend LLANDUDNO - Great Gt. Britain Break CAERNARFON - Valentines Country & Western BLACKPOOL BABBACOMBE
5HB Gilsland Spa 3FB Gilsland Spa 5HB Queens Hotel 4HB Celtic Royal Hotel 3HB Park House Hotel 5HB Anchorage Hotel
£199 NO 21 £169 NO 12 £237 NO NIL £159 NO 40 £139 NO NIL £179 NO NIL
BOURNEMOUTH - Including nightly free bar TENBY - Including nightly free bar -PACKED LUNCHES LYTHAM ST ANNES - Mothering Sunday Special PARIS - Our wonderful floating hotel CRICCIETH - WEST WALES AND RAILS Singles Galore PAIGNTON DRYMEN BY LOCH LOMOND - free bar -PACKED LUNCHES
5HB 4HB 4HB 3FB + 1DBB 4HB 5HB 5HB
£269 NO NIL £225 NO NIL £209 NO NIL £455 NO 130 £245 NO NIL £254 NO NIL £329 NO 69
DUNOON - EASTER TOUR GLORIOUS GALLOWAY DUTCH BULBFIELDS - Flower Parade & Kings Day SCENIC SOMERSET & LONGLEAT
6HB Esplanade Hotel 4HB Cairndale Hotel 6HB Art Hotel Spaander 5HB Wessex Hotel, Street
£345 YES 48 £285 NO 60 £479 NO 130 £265 NO 50
LLANDUDNO - Victorian Extravaganza Weekend LLANDUDNO - Bank Holiday Special DOC MARTIN'S CORNWALL - Inc Eden Project BAMBURGH - Northumberland Coast & Country JERSEY BY AIR Scotland in Miniature - 2 Centre Holiday with Safari SIDMOUTH - Superb Quality Hotel
4HB Queens Hotel 5HB Queens Hotel 6HB Rosemundy Hotel 6HB Victoria Hotel 6HB The Mayfair Hotel 7HB Menzies & Kinloch Hotels 6HB Kingswood & Devoran Hotel
£219 NO 14 £299 NO 18 £399 NO NIL £439 YES NIL £509 NO NIL £485 YES 45 £449 NO NIL
BABBACOMBE CANTABRIA & THE PICOS DE EURPOA SPAIN ABERFOYLE - Historic Scotland nightly drinks vouchers NR HEREFORD CUMBRIA - Summer Holiday SCARBOROUGH
7HB Anchorage Hotel 8HB (2 nights on ship) Hotel Olimpo Isla 5HB Rob Roy Hotel 5HB WARNERS Holme Lacy Hotel 6HB Gilsland Spa Hotel 5HB Esplanade Hotel
£359 YES NIL £699 NO 159 £305 NO NIL £389 NO NIL £354 NO 25 £315 NO NIL
MARCH 02 Mar 06 Mar 13 Mar 16 Mar 20 Mar 23 Mar 30 Mar
Suncliff Hotel Belgrave Hotel Chadwick Hotel MS Renoir Lion Hotel Marine Hotel Winnock Hotel
APRIL 02 Apr 10 Apr 23 Apr 27 Apr
MAY 01 May 04 May 06 May 10 May 13 May 23 May 30 May
JUNE 08 Jun 09 Jun 22 Jun 22 Jun 28 Jun 29 Jun
DAY EXCURSIONS 2015 ~ BOOKING HOTLINE 01942 728960 book in our office, or ring and pay with your debit card at no extra charge. All excursions are pick up & set down on main roads close to your home as practical within our normal area. All pick ups & drop offs are normally completed within 1 hour subject to traffic conditions. Some pick ups are by a feeder vehicle, and where route allows passengers will be first on first off basis. The base time is at Golborne, so some times will be before this time and some will be after depending on the destination. WE ALWAYS ADVISE PICK UP TIMES BY PHONE THE DAY BEFORE THE EXCURSION. 10/01 BOUNDARY MILL
Depart 09.30am
Return 5pm
£10.70
This time of the year Boundary Mill has its huge clearance sale, it finishes on the 18th January so come along and grab a bargain before it’s too late. 31/01 CHESHIRE OAKS & M&S New Superstore
Depart 9.30am
Return 5pm
£10.60
Cheshire Oaks always claims to have the bargain but with the new giant M & S close by it will keep prices low. It is claimed that the M&S is the second largest store in their empire and it has two good restaurants and no shortage of seats. 18/02 DEWSBURY MARKET
Depart 9am
Return 4pm
£14.50
Return 5pm
£25.50
Claimed to be over 300 stalls with bargains galore plus the market hall is open today. 28/02 LLANDUDNO & HIGH TEA The Queens Hotel
Depart 9am
The town is now one of the major shopping places in North Wales with many of the big names here, we arrive before lunch giving you plenty of time to look for a bargain. At 4.30 we all meet at our hotel The Queens on the sea front, for our two course evening meal consisting of a starter and main course. After our meal we leave for home at 5pm. 12/03 BOURNE POACHER (New Hotel)
Depart 9.30am
Return 5pm
£26.75
The old favourite in their new home. The package remains the same, quality food, entertainment and dancing. We take a pleasant country drive to arrive at Hambleton around 1130. The new hotel is great, we’ve been and we are sure you will be impressed. 24/03 HOUGHTON WEAVERS & Lunch at Rivington Barn
Depart 11am
Return 5pm
£27
We return to one of our old favourites; a two course lunch with tea and coffee, then The Houghton Weavers entertain us for the remainder of the afternoon with their music and comedy. 04/04 CITY OF YORK EXPRESS (Easter Saturday)
Depart 8.30am
Return 5pm £17.50 (A) £12 (C)
Sightseeing or shopping, York has it all and we allow maximum time in the City. 05/04 NORTH WALES & Ffestiniog Railway
Depart 8am
Return by 7.30pm £29.80 (A) £19.80 (C)
An extended day of wonderful scenery with mountains and coastlines and the best of The Little Trains of Wales. We journey along the motorway during which our hostess will serve you tea or coffee & biscuits, as we head into the very pretty Vale of Llangollen where we have a short stop for toilets. From here we follow the old stage coach route along the A5, then we make our way through little Switzerland passing England’s 7th Longest railway tunnel and the slate mines before we arrive at Blaenau Ffestiniog. We have a break here before boarding the steam hauled train to the pretty coastal town of Porthmadoc. Here there is time for lunch & shopping or sightseeing. After lunch we follow the coast to Criccieth before travelling along the edge of the Snowdonia National Park to Caernarvon, then following The Menai Straits and the coast road to start our homeward journey with a suitable short stop arriving back in our area about 7.30pm. 06/04 COUNTRY RUN
Depart 10am Return by 6.30pm
£10.00 (A) £7 (C)
A pleasant drive through coast and country, who knows where? 18/04 SKIPTON
Depart 9am
Return 5pm
£14 (A) £10 (C)
With the Bank holiday finished we have a day to explore this attractive town with its very busy market, castle and cobbled streets, maybe you fancy a sail on the Leeds Liverpool canal, so many things to do, and of course find a bargain on the market. 23/04 ORMSKIRK MARKET & SOUTHPORT
Depart 9.15am
Return 5pm
£9 (A) £6 (C)
Our first stop is Ormskirk where we allow time to find a bargain on the market., We depart just before midday and head to Southport. We set down close to Lord St and spend the rest of the afternoon here.
CALL NOW TO REGISTER FOR OUR 2015 BROCHURE
For full details and daily itineraries see our brochure or visit our website:
www.memorylanetravel.co.uk Booking hotline: 01942 728 960 Memory Lane Holidays & Travel, Heath Street, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3AD
CONTENTS
INSIDE...
6-7
8-9
10-11
22-24
6-7
Rambling Holidays ... Time to tread a new path?
8-9
Robinsons Holidays... Affordable peace of mind.
10-11
Torvill & Dean ... ‘Our Life On Ice’
12-13
The Brindley ... Great new shows for 2015!
14
St Helen’s Sinfonietta... Win tickets!
15-17
Out and About ... Places to visit and things to do.
22-24
The Hairy Dieters ... ‘Eat For Life’ recipes.
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4
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TWITTERING ON
Cooartin’ bother For those unfamiliar with the vagaries of Lancashire dialect the headline means “courting trouble”. I am probably doing just that by venturing into commenting on how we treat our language and regional accents but it does get on my wick.
Some educationally challenged airhead suggested recently that it doesn’t matter about spelling any more. Oh, right, let’s scrap English from the school curriculum and replace it with a Diploma in Social Media shall we? Standards aren’t just falling they’re plummeting faster than a text book launched from an upstairs window.
Social media, especially Twitter, has a lot to answer for and there has to be a distinct possibility that in 20 years’ time today’s younger generation will have completely lost the power of speech and communicate through fingers, thumbs and a series of guttural grunts. Even my wife has taken to e-mailing me her weekly schedule and I’ve occasionally been in the same room when she’s sent it! Kids text and e-mail instructions to parents in the same house. The once treasured English language and its many dialects and accents is in its death throes! I have a few major gripes and the incorrect use of the possessive apostrophe (that’s a comma) has to be the main one. A sign outside a café in my village proudly announces that they sell tea’s, coffee’s, hot meal’s, sandwiche’s, cake’s and soft drink’s! What’s that all about?
Graham Smith He taxied the light aircraft down the main street in Newman, Western Australia, and then parked it outside the Newman Hotel, leaving the engine running.
Fancy a quick one? An Australian man has been charged by police after parking a plane outside a pub while he went inside for a beer. The 37-year-old had just bought the wingless Beechcraft two-seater and was on his way home when he decided to stop for a drink.
Police said he passed a breathalyser test, but was charged with endangering the life, health and safety of residents because the propeller was still spinning. Local residents were amused to see the sight of a plane parked outside the wellknown local hostelry. A bar tender at the Newman Hotel said the man was a “local character” who entertained pub patrons by “playing dumb” when questioned by police. But Newman police sergeant Mark McKenzie said: “Kids were coming home from school. It could have been very ugly. “People think it was a bit of a laugh but it was very dangerous and we’re not very happy with it.”
Pemberton Lighting Pemberton Lighting is your lighting shop specialist in Wigan and have been trading for over 30 years. With a reputation for quality and service they have an excellent understanding of their client’s needs. Pemberton Lighting stocks a vast range of traditional, modern and contemporary lighting for every lighting project. The partners of Pemberton Lighting Allison and Alison will welcome you with a warm smile and above all else they pride themselves on the knowledge and experience of all lighting needs.
www.pembertonlighting.co.uk Call in to our store at 808 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AX
Tel:01942 216033 | Email: sales@pembertonlighting.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
5
50 Plus Travel
sponsored by
Time To Tread A New Path? By Paul Brown from Silver Travel Advisor Now, if I were to say to you that I could advise you of something that could: •
Improve your heart and lungs
•
Improve your muscles
•
Help to prevent osteoporosis and the risk of broken bones in falls
•
Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
•
Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
•
Reduce body fat and improve flexibility
•
Enhance your mental wellbeing,
you would think that I had invented a new wonder drug or that I had become delusional. Wrong. Quite simply, walkers live longer! The physical and mental health benefits of walking are at long last being recognised by the Government, who are advising the medical profession to promote exercise to their patients. 6
Our busy modern lifestyles mean that the daily exercise our parents and grandparents took as a matter of routine in walking or cycling to work and then performing physical jobs is, for the most part long gone. Nowadays more and more jobs are sedentary, sitting at a desk, operating computers or telephones, supplemented by a home lifestyle of television and computer games. The easy option of unhealthy (but tasty!) snacks or takeaway meals delivered to your door don’t help. A record number of cars sold in the U.K. this year and burgeoning numbers of passengers using buses and railways all point to less exercise being taken by the general population. This is being observed in obesity figures, with a quarter of the population being classed as obese. In fact, a recent study by Manchester University students of a single medical practice discovered that 29% of patients who were encouraged to take exercise were able to give up anti-depressants, 92.5% reported improvements in mood, almost all patients had reduced blood pressure, whilst 61% said they had lost weight. (Walk magazine, Autumn 2014).
Paul is a retired Police Inspector who has held a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He is an experienced fell and mountain walker who has completed many challenge walks and National Trails. He is also a frequent contributor to Silver Travel Advisor, and the author of The White Rose Way (www. whiteroseway.co.uk), a 100 mile walking trail from Leeds to Scarborough.
My own introduction to the great outdoors came at thirteen years of age, when I was persuaded by a school teacher to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Tackling Beamsley Beacon (1289ft, 393m) just outside Ilkley was a gentle enough introduction, but I was soon hooked on the fresh air, panoramic views and wildlife I encountered and walking became a lifelong passion.
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Being fortunate enough to live in God’s Own County of Yorkshire, I was on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales and took advantage of this whenever I could. As my interest grew, so did my walking challenges and I began to explore more hard-core walks and climbs in the Lake District and Scotland. City dwellers need not despair however as every town and city has open spaces, parks, canal towpaths and networks of public footpaths on which to get started. Neither is age a barrier, both young and old can take part. I frequently encounter walkers well into their 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s on the hills and moors. Even if it is a short, easy going stroll for a couple of hundred yards or so to start with, the benefits will soon be felt and as the distance increases so will your physical well-being. The secret to it, is to have the mind-set that you WILL do it on a regular basis, daily or every other day or even weekly. Stick to a routine if you can so that it becomes second nature. Do it rain or shine, after all, as Roald Amundsen said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing”. There is no need to go to great expense in getting the right waterproof clothing either. There are many good suppliers of outdoor jackets, trousers and boots at very reasonable cost. Look for breathability and water- repellency as a first step. If walking becomes a serious hobby, gear can always be upgraded later. Soon, you will gain in confidence as your fitness improves and will be looking further afield. The Rambler’s Association can help you to find local walking groups and give further advice. They can be found at www.ramblers.org.uk. Their preferred holiday partners at www. ramblersholidays.co.uk can even
provide walking holidays led by experienced walking guides. All ages and abilities are catered for, from complete beginners to experienced walkers. One of the most refreshing aspects of walking has been the friendliness and camaraderie of fellow walkers. Everyone is just SO friendly. Some of the people I have met whilst walking have remained friends for a lifetime. From kingfishers to stoats, rare flowers and birds, sunrises and sunsets from the peaks of mountains, blizzard white-outs, to snow drifts over my head, diamonddust airborne frosts, myriads of stars and satellites in inky black skies and even the Northern Lights, these are just some of the life enhancing sights I have seen over the years whilst out walking. You could too, and gain all the benefits highlighted at the beginning of this article without really trying.
So, what are you waiting for?
Is television really that good? Get your boots on and get healthier!
For more information contact Ramblers Holidays Worldwide on 01707 331133 or info@ramblersholidays.co.uk
Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.
www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
7
Holidays from
£149
Robinsons Own Hotels
2015
Sunny Sussex Eastbourne
The Garden Isle Isle of Wight
Delightful Devon Torquay
Eastbourne is an “all year round” holiday destination with one of the best sunshine records in the UK.
The Isle of Wight offers stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, breath taking seascapes and not forgetting its extensive history.
With its mild climate and trademark Palm Trees, Torquay is one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and has been fashionable since the 19th Century.
The Ocean View Hotel is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.
The Abbey Lawn Hotel is an elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.
The Imperial Hotel is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker. Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Lift serving all floors l Porterage. 8
Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor heated pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.
Freephone: 0800 083 9900
Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay. Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor and seasonal outdoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage
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Groups: 0800 785 1025
The Robinsons Difference
Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l
Local joining points No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l l
l
5 Day Tours
7 Day Tours
8 Day Tours
4 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast
6 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast
7 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast
Date 15 Feb 22 Feb 02 Mar 09 Mar 16 Mar 23 Mar 29 Mar 03 Apr 08 Apr 13 Apr 20 Apr 26 Apr 04 May 11 May 18 May 25 May 15 June 13 July 17 Aug 14 Sept 05 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Oct
Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £149 - £149 £149 - £149 £159 - £159 £169 £169 £169 £179 £179 £179 £189 £189 £189 £199 £199 £199 £199 £199 £199 £209 £209 £209 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £239 £239 £239 £249 £249 £249 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £259 £259 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £229 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219 £219
Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Premier Room £30 -Sea View Room £10 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £30 - Front Facing Room £10
We offer you ... 4 4 4 4
Own hotels in great locations Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l
4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Free pick-ups Service of driver/courier
Loyalty Bonus Here at Robinsons, we are committed to ensuring that our customers are rewarded for their loyalty to us. For 2015, we are pleased to offer all our passengers the opportunity to take advantage. A voucher will be given to all passengers by the tour driver whilst on holiday. This can either be redeemed on the next holiday booking, or can be saved in multiples towards a future holiday.
Date 30 Mar 05 Apr 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr 03 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 May 07 June 14 June 21 June 28 June 05 July 12 July 19 July 26 July 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Sept
Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £249* £249* £249* £249 £249 £249 £259 £259 £259 £269 £269 £269 £279 £279 £279 £319 £319 £319 £339 £339 £339 £349 £349 £349 £359 £359 £359 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £359 £359 £359 £329 £329 £329
* Monday departure Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £30 Ocean View: Premier Room £45 -Sea View Room £13 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £40 - Front Facing Room £13
We offer you ... 4 4 4 4
6 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Free pick-ups Service of driver/courier
Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 02/03 May £369 £369 £369 09/10 May £369 £369 £369 16/17 May £379 £379 £379 23/24 May £389 £389 £389 30/31 May £399 £399 £399 06/07 June £399 £399 £399 13/14 June £399 £399 £399 20/21 June £409 £409 £409 27/28 June £409 £409 £409 04/05 July £409 £409 £409 11/12 July £409 £409 £409 18/19 July £409 £409 £409 25/26 July £409 £409 £409 01/02 Aug £409 £409 £409 08/09 Aug £409 £409 £409 15/16 Aug £409 £409 £409 22/23 Aug £409 £409 £409 29/30 Aug £409 £409 £409 05/06 Sept £399 £399 £399 12/13 Sept £399 £399 £399 19/20 Sept £389 £389 £389 26/27 Sept £359 £359 £359 Supplements per person 8 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £35 Ocean View: Premier Room £50 -Sea View Room £15 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £50 - Front Facing Room £15
9 Day Tours 8 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast Date 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 June 13 June 20 June 27 June 04 July 11 July 18 July 25 July 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Sept
Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £419 £419 £419 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £419 £419 £419 £389 £389 £389
9 DAYS ~ ONLY STANDARD ROOMS AVAILABLE
We offer you ...
4 7 nights dinner, bed & breakfast - 8 Days 4 8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast - 9 Days 4 2 included excursions 4 Free pick-ups 4 Service of driver/courier
Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!
Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.
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9
Torvill and Dean: Our Life On Ice... THERE are iconic moments in sport that define a career and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are known internationally for theirs. It was, of course, that wonderful movement at the end of their four minutes and 28 seconds’ dance at the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia when they flung themselves on the ice as the finale of their performance to Ravel’s “Bolero.” The 24 million TV viewers in the UK, and the millions more around the world, were totally transfixed. And that turned to uplifting delight when the judges all scored them perfect sixes. There has, quite simply, never been an ice moment like it before or since. There is no doubt that the subject of those isolated few seconds 30 years ago will crop up when, for the first time, the legendary ice skating duo make a rare appearance off the ice. This is for a UK theatre tour “Our Life on Ice: In Conversation with Torvill & Dean”, when Jayne and Chris will be very much out of their comfort zone and away from the ice-rink where they have forged their deserved reputation. They agree, though, that they are both looking forward to the tour as it “combines our love of being on stage in front of our fans with the publication of our autobiography.” Chris adds: “The fact that we won’t be on the ice might seem strange at first, but it will give us the chance to meet the people who have supported us over the past 30 years in an intimate setting where we can share our stories live in front of theatre audiences.” 10
Their autobiography also offers a chance for them to speak candidly about their life in the public eye: Jayne’s struggles to start a family with husband Phil, and Chris’s heartache within his own family. Like the theatre tour, this is a way for those of us who have just watched in wonder at the silky ice skills of this modest pair to finally get to know the couple behind the headlines. Certainly, their story on the ice is the stuff of dreams. They were teenagers when they first met in 1968, but it was not until seven years later at Nottingham ice-rink that the two first danced together. A school trip to the local ice-rink at the age of eight had been enough to show Jayne that skating was what she wanted to do. At the age of 14, she and her then partner became the British National Pairs Champions but they later parted and Jayne continued skating solo. Chris started skating at the age of 10 after getting skates as a Christmas present; he was sporty at school and saw ice-skating as athletic and graceful. He began skating with another partner at 14 and they became the British Junior Dance champions, but they also split up. Perhaps fate was simply waiting for its moment to put them together, but one thing is certain: when they teamed up in 1975 under the watchful eye of coach Janet Sawbridge they won their first competitions together in Sheffield and Bristol and then in St Gervais, France. They came second in an international competition followed by a fourth place finish at the British Championships. In 1979, they were placed sixth at the European Championships in Zagreb, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) and eighth at the World Championships in Vienna.
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Their main focus was skating and there was little time for a social life when early mornings and late nights were spent at cold ice-rinks. But all this paid off when they became British champions again. Jayne was working in insurance and Chris was a policeman but success was already threatening to eclipse other careers and, after placing fifth in the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, they both gave up their jobs to skate together full-time. The move paid off. They were not expected to win the European Championships in Innsbruck in 1981 as the Russians had dominated the sport for the previous 12 years. But, on a special night for British skating, Jayne and Chris became the European Ice Dance Champions, and six weeks later in America they won their first World Championship Medal. Suddenly, we were all more aware of ice-dancing. And we were very aware of the young Nottingham couple with the clean-cut image. At the 1982 European Championships in Lyon, France, they retained their title and scored their first sixes in an overseas competition. They were also triumphant in the World Championships in Denmark. The following year, Jayne fell in practice just days before the Europeans in Germany and they had to withdraw, but they arrived in Finland for the World Championships only weeks later. It is to their great credit that they surpassed their performance the previous year with top marks. With the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo less than 12 months away, the signs were good. In 1984, thanks to the ambitious and mesmeric dance to “Bolero” that Chris had choreographed, they stepped into the pages of sporting history.
“...it seemed a fitting time to say goodbye to ‘Dancing on Ice’. We wanted to go out on a high!” They also stepped into the full glare of the media spotlight and we wanted to know all about them: were they a couple? Who were they as individuals away from the ice? Little personal detail escaped into the public arena, but career-wise, they turned professional to start the next phase of their working lives together. Jayne and Chris have continued to entertain through icedance over the years, and just eight years ago started the phenomenally successful TV series “Dancing on Ice.” This pairing of celebrity would-be skaters with professionals, the expert input of Jayne and Chris and their still-beautiful dancing together to show everyone how it should be done proved to be a ratings’ winner. Last year, they announced that the 2014 series would be the last, citing the 30th anniversary of their iconic Sarajevo win because “it seemed a fitting time to say goodbye to ‘Dancing on Ice’. We wanted to go out on a high!” There will, however, be a “Dancing on Ice” Christmas special and it’s quite likely other projects will keep the busy pair in the public eye. The important thing is that they reject any suggestion they will be hanging up their skates - and promptly organised a UK-wide tour. All of this is excellent news for fans of the duo who still flock to see them perform. Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have undoubtedly raised the profile of ice-dance over the years, both in the pubic consciousness and at the very levels of this demanding and beautiful discipline. Could they ever eclipse that “Bolero” moment? It’s hard to say but all we know for sure is that this exciting pair have smoothly skated into our lives bringing excellence at every turn. And who knows where that demanding journey will take them next?
For details of local theatres for the Our Life On Ice tour go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
12
The Brindley is fully accessible. 25 mins from Liverpool & Chester, 35 mins from Manchester.
Some Great New Shows for 2015! Swinging at the Cotton Club 30th January 2015
An Afternoon with Anita Harris 29th April 2015
Gypsies of Bohemia 12th February 2015
Dirty Dusting (Comedy) 24th May 2015
The Fureys 10th March 2015
Hazel O’Connor 31st May 2015
Mis Les (Comedy) 31st March 2015
The Carpenters Story 7th June2015
The Dreamboys 2nd April 2015
The Three Degrees 9th June 2015
Charlie Landsborough 4th April 2015
Blake 10th June 2015
A Vision Of Elvis (Elvis Tribute) 17th April 2015
Solid Gold 70s Show 12th June 2015
Lip Service present Doreen Gray 21st to 22nd April 2015
THE THREE DEGREES
The Drifters 13th June 2015 Bucks Fizz 17th June 2015
The Johnny Cash Roadshow 25th April 2015
An Evening of Burlesque 19th June 2015
Brighouse & Rastrick Band 26th April 2015
Showaddywaddy 20th June 2015 SHOWADDYWADDY
For tickets and information visit www.thebrindley.org.uk or call 0151 907 8360.
St Helens Sinfonietta 100th Concert “chopsticks to conductor’s baton” Photography by Gavin Wallace
Yes! In February 2015 St Helens Sinfonietta will celebrate its 100th concert – a wonderful achievement.
Church in St Helens, a modern building in the town centre with a comfortable and acoustically excellent auditorium, or for larger scale performances at the Town Hall.
The orchestra made up of professional players was founded in 1997 by its current musical director and conductor Alan Free.
The Sinfonietta’s aim has always been to promote interest in classical music in St. Helens and its environs by putting on live orchestral concerts and recitals. This it has achieved to a high standard and to considerable acclaim both from our regular audience and from some quite knowledgeable music critics, making it a recognised part of the cultural scene of St Helens. Our 2015 programme is set to impress and maintain this high quality playing of orchestral music.
Alan says – ‘In my early teens I remember my parents acquiring a pair of chopsticks. Trying to eat with them was a bit of a disaster, but I did find a better use for them as a conductor’s baton. The chopsticks got a good workout, conducting a large variety of pieces on records lent to me by music teacher from Prescot Grammar School, Ted Kirk, who is still an important part of the Sinfonietta framework. It was after going to a concert given by a local chamber orchestra while on holiday in France in 1997 that the seeds of setting up an orchestra were sown.’ Three and a half months later a twelve piece string orchestra gave its first concert. Pat Donnelly, the first leader of the Sinfonietta, recalls, ‘I was rather filled with trepidation, as on that first night there were more of us on the platform than in the audience, but there was something exciting about this nucleus growing under our feet and a great camaraderie came with it and a willingness to make it work.’ The Sinfonietta gradually expanded from that twelve piece string orchestra until seventeen years later it plays some of the core symphony repertoire either at its home venue, the United Reformed
It’s a credit to Alan, a group of hard working musicians and voluntary management committee that the Sinfonietta has reached its 100th milestone. This landmark concert will take place on Saturday 28th February 2015 at St Helens Town Hall and what an exciting programme we have for you! There is a great work of orchestral music that “everybody knows”, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Go on, sing the first eight notes! But if you’re not very sure what comes after that, the Sinfonietta’s 100th concert is the place to be. Sibelius, will be represented by his thrilling Violin Concerto, which could be illustrating an adventure story from the Sagas of Finland. It will spotlight a magnificent young soloist much associated with the Sinfonietta, Dewi Tudor Jones. And to launch the concert we have Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, which includes the popular numbers Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King.
Come and join us at our 100th Celebratory Concert... Put the date in your diary now so you won’t miss out! For further details about St Helens Sinfonietta, the 100th Celebratory Concert or our concert and recital programme for 2015, check out our website www.sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk or contact Colin Horlick on 01744 883794.
COMPETITION FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 2 PAIRS OF COMPLEMENTARY TICKETS TO THE
100TH CELEBRATORY CONCERT JUST ANSWER THIS SIMPLE QUESTION...
What year was St Helens Sinfonietta founded? Please email your answer to sthelenssinfonietta@gmail.com or call 01744 883794 quoting ‘50 Plus Comp’ making sure to leave your contact details so we can get in touch with our lucky winners.
OUT AND ABOUT
Snow White Panto 3rd - 11th Jan 2015, 5:30pm £12/£10/£38 Family/10th Ticket Free/Bogof Pyramid & Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington WA1 1BL Don’t be Bashful – pop down to see Snow White and the gang. If you’re Dopey you’ll miss out; if you’re Sleepy you won’t get the best seats in the house: if you’re Sneezy, get the Doc out ‘cause you can’t afford to miss this show.
Little Red Riding Hood Panto Performed by St Michael’s ADS between Fri 9th - Sun 18th Jan 2015.
This year’s pantomime is sure to be a spectacular show for everyone to enjoy! Join all your favourite characters including the Seven Dwarfs, Prince Charming and the beautiful princess Snow White as she tries to escape the jealously of her step-mother, the wicked Queen.
A fun-filled and original family pantomime, with a delightful mix of slapstick, silly jokes, songs and romance in our magical production of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. We invite you to come and join us and pay a visit to that splendid topsyturvy world where men are women, women are men, where the present is embraced with the past, where people are hit but not hurt, where authority is constantly flouted, where magic abounds and where dreams invariably come true! There will be a host of interesting and colourful characters to meet. If you’ve not been to a St Michael’s Panto before - then you’re missing out. Ask the regulars!
With fabulous costumes, comedy and calamities it’s filled with laughter for all ages! Guaranteed cheer for a brand New Year!
They are great value for money!! With a feel good factor to boot!! All seats are numbered, so book early for the best choice of seats.
To book call the Box Office on 01925 442345.
Evenings 7.30pm (Fri 9th, Wed 14th, Thur 15th, Fri 16th, Sat 16th). Matinees 2.00pm (Sat 10th, Sun 11th, Sat 17th, Sun 18th). Adults £6.00, Concessions £5.00, Group booking discounts available - buy 10 - and get the 11th free.
See where we’re going with this? Wait for it… There’s only one way to keep the family Happy this Christmas – fetch them to Panto, for the experience of a lifetime.
Ken Dodd
Saturday 24 Jan 2015, 7:00pm £20 at Parr Hall The legendary scouse gag master returns to Parr Hall for more tattyfilarious laughs.
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Ring June on 01942 236260 to book tickets. St Michael’s Parish Hall, Shaw Street, Swinley, Wigan, Lancashire WN1 2BQ
Aladdinsane (UK’s No.1 Bowie Tribute) 30th January 2015
Aladdinsane are acclaimed as the best Bowie tribute act in the UK. The unique sound of David Bowie is lovingly recreated by lead singer Paul Henderson. Expect to hear classic tracks such as Starman, Life On Mars and Ashes To Ashes. Hear the sound and experience the vision of David Bowie through the performance of Paul Henderson and Aladdinsane, widely acclaimed as the best Bowie tribute act in the UK. Aladdinsane have played theatres and venues across the country and have received rave revues. People who have worked with David Bowie have commented about Paul’s vocals and mannerisms stating how eerily close they are to Bowie’s. Expect to hear Starman, Heroes, Life On Mars, Jean Genie, Golden Years, Let’s Dance, Changes, Ashes To Ashes, Drive In Saturday, Diamond Dogs and many more including some classic album tracks. Please note Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and seated on the balcony upstairs. Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £8 ADV/£10 OTD The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1PX To check availability of seated tickets, please contact the Box Office on 01744 735 436. 15
OPEN
FREE ENTRY AND PARKING
Heskin Farmers Market&&Craft CraftCentre Centre The Farmers Market
TUES - SAT 10AM-5PM SUN 10.30AM - 4.30PM & BANK HOLIDAYS
at Heskin Hall Estate
5 MINS FROM J27 M6, 2 MINS FROM CHARNOCK RICHARD SERVICES
Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 5PA • 07599 831907 • www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk
FOOD HALL ~ CRAFTS ~ ANTIQUES ~ TEA ROOM
Relax, dine and shop at Heskin Hall Estate Over 40 shops and businesses including: leading art gallery, high quality butchers, florist and plant centre, craft studios, food shops, ladies & gents clothing, gifts with a difference, handbags and jewellery, childrens clothing & toys, hair & beauty, furniture, fredericks ice cream, Hoggs of Fife Country Clothing, Ladybird Lounge Craft Cafe and much more…
The Two Birds Tea Room www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk Why not relax and enjoy our freshly made paninis, toasties, sandwiches, soups and salads made using our fresh local produce. Summer specials and Sangria now available.
Wedding Fayre... Heskin Hall Free Range Butchers
Thursday 29th January 2015 6pm-9pm We have a wide range of high quality meats and products including beef,
lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, water buffalo and selection of game.
Plan your whole wedding under one roof. Try our freshly made quality sausages, tasty meat balls, beef burgers, buffalo burgers and stir-fries.
Exclusive catwalk by Brides Gallery, Florist specialising in Our beef andHairdresser lamb comes from our own freein range weddings, specialising wedding hair, Wedding herds, 100% grass fed, producing the highest quality Cakes, Handcrafted Wedding Stationary, Wedding Gifts, meats and the very best natural flavour. Wedding Favours, Wedding rings & Jewellery & much more! All of our other meats and products are also carefully sourced from free range farms and producers.
Free Entry & Glass of bubbly upon arrival. Please keep checking our website
Bracken Country Clothing for upcoming promotions and events. A wide range of top quality country wear for both men and women at discounted prices. All sizes available in a wide range of colours. From agricultural use or just for the man or woman who loves the feel and look of the country side. Orders are welcomed and if we don’t have your desired item in stock arrangements can be made to have the item delivered within 5 working days!
Units available, email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk
OUT AND ABOUT
Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value. Located off J2 of the M66 and with over 350 stalls open every Full Market Day it’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy! Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.
Haigh Hall History Tour 10 February 2015 from 18:30 to 20:30
Enjoy a History Tour plus a 2 course supper in historic Haigh Hall. Hear about the history of the Hall and its occupants from Medieval times to the last Lord Crawford, from Lady Mable of ‘Mabs Cross’ fame, to the ghosts, go up into the attics and see rooms not open to the general public. Booking essential.
The Gingerbread Man 22nd February 2015
Fly in a Pie Puppet Theatre present The Gingerbread Man, a freshly baked version of the popular children’s story. Suitable for children aged 2-6 years, it’s the perfectly family treat for February Half-Term. Doors: 2pm
For more information about Haigh Hall history tours, go to www.wlct.org/WLCT/wigan/haigh/ hall/history/tours/ £13.50 per person or 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. For more information call 01942 828271
Paranormal Night
27 February 2015 from 21:00 to 03:00 Come spend the night with a professional paranormal study team. UK Shadow Seekers will take you on an investigation through the Hall. Explore the rooms once used as a military hospital, the floors once occupied by the children and the attics and cellars.
On Stage: 2:30pm Tickets: £7/£5 For further information or to book tickets please contact The Citadel box office on 01744 735436. The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens WA10 1PX
www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
£37.50 per person (must be 18 years or older) Reservations essential.
Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays “Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction
Bury Market Management: Tel: 0161 253 6520 Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com : @BuryMarket
For further information and to book telephone 01942 832 895.
17
‘Let us take the headache out of the heartache’ No one wants to think about the end of their life, no matter how far off it may seem. From ‘How will my family cope without me?’ to ‘Can my family afford to give me the send off that I want?’ There are countless questions that spring to mind.
‘1 in 7 people said organising a funeral in the last 4 years had caused them financial concern, with the average Here at Sauber, we specialise in Life Planning shortfall being Services. From Will Writing to Pre Paid Funeral £2,371.’ Plans our friendly advisors can help you to prepare for the inevitable, all from the comfort of your own home.
‘25% of those people borrowed money from friends and family, and 22% put extra debt on a credit Based in Bolton, and with over 25 years legal experience Sauber are leading UK experts in End of card to pay the Life preparations. With the local average cost of a outstanding funeral currently standing at a whopping £3,590 it balance.’ “I am very happy knowing my loved ones will not have my funeral plans to worry about.” Mr H, Newcastle
is becoming more and more important to ensure that you are financially protected against the rising cost of your funeral.
Daily Express, 16th October 2014
Why do I need to write a Will? By putting your wishes in writing and creating an official Will, you are ensuring that there will be no confusion when it comes to your property and possessions. Your Will can enable you to:
Appoint a guardian for any children under the age of 18
Ensure that your wishes are adhered to Be in control of dividing your possessions
Protect your unmarried partner Leave possessions to your friends as well as family “Sauber have always made me feel very comfortable in knowing my funeral plans are taken care of.” Mrs L, Durham
“An excellent service provided by the team at Sauber. The entire process was handled professionally and everything went smoothly at such a difficult time. Many thanks.” Mrs D, Bolton
SPECIAL OFFER
For a FREE home consultation, and to find out how you can protect your family from any unnecessary stress, call us on 0800 148 8642 or visit
Have your Will written or updated in the comfort of your own home for just £99*! Quote: ‘WW FIFTY’
www.sauberfpl.co.uk
*Offer available to readers aged 50+ only. Expires 28/02/15
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.
Express Denture Repair Service
DK1
Dental Lab
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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.
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Emergency Denture Repairs Over 15 years Experience
Have your Dentures Professionally Cleaned Denture Repairs within the Hour HOME COLLECTION & DELIVERY
01744 730 130 Mob: 07825 371468 9am - 6pm Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday
34 George Street, St Helens WA10 1BU. 19
10% Discount
from final bill The price is FROM £300.00 + VAT but the discount is 10% off the final bill, valid from Saturday 9th August 2014 until Saturday 31st January 2015.
Quote ‘50 Plus’ for a 10% discount on your Will
Contact us on
0800 160 1144 or email us
enquiries@goddardsmith.co.uk
Kathleen Goddard - Director
Mark Smith - Director
Sharon Boardman - Paralegal (Wills & Probate)
Protect your family with Powers of Attorney... Alzheimer’s and/or Accidents can affect lots of families every day that is why you should always have a back-up plan to protect your family and there is no better way to do this than to consider implementing a Power of Attorney to protect your family.
Prices start from as little as £300.00 for a Power of Attorney.
Goddard Smith Solicitors are here to help you and your family protect what is yours, we will guide you through the processes, take things at your pace and most of all we never forget that we work for you.
Also thinking and talking about what would happen if our faculties deserted us is uncomfortable; it is important to consider how much worse the situation would be if you had an accident or a stroke, or started to show the signs of dementia without sorting your affairs out, remember anyone can suffer from Alzheimer’s it is NOT an old people’s disease.
There is no specific age when you should consider making a Power of Attorney, as you can imagine each case has its own variables we are all individuals. There are 2 types of Power of Attorney Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney and Property and Financial affairs Lasting Powers of Attorney. Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney empowers whoever you have chosen to make decisions about your daily routine (e.g. washing, dressing, eating etc.), medical care, moving into a care home and life-sustaining treatment and Property. Property and Financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney empowers whoever you have chosen to make decisions about managing a bank or building society account, paying bills, collecting benefits or a pension and selling your home.
We at Goddard Smith Solicitors want to help you protect yourself and your family so we are offering ½ hours FREE consultation and all fees and charges are discussed fully before agreeing to anything. As we are all aware anyone can have an accident and it can be life changing, it can affect your mental and physical abilities and lots of other complications can occur too.
Alzheimer’s is one of the most devastating illness any family has to face; it is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s will affect over 520,000 people in the UK by 2015, the new estimates suggest that the number of cases of earlyonset dementia in the UK, include over 700 cases for 30 year olds, over 2,000 cases for 40 year olds and nearly 8,000 new cases were for people in their 50’s, the next peak came from people in their 60’s with over 32,000 cases. There are lots of symptoms including mood changes, feeling sad, angry, scared or frustrated, the affected person, also suffers from increasing memory loss,
problems communicating and reasoning; this in turn can affect people’s confidence and/or communication abilities. This disease can affect every day activities and everyone will be involved that is why you must ALL consider looking after your love ones!! This information is quite frightening, so please consider your family and make time to put your wishes in writing now by implementing a Power of Attorney. Usually once this has been organised and completed many people say they find this empowering and reassuring. It takes you 30 minutes to watch an episode of Coronation Street, do you remember Haley Cropper? It only 30 minutes to make a Power of Attorney. It’s all too easy to put these things off, you can only set up a Lasting Power of Attorney when you have mental capacity and once you have lost capacity it is TOO LATE. If you do put it off your loved ones will need to apply through the court of protection which can be a very lengthy and expensive process.
Don’t put off today something you may not be able to do tomorrow, contact Sharon Boardman on 01942 225 082 to help you.
Please feel free to contact us at Goddard Smith Solicitors, 685 Ormskirk Road, Wigan, WN5 8AQ Telephone 0845 304 1144 or email enquiries@goddardsmith.co.uk or check our website;-
www.goddardsmith.co.uk
FOOD AND DRINK
SAUSAGES AND RICH ONION GRAVY 242 calories per portion Thank goodness, we can still have a dash of the bangers and mash our mothers used to make. If you choose lean sausages with the minimum of fat, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include this tasty dish on your menu and still drop the pounds. Look for sausages containing about 100 calories each and make sure they’re good quality for the best taste. METHOD Brush a large non-stick frying pan or sauté pan with the sunflower oil and fry the sausages over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown all over. Add the onions to the pan, turn down the heat slightly and fry for 8-10 minutes or until the sausages are cooked and the onions are softened and golden brown, stirring regularly. Pour the stock into the pan, add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix the cornflour with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan with the sausages and return to a simmer, then cook for 1-2 minutes more until the sauce is thickened, stirring. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with our lower-cal colcannon.
LOWER-CAL COLCANNON
Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 1/2 tsp sunflower oil
8 lean pork sausages 1 1/2 medium onions, thinly sliced 300ml beef stock, made with 1/2 beef stock cube 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp cornflour 1 tbsp cold water flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.
157 calories per portion METHOD Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks of about 3cm. Put them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until very tender. While the potatoes are cooking, brush the oil over the inside of a large non-stick frying pan and fry the bacon and onion together over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is softened and the bacon is lightly browned, stirring regularly. Remove any damaged leaves from the cabbage and cut in half. Cut out the tough central core and thinly shred the leaves. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the bacon and onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan every couple of minutes to prevent the cabbage burning. Remove from the heat.
Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 500g floury potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers or King Edwards 1/2 tsp sunflower oil 2 rashers of rindless lean smoked streaky bacon, cut into 2cm pieces 1/2 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 medium Savoy cabbage (about 300g) 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.
Drain the potatoes in a large colander and tip them back into the saucepan. Mash with the milk until smooth and season to taste. Tip the potatoes into the same pan as the softened cabbage and stir together over a low heat until hot and well combined. Transfer to a warmed dish and serve. 22
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LIGHT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH RASPBERRIES 147 calories per portion Everyone needs some chocolate from time to time so we had to come up with a chocolate pud for this book. We’re happy with this one - see what you think. It’s a little indulgence from us to you with our love and has mercifully few calories!
Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...
Serves 6 Prep: 10 minutes plus cooling and chilling Cooking time: 5 minutes 100g plain dark chocolae (70% cocoa solids) 300g low-fat ready-made custard, preferably fresh 3 large egg whites 150g fresh raspberries 1/2 tsp icing sugar. METHOD To make the mousse, break 95g of the plain chocolate into pieces and place these in a large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water until almost melted. Remove the bowl carefully from the pan and stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon until it’s smooth. Leave to cool for about 15 minutes but don’t let the chocolate set. Stir the custard into the melted chocolate until smooth. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric whisk until fairly stiff but not dry. Stir a third of the egg whites into the melted chocolate mixture with a large metal spoon to loosen, then fold in the rest. Divide the mixture between 6 dessert dishes or coffee cups. Cover them with cling film and chill for at least 1 hour. When you’re ready to eat, take the dishes out of the fridge and uncover them. Tumble a few raspberries into the centre of each one, dust with sifted icing sugar and grate the remaining chocolate over the top. Serve this on the day of making.
Bury Market, winner of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards (Best Food Market) really has it all. With over 350 stalls open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you will find our friendly traders sell everything you need for making delicious home-cooked meals.
Great quality produce at great value prices, brought fresh to market every day!
Bury Market Tel: 0161 253 6520
: @BuryMarket
Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com
Please note: this recipe contains raw egg whites.
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23
FOOD AND DRINK
CREAMY PRAWN KORMA 273 calories per portion (if serving 3); 205 calories per portion (if serving 4) Ready in no time, this korma will satisfy your takeaway yearnings. Rich, creamy and satisfying absolutely prawnographic. METHOD Heat the oil in a medium non-stick deep frying pan or sauté pan and stir in the onions, garlic and ginger. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the onions and garlic over a medium heat for 10 minutes until pale golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove the lid and stir in the curry paste. Cook for a further minute, while stirring then add the water and bring to the boil. Lower the heat slightly and simmer for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced by half and the onions are very soft.
Serves 3-4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Remove the pan from the heat and, using a stick blender, blitz to a smooth sauce. Stir in the cream and sugar, season with a little salt and put the pan back on the heat.
4 garlic cloves, finely sliced
Add the prawns to the pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the prawns are completely pink and beginning to curl.
2 tbsp double of single cream
Sprinkle the fresh coriander over the top, stir well and serve the korma immediately with a small portion of rice.
1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 medium onions, finely chopped 20g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 3 tbsp Korma curry paste 500ml cold water 2 tsp caster sugar 400g peeled raw tiger prawns, deveined if necessary and thawed if frozen 20g bunch of fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped flaked sea salt.
THE CROWN The Crown at Worthington is a unique and individual Country Pub and bed and breakfast in the Lancashire countryside located between Chorley and Wigan, close to the village of Standish, with close access to the M6 and M61 motorway networks. It’s a great place to eat, drink and relax. All our food is freshly prepared by our team of chefs using quality locally sourced ingredients. We are famous for our Butchers Block Steak counter where you can create your own unique steak meal. A multiple Camra award winning pub we have 8 varied casks ales on from the nations micro-brewers.There are 10 ensuite bedrooms, making the Crown ideal for business or leisure guests Whether it be for lunch, dinner, or a superb bed and breakfast weekend break – this country pub has so much more to offer. T: 01257 421354 | www.thecrownatworthington.co.uk PLATT LANE, WORTHINGTON, STANDISH, WIGAN, LANCASHIRE WN1 2XF 24
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Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre
Over 40 shops and businesses including: leading art gallery, high quality butchers, florist and plant centre, food shops, ladies & gents clothing, gifts with a difference, handbags and jewellery, children’s clothing & toys, hair & beauty, furniture, Fredericks ice cream, the Crafty Potter Craft Studio and much more... Why not relax and enjoy our freshly made paninis, toasties, sandwiches, soups and salads made using our fresh local produce. Winter Specials including our signature dish Water Buffalo Casserole now available.
Heskin Barns NOW OPEN New extension of the centre including Wine Cellar, Mediterranean Tile Company, Vintage Vogue Collectables & Reclamation Yard.
Their new premises at the School House Cross Pit Lane.
Rated in the UK’s Top 200 Two Years Running... St. Helens based Independent Financial Adviser, Allie Baglow, has been voted as one of the top 200 Rated Independent Financial Advisers once again and within the top 10 female advisers within the UK. This was voted by clients nationally and is a bonus this year as they have just this month moved into their spanking mew premises at The Old School House Cross Pit Lane, Rainford. Allie has been an IFA for 18 years and founded Allisons Financial Planning back in 2004. Her achievement was announced in the Saturday Times. Comments Allie: “There are over 20,000 Independent Financial Advisers in the UK so I’m thrilled to be in the VouchedFor.co.uk Top 200 for a second year. What makes it even more special is that I’ve been selected thanks to my clients. It means a lot that they have gone out of their way to support me and I’d like to thank them all.” 26
Continues Allie: “I’m passionate about Independent Financial Advice. While talking about how to look after your money isn’t always straight for-ward with a growing pension and savings gap, planning your financial future is more important than ever. In a nutshell that’s what financial advice is all about — making sure you make the most out of your hard earned money and are not left short of funds in retirement or on a rainy day. It is the strategy that it is put in place which is the most important aspect of financial planning. “ Allie was selected as a result of clients reviewing and rating her services on consumer ratings website VouchedFor.co.uk. The site, which enables people looking for financial advice to find a recommended IFA, works like TripAdvisor. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
You can search for an adviser free of charge based on location and services provided. Advisers are then listed based on client reviews giving those seeking advice confidence that the adviser can be trusted. Such is the success of Allisons Financial Planning Limited that they have had to move to new premises on Cross Pit Lane. And to help with their growing success, Allie has recruited a senior adviser in Mark Ryan who has over 30 years experience working in financial services.
Allie said “Its good to have someone working with us with a vast experience of giving independent financial advice and Mark will be a great asset to the firm” To read more information about Allie Baglow and check out her client reviews take a look on www.vouchedfor.co.uk/financialadvisor-ifa/st-helens/1031-alliebaglow ALLISONS FINANCIAL PLANNING LTD.
The School House Cross Pit Lane, Rainford, St. Helens, WA11 8AH. Tel: 01744 88 55 55 www.allisonsfinancial.com or simply email info@allisonsfinancial.com
VOTED AMONG THE TOP 200 ADVISERS IN THE UK, ALLIE BAGLOW BELIEVES THE NEED FOR INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER.
WE HAVE MOVED TO THE NEW PREMISES ON CROSS PIT LANE, RAINFORD PROUD TO BE VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 200 ADVISERS IN THE UK
ALLISONS FINANCIAL PLANNING GOES BACK TO SCHOOL CORPORATE & PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING MADE EASY
To see how Allisons Financial Planning Limited can help you achieve your financial goals visit our website or get in touch with us today on
01744 88 55 55
Please visit us at our new offices or www.allisonsfinancial.com
The School House, 3 Cross Pit Lane, Rainford, St. Helens, WA11 8AH. Tel: 01744 88 55 55 E: info@allisonsfinancial.com W: www.allisonsfinancial.com
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Denture Problems: Are you afraid to smile? Do you feel self-conscious? Do you feel embarrassed? Do you have problems choosing foods? Do you have worn down teeth or gum disease? Have you lost volume and support in your face? Do you look older as a consequence? If YES to any of the above then visit Smiles & More denture clinic and see the difference our experts can make to your life. Our dentures are individually made to suit the shape of your face and bring out your best features. If you have experienced tooth loss then Smiles & More dentures offer a dual effect by adding volume to your face and restoring your smile; our denture experts can give you a more attractive youthful appearance.
Denture Advice
Have your dentures checked at least every 2 years (adjustments made early enough can prolong the life of your teeth). Ideally your dentures should be changed every 5 years to avoid problems with loss of facial support, chewing ability and fit. Regularly clean your dentures - maybe with a professional cleaning service around every 6 months. Always have a spare set available so that you are not without your teeth when emergencies happen! If they do, then Smiles & More can make you a new denture in as little as 24 HOURS!
Giving you more to smile about! Experience Smiles & More and you’ll never look back!
We Love What We Do! The answer to loose dentures
Implant Retained Dentures For patients troubled by loose dentures our Clinical Denture Technicians also work alongside Implant Dentists to provide a solution that will last for years, by a solution that will last for years, by improving chewing and restoring your appearance. They give you the ability to eat well, whilst looking good and smiling. Say goodbye to denture adhesives, sore spots and embarrassing moments with Implant Retained Dentures that allow you to bite comparable to natural teeth. Dental Implants are small titanium screws tht act as a substitute for the root portions of your missing teeth. They fuse with your jaw bone to give a more secure fit. You can eat, talk and laugh freely without having to worry about what your dentures are doing.
Advantages of Implant Retained Dentures • A stable more secure fit of your dentures. • Less palate covering the roof of your mouth. • Improved taste and speech. • Bite similar to own natural teeth. • Restored chewing ability. • Greater enjoyment of food. • Improved digestion and well being. • Eliminate most pressure points and sore spots. Get the best advice and support you need from our experts to feel confident about your dentures.
Testimonials
Our bespoke denture service is improving the lives of many. The results we achieve speak for themselves: “After years of being disappointed with my smile, I went for a FREE Consultation at Smiles & More. They were so helpful and discussed all my options with me. I made an informed decision to have Dental Implants with Implant Retained Dentures. I have never looked back! It has drastically improved my quality of life, giving me more confidence and freedom. I couldn’t be happier!” Lynn, Penketh “Thank you for my lovely new teeth that feel so natural, everyone says they can’t tell I wear dentures anymore as my appearance looks so natural. Thanks for making me feel so comfortable.” M Hough, Cheshire “Thank you so much. You have made me feel like a new woman! Your attitude towards me was perfection personified. You are brilliant. Many many thanks.” D Davies, Widnes “After two years visiting my dentist, trying to make the denture he made for me feel more comfortable, he gave up! Then I saw the Smiles & More advert, with a FREE consultation - I had nothing to lose. Four visits with Gary and I now have perfect fitting new teeth. It has completely changed my life! I can eat, talk and smile with no worries. I can’t recommend them enough.” Barbara Harris, Wirral
Gary Moore Dip Cdt Rcs (ENG) - GDC Number 118911 Principal Clinical Dental Technician Gary Moore is proud to have successfully qualified as one of the first Clinical Dental Technicians in the UK. For over 25 years Gary has been at the forefront of his profession, originally qualifying as a Dental Technician in 1986 and 4 years later established his own Dental Laboratory in Warrington. The skills he developed combined with his natural artistic flair enable him to create dentures with the utmost accuracy and finese.
At Smiles & More we want to give you the smile you have always wanted - increasing both your confidence and self-esteem, and improving your life by making you look and feel better. Better yet, we believe in giving you a new smile at an affordable price. With over 25 years experience, every denture Smiles & More produce is made with incredible attention to detail. Our high quality dentures are made using the latest technology and are a great option if dental implants aren’t within your price range. As well as being extremely affordable, your dentures will be designed to match your skin tone and fit comfortably, ensuring your brand new smile feels as good as it looks.
We can transform the way you look and feel for less than you might think. Smiles & More also offer denture implants and implant retained dentures which are becoming a very popular option to restore chewing and confidence (our implants are placed by one of our preferred Impmplantologists).
Our teams are dedicated to transforming your smile and changing your life for the better.
Smiles & More really is the place to come for dentures. You’ll be treated as an individual and we’ll spend time making sure you get exactly what you want. We have clinics throughout the region including Warrington, Widnes and Wirral.
• Complete or Partial Dentures • Immediate Dentures • Implant Retained Dentures • New Dentures is 24 Hours • Denture Repairs
To book a FREE consultation call us on 0151 345 7878
Warrington 01925 231601 Widnes 0151 420 7511 Wirral 0151 342 9665 231601 Warrington 01925 Widnes 0151 420 7511
Dentures from £295
www.smilesandmore.co.uk info@smilesandmore.co.uk
The Personal Touch at Victoria House Here at Victoria House we provide residential care for older people and are registered for older persons with dementia. The home is under new management and bringing new ideas with a fresh approach to care. With over 20 years delivering highly professional and friendly care services for the elderly, the management and staff here at Victoria House pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming environment. When people have worked hard throughout their life and have been committed to helping others, we think they deserve extra cherishing. They need a home where individuality is emphasised, with staff who have time to give attention to small detail, and where they have the choice of enjoying the company of like-minded fellow Residents.
FIRST CLASS CARE
to the full. Service users are encouraged to express their individuality and we welcome people’s personal belongings to be brought into the home. Earlier in the year we had a very successful ‘Dignity Day’ which was a special day for everyone involved. There was a 1940s theme ‘Digni-tea’ that was held between 2-4pm on Friday 7th February, where classic songs from the era were playing to raise awareness of Dignity. A ‘Digni-Tree’ was also made and the service users were encouraged to write on a heart shaped leaf about what dignity means to them. There is a key worker system in operation providing our Service Users with a high standard of holistic care, meeting each individual’s needs, which will be identified through assessment and formulation of the Care Plan; the emphasis being to provide our Service Users with the ability to make choices, in order to make their own decisions regarding their care. We are pleased to accept Service Users (Residents) for long term, and short term for convalescence and holiday stays.
Our person centred approach and care policy extends to six basic values and as such, our aim is to create a ‘A Home For Living In’. These basic values are: Privacy, Dignity, Independence, Choice, Rights and Fulfilment.
We understand that moving to a home is a big decision for you and your family so we welcome you to come along and have a coffee, chat and a walk round the home; you can even try out our wonderful food, if notice is given.
Twenty-four hour dedicated Service User care is provided and the care staff enables our Service Users to maintain their independence, rights and choices in order to live their lives
We welcome you to spend the day here free of charge to join in the activities, have your lunch and see for yourself if Victoria House is the place for you. Just give us a ring to organise a date.
We look forward to welcoming you at Victoria House.
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Advertorial feature
Getting to know your elderly care options in the North West A guide to help you plan for your needs in later life. If you’re concerned about the care of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. It’s not always easy to talk about elderly care and you may go through a range of emotions, or feel that you’re on your own. Aside from the emotional strain, families also have to get to grips with the implications of paying for care, which can be complex. There’s also the decision about which care to choose, which will depend on a number of factors, including the level of care required.
Many care homes provide a range of care types at one location giving the home the ability to meet individuals’ changing care needs within a single setting. This means that residents may not need to relocate to another care home should their care needs change in the future.
There are several types of care that homes can provide, such as short-stay, residential, nursing and dementia, each of which offers a specific kind of support to meet individual needs.
Choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For this reason, it is important that you research and fully understand all the different options available to you, including the likely costs, to ensure you make the right choice.
It’s common for someone needing a care home to feel a burden and for relatives to feel guilty about not being able to provide the care themselves. However, life in a care home can bring great benefits; helping people to stay independent for longer in a safe and homely environment, while ensuring help is at hand when needed. Care homes can also offer a real community spirit, where people can interact with their fellow residents, families and friends and enjoy a more active social life based on their interests and hobbies.
If you would like advice based on your personal circumstances, or you are just not sure where to start, whether it’s queries about funding, getting help to look after someone at home, or just starting the conversation with a loved one about care, Bupa offers a free advice service run by experts. They are there to listen to your circumstances and, by explaining your options, help you to make choices that are right for you and your loved one.
To discover what care could mean for you in Wigan, Warrington and St Helens, talk to an expert today. Call 0333 331 5797 †
READER OFFER For your free ‘A Guide to Making Choices for the Years Ahead’, send this coupon to: Care Journey Experts, Bupa Care Services, Bridge House, Outwood Lane, Leeds, LS18 4UP Name: ........................................................ Address: .................................................. ...................................................................... ....................................................................... ....................................................................... Tel No: ....................................................... Email: ......................................................... Tick this box if you do not wish to receive further information about Bupa’s products and services.
†Calls to 03 numbers from any line are charged at no more than UK national rates and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.
www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk
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Order online at www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk or call us on 01942 606668 or visit our local showrooms!
WORRY FREE MOTORING FOR 3 YEARS
CALL FOR DETAILS – HOME DEMONSTRATION Invacare Colibri
INVACARE LEO
INVACARE ORION
£895.00
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Weekly Motability Payment
£13.94
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£16.97
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£20.62
KR AEROLIGHT
KYMCO MAXER
KYMCO MIDI XLS
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KYMCO MINI LS
TGA MINIMO
TGA VITA MIDI
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FINANCE AVAILABLE
NHS Wheelchair voucher scheme accepted here. We also offer part exchange
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● 3 YEARS INSURANCE ● 3 YEARS BREAKDOWN ● 3 YEARS SERVICING SCOOTERS & POWER CHAIRS
PLEASE NOTE INSURANCE BREAKDOWN AND SERVICING ONLY APPLIES TO MOTABILITY SCHEME.
£24.56
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TGA VITA SPORT £3995.00 Weekly Motability Payment
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LEIGH BRANCH: LEIGH BRANCH: FIND US ON Parsonage Garage, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, Parsonage Garage, Kirkhall Lane,MARKET Leigh, BURY Greater Manchester, WN7 5RP Greater Manchester WN7 5RP TEL:01942 606668 EVERY WEDNESDAY 01942 606668 32
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