FREE
Please
WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST. HELENS
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MAY -JULY 2015
EDITION 43
Tom Jones The King and I: When Tom Met Elvis
Cook with the Stars! John Torode, Paul Hollywood, & James Martin share their favourite recipes
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CONTENTS
INSIDE... 10-11
Northern Greece City Breaks in Thessaloniki
12-13
Robinsons Holidays Save up to £100 on your holiday.
14-15
Tom Jones The King and I: When Tom met Elvis.
18-19
The Brindley Theatre What's coming up soon?
27-29
Cook with the Stars! Recipes from your favourite celebrity chefs: John Torode, Paul Hollywood & James Martin.
38-39
How to Choose the Right Home Care Useful pointers to help you.
FINANCIAL FREEDOM FOR THE OVER 55’s Request your FREE GUIDE to unlocking cash from your home
10-11
14-15
18-19
27-29
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Retirement Experience Nationwide Retirement Specialists
Call Paul MacFarlane, your local retirement specialist, for a FREE copy of our Guide or to arrange a no obligation appointment on:
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TWITTERING ON “Since the lion arrived, which is three years now, I haven’t really left the camp,” says Gruener. “Sometimes for one night I go into the town here to organise something for the business, but other than that I’ve been here with the lion.” The lion he has devoted himself to is Sirga - a female cub he rescued from a holding pen established by a farmer who was fed up with shooting animals that preyed on his cattle. “The lions had killed the other two or three cubs inside the cage, and the mother abandoned the remaining cub. She was very tiny, maybe 10 days old,” Gruener says.
Bear hug from a lion! Just every so often along comes a story to warm your heart, this is such a story. In 2012 Valentin Gruener rescued a young lion cub and raised it himself at a wildlife park in Botswana. It was the start of an extraordinary relationship. Now an astonishing scene is repeated each time they meet - the young lion leaps on Gruener and holds him in an affectionate embrace.
The farmer, Willy de Graaf, asked Gruener to try to save her and so he took her to a wildlife park financed by de Graaf and became her adoptive mother, “feeding her and taking care of her”. “You have this tiny cute animal sitting there and it’s already quite feisty,” he says. “It will become about 10 times that size and you will have to deal with it.” She’s much bigger now, but when Gruener opens her cage she still rushes to greet him - ecstatically throwing her paws around his neck. “That happens every time I open the door. It is an amazing thing every time it happens, and it’s such a passionate thing to do for this animal to jump and give me a hug,” says Gruener. “But I guess it makes sense. At the moment she has no other lions with her in the cage and I guess for her I’m like her species. So I’m the only friend she’s got. Lions are social cats so she’s always happy to see me.”
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The companions spend their time hanging out in the Botswana bush, doing the kind of things that cats enjoy, such as lying around under trees, play-fighting, and hunting.
Graham Smith
“I don’t believe we have to teach the lion to hunt. They have this instinct like a domestic cat or even a dog that will try to hunt. Any cat will catch a bird or a mouse. The lion will catch an antelope when it gets big enough,” Gruener says. “I’m definitely giving her that opportunity to hunt, about three times a week at the moment. Each walk takes five hours - sometimes up to nine. We sort of hunt together and I’m helping her sometimes, trying to show her how to kill something rather than catch it.” After Sirga’s first kill Gruener wasn’t sure if it would still be safe for him to get close to the lion. But “she let me come in”, he says. Now he despatches animals the lioness fails to kill quickly enough. “It’s a bit cruel because she will catch an antelope and hold it down, and when it gets tired she could simply go and bite it in the throat and kill it. But because it’s so exciting she’s like a cat that keeps on playing with the mouse. “It’s not so lovely to watch when a lion has an antelope in front of her and she’s having fun playing with this antelope.” Willy de Graaf has handed Gruener 500 hectares (two square miles) to create a “miniature park” in which Sirga can roam freely, but she will not be released into the wild. Not because she could not survive, Gruener says, but because she has lost her fear of humans. Under those circumstances she is likely to get too close to humans, and if there is an accident she will end up getting shot. “And that’s not really the whole point of raising a lion,” Gruener says. In the park Sirga can live like a wild lion, but remain safe, he says. “That’s the plan for her future.”
holidays
made to
remember
In the heart of the Lancashire countryside you will find the beautiful Ribby Hall Holiday Village. Over 100 acres of luxury accommodation, restaurants, cafés and bars, leisure facilities and an award winning Spa. Just a short distance away you’ll find the charming seaside town of Lytham St Annes and the bright lights of Blackpool. With something to keep every age entertained, Ribby Hall Village is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday with family or friends.
hol£id2a7y9s
from
*
e! for six peopl
Our fabulous cottages, with all the luxuries of home, start from just £279 for six people.
To book or request a brochure call us FREE on 0800 107 1931 or visit www.ribbyhall.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. £279 lead in price applies to four night break between 20 Nov – 20 Dec 15 in a Poppy Cottage.
6821 RHV Over 50s A4 Ad 2015.indd 1
03/02/2015 15:10
TRAVEL
The Great British Holiday
IF there is one thing that the recession has taught us it’s about getting value for money. And it’s not just being pro-British to say that you can now get the best holidays here at home. ABTA – the well-respected Association of British Travel Agents – says that their recent research shows that 20 per cent of people surveyed would be spending more on holidays in 2015. They also discovered that nearly seven in 10 people, that’s 68 per cent, took at least one UK holiday last year. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, believes that good weather in the UK in June and July helped. He says that “the research shows there are reasons to be optimistic for 2015.” All of which is no surprise to the thousands of tourists who flock into Great Britain each year from other countries around the world. They come determined to discover the many attractions here. Perhaps we Brits are simply slower to pick up on noticing the wonders around us, but we are getting better at it.
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Andy Kinnaird from Robinsons Holidays knows that the Great British Holiday is very attractive to the homegrown market. His business, based near Blackburn in Lancashire, was established in 1923 and today has 23 coaches with more than 160 staff kept busy dealing with this burgeoning travel market. He finds that more people than ever are opting to stay in the UK for their annual holidays, citing “the hassle of going through customs and airports etc” as well as the constant discovery of new places without ever leaving these shores. Favourite destinations for the many people he takes on their holidays around the country include the Isle of Wight, Eastbourne and Torquay. More unusual destinations are the Hebrides, the Isle of Man and the Scilly Isles, although he does transport some foreign visitors like the Australian couple who wanted to tour Scotland. Andy and his family shunned the charms of the Costas and the Balearics last year for the delights of Camarthen in Wales and Loch Lomond in Scotland. “Yes,” he insists, “like everyone, we appreciate going to beautiful places in the UK.”
If we can stand back a little from the whole subject of holidays and try to take a dispassionate look at what the UK has to offer, there really is something for every traveller and taste. You can take the whole family – including the dog – to a luxury cabin in ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, or wake each day on the banks of an ancient millpond in a beautiful dwelling in Deerpark in Cornwall, deep in a peaceful wooded valley. If you like walking, you can see the ruggedly beautiful hills of Wales or the sleepy villages set in rural Yorkshire. Stay in a YHA hostel in the South-east and take a gentle family chauffeur punt down the river in Cambridge or experience the thrill of the rides at Chessington World of Adventures. The great thing about holidaying in the UK with your family is the wonderfully broad spread of activities on offer. Youngsters can run about, take part in planned activity programmes, go swimming or even take their bikes along when you’re having a staycation.
They don’t have to endure tiresome flights, hanging around in airports or not liking the food abroad. Children can make themselves understood to everyone, and discover for themselves just how beautiful is their own country.
The Great British Holiday is the one that you like the best. And it’s completely achievable, even with one eye on the weather.
Couples can quietly discover the real Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle in Hampshire – where fact meets fiction in fascinating English history. Our country has plenty of history, with stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Bath with its fascinating Roman baths. Visit York, where history leaps out at you around every corner. Travel to the capital and see the magnet of attractions that draw the constant crowds to its major art galleries, packed with masterpieces, the British Museum exhibiting the works of man from historic to modern times or the London Eye where the best views over the city are available to fascinate. A holiday in the UK can turn into the kind of voyage of discovery that used to be reserved for early travellers setting foot in ancient lands for the first time. The sense of wonder is on offer in cities, towns and in tiny hamlets boasting a village church and a history recorded in the Domesday Book. Our coastlines are among some of the world’s most stunning. Just walk along the rugged cliffs of Boscastle in Cornwall and you’ll be treading on rocks first laid down 300 million years ago. Mind you, it’s also got some of the best beaches, too, and the longest: 476 km of luscious coastline. You can cycle through the wilds of Yorkshire or take a more sedate luxury barge along the Lancaster Canal – or just please yourself and do both!
The Best of British Holidays at Ribby Hall Village Imagine your own idyllic pine lodge with outdoor hot tub or a luxurious five-star cottage, exploring 100 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside. With plenty to enjoy - bars and restaurants, an award-winning spa, tennis, fishing, golf, swimming, cycling or simply chilling poolside with a book – do as much or as little as you like, and at a pace to suit you. Holidays start from £279 for six people. Call 0800 107 0336 or visit ribbyhall.co.uk.
Coach Holidays 2015 Grayway a family runrun GraywayCoaches Coacheshas hasremained remained a family business for over 40 years providing value forfor business for over 40 years providing value money holidays and high quality service. Our tourtour money holidays and high quality service. Our drivers are very experienced in all aspects and drivers are very experienced in all aspects and we aim to make your holiday as enjoyable and as we aim to make your holiday as enjoyable and as memorable as possible.
PLEASE RING FOR OUR FULL HOLIDAY BROCHURE Find us Find on us on Facebook & Twitter
memorable as possible.
LLANDUDNO TOP OF THE LAKES
VICTORIAN Sat 27th JuneWEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA Fri 1st May at at SHAP WELLS HOTEL GRAND ASH HOTELBreakfast 1 Night Bed & Buffet 3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
ISLE OF WIGHT Sat 11th July IRELAND
ROYAL PIER HOTEL, SANDOWN WATERFORD, KILKENNY & DUBLIN 7 Nights Dinner, Thur 28th May Bed & Breakfast at TALBOT HOTEL, CARLOW
ISLE OF WIGHT 3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast Sat 11th July OCEAN HOTEL, SANDOWN LONDON
ONLY LEEDS ONLY £99 LONDON ROSE & BLACK LIQUORICE £159 WHITE
SHOWBOAT Sat 11th July RIVER CRUISE & LONDON SIGHTSEEING at HILTON HOTEL, LEEDS
ONLY
20th JuneBed & Breakfast 1Sat Night Dinner,
ONLY
ONLY £89 £129
at CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, HEATHROW ONLY £359 1 Night Bed & Breakfast. Meal & £299 EASTBOURNE ONLY Entertainment Sat 18th July on Showboat. £399 at HADLEIGH HOTEL
TOP OF THE LAKES
7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
ONLY
£99 Sat 27th June ONLY CANTERBURY & KENT COAST at SHAP WELLS HOTEL £435 ONLY Inc. Whitstable Oyster Festival Bed & Buffet Breakfast £129 Fri1 Night 24th July
7 Nights Dinner, TOWER Bed & Breakfast RIVER CRUISE, OF LONDON & WINDSOR | Thur 28th May MURDER WEEKENDS at HOLIDAYMYSTERY INN, HEATHROW
ON STEAM TRAIN - PLEASE RING FOR DETAILS 1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
OFHOTEL, WIGHT atISLE MECURE MAIDSTONE 11th July Bed & Breakfast 3Sat Nights Dinner,
ROYAL PIER HOTEL, SANDOWN 7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
ONLY ONLY
£229 £359
NORFOLK
SANDRINGHAM HOUSE & ELY Sat 8th August ISLE OF INN, WIGHT at HOLIDAY PETERBOROUGH
Sat 11thDinner, July Bed & Breakfast 1 Night OCEAN HOTEL, SANDOWN
ONLY
£110 ONLY
£435
REGATTA & YORK 7WHITBY Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
ONLY
£99
WEEKEND LEEDS Sat 15th August
WHITE ROSE & BLACK LIQUORICE at THISTLE HOTEL, MIDDLESBROUGH Sat 11thDinner, July Bed & Breakfast ONLY 1 Night £89 at HILTON HOTEL, LEEDS 1LONDON Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
ONLY
CROWN & COMMONS (Buckingham £139 Palace & Houses of Parliament) PLEASE RING FOR OUR inc. Sat 29th August Entrances
FULL HOLIDAY BROCHURE 1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
237 Manchester 2EA Tel: Tel:01942 01942243165 243165/ /235586 235586 237 ManchesterRoad, Road,Ince, Ince,Wigan Wigan WN2 WN2 2EA www.grayway.co.uk www.grayway.co.uk Email: Email: graywayone@aol.com graywayone@aol.com WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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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
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
ISLE OF MAN TORQUAY CUMBRIA - Line Dance Weekend ISLE OF WIGHT PERTHSHIRE PAIGNTON - Carnival Week
5HB The Rutland Hotel 6HB Corbyn Head or Livermead Cliff Hotel 3FB Gilsland Spa Hotel 5HB WARNERS - Bembridge 6HB The Angus Hotel 8HB The Marine Hotel
£429 NO 45 £445 NO NIL £169 NO 12 £359 NO NIL £359 YES NIL £499 NO NIL
IRELAND - TAPESTRIES & THRONES JERSEY BY AIR NORFOLK & NORWICH Edinburgh Tattoo - Good Tickets included BOURNEMOUTH - Air Show CITY OF DURHAM & BEAMISH Edinburgh Tattoo - Good Tickets included Eastbourne - Summer Holiday
5HB Dunadry Hotel & Country Club 8HB The Mayfair Hotel 5HB BW George Hotel 3HB Best Western Kings Manor Hotel 6HB Hinton Firs Hotel 5HB Radisson Blu Hotel & Beamish 3HB Best Western Kings Manor Hotel 7HB Haddon Hall Hotel
£429 NO 90 £619 NO NIL £359 NO 40 £289 NO 50 £439 YES NIL £365 NO 84 £289 NO 50 £435 NO NIL
KILLARNEY DUNOON - Executive Tour LLANDUDNO BAMBURGH - Northumberland Coast & Country BLACKPOOL AUSTRIA - PACKED LUNCH & FREE BAR in Austria ISLE OF WIGHT - SHANKLIN
6HB Killarney Towers Hotel 5HB Esplanade Hotel 6HB Queens Hotel 6HB Victoria Hotel 5HB Park House Hotel 10FB Zentral Hotel, Kirchburg 6HB Channel View Hotel
£458 NO 120 £309 NO 40 £389 NO 28 £439 YES NIL £275 NO NIL £725 NO 120 £449 NO NIL
BLACKPOOL JERSEY BY AIR CUMBRIA - Line Dance Weekend BOURNEMOUTH DOC MARTIN’S CORNWALL - Inc Eden Project HAMPSHIRE HAMPSHIRE
4HB Park House Hotel 6HB The Mayfair Hotel 3FB Gilsland Spa 6HB Hinton Firs Hotel 6HB Rosemundy House Hotel 5HB WARNERS - Sinah Warren 5HB Lakeside Complex
£254 NO NIL £449 NO NIL £169 NO 12 £339 YES NIL £399 NO NIL £349 NO NIL £295 NO NIL
JUNE 08 Jun 09 Jun 22 Jun 22 Jun 28 Jun 29 Jun
JULY 05 Jul 05 Jul 10 Jul 13 Jul 19 Jul 25 Jul
AUGUST 01 Aug 01 Aug 07 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 17 Aug 22 Aug 30 Aug
SEPTEMBER 05 Sept 07 Sept 13 Sept 13 Sept 21 Sept 22 Sept 28 Sept
OCTOBER 02 Oct 05 Oct 09 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 19 Oct 19 Oct
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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. 4/07
WELL DRESSING IN DERBYSHIRE
Depart 09.30am
Return 4.30pm
£16.50
This tradition dates back many years and is a simple but effective way of decorating water supplies, we make our way to our first visit Chapel en le Firth set close to the Peak District National Park, here there are normally 7 wells to find we depart here around 12noon to Buxton for the afternoon this attractive town has 3 or 4 wells and many shops and places of interest, including St Anne’s well, the Famous Crescent building Opera House etc and a small market, we depart for home at 4.30pm. 19/07 FLEETWOOD TRANSPORT FESTIVAL & MARKET
Depart 09.15am
Return 5pm
£10.90
A day of transport through the ages and for all ages, including many of the now historic Blackpool Trams hardly seen these days also Fleetwood’s famous market will be open to search out a bargain, stroll around the exhibits all for free, There is plenty of family entertainment from the Fun Fair to boat rides, a truly great day for all. We depart for home at 5pm. 21/07 CLITHEROE (MARKET DAY) & BARDEN MILL
Depart 01.30pm
Return 4.30pm
£11.90
The pretty town of Clitheroe is our first stop today, attractive shops and interesting Norman Castle and today is also market day, departing here about 1.30, we travel via Pendle Hill to the Pendle Village and Barden Mill complex now claiming to be one of the best shopping outlets in the area, we depart for home at 4.30pm. 24/07 SOUTHPORT & THE TALBOT HOTEL PARTY AFTERNOON
Depart 10.30am
Return 4pm
£22
A prompt start and off to Southport for 10 30 we allow a couple of hours for a stroll around Lord St or the see front before we arrive at The Talbot Hotel for our beautifully prepared Roast Lunch, we then have an afternoon of Live entertainment with dancing singing and bingo, an afternoon of great fun for all, sadly at 4 pm we climb on board the coach for home. 25/07 SHREWSBURY
Depart 8.30am
Return 4.30pm
£19.80
This historic town sits in a loop on the River Severn, an excellent shopping area with many fine buildings, including the Castle and one of Englands famous round churches, the narrow streets and alleyways are great places to explore and you will be surprised at what you can find here, if The River Severn is of interest you why not take a sail from the Welsh bridge, a full commentary is provided by the excellent crew, We depart for home at 4.30pm 12/08 HARROGATE & KNARESBOROUGH
Depart 8.30am
Return 4.30pm
£16.50
We travel direct to the olde world town Knaresborough, sat on the River Nidd, its street market is on today or you can go sightseeing to Mother Shiptons cave or visit the ruins of the castle, there are walks by the river too, plenty of eating places, after lunch we move to Harrogate this wonderful spa town with its modern shopping area and the famous Betty’s Tea Room, we return via a different route starting at 4.30pm. 13/08 KETTLEWELL SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Depart 8.30am
Return 4.30pm
£16.20
Set deep in the Yorkshire Dales National Park this pretty village, Visitors are encouraged to explore by walking the scarecrow trail, identifying the selected scarecrows, and solving associated clues which, each year, are based on a different theme. Many other scarecrows can be found, often in some of the more unusual and unexpected nooks and crannies, we depart mid afternoon calling at Grassington for about hour to explore this village too, return starts 4.30pm. 15/08 LYTHAM 1940s FESTIVAL
Depart 9.00am
Return 4.30pm
£10.50
The 1940's brought to life with a bang! From the dark days of Dunkirk, through the blitz and hard times on the home front to D-Day and victory in Europe and Asia, come join in the atmosphere and immerse yourself in a brilliant weekend of entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun! Historic Vehicles, music and dance, memorabilia, thrilling battles, educational talks and demonstrations plus living history camp Return 4.30pm. 22/08 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW OR SHOPPING
Depart 9.15am
Return 4.30pm
£10.50
Flowers, seaside or shopping, the choice is yours we set down close to the flower show at Pleasureland and then to the seafront lots to see & do before our return at 4.30pm .
CALL NOW 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
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50 Plus Travel
sponsored by
City Breaks to Thessaloniki By Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor Despite a cool evening breeze, though still very warm to us, the bars and cafĂŠs along the promenade are packed with locals enjoying the balmy evening, chatting and drinking with friends. There is a lively buzz, a friendly, vibrant atmosphere and definitely a feeling of being relaxed and safe in the city. It is the same every evening of the week as the newly-finished 7 kmlong promenade is the focal point for people to walk, jog, cycle or simply stroll along by the sea, a live band is playing as a stage is set up for a concert next to the White Tower. This is the emblem of the city, its name referring to a prisoner there painting it white in exchange for his freedom, covering up the walls blood-stained from executions. On a brighter note, there are some impressive public sculptures and gardens along this seafront, especially the metal umbrellas in the late sunshine. There are boat trips around the port and across the bay to Agia Triada (more of
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that later), and a little boat regularly goes along the edges clearing any debris. Thessaloniki in northern Greece is a city not always associated with art, food and wine, or as a cultural centre yet it is steeped in history as a geographically strategic point for this region. It is an ideal base to explore the area, particularly for those interested in the culture of Ancient Greece, as well as the superb fine dining. We visited in the first week of September, with temperatures around 25° and bright sunshine. Flight time is just over 3 hours from Manchester airport and it takes around half an hour to get to the city from Macedonia Airport. The first impressions as you drive into the city are of old buildings, not architecturally beautiful as many are 20th century structures and everywhere covered in graffiti, which relates to social comment on the severe financial
troubles Greece suffered a few years ago. Since then, a new Mayor has allocated large surfaces at the sides of specific buildings for graffiti artists to work on so eventually much of this will be removed. However, this first impression should be ignored! Walk around narrow, cobbled streets down to the sea, the old port having been revived with new museums, a photography gallery, cinema and various cultural centres for different exhibitions, events and celebrations throughout the year. This is also the favourite spot for dreamy-eyed young (and old?) lovers to stretch out and talk into the night. Sounds good to me. We had the privilege of being shown a room at the 5* Excelsior Hotel – what a beautiful, stylish place. It is a splendid old building where original, ornate architectural features have been retained during its recent renovation. If you have an opportunity to stay there, you must.
TRAVEL Take a half-day city tour and you will really get a feel for the history of Thessaloniki and Greece from ancient times. Located in a strategic position in the Aegian sea, there were three distinct ages of occupation from Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Given this history, there are fantastic churches, synagogues and mosques that contain preserved sections of frescoes and finelydetailed mosaics. A lot has changed over the centuries due to fires and earthquakes, exposing many new archaeological sites. A real must is the history related to the Jewish communities in this city, particularly the devastating impact of their treatment by the Nazi troops during WWII. It is well worth having a guided tour – our guide Konstantinos was so knowledgeable – although you can explore on your own using the hop on-hop off bus number 50 that costs 2 Euros for the day. Their leaflet also suggests short walks you can do from the bus stops, see www.expertguides.gr.
Remember to visit the daily market selling all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables plus an array of olives, of course. There is also fresh meat and fish, though I declined the invitation to take a sheep’s head home with me. And the three famous pastry/sweet shops are truly divine! We tried a small sample shot of luscious, rich chocolate and a silver-wrapped chocolate cigar. For lunch, try the fish and chips at Bakaliarakia (a small restaurant in the Ladadika area), large flat slices of fried potato and crispy batter around tasty white cod, served with thick creamy garlic sauce. An afternoon nap is then recommended. This is a big, bustling city full of life and with plenty to see. The traffic is a bit hectic so you have to have your wits about you, but it is fine if you keep to the proper crossing places. It is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or wheelchair-users, although across the Bay it is quieter and easier to get around. However, if you love to explore during city breaks, this is a great place to visit.
For city breaks to Thessaloniki Silver Travel Advisor recommends Kirker Holidays who offer a range of short breaks and tailor-made holidays throughout Greece and the rest of Europe. Prices start from £598 per person for a three night holiday to Thessaloniki, including return flights, private car transfers and accommodation with breakfast sharing a double room. Kirker clients also receive the exclusive Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge to arrange private guides, book excursions or museum tickets and to reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.
For more information or reservations, contact Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com
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.
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MYSTERY TOURS
5 DAYS from ONLY
£159
Robinsons Own Hotels
includes 2 excursions
2015
Sunny Sussex Eastbourne
The Garden Isle Isle of Wight
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 12 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
083 9900
Delightful Devon Torquay
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 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. 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
Groups: 0800 785 1025
The Robinsons Difference
PRICES NOT TO BE MISSED -
SAVE UP TO £100*
PER COUPLE AT THESE 3 FEATUR
ED RESORTS
Mystery Tours* DATE DURATION MYSTERY PRICE 01 June 5 days £209 08 June 5 days £209 15 June 5 days £209 22 June 5 days £209 29 June 5 days £209 06 July 5 days £209 13 July 5 days £209 20 July 5 days £209 27 July 5 days £209 03 August 5 days £219 10 August 5 days £219 17 August 5 days £219 24 August 5 days £219 31 August 5 days £209 07 September 5 days £209 14 September 5 days £209 21 September 5 days £209 28 September
5 days
£209
Once your booking is made, you will be allocated at one of the three resorts featured. Your destination and seat numbers will be advised on receipt of your final travel document which is issued approx. 2 weeks before travel. Terms and conditions of the Trading Charter in the main 2015 brochure apply.
Includes excursions Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l
Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom
l
l
7 Day Tours
8 Day Tours
6 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast
7 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast
Date 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 04 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct
Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £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 £289 £289 £289 £279 £279 £279 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269
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
!
Win A Robinsons Holiday
Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 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 03/04 Oct £319 £319 £319 10/11 Oct £309 £309 £309 17/18 Oct £299 £299 £299 24/25 Oct £299 £299 £299
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
Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn
06 June
£429
£429
£429
13 June
£429
£429
£429
20 June
£439
£439
£439
27 June
£439
£439
£439
Win a holiday for two people with Robinsons Holidays to either the Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay, the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne or the Ocean View Hotel on the Isle of Wight.
Name:-----------------------------------------------
04 July
£439
£439
£439
Address:--------------------------------------------
11 July
£439
£439
£439
This is your chance to win a holiday for two people for five days. Prize is valid between 1st July 2015 and 30th September 2015.
------------------------------------------------------
18 July
£439
£439
£439
Simply choose one of the dates from our 2015 main brochure, a copy of which will be sent to you upon publication. Prize includes half board accommodation and coach travel from any pick-up point in our main brochure. Holiday itinerary is as per relevant brochure tour for chosen date.
Postcode:-------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Tel:-------------------------------------------------Email:-----------------------------------------------
Prize is subject to availability and is non-transferable, non- refundable and has no cash redemption value. Prize can not be auctioned on any web-site or used or offered as a prize for any other competition or as a gift or incentive. Prize is not for re-sale. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Closing date for all entries is 19th June 2015.
Post your entry to McGrath Media, 6th Floor, 120 Bark Street, Bolton BL1 2AX ROBINSONS HOLIDAYS may wish to contact you about special offers, products or services by post. Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive these details
25 July
£439
£439
£439
01 Aug
£439
£439
£439
08 Aug
£439
£439
£439
15 Aug
£439
£439
£439
22 Aug
£439
£439
£439
29 Aug
£439
£439
£439
05 Sept
£429
£429
£429
12 Sept
£429
£429
£429
19 Sept
£419
£419
£419
26 Sept
£389
£389
£389
9 DAYS ~ ONLY STANDARD ROOMS AVAILABLE
Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!
Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP. | 13 WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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The King and I An extract from Tom Jones’ biography by Sean Smith - Tom Jones: The Life Courtesy of HarperCollins. Available through all good book stores and online at Amazon.co.uk.
Tom couldn’t believe it when he was told Elvis and his wife Priscilla had been seen in the foyer of the Flamingo. He thought it was a wind-up but it was true – The King and his entourage, the ‘Memphis Mafia’, had driven from Los Angeles just to see the show. They had been invited by Chris Hutchins, who knew both Colonel Tom Parker and Joe Esposito, Elvis’s road manager, and suggested they come over. Elvis was curious to see how a performer like Tom would be received in Las Vegas, because he was seriously thinking of making a live comeback there himself. His recording career was in the middle of a slump and he needed something to reinvigorate his career – a problem Tom would also face at a later date. The lighting in the audience was quite dark, so Tom had to peer into the gloom to see if Elvis was really there. He had been primed by Chris, so he knew what to say if he caught sight of the man.
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Eventually, he realised The King was in the very front row. Halfway through the show, he introduced Elvis, who stood up to take a bow, and the place erupted. It went on for ages and ages, until Tom managed to calm everyone down. Elvis eventually sat back down and Tom said, ‘Don’t forget I’m the star here tonight.’ It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, but took some nerve: Tom was just starting his Vegas adventure, whereas Elvis was the biggest star in the world. After the concert, Elvis and his gang went backstage to congratulate Tom in his dressing room. The ‘Mafia’ usually numbered about half a dozen or so of Elvis’s oldest friends and yes-men. If Elvis told them at breakfast that scarlet was the new colour, they would all have their cars resprayed by lunch. Linda was at the Flamingo that evening and she sat and chatted with Priscilla. Tom remembers Elvis saying he wanted to watch him in concert to see how he put together his act. Tom and Elvis talked about music, something they both never tired of doing. Priscilla Presley believes that Elvis took to Tom because he was a real person – ‘someone who was down to earth that
you could talk to, that was not on an ego trip’. Tom’s show also reminded Elvis how it used to be for him: the adulation of the girls, the applause and the fantastic music. He missed it. He also liked the way Tom didn’t take it too seriously. For his part,Tom thought the Presleys were ‘a great couple’. He gave Priscilla an autographed photograph for their daughter Lisa-Marie, who was six months old. The first meeting went so well that Elvis invited Tom to stay at his holiday villa in Hawaii.When he arrived, Priscilla told him that her husband had popped out to buy a couple of guitars so the two of them would have something to goof around with later.After dinner, the two men enjoyed a sing-song, like a couple of enthusiastic schoolboys, belting out ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’, as well as ‘It’s Not Unusual’ and Elvis’s favourite, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’. They jammed together through the night. Tom said simply, ‘I’ll never forget it as long as I live.’ The two men became genuine friends. . Tom spoke graciously of Elvis to the Daily Express: ‘I never sat at his feet looking up to him, because we regarded each other as equals. He was much too modest to be comfortable with someone who fawned around him and was never afraid to admit his own vulnerability – always the mark of the truly great.’ They were rivals, as well as friends, when Elvis began a season at the newly opened International Hotel in July 1969, which two years later was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton. Both shows were ruthlessly
CELEBRITIES advertised. On one side of the strip the huge billboards read, ‘Elvis Presley is at the International’. On the other side, the hoardings declared,‘Tom Jones is in Town!’ Tom moved briefly to the International too, because its show- room was three times the size of the Flamingo’s. In 1971, he finally settled at Caesars Palace. Elvis, meanwhile, stayed loyal to the Hilton, where he lived in the impressive penthouse, which became known as ‘Party Central’. The two friends would take it in turns to visit each other’s suites. Elvis was a reality check for Tom – a stark example of a road he would go down if he didn’t look after himself. Tom tried to keep in shape. At home in the UK, it was relatively easy, thanks to his fitness complex. On the road or in Vegas, it was more difficult, but he swam and took up squash. In the eighteen months before he opened at the Flamingo, he slimmed down from fifteen to eleven and a half stone. He said goodbye to chips for ever. He never stuffed himself with burgers or other junk food and avoided puddings, preferring a chateaubriand steak for dinner with the finest wines. Tom didn’t drink before a concert, which was particularly important where the desert air was so dry and put a strain on his voice. His shows were a workout in themselves, because Tom finished dripping with sweat and as much as six pounds lighter. After a show, he took a long, thirty-minute shower and then enjoyed a vodka martini or opened a bottle or two of Dom Pérignon while he socialised. His friend and backing singer Darlene Love became so sick of the constant supply of vintage champagne that she loathes bubbly to this day and only has a glass if it is mixed with orange juice. Elvis, however, struggled with his weight yo-yoing up and down. Early on, he told Tom that he took pills to stop the pounds piling on. The two men would have many discussions about the merits of drink and drugs. During one conversation, Elvis told him that he had taken every kind of drug imaginable just to keep his ‘head together’. Elvis asked him what he took to keep sane and Tom replied simply,
‘Nothing, that’s why I feel I am sane.’ Tom’s aversion to drugs is very well known. He told Sylvie Simmons of MOJO magazine a funny story of the evening he went to a party in London thrown by Lulu. A rock star sidled up to him and said, ‘You want to see what’s going on in the kitchen!’ Tom, being Tom, immediately thought it might be something involving one or hopefully two women. He was disappointed to see that the great excitement was a pile of white powder on the kitchen table.‘See you later,’ he said. Elvis never took any drugs in front of Tom – he had too much respect for him. Instead, they would be sitting down, listening to records, when Elvis would suddenly disappear into the bedroom and come out a new man. They would listen to a few more records and then the same thing would happen again. They may have had differing opinions on drugs, but both Elvis and Tom had similar views on gambling. Although they were the bait to draw thousands of punters into the hotel casinos, they never indulged themselves. That example was not followed by their respective managers, who lost fortunes at the gaming tables. Gordon incurred heavy losses playing blackjack. He was rumoured, in one disastrous night, to have lost the whole of Engelbert’s fee for a year. Tom just didn’t get the attraction. Why give away so easily what you had worked so hard to earn? One evening at Caesars Palace, Linda came bounding up to him and asked for some money so she and a friend could spend some time at the tables. Tom reached in his pocket and gave her $5. He advised her, ‘Don’t lose it all at once.’ Tom was intrinsically more sociable than Elvis, who preferred quiet evenings in his suite. He loved gospel music and was prepared to stay up even later than Tom, just singing. Tom would say goodnight and be halfway out the door, when Elvis would start something else and Tom would be obliged to go back in and sing another song. For the most part, they kept their friendship low-key. Elvis would slip into Caesars Palace with a baseball cap over his distinctive black hair and sit at
the back of the room. Disappointingly, Elvis and Tom never sang together in public. Elvis might walk on stage when Tom was performing, but he was under strict contract to another hotel, so he would never join in with a quick chorus of ‘Delilah’. Their duets were private moments and Elvis made it clear that they must never be recorded. His manager, Colonel Parker, had told him that he must ensure there were no bootleg recordings, an instruction he followed religiously. Tom was the same where Gordon was concerned: he never forgot what Gordon said. When they weren’t singing, they would talk about music. Elvis once suggested they could do a concert together, with The Beatles as their backing group. They could do their own songs, followed by a few duets and the Fab Four could play all the instruments. Elvis asked, ‘Do you think there is a chance we could get them to do it?’ Tom, who still laughs about that conversation, responded:‘It would be fantastic.’ The pair were such good friends, they exchanged rings. Elvis gave Tom a splendid black sapphire ring, which annoyingly disappeared from his hotel bathroom one night on tour – along with the young lady who was using it. Tom, in turn, presented Elvis with a tiger’s eye ring that he knew he liked. Elvis, for whom death threats were a way of life, was obsessed with firearms and would make sure he was armed even when he used the toilet. He gave Tom a gun with ‘Tom Jones’ engraved on the barrel. Tom has never had to fire his gun, although he made sure he knew how to use it. Perversely, Elvis also gave him a book that he’d enjoyed, entitled The Impersonal Life, a famous text about selfdiscovery and leading a spiritual life.
Tom Jones: The Life by Sean Smith (HarperCollins)
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HOME
Bringing the outside in... NATURAL light and space are among the popular hallmarks of modern homes in 2015 whatever size your property. When we investigate new apartments or houses with a view to moving, a feeling of space with plenty of natural light in evidence is what we are searching for. It not only makes us feel better but it’s a great way to help reduce energy costs. Architects and developers know that these elements sell their homes to the public and plan accordingly. But, it may not be quite so easy to harness plenty of natural light and create more space in less modern properties. Most of the homes built in the UK after World War II favoured smaller, more intimate rooms which were relatively cheap to heat, and this legacy has continued to a lesser extent into the early Noughties. However, in the last 10 years or so in particular, more of us are demanding
open plan living areas with as much natural light as we can get. In fact, through solar panels in the roof more and more of us even turn natural sunlight to domestic energy to cut household bills. Getting more fresh air into your home along with that vital light and creating more space for growing families - or simply giving yourself more room to breathe - can be costly if you have to think about remodelling homes or building on large extensions or wings. So, more and more people are going for a range of other options that still help to bring the outside inside. CONSERVATORIES are particularly popular for this, not only because they come in such a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of properties but because they are now cheaper and more efficient than ever.
Conservatories enlarge homes and can genuinely enhance the look of a property. They offer a private, bright space for hobbies, for family time or just for reading alone. They also bring people closer to their gardens, both physically and emotionally, and allow a new perspective on greenery without having to suffer from the vagaries of the British climate. ORANGERIES are another popular addition to homes, generating extra living space and creating a special place to live – and work if you prefer – in a private but bright room. They tend to contain more brickwork than glass, can be a bigger project to create, but always add elegance to homes. You can add a bold and unique visual element to your property with a GLASS
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HOME to envisage using that extra room for their lifestyle needs. To open up kitchen and living areas, how about installing BIFOLDING DOORS? These clever additions not only look stylish but offer a large area bringing in light, and they can easily fold back to allow in fresh air and the beauty of your garden. ROOF EXTENSION. The glass naturally creates a light living space and the beauty of these extensions is that they can be tailor-made into even the most testing of spaces, letting in an unrivalled amount of daylight. TILED ROOF EXTENSIONS are also designed to look and function like a permanent part of the property. This additional space makes your house a more desirable place to live and, should you come to sell your property, it immediately allows would-be buyers
These doors come into their own for families and open up the whole house. Socialising in the kitchen – which often predominates at parties - is then less cramped and more easygoing. Cooking smells vanish and individuals can spill out onto the patio to enjoy the best of the outside in convivial company. Another clever way to enjoy the outside and still protect yourself from the less attractive parts of the British weather is to install an AWNING. These handsome, often brightly coloured
additions to your home allow you to dine or just sit outside, away from the sun or even drizzle, as an easy extension of your lifestyle. You can get awnings custom-made to look just right on your home. And the beauty of them is that when you don’t need them they simply fold away until the next time. Many of us enjoy our gardens and it’s lovely, not only to see close up the fruits of your labours when it comes to admiring the plants, flowers and other greenery, but also because of the health benefits. Fresh air is good for the digestion, improves your blood pressure and heart-rate, strengthens your immune system and cleans your lungs. It also gives you more energy and sharpens the mind – and, probably the most important thing, it makes you happier! So it’s worth crafting a lifestyle that takes advantage of Nature’s free gifts, and open up your home to all the best possibilities of living.
The Bed Specialists & Furniture Outlet We are a family run company with over 20 years experience, priding ourselves in great customer service. Try, view and get a feel of your new mattress and bedroom furniture in our new, accessible showroom, which has over 70 beds, mattresses and bedsteads on display, together with bedroom furniture, all at affordable prices. Dreamers - The Bed Specialists & Furniture Outlet, Park Industrial Estate, Ashton-in-Makerfield WN4 0YU (just off J24, M6)
Freephone 0800 074 0129 www.dreamersbedcentre.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT
DON’T REPLACE YOUR OLD KITCHEN
RESPRAY IT! GET AN AMAZING BRIGHT NEW LOOK!
Events are in the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Thursday 4th June 2pm Oboe & Piano
Jackie Howard and Brenda Redmond
£6 Saturday 13th June The Irwell Ensemble
J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variations arr. Dmitry Sitkovetsky Schubert - Death and the Maiden Quartet
£10 Saturday 4th July Inspiration
AFTER
SAVE £££’s TOO! BEFORE • FREE ESTIMATES • NO CALL OUT CHARGE • COLOUR MATCHING SERVICE • FRIENDLY & RELIABLE
Lynne Rogers (soprano) / Angela Thompson (piano)
£10 Saturday 25th July Fundraising Concert
Sinfonietta players and some local musicians too!
£12 Saturday 12th September Wind Concert
Including music by Mozart, Gounod, Gordon Jacob and Malcolm Arnold.
£10 Saturday 24th October St Helens Town Hall The First Joint Concert
T: 0800 710 1600 | M: 07905 811825
www.mattfinishmanchester.co.uk Call today for a no obligation quote. All colours & finishes achievable.
By The Sinfonietta and St Helens Choral Society Sullivan - Overture from The Pirates of Penzance. Butterworth - The Banks of Green Willow. Tchaikovsky - Capriccio Italien. Rutter - Magnificat
£15 For more details visit www.sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk or ring Alan on 01925 291 273 or Colin on 01744 883794 e-mail colin.horlick@virginmedia.com FOR TICKETS: Lyn Wallace on 01744 600846 or 07914 114635
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OUT & ABOUT
Dunham Massey Events Stamford Hospital Garden Fete 11th & 12th July 2015
When Dunham was the Stamford Hospital there were two garden fetes held. Bring a picnic to our fete and enjoy playing some traditional games, listen to the brass band, and try your luck at a range of amusements.
Guided Walk - Family Wildlife Saturday 1st August 2015
A Potter’s Tale: Craft in Wigan Borough exhibition Thursday 2nd April - Saturday 4th July 2015 Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, Wigan WN1 1NU Price: Free A fabulous new exhibition to celebrate the history of pottery and craft in the Borough over 2000 years. Did you know that Leigh was famous for silk manufacture in the 1800s? Or that Wigan was known for its beautiful clocks, watches and pewterware in the 1700s? Here you can discover everything from crossbows and clocks to bells and silks from the collection, many on display for the first time. This is a collaborative exhibition with Wigan Youth Zone in which young people have been inspired by historic craftsmanship and the latest technology to create their own pots. Funded by Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots.
For more information call 01942 828128
Bring all the family to discover Dunham's deer and other wildlife on a summer walk around the park.
For more Information: Dunham Massey, 0161 941 1025, or email dunhammassey@nationaltrust.org.uk
Are you 50+ or 18+ You are either reducing your regular hours, or taking an earlier retirement?
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All enquiries please contact Alex Burt 07890 681051
Email:alexpeterburt40@btinternet.com Website:www.alexburt.myforever.biz/store Alex Burt is an independent distributor and Forever are in the Direct Selling Association (DSA).
G I V MANCHESTER E YOUR FEET A N E W L E& A SANKLE E O F L I FCLINIC E FOOT MANCHESTER FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC www.manchesterfootandankleclinic.com
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We offer a complete and comprehensive spectrum of both We offer a complete and comprehensive We offer a complete and comprehensive spectrum of both diagnosis and operative and non-operative treatment for diagnosis and operative and non-operative treatment for spectrum of both diagnosis and operative all foot and ankle disorders. all foot and ankle disorders. and non-operative treatment for all foot Special interests include sports injuries, arthritis, rheumatoid AnandPillai Pillai and ankle problems. MrMr. Anand 1 or 2 X pics of Active Old Special interests include sports injuries, arthritis, rheumatoid Pillai MS, disease, deformity and aesthetic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery, MS, MRCS, FRCS FRCS 1 or 2 X pics of Active Older MRCS, people in this space. To r disease, deformity and aesthetic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery, S, FRCS and toe joint replacement surgery and tendon surgery are space. To request Special ankle interests include sports injuries, arthritis, people in this (T&O),FICS FICS (T&O), Dale to provide this. ankle and toe joint replacement surgery and tendon surgery are rheumatoid disease, deformity and aesthetic surgery.Surgery Dale routinely performed. Minimally Invasive and same day this. S to provide routinely performed. Minimally Invasive Surgery andspecialist same daypodiatrists and Arthroscopic surgery,We ankle andclosely toe jointwith replacement discharge. work Mr Pillai is a Mr Pillai is Consultant discharge. We work closely with specialist podiatrists andtreatment experience. surgery and tendon surgery arethe routinely performed. orthotics to give you best possible onsultant Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma orthotics to give you the best possible treatment experience. Minimally Invasive Surgery and same day discharge. We and Trauma Orthopaedic and Surgeon with University work closely with specialist podiatrists and orthotics to h University Hospitals TraumaSouth Surgeon at :treatment experience. give youConsultation the best possible outh Manchester, Consultation at : Wythenshawe with University Wythenshawe with a specialSouth interest inConsultation Hospitals BMI Theat: Highfield Hospital al interest in& AnkleBMI The Highfield Foot Hospital Manchester, Manchester Road, Rochdale, OL11 4LZ e Road, Rochdale, OL11 4LZ Surgery andManchester deformity Spire Cheshire Hospital, Wythenshawe Tel. 01706 655 121 deformity Fir Tree Close, Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire WA4 4LU Tel. 01706 655 121 correction with a special Tel: 0845 602 2500 BMI The Alexandra Hospital interest in Foot BMI The AlexandraMill Hospital Lane, Cheadle, SK8 2PX. Tel. 0161 428 3656 BUNION | NUROMA & Ankle Surgery BMI The Alexandra Mill Lane, Cheadle, SK8 2PX.Hospital, Tel. 0161 428 3656 and deformity HAMMER TOE | PLANTAR Mill Lane, Cheadle SK8 2PX Tel: 0161 428 3656 Or correction. FASCIITIS | ARTHRITIS Or Call Neeta on 07592 994 404 To arrange an appointment call or text Neeta on FRACTURES | TENDON PAIN Call Neeta on 07592 994 404 Email: contact.footclinic@gmail.com 07592 994 404 | Email: contact.footclinic@gmail.com Email: contact.footclinic@gmail.com FLAT FOOT | NAIL PROBLEMS
OUT & ABOUT
Spud Wood Stroll 27th June 2015 Location: Trans Pennine Trail Time: 13:30 - 15:00 FREE A short walk to the east of Lymm using the Trans Pennine Trail, Spud Wood, the Bridgewater Canal.
Cash (No.1 Johnny Cash Tribute)
18th September 2015 The Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1PX As is so often the case with unique artists, it takes another one to fully appreciate them. Having lived the life and music of Johnny Cash and other country heroes who came before and since, Ben Welburn, aka CASH, has effortlessly recreated the sound, vibe and appeal of the master himself. Growing up on a farm in the heart of Yorkshire, music has always been central to Ben’s life. With a Grandfather who was a big band drummer, and a Father with a vast musical collection enthusiastically shared with whoever would listen, music was everywhere. However, it was the music of a certain JR Cash that managed that rare feat of stopping a young and energetic Ben in his tracks. Ben realised it wasn’t just Cash’s musicality that they had in common. The way Cash stood up prolifically for the working class, and wasn’t some clean cut musical ideal, only served to heighten Ben’s appreciation of the man. Frontman Ben Welburn says: “I have always felt a bit weird about pretending to be anyone else other than myself, so the concept of being Johnny Cash didn’t really appeal. People were continuously telling me I had to do something with all this Cash stuff, so I decided I would start taking it more seriously, but the word tribute was key. I would pay my respects to the man by getting his stuff out there again; reaching out to established and new fans, but in no way would I try to be him. That is just not doable in my eyes, so I don’t want people thinking I think I am him. Cos I don’t!”
To book, call the Box Office on 01744 735 436.
This was once the main road from Lymm to Manchester (but not since 1824 so it’s fairly quiet nowadays!) Approx 4 miles. Meet; Ranger Centre off Statham Avenue, Lymm WA13 9NJ
Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value.
For more information visit www.warrington.gov.uk
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!
Lymm Historic Transport Day
Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.
28th June 2015 Location: Lymm Village Time: 10:00 - 17:00 Cost: Adult £5 Child £3 Family 2+2 £12 One day transport festival with activities for the whole family www.lymmtransport. org.uk An all day celebration of historic transport featuring working boats, traction engines, classic cars, motor-bikes, bicycles, buses, model railways, model planes, model cars, There are trips available on buses, boats and miniature steam engines. Markets, Food, Drink. All over the village all day.
Batwalk
Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday
19th July 2015 Location: Lymm Dam Time: 20:45 - 22:15 FREE
Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
Lymm Dam is home to several species of bat. Catch glimpses as they flit and swoop for insects and hear their calls via bat detectors as we discover their nocturnal world on this night-time walk around the Dam. Places are limited so please book in advance on 01925 758195.
“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
Meet: the Old Ranger Cabin, off Crouchley Lane, Lymm WA13 0AS
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We’ll Meet Again 2015 A show to celebrate 70 years this year since the end of World War 2. A tribute to our Armed Forces with great songs and music of the War Years.
Mon 15 June | 2.30pm Tickets £12.50, £10 from 0151 907 8360
www.thebrindley.org.uk The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Providing legal services to the community in the North West since 1947.
Why it’s so important to make a Will New laws come into operation on 1st October 2014 governing how your estate will be divided up, if you die without leaving a valid Will. Statutory laws are regularly reviewed to reflect changes within society and to prevent iniquity. Some of the changes made relate to modernising the language used to describe personal items known as chattels. Old fashioned language referring to carriages and linen has been brought up to date, and chattels are now described as anything which is not monetary, a business asset or an investment. One change which had been anticipated, given the ever increasing number of couples who co-habit, has not been made. There is still no provision in the Intestacy Rules for the co-habiting partner of a deceased. Many people mistakenly believe their co-habiting partner will be able to benefit from their estate, but in order for an unmarried partner to benefit, they must be able to prove they have lived together for at least two years before the date of death, and the surviving partner must make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. This is both costly and stressful and best avoided. A change which has been made is to the entitlement of a surviving spouse of a deceased who had no children. Had this statutory provision been in place a number of years ago it would have prevented a very upsetting situation for one of my clients. My client, a widow, who lived with her husband for a number of years prior to their marriage, had made a will in similar terms to her husband in each other’s favour, before they married. What they did not know was their marriage actually revoked their wills. You may think, this would be no problem, they were married after all, and she would benefit. However, under the old
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rules, my client was entitled to only the first £250,000 of her husband’s estate outright. She received 50% of the remaining balance and the other 50% passed to a niece and nephew of her husband’s, whom he had not seen since they were children, some thirty years earlier, before they moved to America to live! Now under the new rules, widows, widowers and civil partners without children, will be entitled to the whole of their spouses’ estate. The new rules also prevent an unfair situation which meant orphaned children who were under 18 when their parent died, and who were then adopted by someone else lost their inheritance from their natural parent.
Canter Levin & Berg Offer Discounted Services For Age UK Mid Mersey Clients In order to make it easier for you to obtain professional advice from qualified lawyers we run advice clinics in the Mid Mersey Information and Advice Offices in Golden Square, Warrington, Claughton Street in St. Helens and Church Street in Runcorn.
Canter Levin & Berg offer a 5% discount on the standard costs of our Will service to Age UK Mid Mersey clients.
01925 550 595 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
While making your will, don't forget to make a Lasting Power of Attorney Plan for the future A survey undertaken by YouGov, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Research UK, reveals that 31% of respondents, across all ages, fear suffering from dementia more than any other illness. Statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Society reveal there are almost 700,000 people in the UK with dementia, while the Stroke Association estimates that 130,000 people have a stroke every year. It is likely you know someone who has been affected, and who is unable to manage their financial affairs, or make decisions about their wellbeing. Although many of us are concerned for the future, it is surprising how many of us fail to take advice about protecting our assets and planning for the future by making a will or lasting power of attorney.
Hopefully, you will not be affected by dementia or a stroke, but making a Lasting Power of Attorney is a little bit like an insurance policy. You hope you will never need to use it, but it’s good to have the security of knowing it’s in place if you do! In order to make it easier for you to obtain professional advice from qualified lawyers we run advice clinics in the Mid Mersey Information and Advice offices in Golden Square Warrington, Claughton Street in St Helens and Church Street, Runcorn. We offer discounts to Age UK Mid Mersey clients, upon production of/or reference to this advert, we are offering a special discount of 15% on our standard costs for making and registering your Lasting Power of Attorney.
Hopefully, you will not be affected by dementia or a stroke, but making a Lasting Power of Attorney is a little bit like an insurance policy.
www.clblaw.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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DEDICATE A DAISY TO A LOVED ONE THE LIVES of loved ones are being marked by the new Dedicate A Daisy campaign launched by Wigan and Leigh Hospice. In return for a donation to the Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across Wigan and Leigh, the name of a beloved friend or relative will be handwritten onto a beautiful wooden daisy. Daisies will be planted in the Hospice gardens until a special ceremony on September 6th when all those who have made a dedication can collect their daisy. Alternatively, your daisy can be taken home straight away. The Hospice is currently raising £60,000 for the Counting on Care appeal to support the cost of modernising the 14bed Inpatient Unit and making it dementiafriendly. All proceeds from Dedicate A Daisy will go towards the appeal. Maxine Armstrong, Fundraising and Lottery Manager, said: “Dedicate A Daisy is a simple and meaningful way to support our Counting on Care appeal. A lot of people tell us that they would like some sort of memorial to their loved one at the Hospice so dedicating one of our beautiful
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wooden daisies will give families that opportunity.” Andrea O’Hagan-Waite, 47, from Springfield will be dedicating a daisy each to her dad Tommy O’Hagan and her father-in-law Arthur Waite. “My dad liked being in the garden and I do too so I think dedicating a daisy is a really nice idea,” said Andrea. “My children have lost two granddads and neither has got a gravestone so we don’t have a place to visit either of them but we can put a daisy in the garden or in a pot in their house as a way of remembering.” The redesign of the Inpatient Unit will focus on improvements to the 14 bedrooms and to the corridor and bays leading to the bedrooms. New signage, flooring and lighting will help people with dementia to better navigate the Inpatient Unit and feel more comfortable in their surroundings. Artwork based on local scenes will help with reminiscence while new décor, including bedding, carpets, curtains and furniture will be introduced to all bedrooms so that patients with dementia feel less disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings.
Dedicate A Daisy by filling in the form below, email: fundraising@wlh.org.uk, telephone 01942 525566 or download a form from www.wlh.org.uk.
Other ways to support Counting on Care: •
Text a donation. Text HSPC02 plus the amount you wish to donate to 70070. So, to donate £5, text HSPC02 £5.
•
Hold a fundraising event. No matter how big or small these really do make a huge difference.
•
Visit the Campaign page at www.justgiving.com/wlh/
•
Call the fundraising team or send a cheque. Please make clear that your donation is for the Counting on Care appeal.
FOOD & DRINK
Cook with the stars!
John Torode, Paul Hollywood and James Martin JERK CHICKEN SERVES 6 To get a more authentic jerk experience, add some wood chips to your barbecue and cook your chicken thighs or legs over slow indirect heat for the best flavour. Alternatively enjoy a beautiful jerk chicken breast cooked over a high heat – it should be ready in 10 minutes or less. 12 chicken thighs, bone in, or 8 large chicken breasts
MARINADE
1 large bunch spring onions, or 2 smaller bunches 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp salt juice of 1 lime 1 /2 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tbsp fresh thyme 1 tbsp allspice berries 1-10 scotch bonnets (start with a small amount and add more later if you think it needs it) 1 thumb-sized piece ginger 3 garlic cloves 1 /2 small onion 2-3 tbsp of brown sugar
rode John To
To make the marinade, put all the ingredients in a blender and process until you have a purée. Don’t add more water if you’re having trouble getting it all blended, just keep turning off the blender, stirring it up with a spatula, and trying again. Eventually it will start to blend up nicely. Now taste it. It should taste pretty salty, but not unpleasantly puckeringly salty. You can also now throw in more chillies if it’s not spicy enough for you. If you think it tastes too salty and sour, try adding a bit more brown sugar until things seem good and balanced. Put the chicken pieces in a bowl, cover with the marinade and leave overnight. Next day, cook the chicken over a smoky fire for 15 to 20 minutes, turning about six times during cooking.
CHICKEN WITH COCONUT DRESSING SERVES 6
50g palm sugar 50ml fish sauce 400g can coconut milk 6 chicken thigh fillets
2 red Thai shallots 1 /2 red pepper, cut into julienne 2 small red chillies, cut into julienne 50g cucumber, cut into julienne 10g roasted peanuts 4 lime leaves, cut into very fine julienne 30 coriander leaves 6 squares banana leaf, to serve
Bring the palm sugar, fish sauce and coconut milk to the boil in a large saucepan, add the chicken and poach until the chicken is cooked through. Leave to cool. Mix the other ingredients (except the banana leaves) together in a bowl. When the chicken is cool, cut it into 1cm thick strips and toss into the salad. Lay a banana leaf at the centre of each plate and pile on the salad. Drizzle with some of the poaching liquid and serve.
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FOOD & DRINK 2. For the filling, slice the onion finely; cut the swede and potato into small, thin strips; keep each separate. Cut the beef into small, thin pieces and divide into 5 portions.
CORNISH PASTIES
3. Heat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Divide the pastry into 5 equal pieces. Roll each out on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm thickness and cut out a 24cm circle, using a plate as a guide. 4. Scatter a scant layer of swede on the pastry semi-circle, leaving a 1cm border. Add a similar layer of potato, season lightly and top with some onion. Repeat the swede and potato layers, seasoning as you go. Check the pasty will close, then add the beef. Add a final layer of onion, season and dot with butter. 5. Brush the pastry border with a little beaten egg, then close the lid of the pasty, making sure that the edges meet. Press together firmly and then crimp the edges together by pinching all the way round between your thumb and forefinger. 6. Fill and seal the remaining circles of pastry in the same way. Place the pasties on 2 baking trays and cut 2 small slits in the middle of each one. Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes, then lower the oven setting to 160°C/ Gas 3 and bake for 30 minutes longer. Best eaten hot from the oven.
SERVES 5 This is the original portable meal, eaten by Cornish tin miners and farm labourers. The pastry had to be robust to make it portable, and it was quite common to have a savoury filling at one end, sweet at the other. It now has protected status and must be made in Cornwall. The vegetables need to be cut thinly so they almost melt into the meat on cooking, and the crimping is all-important. I was told that you need 21 crimps to make a proper pasty.
Pastry
450g plain flour ½ tsp salt 115g cold lard, diced 75g cold unsalted butter, diced About 90ml ice-cold water 1 egg, lightly beaten, to glaze
Filling
1 large onion 120g swede 1 large floury potato, such as King Edward or Maris Piper 400g beef skirt 50g butter Salt and pepper
EQUIPMENT
A 24cm plate (to use as a guide) 1. To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, add the lard and butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in enough water to make a fairly firm dough, then knead briefly until smooth. Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Paul Hollywo od
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FOOD & DRINK
POLLO ALLA CACCIATORA HUNTER’S CHICKEN 750g/1lb 10oz chicken thighs and drumsticks salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion, finely sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed and left whole 1 small red chilli, sliced 2 sprigs of rosemary 2 sprigs of thyme a handful of parsley, roughly chopped 2 bay leaves 4 sage leaves 125ml/4fl oz/½ cup dry white wine 1½ tbsp tomato purée (paste), dissolved in 3 tbsp lukewarm water 175g/6oz cherry tomatoes, halved
Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...
James Martin
SERVES 4 This classic Italian dish is renowned all over the world and often seen on the menus of Italian restaurants. The title alla cacciatora (‘in the style of the hunter’) suggests it was probably first made with game birds or rabbit. However, as with many Italian dishes, it also has roots in the cucina povera, when people used whatever meagre ingredients they had to hand; in this case, a chicken or, more likely, an old hen, was slaughtered for a special occasion and, to make it go further, enriched with whatever vegetables and herbs were available in the garden as well as a splash of homemade wine. It is made all over Italy and here I have recreated it in the way it is normally made in my region of Campania, using lots of herbs and fresh tomatoes. I like to serve this rustic dish with slices of toasted country bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Rub the chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the chicken and seal well all over. Add the onion, garlic, chilli and herbs and cook for a couple of minutes on a medium heat. Add the wine, increase the heat and allow the wine to evaporate slightly. Add the diluted tomato purée, then stir in the cherry tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and cook gently for 1¼ hours, until the chicken is cooked through; the flesh should come away from the bone and there should be no sign of pink when you pierce the thickest part. Serve hot.
For a slow cooker
Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan and cook the chicken as above. Continue as above, add the tomatoes, plus 300ml/10fl oz/1¼ cups chicken stock. Bring to the boil, then transfer to a large slow cooker pot. Cover and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or until there are no pink juices when the chicken is pierced with a small knife.
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
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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 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
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
our Clinical Denture Technicians also
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 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. • • Eliminate most pressure points and sore spots. Get the best advice and support you need from our experts to feel confident about your dentures.
Our bespoke denture service is improving the lives of many. The results we achieve speak for themselves: with my smile, I went for a FREE were so helpful and discussed all my decision to have Dental Implants with Implant Retained Dentures. I have 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 personified. You are brilliant. Many many thanks.” D Davies, Widnes trying to make the denture he made for me feel more comfortable, he gave up! Then I saw the Smiles & More advert, to lose. Four visits with Gary and I now 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 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 we believe in giving you a new smile at an affordable price. With over 25 years experience, every denture Smiles & Our high quality dentures are made using the latest 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 and confidence (our implants are placed by one of our preferred Impmplantologists). Smiles & More really is the place to come for dentures. You’ll be treated making sure you get exactly what you want. We have clinics throughout the region including Warrington, Widnes and Wirral.
• • Immediate Dentures • Implant Retained Dentures • New Dentures is 24 Hours • Denture Repairs
To book a FREE call us on 0151 345 7878 Warrington 01925 231601 Wirral 0151 342 9665 Widnes 0151 420 7511
Dentures from £295 www.smilesandmore.co.uk info@smilesandmore.co.uk
THE
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life’s top f modern o hat t s li a led n belief t a e e k v a t e r is e m v a change ding the Experts h meleons a ns – inclu h io c t d p n e c a n misco m beans gs. made fro is e e rroundin u ff s o c ir e h t match list colour to piled the m o c n o ily nd round da r Not! Lo d o e s It s e a v p e Beli ich are Ripley’s any of wh miliar with. m ’, s t c fa ill be fa of ‘faux ure you w s e ’r e w and e top cluded th asure. in e v a h We g ple ur readin 20 for yo
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5.One human year is equivalent to seven dog years (53%) It depends on the size and breed of the dog.
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say This is a myth, experts as cold if they went humans would be just went without trousers. without a hat as if they
7. The Earth revolves around the Sun (53% )
Technically, what is going on is that the Earth, Sun and all the planets are orbiting around the centre of mass of the so lar system.
gue s of your ton t r a p t n e r fe ) 8. Dif t tastes (51%r n e r fe if d s t c dete roven by late
ifically disp all This was scient ns come from io at ns se e st ta ifferent parts research; all ue, although d ng to e th f o ns regio stes. ive to certain ta are more sensit
9. Peanuts are a type of nut (47%)
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is not the case, most res earch has concluded that sugar do es not cause hyperactivity.
11. Humans have five senses (46%)
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okies are a 12. Fortune co ion (45%) Chinese tradit nted by the Americans. ve
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13. Sushi means ‘ raw fish’ (43%) Sushi actually translates as sour-tasting.
re 14. Vikings wo s (43%) horned helmet to suggest ence There is no evid e Vikings ever wor s. et horned helm
) e for life (41% t a m s in u g en P er 17. ogamous, howev on m tly os m e ar ns
Pengui peror ecies like the Em there are some sp ous, they serially monogam is ch hi w n ui ng Pe uple for the mate with one co t the next whole season bu obably year they will pr r mate with anothe penguin as the urgent need for breeding will make them avoid waiting for the same couple the following year.
18. Caffeine dehydrates you (41%) While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don’t appear to increase the risk of dehydration.
19. When in London, you are merely six feet away from a rat (39%) 15. The forbidden fruit mentioned in the Book of Genesis is an apple (43%)
The bible never mentions the forbidden fruit was an apple.
16. Vitamin C is an effective treatment for a co ld (41%) Most expe
rts have stated there is little or no evidence that vitamin C can help treatment of a cold.
Courtesy of Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London www.ripleyslondon.com
This is just a rough estimate as rodents are not evenly spread apart.
a 20. There is f dark side o 37%) the moon (
n is As the Moo tating constantly ro xis, on its own a rea of there is no a which the planetoid ent is in perman darkness.
10% Discount
from final bill The price is FROM £300.00 + VAT but the discount is 10% off the final bill, valid from Friday 1st May until Tuesday 30th June 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
34 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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.
problems communicating and reasoning; this in turn can affect people’s confidence and/or communication abilities.
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.
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.
Alzheimer’s is one of the most devastating illness any family has to face; it is the most common cause of dementia.
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.
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.
Don’t put off today something you may not be able to do tomorrow, contact Sharon Boardman on 01942 225 082 to help you.
There are lots of symptoms including mood changes, feeling sad, angry, scared or frustrated, the affected person, also suffers from increasing memory loss,
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
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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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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.
Emergency Denture Repairs Over 15 years Experience
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CARE home, as well as a manual handling assessment. This is important, as it will identify how the company staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required. All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.
Keeping you safe and secure in your own home
How to choose the right Home Care Whether you’re choosing a home care company for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way. Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you. They should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence. That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy. If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible. Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.
Home care company standards All companies have a ‘Statement of Purpose’ that sets out their aims and objectives and the type of the services they offer. If you’re employing a company, they should give you a contract explaining all terms and conditions. This will include things such as their confidentiality policy – for example, how they will hold and use personal data. All home care company employees should also have clear written guidelines and follow robust
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procedures on how to administer and assist with any medication needs. Before your home care starts It’s important to always make sure that the home care company you choose visits you at home, before care starts. This will give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider. A good home care company will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the company the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care company visits. So you’re thinking about using a company to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?
Initial home visit by a home care company During the initial home visit by the home care company, they will carry out a detailed risk assessment of your
It’s the job of the home care company staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care company must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home. Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the company’s name and contact details. Home care companies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.
Paying for home care It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home care services. In most cases, companies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends. There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays. Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about. If you have been assessed by Social Services as being eligible for care and support at home, and Social Services have agreed to, fully or part fund your care (dependant on your financial assessment), you can choose to have the Care Company Social Services appoint, or you can choose to have Social Services provide the money to buy, some or all of, the support you need using something called a “Direct Payment”. The Direct Payment option allows you greater flexibility and freedom in how your care is provided. You can choose to employ your own ‘personal assistant’ or decide to work with the care provider of your choice.
CARE Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further.
Check what you are being charged All costs should be written into the contract between you and the company and you should be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service. In most cases, the home care company will keep timesheets that you will need to sign. Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits. It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.
Automated care worker monitoring
Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care company •
Can the company provide the care needed, and have they provided care before for someone with similar needs?
•
How will the company and staff respect your privacy and dignity?
•
Have they taken the time to understand your personal likes and dislikes?
•
How do they match the most suitable care worker to your needs? Will they arrive at the time you have requested. Will you always have the same person caring for you. What happens if they are sick or go on holiday?
•
What charges will you be expected to pay (Is there a minimum charge)? And how you will be invoiced?
•
Is the company insured to protect your safety and interests?
Some home care companies have electronic monitoring so care workers can ‘check in’ using their mobile phone or put a pin number into your landline phone.
•
Do all care workers undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being employed? And what ongoing training do they receive?
•
There is no cost to you when they use this system and it records the exact length of time that your care provider has been with you. This system also helps the home care company to highlight any missed calls by the care worker, reducing the risk of you not getting a call.
Does the company have a copy of its latest inspection report available for you to look at?
•
Can the company be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?
•
Will the company give you a copy of their standard contract to read before signing?
community meals
Do you know a relative or friend that may need a Meals-on-Wheels service? ICare offers a range of services: • • •
•
A lunch time hot meal delivery service A weekly frozen delivery service An ICare Plus service which includes a 15 minute stay where a well-being and safety check will be carried out if needed A home shopping service
Healthy eating is essential for everyone. ICare provide nutritious, satisfying meals and tasty desserts. We can also offer meals for special dietary needs, including cultural and religious requirements. Our Community Assistants are helpful, polite and punctual and undergo a rigorous selection process, whereby they are trained and assessed in adult care awareness, police checked and DBS cleared before they can deliver to you.
Special offer for a 12 week period a Hot Meal and Sweet just £4.50
Call us to try a complimentary meal and sweet on 0845 604 1125
Visit our websites at www.icarecuisine.co.uk or www.icaregroup.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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THE MOBILITY CENTRE @ LLG Wheelchairs Ltd
Tel: 01942 606668 www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk Email: sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk
Order online at www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk or call us on 01942 606668 or visit our local showrooms!
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Please note insurance breakdown and servicing only applies to Motability scheme. All images for illustration purposes only LEIGH Monday-Friday: Monday-Friday: SERVICE,Lane, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS LEIGH BRANCH: BRANCH: Parsonage ParsonageGarage, Garage, Kirkhall Leigh, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, Greater Manchester 8.30am- -5pm 5pm 8.30am TO ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF POWER Greater Manchester, WN7 5RP Saturday: 9am -- 4pm WN7 5RP 8.30am 4pm CHAIRS AND SCOOTERS AT COMPETITIVESaturday: Sunday: Closed Sunday: CLOSED PRICES. 01942 606668
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