Wigan & Warrington 44

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DECEMBER - FEBRUARY 2016

WIGAN & WARRINGTON EDITION 44

Paul Nicholas

FROM JUST A GOOD FRIEND TO AN EASTEND GANGSTER PLUS

John Torode’s NEW RECIPES

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

4-5

6-7

10-11

18-19

28-29

12-13

20-22

4-5

Twittering On With Graham Smith.

6-7

The Azores An amazing archipelago.

10-11

Canal Cruising An indulgent treat and education rolled into one .

12-13

Robinsons Holidays Affordable peace of mind.

18-19

Paul Nicholas From Just a Good Friend to an Eastend Gangster.

20-22

Changing Rooms Take a fresh look at your home.

28-29

Out and About What's going on in your local area?

35-37

My Kind Of Food John Torode shares some of his favourite recipes.

35-37

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3

Twittering On with Graham Smith

“They are anointed and I declare passes when your children sit for Graham Smith exams. They are said to work for anyone who is sitting for any test,” he said.

According to Nigerian Watch, one parishioner testified: “My son is not very bright and I think this will help him.

With the knowledge he has acquired and this pen from the man of God, I think it is going to work.”

One student said he scored highly in his A-levels last year after using the pen he was given by the prophet.

Love a duck A bow-tie wearing duck has been injured in a drunken pub brawl with a local dog in Chulmleigh, Devon.

The booze-loving bird, affectionately named Star, was enjoying a pint in The Old Courthouse Inn with his handler, Barrie Hayman, when Hayman’s canine Meggie sparked a bar brawl.

Star was left with injuries to his beak after the fight.

“Star pushed his luck too far and Meggie snapped - splitting Star’s bottom beak right down the middle,” Hayman, 69, told the Cheddar Valley Gazette.

“He gave her a stare, then promptly stood on her back. It was not pretty and not nice. We were so scared we would lose Star.

“He had to be rushed to the vets and go under anaesthetic, which is always risky and could go either way with ducks and other small animals.

“Thankfully our Star is a tough cookie and it looks like he came out okay.”

Hayman has cared for Star ever since he was a chick, carrying him around in his pocket. Once the duckling grew up, he developed a taste for real ale and started following his owner to the pub.

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“He just won’t leave me and so we go everywhere together,” Hayman said.

“I’ve not trained him to follow me.

He just seems to like it and he is one fantastic duck.

“He loves to come to the pub, where everyone loves him. He is such a personality and attracts so much attention.”

Note the pastor’s Christian name…. they’re not all locked up are they?

Good baahaviour!

A sheep has been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in the British Army for good baa-haviour.

Chicken feed

Private Derby XXX was promoted to the rank at an event in Chester, marking eight years of being in the Mercian Regiment.

An Australian Thai restaurant has trained a live chicken to run its Twitter account.

The ram was awarded his honor by the Colonel of the regiment, Brigadier Andrew Williams.

Apparently the chicken pecks out the messages on the keyboard with its beak. Woe betide it if anything untoward appears there or I see a whole new meaning to chicken fried twice!

The Swaledale sheep is officially classed as a soldier and he is the 30th in a line of mascot rams running back to the Indian Mutiny War in the mid-19th Century.

Mighty pens!

Formerly known as Private Derby 30th, his promotion now entitles him to wear a single stripe on his uniform.

A Zimbabwean pastor has reportedly convinced his congregates his holy pens can make students pass their exams - and the more you pay for one, the better grades you’ll get.

Prophet Sham Hungwe of House of Grace International Church in Harare is selling the pens, which cost from $1 up to $20.

According to News24Zim, the prophet told his congregation those sitting exams only needed faith and one of the special pens to pass.

The Mercian Regiment celebrated his success on its Facebook page, writing: “He was resplendent in his scarlet coat with Lincoln green and gold facings, emblazoned with the Regiment’s main Battle Honours.”

During his career, Lance Corporal Derby XXX helped switch on the Christmas lights in Ashbourne and met Prince William at the unveiling of a memorial commemorating the 1914 Christmas Truce.

TWITTERING ON

Crazy news Traditional newspaper circulation is plummeting like a stone and it seems some will stop at nothing to spin a crazy yarn to attract readers.

It all began years ago with the “Freddie Starr ate my hamster” farce, conjured up by a ne’er do well publicist now residing at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

Looking at some of today’s offerings that story almost becomes believable. The Daily Express, once a highly respected broadsheet newspaper, is now the epitomy of tabloid tack. Only recently they reported that aliens found just 25 miles above the earth could hold the secret of life. Well of course they could, any fool knows that. They’ll be telling us next that 650 elected MPs in Westminster are good for the country, we’d believe that as well wouldn’t we?

But this has to be my favourite. One fan of the treat pease pudding alarmed security at Newcastle Airport who were concerned by its apparent similarity to the dangerous explosive Semtex.

The passenger was taking tubs of the

treat on an easyJet flight to Gatwick when he was stopped during routine searches of hand luggage.

The 58-year-old, an actor from Newcastle who now lives in Sussex, offered to let staff taste the dish but they declined.

“I love my pease pudding,” said the passenger, who wished to remain anonymous.

“I think the resemblance to Semtex was pushing it a bit far as it was in containers marked pease pudding.

Pease pudding is made from boiled legumes and traditionally loved in the North East of England.

“But I did have six tubs to take back down south with me.I told them that they could taste it if they wanted to.

“One of the security guys said to me that it had come up on the scanner. He told me ‘technically, this could be classed as Semtex’.

“I told them that they could taste it if they wanted to.

“At that point they said ‘next time put it in the hold’.”

After airport staff further examined the six tubs the traveller was cleared to take them on the flight.

The anonymous passenger added: “I was very glad that they allowed me to keep them in the end.

“It is quite hard to get your hands on pease pudding down south.”

An HM Customs spokeswoman said: “There is no customs policy with regard to pease pudding so far as I am aware.”

A spokeswoman for Newcastle Airport said they did not comment on security matters.

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5

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

The Azores – an amazing archipelago

By Jennie Carr from Silver Travel Advisor Islands are fascinating places, and none more so than The Azores, an archipelago of nine islands in the mid-Atlantic.

The result of a volcanic ridge, they are in fact, Portuguese, officially discovered in 1432 by Goncalo Velho Cabral, even though Lisbon is nearly 1,500 kilometres to the east.

And why on earth would you visit these somewhat isolated islands? Ben Fogle, adventurer, explorer and broadcaster, waxes lyrical about The Azores due to the contrasts that occur within them – other worldly landscapes as you would imagine on the moon, with pumice stone and frozen lava formations, then a hillside away, lush, dense plants growing in the fertile volcanic soil producing magnificent azaleas and hydrangeas.

The volcanic craters are now filled with deep blue, green lakes and steaming,

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bubbling fumaroles, a reminder that whilst the local volcanoes are dormant, they are certainly not extinct! A trip to the Furnas Valley will swiftly provide evidence of this. Another great fan of The Azores, Noel Josephides founder of Sunvil Holidays, compares them to New Zealand, both in their startling geographical features and also their ambiance, more of which later.

The British are famous for their love of gardens and plants, which are some of the greatest attractions here, with the hydrangeas producing stunning displays across the islands in June and in April, the azaleas are at their best.

The wild agapanthus grow with gusto and rather gorgeous tree ferns add to the remarkable list of self-seeding plants here. It seems as if the climate, which is mild and temperate due to the Gulf Stream, where even on winter days it never gets colder than 14C, with the summers reaching about 27C and rain

TRAVEL always a possibility, combined with the rich earth provide growing conditions in which almost anything can flourish.

The unexpected Gorreana tea estate and plantation, over 125 years old, is certainly testament to this as are the pineapple greenhouses on Sao Miguel, where the Ananaz (the specific pineapple grown on the Azores) is celebrated.

So apart from the horticulture, what is there to do? These islands are certainly a draw for the outdoor types, there is walking and hiking aplenty to enjoy, just so long as you take a good waterproof jacket as a shower is never far away. The UNESCO heritage site at Santa Luzia vineyards is certainly worth a visit and if your legs are up to it, Mount Pico can be climbed! For those who are happy in or on water, kayaking and canyoning are on offer, the former a gentle way to explore the coast line of dramatic cliffs and the latter a type of coastal obstacle course which really gets you up close and personal with nature. There is no getting away from the fact that The Azores are in the middle of the Atlantic, so a boat trip is a must, with the strong possibility of seeing whales, sharks and mantra rays. And swimming with dolphins is an option too.

To return to the ambiance of The Azores, they are proclaimed to be ‘homely’ rather than sophisticated, no designer clothing needed, sturdy footwear essential, running at a leisurely pace and on ‘island’ time, which does sound relaxing and rather calming.

Accommodation here is comfortable, with small family hotels and charming quintas, giving the opportunity to get to know the locals and understand the way of life. International hotel chains have yet to arrive here, no bad thing perhaps for preserving a special place.

And whilst the islands are based on historic volcanic activity, it seems that

the current tranquil, laid back lifestyle is doing all it can to counteract this. Ben Fogle’s infectious enthusiasm for the Azores encourages all active travellers to pay a visit and find out more.

Visit silvertraveladvisor.com and type Ben Fogel into the Search box to listen to his radio interview with Jennie Carr.

Visit the Azores with the experts - Sunvil Discovery The unspoiled beauty of the Azorean archipelago, the warm and welcoming nature of the local people and the abundance of wildlife – whales, dolphins, turtles and migrating birds to name a few captured the heart of independent tour operator, Sunvil Discovery, 25 years ago.

With first-hand knowledge of the nine islands, the team at Sunvil can carefully craft a holiday to meet your individual requirements.

Whether you are searching for a whale and dolphin watching holiday; a multi-island adventure; a trip incorporating visits to fascinating sites of geological importance and botanical gardens, a climb of MountPico – Portugal’s highest peak or walking, jeep touring, canyoning and kayaking, they can help.

Prices from £543 per person including return direct flights from London Gatwick, transfers and 7-nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation on Sao Miguel.

For more information visit www.sunvil.co.uk/discovery Or call + 44 (0)20 8758 4722

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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7

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

JANUARY 11 Jan 15 Jan 18 Jan

HOTEL

PRICE DINER

SS

Please Note: All single supplements available on an 'allocation on arrival' basis TORQUAY - Including 99p bar for three hours LLANDUDNO - Great Gt. Britain Break SOMERSET - Drinks Inclusive Package

5HB 4HB 5HB

Rainbow Hotel Queens Hotel WARNERS - Cricket St Thomas

£159 NO NIL £139 NO NIL £279 NO NIL

CUMBRIA - Line Dance Weekend BLACKPOOL CAERNARFON - Valentines Country & Western NORTH WALES - Drinks Inclusive Package BABBACOMBE LLANDUDNO - Great Gt. Britain Break

3FB 3HB 4HB 4HB 5HB 5HB

Gilsland Spa Park House Hotel Celtic Royal Hotel WARNERS - Bodelwydden Castle Anchorage Hotel Queens Hotel

£169 NO 12 £139 NO NIL £159 NO 30 £275 NO NIL £179 NO NIL £225 NO NIL

DOC MARTIN’S CORNWALL - Inc Eden Project CRICCIETH - WEST WALES AND RAILS Singles Galore PARIS - Our wonderful floating hotel DUMFRIES - Easter Tour & Abba Tribute evening DRYMEN BY LOCH LOMOND - All Inc, with New Drifters show

6HB 4HB 3FB + 2HB 4HB 5HB

Rosemundy Hotel Lion Hotel MS Renoir Cairndale Hotel Winnock Hotel

£336 NO NIL £225 NO NIL £499 NO 130 £279 NO £60 £299 NO 64

BLACKPOOL - Spring Break TENBY - All Inclusive Package ISLE OF WIGHT - Shanklin BABBACOMBE - Springtime in Devon SOMERSET - King of Swing with Asa Murray LLANDUDNO - Victorian Extravaganza Weekend

5HB 5HB 6HB 5HB 5HB 4HB

Park House Hotel Belgrave Hotel Channel View Hotel Anchorage Hotel WARNERS - Cricket St Thomas Queens Hotel

£249 NO NIL £299 NO NIL £399 NO NIL £219 NO NIL £335 NO TBA £219 NO 12

LLANDUDNO - Bank Holiday Special JERSEY BY AIR CUMBRIA - inc journey on Settle & Carlisle Railway (not steam) DUNOON BAMBURGH - Northumberland Coast & Country HAMPSHIRE SIDMOUTH - Top Quality Package

5HB 6HB 4HB 5HB 6HB 5HB 6HB

Queens Hotel The Mayfair Hotel Gilsland Spa Best Western Argyll Hotel Victoria Hotel WARNERS - Lakeside Village Kingswood & Devoran Hotel

£299 NO £15 £495 NO NIL £259 NO 18 £299 NO 32 £439 YES NIL £289 NO NIL £469 NO TBA

NORWAY - the fjordland odyssey LLANDUDNO - Summer Holiday

15HB Various 8HB Queens Hotel

FEBRUARY 05 Feb 05 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 29 Feb 29 Feb

MARCH 09 Mar 11 Mar 20 Mar 25 Mar 31 Mar

APRIL 04 Apr 10 Apr 15 Apr 18 Apr 25 Apr 29 Apr

MAY 02 May 03 May 06 May 08 May 15 May 23 May 28 May

JUNE 12 Jun 18 Jun

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£1549 NO 300 £459 NO 25

BOOKING HOTLINE 01942 728960 book in our office, or ring and pay with your debit card at no extra charge.

SOME OF OUR EARLY BREAKS...CALL FOR MORE DETAILS S IN

CL

IVE D

RIN

K

4 DAYS ONLY £139

US

5 DAYS ONLY £159

5 DAYS ONLY £279

11 January | 5 Days 4 Nights Torquay is the stylish resort at the heart of the English Riviera with a real continental atmosphere. The harbour town is the birthplace of Dame Agatha Christie and the beauty of the area is captured in many of her famous novels. In keeping with its name, the English Riviera enjoys a mild climate with sandy beaches and coves around every corner.

PRICE HELD

3 DAYS only £169

15 January | 4 Days 3 Nights 29 February | 5 Days 4 Nights

18 January | 5 Days 4 Nights

Elegant Llandudno is the largest resort in Wales. Stunningly situated between the Great and Little Ormes. Llandudno has two wonderful beaches. It has a lively and bustling town centre with broad streets and fascinating Victorian verandas which add to the distinct architectural style.

Life begins at Warner We have hotels and villages in some of the UK’s most picturesque and historic areas; some inland, some are on the coast. And with a huge range of activities, mouth-watering menus, and live shows and entertainment every night, a Warner break has it all.

NORWAY THE FJORDLAND ODDYSSEY 12th June 15 days 14 nights

only 49

£15

5 February | 3 Days 2 Nights

Cumbria is predominantly rural and contains the Lake District and Lake District National Park, considered one of England’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty, serving as inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians. A large area of the south east of the county is within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Historic sites in Cumbria include Carlisle Castle, Furness Abbey, and Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A grand tour of this scenic country Dinner, Bed & Breakfast throughout outward and return nights on North Sea Ferries with meals and outside low berth cabins. There is too much to write on this advert, but you can rest assured this is a superb first class package that includes quality hotels throughout, there no extra options available everything is included apart from your spends. Single supplement - £300. Call for more details.

CALL NOW FOR OUR 2016 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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9

Canal Cruising alongside the Severn is no bore

By David Graham from Silver Travel Advisor.

David has worked for much of his professional life as a journalist for national newspapers. Now retired, he is an advisor and writer for Silver Travel Advisor, the only information and review website for mature travellers.

Time and tide being what they are, we didn’t manage to see the Severn Bore but then again, cruising gently alongside the River Severn on Britain’s first-ever ship canal wasn’t a bore, either.

It turned out to be a really indulgent treat and an education rolled into one, travelling on the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal in splendidly-catered comfort on board the 153-tonne MV Edward Elgar, thanks to English Holiday Cruises.

Leaving the car in Gloucester, we headed for the boat, the largest hotel boat on Britain’s inland waterways, for 6pm, in nice time to find our cabin and then muster for a welcome drink and introductions all round, before dinner and a table quiz.

Sleep is on the lower deck, with berths for 22 passengers in 11 outside twin cabins with a window well above the waterline, all en-suite with a walk-in ‘wetroom’ shower and all mod cons, and

10 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

with everyone looked after by a fivestrong crew, led by Captain Nick.

begins to form before racing upstream at certain times of the year.

Nick has been a mariner all his working life and his skills were evident on our first morning, when he deftly pulled away from the West Quay mooring, before heading off to exit the docks under Llanthony Bridge, lifted bang on time to let us start our journey along the canal.

We moored up here, boarded a small coach and headed past Frampton’s charming canal-side church dating from 1086 and were driven inland alongside the longest village green in England, before arriving at picturesque, poundnotes-and-pedigree Berkeley Castle.

Steeped in history and home to the same family line since the 12th century, the castle in its eight acres of gardens is well worth a visit.

This gave us time to practice waving to the people we held up, a rehearsal for our meticulously-timed arrival at Two-Mile Cut and the huge, modern Netheridge Bridge, which carries Gloucester’s south west bypass and swung open to allow our stately progress. There are a good many more bridges en route, both manual and machine-operated, each with a smiling bridge keeper.

Fuelled up with a ‘full English’ from the galley, it was time to retrace the route of the tall ships that used to carry goods between Gloucester and all parts of the world. Standing on the upper deck we did get a tall-ish view over the lush, rolling countryside to the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. We headed through Saul Junction, and pressed on to Frampton-on-Severn, looking across the stretch of river where the notorious Bore

Back at the Elgar, there was time for a stroll before captain’s cocktails and dinner – pate with chutney; slow-cooked blade of beef; followed by summer fruit terrine, then cheeses and coffee and another diverting table quiz.

After a good night’s sleep, we carried on to Sharpness, still with its connection to the sea into the Bristol Channel, and a skilled U-turn was called for to start the return trip. This brought us back past the remains of the old Severn railway bridge, before we moored up to see the Purton Hulks – an astonishing site where redundant barges have been beached to form breakwaters and protect the vulnerable banks of the canal from the fierce tidal flows of the Severn Estuary.

TRAVEL Glass in hand, there was no quiz on our final night, but excellent live entertainment from swing and jazz duo Ain’t Misbehavin’ – an unexpected treat.

A late, great night, and our last day dawned all too early, but then breakfast set us up for a sail to Saul Junction and the Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre where enthusiasts Clive and Jill Field told of the splendid project to restore two historic waterways and connect the Severn to the Thames.

Aerial surveys have revealed at least 80 historic hulks in this nautical graveyard.

Then on board again for a lunch-on-themove as we headed back to the docks in the heart of Gloucester – timed to the second, like our departure, to negotiate both swing and lift bridges on the approach.

Then it was time to move on to the nearby Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre founded by Sir Peter Scott, seen as the birthplace of nature conservation.

It was easy to have a lively conversation over dinner, as for much of the trip there were only12 people on board, although there are berths for 22 in the 11 en-suite, outside cabins, as well as the live-in crew. It’s also worth noting at this stage that coffee and tea are available all day and night, and there’s also a daily happy hour in the bar from 6 – 8pm, with bargain wine and 20 per cent off all drinks.

Time for goodbyes all round as skipper Nick spun the Elgin on its axis to moor up inch-perfect at Alexandra Quay.

Hands-on company chief Richard was soon on board to help make way for the afternoon arrivals for the next cruise down the canal.

Factbox David Graham was a guest of English Holiday Cruises aboard their 4-Star Hotel Boat ‘Edward Elgar’. He took a 4-day/3-night ‘Historic Canal’ cruise along the Gloucester-Sharpness canal.

Several canal cruises are available in October and April each year at special rates starting at £230pp for a weekend cruise.

The Edward Elgar also offers longer ‘mini-Rhine’ style cruises out of Gloucester on the River Severn from May to September, including a new 7-day ‘Severn Wonders’ cruise in 2016.

All cruises include 3 meals daily, wine with dinner, free-flow tea/ coffee, outside tours at every stop, one night of live entertainment, WiFi and more.

For a free brochure and bookings, call 01452-410411 or visit www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk

I was sorely tempted to ask him if there was room for a couple more.

Coach Holidays 2015

Grayway hashas remained a family run GraywayCoaches Coaches remained a family run business 4040 years providing value for businessforforover over years providing value for money holidays and high quality service. Our tour money holidays and high quality service. Our drivers are very experienced in all aspects and touraim drivers areyour very experienced in all aspects and we to make holiday as enjoyable and as we aim toas make your holiday as enjoyable and as memorable possible.

PLEASE RING FOR OUR FULL HOLIDAY BROCHURE Find us on & Twitter Find us on Facebook Facebook & Twitter

memorable as possible.

LLANDUDNO

LONDON WINTER VICTORIAN WEEKENDWONDERLAND £159 LONDON ONLY SHOWBOAT RIVER CRUISE & ONLY (HYDE PARK) Fri 1st May at EXTRAVAGANZA £129 £129 Sat 5th SIGHTSEEING Dec KNARESBOROUGH EDWARDIAN MARKET £16.90 LONDON Sat 28th Nov at 4* GUOMAN TOWER HOTEL GRAND ASH HOTEL 1 Night Bed & Breakfast Sat 20th June 3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Sun 6th Dec SKIPTON MEDIEVAL MARKET ISLE OF WIGHT £14.90 at CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, HEATHROW Sat 11th July ONLY

IRELAND

BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET WATERFORD, KILKENNY & DUBLIN Sat 5th Dec (Weekend) Thur 28th May at COPTHORNE HOTEL, DUDLEY at TALBOT HOTEL, CARLOW 1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

ONLY

£299 ONLY

£99

3 Nights Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast

LONDON BURNS WEEKEND

RIVER CRUISE, TOWER OF LONDON at the Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie &Friday WINDSOR Thur 28th May 22nd Jan|2016 2 nights dinner,INN, bed & breakfast at HOLIDAY HEATHROW night celebrations) 1(inc.Burns Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

ONLY

ONLY £129

£159

CHRISTMAS MARKETS DAY TRIPS

ONLY

£435

1 Night & Breakfast.

MealCHRISTMAS & Sun Bed 6th Dec LINCOLN MARKET OCEAN HOTEL, £24.90 SANDOWN Entertainment on Showboat.

7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Tues 8th Dec CORONATION STREET & SALFORD QUAYS* £25.90 FEATURED TRIP...

ONLY TOP OF THE BOUNDARY LAKESMILL CHRISTMAS LEEDS Sat 12th Dec £99 SHOPPER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL £10.90 AT BLACKPOOL Sat 27th June WHITE ROSE & BLACK LIQUORICE OPERA HOUSE at SHAP WELLS Sat 12th Dec HOTEL GRASSINGTON DICKENSIAN FESTIVAL £16.90 Sat 11th July ONLY (starring Paul Nicholas) 1 Night Bed & Buffet Breakfast at HILTON HOTEL, Sun 13th Dec £89 Sun 13th Dec BEVERLEY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL £17.90 LEEDS 1 Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast ONLY Sun 13th Dec SKIPTON MEDIEVAL£359 MARKET £14.90 Sat 11th July

ISLE OF WIGHT

ROYAL PIER HOTEL, SANDOWN 7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast * Including Guided Tour

£29.00

PLEASE RINGPlease FORring OUR to book and for pick up times FULL HOLIDAY BROCHURE from your area.

237 Manchester Road, Ince, Wigan WN2 2EA Tel: 01942 243165 / 235586 237 Manchester Road, Ince, Wigan WN2 2EA Tel: 01942 243165 / 235586 www.grayway.co.uk www.grayway.co.uk Email: Email: graywayone@aol.com graywayone@aol.com WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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WHY CHOOSE US? The Robinsons Difference ....

4 Good quality hotels 4 Coach seating with extra legroom 4 Air-conditioning and washroom /W.C. on all tour coach 4 Reserved coach seats on main tour coach at time of booking 4 Regular comfort stops en route 4 Home pick up service available 4 Interesting excursions 4 No single supplements at our own hotels and many other hotels 4 Excellent selection of great value checked hotels 4 Friendly drivers and porterage services to help with your luggage 4 Pay in convenient instalments at no extra cost 4 All holidays Bonded for passengers financial protection 4 Friendly & informed reservations staff to take care of all your booking arrangements 4 Freephone telephone number to save you money 4 Full group booking service with great offers for group organisers 4 Optional insurance cover for 2015 now available

We offer you ...

4 Accommodation with dinner, bed & breakfast 4 2 included excursions 4 All rooms have private facilities

SINGLES ....

COME ALONG AND MEET NEW FRIENDS LOTS OF ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER

Imperial Hotel Eastbourne

Ocean View Hotel Isle of Wight

Abbey Lawn Hotel Torquay

14th De c 5 Days

INCLUDES: WELCOME RECEPTION AFTERNOON TEA DANCE WITH OUR RESIDENT ENTERTAINER FESTIVE GALA DINNER (ON 1 NIGHT) 2 LOCAL EXCURSIONS

£149

5 DAY TOUR

4 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST

20hu1re6now

Robinsons Own Hotels Early Season Tours!

broc ilable! ava

Imperial Hotel 5 DAY TOUR

4 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST

TOUR

include S excurs2i local ons

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Ocean View Hotel 7 DAY TOUR

9 DAY TOUR

6 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST

8 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST

Abbey Lawn

Date

Imperial

08-Feb

£129

£129

£129

27-Mar £219

£219

£219

30-Apr

£395

£395

£395

15-Feb

£139

£139

£129

03-Apr

£229

£229

£229

07-May £409

£409

£409

22-Feb

£139

£139

£129

10-Apr

£249

£249

£249

14-May £419

£419

£419

29-Feb

£139

£139

£139

17-Apr

£259

£259

£259

21-May £429

£429

£429

07-Mar

£155

£155

£155

24-Apr

£269

£269

£269

28-May £429

£429

£429

Date

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn

Date

Imperial Ocean View

Ocean View

Abbey Lawn

book or order a 2016 brochure, call 0800 083 9900 or visit your local travel agent. | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 12To

GET FESTIVE WITH...

Celebrate Christmas and New Year in comfort and free from stress at one of Robinsons own hotels

Christmas & New Year £399 Thursford Christmas Market 5 DAYS

BABBACOME, SEABURY HOTEL Wed 23 Dec

£399

Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion

Imperial Hotel Eastbourne

Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, word of this amazing show has spread and it is now generally recognised as being the largest show of its kind in the country, if not Europe.

A three hour fast moving celebration of the festive season and the largest Christmas show in the country, with a cast of 130 professional singers and dancers.

Link Park Hotel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.

BOURNEMOUTH, MAYFAIR HOTEL Wed 23 Dec

Mon 07 Dec £399

£485

Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion

Ocean View Hotel Isle of Wight

LLANDUDNO, KENSINGTON HOTEL Wed 23 Dec

Abbey Lawn Hotel Torquay

Includes:

£475

£295 LLANDUDNO Kensington Hotel | 5 DAYS

Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion

Llandudno, situated between the Little Orme to the east and the Great Orme to the west, is the largest resort in North Wales and incorporates some of the most beautiful scenery in the Welsh mountains and coastline. The long flat promenade which possesses one of the finest piers and its town centre, with excellent shopping facilities, contribute to making Llandudno a very popular tourist resort.

WESTON SUPER MARE, SANDRINGHAM HOTEL

Kensington Hotel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.

d 4 nights dinner,

bed & breakfast d 3 resort lunches d 1 mystery excursion

Wed 23 Dec

£519

Mon 07 Dec £295

Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion

Wed 23 Dec £399 Wed 29 Dec £349

2016 brochure out NOW call for your free copy

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

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE ONLINE

all is

calm

all is

bright

Christmas & New Year 2015 at The Spa Hotel

a sparkling occasion Treat yourself over the festive period to a luxury getaway like no other. Voted Lancashire Life’s Hotel of the year The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village offers stunning spa facilities, amazing service and first class dining. Let us put the SPArkle in to your Christmas or New Year.

Festive Spa Breaks 1 – 23rd dec 2015 Includes access to the spa facilities, breakfast, dinner and an overnight stay in a luxury room.

From £99 per person

3 Night Christmas Spa Break

2 Night New Year Spa Break

24th - 27th Dec 2015

Arrive 31 dec 2015

Includes selected meals, access to the spa facilities and a luxury room.

Includes selected meals, access to the spa facilities and a luxury room.

From £385 per person

From £330 per person

New Year’s Spa Break AvAilAble 31st Dec 2015 or 1st JAn 2016 Includes overnight stay, breakfast and access to the spa facilities.

From £245 per room

Visit ribbyhall.co.uk/spa-hotel or to book call 0800 107 1932 Terms & conditions apply, £99 Festive Spa Break price valid for stays Mon – Wed. Overnight stays based on two people sharing a luxury room.

Door to Door Coach Tours with Ellen Smith Membership No: 10228

Coach Holidays with a difference.

We all know that often coach holidays get a bad press – waiting in bus stations for the coach to arrive, long arduous pickup routes to an interchange, waiting around there for your holiday coach all before you’re destination bound!

Once you’re there too often poor quality hotels with mass catering, an extra charge for outings and then to top it all off the same gruelling journey home – no chance of the six o’clock news!

If that all sounds too familiar why not give us a try?

We are Manchester based and offer the only true ‘Door to Door’ coach holiday service in the area.

Established as far back as 1900 in Rochdale we have a long and distinguished history as a good quality, value for money coach holiday operator.

What’s so different about us?

Firstly our ‘Door to Door’ service. This is a true door to door service. We pick you up from your home address at a pre-arranged time in a taxi or small minibus and take you straight to one of our two meeting points, Birch Services near Heywood or Poplar Services near Lymm. There you meet up with your driver and coach who will take you on your holiday.

There’s no hanging around, you’re usually on your way within 15 to 20 minutes. We don’t leave anyone behind!

On your return date the reverse of the first day happens. Your taxi is waiting for you at one of the two service stations and you’re usually home with a cup of tea in time to watch the news!

What else can we tell you?

All our holidays are fully bonded by the Confederation Of Passenger Transport Bonding Scheme, which is a government approved consumer protection scheme ensuring your money is protected. We offer very popular ‘Mature Singles’ holidays where all bedrooms at the hotel are used for sole occupancy – great for the single traveller.

Oh and we offer continental coach holidays, this year Lake Como, Lake Garda, Swiss Chocolate Train & A Taste of the Alpine and Normandy for the D Day landing beaches.

We have a regular news letter the ‘Tiger Talk’, (our logo is a tiger) that offers new tours during the year and several of our popular ‘Mystery Tours’ during each year.

We have a website www.ellensmith.co.uk that has all the details of our holidays – and you can book on-line too.

If you wish to call us our staff are very experienced individuals who know lots about our range of holidays.

Finally we offer Fred Olsen cruises from Liverpool at prices you won’t believe and a variety of Air, Cruise & Worldwide holidays - all with our ‘Door to Door’ service included.

Your Driver is an experienced individual and the coach will be of an executive standard with toilet, air conditioning and reclining seats. On the journey to the hotel we tend to avoid motorway services and visit a village, town, city or other suitable location instead. Because of our timely departure we plan to arrive at our destinations at about 4:30pm giving you plenty of time for a quick snooze prior to dinner.

All the hotels we use are normally 3 or 4 star with the odd family run 2 star hotel, that we have used for many years. We use a range of different hotels to suit a particular tour. Many of our tours are themed – ‘Royal Sandringham & the Sport of Kings’ and ‘An Irish Country House Experience’ to name just two. All our tours include day excursions (no extra charge – ever!), which can include canal journeys, train journeys, castles, country estates and so much more.

The vast majority of our hotels offer a porterage service, so you rarely have to touch your case.

Want to know more?

Call us on 01706 648126

for a copy of our 2015 brochure – you’ll wonder why you ever went away in your car!

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 15

Why not join one of our Quality Door to Door Coach Tours?

We pick- up at your door in most of the Greater Manchester area. We visit every part of the UK from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall. Our drivers are very experienced mature individuals with a wealth of knowledge about our wonderful country. We do city breaks, historic adventures, scenic tours, train rides, boat rides, canal trips, not forgetting our numerous costal resorts.

On your first day of travel we pick you up at your front door at a pre-arranged time in a minibus or taxi. You are then transferred to a central meeting point, either Birch Services or Poplar Services dependant upon where you live, where the coach is waiting for you. Within 15 to 30 minutes you’re on your way aboard our luxury coach travelling directly to your holiday destination, making suitable stops en-route.

The hotels that we use are of a 3 or 4 star standard or occasionally a good quality family run 2 star hotel. Upon your return to either Birch Services or Poplar your taxi or minibus is waiting to whisk you home.

Included in every tour... l

Good Standard Hotel l Half Board l All Excursions l Door to Door Service

Ellen Smith Price Promise 1. Everything is included in the final price – no hidden charges 2. If we reduce a tour all customers previously booked receive same refund 3. No currency surcharges 4. Any supplement imposed by the hotel will be the exact amount we charge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we’ll refund twice the difference!

16 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NEW PICKUPS FOR 2016!!!

AS OF 2016 ELLEN SMITH WILL BE PICKING UP IN

WIGAN & WARRINGTON CALL US ON 01706 648126 FOR A BROCHURE OR TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY ALTERNATIVELY YOU CAN CALL ONE OF THE BELOW NUMBERS...

Warington 0844 8798628 Wigan 0844 3359958

Wigan

01942 243165

A SELECTION OF OUR 2016 COACH TOURS DATE TOUR 11th Jan 1st Feb 4th Mar

HOTEL INFO DAYS PRICE

North Devon Durrant House Hotel

‘Cosy Break’ theme, evening entertainment

Cumbria, Northumbria Gilsland Hall Hotel Drinks promo each eve & entertainment Boulogne, France Ibis Boulogne Sur Mer Les Ports Coach Tour of Boulogne included

20th Apr Poldarks Cornwall

Rosemundy House Hotel Poldark Tin Mine & Gardens, Charlestown

5

£159

5

£209

4

£189

6

£399

22nd May

Royal Windsor

Coppid Beech Hotel

Windsor Castle; Thames Cruise

4

£289

5th June

Exploring Mid Wales

Metropole Hotel

Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall & Gardens & more

5

£349

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens & more

6

£369

Best Western Brook Hotel Blakeney & Seal Colonies Boat Trip & more

5

£339

Hotel Olimpo, Isla Picos De Europa Mountains; Lovely Scenery

10

£789

5

£329

Cliffe Norton Hotel Turkey & Tinsel Programme at the hotel

5

£279

Lindum Hotel Turkey & Tinsel Programme at the hotel

5

£299

10th July Torquay Derwent Hotel 22nd Aug

Norfolk – Seals, Coast & City

6th Sept

Cantabria, Spain

30th Oct Drymen, Scotland 23rd Nov Tenby 5th Dec

St. Annes-on-Sea

Winnock Hotel

All Inclusive House Party

INTERESTED? Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2016 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

Find us on facebook & twitter (search for ellensmithtours) www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Paul Nicholas

Eastenders Bad Boy

Laid-back high-achiever Paul catches up with us to discuss his long career, from Just Good Friends right up to his current roles as Gavin Sullivan in Eastenders and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol which runs from December 4th - January 3rd at Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

It's quite likely that one of the keys to actor Paul Nicholas’s success is a no-stress policy that extends to most parts of his life.

When we talked, he was in the middle of a lengthy run of the Agatha Christie play “And Then There Were None”, and had been playing in Westcliff on Sea that day. “We’re somewhere else next week but I’m not sure where,” he replies

18 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

in the familiar and friendly tones that have endeared him to TV and theatre audiences for the past 40 or so years.

The exact tour location wasn’t somewhere he was particularly worried about but the play – in which he is a judge “typically serious and quite posh, actually” – was one project sandwiched among several. For example, he had also just come back from a stint directing the musical “Tommy” in Blackpool with Joe McEldery – “who is brilliant and really can sing”.

These commitments had made another facet of his recent career, as Kathy Beale’s husband, Gavin Sullivan, in TV favourite “EastEnders”, a challenge to achieve as filming had to be arranged around the hectic Nicholas schedule.

So, was he enjoying this new TV role.

“Oh yes,” he asserts, happily. “I love doing different things and this is great.” Gavin is a bit nasty, but you will get to know his nice side as well. It will be interesting to see how his character develops.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW It ended in 1986 with the couple marrying and afterwards Paul starred in major drama series “Bust” and another “Close to Home” - a sitcom about a vet. In fact, during this period he became a small screen regular and favourite for millions, especially women.

Since then, he has returned to the theatre to play numerous roles, notably as the Pirate King in “The Pirates of Penzance” and in the lead role in “Barnum”.

...we all need to continue doing the things we like, and also doing a variety of things.

I think that’s what keeps you healthy.

This laidback but high-achieving approach has stood Paul Nicholas in good stead ever since he first came to public attention as a pop singer called Paul Dean in the late 1970s. He had two Top Ten hits but then decided to combine singing with acting and headed for the stage, taking the role of Rum Tum Tugger in the original London cast of the musical “Cats” in the early 1980s to great success.

He also had a film career around this time with appearances in the Beatles’ film “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and followed that up with “The World is Full of Married Men.” He then went against his perceived nice-guy type as the loutish punk singer in “The Jazz Singer” before starring with Joan Collins in “The Nutcracker” in 1983.

What many TV fans remember Paul most for, however, was the role of Vince in the gentle romantic comedy “Just Good Friends” with Jan Francis, written by John Sullivan. Millions tuned in each week to see how the engaging romance, and its two charismatic central characters, fared.

He has both toured and had West End runs. His mercurial nature means he doesn’t mind touring too much, although he was hoping that his EastEnders’ character would have some longevity as “it’s only half an hour away from home for filming and so it’s easy.”

He’s canny enough to know that appearing on TV also sells theatre tickets – “well, people like to come to see you when your profile is high, don’t they?”

But he has plainly been offered plenty of high-profile theatre roles and is naturally viewed as a box-office safe bet.

Ask him to name his own favourite roles and he immediately plumps for Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” and King Arthur in “Camelot.” “I like playing King Arthur,” he confides. “You know, Lancelot runs off with his wife Guinevere. We always get a few sniffles from the audience at the end, which tells you that it’s working.”

He’s 69 now, with six children and 11 grandchildren, but he’s retained a youthful look and still has that glint in his eye. He appears to refuse to take most things in life seriously. He doesn’t exercise – “that’s not true, really. My house has a basement and three floors so I try to run up the stairs. Well, I run up the first few!”

He doesn’t drink alcohol much, likes a “meat and two veg” kind of diet with no spicy food and is unlikely to die from stress. His mother lived until she was 92, which he takes as a positive sign – “it’s in the genes” - but his workload continues to be quite full-on.

Does he feel like slowing down a bit as he gets older? “Not really,” he says,

Paul in Scrooge mode mildly. “I’m sure that, like most of your readers, we all need to continue doing the things we like, and also doing a variety of things. I think that’s what keeps you healthy.”

He doesn’t feel the need for labourintensive pets these days, “but I have a tortoise called Toby that I’ve had for 20 years who is wonderful,” he states.

“He goes around our walled garden all day and I bring him in at night, if I can find him. He’s perfectly happy – I bought him a little lamp the other day and he loves keeping warm!”

With most information that Paul Nicholas gleefully imparts, you feel you should be taking it with a large pinch of salt. But there is no denying that he has a relaxed philosophy on life that has stood him in very good stead over the years.

He has no real desire to play particular roles, although was looking forward to a four-week stint as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Blackpool Winter Gardens from December 4th to January 3rd. “Yes, it’s an exciting production,” he enthuses. “It’s quite an adult show but it’s got ghosts for the children and families do love this show.

“I like Blackpool,” he adds. “It’s a great place for all ages. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t and people have a good time.”

And, actually, that general description could be extended to Paul Nicholas himself. He’s a talented actor and singer, not to mention a director and producer, whose life just seems to go from one success to another – all quite by some mysterious quirk of fate.

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| 19

by Angela Kelly

Changing Rooms

TAKING a fresh look at our homes gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate lifestyle and try to improve it.

This can happen at any time in our lives but often when we have more time, like when we retire, or simply find that our daily routine is more homebased.

You may want to undertake major change like an EXTENSION. Building a CONSERVATORY can also add space and style to a home. There are some fabulous designs and deals around currently, but do look first at what you want from this extra space and communicate this properly to your chosen provider. You might also need planning permission or building control approval so it’s worth checking first on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk

20 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

If you’re looking at revamping rather than rebuilding, interior designer Sharon Rodriguez suggests that you start at your front door and work forwards.

That means taking a hard look at your HALLWAY. “This is one part of the home we tend to forget about,” she says, “but it’s very important and reflects the rest of the interior. It should set a style for the rest of the property.”

It’s worth keeping your hallway light and bright. Narrow hallways can be opened up by using mirrors to give the illusion of doubling space, and they allow light to reflect back in.

If you’ve got a large hallway, which can look cavernous and unwelcoming, Sharon suggests artwork and framed photos can be showcased to create an

interesting and eye-catching feature.

There also needs to be functional space – shelving, cupboards or a console table to store items – “this will break up the space and act as a focal point,” she says.

Consider the colour scheme here. A bold patterned wallpaper with a lightcoloured backdrop (a feature wall) can look good in a hallway. Avoid dark colours generally unless you have a long, narrow hallway, and if you do and want to make it appear shorter, paint the short wall furthest away in a darker colour.

The hallway is a high traffic area so carpets aren’t always the best choice here. Try hard or wooden floor surfaces but soften them with a runner or rug, which can work well against plaincoloured walls.

HOME

The LOUNGE is often a central spot for day to day life but if you’re having a revamp and want to invest in new furniture, draw a rough floor- plan of your room first, advises Sharon, measuring furniture to ensure it fits. “Think about access and how you’re going to get into the room,” she adds. “This will save time and one big headache.”

Sharon also believes that most of us are too scared to try out colour and so often end up with large amounts of neutral décor. “Using colour is about confidence,” she states. “Try using a colour wheel and/or paint manufacturers’ swatches to choose the right colour combination. Colour inspiration comes from all sorts of sources – artwork, photographs, a favourite piece of fabric or nature.”

It’s also worth keeping in mind that colour looks different throughout the day and under artificial light. “Buy swatch pots and paint lining paper with your chosen colours and place them on the wall. Move around during different times of the day, and look at it under artificial lighting.”

If you’re choosing patterned wallpaper, match the pattern and place the two pieces side by side on the wall to see how it looks.

Paint radiators the same colour as the walls for a cohesive look. Alternatively, they can be boxed in if you don’t want them to show. And if you’re using pattern in fabrics or wallpaper, think about scale and colour continuity. Take a look at home interior magazines and see what is currently in favour when it comes to themes and designs.

“I love botanical designs,” says Sharon, “and they seem to be popular this year. There are some lovely floral and leafy prints available to bring a fresh look to any room.”

Investing in new furniture will always change a room, but if you’re on a budget you can instantly refresh and update your lounge with new cushions and throws which can be colour-matched to your chosen décor. “Neutral décor can be brought to life by layering different textures, adding rugs and using reflective surfaces such as glass-topped tables and mirrors which give a sense of space.”

Don’t dismiss buying second-hand furniture out of hand. Try flea markets, car boots or charity shops. “You can pick up some fabulous pieces here,” adds Sharon. Existing pieces of furniture can also be updated and re-used with a lick of paint and new handles.

Window treatments depend on the style you want to create and space in and around the windows to hang or tie-back.

If you don’t want to open and close curtains, window blinds might be more suitable. However, curtains tend to insulate, absorb noise and dress the room.

Voile curtain panels are another option, and come in a great range of colours, allowing a nice, diffused light to enter the room. If you have a bay window, consider window seats and keep floor covering cohesive with your décor whether you’re choosing carpets, wooden floors or tiles.

If you love to collect items, display them in an organised way.

White shelving with a bold background colour and lighting, possibly in a recess, accentuates a collection like glass.

Speaking of lighting, this is an important issue to consider.

A well presented room is not worth much if it's too dark.

Pemberton Lighting based in Wigan have a range of superb and varied lighting to suit any rooms and they offer the following advice.

Traditionally the brightness of a light bulb has been described by its wattage and everyone knows a 100w lamp will be brighter than a 60w lamp. This has been an effective way of describing the difference in brightness between two lamps of the same type, but with the new technologies now available wattage is no longer the means by which the brightness of a lamp can be measured. Lumens now indicate the true measure of light. To get the same light of a 60w lamp you would be looking at around 600 lumens, if you were using a halogen lamp using around 42w, a fluorescent would be around 11w and an LED around 6w. So as we see LED are much more efficient using a lot less energy and saving on your electricity bill. Also lasting a great deal longer.

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| 21

Pemberton

Li g h t i n g TRADITIONAL, MODERN & CONTEMPORARY LIGHTING

All new fittings are marked with a maximum wattage. This is based on a traditional type lamp as these give the highest temperature for instance if you bought a fitting which was rated at 60w a 20w fluorescent lamp could be used giving you a light output equivalent to 100w but is below the maximum rated wattage for the fitting but generates significantly less heat LED lamps offer the very latest in energy saving technology providing long life, low heat, immediate light and exceptionally low running costs. Most styles and shapes of lamps are available. Whilst the initial purchase cost seems quite high the saving in energy over the long lifetime offers substantial benefits.

Visit their store or give them a call for your lighting needs...

808 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AX Call 01942 216033 or email sales@pembertonlighting.co.uk

Pemberton Lighting is your lighting shop specialist in Wigan and have been trading for over 30 years.

With a reputation for quality and service they have an excellent understanding of their client’s needs. Pemberton Lighting stocks a vast range of traditional, modern and contemporary lighting for every lighting project.

The partners of Pemberton Lighting Allison and Alison will welcome you with a warm smile and above all else they pride themselves on the knowledge and experience of all lighting needs.

The KITCHEN is probably the most important space in the home and needs to be functional. If you’re looking to install a new kitchen, consult a reputable design company who will cleverly design and maximise space and storage.

To update your kitchen units if they’re in good condition, try some new doors or paint existing ones. They could match or contrast with the colour of the walls, and new handles can quickly update them.

Back-splashes are an alternative to tiling and are stylish and easy to maintain, and worktops can be replaced without breaking the bank.

Ceramic tiles are popular in kitchens but Sharon suggests that trying vinyl or cork tiles can be more comfortable “especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.”.

The DINING ROOM is best kept practical, particularly if it doubles as a study or office. Choose furniture that adapts, such as an extending dining table and folding chairs. Shelves and cupboards are perfect for display and storage, and add a pop of the colour red here and there – “It’s said to promote conversation and appetite!” adds Sharon.

If you’re investing in new units for your BEDROOM, make sure they suit your lifestyle and provide plenty of space and storage. Soft grey can be a restful and relaxing colour for bedrooms, with splashes of colour added for contrast in quilt covers, lampshades, rugs and draped curtains. Table lamps add mood and ambience to this space.

www.pembertonlighting.co.uk Call in to our store at 808 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AX

Tel:01942 216033

sales@pembertonlighting.co.uk 22 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

And another place for relaxation is the BATHROOM. Soothing greens and blues are always a good choice here although keep sanitary ware white for a clean look.

If your bathroom is small, try using larger floor and wall tiles as they make the space look bigger (plain not patterned) as do mirrors or mirrored vanity cupboards.

“Slate tiles are a good choice in a bathroom because of their durability and slip-resistance, they’re also non-porous and warm. And don’t discount the use of artwork in the bathroom.” * For more advice email Sharon Rodriguez from Urbano at sharon.0022@hotmail.com

One stop shop, tiles and flooring available, everything under one roof • Massive choice of traditional or modern • Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days • Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turnaround.

Financially solid.

• Project-managed installation. All aspects covered • Established over 150 years with four experienced designers plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids.

See ou installatior ns on our

• 'Buy Now, Pay Later' subject to status site

Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 OLD Tel: 01706 252122 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304068 Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581028 Pendle Village Mill - Hollin Bank, Brierfield, Nelson. Lancashire BB9 5NG Tel: 01282 442424

www.rossendaleinteriors.com WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 23

24 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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THE MOST EFFICIENT WOOD BURNING STOVE

IN THE WORLD

Clayton Place, Clayton Street, Wigan WN3 4DA Tel: 01942 245649/01942 826097

www.blackdiamondfireplaces.co.uk

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

26 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FREE & Y ENTR ING K PAR

O

Heskin Farmers Market & Craft Centre

TUES-S PEN A SUN 10 T 10am-5pm .30am4.30 & BANK HOLIDA pm YS

FOOD HALL - CRAFTS - GIFTS - TEA ROOM

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA

l

07599 831907

l

M S FRO 5 MIN6, 2 MINS K M J27 CHARNOC FROM ICHARD R ICES SERV

www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

Relax, dine & shop at Heskin Hall Estate

Over 40 shops and businesses including: leading art gallery, high quality butchers, florist and plant centre, food shops, ladies & gents clothing, gifts with a difference, handbags and jewellery, children’s clothing & toys, hair & beauty, furniture, Fredericks ice cream, the Crafty Potter Craft Studio, Charnock Richard Stoves & Installations (with multi-fuel stoves) and much more...

The Two Birds Tea Room Why not relax and enjoy our freshly made paninis, toasties, sandwiches, soups and salads made using our fresh local produce. Winter Specials including our signature dish Water Buffalo Casserole now available.

Bridalwear now available from Brides Gallery

Heskin Hall Estate Butchers We have a wide range of high quality meats and products including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, water buffalo and selection of game.

Try our freshly made quality sausages, tasty meat balls, beef burgers, buffalo burgers and stir-fries. Our beef and lamb comes from our own free range herds, 100% grass fed, producing the highest quality meats and the very best natural flavour. All of our other meats and products are also carefully sourced from free range farms and producers.

Visit us this Christmas...

For great gift ideas for the whole family!

Units available, email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 27

OUT & ABOUT

What are you asking for this Christmas and New Year?

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value.

Located off J2 of the M66 and with over 350 stalls open every Full Market Day it’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy!

The SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall Village has most things a grownup could ask for in a festive hotel break. For those looking to escape and relax why not try the unique spa facilities including the aqua thermal journey and its outdoor terrace hot tub – to be enjoyed during the daytime or underneath the stars and surrounded by gorgeous countryside views?

Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.

Don’t just take our word for it, join the conversation and see what others guests have said about their stay.

Expect delicious food and discerning service. Enjoy intimate and candle lit dining in The Orangery. There’s a fabulous array of wines and Laurent Perrier champagnes to help you celebrate; as well as the tantalising afternoon tea for two.Choose from a whole host of luxurious treatments for both men and women and seek sanctuary in a luxurious and spacious hotel room with 24 hour room service.

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays “Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction

Bury Market Management: Tel: 0161 253 6520 Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com : @BuryMarket

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Festive two night energiser breaks in December and January start from just £239 per person, including an aqua thermal journey, dinner, full English breakfast, an overnight stay and seasonal stress buster treatment.

For those who prefer something a little more active there’s a gym within The SPA Hotel itself with the option of booking your own personal trainer. Also, an awardwinning health club within The Village welcomes all hotel guests to their adult only 25 metre swimming pool, numerous racket sports and more than 80 group fitness classes a week. Alternatively, on a crisp winter’s day perhaps you’d prefer to simply wrap up and take a gentle meander throughout our 100 acres or explore the Woodland Trail?

Gift vouchers from The SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall Village The perfect Christmas gift!

For more information regarding The SPA Hotel’s Christmas & New Year Breaks visit Ribbyhall.co.uk/spa-hotel or Call FREE on 0800 107 0336

OUT & ABOUT

The LiveWire Santa Dash Christmas Cracker Party 4th December 2015 The Court Room Friday 4th December 7.00pm - Late

Celebrate the festive season in style In The Old Courts Victorian Court Room.

Enjoy a beautiful three course meal and dance the night away with our resident DJ who will be playing everything from Prince to Beyoncé.

TICKETS £19.95 Dress code: Smart (strictly no trainers or sportswear) Please contact Rebecca for group bookings - 01942375859 or email info@theoldcourts.com The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan WN1 1NA

Saturday 12 Dec 2015, 11:00am 12:30pm.

At Orford Jubilee Hub Whether you want to come dashing, dancing, prancing or jingling all the way – raise money for a charity of your choice!

Complete the 1 mile route around Orford Jubilee Park dressed as Santa! Costume and medal are included in the price.

Adult: £7.00, Child £5.00 (5 – 14 years) Under 5’s £2 or Free.

A supplement of £2 is required for an under to purchase a medal. If no medal or costume is required the under 5 can participate for free.

Book your space with the LiveWire Events team today on 01925 624997or email events@livewirewarrington.org

Cosy Wint er Breaks at

Carols by Candlelight Wed 16th December 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Haigh Hall, School Lane Wigan, WN2 1PE United Kingdom

A wonderful evening of Christmas cheer and Carols within the candlelit Grand Ballroom. Mulled wine and mince pie on arrival. Call 01942 828508 for details.

ENJOY A FABULOUS 2 NIGHT WINTER BREAK WITH DINNER FROM ONLY £239 PER COUPLE Sawrey House Hotel offers you a very special combination of comfort and elegance set amidst the stunning beauty and tranquillity of the Lakeland fells. Located in the heart of the English Lake District, this splendid Victorian country house nestles in the pretty village of Near Sawrey right next door to Hill Top Farm, the once home of Author Beatrix Potter.

Our fantastic value Winter Warmer breaks are available from 1st November and include 2 nights’ accommodation in a Lake View or Classic room, our award winning 3 course dinner both evenings and our delicious Cumbrian breakfast each morning.

Please mention Fifty Plus Magazine when booking to get these special rates.

Sawrey House Country Hotel, Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF | 01539 436387 | www.sawreyhouse.com

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| 29

Spring 2016 Brochure out soon!

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Magical gifts with a difference Antiques & collectables across the ages!

500 STALL HOLDERS - ACROSS 5 ENORMOUS FLOORS Including a Cobbled Alleyway & Courtyard Garden Centre

1000’S OF PRODUCTS NOT TO BE MISSED

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Memorabilia War Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia Music including artwork Kitchenalia

Spinners Cafe Hot food & drinks, afternoon tea, light bites & cakes

The museum is dedicated to the history and memory of the Titanic and its significant impact on the people of Lancashire.

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John Torode

The Master Chef

BY A N G E L A K E L LY

IF ever there was a guest to whom you would be distinctly nervous at serving your home-made vegetable lasagne John Torode is probably it.

It’s not that the MasterChef judge and food expert would be automatically rude about your efforts – he’d probably be sparing in his remarks. It’s simply that he would only have to fix you with that so-familiar steely glare for you to realise that there was a chance your food might not pass his strict standards.

All of which is probably both what you would expect from a renowned foodie and from a high-profile cookery guru used to imparting the judgement of Solomon when it comes to individual would-be chefs and their creations.

But, of course, it’s also what helps make TV’s MasterChef and Celebrity MasterChef such compelling viewing. And what has

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Doing your own cookbook is a personal catalogue of life, and I’m very lucky to have done it. catapulted the likeable Aussie into the nation’s consciousness as the go-to expert opinion on good and bad dishes.

Born in Melbourne, John Torode’s early interest in cooking led him to work as an apprentice in restaurants around his home city. He began his cooking career formally at the age of 16 by attending catering college, and then – like many young and ambitious Antipodeans before him and since - moved to the UK in 1991.

A year later, he began working at Le Pont de la Tour and Quaglino’s as a sous chef for the Conran Group under Terence Conran. It’s also where he first met fellow MasterChef judge Greg Wallace, whose company supplied the vegetables for the restaurant.

John’s reputation grew swiftly and this, combined with an engaging manner, soon prompted him to become the regular chef on ITV’s This Morning show from 1996 until 2000.

It goes without saying that he’s a big fan of cooking from scratch, but I wondered how important he felt food was in bringing people generally - and the generations in particular together.

“Everyone in the world has to eat,” he stated. “Sitting with friends and family is vital. It is where conversation happens and knowledge is shared. It’s where values and morals are learnt. It’s important, really important.”

And what kinds of culinary expertise can be learned from older people? “With age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes calm,” he said. “The older the cook, the more confident and more knowledgeable they are.

“Just watch an old Chinese chef through the windows in China town and that will teach you more than you would ever think possible.”

John Torode with fans.

His 1998 cookery book The Mezzo Cookbook won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Food Photography – something he is happy to accept as a highlight of his career so far. “Getting the chance to write a book is a pretty special thing,” he explained, “be it my first one at Mezzo or my latest My Kind of Food. Doing your own cookbook is a personal catalogue of life, and I’m very lucky to have done it.”

In 2000, John opened his first London restaurant, called Smiths of Smithfields. The BBC show MasterChef was being re-launched with an updated format, and Torode and Wallace were chosen as the new presenters. This entertaining combination helped create a winning formula and by 2011, the show had been sold to 25 countries.

Perhaps it was always the unscripted nature of the show, combined with the kitchen banter of Torode and Wallace, but viewers across the world were fascinated by what MasterChef had become. The spin-offs – Celebrity MasterChef and Junior MasterChef – also became hits and John continued his restaurateur success, opening another capital venue called The Luxe, near New Spitalfields Market.

Last year, he fronted John Torode’s Australia – the highest rating TV show of the year on UKTV Good Food Channel - retracing the flavours of his childhood, and this year he presented A Cook Abroad: John Torode’s Argentina for BBC2.

While he is now a familiar face on TV, I asked him how anglicised he had become after so many years living in the UK and what Australian traits he still retained.

“My brothers and Aussie mates think I sound like a pom!” he told me. “But I feel as Aussie as I always have. I love my Australian passport and, of course, the cricket and the rugby – where I will always side with the Aussies!”

As for how influential cookery programmes like MasterChef have been in improving the standard of British cookery, John Torode is very definite. “The more that people watch MasterChef and similar programmes, the more knowledge they have,” he added. “The knock-on effect is that the public become more demanding and worldly wise.

“I think the shows are quite influential. Restaurants and eateries of all kinds have sprung up everywhere in the UK, and the standard has to be high or they do not survive!”

So what makes a MasterChef winner? “Tenacity and real want,” explained John. “Being a good cook is one thing, but wanting to feed people without an ego is a rare thing and something all the MasterChef winners have had.

“They are people without egos, who love to watch people smile because their food is delicious.”

As to what culinary disasters the TV audiences doesn’t see, the famous presenter asserted: “None. You get to see everything – including Gregg’s dancing!”

And who has been your favourite Celebrity MasterChef contestant? “Now that would be a little unfair …. But I do, however, have a soft spot for Lisa Faulkner!”

As for what the future holds for him and whether he would like to appear in any other kind of TV programme, John was happy to elucidate. “To travel the world, discover and cook is what I want to do.

“So take me anywhere and point a camera in my face and I would be as happy as Larry! I have just got back from filming in Malaysia and that was awesome.”

And that tempting morsel of information about what comes next for our culinary hero has only whetted our appetites for future appearances of the man who has helped encourage thousands of would-be cooks in their own kitchens. Even when vegetable lasagne is on the menu.

John’s latest book is My Kind of Food: Recipes I Love To Cook at Home by John Torode, published by Headline priced £25.

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THE NORTH WEST’S

....

Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TJ

Have a great Christmas with all the trimmings At Bolton Market we’ve got all the ingredients to make your Christmas a cracker.

Open: every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

The market has over 200 stalls to choose from located both indoor and outdoor which are all under cover. Customers travel for miles just to visit the famous fresh Fish, Meat, Fruit & Vegetable halls and our newly refurbished Lifestyle hall and food court seating area.

The outdoor, undercover market compliments all our halls on Bolton Market.

The Lifestyle section offers everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks.

Plus much, much, more along with a friendly service, hints and tips. Plenty of Christmas gift ideas for all ages.

There are plenty of eateries to choose from and a food court for the more leisurely where you can sit and watch the world go by whilst eating and drinking both continental and traditional foods.

Bolton Market provides everything you need for your weekly shop and to stock up ready for the Christmas and New Year festivities all at fantastic value. Fruit and vegetables can be plain or exotic, but always fresh and healthy.

The famous fish and meat market is considered to be the best and largest in the north west, offering outstanding variety, low prices and excellent quality fish, meat, eggs, poultry & frozen foods. So there is only one place to be when planning for your Christmas and New Year festivies, Bolton Market.

Contact: 01204 336825 Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk @boltonmarkets

Bolton Council

Bolton Markets

FOOD & DRINK

Cook with John Torode!

Delicious recipes from his new book - My Kind Of Food GLAMORGAN SAUSAGES My search for a great vegetarian sausage recipe took me far and wide, from Australia to Asia to Ireland, with Europe in between. I finally stumbled across these little beauties closer to home – in Wales. They’re simply made with some cheese, breadcrumbs and a couple of eggs and they are grand. To my mind, they taste a bit like the stuffing you get from a good chicken. They are moreish, so beware.

Feeds 4 175g Caerphilly cheese or Cheshire cheese, grated 225g fresh breadcrumbs 1 banana shallot, grated 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 egg, beaten 20ml milk 1 teaspoon hot English mustard plain flour, for dusting 300ml vegetable oil, for frying salt and freshly ground black pepper jar of apple sauce or apple chutney, to serve

rode John To

For the coating 1 egg, beaten 50ml milk 50g plain flour 1 teaspoon paprika Prep the sausage mixture In a large bowl, mix the cheese, breadcrumbs, shallot and herbs and season with salt and pepper.

In a jug, beat together the egg, milk and mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the cheesy breadcrumbs and mash together until you get a dough.

Cook the sausages

On a lightly floured worktop, roll out the mix into long sausages roughly 2cm thick and then cut the sausages into 8cm lengths – you should get about eight.

Coat them

Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and gently fry the sausages over a medium heat for about 4–5 minutes, turning, until brown all over. Drain well on kitchen paper. Serve with apple sauce or apple chutney.

Beat the egg and milk together in a shallow dish. Spread out the flour in another dish and season with the paprika.

Roll the sausages in the egg mixture and then in the seasoned flour. Leave on a tray in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.

For a non-vego version

Add bits of crisp bacon, flaked smoked haddock or shredded ham and chopped-up peas to the sausage mixture and then coat and cook as above.

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FOOD & DRINK

TOMATO AND PESTO TARTS I have always been a sucker for anything cooked in, or with, puff pastry. These deep tarts are topped with the concentrated flavour of sweet tomatoes and the kick of a punchy pesto. Serve with peppery watercress. If you like, just make smaller individual ones as snacks for your hungry hordes.

Makes 4 tarts* * 1 each as a starter

500g block puff pastry (all-butter, if possible) plain flour, for dusting 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons pesto (see page 160 for home-made, or just use a jar) 8 plum tomatoes, sliced salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve 100g watercress 10ml peppery olive oil

Prep the pastry Heat the oven to 220°C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking paper.

On a lightly floured worktop, roll the puff pastry out until it is about 2cm thick.

You will need to cut four circular discs from the pastry so you need to find a small plate or saucer that’s about 16cm in diameter to use as a template. Place the plate over the pastry and run a sharp knife around the edge to cut out the first disc. Repeat until you have four.

Now you need to lightly score a margin about 1.5–2cm in from the edge of the pastry discs, so find a smaller plate or bowl that you can use as a template.

Place the smaller plate in the centre of each pastry disc and lightly run a sharp knife around the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Lift the disks onto the baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. With a fork, prick the inner circle but not the outer edge – this will stop the pastry from rising in the middle but will allow the outer edge of the tart to rise up.

Build the tarts Take a good amount of the pesto and spread it over the inner circle of each tart. Place the tops and bottoms of the tomatoes in the centre of the tarts, then start to lay the slices on top of the pesto so they overlap and create a swirl effect – it should look a bit like a Catherine wheel. Season with salt and pepper.

Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until well risen and coloured. Mix the watercress with the olive oil and serve with the tarts.

Tip

Cut out pastry discs, stack them between layers of cling film and keep them in the freezer – ready in case of an emergency!

Just take them out of the freezer 10 minutes before you want to cook them, then make the tarts and bake as above.

Find these recipes and more in John’s latest book is My Kind of Food: Recipes I Love To Cook at Home by John Torode, published by Headline priced £25.

FOR MORE FOODIE ARTICLES VISIT WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 36 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

FOOD & DRINK

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI, LINGUINE, CHILLI AND PINE NUTS This is one of my quick, quick, the kids are starving (so am I) recipes. The amount of chilli you use is up to you; I serve some on the side for those who like it. Chopped sausages are a good addition: push the sausages out of their skins and cook them with the chilli and onions for a more blokey type of feast.

Feeds 4–6 50ml olive oil, plus extra for the pasta water 500g linguine 1 red onion, sliced 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 long red chillies, split in half, de-seeded and sliced (optional) 300g purple sprouting broccoli, boiled for 2 minutes 20g pine nuts salt and freshly ground black pepper a big hunk of Parmesan, to serve Bring a really large pan of water (about 5 litres) to the boil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a low– medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cook gently and slowly for a few minutes until they are soft; keep the temperature low.

Season the onions well with loads of salt and pepper. Drop in the chilli (if using), and cook for a minute or so. Now drop in the cooked broccoli, give it a good stir and cook for a couple of minutes so that the broccoli gets hot. Add the pine nuts.

Drain the pasta and pour it into the pan with the onion and broccoli.

Turn up the heat and toss everything together.

Spoon onto plates or pile into a large heated bowl, and make sure there is loads of Parmesan to grate over the top.

Or try...

For grown-ups you can add a few anchovies.

Use different varieties of broccoli or Romanesco cauliflower, or even add some bitter leaves, like radicchio.

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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Complete Denture Service

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

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

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

The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

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

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

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

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

This article was written by 50 Plus journalist Sheila Alcock.

Express Denture Repair Service

DK1

Dental Lab

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures

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

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally.

We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

Choice of Dentures

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

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

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

Your Dentures need Attention 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

When they become loose.

When teeth or denture base discolours.

When tooth surfaces become flat.

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

When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

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

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| 39

GREAT

CHRISTMAS

GIFT IDEAS 12th 12th November November -- 6pm 6pm til til 9pm 9pm

FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Get into the festive Get into the festive spirit spirit at at our our Christmas Christmas Shopping Shopping Evening.

Evening.

Christmas Christmas Hampers Hampers and and specialty specialty foods available from foods available from our our delicatessen, the black delicatessen, the black olive. olive.

Order CHRISTMAS Order your your Turkey Turkey and and enjoy enjoy festive festive OPENING TIMES tasters from our butchers shop, tasters Mon 21st 10am-5pm from our butchers shop, Heskin Tues 22nd 10am-5pm Heskin Quality Quality Butchers.

Butchers.

Wed 23rd 10am-5pm Christmas Eve 10am-3pm Christmas Day CLOSED Boxing Day CLOSED Sun 27th 10.30am-4.30pm Mon 28th CLOSED Tues 29th 10.30am-4.30pm Wed 30th 10.30am-4.30pm New Year’s Eve 10.30am-4.30pm New Year’s Day CLOSED Sat 2nd January Open as usual

Shop Shop for for great great stocking stocking fillers fillers and and gifts gifts for for all all the the family family as as well well as as beautiful beautiful outfits outfits for for the the festive festive season. season.

Mulled Mulled wine wine and and mince mince pies pies available available from the tea room. from the tea room.

Free entry and glass of fizz Freedeli, entry and glasssweets, of Bucks Bucks fizz Over 60 retailers including butchers, fruit & veg, Fredericks ice upon arrival! upon arrival! cream, gifts, crafts, clothing, jewellery, handbags, antiques & much more.

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