Wigan & warrington 45

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W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K APRIL - JUNE 2016

WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST HELENS EDITION 45

WIN

A HOLIDAY FOR TWO WITH ROBINSONS HOLIDAYS

James Martin THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

20% OFF

ALL LIGHTING AT PEMBERTON LIGHTING. SEE INSIDE

PARK LODGE OVER HULTON BOLTON BL5 1EB

For the retirement you deserve A truly outstanding Development of fourteen 1 and 2 bedroom spacious retirement apartments built by Melrose the award winning Blackpool developer and situated in the heart of the community. The choice is yours to continue living independently in your own home, within a safe and secure purpose built Retirement Development.

Each energy efficient spacious apartment features: l Full gas central heating and double glazing throughout.

Monitored secure entry system with 24/7 Emergency Care line.

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l Fully fitted eye catching kitchens with a range of integrated Hoover appliances that include fridge/freezer, induction hob, grill and oven. Washer/dryer, dishwasher, combination microwave.

Bathrooms feature the timeless elegance of Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware and Porcelanosa tiles.

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Built in wardrobes to all bedrooms.

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Lift to all floors.

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After a lifetime of hard work and looking after a traditional home isn’t it time to move to PARK LODGE, OVER HULTON and continue to live independently. You can forget those tiresome repairs and never ending maintenance issues

because our experienced Management Team are around to deal with these matters. Each spacious apartment is designed to allow you to make the most of your retirement in a comfortable, safe and secure community of likeminded homeowners.

A beautifully furnished Owners’ Lounge is at the centre of the development where you can meet new friends, your visiting guests or neighbours over a cup of tea. It will be a great place to hold a coffee morning or a Race Night; not to mention the start of a new Book Club! However, there’s one thing for certain… you will have more time to spend enjoying yourself, pursuing new hobbies or spending time with those you love.

As well as the 24/7 Emergency Care Line, for added peace of mind a Duty Manager will be on hand for a limited time during the working week providing, just that little extra reassurance that help is on hand in the unlikely event of an emergency.

A separate twin-bedded Guest Suite can be found on the 2nd floor of the development.

It features a luxury en-suite bathroom, built-in wardrobe, sitting area, TV and coffee/ tea making facility. A solution (subject to availability and a small charge) for an overnight guest or visiting member of the family who may want to stay for a few days.

Landscaped gardens add the finishing touch and mobility scooter stores with battery charging facilities are available.

A number of apartments have already been sold or reserved so; we ask prospective buyers to check availability before travelling to view our Marketing Suite.

Prices range from £143,950 to around £200,000

For an appointment to view call our Sales Advisor Joanne on 07492 060134 or Freephone 0800 622889

CONTENTS

T w itte r in g O n with Graham Smith

INSIDE...

20-21

10-11 EXOTIC RIVERS OF THE WORLD

A look at River Cruising.

12-13 THE GREAT BRITISH HOLIDAY

Get the best holidays here at home.

20-21 JAMES MARTIN

We had a chat with James before his tour!

24-26 CHANGE THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME

Interior design hints and tips 28-33 Out and about

Places to visit and things to do!

35-37 sweet treats

Desserts to delight by James Martin.

To read more titles of the magazine, enter our competitions or to subscribe to our regular newsletter visit our new look website:

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Advertising Sales We're expanding!

If you have experience and would like to sell into this prestigious magazine, please give us a call on 01204 860 194 or email CV to john@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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Cavalier approach to the weather!

I forget who sang about “it might as well rain until September”, well in my part of the world it has been doing and right through to Spring.

Graham Smith

Prolonged wet weather gets us all in different ways. It’s a treat for my sciatica for instance. I’ve just spent three months walking like a ruptured duck thanks to pins, needles and pains and the urge to emigrate to warmer climes has crossed my mind more than once as I’ve performed an inelegant pose to put socks on in the morning.

Being part time guardian to six spaniels has its moments too as the rain has turned their garden into something resembling a boating lake and a toilet trip followed by 24 muddy paws trooping back in the house can be traumatic. Sometimes it’s nearly a fire engine job. Some perform their ablutions on dry land but others feel the urge to go on an Amazonian safari without a boat to the farthest flung corner of the quagmire and return looking like a mud wrestling competitor and they’re not fussy where they wipe their feet. Towels are to be avoided if they prefer wiping their feet and mud-soaked torsos on the best carpet and a shake of the head can lead to half an hour’s wiping down of tiles and paintwork.

There’s brainless Ben, the largest of the group, who thinks he’s God’s gift to the female sex even though he’s long since been separated from the equipment to do anything about it. He considers himself the only five-legged specimen of the breed and will aquaplane across the garden to offer his lustful ministrations to the nearest female, also devoid of the equipment and usually the inclination, so, thwarted, he’ll lunge back inside to attempt procreation with a stuffed rabbit or teddy bear. Not a pretty sight.

Whether the vet had a bad day when performing Ben’s neutering I don’t know but the sad animal has a fascination for vigorously licking my good lady’s leg, whatever she may be

TWITTER doing, which has alarming similarities to Sarah Ferguson’s fascination with having her toes sucked as a prelude to other delights. I worry about him. The look on his face if you remonstrate with him is reminiscent of an errant drunk on a Saturday night but he seems happy in his own world.

Milly is the senior member of the pack and rather like a dotty dowager. She is blind and deaf but that doesn’t prevent her finding the filthiest corner of the garden, ploughing through it until she resembles an outsize mud pie and gazing sightlessly at you afterwards as much as to say, “It’s your fault, clean me up and where’s my food?”

It’s a dog’s life? It certainly is for those who have to care for them during this monsoon season. Roll on summer!

When I’m 65 I officially become an OAP this year and although thoughts of retirement are far away it’s becoming noticeable that my bodily functions are no longer matching my mentality.

You know the feeling, you lose control.

You can cough, break wind and pass water all at the same time but not always voluntarily and invariably in the wrong place. Hair which long since stopped growing on your head sprouts from ever other bodily orifice and often in places where scissors or a razor could be positively injurious.

Your mind wanders back to your youth but your legs wander in odd directions and young people are opening doors for you even if you don’t want to go through them.

I’m still having sex at 64 although I live at 58, it’s no distance! But as we strive to do all we once did through advancing years isn’t it amazing what aids we needs to do it! Now cleanse your minds I didn’t mean that although I note that those who do need a pill of the aphrodisiac variety still have to pay for them on private prescription.

Develop a bad back though and you’ll get a cocktail of drugs over the telephone from your doctor for free even though he may never have met and diagnosed you.

You put more by the side of the bed than in it. Hair gel and aftershave are replaced by hair restorer and various embrocations to aid mobility and by the time you’ve reached the bathroom you’ve forgotten why you set off, and if it’s really bad you’ve maybe done it in the hall anyway.

Age is only a number they say. Indeed it is but a number of things are starting to happen which I could well do without.

A recurrent bad back, the front’s not so good either, blood pressure pills in a world where standards would give anyone blood pressure, the list is endless and growing daily.

Pass me the pension book but I refuse to go gently into that goodnight and intend to grow old disgracefully.

Food on the move Is it really necessary to drink coffee and eat on the move?

The modern trend is to ponse along with a cardboard cup of whatever in the mornings, in the street, the car or at a desk, and as the day goes on it

seems the modern generation cannot be without some sort of drink in their hands whatever they are doing.

In my day we ate at tables, used knives and forks and drank sitting down, what’s wrong with that?

Have a nice day Have you notices the number of glib and insincere phrases which have crept into the patter from sales people?

“Have a nice day”, “Will that be a small, medium or large?”, “Is there anything else I can help with today?”

All patronising insincerities which are obviously taught as standard at training courses and are surely designed to get right up our nostrils.

Gone are the days when natural conversation peppered our daily lives in shops and restaurants. Now it is replaced by plasticised Americanisms which grate with me like fingernails down a wall.

But as I said earlier I officially become a dinosaur this year and look what became of them!

God Save the Queen I see the trendies would like a new song at sporting events to replace the national anthem.

Oh for God’s sake what’s wrong with them? In a European world where we have to have straight bananas, standard measure condoms and all manner of bureaucratic tripe can we not stick with the one thing which is unique to this country? Stand up for it, sing it, be proud we have it, use it or lose it.

Hasn’t this country lost enough?

WIN A SELF DRIVE HOLIDAY FOR TWO... ...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. (See pages 14 & 15 for hotel details) Prize is for any Monday to Friday 4 nights’ stay and includes dinner, bed and breakfast in a standard twin or double room.

Closing date for competition is 30th April 2016.

Full terms & conditions on the website.

GO TO WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK TO ENTER! WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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5

Change a young person’s life and yours…

what are you waiting for?

A foster care agency, still run by its co-founders 21 years after it started, is urging people across Wigan and Warrington to think about giving a young person a new start in life, and consider becoming a foster carer.

Foster Care Associates’ (FCA) ‘What Are You Waiting For?’ recruitment campaign is inspired from the moment in 1994 when FCA’s co-founder, Jan Rees OBE, experienced what she calls ‘her light-bulb moment’ after reading an article on fostering. This led to her life-changing decision to care for young people in need.

Jan Rees OBE, co-founder of Foster Care Associates, said: “We’re 100% committed to changing the lives of children and young people in the North West, and our foster carers are at the heart of everything we do, but we need more.

No matter what age you are, whether you apply as a single person or a couple, or have your own birth children, as long as you have a spare room and are able to nurture and support, you could become a foster carer.”

Unlike adoption a fostered child remains the legal responsibility of the local authority and/or their birth parents, and ensures that children who cannot be with their parents or other relatives, for whatever reason, can be cared for in a family situation. FCA would really like to hear from potential

foster carers to care for more challenging placements. These could range from young people with behavioural problems, to teenage mothers who want to be fostered with their own child.

Jan Rees, OBE continues: “Foster care is not without its challenges, which is why the support services provided by a fostering agency like FCA is so integral to carers, however I would also describe it as the best job in the world!

Throughout our 21 years of caring for children and young people in need we have never lost sight of what made us begin our journey – we call it care without compromise.

“I hope someone reading this today will find their light-bulb moment and decide to enquire about becoming a foster carer – what are you waiting for?”

Foster carers with FCA receive frequent visits and contact from a dedicated and qualified social worker. Support is also provided through an education officer, support workers and therapist to help carers meet the needs of child or young person. Ongoing training, a financial allowance, access to carer support groups and organised family activities are all contributing factors as to why FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national average.

For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA call 0800 023 4561 and speak to the FCA Recruitment Team, or enquire online at www.thefca.co.uk.

He’s waiting for someone he can look up to.

What are you waiting for?

Been thinking about fostering? Now is the time to do it.

And you really can, with support and training from the UK’s largest independent fostering agency.

0800 023 4561 fosterwithfca.co.uk

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H O L I D AY S

& T R AV E L

A trip down Memory Lane HIGH QUALITY COACH HOLIDAYS FOR OVER 25 YEARS Memory Lane Travel is a local, trusted and well established coach tours company. We offer the highest quality of service at reasonable prices every time.

In this magazine you will see a selection of our 2011 tours and if you visit our website at www.memorylanetravel. co.uk you will find an even bigger range including many Continental tours and day excursions.

Whether you are new to Memory Lane or one of our highly valued customers, I do hope you'll like what you see. A surprising amount is based on your feed-back, so please keep it coming. For example, many of you have told us how much you like the flexibility in our tours. When you see the excursions included on many of our tours, you won't see a date attached to them. This is so your driver can take account of local conditions, such as

weather, markets or festivals and plan a final itinerary which takes best advantage of all opportunities. Sometimes it's best not to do things by the book, even if it's just a matter of changing the order of the pages! Obviously, some tours do require more detailed planning. With these, you'll see the heading 'itinerary' instead of 'excursions included' in the pages that follow. On the other hand, when it comes to customer care, I'm really proud that we do things by the book, often going beyond clients' expectations and adding pages of our own!

Remember that all our tours are operated by highly professional drivers who will go the extra mile to look after you. Most UK tours include total luggage handling from door to door. On diner tours, you will enjoy the company and services of a second crew-member, the hostess, often someone you know! Sometimes we even take a local specialist guide on board as well. So, enjoy browsing, book with confidence and, most importantly, have a really great trip. We look forward to seeing you during what promises to be another bumper season.

Call us now on 01942 728960 or visit www.memorylanetravel.co.uk 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

LLANDUDNO - Bank Holiday Special JERSEY BY AIR CUMBRIA - DUNOON BAMBURGH - Northumberland Coast & Country HAMPSHIRE - Just for adults SIDMOUTH - Top Quality Package

Please Note: All single supplements available on an 'allocation on arrival' basis 5HB Queens Hotel £299 NO 18 6HB The Mayfair Hotel £495 NO NIL 4HB Gilsland Spa £259 NO 18 5HB Best Western Argyll Hotel £299 NO 32 6HB Victoria Hotel £439 YES NIL 5HB WARNERS - Lakeside Coastal Village £289 NO NIL 6HB Kingswood & Devoran Hotel £469 NO NIL

BOURNEMOUTH - NEW TOUR - NEW HOTEL NORWAY - the fjordland odyssey LLANDUDNO - Summer Holiday

6HB Suncliff Hotel 15HB Various 8HB Queens Hotel

£375 NO NIL £1549 NO 300 £459 NO 25

ISLE OF MAN DOUGLAS CASTLE IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS - Live like a Laird CUMBRIA - Line Dance Weekend SEINE VALLEY CRUISE & NORMANDY PAIGNTON - Summer Carnival Week DOWNTON ABBEY & THE COTSWOLDS

5HB 5HB 3FB 6FB 8HB 5HB

The Rutland Hotel The Borders Barony Castle Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel MS Renoir - Drinks Inclusive The Marine Hotel Best Western Blunsdon House Hotel

£429 NO 40 £379 YES NIL £169 NO 12 £779 NO 75 £535 NO NIL £359 NO 80

BABBACOMBE - Great Package SHETLAND & ORKNEY MINI CRUISE- Single cabins available JERSEY BY AIR Edinburgh Tattoo - Good Tickets included Edinburgh Tattoo - Good Tickets included SCARBOROUGH NORTH WALES - Just for adults Eastbourne - Firm favourite

5HB 6HB 8HB 3HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 6HB

Anchorage Hotel Stomness Hotel The Mayfair Hotel Best Western Kings Manor Hotel Best Western Kings Manor Hotel Esplanade Hotel WARNERS - Bodelwyddan Castle Haddon Hall Hotel

£299 YES NIL £699 NO £695 NO NIL £289 NO 60 £289 NO 60 £285 NO NIL £359 NO NIL £419 YES NIL

10HB 6HB 5HB 8HB 6HB 5HB 6HB 5HB

Various Corbyn Head or Livermead Cliff Hotel WARNERS - Bembridge Various Victoria Hotel Park House Hotel Queens Hotel Buckatree Hall Hotel

£925 NO 100 £439 NO NIL £389 NO NIL £697 NO 90 £439 YES NIL £295 NO NIL £379 NO 18 £334 NO 50

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

HOTEL

PRICE DINER

SS

JUNE 05 Jun 12 Jun 18 Jun

JULY 03 Jul 03 Jul 08 Jul 14 Jul 23 Jul 24 Jul

AUGUST 01 Aug 06 Aug 07 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 21 Aug 22 Aug 26 Aug

SEPTEMBER 02 Sept 08 Sept 12 Sept 16 Sept 18 Sept 19 Sept 25 Sept 25 Sept

SWITZERLAND & ITALY’S LAKE MAGGIORE TORQUAY ISLE OF WIGHT - Just for adults SCOTTISH ISLANDS ESCAPE AND SAFARI BAMBURGH - Northumberland Coast & Country BLACKPOOL - Including Illuminations LLANDUDNO - Late Summer Holiday SCENIC SHROPSHRE - Ironbridge & Severn Valley Railway

CALL NOW FOR OUR 2016 BROCHURE

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

SOME OF OUR 2016 SUMMER BREAKS...CALL FOR MORE DETAILS NORWAY THE FJORDLAND ODDYSSEY

8 DAYS ONLY £535

only 49

£15

Paignton...

12th June 15 days 14 nights

Summertime on the English Riviera

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.

Devon Delights...

Babbacombe

1st Aug

Babbacome sits adjacent to Torquay yet continues to enjoy its own atmosphere and independence.

It boasts its very own promenade, theatre, shops, restaurants and of course the famous Babbacombe Model Village. Stunning coastal views are abundant right around Lyme Bay’s Jurassic park.

What could be nicer than a weeks holiday enjoying the summer sunshine in one of the most popular resorts on the English Riviera. Paignton is one of the most popular seaside resorts offering a great selection for young and old alike. A wonderful array of shops, typical English attractions and amusements, a great pitch and putt and lovely seafront to stroll along, not forgetting the pretty harbour.

5 DAYS ONLY £285

5 DAYS ONLY £299

DINER TOUR

Scarborough... and Heartbeat Country

21st Aug

Britain’s first holiday resort occupies a fine position on the Yorkshire coastline with two magnificent bays and a headland topped by a castle. The resort is steeped in a thousand years of history and is surrounded by beauty. It offers some of the finest gardens in Britain, a 12th century medieval castle, shopping centre and a wide variety of nightlife.

23rd July

6 DAYS ONLY £439

Bamburgh & The

Rugged Northumberland Coast...

18th Sept

You cannot describe the remoteness yet stunning scenery of the county of Northumberland with majestic coastal views. It has to be the most attractive county in the region. This is particularly true of the area around Bamburgh dominated by its magnificent castle home to the Armstrong family, with the attractive nearby fishing port of Seahouses.

2016 day excursions...

Sat 23rd April

0830

Skipton

£15.90

Sun 1st May

0800

Llandudno Extravaganza

£16.90

Sat 14th May

0830

Haworth 1940’s weekend

£14.50

Tues 24th May

0900

Fleetwood & Cleveleys

£10.50

Always a firm favourite. Shops, market, or take a gentle sail on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. We leave for home at 4.30pm.

One of Llandudno’s great weekends with many steam attractions in the town centre streets and a huge vehicle rally on Bodafon Fields. All the shops will be open and busy. If you have a Victorian outfit get dressed up; you may win a prize.

Haworth’s annual spring event when the whole village gets into 1940s party mood. A great weekend with so much to do, we give maximum time here. We leave for home at 5pm.

A pleasant drive to the coast. We stay at Fleetwood till 2pm then down to Cleveleys until 4.30pm.

SNEAK PEAK

AT 2017...

february 2017 lemon festivAl IN nice | 10 days CALL FOR DETAILS...

our new day excursion leaflet and early 2017 holidays will be available soon!

SEPTEMBER 2017 SPAIN & PORTUGAL FULLY ESCORTED | 15 DAYS CALL FOR DETAILS...

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

TRAVEL

Exotic Rivers of the World

By J e n n i e C a r r f r o m S i lv e r T rav e l A d v i s o r River cruising has been growing in popularity over the last five years, with many taking trips along the Rhine, Danube or Seine to enjoy the beauty to be found along these waterways of Europe. Historical cities, small towns and river bank scenery are part and parcel of every voyage. However, have you ever thought of exploring further afield on an Asian or Russian river?

River cruises can take you to exotic destinations, with much to explore and discover from the comfort of your floating hotel. Daily excursions allow you to discover the heartlands of new countries, which can be overlooked on ocean cruises. Our river cruising partners, see the fact box below for details, have a superb variety of itineraries and guide-accompanied shore visits that ensure you can immerse yourself in both the culture and history of the destination, whilst enjoying excellent on board facilities and dining.

The Yangtze and Li Rivers, China China has so much to offer visitors and the stunning scenery of the Yangtze is a real must-see one of these. It is Asia’s longest river and the third longest in the world. The Three Gorges, Wu, Qutung and Xiling, are quite magical, with towering mountains and limestone karsts on either side of a narrow passage, created by the upstream dam.

Often covered in mist, the atmosphere is other worldly and mystical.

Downstream the river is vast, with verdant countryside and agriculture on both banks or busy industrial cities utilising it for transport. You can take a short trip through the Gorges or spend longer travelling on the river, stopping at towns and cities on your voyage.

The Li River is famous for its wonderful scenery, with cormorant fishing taking place here, much as it has done for centuries. This is traditional China, with green fields, mountain cliff faces,

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remarkable limestone caves and the city of Guilin.

The Irrawaddy River, Myanmar Since the late 20th century tourism in Myanmar has been encouraged by the

country’s ruling powers and whilst the number of tourists visiting is increasing, the country has retained its values and beliefs. It is as yet an unspoilt destination with a serious abundance of Buddhist temples.

The Irrawaddy is the main river in Myanmar, running through the middle of the country, from north to south, naturally being hugely important for cargo. It is also known as the ‘Road to Mandalay’ after Rudyard Kipling’s poem. It, too, flows through stunning gorges, above Mandalay, with fabulous rock faces, reaching to the sky. Below this busy city, the river joins with the Chindwin River, gets wider and flows southwest through the most populated area, down to the delta. Rangoon (Yangon), the former capital, is located here; it’s the largest city in Myanmar, with many interesting colonial buildings still remaining.

The Irrawaddy has three distinct regions: in the north forests of oak and pine, in the central lowlands there is

The Ships In Asia, these tend to be far smaller than on European rivers, with maybe just 70 passengers or less, staying in truly beautiful staterooms, often in a colonial style, reminding you of times gone by. Picture yourself relaxing in comfortable rattan chairs or on teak loungers, beneath a gently whirring ceiling fan, watching the lush greenery pass you by. Travel on these vessels is luxurious and very comfortable, affording you a sanctuary after a busy day experiencing totally different and fascinating places.

Factbox A number of different river cruise companies offer trips on these wonderful and exotic rivers. The following are recommended by Silver Travel Advisor.

relatively little rainfall, so the forest are of teak and much agriculture takes place here. Finally in the delta region, the mangroves are a haven for birds, the river itself being home to crocodiles, turtles and the Irrawaddy dolphin, and land wildlife includes elephants, leopards, wild boar and dogs as well as macaque monkeys.

rapids, mirror-like lakes and vast fertile floodplains, its banks are home to over 60 million people who rely on it for food, water and transport. A little known fact is that the carp of the Mekong can grow to be nine feet long!

And not surprisingly, this fish forms the basis of many dishes eaten close to the river.

The Mekong River, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand

More well-known is Angkor Wat and the temples around Siem Reap, which are a real wonder of the world especially at sunrise. The beauty of Phnom Penh is found in the Khmer architecture and the Silver Palace is a prime example of this. The Vietnamese delta beyond and around Ho Chi Minh City is known as the ‘Rice Bowl’ due to the fertile soil and ease of irrigation.

The city itself has markets, French colonial architecture, the spectacular Jade Emperor Pagoda and great opportunities for karaoke!

This is a river that touches on many Asian countries and has played its part in conflict and co-operation. The most popular river cruises often start in Siem Reap in Cambodia and finish in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam, passing through Phnom Penh. These names conjure up images of beautiful palaces, monks in saffron robes and golden statues of Buddha.

The river flows through gorges, swift

Viking River Cruises www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk Call 0208 780 7900 Our thanks to Viking for the photographs for this article Ama Waterways www.amawaterways.com.

Call 0808 250 7047 Avalon Waterways www.avalonwaterways.com Call 0800 440 2798 Emerald Waterways www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk Call 0800 270 7017 Noble Caledonia www.noblecaledonia.co.uk Call 0207 752 0000 Riviera Travel www.rivieratravel.co.uk Call 01283 742354 Scenic www.scenic.co.uk Call 0808 102 1335 Uniworld www.uniworld.com/gb/ Call 0808 168 9231

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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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.

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.

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.

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 2016.

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 2016 and beyond.”

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.

Fantastic Spring Breaks in the Lake District ENJOY 3 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST

FOR THE PRICE OF 2 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 Spring Breaks are available from 19th March until 26th May 2016*, so call us now to book your spring break with us. *Excludes Saturday Nights and Bank Holiday Weekends.

Please mention

50 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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 research shows there are reasons to be optimistic for 2016 and beyond.

The Great British Holiday is the one that you like the best. And it’s completely achievable, even with one eye on the weather.

• Blackpool

• Southport

9 unique parks throughout North Wales • Liverpool

omes Holiday H m only start fro

Lyons Robin Hood Lyons Pendyffryn Hall

*

£9,995

Anglesey

Lyons Oakfield

Lyons Winkups

Lyons Eryl Hall

Lyons Lido Beach Wirral

Lyons St Mary’s Lyons Mounds

Lyons Woodlands Hall

*Selected models only. Terms and Conditions apply.

Join the owners community with Lyons Call 03333 700 701 or visit our website www.lyonsholidayparks.co.uk facebook.com/lyonsparks

twitter.com/lyonsparks

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| 13

Offering Great Value Holidays For Over 90 Years

from only

£129 Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

Located on the south coast within the historic county of Sussex, lies the elegant seaside resort of Eastbourne. Renowned for its top sunshine records and award winning beaches, Eastbourne is understandably a popular holiday destination for all.

With a sprinkling of high street shops, centrally located, a Victorian pier and a rich history boasting a variety of castles, museums and galleries, Eastbourne is sure to cater for your every need.

Imperial Hotel Located just a stone’s throw away from the promenade and band stand, this grand Victorian hotel is full of character and home to a number of spacious, comfortable bedrooms, all accessible via lifts.

Guests are able to unwind in the relaxing lounge area before an evening meal in the Majestic Restaurant, offering hearty, home cooked food.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Two lifts serving all floors l Porterage.

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of astounding natural beauty with a variety of attractions to suit all ages.

Located on the south east coast of the island, the traditional seaside resort of Shanklin is home to golden sandy beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages. It is understandably one of the most popular resorts on the island with plenty to entertain.

Ocean View Hotel Situated in a premier location with an idyllic seaside position, the charming, well-appointed Ocean View Hotel boasts uninterrupted panoramic views across Sandown Bay. The hotel also offers a large sprung dance floor and provides live entertainment most evenings.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and sea views rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor swimming pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Please note that on each floor of the hotel, some steps may need to be negotiated.

Delightful Devon Torquay

Located in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is renowned for its mild climate, award winning sandy beaches and secluded coves and has been a popular holiday destination since the early 19th century.

With its distinctive European atmosphere, sophisticated environment and beautifully varied scenery, Torquay remains a popular holiday destination.

Abbey Lawn Hotel If you’re looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey with stunning views of the bay, the Abbey Lawn hotel offers an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The hotel comprises superb facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool and a conservatory lounge overlooking the bay, where guests can relax and enjoy a drink.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and front facing rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

The Robinsons Difference Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

9 Day Tours 2016

8 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 30 Apr 07 May 14 May 21 May 28 May 04 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun 02 Jul 09 Jul 16 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 06 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Aug 03 Sept 10 Sept 17 Sept 24 Sept 01 Oct 15 Oct 29 Oct 06 Nov 26 Nov

£395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

£395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

ABBEY LAWN £395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

Only standard rooms available on 9 Day Tours

8 Day Tours 2016

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 30 Apr 01 May 07 May 08 May 14 May 15 May 21 May 22 May 28 May 29 May 04 Jun 05 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 02 Jul 03 Jul 09 Jul 10 Jul 16 Jul 17 Jul 23 Jul 24 Jul 30 Jul 31 Jul 06 Aug 07 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug 03 Sept 04 Sept 10 Sept 11 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept

£349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

£349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

7 Day Tours 2016

6 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

ABBEY LAWN £349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

Imperial Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £35 Abbey Lawn Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Front Facing Room - £15 Ocean View Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Sea View Room - £15

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 17 Apr 24 Apr 01 May 08 May 15 May 22 May 29 May 05 Jun 12 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jun 03 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Jul 07 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Aug 04 Sept 11 Sept 18 Sept 25 Sept 09 Oct 23 Oct 06 Nov 20 Nov

£259 £269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

£259 £269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

ABBEY LAWN £259 £269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

Only standard rooms available on 7 Day Tours

We offer you ...

3 4/6/7/8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 3 2 included excursions 3 Local pick-up points 3 Service of driver courier

Your Groups’ Specialist for coach holidays in the UK and Europe

We can tailor make tours to your specific requirements, if you want more information then contact our groups department on 0800 7851025 or email groups@robinsons-holidays.co.uk

5 Day Tours 2016

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

With over 90 years of experience in tailor making holidays, we at Robinsons offer a personal service. Whether you need help with part or all of your groups holidays we can lend a hand in organising, booking and everything in-between.

We are flexible in our approach and can offer destinations found in this brochure or we can tailor make to your specification, whether in the UK or Europe. We offer all of our group’s excellent benefits: • 1 FREE place for every 10 paying passengers • Special interest and activity groups catered for • Complete financial security-BCH Bonded

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

18 Apr

£185

£185

£185

25 Apr

£189

£189

£189

02 May £199

£199

-

06 May £205

£205

-

10 May £209

£209

-

16 May £215

£215

-

20 May £219

£219

-

24 May £225

£225

-

30 May £229

£229

-

03 Jun

£239

£239

-

07 Jun

£239

£239

-

13 Jun

£239

£239

-

17 Jun

£239

£239

-

21 Jun

£239

£239

-

27 Jun

£239

£239

-

01 Jul

£239

£239

-

05 Jul

£239

£239

-

11 Jul

£239

£239

-

15 Jul

£239

£239

-

19 Jul

£239

£239

-

25 Jul

£239

£239

-

29 Jul

£239

£239

-

02 Aug

£239

£239

-

08 Aug

£239

£239

-

12 Aug

£239

£239

-

16 Aug

£239

£239

-

22 Aug

£239

£239

-

26 Aug

£239

£239

-

30 Aug

£239

£239

-

05 Sept £239

£239

-

09 Sept £235

£235

-

13 Sept £229

£229

-

19 Sept £225

£225

-

23 Sept £219

£219

-

27 Sept £215

£215

-

01 Oct

£209

£209

£209

05 Oct

£205

£205

£205

09 Oct

£199

£199

£199

15 Oct

£195

£195

£195

19 Oct

£189

£189

£189

23 Oct

£185

£185

£185

29 Oct

£179

£179

£179

02 Nov

£189

£189

£189

06 Nov

£189

£189

£189

12 Nov

£185

£185

£185

16 Nov

£185

£185

£185

20 Nov

£179

£179

£179

26 Nov

£179

£179

£179

30 Nov

£179

£179

£179

* 05 Dec £169

£169

£169

* 12 Dec £159

£159

£159

† 23 Dec £399  29 Dec £349

£399

£399

£349

£349

Imperial Hotel: Supplements per person: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Abbey Lawn : Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Turkey & Tinsel; * Unlimited single rooms; † Christmas Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion -  New Year Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion

Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP

It’s unlawful to claim more housing benefit than you are entitled to.

If you don’t tell us about any changes, it could lead to prosecution.

Examples of changes within your home could be some of the following: • A change to your income • You have a new job • If you have a baby • You move house

How you can inform your council of any changes: Warrington

Visit: www.warrington.gov.uk/housingbenefit Call: 01925 443 210

Wigan

Visit: www.wigan.gov.uk/applyforit Call: 01942 489002

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

TRY to describe the ideal holiday and it’s a fair bet it would start right at your front door and simply whisk you away for a fantastic experience.

Well, at Ellen Smith Coach Tours, that’s exactly what we do.

We’re proud of our efficient door-to-door service that picks you up at your home address at a pre-arranged time in a taxi or small minibus. We take you straight to one of our two meeting points: Birch Services near Heywood or Poplar Services near Lymm, where there’s no hanging around as you’re usually on your way within 15 to 20 minutes.

This is just the start of a memorable holiday or break that’s packed with attention to detail – because we know from experience what works for people, and we want to give them the best.

Our business was started in 1900 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, so we’ve got a long and distinguished history of providing top-quality, value for money coach holidays. In fact, as managing director Paul Targett says: “We get it right – that’s certainly what our customers tell us, and they choose to come back again and again.”

Ellen Smith Coach Tours wants clients to completely enjoy the experience of their chosen holiday or break – whether it’s to the picturesque Highlands of Scotland or the rugged beauty of Cornwall. We choose the best hotels and inject genuine creative thought into putting together interesting and enjoyable itineraries Your driver will always be very experienced, pleasant and helpful. “Many of our drivers know our regular clients by their first names, which all adds to the family atmosphere,” states Mr Targett.

No need, either, to worry about carrying heavy cases as the vast majority of our hotels offer a porterage service. On your return date, the reverse of your original journey is all in place.

Your taxi is waiting for you at one of the two service stations and you’re usually back through your own front door with a cuppa and feet up to watch “The Chase”!

Our whole holiday experience is worry-free. All our holidays are fully bonded by the Confederation of Passenger Transport Bonding Scheme – a Government-approved consumer protection scheme ensuring your money is protected. We also offer popular “Mature Singles” holidays where all the hotel bedrooms are sole occupancy, offering a brilliant break for the solo traveller.

We also run some excellent Continental coach holidays to wonderful destinations like Lake Como, Lake Garda, Alpine trips and Normandy for the D-Day landing beaches. And, for that touch of extra luxury, we offer Fred Olsen cruises from Liverpool at unbelievable prices, plus a variety of Air, Cruise & Worldwide holidays.

In fact, Ellen Smith Coach Tours is simply all about the best of holidays – brought to your door.

Our coaches are executive standard with toilets, air conditioning and reclining seats. On the journey to your hotel, we tend to avoid motorway services and visit some of the glorious villages, towns and cities dotted around our lovely country.

We always plan to arrive at our destination around 4.30 – in time to give you plenty of opportunity for a quick snooze and to settle in your room before dinner. As we normally only use 3 and 4 star hotels, with the occasional family-run 2 star hotel that we’ve used for many years, you’re in for a comfortable and relaxing stay with the very best in catering.

We also use a range of hotels to suit specific tours. Many of our tours are themed, like “Royal Sandringham and the Sport of Kings” or “An Irish Country House Experience”. All our tours have day excursions at no extra charge, including canal or train journeys or visits to historic castles or country estates.

“We try to showcase the best of what our country has to offer,” added Mr Targett.

Want to know more?

Call on 01706 648126

for a copy of the 2016 brochure – you’ll wonder why you ever went away in your car!

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| 17

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!

A SELECTION OF OUR 2016 COACH TOURS DATE TOUR 11th April Isle Of Wight 11th April

Exploring Mid Wales

HOTEL INFO DAYS PRICE Ocean, Sandown Must be our 10th Year here!

Metropole,Ll - Wells Gardens & Railways

5

£289

5

£339

18th April Northumberland & the North East

Little Haven Hotel

Only a Couple of rooms left

5

£319

20th April Poldark's Cornwall

Rosemundy House Guided Tour of Poldark Mine

5

£399

23rd April Spring of Kerry

River Island Hotel Includes Overnight Hotel

6

£389

23rd April The Inner Hebrides Island Hopper

Regent Hotel

Lots of Ferries & Guides!

7

£559

24th April Constable Country & East Anglia

Marks Tey Hotel

Lovely part of the country

5

£319

25th April St Annes on Sea

Lindum Hotel Superb Food

5

£299

29th April Steaming through the Dutch Bulbfields

Princess Hotel

Busy but rewarding Weekend

4

£279

One of our customer's favourites

5

£229

2nd May

Blackpool

Doric

6th May

Llandudno

Tynedale

If you don't enjoy it - 50% refund! 5

INTERESTED?

£349

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 (searchwww.50plusmagazine.co.uk for ellensmithtours)

James Martin

Plates, Mates and Automobiles: The Tour!

JAMES Martin – the chef who has made Saturday morning TV a must for millions of viewers – was just about to embark on a 25-venue nationwide tour when we chatted and had made a vow: this would be his first, and last, tour.

20 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

“I’ve always said I wouldn’t tour because I’ve always felt I didn’t have the right support team in place, but I have now,” he explains. “I’m not doing another, though – there won’t be a second tour!”

the Castle Howard estate where his father was a catering manager. Plainly, this influenced him because at 16 he started formal catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running.

The friendly but very decided Yorkshireman had spoken, and that was that. So his fans – of which there are many up and down the country as pre-ticket sales of 30,000 and sold-out venues happily proved– will just have to accept that.

After catering college, he worked for a variety of top chefs in leading restaurants including for famous names Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White.

They have, though, accepted the 44 year-old Martin and how he wanted to structure his career from the first moment he stepped onto our screens in November, 1996.

The pleasant and obviously talented young chef immediately impressed, but insisted on doing things his way. And that’s how it has been ever since.

Fortunately – both for James and for us viewers – his cookery skills and onscreen charisma have created exactly the right recipe for enduring success.

It would have been hard to forecast the level of success, however, when he was a young lad growing up on

He toured France, working in chateaux kitchens and gaining toplevel experience before coming back to England and kickstarting his own career. He was plainly ambitious and in 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester. Since, he has opened other hotels including one in Manchester.

From his first TV appearance, James quickly engaged with a public which both appreciated his sociable approach to cookery and also his no-nonsense way with food. Youth and natural charm did the rest and when Saturday Kitchen launched in 2006, he was first choice to front the enjoyable and informative programme.

CELEBRITY NEWS The formula paid off as it became hugely popular, regularly attracting more than 3.5 million viewers and remains part of the staple weekend entertainment diet. James also became a regular on Ready Steady Cook on BBC2 and for a variety of other cookery shows across the channels.

mates who have restaurants around the country have already told me to come and see them when I’m touring so I’ll probably get to eat there.”

In 2013, James was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. In March, 2014, his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Televison Society, and in 2015 he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards.

What you won’t find James Martin doing work-wise is Celebrity Big Brother or any other reality TV show.

True, he did take part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 but you get the impression he just fancied the challenge.

He also makes regular appearances around the world including the BBC Good Food Show and Good Food and Wine Show South Africa and Gourmet Abu Dhabi to name just a few.

He has his own range of small electricals with Wahl Cookware, knives and kitchen textiles with Stellar/ Horwoods and serverware with Denby.

James has also launched his own range of bread and cake mixes and hampers, was a consultant with P & O Cruises on the restaurants and menus for their Ocean Village cruise ships for many years and is also consultant to Thomas Cook, creating in-flight meals for the airline.

Somehow in between all his achievements and a work schedule that would make a hummingbird dizzy, he has written 15 best-selling and awardwinning cookery books as well as his autobiography, Driven.

The title doesn’t only refer to his ambitions but also to his love of cars and speed; he also has a pilot’s licence.

The tour – entitled Plates, Mates and Automobiles – provided a unique challenge for the chef who takes most things in his stride because he wanted to get the formula just right.

“I didn’t just want to have two ovens on stage, give a bit of chat and have questions planted with the audience,” he states. “So we made it more interesting with interactive elements and various surprises.”

So, importantly, what will he eat on this tour? “Good question,” he ruminates.

“Probably the usual chef’s diet of takeaways! Actually, several of my

All of which sounds like a possible theme for a further TV series, I suggest.

“Yes,” he laughs. “You might be right.”

He’s a genuine advocate of the best of British food, but then he says he believes in the best of food wherever it comes from – “whether that means Spanish ham or British produce.

Personally, his favourite meal is a Sunday roast round at his mum’s house – although he did hint that he would be looking for the best region for fish and chips when touring, which is bound to prove controversial.

He’s very proud of Saturday Kitchen’s success over the past 10 years, he has strived to get the programme balance just right, but has “thoroughly enjoyed it all.”

However James recently announced that he will leave the programme at the end of March, saying he was looking forward to working on new projects - and having a lie-in on Saturday mornings.

James quoted “it’s been an amazing journey. I would like to personally thank all the viewers for turning Saturday kitchen into a three million-plus smash hit.”

“I could not have done it without them.

I would also like to thank the BBC and Saturday Kitchen for the great opportunity they gave me.”

“It has been an amazing journey and I have been privileged to work with some of the world’s greatest chefs and some of the greatest names in showbiz.

I wish the new chefs every success.

As for his career in 2016, as well as working on his house in the New Forest for which he’s now got planning

permission, he’s going to be looking at a variety of options “but the main thing is just working hard.”

He doesn’t have any special TV ambitions, doesn’t embrace the celebrity lifestyle with red carpet events and insists that “if it all finished tomorrow I’d be happy just cooking.”

And being James Martin, you know that this is exactly what he feels, like it or lump it.

For more information go to www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 21

Top Quality Bathrooms FOR OVER 38 YEARS

Dale bathrooms has now been supplying top quality bathrooms for over 38 years, under the same family ownership.

Originally Established in Manchester city centre on Dale St car park in the heart of the city.

We specialize in supply quality problem free bathroom equipment. All our Bathroom products are covered by good quality manufactures guarantees.

We have over 150 bathroom settings on display with a massive choice to suit every budget.

Dale bathroom relocated to Stockfield mill in Chadderton in 2005 due to the major redevelopment of Manchester city centre.

We deal with many top European factories for bathroom furniture and tiles and have our own dedicated bathroom furniture in Spain that produce quality bathroom furniture in a choice of over 50 different colours exclusively for Dale bathrooms.

Dale Bathrooms are one of the largest if not the largest bathroom and tile showroom in the country.

We have large displays of many top brands such as, Crosswater shower equipment and taps, Bauhaus

22 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

bathroom furniture and mirrors, Simpsons shower enclosures and shower tray, Pelipal German bathroom furniture, Phoenix Baths, showers, mirrors, radiators and much more.

Within the showroom we have dedicated areas for wetroom walk in showers with many options and ideas for you to view. We also have a range of bespoke shower trays which can be made to measure so allowing any configuration you may wish to create.

Why not visit our Mirror showroom where we have over 50 illuminated mirrors all of which are connected so that you can get a real feel for the mirror when installed in your bathroom, many of these mirrors are

Over 150 displays Open 7 days Large free car park Knowledgeable staff

Planning service Full installation service available

whirlpool and spa baths. Although we currently are now selling more shower enclosures then baths we still have a good range for you to choose from.

Within our mirror department we also have a large range of bathroom cabinets and shaving mirrors.

not only illuminated but also come with demister pads so that they will not steam up in your bathroom and many also have charging points for shavers/ toothbrush. If you are looking for music in your bathroom we also have mirrors that will connect via Bluetooth to your mobile phone allowing you to play your own choice of music.

Dale bathrooms have realized that over the years people don’t just want basic bathroom they much prefer to have a bathroom solution with plenty of storage space to enable you hide all those spare cleaning products,tooth paste etc out of sight. Storage today is one of the most important things that we get asked for today and we are able to assist with this by providing a massive range of modular freestanding furniture and a large range of Fitted bathroom furniture from major UK manufacturers.

We also have a large dedicated tile showroom with the most up to date wall and floor tiles available from many top European factories, as we import the tiles ourselves we miss the middle man out so we are able to supply tiles at unbelievably competitive prices, if tiles are not for you then we also carry a very large range of wetroom pvc panelling which is ideal for those people who want avoid grout issues and is perfect for just wiping down All of these products are available to view within the showroom.

Within the showroom we have baths of every shape and size from freestanding baths, to double sized baths to

Dale Bathrooms Stockfield Mill, Melbourne St , Chadderton,Oldham Ol9 9EW

Tel. 0161 6333427 www.dalebathrooms.com

HOME

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME B Y AN G ELA K ELLY

CHANGING the mood of your home is a definite way to alter and improve your lifestyle in 2016.

The wonderful thing about this positive decision is that it can cost as much – or as little – as you want it to, involving differences to your home that are radical or merely minor.

“It really all depends on your budget and how much change you want, your circumstances and your surrounding space,” explains interior designer Allyson Houghton from Ideas Interior.

She has noticed that a major trend in improving homes today involves glass and letting in plenty of natural light through glass walls and roofs. “This is a natural improver of your mood and helps bring the outside in,” she adds.

“Conservatories and orangeries are also very popular these days,” says Allyson, ”and you can often finally achieve the lifestyle you dreamed of by having this improvement in light and space.”

“In bathrooms and kitchens you generally want brighter lights, with softer lighting in the lounge and bedrooms,”

Take a look at your existing frontdoor: does it need sprucing up with a lick of paint or do you need a new one? A modern front-door, often with smart glass panels, can make quite a difference to your hallway – “and this area is the gateway to your home as it’s the first thing visitors see so it really needs to give a good impression,” says Allyson.

Try panels on the walls that reflect light. “LED lighting is so far advanced now that you can change the mood whenever you want.”

If you are planning major changes to alter the whole mood and atmosphere of your property and way of living, it may well be worth investing in an extension to provide more rooms or an extra bathroom.

Select your builder carefully, preferably on recommendation, and see for yourself the kind of work he has already carried out. Look at the planning permission or building control approval you might need first by checking on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk

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There are many varying styles of both available and, again, choose your supplier carefully. Go online and study the styles that would both complement your own home and will provide the changes you want or visit local showrooms.

Allyson Houghton Ideas Interiors is an established Interior Design Studio based in the heart of Lancashire, and their client geographic stretches from The Highlands to London and further afield in Europe.

• For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk

Lighting around your home is a major improver of mood and feelings. Allyson advises investing in dimmer switches to change the lighting as your own mood changes, and use good-quality candles around the home. “These not only give out a lovely light but can also scent your home – and the senses need soothing in this way so they are a definite mood-changer.”

Pemberton

Lig hting TRADITIONAL, MODERN & CONTEMPORARY LIGHTING

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

Sometimes, just painting your home, improving the garden or patio and adding colourful pots of plants and flowers can change the whole look of your home and lift your mood, too,

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.

states Allyson.

If you’re buying new light fittings, while it’s useful to see what is available by going online, it’s always best to go into shops and stores and see light fittings for yourself and the effect they have on an area.

Allison of Pemberton Lighting in Wigan comments:“Lighting your home shouldn’t be a daunting task and is easier than you think.”

Here are some hints and tips to get you started.

Size is Important Think about the size of the room before you begin planning. This may sound obvious, but lots of people don’t take the time to consider how the light will look in a certain space.

Some bulbs in days gone by were much brighter bulbs than we have today. They may have been as high as a 150 watt bulb (which is now banned). Fast forward to today and it seems we expect a little more from our lighting, and why not?

Sure, light fittings are there to do a job - bring light to a room, but just as importantly they add decoration and character to a room.

Think about how much light you will need for the room in question?

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

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| 25

Follow this simple formula to give you a good starting point.

For example a room 4 meters by 3 meters will be 12 square meters 4 x 3 = 12 meters square 12 x 25 = 300 watts Measuring your ceiling height is always a wise move as not all ceiling heights are the same. You don’t want to fit a light that hangs too low or a light that is unreachable if you need to change the bulb. At Pemberton Lighting you have many options to choose from that fit rooms of all shapes, sizes and ceiling heights. If you find you need a little extra light, why not add a decorative or even simple table lamp to boost brightness and character.

You may want to consider increasing the light level if you have a very high ceiling. A light fitting with more bulbs or extra table lamps will help as mentioned above. Consider the colour of the room; darker colours absorb more light whereas lighter colours reflect more making the room appear brighter.

How will the room be used and what function should each light fitting perform?

If the room is used for several different functions and occasions, or is a large open plan space - extra consideration will be needed.

It’s common sense that in a kitchen/diner you will need brighter lights, such as spotlights, to help when preparing food, but when it comes to that ambient romantic dinner, it would be handy to have a dimmer to get the atmosphere just right.

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

Get in touch today on 01942 216033 or visit their store at 808 Ormskirk Road, Pemberton, Wigan WN5 8AX or head over to the website at www.pembertonlighting.co.uk Be careful about choosing wall colours and décor throughout your property. Bold colours like reds and greens can be harsh but if you want a more relaxing ambience, neutral shades and gentler colours like blues and lilacs can soothe and improve how you feel as soon as you step through the door.

Colour is vital in your home. Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages, so it’s important to get it right.

If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort.

Derek Delaney from Granite Transformations, which specialises in kitchen and bedroom makeovers among a raft of work to dramatically alter properties, emphasises that colour is vital in your home. “Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages,” he states. “So it’s important to get it right.”

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If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort.

But, Allyson advises that if you have a really good suite or sofa that’s more than 15 years-old but looking the worse for wear these days, consider having it re-upholstered instead. “Older furniture can be particularly well-made and some good suites are certainly worth keeping – I never advise throwing away one like that,” she says. “Find a good upholsterer to give your suite or sofa a more modern look and you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes. And if you can’t afford re-upholstering, invest in a couple of attractive throws to alter the way they look.”

Changing a room’s colourscheme by getting the help of a recommended painter and decorator – or simply doing it yourself – can bring a main room like a lounge into the 21st century. Use a central colour, adds Allyson, and accentuate this with toning cushions and other soft furnishings and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your home is starting to look.

New curtains and drapes that frame windows beautifully can also open up a room, adding to that lovely new décor.

This new style can be repeated around the home in varying ways. Having a new kitchen is a welcome, major addition to your property and certainly worth the investment if yours is looking jaded and old-fashioned.

“Or adding new unit doors and work surfaces can also revamp a kitchen,” states Allyson. “Smart new flooring, a new sink and taps can really cheer up your kitchen and make it look modern.”

Floor coverings generally can alter the look and mood of your home – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make rooms smarter and feel so much more comfortable, which improves your quality of living.

A new bathroom might be your dream – and a great place for relaxing. Baths are a real style item today and it’s worth having a look around for just the right shape and style.

The same goes for your bathroom tiling and décor – “but sometimes just having candles lit in your bathroom can make a difference,” insists Allyson.

Your bedroom is definitely a place that needs to reflect a relaxing mood, so does it need a revamp? New units completely change this room, and improve your lifestyle by having a place for everything.

On a simpler level, new bedding, cushions and a new carpet can make this room into a wonderfully restive place – and investing in a new bed is definitely an ongoing mood-changer that gives you the right level of sleep, every night.

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OUT & ABOUT

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

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

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

Royal Photographic Society NW Print Exhibition Runs until 30 April 2016 The North West Region of The Royal Photographic Society is pleased to announce that it will be hosting an exhibition of members’ prints from the NW Region at Pyramid in the Gallery and Atrium from 13 February – 30 April 2016.

RPS Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and RPS certificates will be issued to the 1st, 2nd & 3rd placed prints chosen by the judges.

The RPS is a membership organisation founded in 1853. It has approximately 11,000 members, over 1,000 of which are based in the North West region.

This exhibition is the first for this region and aims to showcase the talent of local photographers.

The RPS’s 158th International Print exhibition is also coming to Warrington Museum & Art Gallery from 2- 30 April.

This is the longest standing exhibition of its kind in the world, having been held almost every year since 1854.

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

28 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

To coincide with the RPS exhibitions, the Hot Bed Press are running a Photographic Printmaking Easter School, complete with an etching press, inking plates, rollers and inks. Each workshop is a short taster to the possibilities of marrying photography with printmaking. Find out more on the Museum website.

Pyramid Arts Centre, Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square South Warrington WA1 1BL

Jane Eyre Film Screening 15th April 2016 Charlotte Brontë’s classic tale of the emotions and experiences of Jane Eyre, as she enters into adulthood and finds love, has been capturing the imaginations of readers for 200 years. So to celebrate this anniversary, we are screening the most recent film adaptation of this popular story in the intimate surroundings of our studio theatre. Starring Mia Wasikowsa, Michael Fassbender and Judi Dench.

Ticket price: £5 Pyramid & Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL

Dirty Dancing 23rd April 2016 Celebrating the greatest soundtrack of all time, this is the ultimate tribute show to the classic film Dirty Dancing. Featuring all of your favourite songs, you can relive the iconic summer romance between Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Dance along to this unforgettable theatrical treat, and be transported right back to the 80s. Needless to say, you’ll have the time of your life.

Ticket price: £22/£20 (10th ticket free) Ticket price: £5 Pyramid & Parr Hall, Cultural Quarter, Palmyra Square South, Warrington, WA1 1BL

Win a luxury 2 night stay in the Lake District courtesy of Sawrey House

Head over to www.50plusmagazine.co.uk and enter the competition for your chance to win

OUT & ABOUT JULIAN CLARY THE JOY OF MINCING Friday 27th May 2016 Julian Clary, national trinket, author, TV and radio star is coming up your way… The Joy of Mincing is Julian Clary’s celebration of 30 years as a camp comedian. Come and witness a masterclass in camp comedy.

Manchester Opera House, Quay Street Manchester. M3 3HP www.manchestertheatres.com/ operahouse

1940s Weekend 28 May 2016 - 30 May 2016 Put on your glad rags and journey with the East Lancashire Railway back to the fabulous 1940s.

This award-winning event is back at the East Lancashire Railway for its seventeenth year with more attractions and activities than ever before.

Entertainment includes 1940s singers and musicians, battle scenarios, vintage and military vehicle displays, exhibitions, living history camps, forties fashion stalls, vintage makeovers, afternoon tea dances, military parade, VE Day Concert and Lancaster Bomber flypast, plus much, much more!

For more information and to book in advance call 0161 764 7790 (lines open 10am - 4pm daily).

Bolton Street Station, Bolton Street Bury, Lancashire BL9 0EY Tel: 01617647790

Chipping Steam Fair 28 May 2016 - 30 May 2016 28 - 30 May - What was originally seen as a one-off event has, through the overwhelming success of that first event, now become a firm fixture in the calendar of many enthusiasts. Over 10,000 visitors and 450 exhibitors supported that first event.

Wigan & Leigh Hospice Farmers Market 08 May 2016 On Sunday 8th May, WLH will be holding a Farmers Market from 9am until 3pm in the Hospice grounds on Kildare Street in Hindley.

They are looking for stall holders selling fruit & veg, eggs, bread, potatoes, plants & flowers etc.

Farmers Market stalls costs £20, with all proceeds going to support the Hospice.

Summer Jumble Sale On the same day, the Hospice's retail team will hold a Summer Jumble Sale, from 10am until 2pm in the Hospice, with summer clothes and shoes for men, women and children, as well as bags, toys, jewellery and bric-a-brac on sale, all priced at just 50p.

There will also be a raffle and refreshments available on the day.

If you would like more information, please email c.edwardson@wlh.org.uk or give the fundraising team a call on 01942 525566.

Adult Ticket £8.00 per ticket. Children 12 to 15/oap £6.00 per ticket. U12 and Concessions Free Green Lane Showground, Chipping, Preston, Lancashire PR3 2TQ Tel: 01995 61866

3rd -5th June Southport Food & Drink Festival Set in the beautiful Victoria Park, there will be entertainment from local bands throughout the day so once you have chosen what to eat you can sit on the grass and chill out.

WIN A £25 M&S GIFT CARD! SIMPLY VISIT OUR COMPETITIONS SECTION ON WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK TO ENTER

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THE ELO EXPERIENCE 2016 22 Apr 2016 | St.Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street, St.Helens Merseyside WA10 1LQ The legacy left by Jeff Lynne & The Electric Light Orchestra barely needs any introduction – suffice to say that between 1972 and 1986 they achieved more combined UK and US Top 40 hits than any other band on the planet! '10538 Overture', 'Evil Woman', 'Living Thing', 'Diary of Horace Wimp', Don't Bring me Down' and of course 'Mr Blue Sky' went on to become the soundtrack of our lives.

Blending rock rhythms with classical influences, ELO also released many classic albums such as 'A New World Record', 'Discovery' and 'Out of the Blue', and many sell out tours further established them as one of the most important and influential bands ever.

The ELO Experience are the world's foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra. With a sensational string section, a stunning light show and large screen projection to further enhance the experience, why not come along and enjoy this incredible show which accurately reproduces the songs and sounds and takes you on a magical musical journey through time.

SUNDAY 26th JUNE 2016 WHELLEY EX-SERVICEMEN'S CLUB, VAUXHALL RD, WIGAN WN1 3LU

In 2016 The ELO Experience will be celebrating their 10th year of bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the live stage.

Call 01744 756000 to book. To find out more, read reviews and comments, please visit www.elotribute.com

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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 and vegetable halls, lifestyle hall and food court seating area.

Sat 28 March, 11am to 2pm Photos with Dave the Minion & Peppa Pig

The outdoor, undercover market compliments allTues our halls Bolton 31onMarch, Market.

Bolton Market provides everything

11am to 2pm you need for your weekly shop and more, all at fantastic value. Fruit and Photos with Dave the Minion & Peppa Pig vegetables can be plain or exotic, The Lifestyle section offersEgg Hunt (10am & Easter tofresh 3pm) but always and healthy.

On Saturday 21st May between 10am-4pm you will find Victoria Square bustling with activity for the Bolton Teenage Market - a free platform for young people to showcase their creative talents.

There will be young traders, live music, young performers goat, donkey & lamb).and delicious food and drink available.

everything from furniture to flowers, Thurs 2Plus April, 11am tofamous 2pm fish and meat market bedding to broomsticks. much, The much, more along with a friendly is considered to be the best and Smithills Farm’s Petting Zoo (chickens, rabbits, service, hints and tips. largest in the north west, offering Photo’s with Dave the Minionvariety, & Peppa Pig 11am-2pm outstanding low prices and There are plenty of eateries to excellent quality fish, meat, eggs, If you have teenage children or Good choose from and a foodFriday court for poultry & frozen foods. So there is grandchildren, why not encourage the more leisurely where you can sit only one place to be when planning them to register? See opposite for Sorry we’re closed! and watch the world go by whilst for great shopping and free family more details. eating and drinking continental fun, Bolton Market.

Satboth 4 April, 11am to 2pm and traditional foods.

Photos with Peppa Pig & Buzz Lightyear

All activities are located throughout the Market Halls apart the Petting Zoo 336825 email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TJfrom Contact: 01204 which is in the outside market

@BoltonMarkets

BoltonMarkets www.bolton.gov.uk

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A cracking Easter’s in store at the Market Join in all the family fun at Bolton Market

Sat 28 March, 11am to 2pm Photos with Dave the Minion & Peppa Pig

Tues 31 March, 11am to 2pm NOW REGISTERING! Photos with Dave the Minion & Peppa Pig & Easter Egg Hunt (10am Victoria to 3pm) Saturday 21st May, Square, Bolton Thurs 2 April, 11am to 2pm 10am - 4pm Admission Free Smithills Farm’s Petting Zoo (chickens, rabbits, goat, donkey & lamb).

Photo’s with Dave the Minion & Peppa Pig 11am-2pm Unique & creative stalls, arts activities & workshops, Good Friday live music, Sorry dance & drama performance, food & drink we’re closed!

Sat 4 April, 11am to 2pm Do you have teenage children or grandchildren?

Photos with Peppa Pig & Buzz Lightyear Why not encourage them the to register?

All All activities activities are are located located throughout throughout the Market Market Halls Halls apart apart from from the the Petting Petting Zoo Zoo

www.theteenagemarket.co.uk | www.facebook.com/theteenagemarket which which is is in in the the outside outside market market @ Bolton Markets @BoltonMarkets @BoltonMarkets

Bolton Markets www.bolton.gov.uk BoltonMarkets BoltonMarkets

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| 33

Tomatoes, Prostate Health and the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is often associated with healthy living. Research suggests that the humble tomato is a key constituent of this diet and may play a significant role in human health, especially of the prostate.

The belief that tomatoes have health benefits can be traced back to South American Indians, ideas that were brought to Europe by Columbus in the 15th century. Tomatoes were also thought to be aphrodisiacs, sometimes being referred to as Pommes d’Amour or “love apples”.

The key ingredient of tomatoes is lycopene, one of the world’s most powerful, naturally occurring antioxidants.

Responsible for tomatoes’ distinctive red colour, it is a member of a large family of coloured compounds called “carotenoids” that are found throughout the natural world.

Humans possess no mechanism to make carotenoids, instead we accumulate them from our diet. Some, such as betacarotene, are easily accumulated whereas others are much less easily absorbed.

Our bodies are hardly able to take up lycopene from raw tomatoes and need the fruit to be cooked or processed prior to eating. Alternatively, “bioavailable” lycopene supplements are becoming increasingly popular.

Lycopene is sometimes presented in the National media as a panacea, a miraclefood that cures almost everything. Whilst many claims are exaggerated, there

is a large and credible research base that reports lycopene health benefits, particularly in relation to prostate cancer, heart disease, breast cancer and skin health.

The most extensive research has been conducted in the area of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is known to accumulate in the prostate gland and this has driven scientists to try to investigate its impact on the disease.

Some of this research has shown not only a positive association between high lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, but also benefits for those who already have the disease.

Professor Ed Giovannucci from Harvard Medical School has been following the progression of 50,000 men since 1986, investigating the relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene consumption. In his latest 2014 report he notes: ‘Dietary intake of lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially lethal prostate cancer’.

A smaller trial at King’s College Hospital, London concluded: ‘Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation from lycopene slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer.’

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, many researchers think that lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s DNA from damaging free radicals. Others believe that lycopene improves cell-to-cell communication, reducing the risk of the uninhibited growth seen in cancer cells.

In all likelihood, several mechanisms are at work.

Every time a damaging free radical is removed by a lycopene molecule, the antioxidant becomes “spent” – the lycopene sacrifices itself to protect the body’s DNA. However, research has shown that the presence of plenty of vitamin C allows the “spent” lycopene molecules to be reactivated, rejuvenating them and preparing them to quench another poisonous free radical.

Staying Informed Professor George Truscott and two internationally renowned colleagues formed George & Partners back in 2000. The company provides readable, up-todate, scientifically robust information about lycopene research, particularly that related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and skin health. The company also develops food supplements based on the latest research.

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FOOD & DRINK

JAMES MARTIN’S

SWEET TREATS

Sweet by James Martin (Quadrille £20) Photography: Peter Cassidy

The secret to a perfect panna cotta lies in having a slight sharpness – here from buttermilk – to balance the sweetness. The consistency is also important: too much gelatine will give you something you could bounce off the kitchen wall; you want to use just enough for the panna cotta to hold its shape when unmoulded. Combined with raspberry jelly, raspberries and warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts, this is a really delicious dessert on the plate. The remaining doughnuts are great with coffee.

B U T T E R M I L K PA N N A C O T TA W I T H D O U G H N U T S A N D R A S P B E R RY J E L LY For the doughnuts 1 quantity enriched yeast dough, made to the end of the first prove vegetable oil, for deep-frying caster sugar, for dusting For the mascarpone cream 100g mascarpone cheese 25g caster sugar 50ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped First make the panna cotta. Place the double cream in a small pan with the vanilla pod and seeds, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and whisk through until dissolved.

Set aside to cool, then add the buttermilk and whisk gently to combine.

Carefully pour into 8 small pudding basins or ramekins, making sure you distribute the vanilla seeds equally.

Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set.

Serves 8 250g raspberries, plus 100g for garnish 1 tbsp water 1–2 tsp icing sugar 6 mint sprigs For the panna cotta 300ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 5 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 450ml buttermilk For the raspberry jelly 50g caster sugar 100ml water 300g raspberries 4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes

For the sauce, place the 250g raspberries, the water and icing sugar in a blender and blitz to a purée. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl and add more icing sugar if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the jelly, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pan. Add the raspberries and heat until they just start to break down. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Don’t press, just let the juice drip through.

Measure 300ml juice and return to the saucepan to warm through. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the

heat. Line a shallow baking tray (20cm x 15cm) with clingfilm and pour the jelly over it to a depth of about 3mm. Chill in the fridge until set.

For the doughnuts, divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll into balls. Line a tray with silicone paper and space the balls evenly across it. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside at room temperature to prove for 20 minutes.

When the dough has proved, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 150°C/320°F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown immediately when dropped in.

CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous.

Never leave unattended.

Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Transfer to a plate and dust generously with the sugar.

For the mascarpone cream, whisk the mascarpone, sugar, cream and vanilla seeds together in a bowl until smooth.

To serve, cut the jelly into squares (about 2.5cm). Briefly dip each panna cotta mould in hot water, then turn out onto a large plate. Place two spoonfuls of the cream on each plate and top with a jelly square. Place two doughnuts on each plate and scatter the remaining raspberries and the mint around. Finish with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

FOOD & DRINK I love this simple little dessert that one of my chefs came up with – cherries and chocolate are a great combination.

As with any tart, it’s vital to make sure the pastry is nice and thin, so you get plenty of filling and not too much pastry. Otherwise it can be more like eating a biscuit!

C H O C O L AT E A N D C H E R R Y TA R T WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE SORBET Serves 8–10 butter, for greasing 1 quantity pâte sucrée 1 egg yolk, for blind-baking flour, for dusting 400g tin cherries in syrup 400g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar 2 tbsp crushed Hazelnut Praline and edible flowers 1 quantity Crème Fraîche Sorbet Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Butter a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin.

Roll the pâte sucrée out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 3mm and use to line the tin. Blind bake the pastry.

While the pastry case is baking, drain the cherries through a sieve into a saucepan and place the syrup over a medium heat. Cook the syrup until thick and sticky, and reduced by half. Chop the cherries in half, then add to the pan with the reduced syrup and allow to cool.

Put the chocolate into a large, heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream and sugar together in a saucepan until just simmering then pour over the chocolate and whisk continuously until smooth.

Spread the cherries and their syrup over the base of the tart case, then pour the chocolate filling over the top. Glaze with a blow torch or place under a hot grill until bubbling, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove and leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Place a line of the crushed praline and edible flowers on each plate, then slice the tart and serve with a scoop of Crème Fraîche Sorbet.

FOOD & DRINK I first came across really good palmiers when I was working on the pastry section in a restaurant in the south of France. The trick is to get an even dusting of sugar, so that as the palmiers cook it caramelises to a nice glaze.

Palmiers are often offered as a petit four to end a meal, but sandwiched with raspberries and cream, they’re hard to beat for afternoon tea. These are best served at room temperature – once they go into the fridge, the butter in the pastry solidifies, making them less pleasant to eat.

BUTTERFLY PALMIERS WITH RASPBERRIES AND CREAM

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

Serves 6 650g puff pastry or good-quality, bought all-butter puff pastry flour, for dusting 60g caster sugar 100ml stock syrup glaze (optional) For the filling 300ml double cream, softly whipped 200g raspberries Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.

Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone paper.

Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle 25cm x 40cm and about 3mm thick, with the long side facing you, like a landscape picture.

Dust the pastry rectangle with 20g of the caster sugar then fold one long side of the pastry into the centre.

Repeat with the other long side to meet it, so you now have a piece half the width.

Dust with another 20g of the caster sugar, then repeat, folding each side into the centre, leaving a 5mm gap in the centre. Dust once more with the remaining sugar and repeat – you should now have three folds on each side with plenty of sugar sandwiched in between. Fold both sides together gently as you would close an open book, then transfer to a tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.

Bury Market, winner of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards (Best Food Market) really has it all.

Remove the roll and cut into 12 x 1cm-thick slices. Lay on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are at least 6cm apart.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Bury Market

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!

Remove the palmiers from the oven, turn them straight over, place back on the tray and brush them with a little stock syrup glaze, if liked. The palmiers are best eaten on the day you make them.

Tel: 0161 253 6520

When cold, spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle and pipe the cream over half the palmiers.

Top with some lightly crushed raspberries and another palmier.

Serve immediately.

Web: www.burymarket.com

: @BuryMarket

Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk

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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.

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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

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