Wigan & Warrington issue 35

1

22/2/12

11:40

Page 1

N TODAY AND over the secret

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WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST HELENS APRIL - JUNE 2012

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EDITION 35

Ruth

Madoc

TALKS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GLADYS PUGH

Inside

is PREVIEW

PASS to view our Haydock Warehouse

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

e

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Outstanding care in a magnificent setting Vibrant village centre - Belong

villages offer a range of amenities including bistro, hair and beauty salon, exercise studio, internet café and function rooms.

Expert nursing and dementia care - 24 hour care is delivered in

Visit your nearest Belong village to experience a radically different model of both housing and care.

family sized households by trained and qualified staff.

Actively chosen by older people who want the best for their lives, Belong’s award winning villages enable an active and independent lifestyle, while also being designed to support the needs of the most frail.

An award winning model • UK’s Healthcare Design Champion Building Better Healthcare Awards 2011

Modern apartments for independent living - One or two

bedroom apartments are available for rent or purchase.

• Dementia Carer of the Year National Care Awards 2011

• Best Elderly Care Design Award Design & Health International Awards 2010

• Lifetime Achievement Award in Dementia Care UK Dementia Congress 2010

• Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work 2010 • Bronze in Elderly Accommodation Council Awards 2010

Locations in Crewe, Macclesfield, Atherton and Wigan.

Supporting you in your own home - Belong also has a registered domiciliary care service, providing flexible, expert support to people in the community.

Your life, your pace, your way.

Call 0800 032 2266 to find out more or visit www.belong.org.uk

Belong sets the standard in dementia care Belong villages are operated by the CLS Care Services Group – a not-for-profit organisation with over thirty years’ experience in delivering outstanding care.

Its villages offer a purpose-built environment based on leading edge design to meet the needs of older people, particularly those with dementia. Belong villages are attracting national attention for their success in delivering a radically different model of both housing and care. For one, they have been designed around the needs of the very frail, typically 85 plus, sector of the population.

Embracing the community

From independent living to complex nursing care

Moreover, Belong’s support services are not restricted to those living within the village. Members of the community can be supported in their own home through the organisation’s registered domiciliary service, Belong at Home, or invited into the village to take advantage of Belong ‘Experience Days’ – a refreshing alternative to traditional day care.

“We had successfully pioneered a new ‘household’ model of care in our traditional care homes, but could not take this as far as we wanted because of the limitations of older buildings. In Belong, we were given a blank sheet of paper and were able to create mixed village communities that, for the first time, are able to accommodate the full spectrum of people’s needs.”

Residents can choose to live independently in village apartments, or enjoy a high level of support in the households. Even then, the level of support varies according to residents’ needs, from residential, through nursing to high dependency dementia care. The idea behind this is that villages should offer a home for life, with flexibility for residents to access different services should their needs change.

Leading edge design The design of the villages takes the lead from the needs of older people who live in them. Smaller households of around a dozen residents mean a family atmosphere can be created, and that residents are well understood and known to their carers.

In particular, the open plan layout of these households supports easy orientation and ensures support workers are always visible to offer assistance in an unobtrusive way.

Residents have secure access to the outdoors from each household and can move freely in and out. At the same time, security is maintained between the households and village centre to ensure privacy within people’s own ‘homes’.

Nick Dykes affirms the importance of this aspect. “One of the criticisms commonly levelled at retirement village type communities is that they are very insular. What we have been able to achieve in Belong is a more outward looking facility that has succeeded in bringing people in from the local community, whether just for a coffee or to join in activities on offer. Residents are equally flexible in the extent they choose to join in village life. Indeed, privacy and dignity are frequently cited amongst the best aspects of life in one of our villages.”

Responsible finances Behind the scenes, the CLS Group runs its operation on a financially sound but also ethical business model, generating the surplus that is required to ensure stability and security for residents. As a not for profit organisation, any surplus is reinvested into its services, people and facilities rather than benefiting private shareholders.

VOUCHERS

Chief Executive, Nick Dykes, explains: “There are plenty of retirement villages out there for people over 55 who are able to lead reasonably active lives, but far fewer services designed for the growing population of frail older people.

Beyond this, strong links to other organisations have seen the village bring together a wide cross-section of the community, from toddler and baby groups through school teachers to memory clinics, creating a true sense of village life and, with it, opportunities for interaction with people of different ages and backgrounds.

Present this voucher at any Belong bistro to purchase one coffee and cake and get the second one FREE!

Present this voucher at any Belong hair & beauty salon and get £5.00 off your bill Minimum spend £10.

Retail products not included in offer.

Village locations - Crewe • Macclesfield • Atherton • Wigan

St Vincent's has sheltered housing in the Warrington area, get in touch to find out more We offer: 

Self contained apartments, but with an on-site warden



24 hour emergency call out



Secure door entry system



Communal gardens, and laundry



Free repairs and maintenance service



Links with health professionals



A lift





A communal lounge to meet up with friends Full and varied social life if you want it, although some of our residents choose to enjoy a quieter life - it's entirely up to you!

Our Handyperson Service We offer a free handyperson service to all our customers who live in our sheltered housing schemes, get those little jobs, such as hanging a door, or fitting a grab rail, done for free.

St Vincent's has nearly 40 years experience in providing retirement schemes for senior members of the community

Give Jane a call on 0845 606 6565 if you would like more information or to discuss your circumstances.

Visit our website at www.svha.co.uk

Graham Smith twittering on When is it Christmas?

Lost pussy causes a headache!

If it’s June when you read this don’t worry Christmas isn’t coming any time soon.

Those of us of a certain age will remember Mrs Slocombe of the BBC sitcom “Are You Being Served” having various problems with her pussy.

Astronomers have calculated that Christmas should be in June by charting the “Christmas Star” which the Bible says led the Three Wise Men to Jesus.

The have decided that the bright star pinpoints Jesus’ birthday as June 17th rather than December 25th. Well that’s just going to upset a few turkey farmers and artificial snow manufacturers isn’t it?

And what a mess they’ve made of the carol service. How can “snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”, and what about the poor old beggar bringing in his winter fuel?

There’s no holly and ivy, the shepherds can’t be watching their flocks because it’s still day light and I just cannot listen to Bing Crosby in June!

Which silly old goat with a white beard and a red suit is going to traipse reindeer and a sleigh about in 20 degrees of heat? I don’t eat sprouts in December so I’m surely not about to in June. “All is calm, all is bright”, well it will be in June, new legislation could mean it’s daylight until four in the morning so the poor little beggar will be throwing his swaddling clothes off and tipping the sheepdog out of the manger.

Why can’t they leave things as they are?

I’m dreaming of a White Easter.

They were nothing compared to those of a small village where residents spent the best part of three days digging to rescue a cat whose meowing could be heard clearly.

Everyone turned out to help and eventually the animal was found. A large orange plastic moggy with a tape recorded cry which was permanently switched on!

Stories like this warm my heart in troubled times. Half the population can’t afford a can of cat food but they will dig for three days to rescue what they thought was a genuine animal in distress.

Inside this issue ...

12-13

8-9

He should have ducked!

An American duck hunter had to be taken to hospital after being shot in the buttocks by his dog!

14-15

16-17

18-19

The hunter was climbing out of his boat to place decoys in nearby marsh when his “excited” dog trod on a shotgun firing 27 pellets into his backside from ten feet.

The man managed to walk to a nearby road and call an ambulance and was not seriously injured.

He should have ducked.

TRAVEL & LEISURE 12-13 Dubrovnik A Timeless Beauty

HEALTH 30-31 Your questions answered on dental implants

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

30-31

5

High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1BG www.thebrindley.org.uk BOX OFFICE 0151 907 8360

great season of Spring/Summer eatThere’s seasonaof Spring/Summer 29 April | 3.00pm | Theatre | £13.50 Sun 29 April | 3.00pm Sun | Theatre | £13.50 show coming up at The Brindley! ng up at The Brindley!

Martin Roscoe – Piano Recital Martin Roscoe – Piano Recital

Martin Roscoe was Widnes and it is with great pleasure Martin Roscoe was in Widnes and it isborn withingreat pleasure Tuesl Tues 13 – Thurs 152pm March l Tues & Thurs & 7pm Wed l born 5 March & Thurs , 2pm & 7pm Wed2pm l , 2pm that we welcome him back to Halton that we welcome him back to Halton for this recital. He will for this recital. He will Theatre l £9 present a specially of prepared programme of two of Beethoven's present a specially prepared programme two of Beethoven's All Our Yesterdays erdays most popular and exciting Sonatas flanking suites of characterful most popular and exciting Sonatas flanking suites of characterful and illustrative children's pieces by Schumann and Debussy. and illustrative children's pieces by Schumann and Debussy.

Another show the Lane producers ofMartin Memory Lane al show fromsensational the producers of from Memory Martin says “It will an emotional concert for me and I hope you will says “It will an emotional concert for me and I hope you will and Rolling Back Themusical Years. Ajourney breathtaking journey from he Years. A breathtaking from musical join me to celebrate!” www.martinroscoe.co.uk join me to celebrate!” www.martinroscoe.co.uk the good days of Hall, through of Music Hall, old through theMusic 40's, 50's, 60's, andthe 40's, 50's, 60's, and theofbeautiful harmonies of the 1970's. monies the 1970's.

23 May | 7.30pm | Theatre | £10 Wed 23 May | 7.30pm Wed | Theatre | £10

Thurs 22 March 7.30pm l Theatre l £8l 7.30pm l Theatre l £8

The Foundry Group presents The Foundry Group presents

Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks Big Daddy vs Giant Haystacks Mayor’s Civic Variety c Variety Charity Night Charity Night

4pm1976 every from 1976 to 1988, millions of Britons, 4pm every Saturday,Atfrom toSaturday, 1988, millions of Britons, A great night of variety in aid of the Mayor’s At Charities. of variety in aid of out the Mayor’s Charities. were in the grip of an extraordinary werecomedian in the grip of an extraordinary sports phenomenon: sports phenomenon: Compered

by Chris Harrison featuring Hal s Harrison and featuring hilariousand comedian Halhilarious twoCrabtree fat men (a.k.a.

ShirleyRuane) Crabtree and Martin Ruane) twotofat men watching (a.k.a. Shirley and Martin Up duo a night not ntedNolan Foxedand Upthe duotalented this will Foxed be a night notthis to will bewatching pretend to fight each other.

This is their pretend fight each other. This is their story. This new play, bystory. This new play, by proceeds to Halton Haltonto Royal ceedsbetomissed.

Halton All Haven Hospice, HaltonHaven Royal Hospice, writers isand ambitious, award-winning writersaward-winning is ambitious, touching hilarious.touching and hilarious.

Legion and the Mark Gorry Foundation Cancer). the British Mark Gorry Foundation (Testicular Cancer). (Testicular Captioned Performance Captioned Performance

4 April l Theatre l 8.00pm l £12 tre lWed 8.00pm l £12

Boyes & Simpson s &Coope, Simpson

26 May | 7.30pm | Theatre | £18.50 Sat 26 May | 7.30pm | Sat Theatre | £18.50

Halfway toBilly Paradise: The Billy Fury Story Halfway to Paradise: The Fury Story

A shy young Wycherley from becomes one of A shy young Ronnie Wycherley fromRonnie Liverpool becomes oneLiverpool of The radical soundroots. of English a-cappella roots. Traditional songs of English a-cappella Traditional songs Britain’s best loved rock stars.

Now in its sixteenth year and still Britain’s best loved rock stars.

Now in its sixteenth year and still reworked andwhich strongdeal original ng original songs withsongs social which and deal with social and rockin’ , his own band, Fury’s Tornados re-live his timeless 29 hit rockin’ , his own band, Fury’s Tornados re-live his timeless 29 hit environmental issues. and sharp words with memorable ues. Clever and sharp wordsClever with memorable records Last Night Was Made For Love, I Will, Jealousy, Halfway To records Last Night Was Made For Love, I Will, Jealousy, Halfway To tunes, and soaring harmonies.

Described harmonies.

Described as "Quite simply the bestas "Quite simply the best Paradise & many more.

Featuring the stunning Colin Gold as Billy Paradise & many more.

Featuring the stunning Colin Gold as Billy of a-cappella songlatest on these Islands, pellapurveyors song on these Islands, their album As if their latest album As if Fury. nostalgic Set to a giant moving nostalgic backdrop of this magical era Fury. Set to a giant moving backdrop of this magical era received numerous outstanding reviews and their performances outstanding reviews and their performances including personal movie footage of Billy. including personal movie footage of Billy. to bring them much critical acclaim. hemnever muchfail critical acclaim.

Sun 27| £15 May | 7pm | Theatre | £15 Sun 27 May | 7pm | Theatre

Thurs 26 April l 7.30pm l Theatre l £20 30pm l Theatre l £20

Clive Conway Celebration Productions presents Clive Conway Celebration Productions presents

A Jane Celebration Jane Austen starring Austen of starring A 2012 60’s Night Out 2012 featuring A Celebration of Out featuring - Tony Crane (Merseybeats)Robert - Chris Powell with Robert Powell Garvie with Elizabeth Garvie onyDave CraneBerry (Merseybeats) - Chris Elizabeth

- The New Amen Corner NewFarlowe Amen Corner

A celebrity and actress bring you Jane Austen’s world…No A celebrity actor and actress bringactor you Jane Austen’s world…No writer, with the exception of Shakespeare, writer, with the exception of Shakespeare, stands higher in publicstands higher in public A brand new show featuring million selling hit records, rock’n’roll, w featuring million selling hit records, rock’n’roll, esteem and affection than Jane Austen.

This celebration is for esteem and affection than Jane Austen.

This celebration is for blues and soul.

Not only did the artistes have some of the era’s t only did the artistes have some of the era’s those who have always loved her, and for those who would like to those who have always loved her, and for those who would like to biggest hits, they have all continued to flourish and gained new have all continued to flourish and gained new know more about the enigmatic and shadowy figure behind the know more about the enigmatic and shadowy figure behind the audiences.

With the wonderful New Amen Corner complete with e wonderful New Amen Corner complete with popular image of bonnets, tea and gentility. popular image of bonnets, tea and gentility. their brass section, this show will have you movin’ and a groovin’ . , this show will have you movin’ and a groovin’. trulybest magical of the best music around!! ght ofA the musicnight around!!

Only 25 mins from Chester, 20 mins from Liverpool, 30 mins from Manchester. Good Road and Rail links. FREE PARKING

Thurs 31| £16 May | 8pm | Theatre | £16 Thurs 31 May | 8pm | Theatre

Dougie MacLean Dougie MacLean

Thurs 28 June l 7.30pm l Theatre l £16 Thurs 28 June l 7.30pm l Theatre l £16

In Dreams

In Dreams

by Sing Out USA as Scotland's pre-eminent Nowyear in it’s successful yearthe In Dreams Described by Sing OutDescribed USA as Scotland's pre-eminent Now in it’s fifth successful In fifth Dreams brings you ultimatebrings singer-songwriter and a national musical treasure, Dougie line up, with the music of Roy Orbison, The Ever singer-songwriter and a national musical treasure, Dougie line up, with the music of Roy Orbison, The Everly Brothers and MacLean has developed a unique blend of lyrical, 'roots based' Buddy Holly together with live band The Rocket MacLean has developed a unique blend of lyrical, 'roots based' Buddy Holly together with live band The Rockets. Featuring songwriting and instrumental composition.

Internationally moving and accurate portrayals to these songwriting and instrumental composition. Internationally moving and accurate portrayals to these music icons, hear your music renowned for his song Caledonia, music for Last of the Mohicans, and feel-good sing alongnight. in a terrific feel-goo renowned for his song Caledonia, music for Last of the Mohicans, favourite hits and sing favourite along in ahits terrific his songs have been covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, his songs have been covered by Paolo Nutini, Amy MacDonald, Ronan Keating and many other top performers. Sat 30 June l 7.30pm lSat 30 June l 7.30pm l Theatre l £19.50 Ronan Keating and many other top performers.

Theatre l £19.50 www.dougiemaclean.com www.dougiemaclean.com Bilk & His Jazz Acker Bilk & HisAcker Paramount JazzParamount Band Fri 1 June | 7.30pm | Theatre | £19 Fri 1 June | 7.30pm | Theatre | £19

AckerJazz BilkBand & His first Paramount Jazz Band first gaine Acker Bilk & His Paramount gained worldwide fame

Up plus The Cadbury with the hit single On The Shore. 2012 with the hit single Stranger On The Shore.Stranger 2012 is the fiftieth Blake Love LiftsBlake Us UpLove plusLifts The Us Cadbury anniversary of the song reaching number one (i anniversary of the song reaching number one (in both the UK and Sisters Sisters

US). for It stayed in the charts for 55 and was US). It stayed in the charts 55 weeks and was the firstweeks number one hit in UK and USA simultaneously.

S one new hit inshow.

UK and USA simultaneously. S superstar vocalists return new with show. their spectacular The superstar vocalistsThe return with their spectacular Famous worldwide for for creating unique harmony versions pf Famous worldwide for for creating unique harmony versions pf NOWFESTIVE FOR OUR 2012 FESTIVE pop, classical and West End anthems.

The evening features the BOOK NOW FORBOOK OUR 2012 pop, classical and West End anthems. The evening features the most uplifting and romantic love songs of all time, plus exclusive most uplifting and romantic love songs of all time, plus exclusive PANTOMIME JACK & THE PANTOMIME JACK & THE BEANSTALK ANDBEANSTA new material from their new material from their hugely anticipated 4thhugely album,anticipated all mixed 4th album, all mixed TAKE OF OUR ‘EARLY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ADVANTAGE OUR ‘EARLY BIRD TICKET’ together with humorous observations together with humorous observations on love, life and music.on love, life and music.

Tues 12l June l 8pm l Theatre l £10, £8 Tues 12 June l 8pm l Theatre £10, £8

AND SAVE MONEY! AND SAVE MONEY!

Spike Theatre inUnity association with Spike Theatre in association with Theatre & Unity Theatre & The Met present The Met present

The Games

The Games

Games is the story of caught three Greek caught up in a The Games is the storyThe of three Greek nobodies up innobodies a celestial bet between Zeus, and Hercules. Our unwitting celestial bet between Zeus, Hera and Hercules.

OurHera unwitting heroes: Stanzas terrible (the runtJack of the litter) andBeanstalk Jack &runs the Beanstalk runs heroes: Stanzas (a terrible poet), Darius(a(the runt poet), of the Darius litter) and & the from Friday 14 from F (born a girl) travel to compete in the ancient Hermaphrodite (born aHermaphrodite girl) travel to compete in the ancient 2012 Sunday 13 December 2012December until Sunday 13until January Olympics takesporting on the heroes of the sporting world with epic Olympics and take on the heroesand of the world with epic 2013 2013 results for mankind… results for mankind…

Audio Described Performance Audio Described Performance

Ticket Prices

27 June l 7.30pm l Theatre l £17 Wed 27 June l 7.30pmWed l Theatre l £17

AnGervase EveningPhinn with Gervase Phinn An Evening with

Ticket Prices

31 March 2012 Early bird to 31 MarchEarly 2012bird toFrom 1 April 2012 From 1 April £11 Children Children £11 Children Children £11.50 Adult Adult £17 Adult Adult£17 £17.50 Adult Conc Adult Conc £16 Adult Conc Adult£16 Conc £16.50

We are fully accessible including wheelchair spaces, audio described and captioned performances

000845AAC

The best selling and award The best selling and award winning author, Radio winning and TV author, Radio and TV Groups 20free plus: One adult in 20 free Groups 20shares plus: One adult in 20 personality will have you on the of your seats, as he personality will have you on the edges of your seats, asedges he shares Schools £8 (one in 20 free) Schools £8 (one in 20 free) his hilarious andtales sometimes tales of life as a schools’ his hilarious and sometimes poignant of life aspoignant a schools’ inspector inspector in the Yorkshire Dales. in the Yorkshire Dales.

Please note:bird To qualify the early prices, tick Please note: To qualify for the early prices, for tickets must bird be paid for by 31 March.2012 for by 31 March.2012

Calendar Girl RUTH Madoc had just been having lunch with her five year-old grand-daughter in St Albans when she broke off from encouraging her to eat pizza for a chat with Angela Kelly about the theatre and life after Gladys Pugh.

“I’m in the South for two weeks with ‘Calendar Girls’,” she explains in those familiar warm, now-muted Welsh tones. “So I’m staying with the family here and love being out for lunch with Seren (Welsh for “star”) because this little girl and I have a real connection.”

After she graduated, Ruth – a talented singer and performer as well as an actress – spent three years with the “Black and White Minstrel Show” and various summer seasons with Lesley Crowther, Max Wall and Bruch Forsyth in the final days of provincial variety.

Ruth, now 68, has five grandchildren under the age of five (“hard work sometimes, although lovely”). Three of them live in Gibraltar and it’s plain that Ruth thoroughly enjoys being a grandma.

She became a theatrical favourite appearing in leading roles in musicals like “West Side Story and “Man of La Mancha” and appeared in both the stage and screen versions of “Under Milk Wood.”

It may be hard to see her in this role as, for many TV viewers, she remains fondly in the memory as the manhungry Maplins’ Yellowcoat and the mere mention of her name has usually restrained people shouting out “Hi-De-Hi!”.

After her high-profile success in “Hi-De-Hi!”, Ruth was in the stage version of the show which enjoyed

This wonderful portrayal in the enduringly popular BBC 1 comedy series revealed her comic talents to thousands at home. But her career, even by then, had already covered a startling variety of theatre.

Although Ruth is well known for her Welsh roots she was, in fact, born in Norwich because her parents consistently travelled around Britain. However, she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Llansamlet in Swansea.

From the little mining village she made the unlikely but determined leap to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, guided in this by the man who became an early mentor, Sir Harry Secombe. “I was in East Yorkshire with my parents and the head of drama at school sent a tape of me to Harry Secombe’s agent with the intention of interesting Huw Weldon who used to have a BBC children’s talent programme called ‘All Your Own,’ she states.

Instead, the agent showed it to the famous singer and comedian, and he began helping the young Ruth, offering practical advice on her career.

8

I N T E RV I E W huge success in Bournemouth, Blackpool and at the Victoria Palace in London.

career on programmes like “Some of these Days,” “Woman’s Hour” and “This Family Business.”

“I never felt, though, that I was going to be typecast

by Gladys,” she says. “I’d already done so much in the theatre I knew that I would go on to do many other, different roles.”

Other TV roles over the years have included guest appearances with Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Les Dawson. And, more recently, she was the mother of the infamous Daffyd (the only gay in the village) in the Bafta award-winning comedy series “Little Britain.”.

And indeed she did. She has been in a large number of stage productions including “A Taste of Honey” and “A Murder is Announced”, and in West End musicals like “Niteclub Confidential” and “Bless the Bride.”

Ruth had great personal success with her portrayal of the indomitable Mama Rose in the musical “Gypsy”, toured Japan and the Far East as Madame Giry in “Phantom of the Opera” and was a wonderful Mrs Bardell to Harry Secombe’s “Pickwick” at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre and on an extended national tour.

She was also Dorothy Brock in the hit musical “42nd Street”, Miss Hannigan in “Annie”, and Maria in “Twelfth Night” at Regent’s Park Theatre in London.

Her film appearances vary from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Very Annie Mary”, and she has also enjoyed an extensive radio

Ruth has appeared in more than 30 pantomimes in every major city in the UK – as everything from principal boy in “Robin Hood” and “Dick Whittington” to Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the Wicked Queen in “Snow White.”

For the past 18 months, she has been touring in “Calendar Girls” as Marie – the WI protagonist who tries to stop the nude calendar – “and I love it!” she declares with a throaty laugh.

“I think I enjoy playing not so nice people because it’s more interesting. But I really love this play and Tim Firth (the writer) is so clever. While the humour is Northern it works on so many levels and is a great piece of writing.”

Ruth will remain in the production until May, 2012, when, she says, she and her manager husband John will go to Spain to visit their grandchildren.

She states that she “won’t do theatre after I’m 75” because she doesn’t want to spend time learning lines.

“I think when you get older there is a great pressure in learning lines. I’ve seen this happen to many other people, and I don’t want that,” she insists.

“I keep my mind sharp now by doing crosswords each day and, although I’ve got lines in ‘Calendar Girls’, I still learn pieces of poetry.”

Her only career regret is that she didn’t take the “Under Milk Wood” role she was offered at the National Theatre “because I was with Harry in ‘Pickwick’ and didn’t want to let him down.”

Ruth would, though, still love to play the part of Madam Horrible in the hit musical “Wicked!” which re-imagines the Land of Oz. And that inquiring, lively mind, she suspects, will continue until her deathbed. “I think my final words will probably be ‘Eureka!,” she laughs again.

Then it’s back to life as grandma, and that perennial dilemma of how to get small children to eat their lunch.

9

H O L I D AY S

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Destination

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Hotel

01 Apr 01 Apr 09 Apr 09 Apr 09 Apr 14 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16 Apr 22 Apr 28 Apr 30 Apr 04 May 04 May 06 May 13 May 15 May 20 May 24 May 27 May 03 Jun 03 Jun 06 Jun 11 Jun 17 Jun 28 Jun 02 July 04 July 07 July 08 July

Dumfries Bournemouth Hereford Blairgowrie Bulbfields/Floriade Beamish Weekend Isle of Wight Bude Historic Chatham Northumbria Cornwall St Agnes Criccieth Carinthian Lakes Llandudno Extrava Dunoon Bognor Regis Jersey By Air Ostend at Anchor Isles of Scilly Ireland Titanic Trail Bournemouth Looe Norway & Denmark Sidmouth Cumbria Kintyre & Gigha Isle Hayling Island Isle of Man Llandudno Tenby

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Single

Diner

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HEATH STREET, GOLBORNE, WARRINGTON WA3 3AD.

14 July 16 July 22 July 26 July 28 July 05 Aug 10 Aug 11 Aug 20 Aug 24 Aug 26 Aug 01 Sep 02 Sep 09 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 19 Set 23 Sep 24 Sep 28 Sep

Torquay Scarborough Cumbria & The Dales Welsh Railways Sp Paignton Jersey By Air - Battle of the Flowers Edinburgh Tattoo Lake Garda Italy Cornwall St Agnes Edinburgh Tattoo Dunoon Eastbourne Torquay Bournemouth Isle Of Wight Dordogne, France Cyprus by Air Northumberland Blackpool Llandudno

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Kistor Hotel Esplanade Hotel Shap Wells Hotel Metropole Hotel Marine Hotel Jersey by Air, Mayfair BW Kings Manor Hotel Sole, Riva Rosemundy House BW Kings Manor Esplanade Hotel Haddon Hall Hotel Corbyn Head Hotel Hinton Firs Hotel Burlington Hotel Royal Vezere, Le Bugue The Athena Hotel Victoria Hotel Park House Hotel Queens Hotel

£399 £318 £299 £355 £479 £599 £249 £799 £376 £249 £395 £399 £419 £379 £399 £685 £946 £415 £249 £119

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YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES NO

Summer Day Excursion Leaflet OUT NOW! visit our website our call into the office for your copy

EXTRA TOURS

RHINE VALLEY, BOPPARD and the Winefest 23rd-28th Sept 6 day tour By Coach and North Sea Ferries Great value for money at £390.00 Single Room & cabin is £75 BOPPARD is known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ and lives up to its name.

There is a busy shopping area, where most of the shopkeepers speak English. There are the remains of the Roman City of Bordabrica which stood here before modern Boppard. Also the famous Sessel lift which takes you to the top of the Gorge and magnificent VierBlick Scene, with the river and its boat traffic, or sit in on the waterfront terrace with a leisurely drink.

Tour Price Includes: ● All Coach Travel and excursions ● Three nights dinner B & B at The Rhinelust Hotel, located on The Banks of THE RHINE ● All rooms are ensuite ● Most meals are Buffet Style ● Two nights dinner Bed & Breakfast ● Services of Professional Driver & Courier

Spend Christmas at the fabulous 3 star Cairndale Hotel in the centre of Dumfries, 5 days/4 nights With entertainment and day excursions, great value at just £359, door to door, SRS £59.

( 01942 728960 www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Dubrovnik

Timeless

Beauty

Sitting proudly on the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent fortified cities. Today a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy seafaring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the world.

Dubrovnik is clearly special. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Magnificent curtains of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.

As the sun rises over the terracotta roofs the square awakens to the sound of barrow loads of fruit and vegetables bouncing over the stone cobbles. The ‘green market‘, as the locals call it, offers freshly picked produce as well as jars of homemade jams, pickles and spices. However, Dubrovnik shows her true magnificent colours during the winter months as well as the city looks wonderful “out of season.” True beauty is ageless and timeless.

Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands.

Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace.

It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. The original palace was modelled after the Roman imperial palace, with some influences from Venetian palaces. In 1435 there was a gunpowder explosion that demolished the structure. It was rebuilt in a late-gothic style. There was another explosion in 1463, and a an earthquake in 1667 that severally damaged the city. What you see now is the final redo that took place 12

at the end of the 17 century. The central portico features beautiful archways and a second story mezzanine.

Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. Some great shots are to be had with your camera from Pile Gate.

War Photo Limited: Dubrovnik’s sturdy fortifications have been put to the test several times during the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. This modern gallery is dedicated to stunning photojournalism from war zones around the world, and attempts to offer unbiased reporting with a human element.

Antuninska 6. www.warphotoltd.com. Daily 9am-9pm (JunSep); Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm (May and Oct); closed (Nov-Apr). Entry is 30Kn. Dubrovnik Cable Car: The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are seen from the top of the Srd Hill where the Dubrovnik Cable Car was built back in 1969 and boasts the most beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles)!

For this reason the neighbouring Fort Imperial was strategically built on this privileged spot way back in the early 19th century. http://dubrovnikcablecar.com.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (www.dubrovnik-festival.hr) runs from mid-Jul to mid-Aug, staging concerts, theatre and opera at various open-air venues in the old town. Pat line-ups have included the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra, Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas, and Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams.

Nearby places worth visiting include the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno arboretum, the vineyards of Peljeac peninsular,

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the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free Elafiti islands , the island of Mljet (one-third of which is a national park), and neighbouring Montenegro.

EATING/DRINKING There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh.

Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap haunts, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious too!

Note that in the off peak season of November to March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and best of all, discounts can be negotiated.

Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), pasticada and the famous delicacy dubrovacka rozata.

The most popular alcohol in Croatia is homemade rakija. This is a very strong distilled tipple made from a variety of fruits.

Examples include sljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks.

However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers as it can sometimes be of low quality!

SLEEPING Hotels in Dubrovnik include two, three, four and five-star hotels.

Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget; the downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure to check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING… Cafe Buza: This place is little known but definitely the find in Dubrovnik.

Indeed, you will have to wander down an alleyway along the main western wall where you’ll find a nondescript door. Enter it to find the most amazing bar you might ever enjoy a beer in. The cafe is built on the side of the rocky cliffs, hiding inside the Dubrovnik wall. Relax and enjoy the view as the dramatic wall rises above your head; or, as you are so near the small beach why not dip your toes in the water!

Fact file: Dubrovnik has an international airport, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Dubrovnik city centre.

There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976; however, buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik old main bus station in Gruž and Croatia Airlines even operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (takes approx. 45 minutes), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 220 kn.

The bus passes close to the Old Town en-route to the airport; you can board the bus at the stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure

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you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop!

The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman Bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves the Old Town. On buses you pay a separate fee of 10 Kn to the driver for luggage, so keep some change handy.

Taxis in Dubrovnik are available around the clock and you can easily pick one up at one of the many taxi stops. The good news is that a taxi service will never cost you more than 100 Kn (approx. £11) in any direction within Dubrovnik city limits!

If you are planning to drive a car in Dubrovnik, be aware that lots of streets are one way. If in doubt, passersby will gladly direct you.

Dubrovnik is easy to cover on foot; in fact it will take the averagely fit person less than 1.5 hours to walk from the historical centre to the very end of Lapad peninsula.

Climate: The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, it is perhaps distinct from other Mediterranean climates because of the unusual winds and frequency of thunderstorms. The Bura wind blows cold gusts down the Adriatic coast between October and April. The air temperatures can slightly vary, depending on the area or region. Typically, in July and August daytime maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), and at night drop to around 21°C (70°F). More comfortable perhaps, is the climate in Spring and Autumn when maximum temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F).

Language: Croatian is the official language spoken in Dubrovnik. English is taught as a second language in schools however, and other international languages are also fluently spoken.

Currency: Kuna (Kn.) £1 British pound is worth approx. 8 Kuna. The word “Kuna” means “marten” in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.

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Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

FULL 2012 BROCHURE OUT NOW

COACH TOURS 2012 LOCAL PICK UP POINTS

ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY

IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, ISLE OF WIGHT

Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AAHHH Torquay is most certainly one of the UK’s Finest resorts and the heart of the English Riviera.

If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne Robinsons HHH Eastbourne is an ideal holiday destination, it has one of the top sunshine records in the UK and has been awarded the Seaside Award for its clean safe beaches for the past eight years.

An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin Robinsons HHH Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south coast of the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages.

An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Freephone : 0800 0839086 www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

1501

8 Days/ 7 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

5 Days/ 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour Sat/Sun 28/29 Apr 05/06 May 12/13 May 19/20 May 26/27 May 02/03 Jun 09/10 Jun 16/17 Jun 23/24 Jun 30 Jun/01 Jul 07/08 Jul 14/15 Jul 21/22 Jul 28/29 Jul 04/05 Aug 11/12 Aug 18/19 Aug 25/26 Aug 01/02 Sept 08/09 Sept 15/16 Sept 22/23 Sept 29/30 Sept

£345 £355 £365 £375 £385 £389 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £389 £379 £359 £339

£345 £355 £365 £375 £385 £389 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £389 £379 £359 £339

£345 £355 £365 £375 £385 £389 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £389 £379 £359 £339

£299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £349 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £359 £349 £339 £319 £299

7 Days/ 6 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour Monday 16-Apr 23-Apr 08-Oct 15-Oct 22-Oct 29-Oct

£275 £285 £279 £269 £259 £249

£275 £285 £279 £269 £259 £249

£275 £285 £279 £269 £259 £249

£249 £255 £249 £245 £235 £225

£249 £245 £239 £235 £229 £225

£249 £245 £239 £235 £229 £225

£225 £219 £215 £209 £205 £199

Turkey and Tinsel 05-Nov 12-Nov 19-Nov 26-Nov 03-Dec 10-Dec

£249 £245 £239 £235 £229 £225

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour Monday 02-Apr 06-Apr 11-Apr 16-Apr 23-Apr 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 08-Oct 15-Oct 22-Oct 29-Oct

£175 £185 £185 £189 £195 £225 £215 £209 £205 £199

£175 £185 £185 £189 £195 £199 £209 £215 £219 £225 £229 £239 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £245 £239 £235 £225 £215 £209 £205 £199

£175 £185 £185 £189 £195 £199 £209 £215 £219 £225 £229 £239 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £245 £239 £235 £225 £215 £209 £205 £199

£155 £165 £165 £169 £175 £179 £189 £195 £199 £205 £209 £215 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £219 £215 £209 £199 £189 £185 £179 £175

£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

£179 £175 £169 £165 £165 £165* £165* £355 £335

Turkey and Tinsel 05-Nov 12-Nov 19-Nov 26-Nov 03-Dec 10-Dec 17-Dec 23-Dec 29-Dec

£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

* Unlimited Singles

Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels Front facing/seaview supplements 7 Days £13 per person. 8 Days £15 per person.

5 Days £10 per person

Freephone: 0800 0839086 Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

Should I Make a Lifetime Gift Of My Home?

Recent research reveals that overall parents leave 78% of their assets to their children, with 9% going to other family members and 6% to their grandchildren.

Only 7% of the estate is left to charities, friends and religious organisations.

For most of the home owning population, their home is their greatest asset and their desire to pass their property or the value in their property to their children is paramount. Concerns over funding nursing care are leading to increasing numbers considering the option of a lifetime gift.

If you make an outright gift of your home to your children, it will become an asset of theirs, and in the event one or more of your children divorce, it may be treated as part of their assets in a financial settlement.

A lifetime gift of your home may also give rise to a capital gain for your children in the future, if they already own their own home. You should also consider the position if one of your children where to file for bankruptcy.

It is important to be aware that a lifetime gift of your home, if you intend to continue to live in it, will not work to reduce the value of your estate for Inheritance tax purposes, as it is a gift with a reservation of benefit.

If you are not concerned about Inheritance Tax, but wish to avoid paying for nursing care in the future, the value of your home may still be taken into account for funding purposes as there are anti-avoidance measures in place. It is possible your Local Authority may, if required to fund your care, seek to have the value of your home added back into your assets.

Lifetime gifts raise a whole host of issues, not least how you should protect your right to reside in the property, in the event it is your intention to continue to live in it. It is not unknown for a child to die before a parent, and you should consider what would happen in that situation.

Your property is a valuable asset, and you may need to use the capital in the property for your own benefit at some stage in the future. If you have made a gift of your property, you will not be able to release capital from it, should you need to do so.

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It is vitally important to carefully consider all your options and take appropriate advice from your legal advisor as to how you may best protect yourself in your plans for the future. For further information contact Canter Levin and Berg Solicitors Dawn Joughin – 0844 335 2905.

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CARE HOME NHS REFUNDS! It is estimated that about two thirds of the 150,000 in nursing homes who pay for their own care should be funded by the NHS that's around 100,000 paying unnecessarily

Claims backdated to 2004 Review current assessment Save £1000’s on care home fees We fight your case for you Stress free consultation Specialists in care home refunds We can also help you save on inheritance tax by guiding you through the most tax efficient methods of estate planning and the writing of a will which ensures that your estate passes to those you intend to receive it.

Recent cases include backdated payments of up to £165,000 where the family home was sold to help pay for care. Others included a refund of £130,000 because the NHS deemed the problems ‘social’ rather than ‘health’ related.

If you feel that you have been incorrectly charged, speak to one of our specialists on:

0844 875 6200

You could claim a refund for fees paid for care that should have been provided free!

Our experience makes yours better www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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F O OD

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D RI NK

Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes 108_Mag Ad_DPS_Feb12_2xA4:Layout 1

22/2/12

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JOIN TODAY AN discover the secr

Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe”

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Taken from his book ‘Mediterranean Escapes’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.

SERVES 8-10 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving 1 large onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 large leek, cleaned and cut into similar-sized pieces

Minestra: Corsican Vegetable Soup with Smoked Ham, Cabbage and Borlotti Beans Heat the oil in a really large pan, add the onion, garlic and leek, and cook gently for 3-4 minutes. Drain the soaked beans and add to the pan with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato, rosemary, dried oregano and 2 litres of water. Cut the ham hock in half lengthways to one side of the bone, add to the pan and press the pieces down well into the soup so they are totally submerged. Bring everything to a simmer and leave to cook, uncovered, for 1 hour.

250g dried borlotti beans, soaked overnight 450g waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte, peeled and cut into 1- cm dice 250g peeled carrots, cut into 1-cm dice 2 celery sticks, cut into 1- cm dice 1 ripe beef tomato, skinned and chopped Use this PASS to view our Haydock Warehouse ThenPREVIEW add the green beans, courgettes, cabbage, tagliatelle Name : Leaves from 1 small rosemary sprig, finely pieces and fresh oregano and simmer for a further 15-20 Address : chopped minutes until the soup is thick. Remove the pieces of ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, and pull it into small chunks.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Postcode : Discard the skin and bone. Stir the ham back into the soup Tel : 1.2kg smoked ham hock email : with the parsley and approximately 500 ml more hot water to Identification for eligibility required. Purchases may only be made once full membership is obtained.

250g green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- cm loosen it slightly and season with salt and pepper. Service in pieces large warmed soup bowls, drizzled with a little more olive oil.Date : COSTCO USE ONLY Authorised by: 2 medium-sized courgettes, topped and tailed and cut into 1- cm dice 1/2 small cabbage (about 500g), core removed, thinly sliced 75g dried tagliatelle, broken into 5-cm pieces 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano CASH & CARRY MEMBERSHIP A small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped Sign up for Membership and receive WAREHOUSE CLUB Salt and freshly ground black pepper a free gift ... see pages 20 & 21 18

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SERVES 4 400g dried spaghetti 175-g piece smoked pancetta, rind removed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped A handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped 3 large eggs, beaten 50g finely grated pecorino sardo maturo Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: Pasta with Pecorino Sardo, Pancetta, Parsley and Eggs Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente.

Meanwhile, cut the pancetta into lardons (short little strips), about 6mm wide. Heat a large, deep frying pan over a mediumhigh heat, add the oil and the pancetta and allow it to fry until lightly golden. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for a few seconds, then remove from the heat and set to one side.

Drain the spaghetti well, tip into the frying pan with the pancetta, garlic and parsley, add the beaten eggs and half the grated pecorino cheese and toss together well. Season to taste with a little salt and black pepper. The heat from the spaghetti will be sufficient to partly cook the egg but still leave it moist and creamy. Take to the table and serve in warmed pasta bowls, sprinkled with the rest of the cheese.

SERVES 6-8 2 x 1-kg shoulders of lamb, each one cut into 3 large chunks through the bone (get your butcher to do this) 2kg waxy maincrop potatoes, such as Desiree, peeled and cut into 5-6cm chunks 1 head of garlic, outside papery skins removed, cut in half through the middle 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible 3-6 fresh bay leaves 2 tablespoons fresh oregano or marjoram leaves 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Juice of 2 large lemons Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Kleftiko: Slow-cooked Lamb with Garlic, Oregano, Lemon and Potatoes Preheat the oven to 1900C/Gas Mark 5. Combine the meat, potatoes and garlic in a large ovenproof casserole dish. Sprinkle with the dried and fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, 100ml water, 2 teaspoons of salt and plenty of black pepper and mix together well, then nestle the pieces of meat down in among the potatoes. Drizzle with a little more oil.

Cover the casserole tightly with foil and a well-fitting lid and bake for 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone. However, check after a couple of hours to make sure it doesn’t need a little more water.

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JOIN TODAY AND discover the secret 62 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE ALREADY KNOW

Use this PREVIEW

PASS to view our Haydock Warehouse

Name : Address :

Postcode : Tel : email :

Identification for eligibility required. Purchases may only be made once full membership is obtained.

COSTCO USE ONLY

20

Authorised by:

Date :

CASH & CARRY MEMBERSHIP WAREHOUSE CLUB

Did you know, as a

Retired Employee you may qualify for Costco Membership?

Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selection of top quality brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Speciality departments include Fresh Deli and Produce, In-House Bakery and Butchery, Service Deli, Cafe, Tyre Centre, Opticians, Fine Wines, Beers and Spirits, Electrical Appliances and much much more!

Individual Membership You qualify for Individual Membership if you belong to specific employment groups – please see below for details of qualifying categories. To join Costco and start saving please provide your employee ID card or current pay slip to prove your employer, PLUS a current utility bill (electricity, gas, telephone, water) or a bank statement addressed to your home.

The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is ÂŁ25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Individual Members Eligibility Criteria Retired employee of: Banking/Finance, Civil Servant, Education, Fire/Rescue, Insurance, Local Government, Medical/Health Service, Police Force, Post Office, Airline.

You can join online: visit www.costco.co.uk/membership Sign up for Membership with this advert and receive a FREE gift!

Quote reference no. RET12. Costco Haydock only.

Valid until 31.12.12.

For membership queries, or for further information about Costco please contact the Membership Team at Costco Haydock:

Call 01942 868 600 or email marketing108@costco.co.uk

Accepted methods of payment: cash, cheque, debit card or American Express.

Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Costco Haydock Andover Road Haydock Merseyside WA11 9FA T: 01942 868 600 E: marketing108@costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Everyone should consider some basic legal planning to make sure that their families and loved ones are protected in case of future events which can affect anyone. Here we consider the “essentials” of making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Gift of Property into Trust.

REASONS TO MAKE A WILL Making a Will is important, particularly when you realise that without a Will the Government will decide who will receive your money and possessions after you die. Unfortunately this can cause many difficulties for your surviving family and relatives at an already distressing time. By making a Will you can help alleviate additional pressures on your family.

The myth that ‘my wife will receive everything anyway’ is not true. Your estate would be shared out in accordance with the ‘Statutory Legacy’ rules and your wife would receive the first £250,000 with the rest going into trust. This might not be enough to enable your wife to keep the matrimonial home.

When it comes to ‘common law husband or wife’, there is no such thing. Only people who are legally married or have formed a civil partnership will be classed as husband, wife or civil partner and only they can enjoy the benefits of automatically inheriting part of their spouse’s estate. You would have to go to Court to claim part of the estate which will come with the usual costs and expenses.

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Children are another reason why it is important to make a Will. If something was to happen to you and your children were still minors or disabled, you can appoint Guardians to look after them. It is also important if you are married for a second time and have children from a previous relationship. If you were to die first and your estate was below the ‘Statutory Legacy’ your whole estate would pass to your second spouse and your children would have no absolute right to anything. If you are legally separated the ‘Statutory Legacy’ will still apply until the divorce is finalised so if you want your estate to pass to someone else then you must make a Will.

You should have your Will prepared by an experienced Lawyer who will make sure all the relevant points are covered especially if your Will is complicated and Tax Planning Advice may be required.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY Most people know they should have a Will, but have you considered what would happen if you were to become unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime? Who would make difficult financial and personal decisions on your behalf? You can protect yourself by making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

The LPA is a legal document in which you can appoint another person or persons as Attorney(s) to act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs and/or personal welfare if you become unable to do so for yourself. The LPA was introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Court of Protection before it can be used. It is useful if you are ill or in hospital or residential care when it is difficult for you to look after your personal finances or welfare. There is one type of LPA dealing with your financial affairs i.e. managing your Bank Accounts and Investments and also selling your property if required. There is also an LPA dealing with your personal welfare i.e. issues relating to your personal care and where you should live and also giving or refusing consent to certain medical treatment.

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FINANCE It is important to note that you can only make an LPA if you have sufficient mental capacity and this has to be confirmed by a Certificate Provider. In some cases it may be necessary to obtain a Doctor’s opinion if there is any doubt. It is also important to note that it does not take away your independence as one of the main principles of the Act is that capacity is decision specific and Attorneys should assist people to make their own decisions wherever possible. If you should lose capacity without having an LPA in place then it will be necessary for someone to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to deal with your affairs which can be a very slow and expensive process.

An LPA is an important legal document which should be properly prepared and explained to you by an experienced Lawyer.

GIFT OF PROPERTY INTO TRUST Most people are concerned about the costs of long term residential care. Currently if your assets exceed £23,250 including the value of your property then you will be self funding and have to pay for the cost of your care yourself.

property for whatever reason, the trust would come to an end and the property could be sold with the proceeds divided between your children.

In this way you would no longer be treated as the legal owner of the property if you were to be assessed for long-term care fees and also as you are occupying the property which is held in trust, this usually means that main residence exemption from Capital Gains Tax can be claimed although this is decided by the Revenue on a case by case basis.

Obviously giving away your property is a major irrevocable decision which requires specialist legal advice.

Make sure you carry out your legal planning in good time with the benefit of specialist legal advice from a Lawyer who is experienced in such matters.

The biggest concern for most people is that you may have to sell your property to pay for the care.

However it is possible to avoid this by giving your property away during your lifetime, usually to your children. The gift however must be made in good time and not simply with the intention of avoiding future care fees otherwise it may be caught by the Local Authority’s anti-avoidance measures.

You could simply make an outright gift to your children but as you will probably wish to continue to live in your property this could cause problems if you were to fall out with them or if they were to experience matrimonial problems or bankruptcy it could lead to someone else making a claim against their share of your property. Additionally, it could also cause problems for your children in owning a share of a second property and could give rise to possible Capital Gains Tax implications on the eventual sale of the property.

We would therefore always recommend that a gift of property should be a gift into Trust which would protect you and your children from most of these potential difficulties. The Trust would provide for you to remain living in the property for as long as you wish on the basis that you continue to be responsible for all the outgoings as at present. The Trust can also provide for the property to be sold and a replacement property purchased for you to live in if you so wished. When you no longer live in the

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Do you want to protect your property if you die or become incapacitated?

Are you concerned about care home fees?

Can you ensure that your assets will pass to who you want them to pass?

We will give you helpful, professional and friendly advice

GILLIGAN & CO LTD Specialists in Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney and Trusts FREE HOME VISITS Tel: 01925 242600 www.gilliganandco.co.uk Email: info@gilliganandco.co.uk Suite F7, Warrington Business Park, Long Lane, Warrington WA2 8TX

23

Are you over 60?

Living in Wigan Borough?

Are you living in a well-maintained, warm, safe home?

Do you need help with...

Small domestic repairs?    

Dripping taps?

Fitting curtain rails?

Changing light bulbs?

Putting up shelves...and other small DIY jobs in the home?

Our handyperson service, in partnership with Age UK Wigan Borough costs £15 per job (max. 2 hours) plus the cost of materials

Major repairs to your home?    

Assistance in planning the work Finding a reliable contractor Advice on funding options Support from start to finish

Our help and advice is FREE

Advice and Assistance?    

Help to access a range of services for living independently Completing welfare benefit claims Making applications to charitable trusts Assessing housing options

Pennyhurst Mill Haig Street Wigan WN3 4AZ E-mail: mail@careandrepair-wigan.org.uk Website: www.careandrepair-wigan.org.uk

Call us on 01942 239360 9am - 5pm In partnership with…

HEALTH

Complete Denture Service 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.

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.

Unfortunately in this country we are still waiting for their recognition. Denturists will take the greatest care to make your dentures look natural and fit properly.

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.

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

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

Express Denture Repair Service

DK1

Dental Lab

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional.

Denture construction is more art than science.

Choice of Dentures

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

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

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

Your Dentures need Attention 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

When they become loose.

When teeth or denture base discolours.

When tooth surfaces become flat.

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

When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

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

Where do I go to have a good set of Dentures made?

Every dentist can make dentures, but not all of them will specialise in denture making.

In recent years, new denture specialists have been trained, called clinical dental technicians or denturists. Many of them have successfully completed training based on a Canadian system, where denturists have been practising for many years.

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Emergency Denture Repairs Over 15 years Experience

Have your Dentures Professionally Cleaned Denture Repairs within the Hour HOME COLLECTION & DELIVERY

01744 730 130 Mob: 07825 371468 9am - 6pm Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday

34 George Street, St Helens WA10 1BU. 25

90 years of Insulin

“Insulin is a wonderful thing and those who use it must respect it” 23 January 2012 marked the 90th anniversary of the first successful use of insulin, arguably one of the greatest medical advances of the twentieth century. Since then, millions of people worldwide have used insulin, usually in the form of injections, to regulate their blood glucose levels and stay alive.

Not long after the first insulin treatment began on a 14-year-old boy, in 1934 novelist HG Wells and his practitioner Dr RD Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes, set up the Diabetic Association aiming to make sure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin. This charity later became Diabetes UK. Today Diabetes UK is the leading charity for over 3.7 million people in the UK with diabetes – 2.9 million diagnosed and an estimated 850,000 who have diabetes but do not know it - their families, friends and healthcare professionals. The charity cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes.

Richard Lane 68, President of Diabetes UK, has been taking insulin for more than 35 years and has seen the technology in administering insulin advance in leaps and bounds: “I used to use glass syringes which would have to be boiled and their needles sharpened. A lot has changed since then and I now use a state-of-theart insulin pump and sensor. It provides me with a remarkable amount of information about my blood glucose levels, which is transmitted wirelessly from a sensor to the actual pump which feeds me insulin. Data can be downloaded onto a computer and a detailed profile of my condition is put together. This life-changing technology means I can now keep a closer eye on my diabetes and manage it well.”

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Richard says he feels “humble” to have access to this modern technology and is concerned that hundreds of people are denied insulin sensors and pumps and strongly believes that they should be available for all people if they are suitable.

Richard is very conscious that insulin keeps him alive and without it he wouldn’t be able to live the active life that he does: “Insulin is a wonderful thing and those of us who use it must respect it. We have to be aware of how to use it and how things could go wrong if we don’t treat our condition properly.”

In addition to self-managing diabetes, it is important that people with the condition are provided with the right care from their healthcare professionals. Diabetes UK has launched the 15 healthcare essentials initiative to identify the 15 care checks which all people with diabetes should have access to.

For more information, visit their website: www.diabetes.org.uk Read Richard Lane’s blog to see who he’s been sharing his experiences with across the world recently: http://blogs.diabetes.org.uk/?cat=241

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

If you are having trouble hearing clearly, why not do something about it?

Hearcentres are able to test and examine your ears and prescribe the very latest technology hearing instruments. They can offer you an unrivalled service and the results can be life-changing! To find out more, why not call them or call in to their established Hearing Centre in Haslingden. The service is also available at the Fairfield Independent Hospital in Crank, near St Helens. Hearcentres are a small group of established, local hearing centres manned by experienced hearing care professionals.

To improve your hearing, call Hearcentres on 01706 215479.

Exclusive suppliers of

 Clinical Earcare (wax removal)  Comprehensive Ear Examinations and Hearing Tests  Complete range of the latest Hearing instruments  All makes and models supplied and serviced  Complete range of batteries and accessories  Hearing protection and communication products  Comprehensive aftercare and support service  Home visit service available across the area

Fairfield Independent Hospital

Haslingden Hearing Centre

Crank Road

(incorporating Slater’s Hearing Aids)

Crank

WA11 7RS

65 Lower Deardengate Haslingden Lancashire BB4 5SN

T: 01706 215479

T: 01706 215479

St Helens Merseyside

Q&A About Sight Tests 1. I can see fine, why do I need a sight test?

Many eye conditions do not have symptoms in their early stages. If detected early enough, many can be treated and blindness can be avoided.

It is easy to think that your eyesight is fine, because you have nothing to compare it against. A sight test does not just assess how well you can see, it also looks for diseases that can be diagnosed through a sight test. Some eye conditions resulting in sight loss are symptomless. Glaucoma has no symptoms until it is very advanced, so without a sight test you could have lost part of the visual field in one eye but not have noticed. Diabetic retinopathy is also symptomless in the initial stages, but can lead to total vision loss. Equally, the first time some people know they have a brain tumour or high blood pressure is through a sight test.

Optometrists are health professionals who can improve your quality of life by prescribing spectacles or by detecting the early signs of an eye condition that could lead to sight loss. Through early detection, the condition can be treatable.

Your optometrist will give you individual advice on how often to visit.

4. How much does a sight test cost?

Many people qualify for a free sight test and help with the cost of spectacles/lenses on the NHS. An average sight test costs in the region of £25 but shop around, as the cost varies greatly.

5. Could I (or my children) be exempt from paying for sight tests?

In England, Northern Ireland & Wales you qualify for a free NHS sight test if you are:

2. Which diseases can be detected through a sight test?

Regular sight tests can diagnose more serious problems.

Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and in some cases brain tumours and high blood pressure can be detected through a sight test. Sometimes, the first time people are aware they have a brain tumour is when it is detected through a sight test. However, if a sight test doesn’t pick up a condition, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have it.

3. How often should I have a sight test?

Regular sight tests are still important even if you don’t wear spectacles or lenses. They are a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s health routine. Adults should see an optometrist every two years. Some people may need to go more frequently.

These include: • Those over 70 • People with a history of eye conditions in their family • People over 40 of Afro-Carribean or Asian origin • Those who wear contact lenses should go every six months so the surfaces of the eyes can be checked.

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• • • • • •

Aged under 16 Aged up to 18 in full-time education Aged over 60 Aged over 40 with a relative with glaucoma A diabetes or glaucoma sufferer Claiming benefit (i.e. Income Support, Income- based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) • Receiving Tax Credits (in some cases) • On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate If you are entitled to an NHS sight test and are unable to get to a high street opticians unaided, you are entitled to a free sight test at home.

6. How long does a standard sight test take and what does it involve?

20 – 25 minutes but it can take longer if further tests are needed. A standard sight test would include: • Checking if spectacles or contact lenses are needed • Checking the health of both the inside and the outside of the eye

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

7. How often do I need to get my spectacles/ contact lenses prescription checked?

Faster

this area deteriorates causing a loss of central vision, this is called macular degeneration (AMD). There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. The wet type can cause damage very quickly, but there is treatment available if it is detected early.

The more common dry type progresses more slowly but there is no treatment available for this other than possible prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle. *

* Average performance. Performance will vary by material, temperature and light conditions.

• Measuring the pressure of the fluid in the eye and examining the structures at the back of the eye • Plotting the visual field of the eyes (checking if there are any blind areas) • Optometrists also have a responsibility to report any nonocular conditions they might see.

At Richard Shaw Opticians in Warrington using the cutting edge technology obtained by the Zeiss i.Profiler than ever equipment we can, in combination of your classic spectacle prescription and the iProfi®ler data, calculate and manufacture PhotoFusion individualised i.Scription lenses leading to better vision.

Adults should get their spectacles prescription checked by an optometrist every two years. People who wear before: contact lenses should go to the optometrist every six months so the surface of the eye can be checked. Your optometrist or The new self-tinting lenses by ZEISS: dispensing optician might give you individual advice on how · Better night vision often to visit. ȴȴ Fastȴreactionȴtoȴchangingȴlightȴconditions · Sharper contrast

ȴȴ Optimumȴvisionȴunderȴallȴlightȴconditions · Enhanced visual comfort

8. How does a home (domiciliary) sight test ȴȴ ȴConstantlyȴhighȴself-tintingȴperformanceȴandȴȴ · Reduced eye fatigue differ from a sight test at an optician? aȴnaturalȴstylishȴlook

· Bright and richer colour vision A home sight test uses portable versions of the equipment ȴ 100%ȴUVȴprotection. that would be used at the optician’s practice. With domiciliary visits, the tests may be more adapted to personal circumstances, for example, See more. Live more. the optometrist may take into account how far away your chair is from the ZEISS precision lenses. television and adjust your prescription accordingly. They may also give advice about lighting.

A leader in precision optics since 1846.

You will not be seeing at the optimum level. You may also get headaches and eye strain. If you adapt to the wrong prescription it may then be hard for an optometrist to get you to adapt to the right prescription for you. For example, this can happen with readymade reading glasses as few people have the same prescription in both eyes.

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9. What are the possible side effects of wearing the wrong prescription contact lenses / spectacles?

10. What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases where the pressure of the fluid inside the eye is too high and damages the delicate structures at the back of the eye. The most common form of glaucoma has few or no symptoms in the early stages and can be quite advanced and have done a lot of damage before the sufferer is aware of it. Early detection through regular sight tests can prevent this.

11. What is macular degeneration?

The macula is the very sensitive area at the centre of the back of the eye that we use for our fine vision, reading, recognising faces etc. In some people, particularly with age,

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Richard Shaw Optician | 7 Bold Street | Warrington | WA1 1DN t: 01925 632516 | e-mail:contacts@shawvision.co.uk

29

Your Questions Answered on dental implants...

Mr McCormick is included on the GDC register of specialist oral surgeons and has established himself as the main oral surgery and implant practitioner in the Wigan area.

He has been adopted as the official dentist for Wigan Athletic Football club since 2004 and now enjoys close ties with the club.

Mr McCormick graduated from Manchester Dental School in 1988, following 1 year Vocational training he moved to a full time hospital post, initially at Trafford general hospital and then Wigan Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. He completed the first stage of oral surgery training at Wigan and then moved on to Manchester Royal Infirmary to complete his training. Passing the surgical fellowship from the Royal College of surgeons of England in 1993.

Mr McCormick at this stage decided to forward his career in specialist oral surgery and implant practice away from the hospital environment but he first took 1 year out to travel and work in New Zealand.

On returning to the UK, he joined Red Rose Dental Centre as specialist oral surgeon. He also returned to Wigan Royal Albert Edward Infirmary for 1 day a week in the oral surgery department, a post he has recently stepped down from.

He answers our questions about an exciting area of advanced dental care:

Q: What are dental implants?

A: Implants are in effect small titanium roots which replace natural teeth.

Q: What can they be used for?

A: Implants can be used to replace an individual tooth, avoiding the need for drilling into a healthy tooth to support a bridge.

They can be used to stabilise dentures where the patient’s natural teeth have been lost.

This stops the problem of dentures moving or dropping whilst eating or talking and, as you can imagine, this is one of our most popular requests.

Q: Is the procedure uncomfortable?

A: The overwhelming majority of patients report mild or no discomfort at all. Placement of an implant is a small surgical procedure so a local anaesthetic is used in a similar way to if the patient was having a filling or extraction.

Q: How successful is it?

Q: How would I know if I am suitable?

A: We provide an initial informal consultation first of all. The majority of our patients will be able to decide at this point whether implants are for them. However, before treatment begins, each patient will have an in depth clinical assessment and a report detailing what the treatment options are, the number of likely visits and the fees involved. We make sure that our patients are fully informed so that they can make the right choice about their treatment.

Q: How long does everything take?

A: This depends on a number of factors. Some techniques and treatments, where suitable for the patient, allow us to place implants and attach fixed bridges all at the same time, giving instant results. At the other end of the scale, healing can take longer and be generally spread over 6-9 months.

Q: I understand implant treatment is very expensive?

A: Initially implant treatment has a higher investment than traditional forms of treatment but over the longer term it can be better value. For many people this investment is worth making for the benefits mentioned earlier. We offer interest free facilities and extended payment options which many people find useful. The improvement in quality of life is more difficult to put a price on.

A: Very! Typical success rates for healing of implants is in the region of 97%.

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Red Rose Dental Centre

www.redrosedentalcentre.co.uk

Loose dentures?

Worn or missing teeth?

Having difficulty chewing?

“I would willingly advise anyone who is unsure about this treatment that the benefits are unbelievable and the difference is quite amazing, it looks great.”

- Sam “I can now go to functions, and not have to worry about menus and difficulty choosing dishes. I can now eat anything.

Thanks."

- Mr Leyland It is never too late to have a comfortable, healthy and natural looking smile.

Whether you need general dental care, new crowns or dentures, Mr McCormick and his team offer the best possible care and amazing results.

We provide beautiful and bespoke dental work - taking great pride in giving you an exceptional service in a relaxing environment

A few visits to our clinic could take years off and leave you smiling all the way home!

FREE Consultation with our treatment co-ordinator EREdebra

H We are based

Red Rose Dental www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Centre | 50 New Market Street | Wigan | WN1 1SJ T: 01942 242632 e-mail: info@redrosedentalcentre.co.uk

31

tore New sn in ope own st Booth

LLG Wheelchairs Ltd have been in the mobility business since 1983, offering a high quality service to our customers throughout the UK. We carry one of the largest stocks of new and used mobility scooters, vehicles and mobility accessories in the north west.

We don’t just sell wheelchairs and mobility scooters in Leigh - we can also supply small household mobility aids to stairlifts and everything in-between throughout the north west and the UK. Our after-sales customer care is second to none.

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

NHS Wheelchair Voucher Scheme FREE Home Demonstration Over 30 years experience

REGAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE • Daily Living Aids • Stairlifts • Power Chairs • Scooters • Footwear & much more...

For friendly, honest advice, or to arrange a demonstration please call us on

01942 606668 Parsonage Garage, Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, Lancashire WN7 5RP. e-mail: llgwheelchairs@aol.com Also at Unit 1, Stanfield Centre, Boothstown, Manchester M28 1FB. T: 0161 790 9071.

www.llgwheelchairs.com