Wigan, warrington & st helens issue 48

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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

WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST HELENS EDITION 48

Rick is Back!

AS HE HEADS OUT ON TOUR RICK ASTLEY'S ALBUM HITS NUMBER ONE!

The Windward Islands of the Caribbean WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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A DEM 2 P A E LY

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G ON ININ 2 U LY TO H ARE EMA N O DUE ERE NTS R TH ME RT A AP

PARK LODGE OVER HULTON BOLTON BL5 1EB

For the retirement you deserve A development of 14 one and two bedroom spacious apartments for the over 60’s, providing a safe, secure and comfortable lifestyle for buyers who wish to retain their independence but with the certain knowledge that help or assistance is just a call away.

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

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

• 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.

• Built in wardrobes to all bedrooms.

• Lift to all floors.

• Fitted carpets to all apartments.

Retirement Living - Redefined At Melrose Living, we understand the need to find the perfect property is never easy, especially in later life. That is why, at Park Lodge, we have redefined retirement living. The need to retain independence is crucial, whilst also offering additional assistance if required. It truly is the epitome of the independence you desire for today but opening the door to a lifestyle that you never thought was possible.

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As well as your own private apartment there is a beautifully furnished Owners’ Lounge at the heart of the development. See photo above. It has a large flat screen TV and sound system and its own kitchen. A perfect venue for a get together with visiting friends, family or neighbours.

Our Duty Manager Steve is around for limited hours during the working week, adding that little extra touch of reassurance that help is on hand in the unlikely event of an emergency. When Steve is absent then the 24/7 Emergency Care line clicks in and will be answered promptly by our service partners, Bolton at Home - Security and peace of mind are our watchwords!

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.

Our landscaped gardens and sitting out area add the finishing touch to this remarkable development.

Prices from £143,000 £149,950 Part Ex Now Available MELROSE MOVER SCHEME HOUSE TO SELL? NO PROBLEM Our experienced staff will guide you through the process

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

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Twittering on With Tyler Grundy Starting this edition's ‘Twittering On' a rather sombre note. Remembering the vast amount of celebrities that we lost throughout 2016, the social media world has been typing in fear. Will this trend continue into 2017? (I mean it is likely, we are after all an ageing population).

Now I do not mean to boast but as I write this, I have just finished watching the series on my ultra-high definition TV and some of the scenes are truly breathtaking. I myself love the show and would recommend it to you readers today, if you have not watched it already although, I imagine many of you will have done. But I must admit, I had a second agenda other than for my viewing pleasure when I watched the show.

I shall regale you with one of my favorite tweets before moving swiftly on. I imagine you will be able to guess the famous figure to which the user was referring;

“He’s made it into 2017, Brucey!

Wrap him up in cotton wool now!”

Attenborough Does It Again!

The internet following its initial airing was in uproar over a certain scene in the very first episode involving newborn iguanas and racer snakes.

The scene unfolded into a deadly chase between the two. If you have seen it then I imagine the scene has stuck with you.

The original Planet Earth presented by David Attenborough is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series’ ever produced. The series originally aired in 2006 and the follow up aptly titled Planet Earth II concluded this winter.

inside

The epic scene has been widely compared to this decade's hit show Game of Thrones. Now if you are not familiar with that show it is filled to the brim with sex, incest, and head popping violence (literally). I saw many a viewer compare the intensity of the snakes swarming the baby iguana and the close ups of its final moments of its short life with the violence and gore ever present in Game of Thrones, many noting that Planet Earth had just raised the bar.

In case you are one of those not familiar with Game of Thrones, I shall regale you with a story I heard going around about the show's latest season.

It is renowned for its openness in showing full frontal female nudity and there was recently a rumor stating that if the showrunners did not even the score with full frontal male nudity then the show would risk being cancelled.

Coincidently, they obliged. Anyway, that is just a taster of what kind of a show Thrones is.

Admittedly, the scoring of the Planet Earth scene by world-renowned

TRAVEL...

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN 8-9

RICK ASTLEY NEW TOUR 18-19

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MAKING IT AS EASY TO LIVE IN AS POSSIBLE 20-22

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TWITTER composer Hans Zimmer did add a sense of epic proportion to the chase.

65 Years of Queen Liz!

Understandably, the internet could not miss such an opportunity to create an account for the iguana that made it to safety. With its first post being a thank you to all its fans who wished him well, while also informing us he was “bricking it” running across those rocks.

Indeed, this is the popular term of endearment for Queen Elizabeth II within the Twitter universe. As I write this section, I must admit I was a little puzzled as to how long a ‘Sapphire Jubilee’ was a recognition of. Then to realize that it was the first of its kind as no other English monarch has celebrated 65 years on the throne.

30p For A Freddo?!

Yes, you read that correctly. The famous frog chocolate bar, that back in my childhood days was an affordable 10p has been steadily rising in price over the last few years.

Now at the risk of not making myself sound too old, 30p in my childhood would have bought me a 10p Freddo and two 10p mixes from my local corner shop. I have no doubt this little tale will have you musing what you could have purchased with that amount of money back in the day.

Some are linking the sudden rise in price with Brexit. First, they say it was the Toblerone when the chocolate bar, just weeks after the Brexit vote, announced they would be changing the traditional triangle shape of the bar. Albeit a minute change to the size of the triangles. Those passionate Twitter users have remerged here as well once again relating the rise in Freddo’s price to Brexit. Light humor over, here comes the academics.

Here comes the inevitable history lesson from a history graduate.

Some of you may be familiar with my historical tangents by now. Freddos were first introduced to Britain in 1973 and enjoyed their first stint on our shelves up until 1979 before again reappearing 15 years later.

The evolution of the Freddo bar can be seen above. And don’t let the picture fool you, as in recent years the Freddo has actually decreased in size as the price has increased. There is also a rumour that at one stage in the life of Freddo it stood at an absolute bargain price of 5p.

This picture is the Coronation of a young Queen Elizabeth II on the 2nd of June 1953 which took place more than a year after her reign began.

I thought it was apt to take this opportunity to see what Twitter was saying about her reign as Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

The most bizarre fact I have stumbled upon, although I am dubious about it, is that the Queen is the only person in the UK who does not require a driving license to drive. We really are in the realms of twittering on now.

Watch out Ticket Touts are about.

In recent weeks, a string of high profile artists have announced tours of the UK. From Celine Dion, of Titantic fame and the young and hugely successful Ed Sheeran, the ginger haired bloke who started off as a busker and made it big.

Both were sellouts in the multiple arenas they announced. For Sheeran the tickets ranged from a modest £44 to £77 for the better ones. Whereas for Dion officially the tickets stood at £49 to £163. Crazy right? I mean £163 for a one hit wonder, well in my eyes anyway.

Now the shows are sold out, and this rather sadly is not because of committed fans but due to touts who buy tickets in bulk (in many cases you can buy up to 7 per person) and sell them on in some instances up to 10 times the normal asking price.

Tickets that were originally priced at £44 are now going for the cheapest price of £152 right up to £220 and beyond. And this is on a website that is basically dedicated to the touting of tickets! We all know ticket touts to be shady men standing outside of arenas buying and selling tickets on the night.

Now the game has changed.

I believe I can divide the rest of the tweets about her reign into three categories. We have the “65 years of doing nothing” brigade. We have, “Time to step down and let your son have a ago” posse and finally we have, “God save the Queen long may she reign” patriots who are the overwhelming majority in this case.

Rosie Returns!

Consistent viewers of the nation’s favorite soap Coronation Street will have noticed a familiar face return to the cobbles in these past weeks. That is correct, Rosie Webster has returned!

Online, fans of the show were quick to point out that although she may provide a bit of glamor and beauty for the show's male audience; it cannot make up for her lack of acting talent.

One Twitter user wrote;

“Clearly Rosie Webster hasn’t spent the last few years away from Corrie at acting school”.

Fans these days will go to desperate measures to see their idols. One young Twitter user has already been forced to sell her house and car after spending £1,300 on tickets to see Ed Sheeran (pictured above) and is now moving back in with her parents. Of course, there is no guarantee the tickets will even come her way. I guess 30p for a Freddo does not sound so crazy after all.

I shall leave you with some musings as I always do. How much would you be willing to pay to take you and your other half to see their favourite act?

A few years ago I myself saw Sir Tom Jones who if the opportunity comes I would urge you to see. 50 quid I paid.

So go on, treat yourself.

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H O L I D AY S

& T R AV E L

DOOR TO DOOR COACH T0urs

date

tour

board price

SS

date

tour

CALL FOR FREE BROCHUR E

board price

SS

MAY

JULY

22 May CUMBRIA - Spring Break 5HB £329 £25

Gilsland Hall Hotel 26 May GLOUCESTER 4HB £319 £75 Tall Ships Weekend at Gloucester Docks

Cheltenham Chase Hotel 30 May ISLE OF ARRAN & AYRSHIRE 7HB £549 £50

inc. off road Safari

Hallmark Hotel/BW Kinloch Hotel

02 July

04 July

08 July

16 July

16 July

24 July

30 July

31 July

BOURNEMOUTH - DINER TOUR 6HB £449 NOA Suncliff Hotel ISLE OF MAN - Douglas 5HB £389 £40 Rutland Hotel SEINE RIVER CRUISE - MS Renoir 7 £925 £245 (4FB on Renior) £349 NOA TENBY 6HB Belgrave Hotel CUMBRIA - DINER TOUR 6HB £439 £45 Gilsland Hall Hotel WARNER LEISURE HOTELS 5HB £399 NOA Cricket St. Thomas PAIGNTON 7HB £459 NOA Summer Time in the English Riviera The Marine Hotel IRELAND 6HB £629 £120 Killarney Towers Hotel

22 Aug

28 Aug

£319 £65+ EDINBURGH TATTOO 3HB Kings Manor Hotel TORQUAY 7HB £539 NOA Corbyn Head or Livermead Cliff Hotel

JUNE 01 Jun

10 Jun

11 Jun

17 Jun

19 Jun

25 Jun

CORNISH SPLENDOUR & Doc Martin 6HB £449 NOA Rosemundy House Hotel DUNOON - DINER TOUR 6HB £439 £48 The Esplanade Hotel ISLE OF WIGHT - Shanklin 6HB £449 NOA Channel View Hotel LLANDUDNO - Summer Holiday 8HB £469 £30 AUGUST Queens Hotel 05 Aug JERSEY BY AIR - Battle of the Flowers 8HB £709 NOA TORQUAY 5HB £365 NOA

The Mayfair Hotel, St Helier Headland Hotel £319 £65+ 11 Aug EDINBURGH TATTOO 3HB BARMOUTH - DINER TOUR 5HB £339 £25

Kings Manor Hotel Arbour Hotel 14 Aug WARNER LEISURE HOTELS 5HB £385 NOA

Motown and Cilla Black Tribute

Alverston Hall, Cheshire 14 Aug SCENIC SHROPSHIRE 5HB £339 £50

Buckatree Hall Hotel 19 Aug EASTBOURNE - plus Airshow 8HB £499 NOA

Haddon Hall Hotel

For full details of each tour visit our website or call for your FREE FULL COLOUR 2017 BROCHURE 6

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date

tour

board price

SS

date

tour

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

03 Sept

04 Sept

10 Sept

13 Sept

19 Sept

18 Sept

24 Sept

24 Sept

08 Dec

14 Dec

23 Dec

23 Dec

23 Dec

30 Dec

30 Dec

SCOTTISH BORDERS - PEEBLES 5HB £399 £80 Barony Castle Hotel & Spa BABBACOMBE 5HB £249 NOA Anchorage Hotel NORTHUMBERLAND - DINER TOUR 6HB £469 NOA Bamburgh & The Rugged Coast Victoria Hotel CORNISH SPLENDOUR & Doc Martin 6HB £449 NOA Rosemundy House Hotel SPAIN & PORTUGAL 15HB £1575 £275 Los Infantes/Regua Douro Hotel Bosque Mar Hotel Many extras inc.

BLACKPOOL -September Breaj 5HB £299 NOA Park House Hotel LLANDUDNO 6HB £389 £20 Queens Hotel SCARBOROUGH 6HB £425 NOA Esplanade Hotel

02 Oct

06 Oct

08 Oct

11 Oct

13 Oct

16 Oct

18 Oct

22 OCT

SS

SCARBORUGH - Turkey & Tinsel plus 3HB £149 NOA Flower of May Christmas Show Esplanade Hotel THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SHOW 4HB £380 NOA Best Western Le strange Arms Hotel CUMBRIA - Christmas Package 5SMA TBC TBC Gilsland Hall Hotel DUMFRIES - Christmas Package 5SMA £395 £60 Cairndale Hotel LLANDUDNO - Christmas Package 5SMA £610 £20 Queens Hotel DUMFRIES - Hogmanay Package 4SMA £420 £60 Cairndale Hotel CUMBRIA - Hogmanay Package 4SMA £469 £20 Gilsland Hall Hotel

H O L I D AY S

OCTOBER

board price

& T R AV E L

DAY EXCURSIONS

JERSEY BY AIR 6HB £499 £90 The Mayfair Hotel, St Helier CUMBRIA - Line Dance Weekend 3FB £189 £12 Gilsland Hall Hotel ROMANTIC HIGHLAND RAILWAYS 6HB £419 NOA Balavil Hotel, Newtonmore DAY EXCURSIONS SIDMOUTH 5HB £395 NOA The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel BLACKPOOL - Illuminations 4HB £225 NOA Park House Hotel 23 May Houghton Weavers and Lunch WARNER LEISURE HOTELS 4HB £409 NOA Departing 10.30am - £29.95 Holme Lacy Hotel One of our many visits to The barn at Rivington. We start with a SECRET ISLANDS AND (ALL INCLUSIVE) 5 £419 £56 wholesome lunch of 2 courses with tea and coffee and then it’s 3 WATERWAYS OF SCOTLAND Winnock Hotel, Lock Lomond hours of The Weavers Magic.

TORQUAY 6HB £379 £40 Belgrave Sands Hotel 29 May Bank Holiday Market at Bakewell

NOVEMBER 03 Nov LLANDUDNO - Turkey & Tinsel long weekend 4HB £234 £20

Queens Hotel 03 Nov TAUNTON - Bridgwater Illuminated Carnival 3HB £195 £40

Holiday Inn, Taunton 05 Nov TENBY - Turkey & Tinsel - Drinks Inclusive 5HB £295 NOA

Belgrave Hotel 08 Nov THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SHOW 4HB £380 NOA

Best Western Le Strange Arms Hotel 13 Nov CUMBRIA - Turkey & Tinsel 5HB £299 £25

Gilsland Hall Hotel 13 Nov BABBACOMBE - Turkey & Tinsel 4HB £235 £20

Anchorage Hotel 19 Nov LUDLOW - Pre Christmas Party 4HB £309 NOA

The Feathers Hotel 24 Nov VALKENBURG CHRISTMAS MARKETS 5HB £399 £85

Hotel Schaepkens 30 Nov LOCH LOMOND Plus Edinburgh Christmas Markets 5 £319 £56

The Winnock Hotel (ALL INCLUSIVE)

DINER TOURS on these tours our hostess will serve a freshly prepared light lunch with tea & coffee on day excursions, and morning coffee and biscuits on the outward and return days. All freshly made on board.

NOA : Nil Supplement on our Allocation

Departing 8.30am - £17.00 Always a favourite with all our clients. So will be no different this year, come and find the bargains.

06 Jun Yorkshire Dales Departing 8.30am - £22.00 A day of beautiful scenery and pretty villages. We travel up via Kettlewell, with the Dales landscapes all around us before we reach the Village of Hawes.

09 Jul Liquorice Festival at Pontefract £17.00 Today we return to an old favourite. Pontefract is a unique historic town with its Norman Castle, cobbled streets and the aroma of warm liquorice emanating from the local sweet factories.

An audience with the Master of Mirth, Ken Dodd OBE - £98 At The Grand Theatre, Blackpool. 1st October, 2 days staying overnight at Park House Hotel Blackpool. Our package includes main road pick ups close to your home within our pick up area, a pleasant drive to Blackpool allowing time for shopping or just a stroll along the front, checking in at Park House Hotel around 3pm.

Booking Hotline

01942 728 960

www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Memory Lane Holidays & Travel

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a little pampering in the sun. The two of them had found the perfect solution to ensure marital harmony for their golden years.

January is the perfect time of year to escape from the UK with a direct flight to Barbados and then a quick hop to join the Royal Clipper. And what a welcoming ship it is, by far the most elegant and photogenic in the port, a vision of beauty with comfort and charm in equal measures.

The Royal Clipper – The Windward Islands of the Caribbean “I absolutely must go on that ship….” Carolyn (a vibrant 65 year old Norwegian, now on her fourth Star Clippers cruise) explained over a sundowner rum punch that she had been in Barbados a few years earlier on board a large cruise liner, and her eyes were drawn across the marina. It was love at first sight, and she has never looked back.

many a small yacht in the past and still wanted to experience the buzz from travelling by sail power. His wife however, preferred luxury holidays with

Usually we would return to the ship for lunch which was also a buffet (including a fabulous beach barbecue in Antigua – what a way to lunch in style!), and any thought of hunger later in the afternoon was soon dispelled by tea served at 5pm in the tropical bar area where a soulful singer and keyboard player entertained.

The secret? The essence of a Star Clippers voyage is that it’s a genuine sailing experience on board the largest full-rigged ship in the world……with all of the comfort, superb dining and service of a 5 star cruise.

“I still want to enjoy sailing but not with all that responsibility.” This time it was George’s turn to explain why he had the Star Clippers bug. He had captained

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After just a day or two, life on board established a delightful and relaxed daily routine. Rising early to enjoy the sunrise with a dazzling display of oranges and pinks through the clouds and over the hills of the islands, accompanied by the water performance of the flying fish and the birds swooping to catch them. Then with my appetite likewise awakened, it was high time for a buffet breakfast (the bread choice and quality alone rivalled any top hotel), and the not too arduous task of deciding on the plan for the day ahead. The ship called in at a different island each day (St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique), and a range of excursions were on offer.

D ebbie M arshall f r o m S ilver T ravel A dvisor

Then it was time to ascend to the upper deck, to savour the setting sun, cocktail of the day in hand, and enjoy the Sailaway. Dramatic and emotional music (Vangelis, `1492 Conquest of Paradise’) provides the atmosphere while the crew hoist the sails, the captain watches over and the guests step to the side of the

TRAVEL

Relaxing of the Jetty

incredible web of ropes and pulleys, as our elegant ship set sail for the next destination.

Dinner is a la carte, where guests can choose to sit separately to eat if they choose, although it’s more interesting to be on a mixed table for 6 or 8. Evening entertainment is very informal, with a highlight being a steel band.

Snorkelling equipment is available free of charge, and for those who prefer a little self-indulgence, there’s also an excellent spa with a range of treatments. And a gym should all that wonderful food be resulting in a couple of unwelcome extra inches around the waist.

The seven days went by all too fast, with experiences to savour that will last a lifetime. New friendships made, stories told and a true sense of well-being shared.

Star Clippers (0808 231 4798, www.starclippers. co.uk) offers fully crewed tall ship sailing cruises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Indonesia, Cuba and Asia, and transatlantic crossings each spring and autumn. A 7 night Caribbean sailing around the Windward Islands (departing 13th January 2018) on board the magnificent flagship Royal Clipper costs from £1979 per person, including return UK flights, transfers, all meals on board and port charges. Or cruise only from £1227.

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Est.1923

Coach Holidays

EXCEPTIONAL Spring & Summer Offers

SAVE up to £50

per couple off a selection of 5 & 8 Day Tours

Robinsons Own Hotels Sunny Sussex and Eastbourne

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.

Ocean View Hotel

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

DATE WAS PRICE 22 May £225 £200 29 May £229 £204 05 Jun £239 £214 12 Jun £239 £214 19 Jun £239 £214 26 Jun £239 £214 03 July £239 £214 17 July £239 £214 24 July £239 £214 31 July £239 £214 07 Aug - £239 14 Aug - £239 21 Aug - £239 28 Aug - £239 04 Sept - £239 11 Sept - £229 25 Sept - £219 30 Sept - £215 04 Oct - £205 09 Oct - £199 14 Oct - £195 18 Oct - £189 22 Oct - £185

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Situated in a premier location with an idyllic If you’re looking to unwind in style, this elegant seaside position, the charming, well-appointed Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the Ocean View Hotel boasts uninterrupted grounds of the former Torre Abbey with stunning panoramic views across Sandown Bay. The hotel views of the bay, the Abbey Lawn hotel offers an also offers a large sprung dance floor and provides exceptional standard of comfort throughout. live entertainment most evenings.

Park Garage, Great Harwood,

Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

IMPERIAL HOTEL POSTCARD.indd 11

Delightful Devon and Torquay

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Freephone: 0800 083 9900 5 Day Tours 2017

1501

5 Day Tours 2017

Blackburn, BB6 7SP

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

DATE WAS PRICE 22 May £225 £200 29 May £229 £204 05 Jun £239 £214 12 Jun £239 £214 19 Jun £239 £214 26 Jun £239 £214 03 July £239 £239 10 July £239 £214 17 July £239 £214 24 July £239 £214 31 July £239 £214 07 Aug - £239 14 Aug - £239 21 Aug - £239 28 Aug - £239 11 Sept - £229 18 Sept - £225 25 Sept - £219 30 Sept - £215 04 Oct - £205 09 Oct - £199 14 Oct - £195 22 Oct - £185

5 Day Tours 2017

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast 19/12/2014

DATE WAS PRICE 22 May - £225 29 May - £229 12 Jun - £239 26 Jun £239 £214 10 July £239 £214 24 July £239 £214 07 Aug - £239 14 Aug - 21 Aug - £239 28 Aug - 04 Sept - £239 11 Sept - £229 18 Sept - 25 Sept - £219 30 Sept - 04 Oct - £205 09 Oct - £199 14 Oct - £195 18 Oct - £189 22 Oct - £185

Supplements per person: Premier Room £20

Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Sea View Room: £10

Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10

The following excursions are included:

The following excursions are included:

The following excursions are included:

CHichester AND ARUNDEL RYE AND TENTERDEN

ISLAND TOUR GODSHILL AND COWES

EXMOUTH AND EXETER TORBAY, BRIXHAM AND DARTMOUTH

09:58

8 Days from

354

£

Imperial Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

8 Day Tours 2017

8 Day Tours 2017

8 Day Tours 2017

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

DATE 20/21 May 27/28 May 03/04 Jun 10/11 Jun 17/18 Jun 24/25 Jun 01/02 Jul 08/09 Jul 15/16 Jul 22/23 Jul 29/30 Jul

WAS PRICE £379 £354 £389 £364 £399 £384 - £409 £409 £394 - £409 £409 £384 £409 £394 £409 £384 - £409 £409 £394

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

DATE 20/21 May 27/28 May 03/04 Jun 10 Jun 17/18 Jun 24/25 Jun 01/02 Jul 08 Jul 15/16 Jul 22/23 Jul 29 Jul

WAS PRICE £379 £354 £389 £364 £399 £384 £409 £394 £409 £394 - £409 £409 £394 £409 £394 £409 £394 £409 £394 £409 £394

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

DATE 20/21 May 27/28 May 03/04 Jun 10/11 Jun 17/18 Jun 24/25 Jun 01/02 Jul 08/09 Jul 15/16 Jul 22/23 Jul 29/30 Jul

WAS PRICE £379 £364 £389 £364 £399 £374 - £409 £409 £394 £409 £394 £409 £384 £409 £394 £409 £409 £409 £384 £409 £384

AUGUST 8 DAYS NOW INCLUDE TRAVEL INSURANCE SAVING £40 PER COUPLE 05/06 Aug 12/13 Aug 19/20 Aug 26/27 Aug 02/03 Sept 09/10 Sept 16/17 Sept 23/24 Sept

- £409 - £409 - £409 - £409 - £389 - £379 - £369 - £359

05/06 Aug 12/13 Aug 19/20 Aug 26/27 Aug 02/03 Sept 09/10 Sept 16/17 Sept 23/24 Sept

- £409 - £409 - £409 - £409 - £389 - £379 - £369 - £359

05/06 Aug 12/13 Aug 19/20 Aug 26/27 Aug 02/03 Sept 09/10 Sept 16/17 Sept 23/24 Sept

- £409 - £409 - £409 - £409 - £389 - £379 - £369 - £359

Supplements per person: Premier Room - £35

Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Sea View Room - £15

Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Front Facing Room - £15

The following excursions are included:

The following excursions are included:

The following excursions are included:

SATURDAY DEPARTURE AMBERLEY MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTRE SUNDAY DEPARTURE BLUEBELL MUSEUM AND MICHELHAM PRIORY ALL DEPARTURES 1066 COUNTRY BODIUM AND RYE

SATURDAY DEPARTURE RYDE AND OSBORNE HOUSE SUNDAY DEPARTURE RYDE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY ALL DEPARTURES ISLAND TOUR

EXMOUTH AND SIDMOUTH DART VALLEY RAILWAY, PAIGNTON AND DARTMOUTH

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

TRAVEL

Europe by Train –

an Arts and Food Tour

Fr o m S ilver T ravel A dvisor w i t h t h a n k s t o Louise H ammond We all know that great art and wonderful meals are not be rushed, so what could be better than a relaxed trip by train through Europe, savouring both! With just a little planning, you could be delighting in the great culture and cuisine across the Channel, relaxing on your journey, marvelling at dramatic scenery and pretty countryside. Senior railcards are available, allowing you to enjoy all

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the benefits usually associated with youngsters on their gap years!

Writer, Louise Hammond headed off to do some research, on a My InterRail trip. Leaving from re-vamped St Pancreas, a work of art in itself, her first stop was Djon, famous for mustard and also home to the Palais de Ducs which includes the famous Musée des Beaux-Arts, along with incredible half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Not to mention the little owls (chouette) which bring good luck!

Then they travelled onto Lausanne, with a tremendous cathedral featuring Gothic carvings and a stunning view.

Onwards to Milan, which is a culturevultures dream! Churches, galleries and palazzos are without doubt, here in abundance. The pastries satisfied

any cake lovers’ dream that could be had and hit the spot every time. Any space can be filled with a slice of the local panettone.

And so to Venice, one of Louise’s favourite cities, where she was able to indulge in churches and their decoration to her heart’s content – Santa Maria della Fava, San Lio and San Zaccaria - Tintoretto and Canaletto feature almost everywhere.

There was also a long Vaporetta aqua bus ride around the outside of the city, soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the view of the palazzos. More lovely cake was found here too - the Venetian specialties of zaletti (cornmeal biscuits with sultanas) and almond croissants and cakes from Pasticceria

da Bonifacio in Calle degli Albanesi.

The food markets in Venice provide the freshest produce and a wonderful atmosphere in which to shop, as well as wander and watch.

the Hofburg Imperial Palace which serves original SacherTorte was essential.

Innsbruck was the next stop, via lovely Verona for lunch, climbing high into the mountains. The pleasure of travelling by rail is a day sightseeing in each city, and then a day relaxing on the train and taking in the view. The scenery changed, from sea level in Venice, as did the buildings and the food! The following day, the boots were on for a mountain walk (13.7 miles in the end!) up the Nordkette wall of mountains along with good footpaths, with forest tracks and a steep climb for the first few hours up to Planotzenhof (good stop for drinks) to a wonderful 1777 chapel with a painted apse recently restored at Hottinger Bild at a height of 2969 feet or 905 metres. Once descended, Louise decided a trip to Café Sacher in

With the final couple of days calling, Louise took the train through the Alps to St Anton am Arlberg, with the carriages twisting and turning, dropping down slowly, ears popping through Vorarlberg to Bludenz and Feldkirch, with glimpses of waterfalls along the way. Then it was on to Leichtenstein, and finally oh so efficient Switzerland, where the high-speed train carried her to Paris in time for an evening stroll before the final day spent exploring Paris! The last day offered a walk along the Seine by the Louvre and across to Musée d’Orsay, with its rich collection of impressionist art in what was a train station but looks like a palace. It was the Paris European Heritage Days (an open week-end for free admission to attractions): the

Société Générale, founded in 1864 to develop commerce and industry, was open with one of the largest mosaic floors in France.

After an amazing trip, much food sampled, churches, palaces and museums visited and wonderful city life enjoyed, Louise returned to London, vowing to travel by European trains again – as soon as possible!

Contact service@silvertraveladvisor.com for more information

FIND YOUR PERFECT RETIREMENT HOME WITH QUICK MOVE PROPERTIES • Do you dream of owning a low maintenance property?

• Are you looking to downsize upon retirement?

• Can’t find the perfect property?

We know that finding your dream home isn’t easy and the whole process of buying and selling a home can be stressful and time consuming. With over 18 years experience, Quick Move Properties have access to a wide range of retirement properties around the UK. We can help you find your perfect next home and you can even use the capital from your existing home to secure your move!

Just tell us your requirements and leave the hard work to us, it really is that simple!

Call:

01793 840917 or visit: www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk

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| 13

www.ellensmith.co.uk

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 coastal 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. Every customer will pay the same price - no last minute reductions!

3. No currency charges - even post Brexit!

4. Any additional charges from the hotel will be passed on without surcharge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we'll refund the difference to the whole coach

14 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

rs 2 017

OUT NOW!

DO OR TO DO OR

2017 BROCHURE

Coach Tou

A SELECTION OF OUR 2017 COACH TOURS

www.ellen smith.co.uk Membershi p No: 10228

Isle of Wight - Ocean Hotel

This diamond-shaped island has a magic all of its own – and is allegedly one of the UK’s sunniest and warmest places!

Boasting award-winning beaches, unspoilt and spectacular scenery and a rich historical heritage the Isle of Wight has something for everyone to enjoy.

18th June - 7 Days - £459

Great Yarmouth Burlington Palm Hotel

Great Yarmouth offers miles of sandy beaches and a proud maritime heritage.

With Norfolk’s historic sites, beautiful Norfolk Broads and charming coastal villages to explore, there will be something for everyone.

25th June - 7 Days - £509

Bristol, Bath & GWR - Aztec Hotel Join us on this lovely tour for Summer as we visit two of the West Country’s best loved cities, enjoy a ride on the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway and visit the home of the Marquis of Lansdowne – Bowood House & Gardens.

17th August - 5 Days - £359

INTERESTED?

Dublin & Wicklow The Esplanade Hotel, Bray

A themed tour for 2017 staying in Bray, Co. Wicklow which brings you an original look at the seaside, city & countryside. A guided coastal railway journey and a scenic river cruise are also included, a lovely way to see this part of Ireland.

18th June - 5 Days - £409

Dorset Delights - Mayfair Hotel

Isle of Man - The Chesterhouse Hotel, Douglas

This beautiful island, 32 miles long and 14 miles wide, lies in the Irish sea, approximately equidistant from Britain and Ireland. It is dominated by Snaefell Mountain, rising to over 2000ft.

20th June - 5 Days - £419

Babbacombe - De La Mer Hotel

For this tour we stay in Bournemouth with its seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea. The highlight of this tour is our drive across the New Forest as we head for the lovely Maritime Village of Buckler’s Hard before making the journey to stunning Exbury Gardens.

Set to the North of Torquay, this pretty resort once played host to Royalty and other visitors when Torquay was only a small fishing village.

With a superb view over Torbay from the Downs, Babbacombe boasts the highest promenade in England. Here you will find probably the best model village there is, and the Bygones Museum is also worth a visit.

9th July - 7 Days - £419

21st July - 5 Days - £299

Scarborough The Esplanade Hotel

Scarborough enjoys an unrivalled position as one of Britain’s premier coastal resorts yet also lies tantalising close to North Yorkshire’s rugged National Park. On this holiday you can enjoy the golden beaches, superb parks and gardens and a wide range of leisure amenities which have given Scarborough its justifiable reputation, as well as the natural beauty and historical heritage of Yorkshire.

28th August - 5 Days - £329

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2017 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

Blackpool Illuminations Doric Hotel A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed and recharged - even if you're on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it's the resort's infectious zest for life. Or maybe it's just that, uniquely, whatever your routine Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.

18th Sept - 5 Days - £269

Find us on facebook & twitter (search for ellensmithtours)

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| 15

Superb Seaside Holidays Coach SELF-DRIVE & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS

nclusive £199 holidays GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

from

per person

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks in the south, we have the ideal holiday for you.

Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our eight hotels cover the nation’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.

have our own fleet of executive Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in ches that usoffer totheoffer comfort, while enables our self-drive holidays freedom of having your own car. el from a selection of pick up Every break includes: nts across the UK. • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation

vehicle features air conditioning and on board • Breakfast & 3-course evening meal o make your journey as comfortable as possible.

• Live nightly entertainment also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet elp you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let Certificate of Excellence Awards now of any planned comfort breaks.

We aim to We are proud to announce that five of our group – The Barrowfield, Devonshire,depending Daish’s, Bournemouth ou to your hotel between 3-5pm, on Sands and Claremont Hotels – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016. ngth of the journey.

DHoalidisayhs’s

Seven fabulous locations, eight great hotels.

Every break includes:

Llandudno Newquay

Isle of Wight

Torquay Weymouth

Torquay

uth

Bournemo

e

Eastbourn

d Self-Drive

Coach an Price List

Brochure

rs_AW.indd

2017_cove

Holidays

Eastbourne

• Return coach travel (self-drive option

t

Isle of Wigh

Holiday &

Bournemouth

• Comfy en suite accommodation

2017 02/12/2016

09:51

3

Request your new 2017 brochure now!

Daish’s Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Bournemouth Sands Claremont Hotel • Breakfast & 3-courseTheevening meal

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

Blackpool, Preston, Southport, Crosby, Liverpool, Widnes.

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

DATE

HOTEL

24

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

DAYS

PRICE

5

£224

MAY JUNE 14

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£219

18

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£249

24

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£239

29

Somerset Hotel - Llandudno

5

£279

5

£244

JULY 24

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay AUGUST

03

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£274

07

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£239

08

Somerset Hotel - Llandudno

5

£289

12

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£274

SEPTEMBER 02

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£244

07

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£284

12

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£199

16

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£214

17

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£224

22

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£219

31

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£214

26

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£234

5

£219

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER DECEMBER 06

Somerset Hotel - Llandudno

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/ double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2017. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

n available)

Call 01202 638840 or visit daishs.com quote 50PlusLP facebook.com/daishs

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

@daishs_holidays

Rick Astley The Quiet Man of Pop You won’t see photos of him in celebrity magazines falling out of nightclubs at 4am or attending every premier in sight.

Yet, in almost three decades in the limelight the shy lad from Warrington, Cheshire, has had a string of hits and possesses one of the most distinctive voices in the business. He has just finished a sell-out tour across the USA and the UK and the reaction from fans old and new underlines the long-lasting appeal of the clean-cut icon who, with his smart hairstyle and metrosexual wardrobe, looks years younger than 51.

This timeless assurance may be down to his simple philosophy on life:

“I’m a person who tries not to have regrets.”

Some of that down-to-earth approach could lie in his Northern upbringing. He was the youngest of three boys and a

18 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

girl and showed musical promise early, singing in the choir at his local church at 10.

He learned to play the drums, piano/ keyboards, guitar and saxophone and in his teens was gigging in pubs and clubs with various bands like FBI. He commented: “I used to go to soul nights because I loved dancing, and so did my friends, and we loved the music. We used to go to listen to black American soul.”

In 1985, Rick was performing with FBI, playing their own music, when he caught the attention of well-known record producer Pete Waterman.

He persuaded the youngsters to come to London to work at his company, PWL recording studio, under what became the famous production team of Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman.

In ‘80s pop, Stock Aitken Waterman was THE leading force.

During this time of learning, the young singer also doubled as studio teaboy.

As he recalled: “Working as a teaboy may have helped my confidence but not everyone else was so pleased. I could never remember who had milk or how many sugars, and I had an unusual talent for spilling tea on the recording console!”

At just 21 in 1987, Rick released his debut single “Never Gonna Give You Up”, and it had a huge impact. It took instant residence in the charts and became the year’s best-selling single in the UK as well as making No.1 in 16 different countries.

The song became the centrepiece of debut album “Whenever You Need Somebody” which sold a remarkable 15 million copies worldwide. He even cracked the US Top 10 – a notoriously difficult achievement for any British singer, especially with a debut single, earning him a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist.”

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Suddenly, the shy Northern lad was catapulted into the international world of stardom, and the following years saw Rick released a string of further hits.

The soulful songs with a mature depth of delivery from his rich voice made him a household name. “Whenever You Need Somebody”, “Hold Me In Your Arms, “She Wants To Dance With Me”, Take Me To Your Heart” and “Hopelessly” all propelled him into singles’ charts across the globe. During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Rick Astley was everywhere – on TV, radio and the music charts.

By 1993, he was a wealthy man with little to prove to the world. Some might say his innate shyness made him a slightly uncomfortable fit with the often brash world of celebrity. By then, he had a baby daughter, Emilie, and a wife, and he wanted to spend more time with them. So he decided to retire - at the age of just 27.

material I was working on was pretty good. So I decided to go for it.”

It proved to be a good decision. The album reached No.1 and the single from it, “Dance” with its official video proved to be a hit. Suddenly, Rick was everywhere in the media again – although this time, a more assured and confident performer, comfortable in his own skin.

As he insisted: “My time away from the spotlight allowed me to rediscover my love for music, and I’m doing it for me now and no-one else.”

The quiet man of pop has found his voice in more ways than one.

For much of the ‘90s and into the 2000s, he was out of the music business, out of the spotlight. Then, in 2001, Rick returned, signing a co-publishing deal with Polydor and releasing single “Keep It Turned On.” When his first compilation album “Greatest Hits” came out in 2000, it reached No.16 on the UK albums’ chart.

In 2003, he reached No.10 in the UK as a songwriter with “Shakespeare’s (Way With) Words” performed by boyband One True Voice.

In 2004, Rick toured for the first time in 14 years, which led to a record contract with Sony BMG. In 2005, he released the album “Portrait” covering classics like “Vincent” and “Close To You”. In 2008, the album “The Ultimate Collection: Rick Astley” burst into the public’s consciousness and again went into the UK Top 40 albums’ chart.

Later that year, Rick was nominated for the “Best Act Ever” award at the MTV Europe Music Awards and fans went into over-drive to ensure their hero received it.

On the back of this, “Never Gonna Give You Up” returned to the UK charts – more than 21 years after it was released.

During the late 2000s, Rick continued extensive touring across the globe and in 2010 was a special guest on Peter Kay’s tour “The Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour … Now On Tour” and to mark the occasion, he released a new single, “Lights Out”, on his own label which was well-received.

He became a DJ for London’s Magic FM with a popular weekly show, then co-hosted Chris Evens Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, again with Peter Kay. In 2016, Rick released “Keep Singing” from his forthcoming album “50” – prompted by his turning 50. He told Amanda Holden on the “Lorraine” show: “It was a big milestone.

I got back in the studio and friends were telling me the

* For the latest news on Rick’s appearances go to www.rickastley.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 19

HOME You can often adapt a room yourself, turning a small bedroom into an office or sewing room, or creating an extra small lounge to give you both somewhere to sit separately where you are in charge of the TV remote control!

If you like the property you’ve got but want to extend it, talk to a local builder preferably one referred to you by someone who has had work done by him. If you don’t know anyone, consult the Federation of Master Builders at http://www.fmb.org.uk or the National Federation of Builders at http://www. builders.org.uk

HOME ALTERATIONS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER and give your home a Contemporary look

CONSERVATORIES and ORANGERIES are very popular these days as they give extra rooms to any property, allowing in plenty of light and, very often, bringing you closer to the garden.

BI-FOLD DOORS or SLIDING DOORS are another excellent way of bringing in light and air into a room and really work well in the Spring and Summer in particular, allowing a free flow into your garden especially for entertaining.

IF an Englishman’s home is his castle then it’s up to each of us to keep that “safe place” as comfortable and easy to live in as possible as time goes by.

Is your living room THREE PIECE SUITE or SOFA a lot less comfortable these days than it once was? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to a new suite or even a large corner sofa that makes the

lifestyle. If the latter applies, then it might be time to consider either adapting the space you have more effectively or extending it to meet your needs.

Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to improve homes with easy living in mind. Innovations are emerging constantly - from something as simple as a heated butter knife that slices through cold spreads to smart plugs that switch electronics on and off remotely.

A sensible starting point is to look at whether your PROPERTY is too big or too small for you. When family have grown up and moved away, it’s often a good time to look around you and honestly assess whether you either need the space you’ve got or if you need more.

The former could prompt a move to something smaller, more economical but which involves a more comfortable

20 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

A large corner sofa canmake the most of your room, allowing plenty of seating options and looking thoroughly modern.

most of your room, allowing plenty of seating options and looking thoroughly modern.

work with a an iphone app to tell you when your salmon is cooked.

Many have integrated recliners to allow you to really stretch out and relax. Pop down to your local furniture store or browse online to see what suits your rooms best and what fits both your lifestyle and budget.

If you have limited use of hands or fingers, there’s a world of amazing gizmos out there – from ringpull openers and twohandled cups to tap-turners and kettle-tippers, all designed to make your life simpler and easier.

Now that many of us love our home entertainment and prefer to see our favourite films on TV alongside our favourite programmes, perhaps it’s also time to invest in one of the latest smart TVs. Stream films on Netflix or surf websites on the big screen if you prefer. You’ll be surprised at how TV technology has changed in the last few years so take a look at what will work best in your living room or bedroom

Find out more at the websites of Carers UK at http://www. carersuk.org and Age UK at http://www.ageuk.org.uk

Another area that is now very hi-tech is HOME SECURITY. There are smart locks providing something extra in protection and a wireless world in which smart locks, CCTV cameras, smart doorbells, smoke detectors and even your lights can all communicate with one another. A safe night’s sleep and peace of mind is all there on offer.

When it comes to clever gadgets, the latest KITCHEN ideas are set to make life so easy. From the newest blenders and spiralisers to boiling water taps and intelligent pans that

It may also be time to invest in new kitchen units or install a useful island unit that allows you to work easily when you’re baking or making a meal. Today’s kitchens are designed to make your lifestyle as easy as possible so it’s definitely worth consulting an experienced kitchen company about this. Ensure you’ve got comfortable chairs or stools available and a system of storage and work spaces that allows time spent there to be really enjoyable.

Are your rooms looking a little shabby? Investing in new DECORATING lifts the spirits and lighten rooms. The latest bright shades banish dark corners and open up dingy areas and if you combine these with new LIGHTING and more MIRRORS you’ll be astonished at the amount of useful light suddenly available in your home. It even feels more airy!

THE MOST EFFICIENT WOOD BURNING STOVE

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| 21

BATHROOMS have now become THE place to spend time relaxing. Try a large tub instead of your old bath, a walk-in shower instead of your current model and twin sinks and vanity units that allow you both to get ready at once.

Logically, we spend a large part of our lives in our BEDROOMS so it’s definitely worthwhile spending money here and especially on your bed. If you’ve had your mattress for several years, it’s time to invest in one of the latest Memory Foam mattresses that react to your body shape and ensure you a good, supported night’s sleep.

Dimmer switches, calming décor and soft lights can all add to the relaxation here.

BATHROOMS have now become THE place to spend time relaxing.

Incidentally, if you’re looking at light, it’s definitely worth installing good lighting outside to give both you and your visitors better visibility there.

And if you’ve always meant to improve your GARDEN but never got around to it, don’t forget that having a pleasant garden in which to relax and spend time happily is really good for your mental and physical wellbeing.

So the time may be right for new decking, some easygoing garden furniture and planned areas of greenery, shrubbery and blooms to delight you and make you feel well all the year round.

Ultra Efficient Electric Heating; Your Choice, Your Style Sunflow are committed to manufacturing electric heating systems that are energy efficient, clean, safe and reliable, specifically designed and engineered to maximise thermal comfort in British homes, perfect for the UK climate. With no servicing or maintenance costs and installed with a genuine UK Manufacturer backed guarantee, they are a great investment which will perform well for years to come.

And if that’s not enough, at Sunflow they also believe that when choosing your heating system, you should have choice like everything else in your home.

Tailored to suit your home and lifestyle Sunflow InvincibleTM Heaters Engineered and Manufactured in the UK

• Energy Efficient Electric Heaters • Accurate Individual Room Control • Comfortable, Cosy Home Heating • Unique Kiln Clay Core • Genuine UK Manufacturer Backed Guarantee • Bespoke sizes and colours available

To request your FREE information pack

Call 01244 555040

sunflownorth.co.uk 22 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The Sunflow range of InvincibleTM electric heaters are made to order, giving them the opportunity to build unique designs that meet their customer’s exact specifications, making the range of shapes and sizes unlimited. They are ideal for large or small rooms, conservatories and bathrooms or even where space is restricted.

Their heaters also deliver on style, so they can offer a wide choice of colours that can be easily matched to your décor and will tastefully complement any room in your home.

With accurate individual room control, you have the choice of either a manual dial or wall thermostat programmer and with the recent addition of our high tech SMART MultiZone wireless system, you can now control your heating and temperature from your PC, laptop, tablet or Android Handset.

HOME

Sleep is vital for our overall health and wellbeing.

We spend a third of our lives asleep so your bedroom should be your sanctuary, a place where you can go after a long stressful day to relax and unwind. You may think you need to spend a fortune creating the perfect bedroom but you really don’t have to.

It also couldn’t be easier, the team at Dreamers Bed Centre will help you design your bedroom from the wide selection of modern sleek wardrobes from Rauch and over 50 beds, bedsteads and mattresses to choose

from in our showroom. Whatever size your bedroom is we can help you measure and plan it to the specification that meet your requirements and taste.

Rauch wardrobes are all free standing and come in various widths, heights and styles. Whether you prefer a hinged door, sliding, laminate, high gloss or mirrored finish there is something to suit everyone’s taste. You can even design the interior of the wardrobe to meet your needs with internal drawers, shelves, tie racks, shirt racks that pull down for easier access and shoe racks.

foam or a natural pocket spring we have a large display from Hypnos, Millbrook, Highgrove Beds and the medical grade foam from Mammoth for you to try. They can be purchased with a divan base and headboard, an ottoman storage base or a bedstead all available in various fabrics and colours to create a feature to complete the look of your new bedroom.

The Steffan 20 up Range from Rauch offers a more contemporary style, so if you are looking for a modern high impact style then this is for you, it has an impressive range of front configurations and colour options and you can add led light strips into the doors to complete the look.

We offer a chargeable fitting service so your new bedroom can be achieved stress free.

To complete your sanctuary and gain a restful night’s sleep so you wake feeling refreshed for your day ahead, we can help you choose the right bed and mattress for you. Whether you prefer a firm or soft tension mattress, memory

So, don’t keep dreaming, come and visit us at our showroom in Ashton in Makerfield, with our warm welcome and expert advice, your new sanctuary which you deserve will become a reality.

Dreamers Bed Centre of Ashton orchestrating you to a peaceful nights sleep.

Specialising in Beds, Mattresses and Bedroom furniture for over 20 years.

Stockists of Hypnos, Mammorth, Kaydian and Highgrove.

Dreamers Bed Centre has a vast range including German Wardrobes from Rauch.

Free delivery service for your convenience.

Visit us at Unit 10 Park Industrial Estate, Liverpool Road Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 0YU. Tel: 01942 275464 email: enquiries@dreamersbedcentre.co.uk www.dreamersbedcentre.co.uk

www.dreamersbedcentre.co.uk

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| 23

If you are planning a new look for your home and you want tried and trusted advice and quality craftsmanship, head for Rossendale Interiors.

Rossendale Interiors has been established for over 40 years and we have a wealth of experience in the design and fitting of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and home offices. We have showrooms at Bacup and Ulverston, and satellite showrooms in Oswaldtwistle Mills and Blackburn Market. The Bacup showroom has over 60 displays and is open seven days a week with late nights on Wednesday and Thursday.

We are owned by J & J Ormerod, fitted furniture manufacturers, established 1876. JJO pride themselves on their care for the environment, holding Gold Apple Green awards plus others listed on their website www.jjoplc.com.

The furniture is high quality, buying from the manufacturer makes prices surprisingly competitive. Our range is massive, including modern and traditional, many colours, and a comprehensive range of unit sizes. Since it’s made here in the Rossendale Valley we can supply on a quick turnaround, any damages can be replaced immediately.

Buying British has big advantages, and JJO run a very efficient production line where most ranges are made inhouse, including a big range of painted doors. Watch the video on the JJO website! We also supply appliances at Internet prices, and have a huge range of ancillary products

24 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

such as tiles, Karndean flooring, Lighting, Granite and Quartz, plus bathroom pottery and brassware. We are a ‘one stop shop’ making it easier for the customer, with everything under one roof.

We have five experienced designers who come to measure (unless you prefer to bring in plans), design the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, arrange for CAD images so you can see how the room will look, and produce a detailed quotation. No cost, no obligation, no pressure!

If required we can organise joiners, plumbers, electricians, tilers and builders for you. Our surveyor Tony (an ex fitter) checks the plan is technically correct and everything fits prior to delivery, even if you use your own fitters.

We pride ourselves on our after sales service – we have the reputation of JJO to protect making it important that we get things right! A quarter of our business is from referrals and returning customers.

Subject to status, Rossendale Interiors can offer 12 months Interest Free Credit, or 12 months Buy Now Pay Later.

Check out our website www.rossendaleinteriors.com.

Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms

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

Financially solid • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered S ur s • Established over 150 years with four experienced designers o e howeoe e S ation plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids q uality ur ll a t s • ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ subject to status n i is furnit ur

on o

u m jjoplcade at re Hom .com/ e/Vid eo

site

Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304068 Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Blackburn - Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 669215

www.rossendaleinteriors.com

Quality Quality || Service Service || Value Value Fascias, Fascias, Soffits Soffits & & Guttering Guttering • Complete Replacement • Complete Replacement

• 18mm PVCu Fascias • 18mm PVCu Fascias • 9mm PVCu Soffits • 9mm PVCu Soffits • Guttering and fall pipes • Guttering and fall pipes • Concealed Ventilation • Concealed Ventilation • New Felt Trays • New Felt Trays • Bird Guard • Bird Guard

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FOOD & DRINK

TOM KITCHIN - "KITCHIN SUPPERS" This is one of my favourite Sunday roasts. You can’t get much more British than a leg of lamb, but serving it in this way gives a certain Mediterranean feel and flavour, which makes the dish seem light and fresh. Infusing the lamb with flavourings like rosemary and fennel seeds makes it deliciously tasty.

Most side dishes work with lamb, so choose your vegetables according to the season. You might also like to serve new potatoes alongside here, or a potato gratin.

ROASTED LEG OF LAMB WITH RATATOUILLE-STUFFED TOMATOES SERVES 4 1.2kg boned and rolled leg of lamb 5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped handful of rosemary sprigs, leaves only, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon fennel seeds sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 250ml lamb stock or chicken stock 50g butter STUFFED TOMATOES 4 large tomatoes on the vine olive oil for cooking 1 onion, peeled and diced 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon dried herbs de Provence 1 courgette, diced 1 aubergine, diced 1 red pepper, cored, deseeded and diced

Place the lamb on a board. In a bowl, mix together the garlic, rosemary, cumin and fennel seeds. Using a sharp knife, pierce little slits all over the surface of the lamb. Using your fingers, push the rosemary and spice mixture into the cuts. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Put to one side.

To prepare the tomatoes, snip them off the vine, but leave the stalks intact. Cut a slice off the top off the tomatoes, removing about a quarter, and reserve these lids. Using a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the juice and seeds from inside, leaving the shells intact; set aside, along with the tops.

For the ratatouille stuffing, heat a heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the onion and cook slowly for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and dried herbs.

Now turn up the heat and add the courgette, aubergine and some salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for a further 3–4 minutes; you may need to add more olive oil as the aubergine

will absorb quite a lot. Add the red pepper and cook for a further 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the seasoning and take off the heat.

To cook the lamb, heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Heat a heavy-based ovenproof pan over a medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Add the lamb joint and colour on all sides, allowing 3–4 minutes. Transfer to the oven and roast for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, fill the tomatoes with the ratatouille and put the lids back on. Stand the stuffed tomatoes in a small roasting tray. Add the stock, butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the tray.

When the meat has been roasting for 15 minutes, turn the setting down to 160°C/Gas 3 and put the stuffed tomatoes into the oven. Roast the meat for a further 20 minutes, along with the tomatoes, basting these with the pan juices from time to time.

Rest the lamb in a warm place for 10 minutes. Slice the meat and serve with the stuffed tomatoes, spooning over all the pan juices.

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FOOD & DRINK

SMOKED SALMON & SPINACH LASAGNE This comforting pasta bake is easy to prepare and always popular. The recipe is based on a Scandinavian dish that my wife Michaela has been making for years. It’s absolutely delicious and has the added advantage that it can be prepared in advance, ready to bake and serve when required.

Serves 4–6 Béchamel sauce 75g butter 75g plain flour 850ml milk sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Lasagne 25g butter 1 leek, trimmed, washed and cut into strips 400g baby spinach 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 400g smoked salmon 300g Cheddar, grated 8–10 lasagne sheets 4 dill sprigs, roughly chopped, to garnish

Use the rest of the butter to grease a large square or rectangular ovenproof dish. Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces, roughly 2cm square.

Spoon a layer of the béchamel sauce over the bottom of the dish and layer a third of the lasagne sheets on top. Spoon half of the leek and spinach mixture over the lasagne, followed by a good third of the smoked salmon, then cover with a third of the remaining béchamel and sprinkle some cheese over the surface.

Repeat the layers of lasagne, leek and spinach, smoked salmon, béchamel and cheese, then cover with a top layer of lasagne.

Heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly stir in the milk and cook at a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

For the lasagne, melt half the butter in a heavy-based pan over a medium-low heat. Add the leek strips, season with salt and pepper and sweat gently for 2–3 minutes. Add the spinach leaves, a handful at a time, along with the garlic and cook for another minute or two. Drain off the excess liquid.

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Spoon the rest of the béchamel sauce on top and scatter over the remaining smoked salmon and grated cheese. Bake for about 45 minutes until the top is a deep golden colour. To check that the lasagne is cooked, insert a knife in the middle; it should meet with minimal resistance.

Scatter the chopped dill on top of the lasagne and serve, with a crisp green salad on the side.

170 Chorley Road, Westhoughton Bolton BL5 3PN T: 01942 812273

@The-Waggon-Horses-Westhoughton

Book now for FATHER’S Day

A traditional pub well known for delicious, home made food & friendly atmosphere with a wide range of wines, cocktails and cask beers.

Situated at 170 Chorley Road, Westhoughton on the A6 at Windgates, the Waggon & Horses has been under the ownership of Peter Cavanagh since June 2014.

“We have made continual improvements to the decor and furnishings of the establishment and continue to strive to make The Waggon and Horses the best pub restaurant in the Bolton/Wigan area.”

If you haven’t visited the Waggon and Horses yet, you will be surprised by the beautiful bar and restaurant areas with their amazing stained-glass windows depicting the history of the region.

Since taking over we have changed the style of food offering to delicious home cooked food, cooked to order from our comprehensive menu, using only the freshest of local produce.

Dine Alfresco ...

We an expansive beer garden complete with modern and safe children’s play equipment and a beautiful patio decked with flowers overlooking the stunning, surrounding countryside.

You have to see it to believe it!

Food is served all day from 12noon to 9pm You can choose from a range of dishes from our menu including grills, salads, pasta and light bites, or choose 2 courses from our special menu for just £13.95 available at all times except Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm.

Children’s menu also available. Sunday lunch menu is 2 course for £13.95 or 1 course for £10.95.

Check out our website to view our full menu www.waggonandhorseswesthoughton.co.uk Also on offer is a range of top quality cask ales from different brewers around the country and an exciting range of house wines from the Casillero Del Diablo vineyard in Chile, complemented by a selection of quality, specialist wines from around the world.

Our staff are some of the best in the business who share our goals and work with smiles on their faces.

“Our aim is to provide restaurant quality food at pub restaurant prices, delivered with unbeatable customer service”.

!

free bottle of our house wine On presentation of this voucher when 2 people eat from the main menu from May to July 2017.

Why not join our loyalty club and enjoy an additional 5% discount plus other offers?

Conditions: Offer subject to the purchase of at least 2 main courses from the Mains, Grill or Salad & Pasta sections of our menu.

Offer limited to 1 voucher per person throughout offer period until end of July 2017.

FOOD & DRINK

MUSHROOM BRIOCHES The idea for this savoury brioche came from one of the legendary chefs I once worked for in Paris, Guy Savoy. I love its earthy mushroom flavour, especially with pâté or alongside a soup. Served slightly warm or toasted, it is just heavenly.

Makes 10–12 mini brioches 180ml lukewarm milk 1½ sachets active dried yeast (10g) 4 free-range medium eggs 560g plain flour 15g salt 50g sugar 340g unsalted butter, softened Mushroom duxelle 400g button mushrooms, cleaned 20g butter 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Eggwash 2 egg yolks beaten with 1 teaspoon water and a pinch of salt

Pour the milk into a jug, sprinkle on the dried yeast and leave for 10–15 minutes, until the yeast is fully dissolved and the liquid begins to froth. Add the eggs to the yeast liquid, beating lightly to break them down.

Combine the flour, salt and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook and mix briefly. Now, with the motor running, slowly pour in the yeast, milk and egg mix.

Continue to work on a medium speed for 5–7 minutes.

Once the dough appears smooth and elastic, begin adding the butter, little by little, until it is all incorporated. Continue mixing for a further 5 minutes. When ready, the dough should appear very smooth and shiny.

Turn the dough out into a lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with lightly oiled cling film and leave to rise in a warm place until doubled in size; this should take about an hour.

In the meantime, prepare the mushroom duxelle. Chop the mushrooms into small dices. Heat a heavy-based pan over a medium-low heat. Add the butter and, once melted and foaming, add the mushrooms, shallot, garlic, dried herbs and some seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes to soften and release

Kitchin Suppers by Tom Kitchin (Quadrille £12.99) Photography: Laura Edwards

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all the liquid from the mushrooms. Then increase the heat to drive off the liquid; the pan should be quite dry. Set aside to cool.

Lightly grease and flour 10–12 metal rings, 7.5cm in diameter, and stand on a baking sheet. Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half into a rectangle, about 40 x 20cm and 1cm thick. Spread the mushroom duxelle on top of the two sheets of dough, leaving a 1cm margin along the edges.

Starting at a long edge, roll each rectangle of dough up like a Swiss roll, finishing with the seam underneath. Cut into 7.5cm lengths and place in the prepared rings. Cover with lightly oiled cling film and allow to prove until they have almost reached the top of the rings. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.

Brush the brioches with eggwash and bake for 15 minutes until deep golden. Leave in the tins for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Serve while still slightly warm.

A unique retail and leisure destination that will appeal to all the family.

Real Shopping…

Real Food!

Heskin Farmers Market and Craft Centre was opened in Spring 2010 by Angela and Sarah to bring together lots of small independent business who bring you the finest unique gifts, products and produce. Located near Park Hall, Camelot near Chorley, Lancashire and just minutes from J27 of the M6.

Heskin Farmers Market has created the perfect retail and leisure destination. Set in the heart of rural Lancashire, Heskin offers visitors a wide range of unique retail shops.

Unlike the high street, no two outlets are the same, offering an incredible range of products and services.

It features over 40 unique shops & businesses and its location offers easy access from many towns and cities including Preston, Bolton, Southport, Liverpool and Manchester. With free parking and free entry, it's a perfect destination if you are looking for a shopping day out in Lancashire.

Enjoy good home cooked food then enjoy a wander around the shops within the centre.

Two Birds Tea Room for snacks, salads, paninies and home made soup.

The Cottage Cafe for a hearty breakfast and Quaff at Heskin, our new Gin and Tapas Bar, also selling wines and beers.

Shop, Dine & Relax Featuring over 40 unique retailers including hand made gifts, a leading art gallery, high class butchers, local fruit and veg, a fabulous bridal gallery, craft studios, ladies & gents clothing, handbags & jewellery, wine, gin & cold tapas bar, homewares, a kitchen design studio, bathroom showroom, wood burning stoves, Fredericks ice cream, The Crafty Potter Craft Cafe and much more.

Open 6 days Tuesday - Sunday FREE entry and parking 5 minutes from junction 27 M6 2 minutes from Charnock Richard Services

Heskin Farmers Market, Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA Tel: 07599 831907 www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

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OUT AND ABOUT

Out & About A guide to the amazing events around Lancashire for 2017

informative multimedia presentation by engineers about the Mill Engine’s history and its immense power.

Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine, Wigan Pier Quarter, Heritage Way, Wigan WN3 4EF.

5th June at 19.30pm LANCASHIRE MINING MUSEUM Situated on the edge of Chat Moss, in an area once full of collieries, lies the picturesque village of Astley Green. In the heart of the village stands Astley Green Colliery Museum which, but for the foresight of Lancashire County Council and several leading figures within the community, would have suffered the same fate as the other collieries in the area, total demolition.

It was the uniqueness of the 3,300 hp twin tandem compound steam winding engine that brought the demolition to a halt. As the result of the intervention, the museum houses Lancashire’s only surviving headgear and engine house, both of which now have scheduled monument and listed building status.

The museum occupies some fifteen acres of the Astley Green Colliery site. To the south lies the Bridgewater Canal and Astley Moss, an important mossland site. The low-lying landscape ensures that the museum’s 98ft high lattice steel headgear can be seen for many miles, a fitting memorial to days now past.

Apart from the steam winding engine and headgear the museum houses many exhibits, not least of which is the collection of 28 colliery locomotives, the largest collection of its type in the United Kingdom.

The colliery began its life in 1908 to exploit coal reserves in the south Lancashire Coalfield. Had it not been for the increasing demand for coal, at that time, the project would not have been viable. The coal seams at Astley Green are very deep and overlain by 100 feet of wet and unstable ground.

These factors made the sinking of the shaft a very expensive proposition. The novelty of many of the requirements tested the ingenuity of the engineers during the construction, so much so that a paper, on the sinking of the shaft, was presented to the Institute of Mining Engineers. The colliery had a lifespan of only 62 years, finally closing its gates in 1970. Because of its short and relatively recent history, a considerable number of written and photographic

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records have survived. This has enabled a detailed study to be made of the construction of the colliery and its subsequent operation.

The museum is now run and maintained, on behalf of the community, by the Red Rose Steam Society Limited, a registered charity based in Lancashire.

Lancashire Mining Museum Higher Green Lane Astley - Manchester M29 7JB OPEN Tuesday - Thursday - Sunday 1.00pm - 5.00pm Email - info@agcm.org.uk

31st May – 10th June The Importance of Being Earnest A legendary masterpiece of comedy, romance and Victorian manners.

A Period Drama Written By Oscar Wilde Directed by Collette Kerwin Jack and Algernon are wealthy gentlemen. Jack wants to marry Algernon’s cousin Gwendolen, but must first convince her mother, Lady Bracknell, of the respectability of his parents. Having been abandoned in a handbag at Victoria station, this is quite a difficult task!

Algernon introduces himself to Cecily as Ernest, knowing she is already fascinated by tales of his wickedness and they become engaged.

However, in the best tradition of the well-made play, identities are revealed and the plot resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.

Wigan Little Theatre 44 Crompton St, Wigan WN1 3SL Box Office 01942 242561

Sunday 4th June and Sunday 18th June

CURTAIN UP, LIGHT THE LIGHTS A celebration of musical theatre with decades of magic tunes and wonderful memories, presented by Victoria Music Ltd with Frodsham Sings!

Presented by:: VICTORIA MUSIC LTD WITH FRODSHAM SINGS! A magical collaboration between two outstanding local performance groups. A night of music and laughter, memories old and new as they celebrate all that musical theatre has to offer.

The Brindley Theatre High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG Phone: 0151 907 8360 thebrindley@halton.gov.uk

6th June at 19.30pm BLAKE Brit-Award-Winners Blake, fresh from recent appearances on the Graham Norton Show, Strictly Come Dancing & The One Show, present a brand new tour featuring the finest songs from stage and screen, with projections & lighting that bring the cinematic magic to life.

Linked together with the boys famous improvised banter, the show features music from Hanz Zimmer, Ennio Morricone, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Leonard Cohen, The Beach Boys & many more. This is the ultimate celebration of movies and musicals, all sung in thrilling vocal harmony. Includes You'll Never Walk, Alone, Memory, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Music of the Night and Maria.

The Brindley Theatre High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG Phone: 0151 907 8360 thebrindley@halton.gov.uk

Steaming Sundays

Friday 9th June 2017

Visit Trencherfield Mill on a Steaming Sunday to admire this giant’s immense size and power, but more importantly, experience it working as it did all those years ago. At 1pm you'll enjoy an

THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW 2017 The only show to be endorsed by the CASH family! Johnny Cash Roadshow

featuring respected singer/songwriter Clive John. After sold out shows across Europe this is now a bigger show than ever, introducing the ‘Carter Sisters' and brass section the ‘Roadshow Horns' all accompanied by emotive screen visuals.

This is simply the best celebration of Johnny Cash in the world.

Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St.Helens. Merseyside. WA10 1LQ. TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 01744 756 000

Saturday 10th June 2017 SOMEWHERE IN TIME - AN AUDIENCE WITH IAN WAITE & NATALIE LOWE Ian and Natalie have developed a whole new show with newly choreographed routines of their favourite Ballroom and Latin dances.

New music developed to accompany these dances and give you a feel good factor with pure romance. The dance showcase spectacular will give full on entertainment with a romantic feel and will transport you away to a place of wonderful moments, with lots of laughs and stories along the way.

Theatre Royal, Corporation Street, St.Helens. Merseyside. WA10 1LQ. TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW CALL 01744 756 000

20th and 21st June 2017 The Royal Cheshire County Show For more than 175 years, the Cheshire show has been the premier summertime agricultural event in the North West of England. In 2016 we reached an exciting milestone in our rich history when the honour of ‘Royal’ status was bestowed on the show by the Cabinet Office. The 2016 event saw the inauguration of the newly titled, Royal Cheshire County Show and we provided a fun-packed, memorable occasion for our visitors, competitors and exhibitors alike. Whilst still enjoying the many wonderful memories from this landmark year, we are now already looking forward to our next event on the 20th and 21st June 2017.

With its roots firmly embedded in farming, the 2017 show will, again hold the many competition classes for cattle, sheep, pigs and dairy goats, but will also include hundreds of classes for light and heavy horses, show jumping, rare breeds

of livestock, poultry, pygmy goats, pigeons, cavies, rabbits and dog show.

The 2017 show will also feature the Roberts Bakery Food Halls and Food Live Theatre, The Sainsbury's Agri Centre, Inspired Villages Village Green, Countryside Experience Area, Creamline Main Ring, and the Costain Rural Life Area which includes, Cheshire W1, NAFAS Flower Marquee, Schools Out, NFU Publicity and many, many more.

Clay House Farm, Knutsford Tickets: www.royalcheshireshow.org

22nd June at 19.30pm BEATLEMANIA - THE STORY OF THE BEATLES

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A traditional market with over 200 stalls.

A shopper’s paradise for gifts, clothing and household goods.

Bag a bargain today! /FleetwoodMarket

The Story of The Beatles show superbly recreates the legendary live performances of The Beatles from their early 'moptop' roots, through the psychedelia of Sgt. Pepper then on to the final years of Abbey Road and Let It Be. Beatlemania, who are the cast of the show, are established as one of the leading Beatles shows in the world and have performed for many famous people including David and Victoria Beckham, Sir Richard Branson, Madonna and numerous film, T.V. And sports stars.

The Brindley Theatre High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG Phone: 0151 907 8360 thebrindley@halton.gov.uk

29th June to 2nd July 2017 THE FAMILY FESTIVAL FOR ALL TO ENJOY MUSIC, ARTS, FUN AND FRIENDS

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday all year round from 9am - 4.30pm Also open all Bank Holidays and Tram Sunday

Situated in the heart of Cheshire, the Rustic Music and Arts Festival site offers a beautiful outlook across Cheshire from the elevated position of Hope Farm.

Based on the outskirts of the historic market town of Northwich, there are plenty of visitor attractions for festival goers if they wish to include some sightseeing in their weekend.

There are some great country walks to be appreciated. On hand we have Frodsham, Runcorn, Warrington, and Knutsford for a variety of amenities and shopping opportunities offering a wide choice to those who wish to get out and about.

Hope Farm, Northwich Road Dutton, Cheshire WA4 4LG Tickets: www.rusticfest.com

Fleetwoodmarket.co.uk Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB Tel: 01253 887651

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OUT AND ABOUT 8th – 9th July 10am – 5pm

12 Aug 2017 - 20 Aug 2017

Cheshire Steam Fair

Pendle Walking Festival 2017

Performing in the main arena will be the Adrenaline Tour featuring Jason Smyth.

The display consists of motorcycle and quad street style stunts. It also features quad freestyle jumps over 70ft whilst catching items held 30ft in the air.

THE NORTH WEST’S

....

Also performing in the main arena will be the popular Ridgeside Falconry and the Ridgeside Lurchers Racing Team.

The event will also feature the Crazy Bears live on stage. These six bears will entertain the crowds at various times over the two days.

Bolton’s Award Winning Market

Daresbury, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4AG Tel: 01751 200839

Bolton market has over 200 stalls including a bustling food court serving food from all over the world, cafés complement our food offer, and we even have a licensed bar.

19 July 2017 - 23 July 2017 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park Set in magnificent parklands the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park (19th - 23rd July) is a celebration of the best in gardening with a vibrant carnival atmosphere. A spectacular day out, not just for plant lovers, but for friends and family too.

Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN Tel: 0845 260 5000

You can buy everything from fresh fish, meat and game, locally sourced and exotic fruit and vegetables with speciality stalls selling deli meats and a huge selection of cheeses, plus there is a whole host of traditional stalls selling everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks and much more.

Well worth a visit!

Bolton Market has it all.

Opening Times; Open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm.

How To Find Us Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TQ. Contact: 01204 336825 Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk

Visit our website for a list of special events and activities that we are running at the Market.

www.bolton.gov.uk

NABMA

the voice of markets

WINNER BEST FOOD market 2017

“For Bolton’s Food & Drink Festival

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12 Aug 2017 - 13 Aug 2017 Blackpool Air Show 2017 The world-famous Red Arrows display team will return to Blackpool this summer to perform on BOTH days of the annual Air Show.

It is the first time that the Red Arrows will feature on consecutive days of a Blackpool Air Show and this has been made possible through the switching of the free event to a Saturday and Sunday, rather than a Sunday and Monday as in previous years.

The Red Arrows, one of the world's foremost aerial aerobatic display teams will perform high above Blackpool Promenade on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 August.

The RAF Typhoon display team and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are also confirmed for both days of this year’s show.

Tower Festival Headland Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 4BJ Tel: 01253 478222

Come and join us for one of the UK's biggest free walking festivals.The event starts on Saturday 12th August and ends on Sunday 20th August.

There will be guided walks every day to suit walkers of all abilities, ranging from easy walks of a couple of miles to fantastic challenge walks like The Pendle Way, which this year celebrates its 30th birthday. There is also a walk to mark the 400th anniversary of Jonas Moore. Born in Pendle, he was affectionately known as the "Father of time", as he helped set up the Greenwich Observatory, which was responsible for Greenwich Mean Time.

There are so many great walks, so why not come and join in?

Various Locations Around Pendle LANCASHIRE Tel: 01282 661963 / 856186

Thursday 17th - Sunday 20th August 2017 SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the country, attracting over 50,000 visitors across 4 days.

Set to be bigger and better than ever before, we’re delighted to announce this year’s theme as: The Curious Garden.

Inspired by a sense of mystery, wonder and curiosity - this year, you’re invited to something very peculiar… Find your way through the foliage to reveal the strange and delightful secrets of the British garden.

Through a twist, a turn and a secret door - what will you discover?

Tickets on sale now.

VICTORIA PARK, SOUTHPORT www.southportflowershow.co.uk

19 Aug 2017 - 20 Aug 2017 Lytham 1940s Wartime Weekend The 1940's Wartime period brought to life with a bang! Come join in the atmosphere on Lytham Green and throughout Lytham and immerse yourself in a brilliant weekend of live entertainment, re-enactments and havea-go fun!

Historic Vehicles, music and dance, memorabilia stalls, thrilling battle re

enactments, educational talks and demonstrations plus living history camp!

Why not pick up the latest war winning gardening and food tips or join the Home Guard?!? Why not hire your 1940s costume and join in the fun?

Pyramid & Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Warrington, WA1 1BL Tickets: www.liverpooltheatres.com

Sunday 29th October 2017 THE MEAT LOAF STORY

The Green, Lytham Lancashire FY8 5LB Tel: 01253 658 436

With an incredible stage set, superb live band and Steve's well known sense of humour and stage presence the show will have you up on your feet, rocking out to the greatest Meat Loaf hits of all time – Paradise By The Dash Board Light – Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth – Two Out Of Three Aint Bad – Anything For Love – Bat Out Of Hell – Dead Ringer For Love and many, many more.

27 Aug 2017 Ormskirk Motorfest

ECHO Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP Tickets: www. liverpooltheatres.com/echoarena

The fun begins on Friday evening with Pete Wayre and Claire Louise in the main marquee and there are events throughout Lytham at a variety of venues.

It is a free event and parking is available on Lytham Green (charge applies)

A fantastic range of about 300 cars and motorcycles will be on static displays around the town centre.

Ormskirk Town Centre, Ormskirk WEST LANCASHIRE

Thursday 7th to Saturday 16th September 2017 CILLA - THE MUSICAL Cilla - The Musical is the new spectacular and heart-warming musical adaptation of the critically acclaimed hit ITV television series. It tells the extraordinary story of the teenage girl from Liverpool whose teenage dreams of stardom lead to her becoming one of Britain's best-loved entertainers of all time.

Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE Tickets: www.liverpooltheatres.com

Friday 22nd September 2017 STEVIE NIMMO Stevie Nimmo returns to the Citadel for a night of blistering Blues Rock.

Citadel, Waterloo Street, St Helens, Merseyside WA10 1PX Tickets: www.liverpooltheatres.com

Saturday 23rd September 2017 JIMMY CARR A man who has devoted his life to crafting perfect jokes and has left a trail of laughter in his wake, Jimmy Carr’s new tour will distill everything we love to laugh at and be shocked by, into one incredible, unparalleled night of entertainment.

Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th November 2017 GOOD MOURNING MRS BROWN Their 2017 Tour follows a very busy twelve months for Mrs. Brown’s Boys.

After a sell out Tour of Australia and New Zealand and following the “Live” Episode of Mrs. Brown’s Boys as a special for BBC’s 60 Years of Comedy with an Audience of over 11m in July – SHE’S BACK. ECHO Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP Tickets: www. liverpooltheatres.com/echoarena

Saturday 25th November 2017 BOWIE STARMAN Songs from all eras of David Bowie's celebrated career are performed to perfection in this highly charged show.

From Rebel Rebel to China Girl, Let's Dance to Young Americans. Ashes to Ashes, Life On Mars, Changes, Heroes, Sound And Vision, Golden Years, Absolute Beginners, the list goes on and on.

ECHO Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP Tickets: www. liverpooltheatres.com/echoarena

BROOKLANDS HOTEL BLACKPOOL Fantastic accommodation for the over 50's The Brooklands Guesthouse over 50's retreat offers an impressive range of facilities that cater the needs of any visitor to Blackpool. It is our ability to accommodate the requirements of any guest that encourages them to return year after year.

Good Breakfasts and evening meals have always been regarded as priority for us. You can be sure of a great choice of quality fresh home cooked food from our menus. Our licensed bar has a good selection of wines and spirits. k All rooms en-suite k Ground floor rooms k Wheelchair access to rear k Stairlifts to first floor k Car parking to rear k Freeview TV's k Fully licensed bar

All the comforts of home whilst on holiday Tel: 01253 351479 28-30 King Edward Avenue North Shore Blackpool FY2 9TA. www.brooklandshotelblackpool.co.uk

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HEALTH Many people still hold the view that video games are bad for us; that they turn kids into mindless zombies (despite studies proving the exact opposite). Sure, it's not healthy to spend all day, every day watering your virtual crops or conquering virtual worlds (like in the episode of Big Bang Theory when Penny gets addicted to online gaming), but it is actually good for you to spend a bit of time gaming.

Three Types of Game That Train Your Brain Bingo! by Joshua Rothhass

Believe it or not, gaming can actually be pretty good for your brain. A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that adults who frequently engage in mentally stimulating activities are 63% less likely to develop dementia. And yes, games are counted in the mentally stimulating activity category (thanks, science). Games promote mindfulness, they sharpen our attention, and they exercise our brains.

Get Your Bingo On Studies have shown that online bingo has an extremely positive effect on the brain. Research conducted by the University of Southampton found that playing bingo requires rapid hand-eye co-ordination, resulting in regular bingo players' minds being faster and more accurate than those who don't play regularly. This study was conducted way back in 2002 when there were only an estimated 3 million bingo players in the UK. Through the increasing popularity of mobile bingo and online gaming (it's more popular than ever) you now don't have to trek down to your nearest bingo hall to have a go.

There's an App for That The app store is brimming with all sorts of brain training games that will remind you of the good old Nintendo DS game Brain Training. A lot of these games have been designed by neuroscientists and enhance cognitive skills such as memory, attention span, problem-solving, and recognition of patterns. Although these apps have been designed specifically to train your brain, they're no less fun than other games. You can track your progress and compete against your friends; simple gamification at its best.

Be Mindful Games that promote mindfulness are also incredibly good for training your brain and enhancing mental health through activities designed to improve psychological functioning, says Nadine Kaslow Ph.D. (Professor and Vice-Chair of Emory University's Department of Psychiatry). Mindfulness games are designed to develop awareness, calm, and compassion. They take game mechanics that we're already familiar with, card games for example, and present them in a new, slightly different way. One that challenges the way we think about the work and trains our brain to exercise mindfulness.

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Don't get me wrong, you can't use these studies as an excuse to spend all day glued to a screen. You can (and should), however, allow yourself to spend a little bit of time on a regular basis playing games and know that it's actually doing some good. The regular basis part is key, training isn't something that will happen overnight. Little but often is the way to go.

So stop thinking of bingo as just a hobby, stop thinking of that game on your phone that you play when you're waiting for the bus as a distraction. Think of them as a fun, relaxing way to keep your mind healthy.

New drug for Alzheimer’s progressing to stage 3 trials.

Early testing of a new drug showed promise in reducing declines in memory and thinking skills in people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, called aducanumab, also reduced levels in the brain of beta-amyloid, the toxic protein that builds up and forms telltale plaques in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s.

Many experts believe that beta-amyloid plaque plays a critical role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. But

so far, drugs to combat Alzheimer’s progression have shown only very limited benefit at best.

The researchers found that the higher the dose of drug, the less people with Alzheimer’s declined on tests of memory and thinking skills. Researchers also performed brain scans using PET imaging and radioactive tracers that bind to beta-amyloid plaque on the study participants. They found that treatment with aducanumab resulted in a significant reduction in plaque buildup; the higher the dose and the longer the drug was given, the greater the reduction in plaque. The brains of those getting the placebo were virtually unchanged.

Very simply Alzheimer’s is caused when clumps of amyloid proteins clog up the brain cells and prevent them working properly. When aducanumab is administered, it seeks out and latches onto these clumps. This enables the brain to “see” the clumps and to alert the immune system which then sends cells to break up the toxic amyloids and flush them out of the brain.

Phase 3 trials are conducted in large numbers of people and are a critical step in making a drug commercially available.

We await the results and hope this may be a significant step in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at The Rockefeller University.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy shown to be highly effective in reducing gum disease and tooth loss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) significant difference in keeping any NHS has claimed that many more could has been credited with helping women manage a range of menopause-related issues, including hot flushes, heart health and bone density, and now new research suggests HRT could be used to reduce gum disease and prevent tooth loss.

be suffering from menopausal symptoms in silence. As a result, the Oral Health Foundation, is encouraging woman to be more aware of their oral health during this time and are offering advice about how to cope with such changes to the mouth.

The study, which evaluated nearly 500 women between the ages of 50 and 87, discovered rates of gum disease were significantly lower in those receiving HRT, with many seeing a 44% improvement in gum health.

In addition to gum disease and tooth loss, women undergoing menopause can also be at heightened risk of other oral health conditions such as dry mouth, Burning Mouth Syndrome and weakness in the jaw bone.

The menopause, which commonly strikes in the late 40s and early 50s, leaves women at higher risk of several health issues, including gum disease, due to a decrease in oestrogen levels.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss while previous studies have also suggested more than one in four (28%) post-menopausal women are likely to suffer from tooth loss within five years.

Helen Minnery, President of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, added: “While HRT could offer women an opportunity to alleviate some painful symptoms, it is extremely important to continue maintaining a good oral health and hygiene routine during menopause.

“Brushing our teeth twice last thing at night and at one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste and reducing the amount of sugary foods and drinks we consume could make a

An estimated one million British women are currently taking HRT, however, the

major problems at bay. Cleaning in between our teeth on a daily basis with interdental brushes or floss can also be of great benefit.

“Maintaining good oral hygiene throughout our lives is the best way to prevent the development of many oral health problems. It is important that we do not overlook the health of our mouth and remember, if you are in pain or discomfort please visit a dental professional. A visit to a dental hygienist or dental therapist could really help you and provide you with great advice too.”

Anybody wishing to find out more about their oral health, or suffering from postmenopausal oral health symptoms, can contact the Oral Health Foundation’s Dental Helpline. The Dental Helpline is staff by fully-qualified dental professionals and gives free, impartial and expert advice on all matters pertaining to oral health. The Dental Helpline is available by telephone on 017888 539 780 or email at helpline@dentalhealth.org.

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