50 Plus Magazine Wigan, Warrington & ST Helens

NOVEMBER - JANUARY 2019

WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST HELENS EDITION 54

James Martin

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

Memory Lane Brochure

Paris

A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

Weekends Away

BY STEVE HOWARTH

OUT NOW

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TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL

Paris - a city for all seasons 12-13

JAMES MARTIN The man of many talents

14-16 HOME

Creating a warm and beautiful home this Winter

Travel PARIS - A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

Sweet Treats

James Martin's

DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS RECIPES

GREATH BRITISH ADVENTURE

ADVERTISINGSALES SALES ADVERTISING

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JAMES MARTIN'S Great British Adventure

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LET IT SNOW A festive sweet

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WHAT'S ON A guide to what's happening in your region

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY

Pity the poor celebrities who suffer vile abuse online IT’S hard being a celebrity these days and not having a very thick skin indeed.

The anonymity of technology, in particular social media, means that everyone out there can pass an opinion about virtually anything.

And they do.

Unfortunately, they don’t do this in a measured or reasonable way usually. No. They go to the extremes of personal comment, even resorting to death threats, if they either don’t like someone, don’t agree with their actions or even their point of view.

Politicians now regularly get vile threats, to themselves and their families, for many of the things they do. These are often the most basic actions you would expect from them, given their principles and party.

The worst abuse appears to be reserved for today’s celebrities and that often means that young men and women who may be the least able to cope with this are on the receiving end.

One typical case is pop band Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson. She is 28 now but right from the first appearance of the four girls on The

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X Factor in 2011, she has been singled out for specific abuse.

The “problem” is that she has distinctive looks and a womanly figure and this apparently incensed a large number of people who insisted on telling her they thought she was ugly and fat.

One glance at this beautiful young woman reveals she is neither but that doesn’t stop it hurting deep down and doing real damage.

“Don’t look at the comments” you may quite reasonably advise. Well, I know from experience that it’s quite difficult not to be sucked into having a quick look, and then it’s too late.

Jesy became so traumatised by this truly nasty reaction from people she had never met that she tried to kill herself. That’s what online trolls can do: wreck someone’s life.

It wasn’t until she deleted her Twitter account, where the worst abuse was coming from, that her life changed and she slowly started to feel “normal” again.

Although she still has bad days, she could move on. In fact, she made a BBC documentary exploring body image and mental health issues which will no doubt help many other people, both well-known and not.

The craziest thing is that, when the worst of these online trolls finally go too far and end up in court, they mostly turn out to be the saddest, most inadequate individuals you could imagine. It’s a strange world.

Concern that our favourite soaps are losing the plot ARE our TV soaps finally losing their grip on UK viewers’ imaginations?

Writing in the Radio Times, one BBC arts’ critic thinks so and he believes they face a “potentially fatal crisis”.

Mark Lawson believes the recent slump in viewing figures for favourites like EastEnders and Coronation Street highlights a “fundamental creative problem” in which story arcs are becoming “impossible to either write or act.”

He highlights recent plot lines like the siege at the Queen Vic pub in EastEnders when a character was shot dead and historic child sex abuse in Corrie.

Although soaps have always been seen as telly immortals – Coronation Street 59 years, Emmerdale 47 and EastEnders 34 – Mark believes they now face a crisis.

He points out that the “historic strength of the genre has been its strong central female characters”. So logic dictated they should have the strongest storylines and the result was that “these women make the wives of Henry VIII seem relatively lucky.”

He was particularly concerned about the frequency of sex crimes against women although acknowledged that such storylines were useful in highlighting “police and medical responses” and also in offering helplines.

While I think he has a point I do wonder if the problem is that our soaps have just TOO many plot lines going on.

I know times have changed dramatically and life in 2019 is complex and fastmoving. However, early on in the life of Coronation Street, for example, the central story revolved around the disappearance of Minnie Caldwell’s cat and that went on for weeks.

Now, expect any one episode of a soap to have a robbery planned, an affair, an online gambling habit and a hidden sex abuser. It’s like real-life microwaved into 25 minutes for entertainment consumption. This is not only exhausting but very hard to keep up with the plots.

True, the soaps do a great job with strong storylines reflecting modern problems.

The Coronation Street treatment of Aidan’s mental health battle and subsequent suicide were incredibly moving and well-handled and the support offered to the public useful and relevant.

But – and it is a big “but” – we still view our soaps for light relief from life as it is being lived and if all we have is a mirror to “ordinary” life with no relief then they lose their appeal.

Humour was always the soaps’ salvation and that appears to be in very short supply right now. Jack and Vera, where are you when we need you most?

Can we ditch driving children to school and walk?

PARENTS dropping off children close to schools has long been a source of contention – especially for people living near the schools.

Now, a survey by walking and cycling charity Sustrans of 954 parents across England, Scotland and Wales shows that most want traffic-free roads outside schools to protect children from air pollution.

It’s likely that they’re also considering the safety of pupils at risk from so many cars there, too.

Sustrans’ chief executive Xavier Brice points out that the average journey to primary school is 1.6 miles. Walking or cycling to school is a better alternative all round, if that’s possible. For some parents who need to rush off to work for a set time or who travel a distance that could be difficult.

But, we do need to alleviate pollution and road dangers and improve the quality of life for all concerned, including the longsuffering souls living near schools.

IT would be easy to write a sad and emotional biography about the journey of a cancer sufferer and her devoted carer. what happens after someone dies, especially if you are in a position of responsibility.

However, while We Never Got To Cornwall is undoubtedly a tragic story it is also both uplifting and informative – and that’s what puts this book apart from other similar publications.

And here, the author tackles the thorny subject of death certificates, arranging the funeral, sorting out the will and a dozen other duties.

The sub-title is The True Story of a Secret Cancer Sufferer (Plus My Own Life Lessons Learnt) and it is much of what happens next that makes this book unusual.

“Redders” is obviously a courageous and inspirational woman who fought a longterm battle with cancer with amazing dignity and bravery. But life – and death – is not just about higher emotions. It is also about humour, despair and anger and a sense of being lost that many people who have suffered the death of a partner, family member or close friend will recognise.

The author, though, as well as recounting the very natural feelings involved has also looked closely at the practical situation of

Then there are all the other ordinary details like changing bank details, services, benefits and everything else we normally take for granted.

The author offers a personal but engaging diary of these, giving useful advice based on experience.

It may be a cathartic book for him to write but it is definitely an interesting and thought-provoking read for the rest of us. * We Never Got To Cornwall, published by Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd at £6.99.

or email: help@aamail.org 5

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Steve Howarth's

WEEKENDS AWAY THE WHITE HORSE IN DORKING

The White Horse at Dorking

T

he Surrey Hills is an area of outstanding natural beauty with lots to see and do… and a perfect base for that short break getaway is the recently refurbished White Horse Hotel in picturesque Dorking.

Owners bespoke hotels spent £4 million on the refurbishment and it shows with tasteful yet quirky boutique facilities and accommodation. All the rooms have top quality fixtures and fittings en-suite showers, complimentary water, security safes and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of London, Dorking is a world away with a relaxed atmosphere, lots of pubs, bars and shops - the perfect place to unwind and explore.

We took a weekend break at the historic hotel, which boasts 56 boutique bedrooms alongside a lively restaurant and bar. Housed in an 18th century coaching inn, parts of which date back almost to the Middle Ages, it features unique character and atmospheric charm.

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The Dozen Restaurant

And with its concept The Dozen restaurant featuring the finest products and ingredients from the local area the food also leaves guests with a truly lasting impression, thanks to a versatile and locally sourced menu that promotes Dorking’s finest products.

One of the 56 boutique bedrooms After exploring the town centre, including one whole street which is mostly made up of antique shops, we enjoyed a terrific and reasonably priced meal at The Dozen. I tucked into delicious fish and chips while my much better half enjoyed her chicken salad, all washed down with some excellent local beer and a bottle of very acceptable house white.

Following a great night’s sleep in our comfortable and spacious room overlooking the busy High Street, we set out to explore what the Dorking area has to offer. As well as some great walks and cycle trails along the North Downs Way there are historic houses like nearby Polesden Lacey Estate and Gardens, Chartwell and Hampton Court Palace or if it is a trip to top up on your favourite tipple that takes your fancy then the likes of Denbies Wine Estate or GreyFriars Vineyards are recommended.

There are also local breweries which open to the public – all within a short drive are the Dorking Brewery, Crafty Brewing Company and Pilgrim Brewery and if gin is your thing then why not try visiting Silent Pool Gin, The Gin Kitchen or Elstead Village Distillers.

There’s also lots of history here with Dorking being the home of one of the original Pilgrim Fathers families who set off for the New World on the Mayflower almost 400 years ago. The Mullins’ house on West Street still survives and special events are planned next year to mark four centuries since their historic and epic journey.

Dorking also has a quaint museum for visitors to enjoy and there are historic trails to trod plus local caves to explore.

The White horse offers bespoke walking, getaway or wine and dine breaks and for the latest offers check out their website at: www.bespokehotels.com/dorking-white-horse Steve Howarth's short break stay at the White Horse Hotel in Dorking cost £154 per night for 2 sharing a comfy double room with dinner and breakfast.

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Also waiting to be explored are areas of natural beauty in the rolling Surrey Hills including Box Hill, Mayfield Lavender and Leith Hill.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

We found Dorking and the White Horse to be the perfect place for a relaxing get away from it all short break with lots to see and do and beautiful countryside on your doorstep.

Call FREE from Mobiles & Landlines

0800 781 7807 Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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2020 Brochure NOW!

& T R AV E L

H O L I DAY S

2020 Door to Door Quality British and European Holidays, Short Breaks & Day Excursions

Date Tour

09 Aug

JERSEY BY AIR - BATTLE OF THE FLOWERS WEEK Mayfair Hotel | 7 Days HB | £665 | SS NOA

12 Aug

CORNISH SPLENDOR Rosemundy House Hotel

23 Aug

EASTBOURNE BW Lansdowne Hotel

28 Aug

DURHAM - KYNREN, EPIC TALE OF ENGLAND Holiday Inn, Washington | 4 Days HB | £299 | SS £64

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6 Days HB

6 Days HB

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£499

£469

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SS NOA

SS NOA

06 May

14 Sept BLACKPOOL BLACKPOOL - MOCK CRUISE

Park House Hotel | 5 Days HB | £319 | SS NIL Park House Hotel | 6 Days HB | £299 | SS NIL 20 Sept COLCHESTER TORQUAY

Five Lakes Resort | 5 Days HB | £448 | SS £100 Belgrave Sands Hotel | 5 Days HB | £299 | SS NOA 04 Oct BOURNEMOUTH - MOCK CRUISE PROGRAMME LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA - LINE DANCE WEEKEND

Suncliff Hotel | 6 Days HB | £349 | SS NOA | | | Gilsland Hall Hotel 3 Days FB £239 SS £12 09 Oct LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA - LINE DANCE WEEKEND CORNISH SPLENDOR - VALENTINES WEEK

Gilsland Hall Hotel | 3 Days FB | £239 | SS £12 Rosemundy House Hotel | 5 Days HB | £299 | SS NOA 09 Oct BLACKPOOL AND THE ILLUMINATIONS MURDER MYSTERY IN FLEETWOOD - NEW HOTEL/TOUR

Park House Hotel | 4 Days HB | £259 | SS NOA North Euston Hotel | 3 Days HB | £179 | SS £20 11 Oct JERSEY BY AIR BABBACOMBE TRIBUTE ACT WEEKEND - NEW HOTEL/TOUR

Mayfair Hotel | 6 Days HB | £499 | SS NOA Babbacombe Bay Hotel | 4 Days HB | £179 | SS £36 06 Nov TAUNTON - BRIDGWATER CARNIVAL HAYTOR - DEVON

Holiday Inn | 4 Days HB | £279 | SS £60 The Moorlands Hotel | 5 Days HB | £275 | SS NOA 09 Nov LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA -TURKEY & TINSEL BLACKPOOL - FREE AND EASY WEEKEND

Gilsland Hall Hotel | 5 Days HB | £319 | SS £24 | | | Park House Hotel 4 Days HB £189 SS NOA 09 Nov BOURNEMOUTH - TURKEY & TINSEL BOURNEMOUTH - ALL INCLUSIVE

Suncliff Hotel | 5 Days HB | £355 | SS NOA Suncliff Hotel | 5 Days ALL INCLUSIVE | £325 | SS NOA 20 Nov THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BABBACOMBE - BAR PROMOTION

BW Le Strange Arms | 4 Days HB | £399 | SS NOA Anchorage Hotel | 6 Days HB | £269 | SS NOA 23 Nov TORQUAY - TURKEY & TINSEL GRANGE OVER SANDS - ALL INCLUSIVE

Belgrave Sands Hotel | 5 Days HB | £369 | SS NOA Cumbria Grand Hotel | 5 Days ALL INCLUSIVE | £299 | SS £48 27 Nov THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECIAL LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA

BW Le Strange Arms | 4 Days HB | £399 | SS NOA Gilsland Hall Hotel | 5 Days HB | £319 | SS £25 23 Dec LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA - CHRISTMAS PACKAGE ISLE OF WIGHT

Gilsland Hall Hotel | 5 Days SMA | £440 | SS £40 | | | Channel View Hotel 6 Days HB £499 SS NOA 30 Dec LAKE DISTRICT - CUMBRIA - HOGMANAY PACKAGE JERSEY BY AIR

Gilsland Hall Hotel | 4 Days SMA | £459 | SS £20 Mayfair Hotel | 6 Days HB | £529 | SS NOA

12 May

CORNISH SPLENDOR Rosemundy House Hotel

15 June

22 June

TORQUAY Belgrave Sands Hotel | 8 Days HB | £595 | SS NOA 14 Feb WARNERS WELSH WEEKENDER BLACKPOOL

Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel | 4 Days HB Park House Hotel | 5 Days HB | £299 | SS NOA

28 June

BOURNEMOUTH Suncliff Hotel | 6 Days HB

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£399

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SS NOA

25 May

WARNER - HEREFORD Holme Lacy Hotel | 5 Days HB | £436 | SS NOA

02 July

ISLE OF MAN Rutland Hotel | 6 Days HB

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£515

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SS £62

08 June

WARNER - SOMERSET Cricket St Thomas | 5 Days HB WARNER - ISLE OF WIGHT Bembridge | 5 Days HB | £459

WARNER - NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Thorsby Hall Hotel | 5 Days HB | £449

02 Feb

03 Feb

07 Feb

11 Feb

21 Feb

28 Feb

02 March

06 March

22 March

29 March

30 March

20 April

06 May

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6 Days HB

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£479

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SS NOA

Warner

13 July

NORTHUMBERLAND EXPLORER - DINER TOUR Copthorne Hotel | 5 Days HB | £396 | SS £80

03 Aug

17 July

GRANGE OVER SANDS - DISCOVER THE WESTERN LAKES Cumbria Grand Hotel | 4 Days HB | £319 | SS £48

26 Oct

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£459

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£225

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SS NOA

SS NOA

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SS NOA |

SS NOA

A full list of day excursions are available, call into the office for details or visit our website www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

Memory Lane Holidays & Travel | Heath Street | Golborne | Warrington WA3 3AD

Scotland

Continental

05 March

DRYMEN BY LOCH LOMOND TRIBUTE TO THE DRIFTERS Winnock Hotel | 5 Days ALL INCLUSIVE | £339 | SS £64

02 April

AMSTERDAM - FLOATING HOTEL 6 Days HB | £575 | SS £99

11 May

SCOTTISH ISLANDS & AYRSHIRE Riverside Lodge Irvine/Best Western Kinloch Hotel 8 Days HB | £689 | SS £60

25 July

FRANCE - ESCAPE TO THE CHATEAU 8 Days HB | £789 | SS £160

14 Aug

EDINBURGH TATTOO - WEEKEND BREAK BW Kings Manor Hotel | 3 Days HB | £356

17 Sept

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY & LAKE MAGGIORE ITALY 12 Days HB | £1639 | SS TBA

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SS £70

25 Aug

EDINBURGH TATTOO - MIDWEEK BREAK BW Kings Manor Hotel | 3 Days HB | £345

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SS £70

03 Sept

DRYMEN BY LOCH LOMOND - REGAL THEME Winnock Hotel | 5 Days ALL INCLUSIVE | £499 | SS £72

18 Dec

DRYMEN BY LOCH LOMOND Bury Market A: £11.95 EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKETS Get those shopping trolleys out again, we set you down and pick up at Winnock Hotel | 4 Days ALL INCLUSIVE | £269 | SS £48

23 Dec

DUMFRIES - CHRISTMAS PACKAGE Cairndale Hotel | 5 Days FB | £430 | SS £100

30 Dec

DUMFRIES - HOGMANAY PACKAGE Cairndale Hotel | 4 Days HB (plus extras)

2020 Day Excursions Saturday 11 January

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9.30am

the market entrance returning at 3.30pm.

Sunday 9th February Boundary Mill Sale

£459

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SS £90

9.30am A: £12.75

Off to search out a bargain at Colne. We arrive by 10.45am and depart at 3.30pm.

Saturday 14th March Springtime in York

Ireland

8.30am A: £17.90

Today we travel direct to the famous city and arrive by 10.30am. We depart for home at 4.30pm.

26 April

IRELAND - KILLARNEY Killarney Towers Hotel | 6 Days HB

24 May

IRELAND - WESTPORT Today we journey through Cheshire to this attractive town where it’s Castlecourt Hotel | 6 Days HB | £569 | SS £100

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£479

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Saturday 28th March Nantwich & Bridgemere Garden Centre

SS £100

8.30am A: £16.75

the Farmers Market today. We depart at 1.30pm to Bridgemere Garden Centre, departing for home at 5pm.

Thursday 9th April Ormskirk Market & Southport

Wales

8.30am A: £13.95

Our day starts with a visit to this famous street market in Ormskirk, departing here at 12.30 where we head to Southport for the afternoon.

LLANDUDNO We leave for home at 4.30pm.

27 Jan

Queens Hotel

15 March

TENBY WITH BAR PROMOTION Belgrave Hotel | 5 Days HB | £289

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SS NOA

Easter Saturday 11th April Stratford Upon Avon

03 May

TENBY WITH BAR PROMOTION Belgrave Hotel | 6 Days HB | £369

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SS NOA

The home of William Shakespeare and the pretty River Avon there is so much to do in the town centre, a really good day out.

08 May

LLANDUDNO - VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA FESTIVAL Queens Hotel | 4 Days HB | £279 | SS £10

26 June

CRICCIETH - WEEKEND PACKAGE Lion Hotel | 4 Days HB | £329 | SS NOA

23 July

CARMARTHEN Ivy Bush Hotel | 5 Days HB

06 Sept

LLANDUDNO Queens Hotel | 6 Days HB

18 Oct

TENBY WITH BAR PROMOTION Belgrave Hotel | 6 Days HB | £369

02 Nov

LLANDUDNO - TURKEY & TINSEL Prince Charles was invested as the The Prince of Wales back in 1969. There Queens Hotel | 5 Days HB | £299 | SS £20 is a small market here, and plenty of cafés for lunch. Around 2pm we

13 Nov

LLANDUDNO - TURKEY & TINSEL board the famous Welsh Highland Railway service to Porthmadoc. The Queens Hotel | 4 Days HB | £239 | SS £15 journey time is around 2 hours. On arrival in Porthmadoc there is about a

23 Dec

30min break before we start our journey home through the Crimea Pass.

LLANDUDNO - CHRISTMAS PACKAGE Queens Hotel | 5 Days FB | £636 | SS £20 All excursions are pick up and set down on main roads close to your home LLANDUDNO - HOGMANAY PACKAGE as practical within our normal area. All pick ups and drop offs are normally Queens Hotel | 4 Days FB | £399 | SS £20 completed within 1 hour subject to traffic conditions. Some pick ups are by CRICCIETH - CHRISTMAS HOUSE PARTY a feeder vehicle, and where the route allows passengers will be first on first Lion Hotel | 5 Days HB (plus Christmas lunch) | £499 | SS NOA off basis. The base time is at Golborne, so some times will be before this time and some will be after depending on the destination.

CRICCIETH - HOGMANAY PACKAGE Lion Hotel | 4 Days HB (plus extras | £399 | SS NOA TO BOOK,ring 01942 728 960 and pay with your debit card, at no extra charge OR email us your details and we will call you back in office hours.

30 Dec

23 Dec

30 Dec

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5 Days HB

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£199

£399 £399

SS NOA

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SS £80 SS £20

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SS NOA

HB - Half Board Accommodation

Easter Sunday 12th April Whitby

8.00am A: £22.50

8.00am A: £22.75 C: £16.30

This very attractive fishing town where the local fish and chips are the order of the day. There is Whitby Abbey above the town, or the harbour area and Captain Cooks’ replica ship to sail out to sea. It was also the home of Bram Stoker of Dracula fame.

Saturday 25th April Caernarfon & The Welsh Highland Railway

8.30am A: £46.00 C: £32.00

We have a scenic drive along the North Wales coast to the town where

FB - Full Board Accommodation

SS - Single Room Supplement

Booking Hotline 01942 728 960 www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

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rest your soul. The nearest metro is Etienne Marcel.

PARIS – A CITY FOR ALL SEASONS

W

riter for silvertraveladvisor. com and retired airline pilot, Bob Lyons has a really in-depth knowledge of Paris. Here are a few of his favourite places in this beautiful capital.

The Picasso Museum A visit to the Picasso Museum at the Hotel Sale makes for a splendid experience of art.

It contains not only many major works by Picasso himself but exhibits examples from many others too, including pieces from Modigliani, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, Degas and Rousseau, all of whom that had a great influence on Picasso’s work. The ideas and concepts that he made so real came from studying such art. Many of the traditional works exhibited in the museum come from Picasso’s personal collection, painted by artists who were his contemporaries.

Together they all created and lived through a celebrated period of modern, twentieth century, thought provoking art.

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Picasso’s own work is displayed on the garden floor, the first floor and in the attic of the Hotel Sale. Other floors display art by his contemporaries. His work and art collection were given to the French state by his heirs, in lieu of death duties and the French government has made them available to everyone.

Passage du Grand Cerf Perhaps this is the most beautiful shopping passage in Paris. It has been resurrected to its original glory like a phoenix. There are many alluring shops and the French scent of a Parisian culture fills the atmosphere around you.You can buy fresh flowers that arrived very early that morning from the vast fresh produce Rungis market. Look for the designer jewellery discovered by Christian Lacroix, enticing household goods and older style eye wear. When you have finished, go to the’ Le Pas Sage’ wine bar to

La cité des sciences et de l'industrie The Science Museum, and so much more!

It came to life in 1986. The inauguration came from the French President at the time, Francois Mitterand. It was to mark the passage of the space probe Giotto with Halley’s Comet. The museum internally is very open, widely spread and airy. It represents a contemporary aircraft hangar.

There are a number of levels linked by silent elevators. The floors contain many varied exhibitions, models, projected videos and technical demonstrations, which are spaciously presented and create an atmosphere pure modern scientific life and inspiration for the future.

The Champs-Elysees Parisians have always regarded their special street as their ‘Plus Belle Avenue du Monde’.

And so it is. For most of us, the ChampsElysees (Elysian Fields, the paradise for dead heroes in Greek mythology) is a form of virtual fantasy. We can look but never touch.

We can’t really afford to contribute to it, but we can feel it and be part of it for half an afternoon. It is filled with luxury shops and one or two very polished, modern fast food outlets along with upmarket theatres, cinemas and restaurants.

It is a wide avenue of affluence, light, glamour and inspiration. The route is the Princess of Paris and runs between the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triumph in the distant eighth arrondissement. It is the grandest component of the 10 kilometre long ‘Axe Historique’ or ‘Triumphant Route’. It blends perfectly with the apparently dead straight line of iconic architecture from the Royal Palaces to the Grande Arch so far away in the La Defense district.

Montmatre This is the district of Paris that is almost the womb of popular culture and is available

decapitated there for his Christian beliefs in 250 AD. The sizzling Place du Tertre is the centre of this district, lined on all four sides by the most instantly recognizable of Parisian cafés and bistros. In the summer months you will hardly be able to move due to the tourist throng. This square is awash with talented artists with easels, all plying their trade.You can have your portrait drawn or painted in just 20 minutes. What a great souvenir.

for all. Montmartre is actually just a little kitsch. It proudly wears the badge though and can be enjoyed unpretentiously by everyone.

Montmartre rests on a hill, 130 meters above all of its surroundings in the north

east of the City.You don’t need a map to find it. Just look out for the very prominent Basilica du Sacre-Cour. The name Montmartre translates as ‘mountain of the martyr’, which reminds France of one of its patron saints, St. Denis, who was

Many of the celebrated painters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived and worked around this hill in Paris. Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Vincent van Gogh were all members of a much larger group who practised their profession in this district. Virtually all the tourist shops in this arrondissement sell very well produced prints of the most famous impressionist work.

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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JAMES MARTIN THE MAN OF MANY TALENTS JAMES Martin had just been playing at Carfest South in Basingstoke, was about to give a cookery demonstration at the Bolton Food and Drink Festival and was flying out to Ireland for filming the next morning.

Now, if that sounds like a hectic schedule, it is. Especially, as James explained, "I didn’t get to bed until 3.15am on Sunday morning” after Carfest.

And playing there? Yes, the multi-talented chef turns out to be a musician and his group had a significant set at the annual event run by his mate Chris Evans.

In fact, this was the first time they had played in public after hours of practising in a scout hut or his living room and he went from playing in front of his Mum 12

and a few chef friends to an audience of 34,500 people.

It is just part of the 47 year-old’s philosophy of trying new experiences.

So, how was it? “Amazing but terrifying” was his verdict. He and his group played just after Jools Holland and just before the Kaiser Chiefs.

“I’ve never been one to say ‘I wish I’d done this or that’,” he stated. “You should grab every opportunity that comes to you.”

Food, though, is still his priority. “Food has always been at the top of the list and will always, always be there. And the restaurants will be because you employ people and they have got kids and mortgages to pay so that’s your priority 150 per cent.”

James, who counts the Rolling Stones’ Gimme Shelter as his favourite song, only started playing guitar 12 months ago.

“I came straight off stage and Chris said ‘What are you doing next year?’ I said Whoa, whoa. The main thing was we weren’t s***!”

But the many fans of the plain-speaking James Martin need not worry that this new success might drag him away from his cookery interests and his TV appearances.

James is, however, realistic about the value of his high profile in all fields. “Without the media stuff, the restaurants wouldn’t have the success,” he concluded.

He was off to Ireland the next morning for filming a new TV series, Islands and Highlands, due to air in February, 2020.

James is a genuine advocate of the best of British food but he applies the same principle to foods from all across the globe.

He was appearing at the annual Bolton Food and Drink Festival, which he happily described as “the best food and drink festival in the country.” He has been going to the North-west town for its hugely popular festival for the last 11 years and “loves Bolton – the place and the people.

In fact, the people make the place.”

He has a direct view about food. I dared to ask him if he thought people were cooking more healthily now.

That might be good news for his dedicated followers but it is also a reflection of who James Martin really is.

He has long made Saturday mornings a TV must for cookery fans, first with Saturday Morning Kitchen - which he fronted for 10 years until 2016 - and now with James Martin’s Saturday Morning Show, filmed at his home.

His blunt Yorkshire roots, his laddish looks and an indisputable onscreen charisma have made him a telly cookery favourite and his shows and appearances a sell-out.

All of this, however, was a long way in the future when he was growing up on the Castle Howard estate in York where his father was a catering manager.Young James must have been soaking up the knowledge and love of food even then because he opted to take catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running.

Following catering college, he worked for various top chefs in leading restaurants including foodie household names like Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White.

He toured France, working in chateau kitchens and gaining a unique blend of experience and skills, before returning

to England to kickstart his high-profile career.

In 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester and has followed this over the years with other premises including a hotel in Manchester.

When Saturday Morning Kitchen launched in 2006, he was the obvious choice and the formula certainly paid off. He regularly attracted 3.4 million viewers. James also became a favourite on other food shows like Ready Steady Cook and remains a respected expert and entertainer in a field where cooks often come and go.

In 2013, he was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry.

The following year his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Television Society. In 2015, he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards.

His name and skills are known around the world and he has written a raft of cookery books that easily demonstrate his passion for food along with his vast knowledge.

“Healthy food!” he flashed.“If you want that get JoeWicks down here but that’s not me. I like tasty food. Food’s a magical thing.We’ve all got to eat so why not enjoy it?”

He then went on to demonstrate dishes he knows delight audiences: Monkfish and Korean Aubergines, Seabass with Buttered Tagliatelle and Beurre Blanc and Summer Fruit Pudding with Clotted Cream.

The biggest response of the demonstration was for a massive cheese and ham toastie – made with a full loaf, masses of cheese, cream and ham – which he declared his favourite.

It’s plain from the enthusiastic live audience reaction and the long queues of people forming to meet him and have him sign copies of his latest book that people love him and all he does.

Perhaps the main thing is that James Martin has built a solid and successful career on being James Martin - chef, hotelier, restaurateur, TV presenter, fast-car fan, musician and full-time Yorkshireman and food enthusiast.

Recipes from James Martin's recent book Great British Adventure start on page 24.

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CREATING A WARM AND BEAUTIFUL HOME THIS WINTER

C

REATING a warm glow in your home throughout the chillier months is not just about effective heating and insulation.

offering the warmest of glows, whatever the weather.

It’s also about ensuring you have the right décor and furnishings throughout your property so that just being there – or just visiting – is a cosy and enjoyable experience.

A fire can also be the centrepiece of a living space – but it doesn’t just have to be in the wall. These days you can get enclosed fires that come in wooden columns or unusual centrepieces to draw the eye as soon as you enter the room.

Of course you need to ensure that your boiler and central heating are working properly and that your windows are well-fitted and giving you the kind of insulation that prevents your fuel bills from rocketing when the temperature outside drops.

But it is also about the whole atmosphere of your property. And that requires proper thought and planning so that, after work or going out and about, you can’t wait to get back to your comfortable home and finally relax happily.

Cosy homes certainly come into their own at Christmas when family get-togethers need a warm backdrop and all the festive

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décor is about sparkle and a feelgood vibe.

So it is definitely worth taking a fresh evaluation of your home’s warm appeal right now.

Nothing says “cosy” quite like snuggling up in blanket in front of an open FIRE and if you are lucky enough to already have a working fireplace, then take advantage of it.

Logs crackling in the hearth or in a burner not only feel warm but offer the additional bonus of looking bright and welcoming.

The firelight reflects in any room

If you prefer a wall fire, either mounted or in its own fireplace, there are plenty of ways to enhance it there. A fireplace surround could be made from metallic porcelain tiles, sculptural ceramic, marble, hand-painted terra cotta or even a mosaic tile. Fireplaces can look amazing set into wooden surrounds because they add an extra depth to the patina of the wood.

If you have a non-working fireplace, fill it with fire-ready logs anyway or place tiered candles inside as a feature. If you would rather cover it up, invest in an ornate fire screen to make an extra talking point.

We tend to think of anywhere “cosy” as small but the dictionary definition is “giving a feeling of comfort, warmth and relaxation”, no mention of small.

So if you have a large or open-plan LIVING ROOM you can still make it cosily attractive at a time of year when you are likely to spend plenty of time sitting happily ensconced in a comfortable chair or sofa as the rain batters outside or the snow freezes.

In a bigger space, large, well-upholstered furniture can really work and provide an inviting spot to be. Sectional sofas are a good choice here to break up the expanse; placing your furniture into seating groups makes social gatherings so much easier and more friendly.

In a high room, add tall, voluminous plants to take up empty corners or fill vertical space. Just ensure that any living plants can get enough light. Dead plants don’t enhance any room!

Plants can bring a room alive, though, and the greenery is very welcome in Winter so it’s definitely worth looking at placing a couple in areas where they will bring a different element to the room. For example, place a few differently sized pots together in a group to provide an interesting little area.

To bring in a big room and create that cosy feeling, paint your wall two-toned. Painting it until several inches from the ceiling can also make the room feel slightly smaller and warmer.

Conversely, if you want to make the room feel much larger, just paint a few inches onto the ceiling.

An accent wall in a warm tone also adds to the cosy feeling and a dusky red on the wall behind a fireplace doubles the warmth of any room.

Colours have a huge effect on our mood so take a really good look at available paint palettes before deciding on your decor.

While cool greys translate well into Winter, especially teamed with warmer accents of bright colour, try bold combinations like burnished red with navy or mustard.

The latest trends offer clever ideas from Nature to help. Warmer pinks and browns, washed teals and mossy greens offer a relaxed, neutral colour scheme that create a comforting ambience ideal for enhancing Winter warmth.

For a different look, instead of a coffee table in your living room, try an oversized ottoman. These soft, plush pieces of furniture automatically make any room look and feel warmer.

You can rest your feet on them for relaxing and, with an additional tray, they make a perfectly good coffee table as well. The other plus

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is that an ottoman offers extra storage so you can tidy away items to offer clean lines to enhance the atmosphere you’re trying to create.

Opt for comfort here – after all, you’re going to spend quite a large amount of time using them so they need to be as comfortable as possible.

The fabric used on your furniture is more important than ever in the Winter as a cold fabric can automatically make you feel chilly. A soft but durable fabric that can stand up to plenty of use is the ideal and recliners always win over standard sofas and squashy chairs here – so investing in at least one may prove to be the best thing you’ve ever done!

Using a throw or faux fur is another simple way to warm up a room.

A brightly coloured throw, draped over the back of a sofa not only adds texture, colour and warmth to the look of this room but also offers something to pop around your shoulders if you feel a little chilly and just need warming up.

Team cushions in soft and contrasting colours and fabrics to help your décor and you’ve got just the right balance of style and comfort here.

In spite of today’s love affair with the Kindle and iPad when it comes to reading books, people still love the original paper version and books can bring so much to a living room.

There is definitely something comforting and reassuring about books so bookshelves are worth considering in rooms where furniture is pushed away from the walls.

If you have a large book collection, here is the ideal place to store them and if you have a small collection, why not arrange like books together with knick-knacks and accent pieces to fill vertical spaces?

This kind of artistic grouping gives real personality to a room.

Another way to make it more like your own living space is to add family photos. They make a room feel inviting and warm and offer a talking point for visitors.

Hope Pilates Pilates improves strength, flexibility, bone density, postural problems, co ordination and balance and is also a great way to meet like minded people! Pilates can also benefit people suffering with orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Pilates exercises can be modified to suit the individual.

At Hope Pilates we offer group and private Pilates classes, we keep our group classes small with a maximum of 10 people per class so everyone can get the attention they need.

The Hope Pilates studio is a warm relaxing room with oak beams which provides a more inviting environment to the average fitness studio. We also offer physiotherapy assessments and all staff at Hope Pilates are fully trained, qualified and insured.

“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.” - Joseph Pilates

Hope Pilates 16

Hope Farm, Halegate road, Widnes, WA8 8LZ

Call us: 07749 121907 Email: hope_pilates@hotmail.com

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RESIN DRIVEWAY PROFITS SOAR WITH NEW SHOWROOM IN YORKSHIRE

Caption: Resin Drives new Brighouse showroom also features fencing, garden rooms, garage doors and even a putting green.

ResinDrives.co.uk Ltd recently celebrated record-breaking figures over the last two months, proving not even Brexit can hold back the Yorkshire-based home improvement firm. The timing could not be better, as they opened their doors to customers with a brandnew flagship showroom in West Yorkshire, Brighouse. The showroom happens to be the biggest internal resin showroom in the UK. As well as resin driveways, it also includes their new line of outdoor products; such as state of the art garden rooms, garage doors, fencing, decking and artificial lawns. There is also a mini putting green for customers to try out their golfing ability or to keep the kids entertained while parents can peruse the many resin samples on display.

“It was important to us to have an impressive flagship showroom for customers to see the quality and variety on offer for themselves.

Despite being a national company, we’re proud of our Yorkshire roots so Brighouse was an ideal location for our flagship showroom. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the M62, making it easily accessible for people further afield too. We invite customers to come in at

their leisure, where they can expect a warm Yorkshire welcome, and wide range of outdoor products on display - from resin driveways to garage doors and more.”, explains Managing Director, Carwyn Richards.

The showroom is their second showroom in the UK, with another based in South Wales.

They also have their resin driveways on display in Express Bi-folding Doors showrooms, in Leeds and Romford.

Resin Drives.co.uk Ltd have over 10 years’ experience and uses all their own installation teams to ensure consistent quality control across the board. Resin is becoming increasingly popular with more home owners than ever recognising its superior benefits over other surfacing options on the market: it’s porous, environmentally-friendly, weed adverse, slip-resistant, wheelchair-friendly and has excellent tyre traction. Aside from all the practical benefits, resin driveway gives customer’s many different aesthetic styles to add exceptional kerb appeal. With over 40 stone colours to choose from a trip to the showroom is definitely worthwhile.

Pop into Resin Drives new showroom today: Unit 4D Armytage Road, Brighouse, off Junction 25 from the M62. (Just next door to the British Car Auction). HD6 1QF. Alternatively, for more information call: 0800 007 5733 or visit: www.resindrives.co.uk

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FINANCE

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A SECURE FUTURE WITH EQUITY RELEASE? THESE days we have to look at a variety of ways to raise cash and ensure that our future will be secure and one popular way for anyone over 55 to do just that is via equity release, with research carried out by the Equity Release Council showing that 72% of homeowners over 45 questioned wanted to stay in their property for as long as possible, with 41% also looking to invest in home improvements.

Equity release offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home, which can be released either as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both. There are two equity release options: a home reversion and a lifetime mortgage.

A HOME REVERSION involves you selling part or all of your home to a home reversion provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments.You have the right to continue living in the property until you die, rent-free,

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but you have to agree to maintain and insure it.

You can ring-fence a percentage of your property for later use, possibly for inheritance - the percentage you retain will always remain the same, regardless of the change in property values, unless you decide to take further cash releases. At the end of the plan, your property is sold and the sale proceeds are shared according to the remaining proportions of ownership.You will get a lump sum or regular payments – normally between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of the market value of your home, or the part you sell.

With home reversions, it’s worth checking whether or not you can release equity in several payments or in one lump sum and the minimum age at which you can take out a home reversion plan. Some providers insist you’re at least 60 or 65 before you can apply.

Keep in mind the percentage of the market value you will receive. This will increase the

older you are when you take out the plan but might vary from provider to provider. Also check whether you have the right to remain in your property for life or until you need to move to long-term care, provided the property remains your main residence and you abide by the terms and conditions of your contract.

It’s worth checking whether you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan and whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee”.

You will also need to know what level of maintenance you’ll be expected to carry out and how often your property will be inspected – this could be every few years.

The Money Advice Service explains that a LIFETIME MORTGAGE means that you take out a mortgage secured on your property, provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership.

You may be able to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family or you can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.

according to your age when you take out the lifetime mortgage, while some providers might offer larger sums to those with certain past or present medical conditions. Many lenders offer interest rates which are fixed or, if they are variable, have a “cap” or upper limit which is fixed for the loan’s duration.

Most people who take out equity release use a lifetime mortgage. Usually you don’t have to make any repayments while you’re alive and interest “rolls up” (unpaid interest is added to the loan), meaning the debt can increase quite quickly over a period of time. However, some lifetime mortgages do now offer the option to pay all or some of the interest. Some will let you pay off the interest and the capital.

Check whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee” This means that, when your property is sold and agents’ and solicitors’ fees have been paid, even if the amount left is not enough to repay the outstanding loan to your provider neither you nor your estate will be liable to pay any more.

In the same way ordinary mortgages vary from lender to lender, so do lifetime mortgages, and if you’re looking at this option it’s worth knowing that the minimum age for this is usually 55. As we’re now all living longer, the earlier you start the more this is likely to cost in the long run.

The average borrower in their late 60s can usually borrow around 35% of the value of their home, but how much can be released is dependent on your age and the value of your property. The percentage typically increases

Again, it’s also worth finding out if you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan, as different lifetime mortgage providers might have slightly different thresholds.

Consider whether you can pay none, some or all of the interest. If you can make repayments, the mortgage will be less costly.

However, with a lifetime mortgage where you can make monthly payments, the amount you can repay might be based on your income.

Providers will have to check you can afford these regular payments.

Empowering you with the retirement you deserve

Look at whether you can withdraw the equity you’re releasing in small amounts, as and when you need it, or whether you have to take it as one lump sum. The advantage of being able to take money out in smaller amounts is you only pay the interest on the amount you’ve withdrawn. If you can take smaller lump sums, check if there is a minimum amount.

Overall, equity release might seem like a good option if you want some extra money and don’t want to move house, but it’s worth bearing in mind that equity release can be more expensive in comparison to an ordinary mortgage. In addition, it’s worth considering any additional changes taking out equity release could make to existing arrangements, with the potential to lose means-tested benefits being key among them. It’s also worth considering involving your family throughout the process, as any equity taken out of the home will impact their inheritance later down the line.

Speak to an independent financial adviser to find out if equity release is right for you, and whether it could help in supporting your financial future.

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PREPARING YOUR LAWN FOR WINTER GARDENING WRITER, JULIA HEATON, HAS SOME TIMELY LAWN CARE TIPS

take a garden fork and push the tines in to their full depth at 15cm intervals across the lawn. Once in the ground wiggle the fork around to widen the holes. On large areas or heavy clay soils a hollow tine aerator, which extracts small cores of soil, may be best for the job.

It makes sense to put your lawn to bed for the winter, just like any other plant in the garden. September and October is the time to take stock of the wear and tear it has undergone during the course of the year.

The aim is to scarify, aerate and topdress, in that order. So follow these steps and you’ll be giving your grass all the strength it needs to cope with any frost, snow or waterlogging in the months ahead.

SCARIFY/RAKING First things first, you’ll need to scarify by raking up and removing any build-up of moss and thatch (dead grass and plant debris). This will improve drainage and help to reduce fungal infections. To give yourself a head start it’s a good idea to bring the level of the grass gradually down in the two-week run-up – this will provide you with short, dry grass that makes the raking process less difficult.

If there’s lots of moss you can spray the problem areas with moss killer beforehand.

Then once it has turned black it can be raked out much more easily. A spring tine rake is the best tool for the job. Its 16 claw-shaped tines are designed to remove unwanted debris without damaging healthy blades of grass. If the thatch is particularly bad though 22

it’ll need carefully teasing out so a hand scarifier, with blades on a roller, is a better option. Whichever you choose you’ll need to work across the lawn two or three times, approaching it from a different angle each time. For larger areas you may want to hire or buy an electric rake.

Don’t panic when you survey the results – the lawn may look pretty patchy, but it means that the grass now has space to breath, grow and fill out into the bare patches of soil. And if these patches are really large you can re-sow with lawn seed.

AERATING: Regular use during the summer can cause a lawn to settle, become dense and compacted. With little access to air the grass becomes weak, which encourages moss and water-logging. To tackle these problems

TOPDRESSING Applying a topdressing loosely fills the aeration holes and evens out any lumps and bumps in the lawn. Ultimately this improves its condition and drainage, encouraging the grass to produce more roots and runners.

Topdressing can be bought in ready mixed bags from garden centres but you can also make your own by combining loam, multipurpose compost and sand.

The mix of these three ingredients depends on the type of soil you’ve got. When a loamy mix is used on sandy soil it can improve its water-retaining abilities, while a sandy topdressing on a heavy soil can help improve drainage. If your soil is heavy clay and compaction is a real problem then sharp sand alone can be used to improve surface drainage.

Using a shovel spread the mix evenly across the lawn at the rate of 1kg per sq m and lightly brush it into the surface and aeration holes. What you’re looking for in the end is a layer of top dressing that’s thin enough for the blades of grass to poke through it.

Topdressing recipes: • For a heavy soil, mix 1 part multipurpose compost, 2 parts loam and 4 parts sand; • For a loamy soil, mix 1 part multi-purpose compost, 4 parts loam and 2 parts sand; • For a sandy soil, mix 2 parts multi- purpose compost, 4 parts loam and 1 part sand

BARE PATCHES Late summer to mid-autumn is a good time to sow grass seed as the soil is still warm and should be nicely moist. Make sure the ground is clear of weeds and rake it over to break up any lumps and create a fine tilth.

Then tread evenly over it so that it is levelled out, adding extra soil where needed, before raking again. Lightly rake in a granular fertiliser two or three days before sowing. Good weather and moist soil should produce germination in nine or ten days. Keep it watered during dry spells and leave it uncut for three to four weeks.

FEEDING An autumn feed isn’t always necessary but if your grass has taken a beating from the dry weather and hotter than average temperatures it’s worth doing. Only use an autumn feed as it will contain less nitrogen, which will produce slower growth and tougher leaves able to withstand winter temperatures.

MOWING AND EDGING As colder weather slows down the rate of grass growth there’s less need to mow as frequently. Always wait for a dry day before mowing and, if needed, follow it up by trimming lawn edges. Use some long handled edging shears for this job. The blades are set at a 90 degree angle to the handles so you can do the job from a standing position.

If the lawn has started to grow over a pathway it’s a good time to re-instate a proper edge. Using a half-moon edging iron drive the blade down and into the turf where it meets the pathway, then pull the pieces away.

SWEEPING There’s no escaping fallen leaves in autumn but it’s important not to let them sit for more than a few days on your lawn as the grass they are covering will soon suffer. Once a week use a besom broom or a fan rake to sweep them up. Another alternative is to run your lawn mower over them so it can gather them up.

CONTROLLING LEATHERJACKETS Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, or daddy-long-legs. The grubs hatch in autumn and eat away at grass roots, so by spring you can be left with yellow patches across the lawn. Although there is no chemical treatment there is a biological control in the form of nematodes, which are microscopic worms that you can water onto the lawn between August and October and again in spring.

They basically work by entering the grubs and infecting them with a bacterial disease that kills them. Look for Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer at garden centres and on-line.

Another alternative is to water the lawn and lay a large black plastic sheet across it overnight. This will encourage the grubs to come to the surface, so when the sheet is lifted the following morning you just need to brush them up and dispose of them.

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FOOD & DRINK

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LYMPSTONE MUSSELS I have never seen anything like the contraption used by the mussel men of the River Exe.They don’t use dredges, which wreck the sea bed; they use a self-flushing elevator that kind of hoovers up the mussels, causing less disturbance and producing a more sustainable supply all year round.The mussels are then cleaned, graded and put in purification tanks for a few days before being sold. Myles is the brains behind The Exmouth Mussel Company, so next time you’re down there, pop in and say hi. It was a pleasure to cook these wonderful mussels with my mate Michael Caines.

Serves 4 50g butter 100g smoked streaky bacon, chopped into lardons 1 onion, diced 2 celery sticks, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper small bunch of sea aster 250ml cider 250ml double cream 2kg mussels, cleaned and debearded 4 thick slices of white crusty bread 2 tablespoons olive oil small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Heat a large casserole dish over a medium heat for a few minutes until hot, then add half the butter.

When it has melted and is sizzling, add the bacon pieces and fry until crisp.

Add the diced onion and celery and the garlic and season well. Stir everything together and cook over a low heat for a few minutes, stirring every now and then.

Add the sea aster and pour in the cider and cream, then season with black pepper. Stir everything together then add the remaining butter. Once the butter has melted and the liquid is simmering, pop the mussels in and stir everything together. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 4 minutes.

Drizzle the slices of bread with the olive oil and toast in a flat frying pan until charred. Check all the mussels have opened, discarding any that haven’t, then tip into a serving bowl. Sprinkle over the parsley and serve with the toasted bread.

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TAGINE OF LAMB CHOPS WappingWharf is a testament to what’s happening in Bristol right now with new buildings and flats popping up all around and along the old docks. It’s still in its infancy but there are a few restaurants, one of which was a highlight for me – the small and compact BOX-E run by husband and wife Elliott and Tessa Lidstone – as were the two food containers there, one selling cheese and the other some great local meats.You’ll find great lamb all around theWest Country from local suppliers.

Serves 2 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 x 200-g Barnsley lamb chops 1/2 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 6 medium tomatoes, quartered 50ml Harveys Bristol cream sherry 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 5-cm piece fresh ginger, grated 2-cm piece fresh turmeric, grated 1 tablespoon runny honey 25g flaked almonds small bunch of fresh coriander, chopped

Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat then pour in the oil. Season the chops all over then pop them into the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until well browned. Flip them over and continue to cook for a further 2–3 minutes.

Add the diced onion, garlic and tomatoes, then pour in the sherry. Use a wooden spoon to stir any juices in the base of the pan into the ingredients.

Add all of the dry spices, stir again, then add the grated ginger and turmeric. Stir and season well. Keep the pan over a medium heat and cook for 5 minutes – it should be gently bubbling. Check the seasoning then divide between 2 warmed bowls, drizzle with the honey and sprinkle over the almonds and coriander.

Cakes for all occasions Find us on Facebook and Instagram @occasioncakesuk

www.occasioncakes.co.uk | info@occasioncakes.co.uk 108 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 5AZ

CALL: 01204 532693

16 Marsden Street, Wigan Town Centre (Royal Arcade)

CALL: 01942 495464

25

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY FISH STEW I don’t know who looked more confused, me or the thousands of tourists all around me while we were filming this dish on the stones of the Giant’s Causeway. I’d never been before but it really is a sight to behold. In fact, the whole coastline of this part of Northern Ireland is worth a trip – it is rugged and beautiful in equal measure, as is the produce that can be found here. Ales, meat, dairy, fish… It is so rich and diverse with such amazing food.

Serves 6 400g mussels, cleaned and debearded 25g butter 1 shallot, finely diced 25g plain flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 400ml full-fat milk 100ml double cream 1 medium floury potato, cooked and diced (you need 200g) 400g salmon fillet, skinned and chopped into 2-cm cubes 200g white crab meat 100g brown crab meat small bunch of chives, chopped To serve double cream olive oil

Place a large sieve over a bowl. Pour 100ml water into a large heavy-based saucepan and set the pan over a high heat. Add the mussels, cover with a lid and cook for 3 minutes until the mussels have steamed open. Strain the mussels through the sieve, reserving the liquor, then pick the mussel meat from the shells and set aside. Discard any mussels that haven’t opened.

In the same pan, melt the butter over a medium heat. As soon as the butter has melted, stir in the shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.

Stir in the flour, season, and cook for around 1 minute. Pour the reserved mussel liquor into the pan, stirring all the time, then add the milk and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, until smooth.

Add the potato and salmon, stir everything together, then cover the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until the potatoes are hot and the salmon has cooked through.

Stir in both types of crab meat and the mussel meat and warm through for a couple of minutes. Add a couple of tablespoons of hot water if the sauce is very thick. Season to taste and scatter over most of the chives.

To serve, ladle the stew into warmed bowls, drizzle with a little extra cream and olive oil, if you fancy, and garnish with the remaining chives.

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

As one of our customers recently said ‘This market continues to thrive and you can see why. Great stalls with everything you could ever need at good prices, plus the superb meat and fish covered market. Friendly service and great people - definitely recommend.

The hub of a great little town!’

CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE Stout is a dark, rich top-fermented beer and is the only type of beer you can use for this cake and the icing, so don’t start going off-piste and using Stella or other stuff – it won’t work!

Serves 10 200g butter 150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces 300ml stout 4 eggs 500g soft light brown sugar 350g self-raising flour For the icing 400g full-fat cream cheese 25ml stout 200g icing sugar a couple of squares of dark or milk chocolate, to decorate

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/320°F/gas 3. Line a 27-cm, deepsided cake tin with greaseproof paper.

Put the butter, chocolate and stout into a large heatproof bowl and rest over a pan of just-simmering water, making sure the base doesn’t touch the water, until the butter and chocolate have melted.

Lift the bowl off the pan and leave to cool slightly. Add the eggs and sugar to the mixture and whisk well, then fold in the flour until the mixture is smooth.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour. Leave to cool in the tin before turning out.

To make the icing, whisk the cream cheese, stout and icing sugar together in a bowl until smooth. Spoon on top of the cake and spread out to cover. Grate the chocolate over the top and serve.

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

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

Extracted from James Martin’s Great British Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography Peter Cassidy

27

FOOD & DRINK

|

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

It's beginning to look a lot like

Christmas ...

A snow globe is a great way to add festive sparkle to your home!

LET IT SNOW A FESTIVE SWEET MULLED WINE TARTLETS

MAKES ABOUT 12

These water filled lanterns with Christmas characters and swirling glitter make a great feature to any room. Battery operated, they can be displayed anywhere indoors and feature either a santa or a snowman scene.

30cm high, battery operated (requires 3AA batteries).

SPECIAL READER OFFER RRP £29.95 OUR PRICE £14.95

+ £3.00 POST AND PACKING FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

01204 238180

ORDER ONLINE: www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/xmas-offer/ OR EMAIL: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

28

FOR THE DOUGH: 200g (7oz) butter 140g (5oz/ 2/3 cup) raw cane sugar Seeds of 1 Vanilla pod (bean) Pinch of salt 1 egg 300g (10½oz/scant 2½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour + a little extra 100g (3½oz/1 cup) blanched ground almonds

For the jam (jelly): 125ml (4 floz/½ cup) red wine 2 strips of orange peel 2 cloves 1 cinnamon stick 1 piece of star anise ¼ vanilla pod (bean) 125ml (4 floz/½ cup) grape juice 75g (2½oz/1/3 cup) preserving sugar 3:1 FOR DECORATING: icing (confectioner's) sugar

EXTRA EQUIPMENT: STAR-SHAPED COOKIE CUTTERS, IN THREE SIZE

1. For the jam, put the red wine with the orange peel, spices, scraped out vanilla pod and vanilla seeds into a saucepan. Bring to the boil on a medium heat. Immediately remove from the stove, cover and steep for at least 2 hours.

Strain the wine mixture through a sieve and pour back into the pan. Mix in the juice and the preserving sugar. Bring to the boil and fast boil for 3 minutes. Pour into a sterilised jar and allow to set.

2. For the dough, cream the butter with the sugar, vanilla seeds and salt. Add the egg and beat in well. Add the flour and almonds, and work everything into a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film (plastic wrap) and leave in a cool place for 1 hour.

3. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 3–4 mm (1/8 in) on a floured work surface, and press out stars in three sizes. Place on baking sheets lined with baking parchment and bake for 10–12 minutes (you might need to take the small ones out of the oven earlier). Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack.

4. Heat the jam in a saucepan and stir until smooth. Spread the jam on the large and medium-sized circles, before stacking them together with the small ones on top. Dust with icing sugar and add a final dab of jam. Store in a tin.

Let it Snow by Agnes Prus (Hardie Grant, £7.99) Photography © Frauke Antholz

Christmas Covered AllUnder One Roof With Over 50 Unique Shops You’ll Be Spoilt For Choice

Gifts for all the family, Christmas Cake Supplies, Festive Food Boxes, Personalised Stockings & Tree Decorations, Party Outfits, Christmas Eve Boxes & so much more Wreath Workshops Tuesday 3rd December Saturday 7th December Saturday 14th December

Children’s Christmas Cupcake Parties Saturday 14th December 11.30-1pm

Table Arrangement Workshop Friday 20th December

Saturday 21st December 1pm-2.30pm

Booking essential: 01257 450022

Booking essential: 01257 450398

Christmas Opening Times Monday 23rd- 10am-5pm Christmas Eve- 10am-3pm Christmas Day CLOSED Boxing Day CLOSED Friday 27th CLOSED Saturday 28th- 10am-5pm

Sunday 29th- 10.30-4.30 Monday 30th CLOSED New Years Eve- 10am-3pm New Years Day CLOSED Thursday 2nd- Open as usual

r you r e Ord ey by Turk y 15th da !

Sun ember Dec

Wood Lane, Heskin, Chorley, PR7 5PA 01257 451464 | www.heskinhallshoppingvillage.co.uk

29

LEISURE

|

50 PLUS MAGAZINE

WHAT'S ON A GUIDE TO WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR REGION ...

THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2020 1.30PM CLASSIC FILMS AT THE BRINDLEY THEATRE - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

6TH DECEMBER 2019 CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT CONCERT

Age UK Cheshire have once again teamed up with the award winning choir from Grange School to provide a festive feast of entertainment for their annual Christmas concert, Carols by Candlelight.

1ST & 5TH DECEMBER 2019 LIGHT UP A LIFE

At St. Rocco’s, hundreds come together every December, as part of Light up a Life, to remember people that they love by dedicating a light in their honour on our Hospice Tree.

St. Rocco's Hospice, Lockton Lane, Bewsey, Warrington, WA5 0BW Tel: 01925 575 780

30

The Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO JEFF LYNNE 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk AND THE ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA

This will be the sixth year the concert will be held at St Helen Witton Parish Church in Northwich, and the event promises to be a festive evening full of music, mulled wine, mince pies and a Christmas raffle.

St Helen Witton Parish Church in Northwich

You may want to remember someone who has died and is forever in your thoughts. Or you can remember someone living away from home who you may be missing as the year draws to a close.

You will receive a commemorative card with your loved one’s name and it will also appear in our Book of Honour* which is on display here at St. Rocco's over the Christmas period. It is also available to view online after Christmas.

A silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound in this classic musical. Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds. Rated: U. Tickets are just £8 including booking fee and you can add a delicious Cream Tea for another £4.50 (Please contact the box office to book your Cream Tea) TICKET PRICES: £8.00 INC. BOOKING FEE, £12.50 WITH CREAM TEA

FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 2020 | 7.30PM ELO AGAIN

7TH DECEMBER 2019 WIGAN MARKET CRAFT FAIR

Wigan Markets will be holding a pop-up craft fair, come and see our handmade arts, crafts and bespoke gifts.

Wigan Market Hall 1 Mesnes St, Wigan

Celebrating the truly universal music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra.

They perform all the big hits Mr Blue Sky, Sweet Talkin’ Woman, Shine A Little Lover, Last Train to London, Roll Over Beethoven, Wild West Hero, Don’t Bring Me Down, The Diary of Horace Wimp, Telephone Line, Turn To Stone plus many more.

TICKET PRICES: £25 The Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk

Christmas at the Brindley Theatre Runcorn

MONDAY 20 JANUARY 2020 | 8PM SINDERELLA - ADULT PANTOMIME

Joseph Purdy Productions to see if despite the best efforts of her two minging stepsisters, Cinderella still makes it to the ball with the help of her Fairy Drag Henny.

Will Prince Charming get down on one knee, or will Buttons get there first?! With glittering sets, sparkling costumes and more innuendo than you ever thought possible... complete with a star line too, this promises to be biggest ball in town!

TICKET PRICES: £25.50, £23.50 The Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk

FRIDAY 13 - TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER MONDAY 16 DECEMBER

FRIDAY 13 - TUESDAY 17 DECEMBER

SING OUT GOSPEL CHOIR WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER

TAKE PHAT & CHRISTMAS PARTY CHARITY CONCERT

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER

SING OUT GOSPEL CHOIR WEDNESDAY 18 DECEMBER

BRINDLEY CHRISTMAS FILMS

TUESDAY 21 JANUARY 2020 | 7.30PM DIRTY DUSTING

Starring Crissy Rock (Benidorm, I’m a Celebrity), Leah Bell, Dolores Porretta and Andrew Green. Treat yourself to an evening of pure theatrical Viagra when Dirty Dusting returns to the stage in 2020 after five sell out UK tours. This is a heart-warming, feel good comedy which will have you rolling in the aisles and smiling every time you answer the phone. Dirty Dusting is a sex chat line that really cleans up.

TICKET PRICES: £26 The Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

• 3 Course Christmas Lunch £15 - Book a table •

Cheshire’s Multi-Award Winning Venue 0151 907 8360 | www.thebrindley.org.uk High St. Runcorn. Cheshire WA7 1BG

THE NORTH WEST’S

....

SATURDAY 25 JANUARY 2020 | 8PM THE CHRISTIANS

Bolton’s Award Winning Market has everything you need this Christmas 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.

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.

Open : Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 9am to 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

The classic Liverpool band are renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits such as Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World as well as the Hillsborough charity number one single Ferry Across The Mersey. They have recently had hugely successful recent tours with Go West, Hue & Cry and Roachford.

TICKET PRICES: £25 The Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk

THURSDAY 30 JANUARY 2020 1.30PM CLASSIC FILMS AT THE BRINDLEY THEATRE - GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)

A manipulative woman and a roguish man conduct a turbulent romance during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell. Rated: PG U. Tickets are just £8 including booking fee and you can add a delicious Cream Tea for another £4.50 A manipulative woman and a roguish man conduct a turbulent romance during the American Civil War and Reconstruction periods. Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell. Rated: PG TICKETS: £8.00 INC. BOOKING FEE , £12.50 WITH CREAM TEA The Brindley Theatre, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk

BREAST SCREENING

Saves lives through detecting cancer early The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women between 50 and their 71st birthday for a mammogram, every 3 years. Women from each GP practice are invited in turn and all women that are registered with a GP will receive an invitation.

Things to Know about having a Mammogram 1. What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that’s used to find breast changes in the breast tissue that could be due to cancer. It spots cancers that are too small to see or feel. Early detection saves Lives.

2. How do I get a mammogram?

The national breast screening programme invites all women between 50-70 every 3 years for breast screening. Each GP practice is screened in turn and all women that are registered with a GP will receive an invitation through the post.

3. What happens next…?..

If you choose to have your mammogram please come along to your appointment.Your appointment will either be at our base unit at The Thomas Linacre Centre or on our mobile unit which visits 11 different locations throughout East Lancashire. If your appointment is not on a convenient day or time please ring our breast screening office on 01942 774713 and we will change it for you.

4. What do I wear?

It’s always easier to wear a two piece outfit because you will need to remove your top and bra. Please do not apply deodorant or talcum powder as this can affect the quality of the mammogram.

?

5. What to expect

Here at South Lancashire breast screening your mammogram is always done by a female mammographer. Each breast is compressed for a few seconds while an x-ray is taken. This compression can be uncomfortable but is needed to provide a clear image. The mammogram takes about 5 minutes and could save your life.

6. Getting your results……

You should receive your results in the post within 2 weeks of having your mammogram.

7. What next….?

Most women will have a normal result and will be invited back again in 3 years for their routine mammogram. In-between mammograms you should be breast aware and check your breasts regularly. If you notice any changes or are suffering from any signs or symptoms you should contact your GP.

South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit Thomas Linacre Centre, Parsons Walk, Wigan WN1 1RU

01942 774713 BSUappointments@wwl.nhs.uk

www.wwl.nhs.uk/specialities/breast_screening bescreened

WHEELCHAIRS LTD regain your independence

Established over 35 years

Your Local Mobility Store HEAD OFFICE (LEIGH BRANCH) PARSONAGE GARAGE, KIRKHALL LANE LEIGH WN7 5RP Tel: 01942 606668 sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk

OPENING TIMES: Monday till Friday 9.00am till 5.00pm Saturday - 10.00am till 4.00pm Sunday - CLOSED

3 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE IS INCLUDED WITH EVERY POWERED WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY SCOOTER PURCHASED

MOBILITY SCOOTERS

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MOTABILITY PARTNER Can you benefit from Motability?

If you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or P.I.P. supplement you can benefit from this worry-free package.

The choice is yours With over 200 products to choose from, ranging from small, boot scooters to large, road legal (Class 3) scooters and powered wheelchairs, you can be sure to find the right one for you. Your allowance will then be paid directly to Motability Operations every four weeks, in exchange for your scooter or powered wheelchair. And most of the models available cost less than your four weekly higher rate mobility allowance, which means you get some money back!

It’s the perfect package With Motability, not only do you get the scooter or powered wheelchair of your choice, you get all the support and help you need.

AVAILABLE ASK FOR DETAILS CLOSE BROTHERS RETAIL FINANCE

BLACKPOOL BRANCH 269 TALBOT ROAD BLACKPOOL FY3 7AZ T: 01253 394853 www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk OPENING TIMES: Monday till Friday 9.00am till 5.00pm Saturday – 10.00am till 4.00pm Sunday - CLOSED

jak hanson

shopping outlet SHOP | DINE | RELAX | UNWIND | EXPLORE

SHOP | DINE | RELAX | UNWIND | EXPLORE

Lancashire’s Best Kept Shopping Secret!

While you SHOP, DINE, RELAX, UNWIND and EXPLORE you will discover a diverse range of clothing and shoes for ladies, men, accessories, lingerie, Kiddiroo toys for children of all ages including LEGO now in store!

There is also a large selection of homeware such as, kitchenware, quality bedding, curtains and other furnishings, gifts cards for every occasion, and so much more Just off Junction 27 of the M6! besides with significantly reduced prices, meaning savings for you and your family.

LADIESWEAR | MENSWEAR | KIDS | SHOES | HOMEWARE | GIFTS | BEDDING

tel: 01257 427035 www.jakhanson.com derby house, mossy lea road, wrightington. WN6 9RE

Shop Local this Christmas!

Festive Late Night Shopping Event Thursday 28th of November 5pm – 7pm don’t miss your chance to come and see our best ever Christmas Brands and gifts.

Sign up to our loyalty card on the night and you could win up to £100 worth of Shopping Vouchers Lancashire Local Merry Christmas Weekend - Saturday 7th & 8th of December from 11am till 4pm including Raffles, Entertainment, Food, Gin sampling and J.McRobb our high class family butcher who will be taking Christmas Orders.

OPENING TIMES Mon - Sat 9am - 5.30pm Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm

COAC H F RI E N D LY

We look forward to seeing you!

TEL: 01257 786080 www.jakhanson.com Derby House, Mossy Lea Road, Wrightington, WN6 9RE