Wigan, Warrington & St Helens issue 61

Homes for Ukraine

WOULD

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Robinsons’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of luxury Mercedes and Volvo coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Every break includes:

£159

from Request your brochure now!

Comfy en suite accommodation

Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice

Live nightly entertainment

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks Coach & Self-Drive Holidays January 2023 – December 2023 Return coach travel (self-drive option available)

We are proud to announce that five of our group – Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Devonshire, Imperial, County – have been awarded the coveted Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2022.

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

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

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

Price includes return coach travel from:

WW Pick-up: Leyland, Chorley, Coppull, Standish, Wigan, Ashton in Makerfield, Newton le Willows, Warrington, Lymm Services.

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

Call 01202 638 840 Quote - 50PlusWW

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 2023. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 15th March 2023

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

IN THIS ISSUE

2-3

GREAT VALUE BREAKS BY COACH

From Daish’s Robinsons

6-7 TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11 TRAVEL FROM SILVER TRAVEL ADVISOR

Secrets of the Douro

12-13 LEISURE

Why we should consider a caravan holiday this year

14-15 CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Shirley Ballas, queen of Strictly

16-17 HOLIDAYS

Top 5 things to do on the Pacific Coast Highway

18-19 ENTERTAINMENT

Theatre you don’t want to miss at the Atkinson in Southport

20-21 HOME

A new year, a new you

22-25 FOOD

Recipes from James Martin’s new book ‘POTATO’

26-27 GARDENING

How to create a dog friendly garden

30-31 HEALTH

Free consultation at Dental Arts

E:

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Dealing with life’s crises – perma and otherwise

COLLINS of dictionary fame chose as their Word of the Year for 2022 “permacrisis.”

I don’t think it’s a word that many of us have ever actually uttered out loud but it was probably an apt one for the year as it is the feeling of living through an extended period of instability and insecurity.

And 2022 with the war in Ukraine, climate change, inflation and the cost of living crisis certainly prompted permacrisis. I suspect that many of us have been changed by all this.

British author Penny Mallory – obviously someone who knows how to tackle any kind of crisis as she’s taking part in the Talisker Whiskey

Atlantic Rowing Challenge in 2023 – told the Daily Mail about ways to deal with modern life’s crises.

She insists that “mental toughness isn’t about being aggressive, strong and macho. Some of the quietest, gentlest people are mentally tough.”

Penny says that resilient people don’t “wallow or dwell on failure. They acknowledge the situation, learn lessons from mistakes and move forward. They are mentally tough and they are more likely to thrive.”

She advises thinking of failure as learning. Be prepared to leave your comfort zone – “Playing it safe and refusing to leave your comfort zone may be a recipe for failure but risk is scary.

“Champions learn to open their minds to possibilities, managing risk and leveraging it to their advantage.”

Penny adds that life is not all about academic success and that qualifications are “not the biggest factor in success. Only 30 per cent of any achievement you make will be down to your skill, talent and intelligence, but 70 per cent of your achievement will be down to your mental toughness, focus, resilience and determination.”

Now that should be enough to allow us to tackle any permacrisis.

Putting the accent on being yourself

SHOULD the accent you use really influence the way that people treat you?

Plainly, today it really shouldn’t but, of course, being humans with all the prejudices that this entails for many, it does.

This thorny subject came to light again recently when a man from Stockport in Greater Manchester revealed that he had changed the way he spoke to fit in at university.

This happened right from Freshers’ Week when he realised he spoke differently to his fellow students.

At university, he was once asked if his home town was “one of those desolate wastelands where the factories used to be.” Now, even allowing for both snobbery and a major misunderstanding of UK environments, this is nasty stuff.

His experiences, and many others, were being gathered for The Sutton Trust’s Speaking Up report which examines the impact that

someone’s accent has on their life journey, especially in education and the workplace.

The report shows that public attitudes to the various accents across the country have remained largely the same over time. Standard received pronunciation, French-accented English and classic varieties like Scottish, American and Southern Irish all ranked highly with people.

While this latter finding is not really a surprise because our national ear does seem to be attuned to appreciating, for example, the Scottish lilt, what is odd is the negative attitude towards some regional accents.

Katie Zacharczuk, a solicitor born and raised in Liverpool, said it was a “culture shock” when she went to university as previously she had only been around people who talked like her.

She was worried about being judged “less intelligent” or “not as valuable to an organisation.” To her credit, she never changed her accent and has a successful career.

Sir Ian McKellen was mocked for his Northern vowels when he went to Cambridge University. His accent was the butt of public school boys and he feared it would affect his ultimate ambition to become an actor.

Interestingly, Sir Ian says that he has noticed that original accent “coming back” to him recently – a situation he doesn’t regret “because it is part of me.”

That feeling was echoed by a friend of mine who worked in Government in London in a very good job but found her accent was the cause of much negative comment from colleagues in particular. She didn’t change it but she did eventually move back to her home town. She realised that the way she spoke was, like Sir Ian, all part of who she really was – and she was proud of that.

Separating fact from fiction

AS a new series of blockbuster Netflix series The Crown returns to TV screens it’s no surprise that so does the controversy.

Is it or is it not “largely” based on truth or are whole chunks of it made up?

While it’s unlikely that the current Royal Family would helpfully clear up the salient points about whether Princess Diana courted the media herself or about the real relationship between then Prince Charles and the Queen, there are those in the know who can come up with some guidance.

The general impression given is that, yes, parts of The Crown are fiction and sometimes not even based on actual events.

As an avid viewer, it’s hard not to be seduced into thinking you are watching something factual because we easily recall media headlines backing up the feeling that this is genuine.

The real danger, though, is that The Crown is presented as a documentary, complete with unassailable “truths”, when it isn’t.

Young viewers and those who have not followed the Royal Family’s comings and goings over the years are tempted to accept what they see and not question it.

TV is a great medium for explaining situations, especially in hindsight, and can assemble large amounts of information and experts to provide a helpful overview.

Unfortunately, when you chuck entertainment into the pot you may get a different outcome and the temptation to “expand” on fact and “manipulate reality” can skew truth.

Perhaps more could be done by the programme-makers to emphasise that the series is based on fact but is still fiction.

Would you be willing to open up your hear t and home and welcome individuals displaced by the war in Ukraine?

If you are willing to share your space with those in need of a safe place, you can find out more information here and register your interest:

www.sjog-homesforukraine.uk

Plus Travel sponsored by

SECRETS OF THE DOURO by Carole Tidball

Our holidays together seem doomed. My increasingly-less-mobile husband prefers to ’fly, flop and read’ (his novels need their own suitcase!) whilst I long to venture off the beaten track. Close proximity to fine dining is key to our holiday enjoyment, further limiting our options.

Cruise Highlights

Solution: a river cruise with Emerald.

Why Choose Emerald Cruises?

I could envisage husband relaxing on deck, occasionally glancing up from his book to enjoy passing scenery: me joining onboard EmeraldPLUS activities – from early morning yoga to cookery demos and cocktail mixing – and onshore adventures in new and different places. Emerald’s additional EmeraldACTIVE and DiscoverMORE excursions are perfect for guests like me who strangely prefer discovering a destination’s hidden delights on foot, by jeep or kayak rather than the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.

Eagerly surveying Emerald Cruises’ brochure, we chose ‘Secrets of the Douro’ – 8 days sailing from the lively metropolis of Porto through sun-drenched terraced vineyards to visit iconic landmarks. Mateus Manor House (familiar to all 1970’s Rosé fans), the baroque village of Lamego with its picturesque shrine, and the beautiful university city of Salamanca beckoned. Visits to local Quintas along the route promised wine and port tastings and DiscoverMORE offered enticing, hand-picked experiences delving deeper into the region.

We’d already enjoyed cruises on the Nile, Rhine and Danube when my husband was more active and the Douro has been on my wish list for several years. Relatively unknown to many, the Douro was wild and unnavigable in places until relatively recently and was only tamed by the construction of dams and locks between 1965 and 1985. I was looking forward to an exciting combination of adventures off the beaten track, visits to vibrant cities and great food and drink. Starved of travel for a couple of years, our expectations were high. But would Emerald deliver?

Not only did they deliver – they exceeded both our expectations. Highlights for me included a visit to the fairy tale gardens of Quinta da Aveleda near Porto. As we followed our guide through lush gardens, past the goat tower (I kid you not) and across a rickety bridge, we discovered an enchanting summer house. Here – concealed behind a fountain - the ladies of the manor escaped the heat of the day to take ‘afternoon tea’ – smuggling flasks of the estate’s cool, crisp Vinho Verde wine in their picnic hampers. I wonder how many toppled into the lake after their secret sessions. Another highlight, not for the faint-hearted, was a hike to see Côa’s truly awesome ancient rock art discovered recently during the building of a new dam. Local school children had successfully mounted a nationwide campaign to preserve the area and halt the building work. Joining a small group of hardy Australian guests, I bounced off in a 4x4 through steep tracks before trekking in 36 degrees heat to view rock carvings. “There’s a reason why this area’s called Canada do Inferno,” observed our guide cheerily. Meanwhile, our less adventurous/more sensible compatriots studied replicas in an air-conditioned museum and enjoyed an entertaining workshop on stone-age toolmaking.

One of the included excursions was a trip to Salamanca. Such an amazing city – I was awestruck to see the actual crucifix that El Cid carried into battle, during our tour of the Cathedral. After our guided walking tour in fierce heat my companions mostly wanted to shop and sit in shaded cafes during our free time so I set off to explore, crossing the river via a Roman bridge to view the city skyline reflected in the water. Our group came back together for the

Mateus Manor

Tuna Band performance – cheerful young medical students dressed in medieval student robes playing traditional songs and performing energetic dances.

Similarly in Porto, a guided walking tour was followed by plenty of free time to explore. I hiked across the iconic Dom Louis bridge and took the cable car across rooftops to enjoy differing views of the city and to take photos of the rabelo – traditional Portuguese cargo boats used to transport port barrels upstream.

Star-Ship Emerald Radiance

What a pleasure to return each evening to our home for the week, the Star-Ship Emerald Radiance. Holding no more than 112 guests and 37 crew, she is Emerald’s smallest ship, purpose-built to navigate the narrow locks that have tamed the Douro in recent years. The friendly, all-Portuguese crew provided exceptional levels of customer service. Handrails gleamed, mirrors and windows sparkled. Drinks were served promptly in the bar. A memorable moment saw the entire crew (minus the captain who was busy steering the ship) downing tools and serenading us on the sundeck with a traditional song as we feasted on a barbecue of fresh sardines, juicy spatchcock chicken and salads. Another special moment occurred early morning when my yoga stretching on deck was interrupted by the crew busily cleaning the ships windows and moving in time to Queen’s “I want to break free.”

Our Panorama Balcony Suite held all our belongings with ease thanks to under-bed storage for suitcases, deep drawers and, yippee, a shelf to store John’s library! In addition to a high-powered hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and a full range of good quality toiletries, there were robes, slippers, an umbrella and two walking poles. Preholiday, Emerald had posted us rucksacks and also water bottles that we could fill with ice-cold water or tea/coffee available 24/7 from machines in the lounge. These guys think of everything!

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE OF SCENE

Do you dream of living in the country? Rural rambles, scenic cycle rides and a slower pace of life? Move to a brand new, fully furnished home and join a friendly, like-minded community at Mount Pleasant Park.

As cruise ships may only sail the Douro during daytime, my FOMO (fear of missing out) new vistas and lock experiences whist sleeping was allayed. Emerald also seemed to have bagged the best mooring spots and rarely tied up alongside other ships, allowing us uninterrupted views through our cabin’s floor-to-ceiling windows. (I’ll never forget on my first ever river cruise standing stark naked and flinging open our curtains to greet dawn on the river Nile, only to find a startled man sitting in his cabin inches away from ours. A ship had quietly docked beside us overnight).

The sheer convenience of having Radiance’s fine-dining restaurant within easy reach of our room was a real bonus. Carefully planned menus and accompanying wines reflected local or national produce wherever possible. Chef positively beamed when he tempted this vegetarian to taste slow-roasted pork sourced from a local piggery bred to produce the sweetest most tender meat. Melt-in-the mouth butterfish from the Azores starred in another memorable meal. Our charming and most attentive waiter, Daniel, remembered our drink preferences and gracefully met our cheeky requests for extra cheese and biscuits with a glass of tawny port.

Fellow guests helped make the whole experience even more special. We soon found our ‘tribe’ amongst the mixed group of Australian, Canadian, American and British guests. Our competitive gang of 60-something boomers outdanced and out-sang the competition during a music quiz. We all agreed we hadn’t laughed so much in ages. Many were returning customers with one couple enjoying their 8th cruise with Emerald – I can certainly see why.

Next steps:

To take an Emerald Cruise like Carole’s or to find out about their worldwide voyages and to book your Cruise, call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 or visit silvertraveladvisor.com

2023 UK & EUROPEAN COACH HOLIDAYS & SHORT BREAKS

WHY WE SHOULD CONSIDER A CARAVAN HOLIDAY

Many of us look to the summer as an exciting time to escape our everyday norm and embark on our summer holidays. We all look forward to that time away from the 9-5, meeting new people, trying new foods and experiencing new cultures.

However, with the cost of living rising and some still feeling uneasy about travel abroad, a caravan holiday, whether with a touring caravan, motorhome or campervan, could be the perfect solution. Rob Debenham, Show Manager, at The Caravan Motorhome & Holiday Show explains why we should consider a caravan holiday for our next getaway.

A caravan holiday has many great benefits and provides us with the opportunity to experience the many wonders that lie on our own doorstep. Having that sense of home comforts wherever you decide to travel, one of the many great benefits of a caravan holiday is that you have complete freedom in your destinations, when you go and how long you go for.

By being mobile you are free to take your road trip all over the UK (and beyond), exploring places and towns you may never have considered before and discovering hidden gems. Many caravan sites in the UK are often located near beaches, woodlands, forests and areas of natural beauty, all of which are perfect for enjoying the British countryside, seaside strolls and even toasted marshmallows around the fire in the evening.

What makes caravanning even better is that you are travelling with your home comforts. You can travel at your own pace and for however long you want, without the worry of rushing to the airport or missing a train. This means you can fully relax and enjoy this laidback break away from normality.

An escape in your ‘van doesn’t also have to be limited to just the UK. Destinations such a Spain and France are easily accessible by ferry and lead to countries, landscapes, sites and experiences you may have missed if travelling via plane or train.

Furthermore, by travelling this way, you get to avoid busy airports and train stations. Long wait times and cancelled flights can become a distant memory and even if you do need to queue to board your ferry, at least you can wait in comfort with a cup of your favourite tea in hand. Airport activity such as baggage reclaim is replaced with the freedom of the open road, and even the odd traffic jam can be made bearable, if not enjoyable, when surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

The traditional holiday abroad can often come with a lot of added baggage, especially if you have kids to entertain on flights, around the pool or at the beach. Colouring books, swimming noodles, toys and additional paraphernalia can all add up to a heavy suitcase that’s difficult to pack. With a ‘van holiday, you have more room to pack

exactly what you heart desires and if you have a furry friend that you don’t want to leave behind, you don’t have too.

A ‘van holiday makes a wonderful – and practical - family trip and if you are concerned about having enough to do with children and teenagers when parked up, you can check sites and their onsite activities or nearby attractions with ease with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club websites, show partners to Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show.

The best places in the UK for a caravan holiday

Caravanning has never been more popular. Now more than ever, people are appreciating the immense freedom it gives, as well as the opportunity to stay at some of the most stunning places across the UK, at a very affordable rate.

To help those first time caravanners, or indeed those regulars looking for some fresh inspiration for where to stay in 2023, we’ve called on the Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show, Show Manager, Rob Debenham to share some of his favourite sites across the UK.

Fishguard Bay Resort in Wales – This intimate and secluded resort provides breath-taking views in an amazing setting. Nearly all the pitches offer dramatic views of the stunning Pembrokeshire coastline, perched on the unspoilt western coast of Wales. Prices for caravans start at £22 per night.

The Sutton-on-Sea Club Campsite – The Midlands aren’t often remembered for their many coastal retreats but Sutton-on-Sea is a well-kept secret. With buckets of traditional seaside charm, the area is home to sandy shores, coastal walks and plenty of fun local activities like bowling, tennis and mini golf. Prices for caravans start at £20.30. Find out more details here.

Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park in Scotland – This award-winning caravan and camping park is set in the midst of the Highlands, at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The park gives you easy access to the many footpaths of Glen Nevis that take you through forests or alongside the beautiful River Nevis. Glen Nevis Holidays enjoys its own Highland Estate with grounds extending over 1,000 acres and is also home to a herd of Pedigree Highland cattle! Prices for caravans start at £27.50.

Summer Valley Touring Park in Truro – Deep in the heart of Cornwall, close to the popular holiday destination of Truro, this family-run park has great facilities set in stunning parkland countryside. Just 10 minutes to the nearby beaches of Perranporth and St Agnes, it offers picturesque views and countless things to do – from visiting one of the 36 National Trust properties nearby, to swimming in the sea, to visiting one of the many Poldark filming locations! Prices for caravans start at £25 per night.

Kloofs Holiday Resort in Bexhill – Set in 22 acres of tranquil and peaceful countryside in East Sussex, with incredible views over the South Downs, Kloofs is a perfect spot for you to explore the countryside, or visit the nearby beach at Cooden, just two miles away. With popular towns such as Bexhill and Eastbourne, and even Brighton, not too far a drive, you will have plenty to see and do while its facilities have received rave reviews. From £27 per night.

SHIRLEY BALLAS QUEEN OF STRICTLY

SHE was the Queen of Latin American Dance and now she’s the Queen of Strictly but for Shirley Ballas the journey has been as tricky as any complex samba routine.

In spite of attracting a worrying cache of trolls as Head Judge of the mega popular weekly dance competition, Shirley has waltzed straight into the hearts of viewers.

How else could we tell a heel lead from a flick ball change or appreciate the techniques of a fleckle without Shirley’s help? When she took over the role from fellow judge and much-loved dance icon Len Goodman six years ago, Shirley definitely had a tough act to follow.

But she was no newcomer to the world of either dance competition or judging. Shirley was already a well-respected figure in the dance world and a former Latin American champion with all the right moves. In fact, she was the ideal person for the Strictly top job.

She could never have known, however, just how far up the dance ladder she would climb when she was a seven year-old in Wallasey, Cheshire, taking up dancing for the very first time.

Her childhood had not been easy up until then. Her father had left the family when Shirley was just two and she and her Mum and brother David had very little money.

Shirley proved to be a promising young dancer and at 15 she moved to North Yorkshire to partner British ballroom champion Nigel Tiffany. They moved to London two years later but their partnership ended after Shirley was convinced to audition to partner dancer Sammy Stopford.

They married when Shirley was 18 to be partners both on the dance floor and in life. In the former, they were successful; one highlight was winning the Professional Latin title at the Blackpool Dance Festival in 1983.

Sadly, away from the ballroom, the pairing was less successful and the relationship ended five years later.

In 1985, she married dancer Corky Ballas and took the Professional Latin title in Blackpool in 1995 and 1996 with him. The couple then moved to Houston, Texas, to compete in America.

By then, she was already an established dancing coach and judge and she decided to give up competitive dancing. She worked with top US TV show Dancing with the Stars, commentating and giving master classes. The couple later divorced.

She came to widespread prominence in the UK when in May, 2017, it was announced that she would be joining the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One, replacing head judge Len Goodman when series 15 was aired in September that year.

Although Shirley was plainly well-known in the dance world, both in the UK and internationally, she was new to many viewers of the perennially popular programme. Fortunately, her warm personality, straightforward approach to contestants and phenomenal dance knowledge quickly made her a judging favourite.

She tries to be honest and positive with contestants, highlighting their strengths and offering useful advice on their weaknesses. She follows not only her own mind on this but also, like Len Goodman, upholds the strict rules of the world of dance and refuses to gloss over flaws.

Her no-nonsense approach and critiques have inevitably attracted some negative comments and, sadly, some of these have turned into serious online trolling.

So much so that Shirly recently reported a genuine loss of confidence, forcing her – in a career spanning five decades – to consult a doctor for the first time about her low moods and anxiety.

For, even though Shirley states that she has “always tried to do the best job for people watching at home” and understands that viewers don’t always agree with the judges’ scoring, she has found the trolling very upsetting.

She told OK magazine: “When it gets personal, that’s cruel.”

Shirley’s life has generally been far from plain-sailing and Christmas is a particularly difficult time. On December 5, 2003, her brother took his own life, making this normally festive time a painful one for her for a long time.

In 2019, amid general concerns about cancer, she had breast implants removed. In typical Shirley fashion, she was very open about the situation, discussing her decision on the Lorraine show and returning to the Strictly screen a short time after surgery, thus winning praise from fans.

It is largely thanks to the amazing knowledge of Shirley, now 62, that so many more viewers now understand the intricacies of dances from the American Smooth to the Argentine Tango.

She breaks down the technicalities to explain – and often demonstrate – technical moves that few viewers would otherwise appreciate without her helpful approach.

She is generous with her scoring, but only if a dancer deserves it, and will fight her corner even if her decision is unpopular. She is, however, always encouraging. She told young contestant Molly Rainford in the latest series: “I have not seen a rhumba walk like that in a long, long time”, much to the dancer’s delight

And she tempers even tough criticism with praise like “your musicality was amazing” and “this partnership is truly outstanding.” She will be with fellow judges and dancers when the Strictly Live Tour kicks off in January for two months, with Shirley a popular part of this interactive arena experience.

What is certain is that Shirley will always offers an expert’s wisdom along with kindness – and there’s nothing strict about that.

Dance has plainly been Shirley’s life and her son, Mark Ballas, is also a professional ballroom dancer.

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ON THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

The Pacific Coast Highway hugs the California coast for more than 650 miles. Peter Ellegard suggests some of his favourite things to do along the way.

1. Get your kicks at the end of Route 66

Stroll 110-year-old Santa Monica Pier to the marker signalling the end of Route 66. The so-called Mother Road runs for 2,400 miles across eight states from Chicago to Los Angeles satellite city Santa Monica and celebrates its centenary in 2026. Buy souvenirs of it at end-of-the-pier shop 66 to Cali.

View surfers riding Pacific rollers and wide Santa Monica State Beach from on high on the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel at the pier’s Pacific Park amusement park and get a nostalgia rush on its historic Looff Hippodrome carousel.

The original Muscle Beach, next to the pier and alongside the Ocean Front Walk path, is where America’s physical fitness boom began in the 1930s.

Less than an hour’s walk, or 15-minute cycle ride, on the path is bohemian Venice Beach, where bodybuilders pump iron at presentday Muscle Beach and where its famous boardwalk pulsates with performers, artists and eclectic stalls.

Stay: New boutique hotel Venice V occupies a refurbished building right on the Venice Beach boardwalk that was once a glitzy hotel attracting early Hollywood stars.

The calm, protected waters are a perfect refuge for marine wildlife. Sea lions congregate on a purpose-built raft to bask, bicker and bark at each other, while sea otters wrap themselves in kelp and lay on their backs to feed, nap and care for their pups.

They can be seen from restaurants, bars and vantage points along the waterfront Embarcadero thoroughfare, but the best way to get a close-up view is on a guided kayak trip. Not too close to disturb them, though.

Whale-watching tours head offshore to see humpback whales, grey whales and dolphins, while migrating monarch butterflies cluster on eucalyptus trees in Morro Bay State Park from October to March.

Stay: Wake up to the sound of roosting herons and cormorants in an adjacent natural preserve overlooking the water at the Inn at Morro Bay.

2. Paddle with sea otters and sea lions at Morro Bay

A delightful, laid-back stop missed by many driving California’s Highway 1, nature is a key attraction at Morro Bay.

The bay from which this fishing port turned holiday, boating and water sports haven gets its name is actually an estuary all but enclosed from Pacific waves by a long sand bar and dominated by a towering rock often capped by a fog hat.

Sea Otter, Morro Bay Harbour © Peter Ellegard

Kayaking with Sea Lions, Morro Bay © Peter Ellegard

Sunset at Morro Bay © Peter Ellegard

3. Wonder at the opulence of Hearst Castle

Open for tours since mid-May after being closed for two years because of the Covid pandemic, the grandiose hilltop mansion built by publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst near San Simeon is a California State Park and a must-visit on the Central California coast.

Casa Grande, as he called the ornate 38-bedroom main house, was inspired by a historic Spanish church and incorporates architectural features taken from many old buildings across Europe into its fabric as well as being filled with a wealth of antique treasures, art and textiles.

It was originally a family home but became known for the lavish costume parties thrown by Hearst and his mistress Marion Davies for the rich and famous, among them Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Bob Hope and Winston Churchill.

Perhaps its most opulent feature is the Neptune Pool, with its Romanesque temple, colonnade and classical statues.

Stop off to see magnificent elephant seals nearby at Piedras Blancas. Stay: San Simeon is the gateway to the dramatic Big Sur coastline and the Post Ranch Inn offers luxury and grandstand ocean views atop 1,200-foot cliffs at Big Sur.

owned by Charlie Chaplin’s personal cook, and people watch from cafes tucked between boutique stores and high-end fashion shops.

4. Explore charming and sophisticated Carmel

More than 30 years since Clint Eastwood was mayor of Carmelby-the-Sea, as it is officially called, this one-square-mile village is as quirky as it is quaint.

A permit is required to wear high heels, available free from City Hall. Carmel’s pretty cottages and houses only have names and no street addresses. There are no streetlights, nor parking meters, making it very visitor-friendly. It also has no pavements beyond the commercial downtown area.

You won’t find any chain restaurants, either. Instead, dine at welcoming independent eateries such as Casanova, set in a house once

Visit Carmel Mission, one of California’s 21 historic Spanish missions, relax on Carmel’s sandy beach and enjoy a slow ride on the Monterey Peninsula’s picturesque 17 Mile Drive.

Stay: Find your Zen in boutique hotel Tradewinds Carmel, an AsianCalifornian fusion with a lush meditation garden.

5. Ride the cable cars and streetcars of San Francisco

Unless you prefer hiking up and down its hilly streets, the most enjoyable way to get around San Francisco is by riding its venerable streetcars and cable cars.

There is a difference. The sleek F Line streetcars are enclosed and are powered by trolley poles connected to overhead wires, whereas cable cars on the three lines use an underground cable system and allow passengers to stand on outside footplates. Watching cable car operators manually turn them on the turntables at the ends of each line is fascinating.

Hop off for cheesecake and bubbles or coffee at the Cheese Cake Factory’s open-air patio on Macy’s rooftop overlooking Union Square. You can also use them to get to Fisherman’s Wharf, the city’s main tourist area, and Pier 39 from where you can take a cruise to Alcatraz island and sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. A metro system and rapid buses also allow easy, car-free travel around the city.

Stay: Stylish and contemporary Hotel Zoe is just steps from the Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront while sister property Argonaut is housed in a historic warehouse next to the wharf. Both offer free rental bikes.

Next steps

To book your trip to California and the Pacific Highway, call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 or visit silvertraveladvisor.com

Beach at Carmel © Peter Ellegard

Neptune’s Pool, Hearst Caslte © Peter Ellegard

Cartmel Mission © Peter Ellegard

Cable Cars, San Francisco © Peter Ellegard

Theatre you don’t want to miss at The Atkinson in Southport

The Atkinson is Southport’s home for music, theatre, art, literature and history. They offer an exciting and varied destination for families, cultural tourists and arts enthusiasts alike, with a full day and night time offer.

Their traditional Theatre and dynamic Studio space present an outstanding programme from some of the UK’s foremost musicians, actors, performers and companies. We have selected some highlights from The Atkinson’s upcoming theatre programme.

Blackeyed Theatre in association with South Hill Park

Teechers by Jon Godber

Thursday 23 March 2023 – 7:30pm / Friday 24 March 2023 – 7:30pm

Have we got a class act for you! Get in the school spirit with John Godber’s timeless comedy play about life at a struggling academy for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new drama teacher. Brought back to the stage with high energy, break-neck comedy and breath-taking ensemble performances, Teechers is a modern classic with something vital to say about education for the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’.

“One of the most innovative, audacious companies working in contemporary English Theatre” - The Stage

Dyad Productions

A Room of One’s Own

Friday 28 April 2023 – 7:30pm

The award-winning theatre company return with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated essay. Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism, and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare’s sister – Judith! Travel to the far-flung future of… 2028. But whatever you do, Keep Off the Grass.

“If you haven’t seen Dyad Productions’ work before, you simply must”

- British Theatre Guide

London Classic Theatre

Abigail’s Party

Thursday 4 May 2023 - 7:30pm,

Friday 5 May 2023 – 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Saturday 6 May 2023 – 7:30pm

In her suburban living room, Beverly prepares for the impending arrival of her guests. She and husband Laurence will play host to neighbours Angela, Tony and Sue. As the alcohol flows and the ‘nibbles’ are handed around, Mike Leigh’s ruthless, achingly funny examination of 1970s British life begins…

“Once again London Classic Theatre shines with quality”

The Atkinson is open throughout the year and present a varied seasonal programme and changing exhibitions, events and lectures, so whatever time of year you visit, they offer a fun, creative and varied day out with family or friends.

theatkinson.co.uk | Box Office: 01704 533 333 | The Atkinson, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB

A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU

Part of that determination may be about your own health, wellbeing, work/life balance or your domestic situation. And a large part of it may be to do with your home environment and what you want to change to improve your life.

Improving your weight and fitness are relatively easy to plan – if not quite as easy to achieve! Healthy eating and more exercise are achievable, as you gaze into the slimmer, trimmer months ahead, via more discipline around mealtimes and more visits to the gym.

Altering your home may not be quite as easy to plan this year as the higher cost of living bites into all our finances and future plans. It is not, however, the end of the story.

It may be sensible to look at the levels of change in your home that you’d like to achieve. Do you want quite dramatic, slightly cosmetic or something in between?

Quite dramatic can involve moving house, downsizing or alternatively finding somewhere with more space to accommodate the daily needs of you and your family. This is certainly all underpinned by personal finances and just what you can afford as this New Year unfolds its money merry-go-round.

It’s probably quite likely that the majority of us want something perhaps not as dramatic as moving home but well above new cushion covers.

This all requires a realistic look at your finances. If you’re not sure you can afford big changes visit debt charity StepChange at https://www.stepchange.org/ debt-info/your-financial-situation/ making-a-budget.aspx about budgeting or Citizens Advice on https://

www.citizensadvice.org. uk/debt-and-money/ budgeting

If you decide to make structural changes to your home like an EXTENSION, an ORANGERY or CONSERVATORY check first whether you need planning permission from your local planning authority through your local council.

You’ll probably need planning permission if you want to build something new, make a major change to your building like an extension or change the use of your building.

Experts like architects and builders can help you here. If you need an architect, try to go on recommendation from someone you know who can tell you about their experiences. If you need a builder, the same applies or find a trusted builder and reviews about their work by going to https://www.checkatrade. com/Search/Builder/in/Uk

As well as the cost of building, don’t forget that you will also have to RE-DECORATE and re-think FURNISHINGS in adjacent areas. It’s important to factor in all the potential costs before you start.

Fortunately, you can still make noticeable changes to your home without it necessarily meaning a building project.

A new, modern FRONT DOOR can also give it a more contemporary look as can new WINDOWS

The great thing about both these is they have a direct impact on your energy bills. So new windows in particular - if you have old ones which let in drafts – could make your home much cosier and ultimately more cost-efficient.

PAINTING the outside of your house can make a real difference to the look of

NEW Years are always a time for change when you promise yourself that life will be better then and you WILL make it happen.

your home because that kerb appeal is just as important to you as residents as it is to visitors.

Even investing in new CURTAINS can help to make your home warmer throughout. Long, lined curtains help keep expensive warmth in, and they can also help change the colour scheme in a lounge with matching cushion covers or a throw.

Picking up that new shade in a few ornaments or a picture will also brighten up a room and plants in coloured pots help bring the outside inside at a time of year when we’re happy to be indoors.

There is also nothing like the look – and smell - of new CARPETS. Choose a contemporary shade to brighten up current furniture and add to that vital warmth. Or you may prefer to have a wooden floor with modern rugs to offer that different décor.

LIGHTING can also really change how a room looks. There are so many choices of modern lighting now, especially with economical LED lights available, that you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer.

Opting for a modern central light, and possibly add matching wall lights, can give a room such a fresh, bright look. It banishes those dark corners forever and makes rooms look larger.

If your KITCHEN is the heart of your home, giving it a makeover could really impact on the quality of daily life. If new kitchen units could prove too much of an expense this year, new unit handles and doors could be worth the money in giving this important room a new image.

Retirement Living at Belong Wigan

Move into a light modern apartment at Belong Wigan and combine the freedom of independent living with a caring community close by.

Benefit from as much or as little support as you need, providing complete peace of mind in later life.

New blinds and kitchen accessories in complementary shades can add to that “new kitchen” look.

The same is true of the BATHROOM where a change of shower curtain, towels, blinds and bathroom accessories can really change the whole look.

BEDROOMS can benefit from new curtains, matching duvet sets and cushions and changing the walls and headboard to a soothing shade may guarantee restful nights.

Don’t forget the outside, either. Give your GARDEN a chance to be centre-stage in 2023. You may feel that you finally want to afford a new hot tub or spa in the back garden.

The British and Irish Hot Tub and Exercise Spa Industry (BISHTA) is very helpful if you’re looking for either of these or need to find companies which provide maintenance and water treatment products and accessories. Go to www.bishta.co.uk for information

Re-designing your garden can offer fresh delights. Decking is ideal for lounging with the family or it’s worth considering swapping grass for simple pebbled spaces with large plant pots and a few shaded areas for quiet rest or reading. This all gives a fresh way to enjoy the Great Outdoors when the weather allows.

If you’re looking for ways to transform your garden currently, the Royal Horticultural Society’s website is a mine of useful information and ideas. Go to www.rhs.org.uk to find out new ways with your garden.

LAST FEW REMAINING

Choose from one or two bedroom apartments

Option to purchase or rent to suit your personal circumstances

Super on-site amenities, including bistro, salon and gym on your doorstep

Extensive and varied programme of activities and events promoting wellbeing

Contact us for plans and pricing. We offer purchase or rental options and can support people to access Housing Benefit, if needed.

Belong Wigan I Jasmine and Honeysuckle Court, Sherwood Way, Platt Bridge, Wigan

JAMES MARTIN’S POTATO

Host of ITV’s flagship cookery show, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, James Martin is one of the UK’s most popular TV chefs, whose enthusiasm and passion for food have won him countless fans. His accessible approach to cooking has been showcased across bestselling books including Islands to Highlands (2020), James Martin’s Great British Adventure (2019), James Martin’s French Adventure (2017), Home Comforts (2014) and More Home Comforts (2016). He regularly appears on the BBC, ITV and Food Network, as well as demonstrating live at the BBC Good Food Show and touring the UK with his own one-man show. Potato is the natural companion to James’s smash hit book Butter (2021).

Potato shows why the spud is a staple in so many cuisines, from rustic country kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurant tables. The embodiment of field-to-fork cooking, this superstar of the food world is showcased by James in a wealth of imaginative recipes that you’ll want to cook again and again.

COQUILLES ST JACQUES

Serves 6

I used to take the mick out of French chefs saying this is their fancy fish pie, but it does taste bloody amazing! And just look at it… super indulgent, yes, but a classic that should never be forgotten.

Ingredients

50g butter

50g plain flour

500ml full-fat milk

1 small bunch of parsley, chopped

12 scallops

300g prawns

FOR THE TOPPING

600g potatoes, peeled and diced

50g butter

2 egg yolks

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. To make the white sauce, melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the flour and cook out for 2 minutes. Add the milk and whisk to combine, then simmer until bubbling. Stir in the parsley. Put the scallops and prawns into scallop shells and pour over the sauce. Set aside to cool. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 20 minutes until soft, drain and then pass through a ricer into a bowl. Mix with the butter and egg yolks. Pipe the potato mixture around the edges of the scallop shells then sit on a baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes.

NIBBLES WITH WARM CHEESE FONDUE

Serves 6

This was simply the most popular dish in the book when this photograph was taken. The cooked potatoes wrapped in pancetta work brilliantly hot or cold and dunked in the fondue – what could be nicer? For vegetarians, just use goodquality potatoes and veg like fresh radishes, which taste amazing.

Ingredients FOR THE FONDUE

100ml white wine

3 tsp cornflour

500g Cheddar, grated 500g Gruyère, grated 100ml crème fraîche sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 12–15 minutes until just soft. Drain and leave to cool.

Wrap each potato in a slice of pancetta, pop onto a roasting tray and roast for 15 minutes.

TO SERVE

24 baby potatoes (about 400g)

12 slices of pancetta, halved lengthways

400g chorizo chunks

18 baby carrots

2 small bags of radishes

1 jar of cornichons and pickled onions, drained

1 endive, leaves separated

Pop the chorizo into a small roasting tray and roast for 15 minutes alongside the potatoes.

To make the fondue, whisk all the ingredients together in a non-stick pan, gently whisking continuously until warmed through. Pour into a fondue dish and keep warm.

Serve with the carrots, radishes, chorizo, baby potatoes, cornichons and onions, and endive for dipping.

CHEESY POTATO AND BEEF PIE

Think of a cottage pie on steroids and this is what you get. The Welsh rarebit can be made in advance, and either use it in this dish or on toast or smoked haddock.

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

1 onion, sliced

25g butter

700g minced beef

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

500ml beef stock

1 large bunch of parsley, chopped sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE RAREBIT

400g Cheddar, grated

50ml Welsh beer

a few drops of Tabasco sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon English mustard

1 tablespoon plain flour

1 egg yolk

FOR THE MASHED POTATO

50g butter

100ml double cream

1kg mashed potato

TO SERVE

frozen peas

Method

In a frying pan over a medium heat, fry the onion in the butter for 10 minutes, then add the beef. Cook until coloured, then add the Worcestershire sauce and beef stock and cook over a high heat for 20 minutes. Add the parsley and season. To make the rarebit, put the cheese in a large pan, add the beer, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Warm through gently until all the cheese has melted.

When all the cheese is melted, stir in the flour and gently cook it for another minute or two. Season, add the egg yolk and beat together. Remove from the heat and set aside.

For the mashed potato, melt the butter and cream in a large pan, season and add the mashed potato. Beat together and warm through gently.

Preheat the grill to high.

Spoon the beef into a 20 x 15cm ovenproof dish and top with the mashed potato, then the rarebit. Pop under the grill for 5 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Meanwhile, cook the peas in boiling water, then drain and serve with the pie.

LOVAGE-CRUSTED FISH WITH SLICED POTATOES AND ASPARAGUS

This recipe came about due to the massive lovage plant I had in the garden. We first used it to make a crust for lamb, then by adding a bit of cream cheese we turned it into a great crust for fish. We use plaice or brill in the restaurant, but it’s good with any non-oily fish, although salmon works too. Lovage is a fascinating herb, which has got a sort of celery taste and smell and works brilliantly in a lot of dishes with potatoes – even soup.

Serves 4

Ingredients

150g butter

4 x 200g brill fillets, skinned

300g new potatoes, sliced

12 asparagus spears, sliced a few chives, chopped sea salt and freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges, to serve

FOR THE CRUST

30g lovage

50g Parmesan

1 thick slice of bread

1 small bunch of parsley

3 borage leaves

50g full-fat cream cheese

Method

To make the crust, place all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz until smooth. Put between 2 layers of greaseproof paper and, using a rolling pin, roll out to 3mm thick. Chill in the fridge until needed.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Heat a non-stick ovenproof pan, add the oil and 50g of the butter, then put in the fish. Season, then cook for 2 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Cut 4 pieces of crust to the same size as each piece of fish and sit on top of the fish. Place the pan in the oven and roast the fish for 5 minutes. Put the pan back on the hob, add 25g of the butter and cook for another minute.

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, cover the potato slices in water and the remaining 75g butter and cook for 10 minutes, adding the asparagus for the last 2 minutes of cooking time. Sprinkle with chives and season.

To serve, spoon the potato and asparagus onto plates and place the fish alongside with a lemon wedge for squeezing.

Potato by James Martin (£23, Hardie Grant) Photography: John Carey

DOG FRIENDLY GARDENING

Has the patter of tiny paws taken its toll on your outdoor space? Garden writer and dog lover, Julia Heaton, has some top tips to rectify that.

Man’s best friend has really proved its worth during the pandemic with more people than ever becoming dog owners. That’s because sharing your life with a dog is such a rewarding experience. Sadly, sharing your garden can be another matter entirely – one where it feels like you and your pooch are vying to be top dog. Fortunately this is easily rectified. Whether a new or long-time owner, all it takes is a little bit of thought to create a stylish, colourful and fun haven that you can both enjoy in harmony.

Setting boundaries

It goes without saying that safe, secure boundaries are vital in ensuring your dog can’t escape. The dream scenario is a brick wall but this can be expensive so wooden fence panels are the next best thing. A fence that’s high enough to prevent any canine thoughts of jumping it and is a solid construction is best. Those that still allow a view of what lies beyond are lovely but best avoided to deter the dog from hanging around the area in the hope of seeing something or someone. The same goes for any garden gate.

If you already have a fence but your pet is trying to dig its way out then erect some chicken wire at the base, burying it at least 6in (15cm) below the surface. Make sure the sharp edges are facing away from your garden. Think also about burying some large rocks along the base of the fence and adding another layer in front of that in the form of a dense hedge or shrub border that can withstand being

trampled. This will also soften attention grabbing outside sounds too.

Up the garden path

Before laying a path consider the route your dog takes around the garden.

Sadly, it’s a fact that dogs don’t keep to pathways. You can’t stop them from romping through borders but you can go with the flow just by sitting back and watching them create their own routes. These can then be turned into proper paths in a style of your choosing and even laid through borders if that’s where you pet likes to go. Use a low box hedge or willow hurdles as edging around borders to form more of a barrier. The latter can be simply pushed into the ground. All you need to do is choose a hurdle appropriate to the size of your pet.

Lawn care

Dogs are such energetic creatures and the lawn can also come in for its fair share of wear and tear, so it’s worth sowing hard wearing grass seed mix in areas that see a lot of activity. If needs be you could consider giving your pet a dedicated fenced area to let off steam in and pave it so its easily swept clean.

Bitches urinating on the lawn can also leave brown circles behind and plants that come in for a regular dose of urine will suffer and eventually die. The easiest way to deal with this is to hose down the area to dilute the effects. You could also use Dog Rocks (www.dogrocks.co.uk) a natural product that’s added to drinking water to stop grass burn.

Dog excrement is also a problem that needs to be addressed as it can carry worms (Toxocara canis) whose eggs can be passed in faeces into the soil. Handling infected soil can, in some circumstances, lead to stomach ache, coughing and in extreme cases loss of vision. So cleaning up after your pet and regular worming are really important.

Doggie interest

Just like humans dogs appreciate a stimulating environment. And by making your garden fun for them you’re more likely to keep your pet out of the beds and borders. They love to sit on an elevated platform to get a better view of what’s going on around them. Steps, benches or a row of logs, set at varying heights, all provide vantage points.

A tunnel can be a fun feature too. This needn’t be complicated to construct. Just a large plastic barrel with the base cut off, then laid

Before laying a path consider the route your dog takes around the garden

on its side and covered in soil. Grasses and wildflowers can then be sown on top to create a natural looking feature that will soon look like it’s always been there.

For pathways give them different textures to explore like patches of wood chippings, gravel and non-toxic sand. Avoid cocoa bean shell mulch though as this can be potentially harmful if eaten.

Digging distraction

If your pet is a digger then a sandpit digging box could be a great distraction. Lay a porous membrane and cover in round-grained coarse garden sand that doesn’t form clumps when urinated on. Bury some dog toys or edible treats for them to discover. After all that running around and exploring your pet needs a place to retreat to for some much-needed time out. A kennel in a quiet spot where a dog can come and go as it pleases is ideal and will also offer some shade on a sunny day. Don’t forget to put a drinking bowl inside.

Dog proof planting

Choose plants that can withstand the rough and tumble of your four- footed friend. Annuals like nasturtiums and grasses such as miscanthus are just the job. Then shrubs that will see you through a few years like viburnums and escallonia. Where space and budget allow, go for the largest specimens you can find. Consider the following:

Heather – A low growing evergreen with a dense, bushy habit. The strong, twiggy base of the plant supports a soft green top featuring pink, white or purple flowers.

Shasta Daisy – This clump-forming perennial will bloom from early summer to early autumn despite any damage.

Astilbe – Ideal for shady and damp areas, this perennial is relatively trouble free, comes in a variety of heights and can withstand being trampled on.

Lavender – Thrives in full sun, is fragrant and looks great planted along pathways, where it can take the knocks of passing pets.

Thyme – Great for ground cover, this low growing plant forms a dense mat with pretty flowers and fragrant foliage.

Day Lily – A low maintenance perennial with trumpet shaped flowers. It has a deep root system that will ensure it recovers from any damage.

Six plants that are toxic to dogs

Azalea and Rhododendrons – Can cause vomiting and breathing difficulties. When eaten in large enough quantities it can be fatal to dogs.

Tulips – Many spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are poisonous to dogs, causing skin allergy, vomiting and diarrhoea and can be fatal. These are best avoided if your pet likes digging.

Larkspur – Can cause digestive problems and even be fatal if the dog eats young plants and seeds.

Yew – Berries and particularly the foliage are highly poisonous. Always dispose of any pruned branches as these will still retain poison.

Oleander – Any part of this plant can cause dermatitis, digestive or heart problems when eaten and in some cases can lead to death.

Euphorbia – Has a milky sap that’s highly toxic when eaten. It can also irritate the eyes and skin.

Established over 35 years

Your Local Mo bility Store

OPENING TIMES:

Monday till Friday 9.00am till 4.00pm

Saturday - 10.00am till 1.00pm Sunday - CLOSED

LLG Wheelchairs Ltd have been in the mobility business since 1983, offering a high quality service to our customers throughout the UK. We carry one of the largest stocks of new and used mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs and mobility accessories in the North West. We don’t just sell wheelchairs and mobility scooters in Leigh – we can also supply small household mobility aids to stair lifts and everything in-between throughout the North West and the UK. Our after-sales customer care is second to none.

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

FINANCE AVAILABLE along with free HOME DEMONSTRATION on request.

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

TEL:

Re-Appreciating your Home

consider using all those pluses you’ve re-recognised and improving them.

Those lovely WINDOWS that let in the light so well may need enhancing or even changing, perhaps to doubleglazed windows that help keep insulation costs down.

Or, you may need to re-think the current curtains. Are they too dark and don’t enhance the sunny rays that light up your room? New curtains don’t have to cost a fortune and opting for full-length ones can make your room look much larger.

JUST when you’re looking around your home and considering moving or drastic renovation a visitor praises your property and forces you to re-consider your views.

Every now and then, it’s a good idea to re-appreciate your home and remember just what attracted you to it in the first place. This may have been its location, its sunny outlook, airy rooms, its living flow-through or simply its potential.

It’s good to recall what drew you to it and remember those feelings.

It also helps that re-appreciation to take a quick sensory tour of your home and recall the pleasures – your cosy couch, the warmth of the sun coming through your lounge windows or the feel of a fluffy rug under your feet.

Have you got lovely neighbours? Is the area pleasant and convenient for your lifestyle, your work and your social life? Can you live in that property comfortably within your means?

If you listen to your visitors’ opinions, you may well see your home through a fresh pair of eyes and be pleasantly surprised.

However, if you find that you’re still not 100 per cent happy with where you are,

Blinds today come in all kinds of styles and patterns so pop along to your local store or go online to see how they can enhance any window. You’ll be amazed at the latest styles –everything from vertical blinds to roller blinds and from Roman to Venetian, vision blinds and pleated.

Take an honest re-appraisal of the OUTSIDE of your house and see if that smart exterior you originally bought into is long gone and might need a fresh coat of paint or new fascia boards.

Is it still the welcoming place you remember or does your FRONT DOOR need painting or replacing with something more modern and brighter?

A front door that allows in plenty of light can transform a HALL so it’s well worth the investment and taking a look around local suppliers. And while we’re in the hall, does it give a positive first impression of who you are?

If not, it may be that you need to de-clutter it – move all those coats and shoes into a cupboard or shoe-racks, decorate in bright colours and add a large mirror to reflect light and give an illusion of space if it needs it.

A change of FLOORING can make a huge difference to any area of the house but especially in the popular areas like the lounge and kitchen where family members tend to gather.

Whether it’s carpet, wood, eco-friendly bamboo or tiles, new or different flooring can make you take that fresh look at your home and learn to re-love it.

Wooden flooring with attractive rugs can be particularly effective in a lounge, especially with a log-burning fire or open fireplace. The glow just seems to start there and emanate around the room so if you always liked the cosiness of your lounge, here’s a chance to enjoy it once more.

As we go into the chillier months, it’s worth ensuring your CENTRAL HEATING is working properly. You can’t reappreciate your home if you’re shivering! Do you need a new boiler? Bring in a qualified Gas Safe engineer near you - to find them go to https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ or try British Gas at https://www.britishgas.co.uk/home-services/boilers-andheating/guides/trusted-gas-engineer.html

Check on DRAUGHTS in your home for the same reason and take a special look around doors and windows. This is going to be a particularly energy-conscious Winter and draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and save money.

Uncontrolled draughts just blow money out of the door or window. The Energy Saving Trust states you could probably save around £45 a year by draught-proofing doors and windows and, if you have an open chimney, when you’re not using it draughtproofing could save around £65 a year.

Just remember that your property still needs ventilation with air flowing in and out of your home to stay fresh, dry and healthy. So make sure you don’t block or seal any intentional ventilation like extractor fans, underfloor grilles or airbricks, wall vents or trickle vents on modern windows.

Support at Home Services

Our paid for Home Help and Handyperson services assist people 50+ in their homes across the Wigan Borough. We specialise in everyday tasks and small practical jobs enabling people to live comfortably at home.

Handypersons can help with:

Fitting key safes

Fitting stair rails, grab rails and steps

Constructing flat pack furniture

Garden Gates

Shelving

Changing light bulbs

Contact us - 01942 615880

www.ageukwiganborough.org.uk

Home Helpers can help with:

Housekeeping

Laundry

Vacuuming

Shopping

Changing Bedding

Local Errands

Companionship

Help with Life Admin

KITCHENS can look outdated and unloved but you don’t have to make a big investment to change your mind on yours. New doors or worktops can make a real difference and just changing the colour scheme and adding updated modern taps, for example, can make you love it again.

The same is true of BEDROOMS where units may just need updating. Call in a local bedroom furniture supplier that has either done work for someone you know who can recommend them or has positive reviews posted online.

A change of relaxing colour scheme here can also soon make you re-appreciate this important room. Even something much cheaper like changing the colour of the bedding and curtains can make a dramatic difference.

When thinking of a new BATHROOM. The same idea of changing accessories can help you re-like your bathroom. Change the shower curtain and add matching bathroom accessories or bring in plants in matching pots.

If you are improving your home, it’s worth keeping in mind as a homeowner that you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage and/or loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements.

Support in Wigan Borough

We

How to Support Us

A recent survey shows that 74% of our information and advice customers would not know where to go if our services were unavailable. We provide essential support for people over the age of 50 in the Wigan Borough.

r free service provides ation and advice on a wide of topics From practical ce to help claiming benefits y be entitled to No matter financial

Bright Days Activities

Our activities help reduce social isolation, promotes wellbeing and gets our community together. Please visit our website or contact us to get the latest activity programme.

BREAST SCREENING

Saves lives through detecting cancer early

2023 – A new year means a fresh start and a chance to do things differently to improve your life.

If you haven’t yet taken up an invitation to breast screening why not do it now?

The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 – 70 every 3 years for a mammogram. Each GP Practice is screened in turn and all women registered with a GP will receive an invitation.

What happens when I reach 71?

Women over the age of 71 will not be sent an appointment automatically but they can self-refer for a mammogram every 3 years by contacting us.

Why do I need to be screened?

1 in 8 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lives. Breast cancer is now the most common cause of cancer in women in this country.

Early detection saves lives

Most breast changes will not be cancer, but if cancer is found, the treatment needed will often be less intense and the chance of making a full recovery is much higher The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of survival

South Lancashire Breast Screening is your local service, covering Wigan, West Lancs and Chorley and South Ribble

01942 774713

bsuappointments@wwl.nhs.uk

www.wwl.nhs.uk/specialities/breast_screening

South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit