Wigan, Warrington & St Helens issue 60

GREAT

Get in the festive spirit with Daish’s Robinsons. Our Tinsel and Turkey breaks start at the end of October and carry on right up to the big day. Each of our Tinsel and Turkey breaks squeeze in all the best bits of the Christmas and New Year period over a 5 day break. Plenty of fun and laughter for all, and maybe a visit from Santa himself!

Our fleet of luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your local pickup point and will take you directly to your hotel. Or if you prefer, all our breaks can be booked on a self-drive basis giving you the freedom to get out and explore the local area.

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice

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.

Newquay

Blackpool Lake District EastbourneScarborough

Bournemouth

Torquay

Isle of Wight Weymouth

Llandudno

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

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

Price includes return coach travel from:

MS1 Pick-up: Southport, Ainsdale, Formby, Crosby, Bootle, South Liverpool, Allerton, Woolton, Hunts Cross, Lymm Services.

MS2 Pick-up: Burscough, Ormskirk, St Helens, Widnes, Runcorn, Northwich, Middlewich, Sandbach

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions

brochure

website for T&C’s).

BREAST SCREENING

Saves lives through detecting cancer early

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.

What is breast screening?

Breast screening (or mammography) is an x ray of the breast that is used to find any changes in the breast tissue that could be cancer, so they can be investigated early.

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

NATIONAL

By Angela Kelly

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS

UESDAY 4 OCTOBER 2PM

RALPH MCTEL

WEDNESDAY 5 OCTOBER

’M COMING OUT THE DIANA ROSS STORY WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER

EVENING WITH MICHAEL PORTILLO MONDAY 17 OCTOBER

THE PITMEN POETS WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER

HOUND

THE

(STARRING TOM BAKER

Julie Walters

RALPH

TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY

You don’t often see Premier League footballers in tears after a really important match. So to witness a young weightlifter’s emotions after winning gold at the Commonwealth Games or a track athlete almost unable to speak after gaining top honours is a reminder of what sport is really all about.

Who can forget England footballer Chloe Kelly’s wonderful sprint around the pitch,ecstatically waving her national shirt around her head, after scoring the winning goal in the Euros?

This was only partly eclipsed by the immediate post-match telly interview when a super excited Chloe so wanted to celebrate the win with her team-mates and the crowd that she cut short the interview, flinging the microphone to the ground.

No-one could fail to be infected by that fabulously natural and overwhelming emotion. The girl was so excited!

Sporting emotion reminds us what it’s all about

WE’VE got very used to our top, often fame-weary sportspeople doing post-event TV interviews being very composed and predictable about their successes.

However, it’s taken the Commonwealth Games and the Euro 2022 women’s football tournament this Summer to remind us all just what top achievement really means after those many years of training.

The individuals in cycling, swimming, athletics and every other fascinating discipline in the Games dedicate their lives to their sport. They give up so much to follow a dream, curtailing family life and social fun for the necessary daily discipline.

Many of our top – let’s face it, pampered - athletes in all sports have very different lives. They are buoyed up by huge prize and appearance money and have supported lifestyles alongside their, no doubt much-deserved, success.

It’s no surprise then that, while they may celebrate with teammates on the football field or in the Formula 1 pits, there are certain given expectations about how well they will always do.

Flick to the other side of the coin and how many muddy playing fields, deserted tracks or half-empty local stadia are experienced by those still striving for top honours?

Amateur, minority or just less well-covered sports can be a lonely place even for the most dedicated and optimistic of individuals.

Those sort of moments, especially part-way through an athlete’s journey, make us emotional, too. And they help us to understand just what sacrifices have been made by them as well as their family and partners.

So, as a lover of sport, I’d just like to say “thank you” to all those in this year’s Commonwealth Games and especially to the Lionesses. You’ve renewed an interest in watching and taking part in sport which even age cannot dim.

Always be fit to fly

THE realisation that some airlines rely on medically-trained passengers to help in emergencies is rather worrying.

Most of us tend to assume that a crew member with some form of relevant training would always take over but a poll of medics

carried out by the Medical Defence Union revealed that nine out of 10 doctors questioned had been called to help an emergency on a plane.

Small wonder, in these litigious times, that they are increasingly reticent to come forward when help is needed - in spite of internationally recognized “Good Samaritan laws” which should shield anyone from negligence claims if they try to help.

One problem, though, is that the tools they need are often missing and onboard medical equipment appears to vary. While cabin crews are trained in first aid, whose responsibility is it should a poorly person die on board after a medic has intervened?

The worrying news is that medical emergencies in the air are not uncommon with around one in every 600 flights. As, for example, 1,300 flights take off and land daily at Heathrow Airport alone that’s a lot of medical emergencies.

All British airlines’ crew have are required to stock a medical kit with supplies set out by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

This involves 60 different items including a blood-pressure monitor and IV fluids to treat dehydration along with certain medicines including antibiotics for infections and adrenaline for allergic reactions. Apparently, though, some vital equipment can be missing.

Realistically, passengers need to be pro-active when planning to fly and not ignore health warning signs that could become a medical emergency mid-air.

This includes anyone who has had a stroke or heart attack in the previous two months and women more than 36 weeks pregnant or 32 weeks with multiple pregnancies.

Plainly, commonsense is needed here because we have to accept that getting on a plane and being in the middle of the sky for however many hours is just not the same as being within relatively easy reach of suitable medical help should we need it.

Princess Diana’s real legacy – her sons

TWENTY five years after her death Princess Diana is still influential in the modern monarchy. There are many who say that future king Prince William’s warmth and humanity come directly from her.

It certainly seems the normality of the parenting of his three children and family life with wife Kate owes much to Diana’s attempts to give her own royal family as down-to-earth an upbringing as possible.

According to a new book by former royal bodyguard Ken Wharfe, Diana incurred the wrath of her husband and other royal relatives by her determination to provide a grounded family life.

Not only did she do ordinary things like taking them to school but she wanted her children to speak to the many palace servants

and to mix with everyone – much to the dismay of Prince Charles and others.

She also wanted to take her sons to the cinema, for a ride on the Underground and on a bus and wasn’t averse to slipping away from palace duties to freedom. Just going to Marks & Spencer to buy sausages for tea provided a fun experience for the young princes.

Much has been written and revealed about Princess Diana’s life as a royal but, as Diana the mother, her story and influence comfortably continues with the next generation.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

APLENTY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Travelling solo doesn’t limit the opportunity for activities and adventure, as Kerry Gallagher found out on a recent tour of the Rocky Mountains with solo travel specialist Just You.

The Rocky Mountains. An outdoor playground ripe for exploring. This isn’t a destination where you want to stay in just one place. There are mountains, lakes, rivers, icefields, canyons, and there are activities to be enjoyed at every turn – hiking, biking, river rafting, glacier walking and even some airborne adventures. It’s my kind of place. But as a solo traveller it’s nice to share these experiences with fellow travellers, a group you can rely on to encourage you along, overcome any nerves you may have, and of course, to take your picture in some iconic settings! That’s just what I found when I travelled the Rocky Mountains with Just You.

After arriving into Calgary we transferred to Banff National Park, and by the end of the 90 minute journey I already felt at

ease thanks to our amazing tour leader, Lezli, who set the scene for the trip and made us all – each solo travellers in the same boat – feel completely relaxed about everything from rooming, to meal arrangements, but more importantly the amazing sights and scenes we were going to experience. With Just You every guest is allocated a room based on single occupancy so after a long journey and arrival at the hotel, it was so nice to retreat to my own space and unwind ready for the week ahead.

Our first stop in Banff was filled with one incredible moment after another. We visited the major lakes including Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, we stopped at Bow Falls and viewed the stunning castle-style Fairmont Banff Springs, and took a short hike up Hoodoos Viewpoint to see the unique rock formations backed by gorgeous scenery. It didn’t take long for the group to gel as we marvelled at the landscapes and sheet beauty of Banff. There are certain activities that bring a group together like no other. Like taking a gondola trip up to the top of Sulphur Mountain, the eight-minute journey suspended in the air is a conversation starter and not for the faint hearted, but the views are well worth it. Or getting kitted up in helmet and high vis jackets for an e-bike tour around the town, que some lighthearted comedy as we got to grips with electric cycling and controlling speeds!

Before we left Banff we were in for, what I would consider, a pretty once-in-a-lifetime experience, and something as a solo traveller I probably wouldn’t have signed up for on my own – a helicopter flight over the Rocky Mountains. It was

Banff - Hoodoos Viewpoint

an unforgettable experience and all the better shared with others, the scenery was breathtaking and getting up close to some of the mountains was truly awe-inspiring – we could talk about nothing else over dinner that night!

Our journey continued from Banff along the Icefields Parkway, a 227km stretch of road winding passed lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. Another benefit of travelling with a group is that you have more eyes to watch out for wildlife along the way – across our full journey we had seven bear sightings (black and grizzly), a moose, plenty of elk and bighorn sheep. Along this route we entered Jasper National Park, where our next adventure was glacier walking on Athabasca Glacier. It was another ‘pinch me moment’ as we stood on the glacier - 360 metres of compact snow built over thousands of years, deep enough to fit the Eiffel Tower. As we huddled in the cold for a group photo, our tour leader Lezli unexpectedly pulled out a bottle of maple flavoured whiskey to enjoy a toast and warm us up. It’s these extra little touches that make travelling with Just You really special.

After a brief stop in Jasper, we moved onto perhaps one of the most beautiful settings we visited – Lake Louise. Walking out from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and gazing over the iconic lake scene ahead is magical. This is one photo you want to capture with you front and centre, glorious lake-scape behind, and by now, fellow travellers have become friends and are only too happy to oblige in taking the perfect picture as you pose away. Although pictures will never do

this part of the world justice, it’s simply magnificent.

Our journey was drawing to a close with a final stop in Calgary, and it’s fair to say we genuinely didn’t want to say goodbye to the Rocky Mountains, or each other –what would we do without Lezli telling us where to be and what to do when we got back home! It’s strange that you enter the journey just a short time ago as complete strangers, but it’s impossible after sharing so much that you leave as anything other than travel buddies.

Follow in our footsteps

Kerry flew to Calgary with Air Canada and travelled the Rocky Mountains with solo travel specialist

Just You. Tours with Just You include private chauffeur service to the airport, use of the airport lounge in the UK. return flights from London, accommodation based on single occupancy, selected meals and a tour manager For more information on solo travel and holidays to Canada speak to our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.

Lake Minnewanka

JULIE WALTERS A NATIONAL TREASURE

WHEN Julie Walters first really burst onto the British consciousness as the feisty hairdresser wanting to better herself in Educating Rita the nation was captivated.

This love affair with the slightly-built actress with the high cheekbones and the chameleon acting abilities has continued ever since – through must-see TV series, compelling theatre and memorable films.

Julie still has traces of the Birmingham accent of her childhood, born the youngest of three children in Edgbaston. She wanted to act from an early age but her Irish-born, iron-willed mother wanted her only daughter to become a nurse.

She dutifully applied to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham but, eventually, the pull of acting proved too strong and she went to study English and Drama at Manchester Polytechnic.

From here she joined a Liverpool theatre company and apprenticed as a stand-up comic, leading to stage appearances and a bawdy act on the cabaret circuit. Her time in Manchester

also led to meeting and collaborating with aspiring writer and comedienne Victoria Wood.

Two of their joint works Talent and Nearly A Happy Ending were snapped up by TV, to rave reviews, and in 1981 they were given their own TV series Wood and Walters.

The previous year, Julie had been a huge success starring in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s West End stage production of Educating Rita. For this in 1980, she won both the Variety Critic’s and London Critic’s Circle awards.

When the film adaptation was planned, Julie seemed an automatic choice for the main role but was not considered bankable enough by producers who favoured Dolly Parton for the role. When Michael Cain was cast, however, Julie was chosen and went on to receive her first Oscar nomination for this performance.

In 1984, she reunited with Victoria Wood for their winning TV partnership, notably in Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV. One of this series’ best regular slots was Acorn Antiques, with plotlines as

shaky as the scenery, and one of the main characters was general dogsbody Mrs Overall.

In this role, all Julie Walters’ comedic skills seemed to come together, mutually complimenting Victoria Wood’s writing skills, to create an iconic character which really engaged with the nation – and still does thanks to telly repeats.

Dinnerladies proved another remarkably success series with a talented cast including Julie as the mother of Victoria Wood’s character. This was in spite of Julie being only three years older than Victoria!

By then, audiences were used to the reliability of Julie Walters’ comic skills but at the same time she was also gaining plaudits for her stage work in more serious roles like Macbeth, The Rose Tattoo and All My Sons. She won a Laurence Olivier Award for the latter.

Unafraid to stretch her acting skills, though, she embarked on a series of film roles which definitely took her away from lightweight comedy roles. Her turn as brothel madame Cynthia Payne in the very successful 1987 film Personal Services demonstrated the breadth of Julie’s acting skills.

She was the unsophisticated, small-town wife of Phil Collins in Buster the following year and the man-chasing mum in Killing Dad or How to Love Your Mother in 1989.

She starred with Liza Minella as a tap student in Stepping Out in 1991 and was remarkable as Joe Orton’s mother in the critically acclaimed Prick Up Your Ears in 1987.

Perhaps one of her best films was the stern but encouraging dance teacher in Billy Elliott in 2000 which earned her a second Oscar nomination. Julie was now a popular choice for a range of highprofile roles and in 2003 she joined Helen Mirren in the hugely popular Calendar Girls, all about the WI ladies who posed nude for a charity calendar.

Julie played the maternal wife Molly Weasley in the Harry Potter films, bringing her usual quirky personality and warmth to this ongoing role.

Her more recent films include Wah-Wah in 2005, Becoming Jane in 2007 and in 2008 she went into unchartered waters with the mega musical hit film Mamma Mia! In 2018, she reprised the same role in the equally popular Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!

In between, she fitted in surprise hit Paddington in 2014 and then Paddington 2 in 2017, Mary Poppins Returns in 2018 and The Secret Garden in 2020.

She is about to impress us once more on the small screen with a new Channel 4 drama series Truelove where the hype promises it “breaks he rules for older characters on screen”.

It’s a love story with a thriller element set against what happens when we age. Julie joins a starry cast including Clarke Peters, Phil Davis and Peter Egan and, unsurprisingly, the series is much anticipated.

Away from TV, film and theatre, Julie, now 72, is married to Grant Roffey and they have a daughter, Maisie.

Julie has had numerous awards and accolades including an OBE in 1999 and a CBE in 2008. Industry recognition for her work in film and TV includes five awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Her seemingly star-studded life, though, has not all been plain sailing. Her daughter suffered from lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was two years old and received treatment until she was four, getting the all-clear at aged six.

Julie herself was diagnosed with Stage 3 bowel cancer in 2018 but, after surgery and chemotherapy, she entered remission.

She is very straightforward about her life and career. “I think there was a breakthrough period where I did Educating Rita and Victoria Wood’s work very close together,” she has stated.

“I’d just started to be known through Victoria’s stuff with Wood and Walters, which came out very close to Educating Rita. It was a quite a grand slam in a way for me, really useful for me doing those two things.”

As for life generally, she believes “Self worth is everything. Without it life is a misery.” And on the future:

“I don’t like the future sewn up. I like an open book – the feeling that anything can happen.”

And when it comes to Julie Walters’ career, anything usually does.

Festive

INTO THE

Our Tinsel and Turkey breaks start at the end of October and carry on right up to the big day. Each break squeezes in all the best bits of the Christmas and New Year period over a 5 day break. Plenty of fun and laughter for all, and maybe a visit from Santa himself!

Or start the new year with one of our 3-2-1 Bar Promotion breaks. In January enjoy 3 nights half price drinks on every break. Enjoy this offer from 5-9pm on selected drinks from our hotel bars.

Whichever break you choose our fleet of luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your local pickup point and will take you directly to your hotel. Or if you prefer, all our breaks can be booked on a self-drive basis giving you the freedom to get out and explore the local area.

Every break includes: Request your brochure now!

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice

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.

Newquay

Blackpool Lake District

EastbourneScarborough

Torquay

of Wight

Llandudno

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks

MAKING YOUR HOME

ECO FRIENDLY IN 2022

NOT so long ago trying to make your home more eco-friendly was more of a political statement than anything else but now it’s a financial necessity.

Creating a greener, more environmentally-conscious place to live in makes economical sense when energy bills are soaring and the cost of everything we buy to eat or use has suddenly increased.

These can be small changes or bigger ones but the reality today in our homes is that looking after the environment makes sense all round.

One of the smaller changes that could make a big difference is switching to LED LIGHT BULBS. They are undoubtedly more energy-efficient, using less electricity than traditional light bulbs and they last much longer.

Consider RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY in solar panels. They convert the sun’s energy into electricity using photovoltaic cells to allow you to generate your own reliable, sustainable and lowmaintenance source of energy.

They also save on tonnes of carbon emitted nationally and add to the joined-up thinking of investing in an electric car and charging it at home.

ELECTRIC CARS are eco-friendly because diesel and petrolfuelled cars are major contributors to global warming via the

CO2 emissions involved. Electric vehicles don’t use traditional fuels and they don’t produce any air pollutants or air toxics

In the home, invest in a SMART THERMOSTAT which is wi-fi enabled and can be remote-controlled from any smart device. A smart thermostat can be connected to your central heating system, all types of boilers and air conditioning systems.

This clever piece of technology that saves money on energy bills each year remembers your home’s heating patterns and reacts to outside temperatures. It will also automatically switch off your system when you leave the property and start it up again in time for your return.

If you need to change your washing, fridge freezer, oven or dishwasher consider buying an ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCE. It will have its own energy efficiency label which runs from A to G with A being the most energy-efficient.

Take a hard look at your CLEANING PRODUCTS and look at not only the price but what ingredients they use. Many contain detergents, preservatives or foaming agents made from toxic chemicals that can go into streams and rivers causing pollution and damage to ecosystems.

Try buying natural cleaning products or consider making your own. Vinegar, lemon juice and bicarbonate of soda, for example, creates a sustainable and cheaper cleaning alternative that really works.

Extend that thinking to PRODUCTS you use at home. Aim for biodegradable products which dissolve thanks to bacteria and fungi which means they fit in to Nature far more easily and disappear through natural processes.

Look out for recycled toilet paper and natural ingredient shampoo and deodorant. Use a bamboo toothbrush and washcloths made from hemp or agave fibres.

When you’re doing the LAUNDRY wash clothes on a colder setting. A hotter setting uses a surprising amount of energy and isn’t usually necessary unless you’re tackling really stubborn stains. Washing at 30 deg C gets your clothes just as clean and keeps the energy costs down as well as cutting down on CO2 emissions.

Wash clothes less as synthetic materials shed microplastics in the washing machine which can find their way to the ocean. Over washing clothes at high temperatures also affects their quality over time and it’s a great waste of water and energy. Also, buy only non-toxic detergents and avoid the use or overuse of tumble dryers.

INSULATING your windows is another important step in making your home more eco-friendly. If your windows are not properly insulated, heat can easily escape out and cold draughts come in, increasing the amount of energy you need to warm your property.

Double glazing and thicker curtains in Winter also help to reduce energy bills and keep your home cosy.

CAVITY WALL INSULATION can deal with the air gap between inner and outer walls in older properties. This comes in a range of types and materials including wood fibre and polystyrene.

Insulation boards are better suited to larger areas and cavity walls and this may be something you can cut and fit yourself.

As up to a quarter of your home’s heating energy is lost in the roof, improve this situation dramatically by installing LOFT

INSULATION. Laying down blanket loft insulation rolls, which you can alter to fit between the joists in the loft, stops rising heat escaping through it.

Dedicate a light to a loved one

REMEMBER the life of a loved one through Wigan and Leigh Hospice’s annual Light for a Life appeal.

Our annual appeal invites you to make a dedication to someone you love as a way of remembering them at Christmas time.

Dedications can be made in memory, in hope or in celebration, such as thanks for a birth, or other special occasion.

On December 6th a huge Christmas tree filled with glittering lights representing the lives of people loved and lost will be switched on in the hospice’s Hindley grounds.

All names are also entered into a Book of Dedications as a permanent tribute. Dedications can be made online at www.wlh.org.uk. Forms are also available from Wigan and Leigh Hospice shops. Dedications can be taken over the phone on 01942 525566.

DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS are also very useful for stopping draughts around window and door frames. Foam, metal or plastic strips are ideal and you can also buy excluders for letterboxes or keyholes from local DIY stores or online which are easy to fit.

Having your BOILER SERVICED is also vital to ensure it’s running safely and efficiently. It could be burning more fuel to heat your home, especially as it gets older, which causes bills to rise and energy consumption to increase. Choose a licensed engineer to identify any problem components and keep your boiler running more economically.

LOG BURNERS undoubtedly make a home look warmer and more friendly but they still need help improving energy bills. Ensure your stove is properly cleaned out and that your chimney is swept at least once a year.

Always light your fire from the top down and control the airflow to even out the fire strength. Stove fans can help circulate warmth throughout your home.

Use CLEAN WOOD FUEL to ensure your woodburner produces less smoke and air pollution but retains a high heat output.

Choosing RECYCLED FURNITURE helps the planet and, if you use charity shops to find items, help causes that urgently need funds in these cash-strapped times.

COMPOST your food waste to cut down on the amount of food waste that ends up in landfill and produces methane gas that pollutes the environment. Putting peelings and other food waste in a compost bin allows you to dispose of waste sustainably and create free fertiliser to use on your plants.

At home as everywhere else, encourage the mantra “reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Dementia care at its best

As dementia specialists Belong villages and services are designed to maximise wellbeing, independence and quality of life for people living with dementia.

At Belong Atherton we see the person, not the dementia, and tailor our support to respond to individual needs.

Small households for 24-hour support ensure a homely environment

Specialist training means colleagues are alert to customers’ changing needs

Belong Companions work in partnership with customers and their families

Please get in touch for further information.

Relative’s Gateway and use of various technology to support families

Active and independent lifestyles are promoted within a vibrant community

Robust infection prevention and control measures in place

Your life, your pace, your way.

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

However, as this was the 225bhp plug in hybrid (PHEV) version this C5 X can also pick up its skirts and get a move on when in sport mode – 0 to 60 in a very respectable 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 145mph. This comes from a combination of a front wheel drive 1.6 petrol engine and an electric motor that is capable of up to 31 miles on a full charge without a drop of petrol being used plus an eight speed silky smooth auto box.

Also like its forebears the C5 X is striking to look at and has lots of road presence as it is 4.8 metres long and 1.8 metres wide. There are three trim levels ‘Sense Plus’, ‘Shine’ and ‘Shine Plus’, each as a Plug-in Hybrid or petrol and it was the latter, range topper, which I got to try.

CITROEN C5 X

IT’S a hatchback… an estate… an SUV – well the latest offering from Citroen is all three and more as they unveil the new C5 X.

With more than a hint of iconic large Citroen’s of the past (think DS, CX and XM) their new flagship motor is, says the French manufacturer, both “a celebration of Citroën’s past, and a look into the future for the brand.”

In addition to its striking looks, the C5 X offers unrivalled comfort thanks to its ‘lounge like’ interior and Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort Programme’ with active suspension and ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats, aided by a multitude of driver safety aids and new 12-inch HD touchscreen with voice recognition.

This has a new enhanced infotainment system with ambient backlighting, optimum ergonomic efficiency and ultimate smartphone compatibility. Users can customise their preferred shortcuts as key functions, whilst setting their own user profile and a new head-up display system helps to improve safety and driver comfort.

I got to try out the new large Citroen at a recent UK drive event in beautiful Warwickshire countryside on the hottest day of the year –so the car’s excellent aircon got a big tick straight away.

Comfort is the priority here and it is, like those great Citroens of the past, a case of wafting along as the superb suspension and extra comfort seats soak up all road imperfections.

Build quality and materials on the interior are good and kit levels high with adaptive cruise, power tailgate, heads up display and heated power front seats being the highlights for me. There are also a raft of safety systems which put the C5 X up with the best in its D segment class.

So this PHEV is refined and quiet, especially in electric only mode, comfy and quite fast and Citroen expect it to sell well, even though they are only being made to order with the first ones to hit UK Roads this summer.

Apparently the Chinese are also quite keen on big Citroens so many C5 X’s are likely to find homes there too.

Here there is also a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol with 129bhp (badged 130 and expected to be the biggest UK seller) and a 1.6-litre petrol with 178bhp, both non hybrid.

Prices go from £27,790 to £33,810 for the non-hybrids and from £36,470 to £39,960 for the hybrid versions.

For more information see www.citroen.co.uk

e - Footprint for inside and outside the home featuring GPS, falls detector and SOS

Progress Lifeline is an award-winning personal alarm and telecare services provider who have been making a positive difference to the lives of over 65,000 customers for more than 30 years.

The situation

Frank was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago, which was a shock to him and his wife Barbara, as they thought Frank’s increasing memory loss was just part of getting older.

Not long after Frank’s diagnosis, the couples’ lifestyle changed radically. Barbara, who works full time, now has to help Frank dress, and prepare his breakfast, flask and lunch before she leaves for work as he is unable to do this himself

Frank, a keen gardener, who was used to living healthily and independently, has had to give up driving and many of his DIY and outdoor activities However, he was still really keen to continue his daily walk with his dog, Max

The Progress Lifeline solution

Barbara and Frank have been given a mobile Lifeline device called the ‘Footprint’ This is a small fob worn around the neck, and can be used inside and outside the home to provide reassurance and safety whilst still allowing independence and freedom

The Footprint features a one press SOS button, as well as automatic falls detection and GPS tracking for instant location in case of emergency

Pressing the SOS button just once contacts Progress Lifeline’s 24 hour Alarm Response Centre Operators who can speak with you via the two way speech system located inside the fob, will call your family or the emergency services if you need help. The GPS tracker enables us to find you if you are lost

Customer feedback

Barbara says, “Before we had the Footprint, Frank fell while walking our dog, Max, down by the river. He was confused and hurt and he was lucky that someone came to help him. The fall knocked his confidence, and he was reluctant to take Max for walks for a while in case he fell again. The Footprint would have helped him immensely in this circumstance”.

“Now we’ve got the Footprint, Frank tucks the fob into his jumper so people can’t identify him as vulnerable. He says that he feels more confident when he is out walking Bobby as he knows if he falls he can just press the button for help” www.progresslifeline.org.uk 03333 204 999

20 Please note, names have been changed to maintain confidentiality.

A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FROM MALDON SALT

Ingredients

For the Sauté:

• 3 tbsp Olive oil

• 1⁄2 Medium onion

• 1/3 Green pepper

• 1⁄2 Head of garlic

• 250g fresh or preserved tomato

• 1 Pinch of sugar

For the Paella:

• 400g Rice

• 300g chopped chicken

• 350g Squid

• 250g Green beans

• 75g Fresh or frozen peas

• 6 Prawns

• 6 Norwegian Lobsters

• 400g Clean mussels

• 12 chunks of Monkfish

• 200 ml of Extra virgin olive oil

• 1⁄2 tsp Saffron

• 800 ml Fish stock

• Maldon® Salt

Method

For the mussels, heat two inches of water in a saucepan over a high heat. When it reaches the boil, add the mussels for a minute, remove from the heat and set aside without opening the lid.

Whilst the mussels are boiling, begin prepping the remainder of the vegetables, chopping them finely. Heat the paella pan, keeping the pan on a medium-high heat in the centre, whilst keeping the sides at a low hear.

Pour 2 tbsp of oil in the centre of the paella pan. Add the head of garlic to the pan.

Brown the Norwegian Lobsters and prawns for 1 minute on either side and remove them.

For the sauté base, move the garlic to the side of the paella pan, add another 1 tbsp of oil and sauté the onion until it starts to turn transparent. Add the green pepper and stir the mixture as it cooks for 5 minutes at a low heat. Add the tomato and stir the mixture together. Add a pinch of sugar and Maldon Salt.

Move the sauté mix to the sides of the paella pan where the heat is lower. Add another tablespoon of oil and fry the chicken for 5-10 minutes and the squid 5 for minutes more (until they are golden). Bring the sauté mix back to the centre of the paella pan, mix everything together and push it back to the sides.

Sauté the green beans and peas for 2 minutes. Bring the sauté mixture back from the sides to the centre and stir everything together.

Add the remaining oil and the rice, stirring with the ingredients for 2 minutes over a high heat. Spread the whole mixture evenly over the paella pan, with the garlic head in the middle.

Add the fish stock. When the water boils, lower the heat to the minimum and leave to simmer for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, add the diced monkfish to the rice. Open the mussels, keeping only the shell with the mussel meat. Finally, place the prawns, Norwegian Lobsters and mussels on top of the rice.

22 After 20 minutes, turn off the heat, cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rest for 5 minutes. Serve with eighths of lemon. Finish with a pinch of Maldon Salt.

The classic Paella, a cult favourite within the Spanish cuisine. Paired with saffron flavoured rice, this dish carries an abundance of flavours, including chicken; Norwegian Lobster, squid, mussels and monkfish.

BARCELONA PAELLA

What will your legacy be?

SALT AND PEPPER SQUID

Taste the summer from the grilling squid on the barbecue, elevated in flavour through the seasonings of Maldon Salt, black pepper and the juices of fresh lemon…delightful!

Ingredients

• 4 Large, clean, frozen Squid

• 1 tbsp Freshly ground black pepper

• Maldon® Salt

• Black pepper

• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 ½ Lemons

Method

Defrost the squid in the fridge overnight. Once they have fully defrosted, wash and then dry on kitchen roll. Cover on all sides with 1 tbsp of olive oil, place them on a tray and leave them to rest at room temperature.

Wash and dry the lemons, then slice them into quarters or eighths. Heat the grill to 240º C. Close the lid and wait 10 minutes before opening. Distribute the squid over the grill and cook on full heat for 4 minutes on each side.

Arrange the squid on a serving dish, drizzle on the rest of the olive oil, season with Maldon Salt and pepper, and serve with the lemons.

Any gift no matter the size will help our team at Wigan and Leigh Hospice continue providing our specialist care for local patients and their families when they need us most.

What will your legacy be?

Just 1% of your estate left to the Hospice could make a big difference, and means that 99% remains for those closest to you and your family.

Not everyone is in a position to make a gift during their lifetime, but many can in the form of a gift in their will at no cost to you now. It will make a world of difference to those people we care for.

Our Care

Some people come to us for end of life care, others for help in managing their symptoms. Some enjoy complementary therapies, attend outpatient clinics or spend time with our counsellors. Our Practice Development Team currently provides practical support, and education and training free of charge, for close to 100 care settings in the Borough.

Gifts in wills are such an important part of our voluntary income.

In the last 12 months our teams cared for over 1,200 people from our towns living with a progressive illness, including cancer, neurological and respiratory conditions.

Any gift no matter the size will help our team at Wigan and Leigh Hospice continue providing our specialist care for local patients and their families when they need us most.

Tip: You can use fresh squid for the recipe, but we recommend frozen squid for the most tender result.

Cecelia

Just 1% of your estate left to the Hospice could make a big difference, and means that 99% remains for those closest to you and your family.

knowing I’ll be helping even when I’m no longer there.”

“I know the Hospice needs donations and I wish I could do more right now but I can’t.

Doing this is my little way of knowing I’ll be helping even when I’m no longer there.”

Not everyone is in a position to make a major gift during their lifetime, but many can in the form of a gift in their will at no cost to you now. It will make a world of difference to those people we care for.

Our Care

Cecelia Goubert has pledged to leave a gift in her will to the hospice as thanks for supporting her when her beloved husband Arthur died in 2015.

Cecelia Goubert has pledged to leave a gift in her will to the hospice as thanks for supporting her when her beloved husband Arthur died in 2015.

Some people come to us for end of life care, others for help in managing their symptoms. Some enjoy complementary therapies, attend outpatient clinics or spend time with our counsellors. In over 60 care settings, including nursing and residential homes, we are providing education and training.

Every year our teams care for over 1,000 people from our towns who are living with a progressive illness including cancer, neurological and respiratory illnesses. We also provide care for those people closest to our patients.

Cecelia

Cecelia said: “Someone from the hospice mentioned counselling and I just poured my heart out to Lucy and we did hours of counselling. I thought the people supporting me most after Arthur’s death would be my family but instead it was the Hospice. I want to support the Hospice because the Hospice was my family – it was there for me – from my counsellor to the people behind reception and I can’t ever forget that.

“What’s available at the hospice is so valuable; it’s so incredible this place that makes you feel as though you are at home.

Cecelia said: “Someone from the hospice mentioned counselling and I just poured my heart out to Lucy and we did hours of counselling. I thought the people supporting me most after Arthur’s death would be my family but instead it was the Hospice. I want to support the Hospice because the Hospice was my family – it was there for me – from my counsellor to the people behind reception and I can’t ever forget that.

“Through cups of tea, laughing and chatting the hospice gave me strength.”

“Through cups of tea, laughing and chatting the hospice gave me strength.”

“I know the Hospice needs donations and I wish could do more right now but I can’t. Doing this is my little way of

Did you Know? All you need to leave a gift in your will to the hospice is our charity number - 513400.

It’s easy to leave a gift in a will – all you need is our name and charity number 513400.

You can find out more by contacting Sophie at the hospice on 01942 525566

emailing wills@wlh.org.uk

website at www.wlh.org.uk

Gifts in wills are such an important part of our voluntary income.

Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Hindley,

SAUTÉED LEMON MUSSELS

Sautéed mussels is simple yet effective dish with the pairings of lemon and garlic to bring out the flavours of the shellfish. By using a generous glug of larger, this will give the recipe a spiced, sweet-bitter taste that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 kg of Cleaned Galician mussels

Garlic cloves

ml Glass of Lager

Lemons

tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

Maldon® Salt

Method

Heat up the wok with the oil. Peel ½ a lemon and cut it in half. Brown the crushed garlic and lemon peel and turn up the heat. Squeeze the lemon over the mussels and add them to the wok. Add the lager, stir, cover and leave to cook for 5 minutes.

Drain off the resulting juice from the mussels and drizzle it over mussels. Sprinkle Smoked Maldon Salt on top and serve hot, or at room temperature with slices of bread to mop up the sauce.

OCTOBER BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

October is breast cancer awareness month and is devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer and the importance of early detection through screening.

Be Breast Aware

See a GP if you notice any of the following changes:

Breast Cancer Facts

1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime

Approximately 55,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year

Breast cancer is the 4th most common cause of cancer death in the UK

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/breast

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of survival.

LAMB CHOPS WITH PARSLEY AIOLI

Ingredients

• 24 Small ribs of Lamb

• 3 tbsp Maldon® Salt

• 3 tbsp Parsley, chopped

• 2 Garlic cloves

• 3-4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

Method

Remove the lamb chops from the fridge, cover them lightly with oil and leave them to rest at room temperature.

Wash, dry and peel the parsley, chop it a finely before placing it on the mortar. Crush it together with Maldon Salt and garlic until it forms a paste. Cover and set aside.

Heat the grill, greasing the griddle with olive oil. Lightly grease the chops with extra virgin olive oil once the barbecue is hot.

Cook them for 4 minutes on each side at 180ºC. Season them with Maldon Salt when they have just cooked and serve them hot with the parsley aioli you made.

PADRON PEPPERS

Ingredients

• 24 Small ribs of Lamb

• 3 tbsp Maldon® Salt

• 3 tbsp Parsley, chopped

• 2 Garlic cloves

• 3-4 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

Method

In a large bowl add the padron peppers and then drizzle over the olive oil. Toss the peppers so they are well coated in the oil.

Heat up a frying or griddle pan to a medium high heat. Once hot, fry the peppers for a few minutes on each side until they get black char marks and soften.

Once cooked place the padron peppers onto a serving plate and sprinkle generously with Maldon salt before serving.

The tender lamb chops is a great addition to a dinner party, paired with the flavours of parsley and garlic to give an underlying depth of spice to the dish. Sprinkle with Maldon Salt to really enhance the succulent taste of the lamb.

...

Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial (false) looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street specialise in correcting.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN?

A Clinitcal Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).

It is this qualification that allows the clinicians to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted

to supply dentures direct to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT.

Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?

DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING

Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION

1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

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

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

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

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

MY DENTURES HAVE BECOME LOOSE!

This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

DENTURES ON IMPLANTS

This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE?

Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES

Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally.

We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street can offer all aspects of denture care including;

l Free Consultations

l Denture cleaning and polishing service

l Repair of broken or cracked dentures

l Relining existing dentures to improve fit

l New full dentures

l New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *

l Sports mouth guards

*Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.

What is a Crystal Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is ideal for those who don’t want a fuss and simply require a service that meets their needs, with no hidden costs and no hidden extras, other than things such as when a larger coffin is required. Please feel free to contact our support team if you have any questions or concerns.

When your loved one passes away they will be collected and taken to one of our reputable mortuary services where they will be respectfully cared for.

Your loved one will then be taken in an appropriate funeral vehicle to the crematorium. the cremation then takes place, usually without mourners.

The ashes can then be returned to their loved ones so they can choose how and when they say goodbye, please note this can take up to six weeks for the ashes to be delivered, but we will do our upmost to have the ashes delivered as soon as practically possible.

options available

monthly payment options available

What is a Crystal Celebration of Life Plan?

The cost of funerals can be a minefield with various additional costs, often added at the time of need when those suffering from bereavement are at their most vulnerable. Our Celebration of Life Plan offers you peace of mind. No additional costs, what you pay for is what you get. That is our Crystal promise.

The Celebration of Life Plan is exactly what it says... it is the service that is key in this plan. It allows the added benefit of adding more to the service if you so wish. It also gives the opportunity for family and friends to pay their respects and say goodbye.

You will be able to do such things as live stream the service so those who are unable to attend can still pay their respects. You can add music to make the service that little bit more special.

What is a Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan?

Our Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan includes an attended service, along with a hearse and bearers with a funeral director present.

Our Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan allows you to add extra services if you may wish to do so, such as live streaming the service, or the addition of limousines.

payment options available

We are respectful, trustworthy and dignified in our approach

Our clients are the focus of our team, we provide a trustworthy and dignified service to cater for your loved ones.

Courteous and Caring

Our experienced support team will offer our clients the utmost kindness and courtesy when helping our clients at their time of need.

Considerate

We will be considerate to your needs both emotionally and financially, always taking your personal situation into consideration.

Empathy

Our support team totally understand the emotional distress a bereavement can cause to a family which is why we can refer our clients for additional support.

The wholesale cost of this funeral is the cost we have agreed with your funeral service provider to carry out the purchased funeral. The difference between our funeral plan prices and wholesale costs are detailed below:

Price of Funeral Plan Direct Cremation £1,575 Funeral Service Provider contracted price of carrying out the funeral (Wholesale Cost) £880 Difference Between Price of Funeral Plan and Wholesale Cost £695. Price of Funeral Plan Celebration of life £2,925 Funeral Service Provider contracted price of carrying out the funeral (Wholesale Cost) £2,150 Difference Between Price of Funeral Plan and Wholesale cost £775.00. Price of Funeral Plan Traditional £3245.00 Funeral Service Provider contracted price of carrying out the funeral (Wholesale Cost) £2530 Difference Between Price of Funeral Plan and Wholesale Cost £715.00

The difference in price between what we pay your funeral service provider (the wholesale cost) and the price of our funeral plans is the result of marketing, operational/ business overheads and compliance costs, including the cost of managing the trust arrangement which ensures money paid towards pre-paid funeral plans is kept safe.

Has someone died? Arrange a Direct Cremation today from £975

INDEPENDENT AND FAMILY RUN FUNERAL SERVICE

Our team are here to help you in making the arrangements; having vast experience of arranging different types of funerals and are passionate that we can provide you with both an appropriate and significant service. Continuity of care is extremely important to us, wherever possible the person who arranges the funeral service also supervises the funeral on the day.

The key to our approach is placing you firmly in charge, encouraging the families we help to take ownership of the funeral service is the best way to ensure a meaningful and personal service is carried out.

The choice of funeral transport is still one of the most important aspects of the funeral experience. However, it is entirely up to you how you want to conduct this element of the funeral ceremony.

We abide by the Funeral Directors Code of the National Association of Funeral Directors

We are also proud to be the only Funeral Business in Merseyside to

be recommended by the Good Funeral Guide. This is because we put clients firmly in control of the service required and will try to achieve any wishes we can or suggest creative alternatives to make the service special.

Sometimes it can be hard to talk to your family about your funeral wishes. With a pre-paid funeral plan, you can make your wishes known without upsetting anyone and then when the time comes they don’t have to worry about the decisions. Pre-paid funeral plans are a useful way to make funeral arrangements in advance at a time when you and your family are not upset and emotional.

“As a family run funeral business we are committed to traditional values. Our aim is to ensure every funeral is relevant and completely personal”

Claire and David Barrington

PRE-PLANNING SERVICES

What is a pre-paid funeral plan?

A pre-paid funeral plan allows you to prepare for your funeral arrangements while you are still alive. By providing for them in advance and making decisions so your family don’t have to at the time of need.

What is so good about them?

You can make informed decisions about what you want to happen for your funeral in advance while you are not under any stress and are fit and healthy. This means that you are not as emotional as your family would be making choices once you have died.

Where does my money go?

The money is held by our funeral plan provider. Ecclesiastical Planning Services. Every penny (excluding the management fee) is held in a whole of life assurance policy and ring-fenced for your funeral.

What does the plan cover?

The funeral director’s charges are covered and, as long as we carry out your funeral and your requirements don’t change, you will not be asked to pay a penny more for them.Your plan can also include a contribution towards third party costs, such as cemetery or crematorium fees and doctors’ fees, which are outside of our control and cannot be guaranteed.

What does FCA Regulation mean for Funeral Plans?

On 29th July this year the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fully regulated the funeral planning sector. At Barringtons funeral services we welcomed this as did our funeral plan provider EPSL, Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, which has customer transparency and fairness at the heart of it’s model.

To find out more about Ecclesiastical’s approach, visit www.funeralplans.co.uk.

Main Office at Waterloo

28 Crosby Road North, Waterloo Liverpool L22 4QF

Tel: 0151 928 1625

Opened 2008

Our family business is owned and run by David and Claire, we also have a young family and work with our small team across the three locations shown below. We have a lady funeral director based at each branch who can assist in all aspects of funeral wishes. Nothing is out of the question and we have a forward thinking, bold approach backed up by wealth of experience in many unique funerals.

We cover all of Merseyside and its surrounding areas and our small friendly team is ready 24hrs a day to support you and your family and can be contacted at the branches in Waterloo, Formby and Netherton or on the telephone or through the website.

Formby Office

49 Liverpool Road, Formby, Liverpool L37 6BT

Tel: 01704 461511

Opened 2016

www.barringtonsfunerals.co.uk

Netherton Office

38 Marian Square Netherton Liverpool L30 5QA

Tel: 0151 329 3525

Opened 2021