Bolton & Bury issue 35 by John McGrath

EDITION 35

Retired JANUARY - MARCH 2012

& living in Bolton & Bury

RUTH MADOC

QUALITY DOOR TO DOOR COACH TOURS

TALKS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GLADYS PUGH

INSIDE HOME

WAYS TO CUT YOUR FUEL BILLS

LEISURE

DISCOVER DUBROVNIK A TIMELESS BEAUTY THE BENEFITS OF BEING ACTIVE

HEALTH

FIVE WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER

RICK STEIN

SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FREE Please t

ake one

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s

WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK

Purpose built Retirement Living is coming to Horwich Over the past few years a new type of housing development has begun to spring up in our towns and cities. Purpose built private retirement developments providing housing exclusively for the over 60s are now in demand. The market leader, McCarthy & Stone, is coming to Horwich, Bolton, filling a gap in the market, developing run down brownfield land and freeing up property for mainstream buyers. McCarthy & Stone is constructing 45 Retirement Living apartments on Chorley New Road, Horwich. Building work is now underway with the sales release anticipated in February 2012. Steve Secker, Regional Managing Director for McCarthy & Stone, said: “The demand for new homes continues to increase while housing production reaches an 80 year low. We now face an urgent housing challenge across the UK, but measures to simply increase housing supply don’t go far enough. At McCarthy & Stone we think more focus should be put on creating the right type of housing for our rapidly ageing population. “We are living longer than ever before. Over the last century life expectancy has increased by 30 years and, since 2007, there have been more people over the state pension age in Britain than children. We are healthier too, meaning more of us will enjoy an active and independent retirement lasting many years.” McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living offers independence combined with the peace of mind additional security, low maintenance and companionship can bring. All properties come with 24 hour emergency call points, electrical

sockets at a raised height to reduce bending, illuminated light switches, video entry system, easy grip lever taps in the bathroom and kitchen and energy efficient heating. Residents can also enjoy maintained gardens, socialise in the communal lounge and invite family or friends to stay in the development’s hotelstyle guest suite. McCarthy & Stone retirement developments can also benefit the community. Our sites are often located in town and city centres which means they make better use of existing urban sites. Having centrally located retirement developments can contribute to the sustainability of local communities on a number of levels. Residents are able to stay close to family and friends or return to areas they have long known or aspire to; bringing inward investment. Residents often shop locally and use public transport and local amenities, so help benefit the local economy.

between the two giving peace of mind to the resident and their family.” The fact that we are living longer means that demand for new homes is increasing at an ever faster rate. However, an increase in purpose-built retirement developments would not only better service the needs of the over 60s, but could actually help address the broader issue of housing supply. Mr Secker sums up: “At McCarthy & Stone we believe retirement developments provide the ideal solution to many people. But to make them more commonplace measures such as ensuring land is released for development, making sure the planning system delivers housing choice for older people and easing regulation, which will all help to increase the availability of specialist retirement accommodation.”

Mr Secker continues: “There comes a time when we all have to make a decision. Staying in the family home and adapting it to meet changing needs is not always the best option for everybody. And moving into a care home before that level of support is required can be very upsetting for everyone involved. Retirement developments can bridge the gap

Chorley new road, Horwich, Bolton BL6 5nH.

0800 919132 • www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

Celia Dunn, McCarthy & Stone retirement apartment owner

My story? “The winter weather really brought to the forefront of my mind why I love being at a retirement development As a widow, the thought of those being alone in their house during the winter must be a nightmare. I’m able to pop down to the residents’ lounge any time of day and find someone to have a chat with. The lounge is really warm and cosy and is used by all residents to meet, read, play cards and socialise meaning anyone who is looking for company can find it! Furthermore, being part of a community such as this means I know I will never be isolated and of course it is safe and secure.”

If you’d like to see more stories like Celia’s, visit our website www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk

Coming soon... New McCarthy & Stone retirement apartments House Manager • 24-hour Emergency Call System • Security Entry System

HORWICH

Chorley New Road, BL6 5NH

Coming Soon

Call 0800 919132 or fill in the coupon For more news & information from the McCarthy & Stone Group send to: FREEPOST RSCB-BRLE-HYKJ, McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd, ALTRINCHAM WA14 5LX You may be contacted via the methods of communication for which you have provided details. Where a mobile number has been provided, you may also be contacted by SMS or other electronic means.

Enquiring on behalf of? Yourself Title

Other

New properties

Previously owned

Name

Address Postcode Email Tel and/or Mob

✁ Horwich.Retired&LivingMag2.1.12

Graham Smith has a Tweet But what is he twittering about? There was the Swansea lady who decked out her living room ceiling with 1,700 Christmas baubles. She starts decorating at the end of September and doesn’t usually finish until Christmas Day! You couldn’t make it up could you? Our beleaguered country can always throw up a laugh. Did you see the one about the internet dating sight which was auctioning a date with a busty Virgin Mary or a hunky Joseph! Dogs are always good for a laugh too. A Chinese man, whose name I cannot possibly spell and you couldn’t say it if I did, has a four-year-old Pekingese dog which walks backwards on its hind legs for two kilometres a day. What is the point of that I ask and what does it do when it wants to spend a penny? The mind boggles.

When is it Christmas? If it’s June when you read this don’t worry Christmas isn’t coming any time soon. Astronomers have calculated that Christmas should be in June by charting the “Christmas Star” which the Bible says led the Three Wise Men to Jesus. The have decided that the bright star pinpoints Jesus’ birthday as June 17th rather than December 25th. Well that’s just going to upset a few turkey farmers and artificial snow manufacturers isn’t it?

Lost pussy causes a headache! Those of us of a certain age will remember Mrs Slocombe of the BBC sitcom “Are You Being Served” having various problems with her pussy. They were nothing compared to those of a small village where residents spent the best part of three days digging to rescue a cat whose meowing could be heard clearly. Everyone turned out to help and eventually the animal was found. A large orange plastic moggy with a tape recorded cry which was permanently switched on! Stories like this warm my heart in troubled times. Half the population can’t afford a can of cat food but they will dig for three days to rescue what they thought was a genuine animal in distress.

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

And what a mess they’ve made of the carol service. How can “snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”, and what about the poor old beggar bringing in his winter fuel? There’s no holly and ivy, the shepherds can’t be watching their flocks because it’s still day light and I just cannot listen to Bing Crosby in June! Which silly old goat with a white beard and a red suit is going to traipse reindeer and a sleigh about in 20 degrees of heat? I don’t eat sprouts in December so I’m surely not about to in June. “All is calm, all is bright”, well it will be in June, new legislation could mean it’s daylight until four in the morning so the poor little beggar will be throwing his swaddling clothes off and tipping the sheepdog out of the manger.

Why can’t they leave things as they are? I’m dreaming of a White Easter. 4

The hunter was climbing out of his boat to place decoys in nearby marsh when his “excited” dog trod on a shotgun firing 27 pellets into his backside from ten feet. The man managed to walk to a nearby road and call an ambulance and was not seriously injured. He should have ducked. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

CONTENTS

Inside this issue ... 20-21

14-15

26-27

TRAVEL & LEISURE 9-10 Dubrovnik A timeless beauty. 10 The 50+ Show Register now for free tickets.

FOOD & DRINK 26-27 Rick Stein Mediterranean Escapes Recipes.

INTERVIEW 20-21 Ruth Madoc On Life after Gladys Pugh.

NICE CLEAN CARS WANTED BOUGHT FOR CASH or DRAFT FINANCE SETTLED

What ever your reason for selling! l l l l l

HEALTH 24-25 You're never too old to get the perfect smile Reader offer with 10% discount on implants. Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest local Retired magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date everyday tips.

To get a better deal on a new car purchase New Motability Car Don’t want the hassle of selling from home Wills/Probate Ex company vehicle No admin fees

22 years in the trade Top prices paid for the best condition/mileage

We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life!

www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

WE COME TO YOU!! CALL DAVE 01204 535922 or 07891 998064 5

Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

FULL 2012 BROCHURE OUT NOW

COACH TOURS 2012 LOCAL PICK UP POINTS

ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY

IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, ISLE OF WIGHT

Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AAHHH Torquay is most certainly one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest resorts and the heart of the English Riviera. If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne Robinsons HHH Eastbourne is an ideal holiday destination, it has one of the top sunshine records in the UK and has been awarded the Seaside Award for its clean safe beaches for the past eight years. An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin Robinsons HHH Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south coast of the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages. An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

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

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

1501

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

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

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

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

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

7 Days/ 6 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour Monday 05-Mar 12-Mar 19-Mar 26-Mar 16-Apr 23-Apr 08-Oct 15-Oct 22-Oct 29-Oct

£219 £229 £239 £249 £275 £285 £279 £269 £259 £249

£195 £205 £215 £225 £249 £255 £249 £245 £235 £225

£249 £245 £239 £235 £229 £225

£225 £219 £215 £209 £205 £199

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

£249 £245 £239 £235 £229 £225

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

£139 £145 £149 £155 £159 £165 £169 £175 £175 £185 £185 £189 £195 £225 £215 £209 £205 £199

£139 £145 £149 £155 £159 £165 £169 £175 £175 £185 £185 £189 £195 £199 £209 £215 £219 £225 £229 £239 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £249 £245 £239 £235 £225 £215 £209 £205 £199

£129 £133 £135 £139 £145 £149 £155 £159 £155 £165 £165 £169 £175 £179 £189 £195 £199 £205 £209 £215 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £225 £219 £215 £209 £199 £189 £185 £179 £175

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

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

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

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

* Unlimited Singles

Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels Front facing/seaview supplements 7 Days £13 per person. 8 Days £15 per person. 5 Days £10 per person

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

2012 Tours

YORK WEEKEND 2ND – 4TH MARCH Staying at the Queens Hotel in the centre of York. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. £150.00 ST AGNES CORNWALL 17TH – 22ND MARCH 6 day tour staying at the Rosemundy Hotel, St Agnes. All rooms en suite. Dinner bed and breakfast. Excursions included. £325.00 NORTHUMBERLAND TOUR 6TH – 10TH APRIL (EASTER) Staying at the Sunningdale Hotel, Bamburgh. All rooms en suite. Dinner Bed and breakfast. Excurions included. £245.00 WEYMOUTH TOUR 23RD – 27TH APRIL 5 day tour staying at the Crown Hotel. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Excursions included. £315.00 ISLE OF WIGHT 18TH – 25TH MAY 8 day tour staying at the Trouville Hotel. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Excursions included. £445.00

TORQUAY 3RD – 8TH JUNE 5 day tour staying at the Livermead Hotel. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Excursions included. £429.00 BOURNEMOUTH 22ND – 29TH JULY 8 day tour staying at the Wessex Hotel. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Excursions include day trip to Isle of Wight. £445.00

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT TOUR 30TH AUGUST – 1ST SEPTEMBER 3 day tour staying at the Hesperia London Victoria Hotel. Bed and English Breakfast. Houses of Parliament Tour included. £210.00 D DAY LANDINGS 4TH – 8TH SEPTEMBER 5 day tour staying at the Mercure- Lisieux Hotel, Lisieux. Includes Dinner, Bed and Cold Buffet Breakfast and excursions included. £369.00

LONGLEAT AND BATH 13TH – 15TH AUGUST 3 day tour staying at the Best Western Centurion Hotel. Includes entrance to Longleat House and Safari Park and excursion to Bath. Adult £189.00 Child £159.00 (based on 5-14 years inclusive sharing with 2 adults)

WILLS AND KATE TOUR 14TH – 16TH SEPTEMBER 3 day tour staying at the Ramada Docklands Hotel. Includes Bed and English Breakfast, Dinner at the Goring Hotel, a Will and Kate Walk, a guided tour of Westminster Abbey and entry to the Household Cavalry Museum. £255.00

MALVERN HILLS AND COTSWOLD VILLAGES 19TH – 23RD AUGUST 5 day tour staying at the Abbey Hotel. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Excursions included. £305.00

ST AGNES, CORNWALL 4TH – 8TH OCTOBER 5 day tour staying at the Rosemundy Hotel. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. £349.00

EDINBURGH TATTOO 24TH – 27TH AUGUST 4 day tour staying at the Angus Hotel, Blairgowrie. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Includes entrance into the Tattoo and Falkirk Wheel. £317.00

LONDON EYE AND THAMES RIVER CRUISE 21ST – 22ND OCTOBER 2 day tour staying at a guaranteed 4* Hotel. Includes Bed and English Breakfast, ﬂight on the London Eye and River Cruise. £115.00

All tours depart from Bolton & Bury town centres

Group Travel Specialists Are you part of a group that requires coach hire? Then we are the people to talk to! We have all different sizes of luxury coaches with fantastic knowledgeable drivers to help make your trip memorable.

Call for a quote.

Tel: 01204 322 808

sales@tyrerscoaches.co.uk

Dubrovnik –

Timeless beauty Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands. Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace. It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. The original palace was modelled after the Roman imperial palace, with some influences from Venetian palaces. In 1435 there was a gunpowder explosion that demolished the structure. It was rebuilt in a late-gothic style. There was another explosion in 1463, and a an earthquake in 1667 that severally damaged the city. What you see now is the final redo that took place at the end of the 17 century. The central portico features beautiful archways and a second story mezzanine. Sitting proudly on the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent fortified cities. Today a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy seafaring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the world. Dubrovnik is clearly special. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Magnificent curtains of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition. As the sun rises over the terracotta roofs the square awakens to the sound of barrow loads of fruit and vegetables bouncing over the stone cobbles. The ‘green market‘, as the locals call it, offers freshly picked produce as well as jars of homemade jams, pickles and spices. However, Dubrovnik shows her true magnificent colours during the winter months as well as the city looks wonderful “out of season.” True beauty is ageless and timeless.

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Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. Some great shots are to be had with your camera from Pile Gate. War Photo Limited: Dubrovnik’s sturdy fortifications have been put to the test several times during the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. This modern gallery is dedicated to stunning photojournalism from war zones around the world, and attempts to offer unbiased reporting with a human element. Antuninska 6. www.warphotoltd.com. Daily 9am-9pm (Jun-Sep); Tue-Sat 10am4pm, Sun 10am-2pm (May and Oct); closed (Nov-Apr). Entry is 30Kn. Dubrovnik Cable Car: The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are seen from the top of the Srd Hill where the Dubrovnik Cable Car was built back in 1969 and boasts the most beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles)! For this reason the neighbouring Fort Imperial was strategically built on this privileged spot way back in the early 19th century. http://dubrovnikcablecar.com. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (www. dubrovnik-festival.hr) runs from mid-Jul to mid-Aug, staging concerts, theatre and opera at various open-air venues in the

old town. Pat line-ups have included the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra, Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas, and Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams. Nearby places worth visiting include the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno arboretum, the vineyards of Peljeac peninsular, the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free Elafiti islands , the island of Mljet (one-third of which is a national park), and neighbouring Montenegro. EATING/DRINKING There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap haunts, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious too! Note that in the off peak season of November to March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and best of all, discounts can be negotiated. Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), pasticada and the famous delicacy dubrovacka rozata. The most popular alcohol in Croatia is homemade rakija. This is a very strong distilled tipple made from a variety of fruits. Examples include sljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers as it can sometimes be of low quality! SLEEPING Hotels in Dubrovnik include two, three, four and five-star hotels. Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget; the downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure to check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little. DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING… Cafe Buza: This place is little known but definitely the find in Dubrovnik. Indeed, you will have to wander down an alleyway along 9

the main western wall where you’ll find a nondescript door. Enter it to find the most amazing bar you might ever enjoy a beer in. The cafe is built on the side of the rocky cliffs, hiding inside the Dubrovnik wall. Relax and enjoy the view as the dramatic wall rises above your head; or, as you are so near the small beach why not dip your toes in the water! Fact ﬁle: Dubrovnik has an international airport, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Dubrovnik city centre. There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976; however, buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik old main bus station in Gruž and Croatia Airlines even operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (takes approx. 45 minutes), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 220 kn. The bus passes close to the Old Town en-route to the airport; you can board the bus at the stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop! The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman Bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves the Old Town. On

buses you pay a separate fee of 10 Kn to the driver for luggage, so keep some change handy. Taxis in Dubrovnik are available around the clock and you can easily pick one up at one of the many taxi stops. The good news is that a taxi service will never cost you more than 100 Kn (approx. £11) in any direction within Dubrovnik city limits! If you are planning to drive a car in Dubrovnik, be aware that lots of streets are one way. If in doubt, passersby will gladly direct you. Dubrovnik is easy to cover on foot; in fact it will take the averagely fit person less than 1.5 hours to walk from the historical centre to the very end of Lapad peninsula. Climate: The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, it is perhaps distinct from other Mediterranean climates because of the unusual winds and frequency of thunderstorms. The Bura wind blows cold gusts down the Adriatic coast between October and April. The air

temperatures can slightly vary, depending on the area or region. Typically, in July and August daytime maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), and at night drop to around 21°C (70°F). More comfortable perhaps, is the climate in Spring and Autumn when maximum temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F). Language: Croatian is the official language spoken in Dubrovnik. English is taught as a second language in schools however, and other international languages are also fluently spoken. Currency: Kuna (Kn.) £1 British pound is worth approx. 8 Kuna. The word “Kuna” means “marten” in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.

The 50+ Show Manchester Central (Formerly GMEX) Friday 2nd March 2012, 10am-5pm Saturday 3rd March 2012, 9.30am-4.30pm

• Including Places! Travel Show • Cookery demonstrations • Gardening • Fashion Show • Park & holiday homes • Seminars & information • Have-a-go dancing • Financial tips & advice • Health checks • Holidays & travel • ROCK CHOIR • T’ai chi & Yoga • Craft zone • Climbing wall • Prize quiz • FREE Show guide magazine & visitor bag (while stocks last!)

www.50plusShow.com

er:

1. Register onlin e via www.50plussh ow.com

2. Call the free tic hotline on 0137 ket 2 8409 63 / 68 3. On-site regist

ration*

(*On-the-door is £10 without on-site registrat ion)

Door to Door Coach Holidays from

Why not join us this year on one of our Quality Door to Door Coach Tours? Our passenger numbers grow year on year because we offer a type holiday that takes away the stress and angst encountered on many other forms of holiday. Firstly, we pick you up at your front door at a prearranged time in a minibus or taxi. You are then transferred to a central meeting point where the coach is waiting for you. Within 15 to 30 minutes you’re on your way aboard our luxury coach travelling directly to your holiday destination, making suitable stops en-route. The hotels that we use are of a 3 or 4 star standard or occasionally a good quality family run 2 star hotel. However, if you prefer another type of holiday you could travel abroad by aeroplane but remember the taxi to the airport, the queue at check in, the queue at the security check, the removal of your shoes, belts etc., the wait in the departure lounge and the queue to board the plane. Then the cramped conditions on the plane, the queues at the destination airport, need I go on? Oh yes I will – the cost of living once you are there! Or perhaps a none Ellen Smith coach holiday. A taxi or bus to a local picking up point, a wait for the coach to arrive, then off to the interchange to swap coaches, and eventually you’re on your way, about 2 hours behind the Ellen Smith coach!

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Or why not go by car, but calculate the cost of fuel and parking charges. Also not forgetting the busy motorways, fractious driving and expensive hotels.

It makes sense to opt for an Ellen Smith door to door holiday! We pick- up at your door in most of the Greater Manchester area. We visit every part of the UK from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall. Our drivers are very experienced mature individuals with a wealth of knowledge about our wonderful country. We do city breaks, historic adventures, scenic tours, train rides, boat rides, canal trips, not forgetting our numerous costal resorts. We offer a price guarantee – everything noted in the brochure is included in the price. No surcharges, no charges for the use of credit or debit cards, we also guarantee that if we reduce the price of a holiday every customer gets the same reduction.

INTERESTED? Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2012 brochure, you’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Or visit our website

www.ellensmith.co.uk 11

Ashton

Portland Basin Ladysmith Shopping Centre Setantii

Museum of the Manchester Regiment

Ashton-under-Lyne is a real shopper’s dream. It has hugely popular indoor and outdoor markets along with covered shopping areas in the shape of the famous Arcades and Ladysmith Shopping Centres. These modern retail outlets also complement the intimate attraction of Ashton’s ‘Old Town’ area where a myriad of small independent retailers offer a huge range of authentic gift ideas and tailored services. The outdoor market is open seven days a week with a flea market on Tuesdays and a table top sale every Sunday except for the last Sunday in the month – when Ashton hosts the North West’s biggest and best ‘Farmers and Producers’ market. If you are just sightseeing then don’t miss the opportunity to visit ‘Setanti’ located in the Town Hall. It’s a wonderful visitor attraction telling the history of the town and the borough. Then there’s the military Museum of The Manchester Regiment also in the Town Hall, or try the new Waterworks where you will be able to witness first hand through realistic sights, sounds and smells what life was like to live in Tameside in the early 1800’s and you can try our award winning museum at the idyllic canalside location of Portland Basin – plus there is no charge to visit these superb attractions! TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

Arcades Shopping Centre Old Town

Outdoor Market and Indoor Market Hall

Ashton Ashton

Portland Basin Portland Basin Ladysmith Shopping Ladysmith Centre Shopping Centre Setantii

Museum of the Manchester Regiment Setantii Museum of the Manchester Regiment

, Chiquitos, Harvester Ashton Moss and Eat Inn Chinese Buffet â&#x20AC;˘ Award winning Farmers Market held on the last Sunday of each month

Arcades Shopping Arcades Centre Shopping Centre Old Town Old Town Outdoor Market Outdoor and Indoor Market Market Hall and Indoor Market Hall

Day

TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

20/4/11 15:39:57 20/4/11 15:39:57

WHAT IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER? By Sheila Alcock Sometimes, it’s a raw new house which needs a designer touch. Or a beautiful old home which needs interior remodelling and modernising. Sometimes, a change of lifestyle has created the need for a new look for your home, or maybe your home is looking tired and old fashioned and could do with a serious update. But you have a busy lifestyle, and very little time. The thought of sourcing builders, plumbers and decorators is overwhelming. So where do you start? Simple. Bring in an expert. Bring in an Interior Designer/Project Manager who can lead you through the intricacies of finding reliable tradesmen, and leave you free to consider ways in which your home can reflect your personality and lifestyle.

Not Just About Cushions and Curtains The title Interior Designer can be misleading, and in fact, anyone can give themselves the title of Interior Designer by taking a six week study course on how to build a samples board. This does not cover the skills acquired from undergoing a degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. Louise Putman BA (Hons), MCSD, is a graduate from Middlesex University, having completed a four year degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. This covers the full design process from concept to completion, and she also provides project management, which includes liaison with electricians, builders, furniture manufacturers/suppliers, fabric and lighting. This is followed by costings, quote comparisons,

a programme detailing time scales and completion dates. After graduating, Louise worked on a number of large corporate Headquarters and hospitality projects, including hospitality areas for All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, and Executive areas at the London Headquarters of Royal Bank of Scotland. In 2009 Louise set up her own design consultancy, Recreate Interiors.

Eureka Moment “My first priority is to understand my client’s taste and vision for the style they want to achieve. Recently, I had a client who wasn’t sure of the sort of interior she wanted,” Louise told me. “The Eureka moment arrived when she studied my mood boards, beamed, and said, “ I didn’t know what I wanted, until you showed me.” That was the moment when I could really focus on the work in hand, and establish rough guidelines on general style, budget and timescale. My work begins with the creation of a mood board, which shows a variety of interiors of different styles and colour schemes. This is accompanied by samples boards showing fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, carpets, www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

HOME finishes and options. These are discussed, the client makes a choice and at that point, I can set up a detailed summary of costings for each room to be treated by providing a detailed schedule of works to obtain ‘like for like’ quotes from tradesmen, followed by a cost plan including furniture, window treatments, finishes, fixtures and fittings, and my designer’s fees.”

qualified Interior Designer will ensure this never happens. From the update of a single room, to the remodelling of a complete house, an Interior Designer will take the drudgery out of your project, inject flair and creativity to produce the wow factor you’re looking for, and ensure that it’s completed on time, on budget, and exactly how you imagined it.

“So there’s a lot more to interior design than sourcing fabrics and carpets,” I said. Louise smiled. “We’re the ones who plod across the site with the builders. We produce detailed space plans to indicate now the space can be better utilised. We’re the ones to sort any problems with decorators and plumbers or the electricians. We discuss their problems and resolve them quickly, so that everyone knows exactly where they are, and completion dates are as stipulated.” We’ve all heard horror stories of missed completion dates, shoddy workmanship and nerves at screaming point over incorrect fittings and soaring costs. A

Mood and sample

boards

MY WORK BEGINS WITH THE CREATION OF A MOOD BOARD, WHICH SHOWS A VARIETY OF INTERIORS OF DIFFERENT STYLES AND COLOUR SCHEMES. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY SAMPLES BOARDS SHOWING FABRIC SWATCHES, WALLPAPER SAMPLES, CARPETS, FINISHES AND OPTIONS.

Bolton Care and Repair Handyperson Service Are you over 60 years old or claiming a Disability Living Allowance benefit? Do you have any odd jobs waiting to be done? If so, we now have a handyperson who can help. Bolton Care and Repair’s handyperson assists people with odd jobs and repairs to their home. We are offering heavily subsidised rates of £10 per hour (labour) for people over 60 years old and those under 60 on a Disability Living Allowance benefit. So don’t leave your tap dripping or put up with that loose carpet or blocked gutter. Contact us today and we will get one of our trusted staff to help you sort out your home improvement issues. For larger jobs, we also have a list of contractors so you can be sure that you are employing a reputable trades person.

To find out more, phone us between Monday and Friday 9am - 5pm on: 01204 335679

Tis’ the season to be freezing!

The temperature is dropping, time to switch the heating on. The last thing anyone wants is this most important of creature comforts breaking down and, with the ever expensive Christmas day creeping closer, saving money on fuel bills is also very important – especially with energy prices creeping up year on year. Mark Krull, eco-expert from Logic4training - which trains gas fitters, plumbers and electricians – gives his top tips for preventing heating disasters and keeping warm for less. Frozen pipes: We suffered a particularly cold winter last year with frozen condensate pipes (the black, white or grey pipe coming from the bottom of the boiler to the outside) a common complaint. Frozen pipes means the boiler will stop working completely. To stop this happening again, ideally, you should call a Gas Safe Registered Installer to help thaw the pipe, plus find a solution to the problem. If it’s an emergency and you can’t get anyone to help, use a hot water bottle or heat wrap (like the ones used to ease muscle pain) and hold round the pipe until thawed. Only attempt to thaw a pipe at ground level, which is easily accessible – don’t scale walls or climb on the roof! Once thawed the boiler must be reset. Prevention is better than cure; insulate your pipes with waterproof lagging. Bleed radiators: If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom this means there’s an air lock and they need bleeding. Unscrew the ‘bleed screw’ 16

at the top, using a radiator key and let the air out until water comes through. If you have a sealed system, make sure you replace air let out with water, using the filling loop (this should have been shown to you when the boiler was installed.) If you’re a landlord, show your tenants how to do this when they move in, it will stop unnecessary maintenance calls. If you keep having to bleed your radiators it probably means there’s a water leak, so you should call a trained installer to take a look. Service: Whether you’ve got a gas, oil or solid fuel boiler an annual service will ensure your heating systems in working to optimum efficiency, plus highlight any problems before they arise. Landlords, this is your responsibility, tenants, make sure you ask for a CP12 Gas Safety Certificate when you move in. New gas safety rules: If you have a boiler where all, or part of, the flue cannot be seen then inspection hatches need to be fitted. You’ve got until January 2013 to sort this out. If you don’t, by law your boiler could be switched-off. Keep safe: Install a Carbon Monoxide tester to warn if there’s a leak. If you do have a leak call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately, on 0800 111 999. Keep warm (and spend less) Understand your boiler: Learn how to use your boiler properly and save on your heating. If you’re a landlord (especially one with bills included in the rent) go www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

Bolton Community Transport & Furniture Service Registered Charity 1101339

Transport Services through how the boiler works with your tenants and explain how to use the heating most efficiently. · Don’t switch your heating off in the winter; keep it a low base temperature over-night. It costs more to heat up a freezing cold room. · Do turn your thermostat down. Reducing the temperature by just one degree, will save 8% on your heating bill. · Do make sure all radiators have thermostatic valves (TRV’s); then you can set the temperature in each room. Draught proof: Stop your home leaking heat like a sieve; invest in some thick curtains, draught proof round doors and windows and cover the attic hatch with blankets. Make sure your radiators aren’t covered by furniture.

Excursions We offer individuals the opportunity to go out on day trips to various destinations listed in our brochure and provide a door-to-door service.

Group Hire If you are a member of a group or can get a group of people together, we will organise a day trip just for you to any destination and on a day of your choice.

Holidays We arrange mini breaks to different locations and in addition to a door-to-door service, the driver will stay with you for the duration and organise excursions at no extra cost.

BURY BUSY BEE BUS

Insulate: Up to 35% of the heat in your home is lost through the walls, and up to 25% through your roof. Not all houses can have cavity wall insulation, but every roof should. According to the energy saving trust, insulating your loft could save £180 a year. The Governments ‘Green Deal’ is offering free insulation for some homes, paid back through utility bills. For more information visit the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s website: www.decc.gov. uk Call in the experts: If you have any work relating to your gas heating, you must check that the installer you choose is Gas Safe Registered. They should present you with an I.D card. If they don’t have this, then walk away – badly installed or maintained gas equipment could result in death. To find your nearest Gas Safe Registered installer, visitwww.gassaferegister.co.uk.

The Bury Busy Bee Bus works at the heart of the BURY community taking groups of people from A to B. This includes community groups, sports groups, youth groups, residential homes, schools and any other group of people based in the Bury area. Prices start from as little as £40 for a 14 seater vehicle. Our services are available to everyone. All our minibuses are fully wheelchair accessible and our drivers are trained to MiDAS standard. All pricing is calculated to cover operational cost only.

For a brochure of excursions, a quote, or further information, please contact 01204 393777

Established 1887

Planning for your future

Whether you are already retired or are approaching retirement there are certain things you might want to consider as part of your retirement plan. With a plan in place and your financial affairs in order you can relax and enjoy your retirement years. After all you’ve earned it!

Wills If you don’t have a Will then now is the time to consider writing one as leaving a Will means you can be sure that everything will be dealt with in the way you would wish following your death. If you don’t make a Will, the “Intestacy Rules” will govern how your estate is divided up when you die. The government will determine which of your relatives receives how much, but beware, they don’t provide at all for your friends or even for a partner who you may have lived with for years. Under the Intestacy Rules, even your step-children are not counted as your children unless you have formally adopted them. If you do have a Will it is important to review it, say every five years. Family circumstances and relationships change with family members sometimes becoming estranged, so ask yourself, does your Will still provide for the people you want it to? If you do want to make a change we can do this for you even if your Will was not written by Russell and Russell Solicitors.

Inheritance Tax Planning You should also start to think about Inheritance Tax (IHT). IHT is a tax payable on death at the rate of 40% on the value of your net assets over £325,000. The first £325,000 is called the Nil Rate Band because although it attracts Inheritance Tax, it is taxed at 0%. If you are married, the best way to pay less inheritance tax (or even none at all) is by making a Tax efficient Will. Many people believe that giving away money or valuable assets whilst you are alive avoids IHT. This can be the case if the total of the gifts made in any one year does not exceed your annual exemption of £3000, but for gifts over that level you must survive the following 7 years otherwise you will be taxed as though you still owned the asset. There are ways to gift money that are free from Inheritance Tax. You can make a gift to your spouse (provided you both live in England and Wales) although you should seek legal advice before doing so as this

LEGAL & FINANCE could affect other tax planning possibilities, such as the gifting of agricultural assets or business property. You can also make a tax-free gift to your children or grandchildren of up to £5000 or £2,500 respectively on their marriage/civil partnership. If you decide to give a larger amount to your children now, you can reduce the tax they pay by insuring the Inheritance Tax liability which would arise if you were to die within 7 years of the gift and we would be happy to advise on the right policy for you.

Planning for Long Term Care As people live longer, more and more of us face the possibility of going into residential care. This currently costs around £450 per week which means that the money you worked so hard for all your life can soon be eaten away. There are however ways to preserve your assets and that’s where we can help. If your total assets (usually including the value of your home) exceed £23,250 then you will have to pay the care fees yourself, until your assets fall below that level (when the local authority will step in and contribute some of the cost). Certain assets are disregarded (such as jewellery or cars) but the best way to prevent all your assets being used up by long term care fees is to come and see us and take advice at an early stage. As the need to go into residential care approaches, many people are tempted to transfer their home into the names of their children, or to give away large amounts of money. If you do give assets away and one of your reasons for doing so is to avoid care fees, the “notional capital” rules mean that you will be assessed as still owning that asset even after you give it away. Please seek advice before giving away any assets.

As people live longer, more and more of us face the possibility of going into residential care. This currently costs around £450 per week which means that the money you worked so hard for all your life can soon be eaten away.

Looking After Someone Else’s Affairs Managing your own financial affairs is often difficult enough but sometimes as your parents get older they may also wish for you to help them with theirs. If this has been discussed, the key thing here is to act before your loved one loses mental capacity. If their mental capacity is still sound they can give you a “Power of Attorney” which allows you to look after things for up to a year for them or it might be more suitable to have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) which will last indefinitely. At Russell and Russell Solicitors we can tailor-make a Power of Attorney to suit their individual needs and circumstances and we can discuss their options with them at the initial appointment. If mental capacity is unfortunately lost before an LPA is put in place then we can apply to the Court for a Deputyship order. This would mean that you would be appointed by the Court to be their Deputy and be able to manage their affairs for them under Court guidance. We know that much of this might sound quite daunting but the key is to deal with it sooner rather than later. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and we’ll make sure that your retirement plan is tailor made and as individual as you are.

To discuss your Retirement Plan with a specialist solicitor please call: Bolton Churchill House Wood Street Bolton BL1 1EE t: 01204 399299

Bolton Larkhill House 160 St Georges Road Bolton BL1 2PJ t: 01204 375700

Farnworth 86 Market Street Farnworth Bolton BL4 7NY t: 01204 707926

Horwich 21 Lee Lane Horwich Bolton BL6 7BP t: 01204 699432

Middleton Colmar House Middleton Gardens Middleton M24 4DB t: 0161 653 6200

www.russellrussell.co.uk

Bury Belgrave Terrace 10 Manchester Road Bury BL9 OEB t: 0161 762 2888

Calendar Girl RUTH Madoc had just been having lunch with her five year-old granddaughter in St Albans when she broke off from encouraging her to eat pizza for a chat with Angela Kelly about the theatre and life after Gladys Pugh. “I’m in the South for two weeks with ‘Calendar Girls’,” she explains in those familiar warm, now-muted Welsh tones. “So I’m staying with the family here and love being out for lunch with Seren (Welsh for “star”) because this little girl and I have a real connection.”

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

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

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

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

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

This wonderful portrayal in the enduringly popular BBC 1 comedy series revealed her comic talents to thousands at home. But her career, even by then, had already covered a startling variety of theatre. Although Ruth is well known for her Welsh roots she was, in fact, born in Norwich because her parents consistently travelled around Britain. However, she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Llansamlet in Swansea. From the little mining village she made the unlikely but determined leap to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, guided in this by the man who became an early mentor, Sir Harry Secombe. “I was in East Yorkshire with my parents and the head of drama at school sent a tape of me to Harry Secombe’s agent with the intention of interesting Huw Weldon who used to have a BBC children’s talent programme called ‘All Your Own,’ she states. Instead, the agent showed it to the famous singer and comedian, and he began helping the young Ruth, offering practical advice on her career.

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

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

“I never felt, though, that I was going to be typecast by Gladys,” she says. “I’d already done so much in the theatre I knew that I would go on to do many other, different roles.”

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

And indeed she did. She has been in a large number of stage productions including “A Taste of Honey” and “A Murder is Announced”, and in West End musicals like “Niteclub Confidential” and “Bless the Bride.” Ruth had great personal success with her portrayal of the indomitable Mama Rose in the musical “Gypsy”, toured Japan and the Far East as Madame Giry in “Phantom of the Opera” and was a wonderful Mrs Bardell to Harry Secombe’s “Pickwick” at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre and on an extended national tour. She was also Dorothy Brock in the hit musical “42nd Street”, Miss Hannigan in “Annie”, and Maria in “Twelfth Night” at Regent’s Park Theatre in London. Her film appearances vary from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Very Annie Mary”, and she has also enjoyed an extensive radio

Ruth has appeared in more than 30 pantomimes in every major city in the UK – as everything from principal boy in “Robin Hood” and “Dick Whittington” to Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the Wicked Queen in “Snow White.” For the past 18 months, she has been touring in “Calendar Girls” as Marie – the WI protagonist who tries to stop the nude calendar – “and I love it!” she declares with a throaty laugh. “I think I enjoy playing not so nice people because it’s more interesting. But I really love this play and Tim Firth (the writer) is so clever. While the humour is Northern it works on so many levels and is a great piece of writing.” Ruth will remain in the production until May, 2012, when, she says, she and her manager husband John will go to Spain to visit their grandchildren. She states that she “won’t do theatre after I’m 75” because she doesn’t want to spend time learning lines. “I think when you get older there is a great pressure in learning lines. I’ve seen this happen to many other people, and I don’t want that,” she insists. “I keep my mind sharp now by doing crosswords each day and, although I’ve got lines in ‘Calendar Girls’, I still learn pieces of poetry.” Her only career regret is that she didn’t take the “Under Milk Wood” role she was offered at the National Theatre “because I was with Harry in ‘Pickwick’ and didn’t want to let him down.” Ruth would, though, still love to play the part of Madam Horrible in the hit musical “Wicked!” which re-imagines the Land of Oz. And that inquiring, lively mind, she suspects, will continue until her deathbed. “I think my final words will probably be ‘Eureka!,” she laughs again.

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

Helen Webster, Head of Private Client Department at Clough & Willis Solicitors answers your questions on Wills and Estate Administration My Dad died suddenly at the age of 62. He was a successful businessman but didn’t have a Will. My Step-mum is distraught and wants me and my stepsister to sort everything out. I know that my Dad had a lot of valuable assets in his name but I assume my Step-mum inherits everything? If she does, I don’t think she has a Will so is there a chance that I wouldn’t get any of my Dad’s estate when she dies? When someone dies without a valid Will, they are said to die Intestate. This means that their estate will be distributed in accordance with the Intestacy Rules, which were laid down in the 1920’s. In most cases the Intestacy Rules are wholly inadequate to deal with modern day families because they do not recognise step-children or even unmarried partners. One common assumption about the Intestacy Rules is that a surviving spouse gets the whole estate. This is not necessarily the case! Your Step-mum will only have an entitlement to a cash legacy from your Dad’s estate so it will be critical for you to know the exact value of your Dad’s estate as well as whether he owned any assets jointly with your Step-mum. Depending on the values concerned, there may also be a nasty Inheritance Tax surprise in store. Your concerns about not inheriting from your Step-mum are well founded. If she were to die Intestate also, you would not stand to benefit from her estate, which would include anything she now inherits from your Dad. This is a complex area and you will need to find a specialist advisor to help you through this traumatic time. I’ve recently noticed that my sister is very forgetful. She was threatened with having her electricity cut off because she forgot to pay a bill and when I contacted the electricity company to try to pay they wouldn’t speak to me. It was difficult to do anything even though I was only trying to

help pay her bill. What can I do to help her and make sure everything runs smoothly? It is extremely difficult to act on someone else’s behalf nowadays without being able to show legal authority to do so. Electricity companies and the like are very concerned about protecting customer confidentiality, and rightly so. Depending on your sister’s current mental capacity, she could make arrangements for you to be appointed as her Attorney over her financial affairs, which would avoid the problem you have just experienced. A solicitor specialising in elderly client care would be able to give you and your sister clear guidance and advice to establish what is the most appropriate course of action. My Auntie died leaving a large sum to a national charity that she always supported, and left the rest to my mum. However, the charity doesn’t have to pay tax and so my mum has been landed with a huge bill? Is this right? This depends on how the Will was drafted and, more importantly, if it was drafted correctly. A solicitor specialising in Will drafting would be able to analyse the Will and tell you if the tax position is correct. He or she, may also be able to uncover your auntie’s original intentions to determine whether she wanted this to happen. If she didn’t then there may be a claim against the original Will writer! My Mum recently died naming me and my elder sister as her executors in her Will. My sister wants to appoint her Bank to administer the estate and, being first-named executor, insists that she can control matters. Whoever is appointed in a Will as an executor has an equal right to act; there is no order of preference. Every executor is also entitled to take professional advice and be reimbursed from general estate funds for any advice sought, provided such costs are reasonable in the circumstances and also reasonably incurred.

Your first step should be to ascertain the exact cost of the Banks’ administration service. Be wary of the headline charging rates (1.5% of the estate value, for example) as many financial institutions also charge additional fees, such as for valuing assets, which naturally increases their overall percentage charge. If you find that the estate can be administered at a lower cost elsewhere, remind your sister that she is under a duty to maximise the value of the estate for the beneficiaries, which means considering cheaper cost alternatives! You will find that most solicitors will charge by the hour for estate administration services. The Law Society has laid down guidelines about what is seen to be “fair and reasonable” and you should be aware of these. However, be warned that a lot of solicitors still do not offer flexible pricing structures to suit your circumstances. At Clough & Willis, for example, we offer a number of pricing options. For estate administration services, you have the choice of either the hourlyrate charge (which sticks to the Law Society guidelines) or a percentage fixed fee. Our fixed fees do not have any hidden extras however! My Dad has just died following a short illness. His Will names me and my Mum as executors but my Mum is now 84 and she doesn’t really want to get involved. I haven’t done anything like this before and I’m confused about Probate and what it involves. My Dad’s Will seems simple as it passes everything to my Mum but I want to make sure everything is done correctly. First of all, your Mum doesn’t have to act as an executor even though she is named as an executor. She can take a back-seat role but this must be accounted for when you apply to Court for the Grant of Probate. Secondly, don’t panic at this early stage about administering the estate. Deal with the practicalities first of all, such as the funeral arrangements and, above all, make sure your Mum is looked after. When all this has been taken care of, start to make enquiries to establish the value of your Dad’s assets and liabilities and, importantly, take steps to make sure that assets such as the property and your Dad’s valuables are secure and properly insured. Being an executor isn’t always a straightforward job and many people do not realise how timeconsuming it can be, even in the simplest of estates. The role also carries personal liability, which means that you can be held personally responsible for any mistake you make that costs the estate money. It’s important that you know how to do the job right.

to submit the appropriate paperwork to H M Revenue and Customs at this point (even if no Inheritance Tax is due). The Grant of Probate is the legal document which will formally confirm you as an executor and it will then allow you to collect or sell the assets in your Dad’s name. However “simple” a Will may look, I always recommend that executors (even the experienced ones) take professional advice at the outset to make sure they are aware of any pitfalls and recent changes to the law. By doing this you should avoid making costly mistakes!

For more information on any of the above issues, or to make an appointment for a free 20 minute interview at our clinic every Monday from 2pm until 5pm call Clough & Willis on 0161 764 5266.

Need expert advice at a difficult time? Then talk to Helen. We believe that support, empathy and expertise count when assisting clients who are elderly, caring for others or bereaved. For many years, our team of specialists have been helping clients deal with complex legal matters, making them clear and easy to understand. Helen is the Head of our Private Client department and offers a free 20 minute consultation on wills, lifetime and estate planning, powers of attorney and Court of Protection applications.

Contact Helen at: Clough & Willis Solicitors 2 Manchester Road, Bury BL9 0DT

0800 083 0815 info@clough-willis.co.uk

When you have collected all the estate information you should be in a position to apply to Probate Court for the Grant of Probate. You’ll also need 23

www.inglewood-house.co.uk

Can you really implant happiness? Yes, you really can. Sometimes, a small piece of titanium can revitalise your smile and boost flagging self-confidence. Those who have one or more missing teeth may feel insecure and selfconscious, but there is a story behind every missing tooth: an accident or bad genes, perhaps, or maybe cavities or periodontitis are the cause of a gap. Whatever the reason, patients want to be able to chew properly, to experience reliable stability, to retain their healthy teeth and to feel attractive. The costs vary according to the number of implants required and readers will be able to secure a 10% discount at Inglewood House Dental Practice.

What Is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is a small part made of titanium or titanium zirconium which is placed in the jaw bone in place of the missing natural tooth root. The implant/s can be surgically inserted under local or general anaesthetic at Inglewood House Dental Practice. Titanium is generally well-tolerated by the human body and bone has been shown to bond well to titanium. Once healed, the artificial root acts as a base for fixing individual crowns and multi-tooth bridges. The implant can also be used as an anchor for dentures. This technique has been used for over forty years with over 95% success rates. Dr. Rob Dorrington only uses Straumann implants, one of the global leaders in dental implantology. For more information on Straumann, visit their website at www.straumann.co.uk and click on ‘patient’ on the menu bar. For more patient testimonials and advice please visit our practice website www.inglewood-house.co.uk 24

Why Choose Inglewood House Dental Practice? We are a family-run practice, with three partners whom all perform routine dentistry as well as having particular fields of interest. Dr. Rob Dorrington performs all our dental implants treatment, with Dr. Ian Dorrington, his brother, focusing orthodontic services as well as facial skin treatments to restore natural beauty and reduce wrinkles, whilst Dr. Caroline Culshaw, who is married to Rob, enjoys providing patients with new natural-looking, bespoke Cerec 3D crowns and veneers in just onevisit. The practice is independently owned by the family and as such we provide a warm welcome and a personal touch which is becoming rare these days. By choosing Inglewood House Dental Practice you can rest assured that you are in safe hands and your visits will be a pleasure, not a pain.

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Discover the power of a beautiful smile ....

You’re never too old to get the perfect smile Invisalign is a revolutionary new treatment that enables even the most complex of orthodontic cases to be corrected using this nearly invisible straightening system. This ultimate solution to straightening has been available in USA for years and is now available to patients in the Greater Manchester area thanks to the Manchester Invisalign Clinic. Invisalign is a brand new orthodontic technique that does for braces what the contact lens has done for glasses, replaces something ugly and awkward to wear with a discreet and comfortable alternative. Invisalign is a series of nearly invisible removable aligners which replace traditional metal and wire braces. You simply replace your aligners every fortnight in order to realign your teeth, gradually, helping to reduce pain and sensitivity and quickly achieve the beautiful smile you desire.

When you choose Invisalign to straighten and reposition your teeth, you’ll receive a virtual 3D Clin Check plan, showing how your teeth will move into their new, correct position over the weeks. It can even show you your progress at a particular date in time if you are planning to look your best for a big occasion. Our experienced team will be on hand to guide you along every step of the journey to a new, winning smile. What are you waiting for? Call us now for more information.

Expertise and experience make Manchester Invisalign Clinic the clear choice for teeth straightening. With over twenty years of orthodontic experience between them, Dr Ian Dorrington and Dr Rob Dorrington established the Manchester Invisalign Clinic at their Whitefield dental practice. They have treated a vast range of conditions throughout their careers helping them to become orthodontic experts as well as experienced Invisalign Practitioners. By choosing Manchester Invisalign Clinic you will be in safe hands.

Come along to our Invisalign Open Event on Wednesday 1st February 2012 you could begin treatment on the day! With a huge one day only offer this is the perfect time to treat yourself and have an amazing smile. Come along and enjoy a glass of wine and Hotel Chocolat treats whilst you find out more about this incredible treatment. What will your New Year’s resolution be? Why not promise yourself you are going to get the smile you’ve always wanted, so you can feel confident about your appearance. Make your New Year’s resolution a reality by booking your place now, this Invisalign event is guaranteed to be popular so don’t miss out. With only £300 deposit required at the event, you could begin your treatment there and then. We can administer your finance application making the process very easy and quick. Guests can walk away with treatment for only £84.15 a month (finance subject to status). Many celebrities including Cheryl Cole, numerous Manchester United footballers and Chris Evans have used Invisalign to achieve a beautiful smile and you can too. So don’t delay, book your free place now.

We are offering: • FREE Consultation • £1000 OFF • FREE Airflow (state-of-the-art stain removal) • FREE Home Whitening* • FREE Facial Aesthetics (BOTOX)* • FREE Hygienist visit • Flexible payment plans Call 0161 766 4506 or visit manchesterinvisalignclinic.co.uk to book your FREE place * Home whitening or facial aesthetics treatment voucher will be given as a choice to every patient who starts Invisalign treatment on the night.

225 Bury New Road, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8GW Tel: 0161 766 4506 Fax: 0161 767 9668 Email: info@inglewood-house.co.uk Web: www.inglewood-house.co.uk

F O OD

D RI NK

Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘Mediterranean Escapes’ (BBC Books, £20) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.

SERVES 8-10 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving 1 large onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 large leek, cleaned and cut into similar-sized pieces 250g dried borlotti beans, soaked overnight 450g waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte, peeled and cut into 1- cm dice 250g peeled carrots, cut into 1-cm dice 2 celery sticks, cut into 1- cm dice 1 ripe beef tomato, skinned and chopped Leaves from 1 small rosemary sprig, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1.2kg smoked ham hock 250g green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- cm pieces 2 medium-sized courgettes, topped and tailed and cut into 1- cm dice 1/2 small cabbage (about 500g), core removed, thinly sliced 75g dried tagliatelle, broken into 5-cm pieces 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano A small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 26 Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Minestra: Corsican Vegetable Soup with Smoked Ham, Cabbage and Borlotti Beans Heat the oil in a really large pan, add the onion, garlic and leek, and cook gently for 3-4 minutes. Drain the soaked beans and add to the pan with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato, rosemary, dried oregano and 2 litres of water. Cut the ham hock in half lengthways to one side of the bone, add to the pan and press the pieces down well into the soup so they are totally submerged. Bring everything to a simmer and leave to cook, uncovered, for 1 hour. Then add the green beans, courgettes, cabbage, tagliatelle pieces and fresh oregano and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes until the soup is thick. Remove the pieces of ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, and pull it into small chunks. Discard the skin and bone. Stir the ham back into the soup with the parsley and approximately 500 ml more hot water to loosen it slightly and season with salt and pepper. Service in large warmed soup bowls, drizzled with a little more olive oil.

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

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: Pasta with Pecorino Sardo, Pancetta, Parsley and Eggs Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Meanwhile, cut the pancetta into lardons (short little strips), about 6mm wide. Heat a large, deep frying pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil and the pancetta and allow it to fry until lightly golden. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for a few seconds, then remove from the heat and set to one side. Drain the spaghetti well, tip into the frying pan with the pancetta, garlic and parsley, add the beaten eggs and half the grated pecorino cheese and toss together well. Season to taste with a little salt and black pepper. The heat from the spaghetti will be sufficient to partly cook the egg but still leave it moist and creamy. Take to the table and serve in warmed pasta bowls, sprinkled with the rest of the cheese.

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

Kleftiko: Slow-cooked Lamb with Garlic, Oregano, Lemon and Potatoes Preheat the oven to 1900C/Gas Mark 5. Combine the meat, potatoes and garlic in a large ovenproof casserole dish. Sprinkle with the dried and fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, 100ml water, 2 teaspoons of salt and plenty of black pepper and mix together well, then nestle the pieces of meat down in among the potatoes. Drizzle with a little more oil. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and a well-fitting lid and bake for 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone. However, check after a couple of hours to make sure it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a little more water. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

Bury Market Hall open everyday except Sunday “Winner BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards” Best Food Market “Winner UK Coach Awards – Most Coach Friendly Shopping Attraction” “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction Full Markets Open Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays

An Award Winning Market Bury Market’s huge selection of fresh food and produce has been praised the world over…but the only compliments we really want are from our customers! At Bury Market you’ll discover over 350 stalls selling everything from fresh food to the latest fashions – and a whole lot more! Bury Market’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy. The world famous Bury Market located off junction 2 of the M66 – every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Bury town centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery

Keep active – keep healthy! As we get older and certainly when we retire, some of us will lead a more sedentary lifestyle than we have done up until now. For a start, if you do not take up another full-time job in retirement, you will not have to get out of bed in the morning and rush around getting ready for work and then travelling. If you have little to do, many of us eat and drink out of boredom, so there is a danger that we shall eat and drink more than we should, especially if it is combined with a more sedentary life. You might have a drink at lunchtime as you do, perhaps, on holiday. So it is worth keeping an eye on our exercise levels and our diet. Putting on extra weight as we get older can be harmful because we naturally get less supple anyway, so if we can take a bit of care it will do us good and help us to maintain an active lifestyle.

Why Keep Physically Active? We naturally want to enjoy our later life and, in order to do this, we need to be moderately fit; fit so that we can do all those things that we want to do such as play with the grandchildren, walk around those tourist attractions on holiday, go for country walks and so on. Recent guidance from the Chief Medical Officer confirms that older adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits, including the maintenance of good physical and mental health. Some physical activity is better than none and more physical activity provides greater health benefits.

The benefits of being active include: • helping to maintain an active and alert mind • reducing the risk of heart disease • helping to maintain the ability to carry out daily living activities • improving mood and self‑confidence • reducing the risk of falls • increasing sociability when undertaken with other people Older adults should aim to be active every day, adding up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) a week of moderate intensity activity. A good way to approach this is to do thirty minutes activity on at least five days a week. For those who are already regularly physically active at moderate intensity, similar benefits can be achieved through 75 additional minutes of more vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

It is also advised that older adults undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week and that those older adults at risk of falls should incorporate physical activity to improve balance and co‑ordination on at least two days a week, every week. Nobody is too old to benefit from physical activity. The range of classes and activity sessions around the county are numerous and take place in a range of venues. Class instructors should be fully qualified and have experience of working with older adults to ensure maximum benefits for health and well being.

Subscription Form To receive the next two issues of Retired Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Manchester Road, Bolton BL3 2QG. Name:......................................................................... Address:..................................................................... .................................................................................... Postcode:.................................................................... Title: Retired & Living in............................................. .................................................................................... Issue Numbers:..........................................................

We take the work out of workout ..... Using our fantastic multi functional exercise equipment get a one hour full body workout in just thirty minutes. LADIES ONLY - NO LYCRA.

Reception. Party time in the coffee lounge, members birthday with friends. Jones Pritchard Jones before and after.

Your not just a number on a swipe card at Motorcise. You have your own personal programme to suit your individual fitness level, regular assessments to track your progres and a weight loss plan to use along side your exercise. See the results for yourself. Pictured above Joan Pritchard Jones goal was to get in a per una top, her goal achieved weight loss 2 stone 8lb 14oz, inch loss of 41 and a half body fat down 9.1% since May 2011. Joan said â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never been able to lose weight but with the Motorcise Healthy Eating plan and exercise programme I reached one of my goals. I know I still have a fair way to go but with the help and encouragement from the friendly staff I will reach my goal.â&#x20AC;? Lynda Smith pictured opposite, weight loss 1stone 1lb 6oz, Body Fat 8.7%, inch loss 20 and a quarter. Katie Watson weight loss 1 stone 9lb, inch loss 24 and a half body fat down 8.1% since September 2011. Angela Twemlow - weight loss 2 stone 8lb 10oz, inch loss 39 and three quarters and body fat down 9.2% since October 2010. Frances Murphy - weight loss 2 stone 2lb, inch loss 34 and a half and body fat down 11.4% since February 2011. It could be you. We also have a lovely coffee lounge were you can chill and make new friends or just read a magazine.

Telephone 01204 384444 or call in to book your free guest visit today, sit with a trainer, discuss your goals and change your life around. 30

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Tel 01204 384444 or call in to book a Free Guest Visit The Basement, The Wellsprings, Civic Square, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton BL1 1UA.

Opening Hours Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm, last session 6.15pm. Saturday closed. Sunday 8.30am - 1.30pm, last session 12.45pm www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

FREE GUEST VISIT The Basement, The Wellsprings, Civic Square, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1UA. Telephone 01204 384444.

H E A LT H

Coping with the

Winter Months Cold or Flu?

Colds and flu share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat), but are caused by different viruses. Flu can be much more serious than a cold. If you’re generally fit and healthy, you can usually manage the symptoms of a cold or flu yourself without seeing a doctor. Look after yourself by resting, drinking non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve aches and pains. Some people need to take extra care as they’re more at risk of serious chest complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People over 65 are more at risk of complications. People under 65, including children, are more at risk of complications if they have serious heart or chest complaints, including asthma, serious kidney disease or liver disease, diabetes, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment or have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Flu Flu usually comes on much more quickly than a cold, and symptoms include sudden fever of 38-40°C (100104°F), muscle aches and pains, sweating, feeling exhausted and needing to lie down, dry & chesty cough and sneezing.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms appear one to three days after infection and most people recover within a week, although you may feel tired for longer. A severe cold can also cause muscle aches and fever, so it can be hard to tell the difference.

There are around 200 viruses that cause colds and three that cause flu. There are many strains of these flu viruses, and the vaccine changes every year to protect against the most common ones.

Whether it’s a cold or flu, get medical help if you have a chronic condition (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), or if you have a very high fever as well as an unusually severe headache or abdominal or chest pain.

Colds

Stop the viruses spreading

Everyone in an at-risk group is eligible for a free flu vaccination. This is the best protection against the virus.

Symptoms of a cold include a runny nose, beginning with clear mucus that develops into thicker, green mucus as the cold progresses, blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing and a cough. People with a cold may also suffer with a mild fever, earache, tiredness and headache. Symptoms develop over one or two days and gradually get better after a few days. Some colds can last for up to two weeks. Help prevent colds and flu from spreading by sneezing or coughing into a tissue, throwing the tissue away, washing your hands and getting the flu jab if you’re eligible. According to the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, a cold is most contagious during the early stages when the person has a runny nose and sore throat.

Information provided courtesy of

Cold and flu viruses are spread by droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by an infected person. Other people can breathe in these droplets or transfer the droplets to their eyes or nose on their fingers. Again protect yourself and others against colds and flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, throwing a used tissue away as soon as possible, washing your hands as soon as possible and having a flu jab every year if you’re in an at-risk group.

Please visit www.nhs.uk for further details.

Five Ways To Stay Healthy This Winter

Five tips for preventing cold weather asthma symptoms...

It may be cold outside but winter needn't be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family.

Asthma UK has this advice on how to control your asthma symptoms during the cold weather:

Here are five ways to make sure that even when your body is telling you to hibernate you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the weather's like:

Eliminate your sleep debt

"On average we sleep six-and-a-half hours a night, much less than the seven to nine hours recommended," says Jessica Alexander, spokesperson at the Sleep Council, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of a good night's sleep to health and wellbeing. But in winter, we naturally sleep more, due to the longer nights. "It’s perfectly natural to adopt hibernating habits when the weather turns cold," says Jessica. "Use the time to catch up."

Drink more milk

You are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12. They're also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones strong. Try to go for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, rather than full fat, and low-fat yoghurts.

Eat more fruit and vegetables

When it’s cold and dark outside it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food, but it’s important to ensure that you still keep your diet healthy and include five portions of fruit and veg a day. If you find yourself craving a sugary treat, try a juicy clementine or satsuma instead, or sweet dried fruits such as dates or raisins. Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips can be roasted, mashed or made into soup for a comforting winter meal for the whole family.

Try new activities for the whole family

Don’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity, maybe ice-skating or taking a bracing winter walk on the beach. Regular exercise helps to control your weight, boost your immune system and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house.

Have a hearty breakfast

Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps you to boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre, which give you energy and help you to feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals. www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

1. Keep taking your regular preventer medicines as prescribed by your doctor. 2. If you know that cold air triggers your asthma, take one or two puffs of your reliever inhaler before going outside. 3. Keep your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times. 4. Wrap up well and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth – this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in. 5. Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10–15 minutes and take one or two puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start.

Asthma attacks With the onset of very cold weather, it’s a good idea to make sure you and your friends and family know what to do if you have an asthma attack. The key signs are - coughing more than usual, getting short of breath, wheezing, feeling a tightness in your chest and having difficulty speaking in full sentences. You can find more information by visiting www.nhs.uk/ livewell or calling Asthma UK on 0800 121 6244.

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www.thedenturepeople.com

Bolton Denture Centre Thedenturepeople.com at Bolton Denture Centre is a family run business, owned and operated by Colin and Jonathan Dean (father and son) for the last 5 years. However, between them they have over 60 years experience in Denture Design. As a result they are able to focus on providing exceptional quality of private dentures to their patients. Their success is attributed to the investments that they have made in terms of latest technology laboratory equipment, using the best materials and most natural, life like and realistic denture teeth that are available. Not to mention their biggest investment; in there own training and qualifications as Clinical Dental Technicians. (As yet the only Clinical Dental Technicians in Bolton to be Registered with the General Dental Council.) What is a Clinical Dental Technician? A Clinical 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 thedenturepeople at Bolton Denture Centre to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official 34

body for protecting the public) 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 direst to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being a 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. Dentures, like most things, have a limited lifespan; usually around 5-7 years. After this period of time the denture can start to offer inadequate facial support, which can leave cheeks looking sunken and withered as well as lips appear excessively wrinkled. New dentures can reduce these age related features by supporting the facial tissues without making the teeth looking large and protruded. Thedenturepeople also offer FREE consultations so that they can assess what services or treatment you might require as well as showing you the various standards of dentures that they can produce. After this free consultation you are under no obligation to go ahead and have new dentures made, the door is open for you to go away and reflect upon the information that you have been given. They also offer an intensive denture cleaning service. This denture cleaning machine uses strong detergents and mild chemicals to breakdown the plaque and debris that builds up on a denture over prolonged periods of time. Despite the best efforts of a denture wearer to clean their dentures thoroughly plaque can still build up and impair the functionality of the denture and produce an unpleasant taste or odour.

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different types of implants but on whole the main idea of implants is something that is able to offer the lower denture stability and support to stop it from moving around the mouth. Although these are not a cheap solution they are by far the most effective. Offering total lower denture security in any environment.

M eet th e Clin icia ns: Jo nath an an d Co lin Dea n One thing that many patients are amazed at is the amount of time that the clinician spends with the patient to ensure that the dentures are just how that patient wants them to look. As well as the after service, because as many dentures wearers know, getting used to new dentures can take a little bit of time and perseverance as well as having someone to help ease the little sore spots that comes with having new dentures. Technology now means that there are new ways to hold a denture in place. The most significant one of these is though the use of implants there any many

An important factor in these days of economic prudence is the affordability of new dentures. Thedenturepeople have offers in place to provide 0% interest payment terms on most new dentures so you can spread the cost of you new dentures to make not just you mouth more comfortable, but also your pocket. Although the premises of the clinic offer pleasant and comfortable surroundings; for those patients that are unable to attend the clinic due to impairment thedenturepeople can offer a domiciliary visit appointment system. Meaning that denture could be made in the comfort of your own home should you be unable to attend the clinic. Other services that are offer by thedenturepeople are; denture naming service, visits to retirement and nursing homes as well as advice and tips for cleaning and maintaining your dentures.

If you are interest in a FREE, no obligation consultation then call 01204 382244

www.thedenturepeople.com AT BOLTON DENTURE CENTRE

for your next quality denture

• Qualified Clinical Dental Technicians • New Dentures and Relines • Dental Repairs • Home Visits Catered For • Free Consultations

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www.thedenturepeople.com 35

St Vincent’s Retirement Apartments Make the Most of Your Retirement Years With over 40 years experience of delivering independence, security and peace of mind – we can help you make the most of your retirement years.

All mod-cons All our retirement schemes have modern amenities.

St Vincent’s retirement schemes have so much more to offer than simply a roof over your head. We have won awards for our retirement schemes which are designed specifically to meet the needs of senior members of the community.

Who are our retirement apartments for? Anyone at all who is either over 60 or has a disability. If you feel lonely, isolated from your family, or find your present home is becoming too much to manage, then moving to a St Vincent’s retirement apartment could be the best move you will ever make. All our scheme managers are fully trained and live on site, on-hand to give help and advice if needed.

Company when you want it All our retirement schemes have a communal lounge where residents can come together, if they wish, and meet for coffee mornings and other social activities, such as bingo and Christmas parties. All our scheme managers organise regular day trips, for example trips to the theatre. At the end of a busy day socialising, however, you can return to your apartment, and close your own front door.

Independence with Security. Our retirement schemes are designed to give residents complete independence. You have your own apartment but residents’ security is a key concern for us. We have installed CCTV, a door entry system with intercom, boundary fencing, window locks and smoke alarms, and additionally we have installed spy holes and ID card slots at Swithun Wells Court.

Lovely surroundings for our residents to enjoy Residents at all our retirement schemes enjoy the peace and tranquillity of delightful landscaped gardens. The grounds are maintained regularly by a gardener and provide a relaxing meeting place for summer BBQ’s or just a lazy afternoon with a book.

Local amenities Swithun Wells Court, Thomas Garnet Court, Alexander Briant Court and Vincent Court are all located within a short bus journey of Walkden Centre, Farnworth Town Centre and Bolton City Centre. There are post-offices, local shops, libraries and doctors surgeries all within easy access.

And if you think a St Vincent’s Retirement Apartment is for you… We will do everything we can to make sure you settle into your new home. Our scheme managers will ensure you are put in touch with support agencies in the area, and help you find your feet. We even provide a Welcome Pack containing a lovely Hessian shopping bag, a pen, mug, t-bags and coffee, energy saving light bulbs, bin bags and a Homebase voucher.

Don’t just take our word for it “I’ve been living at my sheme for over 12 years now and I absolutely love it. Before, I lived alone in a house which was too big to manage, and I was very lonely. Now, I don’t need to worry about any of that, I’ve made lots of friends here and the scheme manager is always here to help, she’s golden” - St Vincents Resident 36

St Vincent's has sheltered schemes across the Bolton and Little Hulton area, get in touch to ďŹ nd out more We offer: l

Self contained apartments, but with an on-site warden

24 hour emergency call out

Secure door entry system

Communal gardens, and laundry

Free repairs and maintenance service

Links with health professionals

A lift

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

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

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

Give Jane a call on 0845 606 6565 if you would like more information or to discuss your circumstances. Visit our website at www.svha.co.uk

Sheltered Housing “Independent Living” Bury Council has Sheltered Housing Schemes throughout the borough. All Schemes Offer: • A Support Service • 24 hour emergency alarm service • Safe secure environment • Full independence backed by the right amount of support from you • Close working with other support services e.g. Home Care, District Nurse

In Addition Some Schemes Offer: • Communal lounge • Communal laundry • Door entry system • CCTV security system • Guest room

We currently have vacancies at a number of schemes. For further information please contact us:-

0161 253 6063 shelteredhousing@bury.gov.uk

Enabling the Disabled

magine if every one of us had been born with no strength in our fingers. It’s possible we’d hardly notice we had a problem, because commonplace items like screw top jars or scissors and cutlery would be designed to be used without the need for strength in the hands. Unfortunately, because the majority of us have strong hands and the ability to open cans and use cutlery, the ones who can’t have a major problem getting the lid off a jar of instant coffee, and have to ask for help, until now. To most problems there are answers, and fortunately, there are talented designers out there who can put themselves in the place of people with disabilities, and come up with a way of improving their lives. There’s still a long way to go, but it should be said that people with disabilities have an easier time of it than if they’d lived one hundred years ago, when there were virtually no significant aids for the disabled. When Stefan Farffler invented the wheelchair in the 17th century, it must have been a wonderful thing for the housebound to have the ability to move around independently at last, and almost impossible for the physically fit to understand how much it meant to have that precious independence. It’s really all about recognising a need and coming up with a solution, and these days, the problems of the disabled are being studied, and solutions are being designed. For outdoor use, wheelchairs are fast being replaced by electric buggies, and now, a trip to the shops and a wander around a super store is possible without the need to ask for help. And how wonderful, at last, to be able to browse the food ranges in M & S, or take the time to really check on the latest fashions, without feeling that you’re taking too long, and your helper needs to get home. Sometimes, even the smallest aid can make a difference, and I’ve been going from room to room in my house, and wondering how I’d manage if I were sitting in a wheelchair. I tried turning on the lights from a sitting position, and couldn’t reach the switch. My oven is at eye level, so I couldn’t turn it on. I could only just reach my back door handle, and my worktops were all too high to use for chopping vegetables or making a cup of tea. It was a revelation, and I began to realise the difficulties encountered on a daily basis by people in wheelchairs.

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WITH FREE BAG Wheelchairs

Ex Loan £59 New from £99

Tri Walker

ONLY £49.00

Scooters

NEW & USED PX WELCOME

Walking Sticks

Commodes

Electric Beds

FROM £7.95

FROM £59.00

FROM £399.00

New & Used Stairlifts Best Prices in the North West FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY All offers subject to availability. Prices exclude VAT. Exempt for disabled and chronically sick.

Call our show van on Tel: 01204 598769 Mobile: 07713 322306 www.mobilitynorthwest.co.uk

I started looking more closely at the ways available to make living easier for the handicapped, and was pleasantly surprised at the number of ingenious solutions available.

Bolton Community Transport & Furniture Service Registered Charity 1101339

Furniture Services

Donations - We collect good quality, unwanted, re-usable furniture free of charge. Purchases - We sell low cost, furniture and white goods which can be viewed in our showrooms at Market Street, Farnworth and Lecturers Close, Bolton Monday – Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm New – We are now able to offer a large selection of new & ex-catalogue furniture & appliances. For the kitchen, I found a nifty gadget for pouring boiling water from the kettle without needing to lift it, a one handled grater, and a one touch jar opener. For the bathroom, I found a swivel seat which clamps on to the edge of the bath. It has a grab rail for extra security, and works by allowing you to sit, then swivel around for easier access to the bath. Getting out of the bath is just as easy in reverse. Fancy taking a bike ride? Well, you can, there are trikes out there with a mounting step of just 6”, making it easier to get on and off. Like playing cards, but find the shuffling difficult? No worries, there’s an automatic card shuffler available. There are tap turners and key turners, long handled brushes and combs, and even elastic shoe laces. It seems that the problems of the disabled are being addressed very closely these days, and maybe, with a little shopping around, the answer to individual problems can be solved. From power chairs and walking aids, to magnifiers and weighted pens, there’s help out there to enable the disabled to be happier, more independent and free to get the very best out of their lives. by Graham Smith.

Volunteers We are always looking for new volunteers to help us with providing our services. We always need minibus drivers & van drivers & crew.

For further information or to make a donation please call us on: 01204 364777 www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

tore New sn in ope own st Booth

LLG Wheelchairs Ltd have been in the mobility business since 1983, offering a high quality service to our customers throughout the UK. We carry one of the largest stocks of new and used mobility scooters, vehicles and mobility accessories in the north west. We don’t just sell wheelchairs and mobility scooters in Leigh - we can also supply small household mobility aids to stairlifts and everything in-between throughout the north west and the UK. Our after-sales customer care is second to none. If you have a disability or mobility problem our aim is to help you ﬁnd the best solution, so why not contact us or call into our showroom. Our experienced staff are always happy to offer friendly and useful advice on the best mobility solution for your needs.

NHS Wheelchair Voucher Scheme FREE Home Demonstration Over 30 years experience

REGAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE • Daily Living Aids • Stairlifts • Power Chairs • Scooters • Footwear & much more... For friendly, honest advice, or to arrange a demonstration please call us on

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

www.llgwheelchairs.com

A healthy body could bring a healthy mind Dementia is more prevalent and more widely known than at any time and has become one of the scourges of the 21st century, but everyone can do something to try and avoid it. Early symptoms of the illness are memory loss and confusion, and eventually it leads to a complete loss of cognitive functioning, where the person with dementia relies on care 24 hours a day. There are many different types of dementia but the most common form is Alzheimer’s disease. Maybe you engage in exercise and eat healthily to maintain your physical health and well-being, but did you know that you are also benefiting your mental health? There is mounting scientific evidence showing that positive lifestyle decisions you make now will help to reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life. Making the right changes in diet, exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction are good for you and good for your brain. Reducing your risk of dementia does not require huge lifestyle shifts, but small changes in four key areas that will greatly benefit your mental health Whilst awareness of the link between what we consume and how it affects our physical health and well being is increasing, the link between diet and brain health is less recognised. However, the same healthy diet that protects against diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and strokes also protects our brain. There is growing evidence that what we eat is one of the factors that affects our risk of dementia. So what should we be eating to ensure we are brain healthy? Our bodies and minds need a balanced diet to make sure we receive the correct amounts of vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre. Vitamins and minerals are vital for repairing damage to the body caused by free radicals and are naturally occurring in fresh fruit and vegetables such as berries, walnuts, sunflower seeds and ginger. Evidence also supports the consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish such as mackerel and salmon as it could help reduce the risk of dementia by up to 60 per cent if eaten at least once a week. It is also important to avoid excess salt in food as 42

research into vascular dementia has shown that high blood pressure, which is linked to high salt in take is known to increase the likelihood of the illness. Physical activity helps the body to remain healthy and mobile by keeping joints and muscles in good condition and keeping the heart and blood circulation pumping. It is also good for the brain. Although it is still not clear why this is the case, it is likely to do with improving blood flow to the brain, enabling it to carry out its function. If images of gyms and aerobic studios fill you with dread there is no need to panic. The recommended minimum level of physical activity for adults is 30 minutes of moderate activity most days and could include cycling, jogging, brisk walks, an afternoon gardening or simply using the stairs instead of catching the lift - anything that increases your heart rate and makes you breathe more deeply. An American study of 3,375 men and women over the age of 65 found that those who took part in four or more different kinds of physical activity had about half the risk of developing dementia of those who did just one or none of these activities. Activities included walking, housework, gardening, golfing and swimming. The phrase ‘use it or lose it’ is perhaps most pertinent to older people who are beginning to notice a decline in their abilities to retain and process information. Evidence also suggests that mental stimulation may have a preventative effect for illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One American study asked subjects to look back on their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and report on which leisure activities they had taken part in and for how long each month. People who had done more intellectual activities in their 20s and 30s were at a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Intellectual activities included things like reading, doing jigsaws and other puzzles, playing a musical instrument, writing letters, playing

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board games, doing crafts or home repairs. Those who had increased their intellectual activities after their 30s also reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 47 per cent. So doing the crossword every morning might drive you to distraction, but it could also be helping to increase your cognitive reserve enabling your brain to adapt more in some areas to make up for other damaged areas. Think of your brain as a muscle that requires exercising in the same way as other muscles in your body. It is only recently that scientists have begun looking at the effects of social interaction and how it might affect human health, in particular the risk of developing dementia. However the evidence so far suggests that maintaining and developing social activities could be good for your brain. It is thought that as with mental stimulation, social interaction may help to build cognitive reserves. A lot of the evidence showing the benefits of social interaction comes from Sweden and one study in particular showed that having a poor or limited social network increased the risk of dementia by up to 60 per cent. Later studies from the same large scale project found that activities involving mental, physical and social stimulation individually offered some protection

The Dementia Support Group releasing balloons for Dementia Awareness Day at the Reebok Stadium in September 2011. Each balloon symbolised a star of hope for everyone affected by dementia and a combined wish for a cure to be found. There are in excess of 3000 people living with a diagnosis of dementia in Bolton. The Dementia Support Group started over 11 years ago and became a registered charity in 2008 it is comprised of present and former carers several of whom also have professional qualifications in dementia studies. The Group has weekly support sessions for carers which runs alongside an activity session for the person being cared

against dementia but that combining two or three of these offered the most benefit. With our increasingly hectic lifestyles we tend to make ourselves our last priority. It is therefore important to make sure you do something sociable and enjoyable every day. Activities that combine mental, physical and social stimulation may be even better for protecting against dementia. Keep in touch with friends and family by phone, email or a letter, go out with friends of colleagues, volunteer for something that interests you or join a club. If you are coming up to retirement, plan how you will remain socially involved – you could start a completely new and different hobby! In summary, more and more research continues to highlight that there are certain things we can do now to actively reduce our risk of developing dementia later in life. However it is important to note that much of this evidence comes from studies of large groups of people ad that the evidence might not apply to an individual. There is no guarantee that acting even on the best evidence available, will help a particular person avoid or delay the onset of dementia. However, making these lifestyle changes means you are taking informed and empowering steps to improving your mental and physical health what ever your age and there is no doubt that this is good for you, and good for your brain.

for, a weekly activity afternoon where they have indoor bowling a traditional wooden skittle alley, table top games, quizzes, singing, armchair exercises and a Nintendo Wii together with an excellent café. They are now at the Resource Centre, Beaumont Road, Horwich every Monday. Caring for someone living with dementia can be both demanding and rewarding but is always helped by talking to others who truly understand. So please get in touch and see what they can do for you. There is no charge for their service and refreshments are available at a nominal cost. Also if you have a couple of hours each week to spare and would like to become a volunteer please get in touch. Tel 01204 386696.

The Dementia Support Group.

Registered Charity No : 1123776

Bolton’s own Dementia Support Group. Supporting people with dementia and those who care for them. Proud to serve the people of Bolton. If you would like information or advice please contact: The Dementia Support Group Carers Resource Thicketford Road Bolton BL 2 2LW Tel : 01204 386696 Email: dementiasupportgroup@googlemail.com www.allcommunity.co.uk/dementiasupportgroup

For anyone who would like to find out more please come along because

“together we can make a difference” www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

Bury Adult Care Services

Support at Home

What is the Support at Home Service?

Our Support at Home service is a new service Bury Council’s Adult Care Services is providing, to enable people who may need a little help to continue living in their own home.

What could the service offer you?

A visit or daily telephone call from one of our highly trained support staff (Monday to Friday) to make surer you are ok, talk through any worries or problems you may have and be able to offer a ‘listening ear’. In addition to this help is at hand 24 hours a day, 365 days per year from our Carelink response service.

What is Carelink?

Carelink is an alarm service that works via a unit that connects to your telephone line. You will be given a pendant to wear around your neck and in an emergency all you need to do is push the button on the pendant. Carelink will find out what the problem is and take appropriate action.

Who can have this service? This service is available to anyone: •

Aged 60 or above or

•

People under 60 that have a disability or high support needs

Is there are charge for this service? This service is FREE if: •

You are in receipt of Housing.

The service may also be free or at a reduced rate if you are in receipt of other benefits but this would be dependent upon your circumstances. We will be happy to explain this in more detail you.

Would you like to know more?

If you think this service would be of benefit to you or someone you know please contact us on the number below and we will be happy to discuss this service and what it can offer to you in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

Taylor House, Brandlesholme Road, Bury BL8 1HS. Tel: 0161 253 6063 | email: shelteredhousing@bury.gov.uk

HELP IS AT HAND 24 hours a day 7 days a week Provides assistance if unwell Provides reassurance Reduces the feeling of isolation Gives families peace of mind

For further information contact CareLink on 0161 253 6222, visit www.bury.gov.uk/adults or email carelink@bury.gov.uk

Independence, Security & Convenience We have availability at some of the following Irwell Valley locations:Hoyles Court, Radcliffe The Irwell Brook runs through the grounds of Hoyles Court, creating a unique setting for our scheme in Radcliffe. Located near to shops and amenities of Radcliffe, the scheme provides a safe and secure environment for your comfort and reassurance. Hoyles Court has a light and spacious residents’ lounge, together with a welcoming lobby area. The apartments are a range of studios and one bed homes, located over three floors with a lift to all levels. The gardens are landscaped and provide a pleasant peaceful environment throughout the year.

together with an annex of one bedroom apartments nearby. All apartments are connected to the emergency call system and there is also the reassurance of Irwell Valley onsite staff during the day. The residents lounge is popular and well used and there is a regular calendar of events throughout the year, as well as other events such as theatre trips and outings.

Ainsdale Court, Bolton Ainsdale Court is a popular Irwell Valley scheme for older people, only ten minutes by bus from the centre of Bolton, which has a renowned range of shops, amenities and cultural facilities. All the apartments have one or two bedrooms and the scheme benefits from a large residents’ lounge, together with a separate hobbies room with hairdressing facilities and is located in pleasant gardens.

Eastwood Court, Bury Located conveniently between Bury town centre and access to the M66, Eastwood Court is a large welcoming scheme providing studios and one bedroom apartments. The scheme is provided over three floors with a lift for your convenience and also has a residents’ lounge, perfect for either a coffee with friends or the larger organised social events which happen throughout the year. The lounge opens on to landscaped gardens and a private car parking area, generating a safe and secure environment.

Rydal House, Walkden Situated five minutes from the centre of Walkden, Rydal House is well placed for access to Manchester and Bolton, as well as other areas within Salford. The service consists of the main building with 18 studio and one bed apartments,

If you are interested in finding out more about what we can offer please contact Hayley on 0161 969 2859 or check out our website on www.irwellvalleyha.co.uk which has details of all of our 50Plus Services and further information about Irwell Valley. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter – log on to read the latest news.

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Have you thought about moving to an Irwell Valley property? Irwell Valley is an award winning housing association based in Manchester and we have been providing homes and services since 1973. Being founded on the values of a traditional housing association, we see ourselves as more than just a landlord. Our aim is to create fantastic places for people to live, work and enjoy life. To do this we provide homes that go well beyond what you may expect from a housing provider. At the heart of our vision is Gold Service, our award winning loyalty scheme, which was pioneered by Irwell Valley in 1998. Gold Service rewards positive, loyal customers with a reward package that includes a faster repairs service and cash rewards amongst many other beneﬁts. Irwell Valley is an organisation that responds to the changing needs and aspirations of older people; to achieve our aims colleagues at our 50Plus services focus on:-

• Actively promoting the health, wellbeing and independence of our residents

Our 50Plus services provide accommodation and support to older people and are located across Greater Manchester. Whilst all the schemes are different in size and design they all beneﬁt from the following: • On site staff during ofﬁce hours • 24 Hour emergency staff cover • Secure door entry systems • Guest suite for visiting relatives • Residents’ lounges and a busy calendar of social events

• Encourage residents to participate in the running of our schemes • Recognise the importance of comfort and invest resources into giving our housing a fresh and modern look • Delivering high quality services tailored to customers individual needs

Our customers tell us that they value our services for the security and peace of mind we can offer. This, together with companionship provided by a friendly community and the services of our dedicated colleague team really make the difference. By choosing to move into Irwell Valley 50Plus Housing our customers are making an active decision to secure their independence and quality of life.

Please call us on 0161 969 2859 for more information

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”The two reasons I need to quit” www.bolton.nhs.uk/smokefree

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