Only quality ingredients and lots of love goes into our menu
“Don’t dine alone, bring your furry friends with you.”
DOG FRIENDLY
INSIDE & OUT
2026/27 Private Functions Bookings now being taken
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PIZZAS
KIDS EAT FREE
free kids meal for children 12 or younger with an adult main meal purchased this Summer. Present this voucher when dining. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
GIROGIO LOCATELLI
The Master Chef joins Masterchef 19-22 HOME
Extending your home into the garden this Summer 25-26 HOME
The true heart and soul of the The Cherry Tree. The dining room everyone is talking about. Our Garden room will leave you breathless with its stunning blossom tree decor, spacious booths, beautifully designed cocktail bar and clear views of the Garden. The Garden Room is perfect for all occasions.
The true heart and soul of the The Cherry Tree. The dining room everyone is talking about. Our Garden room will leave you breathless with its stunning blossom tree decor, spacious booths, beautifully designed cocktail bar and clear views of the Garden. The Garden Room is perfect for all occasions.
The Garden Terrace
Perfect for a relaxed lunch, catch-up with friends, or midweek treat, our Market Menu offers a selection of guest favourites in slightly smaller portions, allowing you to enjoy exceptional quality and great value.
Available: Monday – Thursday: All Day Friday: 12pm – 5pm Saturday: 12pm – 4pm
Six beautiful oral decorated booths, boasting views of the garden room and our garden area. This dining terrace can be fully opened on those summer days making it the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining and cocktails in the sun.
Whether you’re joining us for a light lunch or an early evening meal, our Market Menu is the perfect way to experience the Cherry Tree.
STARTERS
Soup of the Day (ve)
with sourdough bread and salted butter
Pea & Ham Soup with sourdough bread and salted butter
Italian Stuffed Mushrooms (v)
baked garlic mushrooms, Italian cheeses, garlic aioli, rustic bread
Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with smoky aioli
Truffle & Leek Croquettes (v) garlic aioli
The Con servatory
Six beautiful oral decorated booths, boasting views of the garden room and our garden area. This dining terrace can be fully opened on those summer days making it the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining and cocktails in the sun.
MAINS
Battered Haddock & Chips
mushy peas, tartare sauce, lemon
Seared Minute Steak
sea salt fries, micro leaf salad
Chicken Caesar Salad
crispy bacon, garlic croutons, Caesar dressing
Cheese & Onion Pot Pie (v)
creamy cheese, onion and potato pie, seasonal greens, fries
Spring Vegetable Papperdelle Pasta (v) peppers, courgettes, cherry tomatoes in a white wine, parmesan and pesto sauce
The Con servatory
The Blossom Lounge
PIZZA
With luscious foliage and jungle textures, this room will certainly not disappoint.
Moon shaped booths alongside natural light from our garden area make this the perfect room to impress your guests and ‘enjoy it all.’
With luscious foliage and jungle textures, this room will certainly not disappoint. Moon shaped booths alongside natural light from our garden area make this the perfect room to impress your guests and ‘enjoy it all.’
Nestled between our public bar and conservatory dining room is the blossom lounge. Impressive blossom trees hug the walls and ceiling, making this area perfect for intimate dining and amazing for group reservations.
ADD A DESSERT FOR £6.50
Nestled between our public bar and conservatory dining room is the blossom lounge. Impressive blossom trees hug the walls and ceiling, making this area perfect for intimate dining and amazing for group reservations.
The Public Bar and Cocktail Lounge
The Public Bar and Cocktail Lounge
Passion Fruit Pannacotta
fresh passion fruit, crushed meringue
Bowl of Ice Cream & Wafer see dessert menu for flavours
Classic Victoria Sponge strawberry jam and Chantilly Cream
The Bar at the Cherry Tree is a destination in its own right. A perfect place to meet family, friends, go on a date, enjoy pre-dinner drinks or celebrate a special occasion. Our Bar Manager and his team have curated an exciting, contemporary cocktail menu, heavily in uenced by their trips all over the world.
The Bar at the Cherry Tree is a destination in its own right. A perfect place to meet family, friends, go on a date, enjoy pre-dinner drinks or celebrate a special occasion. Our Bar Manager and his team have curated an exciting, contemporary cocktail menu, heavily in uenced by their trips all over the world.
Established in 2016 we offer fantastic holidays in the UK and across Europe.
With fabulous excursions, quality hotel accommodation, executive coaches and top class tour drivers, a trip with AVA Travel is one to remember!
We also have a huge selection of UK day trips to suit every traveller.
AVA are committed to making the whole process of taking a holiday with us as easy and pain free as possible.
OVER 200 HOLIDAYS AND SHORT BREAKS TO CHOOSE FROM!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TO ORDER YOUR FREE BROCHURE TODAY!
& DROP OFF INCLUDED ON ALL OUR
Ava Travel Leyland Ltd
5 DAYS
MONDAY 10TH AUGUST
DISCOVER KENT & CALL THE MIDWIFE
EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO AND PERTH TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST
SNOWDON, WELSH COAST, GARDENS & TIPPLES
THURSDAY 27TH AUGUST
SUMMER ON THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
AYRSHIRE COAST, ISLE OF ARRAN & BUTE
13TH SEPTEMBER
KENMARE & THE MAGNIFICENT RING OF KERRY
GATEWAY TO THE CAIRNGORMS
Bella bellissimo Sardinia!
By Rebecca Underwood, BA Hons | Travel Journalist
D.H. Lawrence once described Sardinia as ‘strange and rather wonderful, and not a bit like Italy’. Visitors may reflect on these words as the true nature of this beautiful Mediterranean island unfolds.
From the sophistication of Sardinia’s Emerald Coast in the north to the soft white sandy beaches and warm translucent turquoise waters of the south, with its bustling towns, so rich in culture, and the verdant beauty of the Sardinian countryside, there is surely an ideal spot for every visitor.
Sardinia was founded by the Phoenicians, developed by the Carthaginians, occupied by Vandals, Byzantines and Romans, ruled by Pisans, conquered by the Aragonese, given to Austria, and in 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II was proclaimed king of Italy, the island was declared part of the unified Italian state. Cagliari, the capital, offers a tantalising insight into Sardinia’s colourful kaleidoscope of history and culture.
Wide palm-lined streets, bustling cafés under all- year- round azure skies make Cagliari an irresistible lure for visitors and the terracotta and ochre hues of the buildings add to the elegance. A leisurely stroll around the city centre, which is divided into four quarters: Villanova, Marina, Stampace and Castello, is just the thing to introduce visitors to a relaxed and informal way of life.
The popular marina quarter, which was once a Roman military camp, is now a warren of winding streets with an extensive selection of bustling trattorias and rather quaint local shops. Serious shoppers should head for Via Giuseppe Mano and the pedestrianised Via Garibaldi and Largo Carlo Felice, a very busy street leading up to the castle and Piazza Yenne, which is the place to watch the young and trendy strolling by. The ancient area of Stampace features the Roman amphitheatre, which is simply magnificent. The botanical gardens (Viale Fra’lgnazio) and Phoenician underground chambers are among the most popular tourism sites and highly recommended.
The spectacular castle sits high above the city and the examples of Pisan, Catalan and Aragonese architecture are enthralling. Largo Carlo Felice, by the castle, is the site of the 13th century Pisan Duomo, the Archbishop’s Palazzo Viceregio and the Pisan fortifications of Torre di San Pancrazio dating back to 1307. The National Archaeological Museum displays an impressive collection of Bronze Age artefacts and the National Gallery also attracts the crowds. For those in need of a rest after all that activity, the six –mile long soft sandy beach at Poetto is the place to find a sunny spot for an afternoon snooze.
I headed for a spot of luxury at the Forte Village Resort. Surrounded by the enticing scents escaping from the 25 hectare garden and only a 45- minute drive from the centre of Cagliari this resort is a real treat for those who love to be pampered. There are seven hotels on the resort including the |Il Castello, which offers the highest levels of comfort and service, spacious accommodation and first class dining options. The reputation of the resort is such that the English, Italian and German national football teams have all opted to spend their rest periods in this resort to ease the pressures in the constant pursuit of the World Cup.
For sports enthusiasts’ football and tennis fans are well catered for. There are twelve tennis courts, a full- size floodlit football pitch, one 8- a- side pitch and three 5-a- side pitches. For water-sport lovers, the fresh water Le Palme pool, next to the spa has three water chutes and water jets to massage those aches. The Oasis saltwater pool features an impressive children’s pool area and a trampoline area for older children and wayward fathers!
For golf lovers, the world famous ‘Is Molas’ course is only ten minutes away (par 72 for the first 18 holes and par 36 for the subsequent 9) This excellent golf course has hosted the Italian Open many times and some of the highest- ranking players in the world have walked on its fairways. Bernard Langer, Mark James, Sam Torrence, Ian Woosam, Constantino Rocca and Baldovino Dassu to name but a few! Due to the unique microclimate of the region and the neighbouring mountains blocking the northern winds, it
The Forte Village Beach
View of Cagliari
is possible to play all year round. The district of Is Molas adjoins the locality of Santa Margherita di Pula with beaches and bays stretching as far as Capo Teulada. It is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful areas.
And for those of us who appreciate more leisurely pursuits such as sipping a good wine, Sardinia continues to grow in its reputation as a producer of impressive wines. The coastal areas are ideal for raising vines and although in the past these areas were sparsely populated, this is of course no longer the case.
The wines, introduced by past invaders, are from all over the Mediterranean region. Aragon brought Spanish grapes, which today yield Vermentino whites from Sassari, Carignano from
Recycling & Textile Centre
Sulcis and Giro from Cagliari. Torbato, also of Spanish provenance, provides light and flowery whites. Carignano, Grenache (also known as Cannonau) and Muscat are of course very popular. Be sure to sample Vernaccia, a sherry-type wine, the dry version is served as an aperitif and is simply delicious, and the sweet version, served as a dessert wine, is delicious.
Raise your glass in honour of D.H. Lawrence, reflecting again on his words ‘Sardinia is strange and rather wonderful, and not a bit like Italy’.
Images (excluding Forte Village) provided courtesy of Fototeca ENIT
Cagliari Cathedral
Forte Village - Oasis Pool
EVOLVE CLINIC DIRECTOR
PROFESSIONAL BLEMISH REMOVAL
Advanced Blemish Removal Skin Clinic.
At The Evolve Advanced Blemish Removal Clinic, we specialise in the assessment and discreet removal of skin tags, cysts, moles, keratoses and other benign skin lesions – delivered with expertise, privacy and care. Consultation assessment
AGE SPOTS
BLOOD SPOTS
THREAD VEINS
SPIDER NAEVUS
PAPULOSA NIGRA
CHERRY ANGIOMA
SEBACEOUS CYSTS
EPIDERMOID CYSTS
TELANGIECTASIA
SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS
INTRADERMAL NAEVUS
SEBACEOUS HYPERPLASIA
SYRINGOMA OF THE EYE AREA
XANTHELASMA OF THE EYE AREA
FILIFORM WARTS
CHORLEY NEW ROAD, BOLTON
Seborrheic Hyperplasia
Seborrheic Keratosis
Diminutive Skin Tags
Seborrheic Keratosis
Mole Reduction
Xanthelasma Filiform Wart
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Syringoma Milia
Skin Tag Lash Line
WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS.
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service.
That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definately no hassle!
WE ARE FINANCIALLY SECURE.
We are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday group overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Ltd. This is a Government Approved Protection Scheme.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services or Stockport.
WITHIN
30 MINUTES.
SUPER HOTELS, ALL INCLUDED!
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.
We use a wide range of mainly 3 and 4 star hotels, some privately owned many part of larger chains. All entrances and excursions are included in the price stated.
COACHES AND DRIVERS.
We use modern executive coaches and all our drivers are experienced, mature and friendly!
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE RETURN.
Your taxi will be waiting for you to take you home.
TRAVEL INSURANCE?
All our customers are offered our coach specific insurance, pre-existing medical conditions are covered for UK travel with no upper age limit.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Nothing we can think of!
INTERESTED? Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2026 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk request of tours
A SELECTION OF OUR COACH TOURS 2026
Belfast is a giant city of buzzing culture and industrial prowess. Whether you’re exploring the restaurants of the Cathedral Quarter or visiting the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship, Titanic, there is something for everyone in Northern Ireland’s dynamic capital city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Titanic Experience & Belfast, Hillsborough Castle.
NORTH WALES
The Kinmel & Kinspa Hotel
On our new tour to North Wales, we explore the past at Nantclwyd y Dre Wales, Wales’s oldest timber framed townhouse, built over 500 years ago. We visit Britain’s smallest cathedral, St Asaph, where the first bible translated into Welsh is on display.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Natclwyd y Dre. St Asaph Cathedral. Anglesey Sea Zoo
WARWICKSHIRE
Walton Hall Hotel
Warwickshire, Shakespeare’s England, comes with a story to tell, vibrant towns, surrounded by charming countryside, it has its own unmistakable identity.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Shakespeare’s School Room & Stratford Uon Avon. Cotswolds – Stow-on-the-Wold & Cirencester. Kenilworth & Packwood Tudor House.
Monday, 21st September | 5 Days | £489
LINCOLNSHIRE
Brackenborough Lakes Resort Hotel
Revel in grand estates, historic cathedrals, and scenic landscapes on this escape to Lincolnshire. Discover a stunning example of Elizabethan design, explore over 900 years of history and craftsmanship.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Doddington Hall & Gardens. Lincon Cathedral. Stokes Tea & Coffee! Lincolnshire Wolds & Coast Guided Tour.
BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS
The Doric Hotel
A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and recharged p even if you are on the go 25 hours a day! Perhaps it’s the resort’s infectious zest for life, or may it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine, Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it.
Monday, 14th September | 5 Days | £399
SCENIC
SUFFOLK Priory Hotel
Charming Suffolk is home to rural villages, lush green meadows, and sandy heathlands depicted by the famous painters Constable and Gainsborough. On this tour, we enjoy a Constable-inspired guided tour, visit historic Bury St Edmunds with its connections to Dickens, and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the River Deben. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Guided Tour of Constable Country. Flatford Mill & The Vale of Dedham. River Deben Cruise.
Monday, 21st September | 5 Days | £499
The Lake District is England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages, a warm welcome and a rich cultural heritage.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Grasmere & The Gingerbread Shop. Keswick & Ullswater Steamer.
SIDMOUTH
The Royal York & Faulkner
Sidmouth is probably the most unspoilt resort in the country and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful. Quiet and unhurried, Sidmouth has preserved the natural beauty of the countryside with colourful gardens, open spaces, and tree-covered hills.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: The Donkey Sanctuary. Seaton & Seaton Tramway. Exmouth & Sidmouth Bay Cruise. Bicton Park Botanical Gardens & Exeter
LLANDUDNO
The Merrion Hotel
Llandudno is Wales’s largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the award-winning North Shore and the quiet, sand-duned West Shore. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Portmeirion. Snowdonia & Llangollen.
Monday, 21st September | 5 Days | £609
INTERESTED? Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2026 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk request of tours
GIORGIO LOCATELLI
The Italian Maestro Who Brought a Taste of Home to Britain
There are chefs who cook food, and there are chefs who tell stories through it. Giorgio Locatelli belongs firmly in the latter category. For more than three decades, the charismatic Italian chef has championed the flavours, traditions and culture of his homeland, introducing generations of British diners to authentic Italian cuisine long before it became fashionable to discuss regional ingredients and artisanal methods.
Warm, passionate and endlessly enthusiastic, Locatelli has become one of the most recognisable figures in the culinary world. Whether behind the stove, judging television cooking competitions or writing bestselling cookbooks, he has remained true to the values that first inspired him as a young boy growing up in northern Italy.
Born in Corgeno, a small village in Lombardy near Lake Maggiore, Giorgio was immersed in food from an early age. His family owned a restaurant, and some of his earliest memories involve watching relatives prepare meals for guests. Unlike many children who viewed the kitchen as an off-limits workplace, Giorgio saw it as a place of creativity, conversation and connection.
Food was never simply nourishment; it was a way of bringing people together. These formative experiences would shape his entire career.
After training in professional kitchens in Italy, Locatelli embarked on a journey that took him across Europe. He worked in
Switzerland, Paris and London, refining his skills and gaining exposure to different culinary traditions. Yet wherever he travelled, he carried with him a deep respect for the Italian approach to cooking.
At a time when many chefs sought to impress with complexity and elaborate presentation, Locatelli was drawn to simplicity. His philosophy was straightforward: begin with excellent ingredients and treat them with care. It is an approach that sounds obvious but is surprisingly difficult to master.
In 2002, together with his wife Plaxy, he opened Locanda Locatelli in London’s fashionable Marylebone district. The restaurant quickly became one of the capital’s most celebrated dining destinations. Within a year it had earned a Michelin star, an accolade it retained for more than two decades.
Locanda Locatelli was never about culinary gimmicks. Instead, diners discovered beautifully prepared dishes rooted in Italian tradition. Fresh pasta, seasonal vegetables, exceptional olive oil and carefully sourced seafood formed the backbone of a menu that changed with the seasons while remaining faithful to its heritage.
The restaurant attracted an impressive clientele, from business leaders and celebrities to families celebrating special occasions. Yet what made Locanda Locatelli special was its atmosphere. Guests often remarked that dining there felt less like visiting an exclusive restaurant and more like being welcomed into an Italian home.
This sense of hospitality became one of Locatelli’s defining characteristics. In an era when some high-profile chefs cultivated intimidating personas, he projected warmth and generosity. His success was built not only on technical skill but also on his ability to make people feel comfortable.
Television audiences soon discovered the same qualities. Through appearances on numerous cooking programmes and documentaries, Locatelli emerged as a natural broadcaster. His genuine passion for food, combined with an engaging sense of humour, made him immensely popular with viewers.
Perhaps his most high-profile television role came as a judge on MasterChef Italia. While capable of delivering criticism when necessary, he developed a reputation for offering constructive advice and encouragement. Contestants often spoke of his kindness and his desire to help aspiring cooks improve rather than simply judge their mistakes.
This balanced approach reflects his broader philosophy about cooking. Locatelli has long argued that food should bring joy rather than anxiety. He believes good cooking is accessible to everyone and that some of life’s greatest pleasures can be found around a dinner table shared with family and friends.
His cookbooks have echoed this message. Titles such as Made in Italy and Made in Sicily celebrate regional cooking traditions while presenting recipes that home cooks can realistically recreate. Rather than chasing culinary trends, Locatelli encourages readers to embrace timeless techniques and quality ingredients.
For many readers, these books offer more than recipes. They provide a window into Italian culture, exploring the relationships between food, family, history and place. Through stories and personal reflections, Locatelli demonstrates that every dish has a narrative behind it.
As the culinary landscape has evolved, so too has Giorgio Locatelli. Yet he has managed the rare feat of remaining relevant without compromising his principles. While food fashions have come and gone, his commitment to authenticity has remained unwavering.
In recent years, his profile has expanded beyond restaurants and television. He has become an ambassador for Italian food culture, advocating for traditional producers and sustainable practices. His influence can be seen throughout Britain’s restaurant industry, where countless chefs have embraced the regional Italian approach he helped popularise.
The closure of Locanda Locatelli in 2025 marked the end of a remarkable chapter. For many London diners, the restaurant had become an institution. Yet rather than viewing the closure as a conclusion, Locatelli treated it as an opportunity for reinvention.
True to form, he continued exploring new projects and opportunities, bringing the same enthusiasm that has characterised his career from the beginning. His enduring curiosity and willingness to evolve are perhaps among the secrets of his longevity.
Now in his sixties, Giorgio Locatelli remains a compelling figure. In an industry often obsessed with novelty, he reminds us of the enduring power of tradition. His career demonstrates that excellence need not be complicated and that authenticity never goes out of style.
For readers over fifty, there is something particularly inspiring about his story. It is a reminder that success is not built overnight but developed through years of dedication, learning and perseverance. Locatelli’s achievements stem from a willingness to stay true to his values while embracing change when necessary.
Above all, Giorgio Locatelli represents the idea that food is about people. Beyond Michelin stars, television appearances and professional accolades lies a simple belief: sharing a meal remains one of life’s greatest pleasures.
That philosophy has carried him from a family restaurant in rural Italy to
international acclaim. Along the way, he has introduced millions to the richness of Italian cuisine and demonstrated that the most memorable dishes are often the simplest.
In a world that frequently values speed over substance, Giorgio Locatelli continues to champion craftsmanship, hospitality and human connection. It is a recipe that has served him well—and one that remains as satisfying today as ever.
And now Giorgio Locatelli has embarked on a new chapter in his television career joining the judging panel of Celebrity MasterChef UK. Teaming up with food critic Grace Dent, the Michelinstarred chef brought decades of culinary expertise, warmth and authenticity to the iconic programme. Already well known to audiences through MasterChef Italia, Locatelli’s appointment was seen as a significant moment for the show, introducing a judge renowned for his passion for traditional cooking, high standards and encouraging approach to mentoring aspiring cooks.
CREATE YOUR PERFECT OUTDOOR SPACE
Soak up the sunshine and make the most of summer outdoors. At Bradley Fold Garden Centre, explore our stylish range of garden furniture—perfect for laid-back afternoons and unforgettable evenings with family and friends. From statement pieces to finishing touches, discover everything you need to elevate your outdoor space.
BECOME A LOYALTY MEMBER AND RECEIVE 5% BACK ON YOUR PURCHASES. VISIT US IN-STORE TODAY FOR MORE INSPIRATION
BRADLEYFOLD GARDENCENTRE
Extending Your Home into the Garden This Summer
As temperatures rise, many homeowners start looking for ways to make the most of their outdoor space. Rather than viewing the garden as a separate area that is only occasionally used, modern home design increasingly focuses on creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Extending your home into the garden can transform the way you relax, entertain, work, and spend time with family throughout the summer months.
Whether you have a large garden, a compact courtyard, or a modest suburban lawn, there are countless ways to blur the boundaries between house and garden. From simple decorative updates to larger renovation projects, extending your living space outdoors can increase both the enjoyment and value of your property.
Creating a Seamless Transition
One of the most effective ways to extend your home into the garden is by improving the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large sliding doors, bi-fold doors, or French doors can open up entire walls, allowing natural light to flood into the home while creating easy access to the garden.
When the weather is warm, these doors can remain open for much of the day, making the garden feel like an extension of the living room or kitchen. To strengthen this effect, many homeowners choose flooring materials that visually complement one another. Similar colours, textures, and design styles help create a continuous flow between inside and outside.
The goal is to remove the sense of a barrier and instead create one cohesive living environment that encourages movement between the two spaces.
Designing an Outdoor Living Room
The concept of the outdoor living room has become increasingly popular in recent years. Rather than simply placing a few chairs on a patio, homeowners are creating comfortable and stylish spaces designed specifically for relaxation and socialising.
Outdoor sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, and weather-resistant rugs can provide all the comforts of an indoor lounge while allowing you
to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Soft furnishings such as cushions and throws add warmth and personality, making the space feel inviting and comfortable.
Positioning seating areas close to the house can help maintain a strong visual connection with indoor rooms. Choosing colours and materials that complement your interior décor also helps create a unified look.
An outdoor living room becomes a natural gathering place for family members and guests, providing a perfect setting for reading, conversation, or simply enjoying a summer evening.
Bringing Dining Outdoors
Summer is synonymous with outdoor dining. Extending your home into the garden often means creating a dedicated area where meals can be enjoyed outside.
A patio or deck located near the kitchen is particularly practical, making it easy to transport food, drinks, and serving dishes. A sturdy dining table with comfortable seating can quickly become one of the most-used areas of the garden.
For those who enjoy entertaining, adding features such as a barbecue, pizza oven, or outdoor kitchen can elevate the experience even further. Outdoor cooking allows hosts to remain part of the conversation while preparing food, creating a more social atmosphere.
Even a simple dining setup can encourage families to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the benefits of fresh air during everyday meals.
Using Shade and Shelter
While sunshine is one of summer’s greatest attractions, it is important to provide protection from excessive heat and occasional rain showers. Shade structures can significantly improve the comfort and usability of outdoor spaces.
Pergolas are a popular choice because they provide partial shade while maintaining an open and airy feel. Climbing plants such as wisteria, clematis, or climbing roses can soften the structure and add natural beauty.
Retractable awnings offer flexibility, allowing homeowners to adjust shade levels throughout the day. Gazebos, sail shades, and covered patios can also create comfortable outdoor rooms that remain usable even when the weather is less predictable.
Providing shelter ensures that your garden can be enjoyed throughout the season rather than only on perfectly sunny days.
Incorporating Lighting
Thoughtful lighting can dramatically extend the amount of time you spend outdoors. As daylight fades, carefully placed lighting creates atmosphere, improves safety, and highlights attractive garden features.
String lights are particularly popular for creating a relaxed and welcoming environment. Wall-mounted fixtures, pathway lights, and lanterns can add both functionality and style.
Consider using warm-toned lighting that mirrors the ambience of indoor spaces. This helps maintain a sense of continuity and makes the transition between house and garden feel natural after sunset.
Lighting can transform an ordinary garden into an enchanting evening retreat, perfect for entertaining guests or unwinding after a busy day.
Introducing More Greenery
Plants play a crucial role in linking indoor and outdoor environments. Positioning containers and planters close to doors and windows helps draw the eye outward, making the garden feel like part of the home.
Large potted plants can frame entrances, while herb gardens near the kitchen provide both visual appeal and practical benefits. Repeating
similar plant varieties inside and outside can further strengthen the connection between the two spaces.
Vertical gardens, raised beds, and decorative containers offer opportunities to introduce greenery even in smaller gardens. The
MAJOR APPLIANCES
There are bargains galore in our electrical shop. New and second-hand electrical items: fridges, freezers, washers, cookers, dryers, lamps.
TIMELESS STYLE
F or Summer Living
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your garden. From vibrant seasonal planting to alfresco dining and relaxed outdoor living, our beautiful RHS Bramblecrest furniture range helps you create a space to savour all season long.
As a loyalty member, you’ll also receive 5% back on your purchases. We’d love to welcome you in store and help you make the most of your outdoor space.
VISIT US AT...
Summerseat Garden Centre, Railway St, Summerseat, Bury, Lancashire BL9 5QD
01204 883048
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
MON - SAT 9AM - 6PM, SUN 9AM - 5PM
RHS Wisley 4 Seat Dining Set - Sage
presence of plants contributes to a sense of tranquillity and wellbeing while enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.
Creating Flexible Outdoor Zones
A successful garden extension often includes multiple areas designed for different activities. Rather than relying on a single patio or seating area, consider dividing the garden into functional zones.
You might include a dining area for meals, a lounge area for relaxation, a play space for children, and a quiet corner for reading or gardening. Each zone serves a specific purpose while contributing to the overall flow of the garden.
Pathways, planting schemes, and changes in surface materials can help define these areas without making the space feel fragmented.
Flexible zoning allows the garden to adapt to the changing needs of family members and guests throughout the summer.
Adding a Garden Room
For homeowners seeking a more substantial extension of living space, a garden room offers an attractive solution. These standalone structures can serve as home offices, gyms, studios, hobby rooms, or guest accommodation.
Modern garden rooms are often designed with large windows and contemporary finishes that complement the main house. Because they remain connected to the garden environment, they provide a unique combination of comfort and closeness to nature.
A well-designed garden room can significantly increase the functionality of outdoor space while adding long-term value to the property.
Extending your home into the garden is about far more than improving aesthetics. It is about creating additional living space, encouraging a healthier lifestyle, and making better use of your property throughout the summer months. Whether through simple additions such as comfortable furniture and attractive lighting or larger investments like bi-fold doors and garden rooms, every improvement contributes to a stronger connection between indoors and outdoors.
By thoughtfully designing spaces that flow naturally from house to garden, homeowners can enjoy the best of both worlds: the comfort of home and the beauty of nature. As summer arrives, there is no better time to unlock the full potential of your outdoor space and create a garden that truly feels like an extension of your home.
From homelessness to helping others
Two men have saddled up for a 60-mile cycling challenge this summer in support of a charity that’s helping people change their lives after homelessness.
Rob and Eddie, who have both experienced homelessness, began fundraising ahead of the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride from Salford Quays to the South Promenade on July 12.
All the money they raise will help local charity Emmaus Bolton provide stable housing, support and opportunities for people who have been homeless.
Rob spent over two years living in a tent as he searched for his birth parents, after learning he had been adopted and brought up in a foreign country.
“I wouldn’t wish street homelessness on my worst enemy,” Rob said.
“It rained and once you’re wet, you can’t get dry, and you can’t get warm. When you’re living in a tent you don’t know when your next meal is going to be or when you’re going
to get your phone charged, when you’re going to get beaten, get things stolen from you or get kicked or punched in the night.
“You’re always alert, always on edge and you only get sporadic sleep.”
After finding stability and support at Emmaus Bolton, Rob is now pursuing a career in catering. He plans to start at college this September after developing his skills with the Emmaus community’s chef Craig.
“I am safe at Emmaus, supported and healthy here,” Rob said. “I have a goal and a plan ready for when I leave.”
At Emmaus Bolton, Rob helps in the charity’s shops and Eddie is part of Emmaus Bolton’s collection and delivery team.
Eddie said: “Emmaus keeps 22 people off the streets and provides them with a focus. Give generously, Emmaus is a good cause.”
Both men are planning to ride reconditioned bikes which are sold by Emmaus Bolton. Each fully serviced and fitted before they go on sale. Rob has a racer while Eddie has a touring bike.
Together, they have clocked up more than 300 miles in training, cycling across towns and cities throughout the North West, including Preston, Oldham, Bury and Rochdale, in preparation for Manchester to Blackpool.
Tony Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus Bolton, said: “Every mile Rob
and Eddie ride represents how far they have already come – from homelessness and hard times to stability and support.
“Rob and Eddie approached us with this fundraising idea, and their decision to fundraise while boosting their health and wellbeing is credit to both of them.”
Emmaus Bolton’s charity shops and social enterprises are all located around a free courtyard car park off Fletcher Street in Bolton. The social enterprise raises funds to support Emmaus residents and provides opportunities for people to gain valuable skills and work experience.
If you can spare a donation to Rob and Eddie’s fundraising challenge, their JustGiving page will remain open throughout the summer and is accessible here: https:// www.justgiving.com/page/ robandeddiearefundraising. Or you can donate to Emmaus Bolton at https://emmaus.org.uk/bolton/
VOLUNTEER TODAY
Meet new people & learn new skills
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering can help you meet new people, learn new skills and even feel happier and healthier. If you are looking to get back into work, volunteering can be a great way to build your CV. Give us a call to hear about the volunteering opportunities we have at Emmaus Bolton.
Come and join our great team! Ask for more details on 01204 398056 or email info@emmausbolton.org.uk emmaus.org.uk/bolton/volunteer-roles
Choosing Colours for Your Home: Creating a Space You'll Love
Few decisions have a greater impact on the look and feel of a home than the colours you choose for its walls, furnishings, and accessories. Colour has the power to transform a room, influence mood, and create a sense of harmony throughout your living space. Whether you are redecorating a single room or refreshing your entire home, selecting the right colour palette can make all the difference.
Yet for many homeowners, colour selection can feel overwhelming. With countless shades available and trends constantly changing, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The good news is that choosing colours for your home doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding a few basic principles and trusting your personal taste, you can create a home that feels welcoming, stylish, and uniquely yours.
One of the first things to consider is how you want a room to feel. Colour affects our emotions more than we often realise. Soft blues and greens tend to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, making them popular choices for bedrooms and bathrooms. Warm tones such as terracotta, gold, and rich creams can make a space feel cosy and inviting, while vibrant colours like yellow and coral bring energy and optimism.
Neutral colours remain a favourite among homeowners, and for good reason. Shades of white, beige, grey, and taupe provide a timeless backdrop that works well with almost any style of décor. They create a sense of space and allow furniture, artwork, and personal accessories to take centre stage. Neutrals are particularly useful if you enjoy changing your décor seasonally, as they offer flexibility without requiring a complete redesign.
However, neutral does not have to mean boring. Today's neutrals come in a wide range of undertones that can dramatically alter the appearance of a room. A warm grey may create a comfortable, cocooning feel, while a cooler grey can appear modern and sophisticated. Similarly, whites can range from crisp and
contemporary to soft and creamy. Taking the time to test paint samples on your walls before making a final decision is always worthwhile.
Natural light also plays a crucial role in colour selection. The same shade can look completely different depending on the amount and direction of light entering a room. South-facing rooms generally receive warmer light, enhancing warm colours and softening cool ones. North-facing rooms often have cooler light, which can make certain shades appear darker or more muted.
This is why paint samples are essential. Rather than relying solely on a paint chart, apply sample patches to different walls and observe them throughout the day. Morning, afternoon, and evening light can all reveal different aspects of a colour. What looks perfect under showroom lighting may feel entirely different in your own home.
Another important consideration is the size of the room. Lighter colours tend to make spaces feel larger and more open, reflecting available light and creating an airy atmosphere. This makes them particularly useful in smaller rooms, hallways, or areas with limited natural light.
Darker shades, on the other hand, can add drama, character, and intimacy. Deep navy, forest green, charcoal, and rich burgundy have become increasingly popular in recent years, proving that dark colours can work beautifully when used thoughtfully. In larger rooms, darker walls can create a sense of warmth and sophistication, while feature walls offer an opportunity to experiment without overwhelming a space.
When choosing colours, it is also important to think about flow. Most homes consist of multiple rooms that connect visually, so a cohesive colour scheme helps create a sense of continuity. This does not mean every room should be painted the same colour. Instead, consider selecting a palette of complementary shades that work together throughout the home.
For example, soft greens, warm whites, and natural wood tones can be carried through various rooms while allowing each space to retain its own personality. Using repeated accent colours in cushions, artwork, rugs, and decorative accessories can further strengthen this sense of connection.
Personal taste should always take precedence over passing trends. While it is tempting to follow the latest fashions, your home should reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Trends come and go, but colours that genuinely appeal to you are more likely to stand the test of time.
That said, keeping an eye on current design influences can provide inspiration. Earthy tones inspired by nature continue to dominate interior design, with sage greens, clay pinks, warm browns, and muted blues remaining popular choices. These colours bring a sense of comfort and tranquillity that many people seek in their homes.
Accessories offer an excellent way to introduce colour without making a major commitment. Cushions, throws, curtains, lampshades, and artwork can add personality and visual interest while allowing flexibility if your tastes change. A neutral room can be transformed simply by introducing a few carefully chosen accent colours.
Don't forget the role of texture. Colour is only one element of successful interior design. Natural materials such as wood, stone,
linen, wool, and rattan add depth and warmth, helping colours feel richer and more inviting. Combining different textures can prevent even the simplest colour scheme from appearing flat or uninspiring.
For those decorating later in life, practicality often becomes as important as aesthetics. Colours that create a bright, comfortable environment can improve everyday living and make spaces feel more welcoming. Good lighting, contrast between surfaces, and carefully chosen tones can enhance visibility while maintaining elegance and style.
Ultimately, choosing colours for your home is a deeply personal journey. There are no absolute rules, only guidelines that can help you achieve the atmosphere you desire. Trust your instincts, take your time, and remember that your home should be a reflection of who you are.
The most successful interiors are rarely those that follow every trend. Instead, they are the spaces that feel authentic, comfortable, and lived in. By selecting colours that bring you joy and complement your lifestyle, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels like a true sanctuary.
After all, colour is more than decoration. It is one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the spaces in which we live, relax, entertain, and make memories. Choose wisely, and your home will reward you with comfort and inspiration for years to come.
or email: help@aamail.org
Peristil
AGEING WELL
Your oral health could determine how well you age, advises Dr Usman Riaz, Clinical Director at Renovo Dental
Everyone is searching for the next anti-ageing treatment. We invest in skincare, supplements, fitness programmes, recovery therapies and wearable technology, all in the pursuit of living longer and feeling better. Yet one of the most important factors influencing long-term health is often overlooked –your mouth.
The mouth is not separate from the body. It is the gateway to it. We now understand that oral health can influence inflammation, sleep quality, metabolic health and long-term wellbeing. If your goal is not simply to live longer, but to live healthier for longer, oral
THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE OF LONGEVITY IS SIMPLE – PREVENTION IS ALWAYS MORE POWERFUL THAN INTERVENTION
health deserves a place alongside nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management.
INFLAMMATION CONNECTION
One of the most important concepts in longevity medicine is inflammation. While inflammation is a normal and essential part of the body’s defence system, chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with many conditions we commonly see as we age, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and autoimmune disorders. What many people don’t realise is that the mouth can be a significant source of this inflammatory burden. Gum disease, oral infections and imbalances within the oral microbiome can create a
constant inflammatory challenge. In some cases, harmful bacteria and inflammatory mediators can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissues and influence systems far beyond the mouth itself. The consequences are often invisible. This is why prevention is so important. By identifying and addressing oral inflammation early, we are supporting whole-body health.
MOUTH-GUT CONNECTION
Every day we swallow thousands of times, continuously introducing bacteria, enzymes and immune signals into the gut. A healthy oral microbiome helps support this process, while an unhealthy one may contribute to wider imbalances throughout the digestive system. Increasingly, research is highlighting the close relationship between oral health, gut health and systemic wellbeing. What is already clear is that oral health should no longer be viewed in isolation.
NEW APPROACH TO DENTISTRY
Traditional dentistry has often been reactive. A patient attends a check-up, a cavity is identified, a filling is placed and treatment continues. Longevity-focused dentistry takes a different approach. Rather than simply treating disease once it appears, the goal is to identify risk factors early and create personalised strategies that support long-term health. At Renovo Dental, we don’t guess – we test. Using advanced noninvasive saliva testing, the team identifies specific bacterial burdens causing hidden inflammation, with a focus on restoring full body health through oral health optimisation.
Dr Riaz explains: “We focus on uncovering the root causes of disease and many of those causes begin in the mouth, impacting the entire body and immune system. At Renovo Dental, our approach combines advanced diagnostics with a deeper understanding of the relationship between oral and systemic health. Modern imaging allows us to assess not only teeth and gums but also bone levels, airway structures and other factors. In some patients, dental assessments can help identify airway concerns or structural issues that may be contributing to poor sleep quality and when sleep is compromised, recovery, hormonal balance, immune function and overall wellbeing can all suffer.
AT RENOVO DENTAL, THEY DON’T GUESS – THEY TEST. USING ADVANCED NON-INVASIVE SALIVA TESTING, THE TEAM IDENTIFIES SPECIFIC BACTERIAL BURDENS CAUSING HIDDEN INFLAMMATION
OLD DENTAL WORK MATTERS
Beyond gum disease, outdated dental restorations can silently fuel inflammation. Fillings, crowns and implants degrade over time, leaking metals and toxins into gums and bone, triggering immune reactions and systemic inflammation. This process often occurs without discomfort or warning signs. Updating compromised dental work is not simply about aesthetics. It is about
restoring function, improving biological compatibility and reducing potential sources of chronic inflammation before they become larger problems.
INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE HEALTH
The most important principle of longevity is simple – prevention is always more powerful than intervention. The decisions we make today influence how we will feel in five, 10 and 20 years from now. For me, dental longevity is about understanding the individual as a whole, identifying risks early and creating
a personalised strategy that supports lifelong health. This philosophy has been at the heart of Renovo Dental since the day we opened five years ago. We recognised early that the future of dentistry would extend beyond teeth and move towards a more integrated understanding of health, function and wellbeing. Five years later, the science is increasingly validating what we believed from the beginning. So, when was your last dental health assessment? It may be one of the most important investments you make in your future health. n
Renovo Dental
Pendle House, Clitheroe Road
Chatburn BB7 4JY
01200 441000
hello@renovodental.co.uk
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ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND WELFARE WITH A POWER OF ATTORNEY
The issue of care and welfare is gaining more and more coverage in the media. It’s not surprising really as there are more of us living well in to old age. Not only that, mental health and wellbeing is high on the social agenda.
The subject presents a thorny question; how will you be looked after if anything happens to you? If you’re diagnosed with a degenerative mental condition, such as dementia what will you do? If you need care because you’ve been involved in an accident that’s left you mentally unable to cope on your own, or if you simply need more help as you age, whether that be at home or in a residential care facility, how will you ensure you’re wellbeing is taken care of?
From a legal perspective, there’s a simple answer: a Lasting Power of Attorney. This is a legal document which allows a person (the donor) to select another person, or persons, to act on their behalf if they can no longer do it for themselves.
There are two types of power of attorney; property and financial affairs which gives someone of your choosing the authority to make decisions about your money and assets – paying bills, collecting benefits, selling your home – and a health and welfare Power of Attorney. This gives an attorney (the person you selected to act for you) the authority to make decisions about your lifestyle. This includes any
medication you may need, where you live, what you eat and even whether you’re given life sustaining treatment or not.
Health and Welfare Power of Attorneys are increasingly being taken up because many care homes are asking for them now. Even if people are receiving care at home, more local authorities are seeking confirmation that there is one in place and who has the authority to deal with the council on the donor’s behalf.
Louise Rance Russell & Russell LLP
Before a Power of Attorney to be implemented it has to be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. Your solicitor will do this for you. Once set up and registered, a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney can only be activated at a time when you’ve lost mental capacity.
The advantage of setting up a Power of Attorney is that it gives you options. Perhaps the most important one is that it allows you to choose who you want to look after you rather who the state thinks should act for you.
You can appoint as many attorneys as you like who can make decisions for you collectively or you can give individuals authority on specific matters. Although your attorney has as much decision making power as you, you can limit their complete control if you have concerns. Your solicitor will be able to discuss this with you.
When it comes to choosing an attorney, you should think about how well the person looks after their own affairs. Are they good with money, do they make foolish or rash decisions? Do you know the person well and, more importantly, do you trust them to make decisions in your best interests? After all, they’re likely to be making what could be some very important decisions on your behalf.
For a Health and Welfare Power of Attorney, you can choose anyone over the age of 18. The usual choices are a spouse or relative. You can also appoint a friend to the task or even your solicitor. If, for any reason, your attorney is unable or unwilling to act for you, you can stipulate a replacement.
Finally, a Power of Attorney gives you peace of mind. Putting one in place ensures that there’ll be someone on hand who can manage you affairs if you can’t.
If you choose not to set up a Power of Attorney and you need someone to act for you, your family will have to apply for a Deputyship with the Court of Protection. The problem with this is that it’s a costly and time consuming process (around six months) during which time the Court will decide what happens to you, not your loved ones.
There’s also the risk that the Court will appoint a Deputy which may not be a family member or a person you would have chosen. While all this is being sorted out, your assets will be frozen which could mean your loved ones end up paying for your care, medication and any other expense you need until the Deputy has been appointed.
If you’re interested in setting up a health and Welfare Power of Attorney, Russell & Russell offers a free no obligation consultation to discuss your circumstances and needs.
russellrussell.co.uk
STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE THE KIA PV5 PASSENGER
If you are lucky enough to have lots of friends or a large family to move around, then here is your perfect new electric vehicle.
Thanks to those lovely people at Bolton Kia, we got to try out the 2026 Kia PV5 Passenger, which is a transit-sized people mover with loads of space and seating for 5 (a 7-seat version is coming soon).
While the Kia PV5 Passenger has roots in the commercial vehicle sector (a Cargo version is available from £27,645 on the road), Kia have also produced this version as an impressive electric family vehicle with futuristic looks, acres of space and a driving experience that’s more car-like than any other van-derived MPV.
Measuring 4,695mm long, the Kia PV5 Passenger ‘Essential‘ standard range five seater is priced from £33,195, rising to £41,975 for the Kia PV5 Passenger ‘Elite‘ long range 7 seater.
The responsive electric powertrain adds to the practicality, providing a comfortable ride and useful manoeuvrability (including a turning circle of just 10.8 metres).
The steering is light and the suspension does a great job of soaking up lumps and bumps, while the intuitive multi-stage regenerative braking set-up means you’ll soon find yourself barely using the pedal at all.
Our test vehicle was the long range version with a more powerful 160bhp motor meaning lots of pull low down and a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds.
A short front end, high driving position and large door mirrors help when driving in town,
plus the front sensors fitted as standard are a great assistance when parking.
While you sit tall in the PV5 and the dashboard is set quite high, thick A-pillars are a slight downside at a roundabout or T junction. At the back a flat rear end, large window and standard reversing camera, plus parking sensors, make life easy. There’s even a grid on the reversing camera display to indicate the extra room you need to leave in order to open the huge tailgate.
The PV5 handles well for a boxy MPV. All of the vehicle‘s weight is set low in the chassis and the heavy battery also helps to smooth out the ride on bumpy roads.
On the motorway, despite its boxy shape, there’s very little road noise. Plus, the electric motor is far quieter than the diesel typically found in a vehicle of this type.
Our long range version has 71.2kWh capacity and an official range that tops out at 256 miles. The charge port is on the nose and the battery can go from 10-80 per cent capacity in around half an hour.
There are three trim levels to choose from; Essential, Plus and Elite, and all feature the same futuristic look with clean lines and vertical daytime running lights up front. The ‘Essential‘ has 16-inch wheels with plastic trims while ‘Plus‘ and ‘Elite‘ come with alloys. ‘Essential‘ models are decently equipped with a large central infotainment screen and smaller driver’s display. Standard kit also includes a built-in reversing camera, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a six speaker stereo, automatic climate control and LED headlights.
‘Plus‘ adds a powered tailgate, four heated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and a heat pump.
The range-topping ‘Elite‘ trim gets electric sliding side doors, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree surround view monitor, blind spot view monitor and side parking sensors. It also comes with premium paint and two-tone upholstery.
The PV5 Passenger’s interior is functional with flair. The dash has a large 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 7.5-inch driver’s display –the latter behind a quirky two-spoke steering wheel with familiar buttons, a drive-mode control in the centre and the drive selector on a stalk on the right of the steering column.
Higher up areas are covered in plush materials that feel soft to the touch and add a bit of quality, while lower down tougher stuff is used as this is a people mover designed to withstand the abuse of family life.
The infotainment system is easy to use with the six last-used functions conveniently saving as shortcuts across the bottom of the display.
Storage up front is great with a cubby above the driver’s display, an open tray between the front seats, multiple bins in the doors and a large drawer at the base of the centre console. There are two USB sockets just above the storage drawer and in the top cubby and a wireless charging tray on ‘Plus‘ and ‘Elite‘ trims.
With acres of leg and headroom in the back, there is even a three-pin plug socket to power accessories directly from the drive battery.
That big tailgate gives clear access to the load area, which is huge and square, while a low lip makes loading heavy items easier. Load volume for the five-seat PV5 Passenger is 1,320 litres to the parcel shelf, plus the back seats fold down to create 2,300 litres of space. And storage doesn’t end there as the floorboards lift to reveal hidden storage areas under the floor that are big enough to fit charging cables and a tyre repair kit.
For more information see www.kia.co.uk/bolton
The Kia PV5 Passenger.
All your journeys made easy. Available on Business Contract Hire at Bolton Kia.
Contact our dedicated Business and Fleet team at Bolton Kia - Europe’s No.1 Kia Dealer. fleet@boltonkia.co.uk or 01204 664800.
£350 + VAT per month on the Kia PV5 Passenger SR Essential £3,150 + VAT initial payment, Followed by 35 monthly payments*, 8,000 miles per annum.
for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the vehicle quoted.
Combined mpg not applicable for The Kia PV5 Passenger ‘Essential‘ 51.5kWh Standard Range 120 Auto, CO2 emissions 0 g/km and electric combined range of up to 183 miles. Range figures may be subject to small degree of change, following final homologation. These figures were obtained after the battery had been fully charged. The Kia PV5 Passenger is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. Range based on test conditions and may vary. Individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real-life range and can possibly reduce it. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: The Kia PV5 Passenger ‘Essential‘ 51.5kWh Standard Range 120 Auto at £33,745 including premium Frost Blue paint £750. The Kia PV5 Passenger range is available from £32,995. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. Business users only. Full T&Cs apply. Quote valid between 08/07/26 and 05/09/26. *Offer available on Business Contract Hire with advance rental of £3,150.00 + VAT, followed by 35 monthly rentals of £350.00 + VAT. Excess miles over contracted mileage of 8,000 miles per year (24,000 total contract mileage) over 36 months charged at 7.50 pence per mile (+VAT). Excess charges also apply if you breach manufacturer servicing or maintenance guidelines or if the vehicle exceeds BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guidelines for its age/mileage when it is returned to Kia Contract Hire. You will not own the vehicle. Finance is provided by Hyundai Capital UK Ltd trading as Kia Finance Contract Hire. Hyundai Capital UK Ltd makes every effort to ensure accuracy and accept no liability for any variation of C02 and pricing data at
Chris Macwilliam – Partner and Personal Injury Specialist talks about ACCIDENTS ON HOLIDAY
Have you booked your summer holidays yet? Many of us are looking forward to a well deserved break but accidents happen even on holidays. Here are some of the typical questions I’m asked about accident holidays.
Q What are the most common types of holiday accidents?
A You could be hurt in a road traffic incident, a trip or slip in the street, cut yourself in a hotel pool, get food poisoning from your hotel restaurant, be injured on a cruise liner or a boat trip or a host of other situations.
Q If I’m injured on holiday can I claim compensation?
A Most of the time your injuries will be trivial and you will not want to take things any further. But what if you suffer a more serious injury? What can you do about it? Fortunately you can usually make a claim for compensation if the accident was someone else’s fault.
Q What can I do if I’m injured when on a package holiday abroad?
A If you are injured whilst on holiday in the UK then, of course, the normal rules for claiming compensation apply. If the accident was someone else’s fault then you would be able to make a claim for compensation. But what happens if you are injured abroad? As a general rule, if you booked a package holiday you may be able to bring a claim in the UK against the tour operator. The tour operator will usually be responsible for all the services provided to a holidaymaker as part of the package including hotel accommodation, air travel, cruises, coach or car transfers and excursions. The tour operator cannot escape liability by simply blaming the hotel or a driver – they are responsible.
For example – we acted for a school teacher who badly cut his foot on a broken pool light in a hotel swimming pool in Spain. In this case the tour operator was responsible for his injury and paid him compensation for his injury, loss of earnings and for the loss of enjoyment of his holiday.
Q Is it different if I’m injured on a cruise or a flight?
A There are international conventions that apply if you injured on a cruise or on an airplane. These conventions normally allow you to bring your claim in England even if the accident happened in another country. You have less time to bring your claim in these situations.
Q How much will it cost me to bring a claim?
A That’s impossible to say as each case is different. However, some solicitors specialising in these claims will offer a “No Win No Fee” arrangement.
Q Are there any steps I can take to protect myself?
A You can do some things to reduce your risks. Always check that you have adequate holiday insurance in place before you travel. Make sure your policy covers you for repatriation and medical costs and covers all the activities you will be doing on your holiday – things such as paragliding or water skiing may be excluded from your policy.
So if you are unfortunate enough to be injured whilst on holiday don’t despair. Contact us on Freephone 0800 083 0815 and book a FREE APPOINTMENT. We will take your case on a No Win No Fee basis if we think you have a claim.
The hidden value of our older generation.
In a world that often seems obsessed with what’s next, what’s new and what’s young, it’s easy to overlook one of society’s greatest strengths: the contribution of older generation.
Yet every day, in towns, villages and communities across Lancashire, older people are making an extraordinary difference. They are caring, volunteering, mentoring, supporting families, sharing wisdom, leading community groups and quietly holding together the fabric of society.
The truth is that older people are not simply witnesses to change, they are creators of it.
Too often, conversations about ageing focus on what people may have lost rather than everything they have gained. We hear about an ageing population as though it is a challenge to be managed. But what if we looked at it differently? What if we recognised older people for what they truly are: one of our nation’s most valuable resources?
After all, experience has value.
Every wrinkle tells a story. Every challenge overcome builds resilience. Every decade lived brings lessons that cannot be found in textbooks or online searches. The knowledge gained through a lifetime of work, relationships, setbacks, successes and personal growth is something that should be celebrated, not overlooked. Many people over fifty have never been more capable, confident or influential than they are today.
For some, later life provides an opportunity to give something back through volunteering or community involvement. For others, it is a chance to pursue new ambitions, learn new skills or rediscover passions that were put on hold during busy working years. Increasingly, people in their fifties, sixties, seventies and beyond are proving that achievement has no age limit.
History is full of examples of people who started new ventures, wrote books, learned instruments, travelled the world or launched successful businesses long after others expected them to slow down.
Why? Because purpose does not come with an expiry date.
In fact, many people discover their greatest sense of purpose later in life. Freed from some of the demands that once filled their days, they find new ways to contribute, connect and make a difference.
At the same time, countless older people continue to play a vital role within their families. Grandparents provide practical support, emotional guidance and stability. Friends support friends. Neighbours look out for neighbours. Communities thrive because people care enough to get involved.
These acts may seem ordinary, but collectively they are extraordinary.
The reality is that the value of older people cannot be measured simply in economic terms. It is found in kindness, compassion, wisdom, patience and encouragement. It is found in the stories shared, the hands extended and the lives enriched.
So perhaps the question is not whether older people still have something to offer.
The question is: what would our communities look like without them?
As readers of 50 Plus magazine, you are part of a generation that continues to shape our world every single day. Whether you are still working, volunteering, caring for loved ones, learning something new or simply inspiring others through the way you live your life, your contribution matters.
Never underestimate the difference you make.
Age is not a period of decline; it is a stage of possibility. It is a time when experience becomes wisdom, when knowledge becomes guidance and when a lifetime of learning becomes a gift for others. The hidden value of our older generation is not hidden at all. It is everywhere.
If you want to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Regenerage, you can apply by scanning the QR code below and filling in the interest form, or visit our website, Regenerage.org. uk Click on the volunteering with Regenerage box, scroll down the page and click on the online application, to open the interest form. Once completed this will generate a full application form that will land into your inbox. On completion of the second form, you will enter our database and begin the application process.
• The Beefy Boys are planning in 2026
• They sell multiple product lines, including DIY
Feature Angles
boys and cook up a storm in the comfort (Umbrella not included.)
Feature Angles
rubs and spice blends, clothing and sauces
Feature Angles
Burgers are just the beginning: Inside the Beefy Boys’ big, bold British BBQ cookbook BBQ without the brolly: 7 rules for cooking properly outside (even Britain)
Great British BBQ
• Burgers are just the beginning: Inside the Beefy Boys’ big, bold British BBQ cookbook
With The Beefy Boys
• BBQ without the brolly: 7 rules for cooking properly outside (even in Britain)
How to throw a proper British BBQ (and not burn your bangers!)
The global flavours powering Britain’s new wave of BBQ
are just the beginning: Inside the Beefy Boys’ big, bold BBQ cookbook without the brolly: 7 rules for cooking properly outside (even Britain)
• How to throw a proper British BBQ (and not burn your bangers!)
THE BEEFY BOYS are Anthony Murphy, Daniel Mayo- Evans, Christian Williams and Lee Symonds. Initially starting with a food truck and pop-ups they now have five restaurants in Hereford, Shrewsbury, Cheltenham, Bath and Oxford, UK.
• The global flavours powering Britain’s new wave of BBQ
throw a proper British BBQ (and not burn your bangers!)
The perfect pick for Father’s Day gifting
How to make the best bangers from scratch rubs
From food truck to five restaurants: The Beefy Boys’ recipe for building a burger empire
global flavours powering Britain’s new wave of BBQ food truck to five restaurants: The Beefy Boys’ recipe for
• From food truck to five restaurants: The Beefy Boys’ recipe for building a burger empire
• The perfect pick for Father’s Day gifting
building a burger empire
• How to make the best bangers from scratch
perfect pick for Father’s Day gifting make the best bangers from scratch
Barbecues in the UK conjure up images of grilling under a brolly, burnt sausages, undercooked chicken and overcooked steak. The Beefy Boys are here to change that and show you how a proper British BBQ SHOULD be done!
With recipes for everything from smoky roasts to low-andslow ribs, chops, steaks and (of course) burgers, all tastes and appetites get the Beefy Boys treatment. Taking inspiration from Britain’s long history of cooking over fire and the world-class culinary influences that have helped to shape modern Britain’s food culture, there’s something for everyone in this ultimate guide to live-fire cooking.
rtewkesbury@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
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For homemade soups, snacks and delicious cakes
media requests, please contact Ruth Tewkesbury: rtewkesbury@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
For media requests, please contact Ruth Tewkesbury: rtewkesbury@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
For media requests, please contact Ruth Tewkesbury: rtewkesbury@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
RACK OF LAMB WITH SHREWSBURY SAUCE
A rack of lamb is the most dainty of centrepieces for a roast, and when you take the time to really render the fat out you end up with a slice of meat that combines beautifully tender meat and deliciously rich fat. Shrewsbury sauce is a traditional sauce for lamb and Shrewsbury holds a special place in our hearts as it was the location of our second restaurant.We love the town, the people and the sense of humour.We can even look past the Hereford and Shrewsbury football rivalry to celebrate the good people of Salop and their local sauce.
METHOD
Prep the lamb the day before by seasoning it all over with salt and pepper or SPG.
Set your BBQ up for indirect grilling. You want to render out as much fat as possible from the lamb, so place the lamb skin-side down over a low heat, using the 8-second hand rule. Leave it there to cook slowly, checking regularly to make sure the fat does not caramelize too quickly or start to burn.
While the lamb is rendering, make the sauce. Melt the butter with the flour in a pan over a low heat and stir until a roux forms. Slowly add the chicken and beef stocks, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth.
SERVES 2–4
BBQ setup: 2-zone direct grilling
Fuel source: Lumpwood, briquettes, or wood burnt down to embers
COOKING TIME: 40 minutes, plus optional overnight dry brining
1 rack of French-trimmed lamb
Salt and ground black pepper
For the Shrewsbury sauce
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
250ml (1 cup) chicken stock
250ml (1 cup) beef stock
60ml (¼ cup) red wine
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp redcurrant jelly
Increase the heat and add the wine. Let it bubble so the alcohol cooks off, then after a few minutes add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and redcurrant jelly. Check the seasoning and keep the sauce warm.
Once you are happy you have rendered enough of the lamb fat cap, it is time to sear the meat side. Move the lamb to the hot zone, where you can only hold your hand for 2 seconds, and sear the meat, being careful to protect the fat cap from burning.
When the lamb hits around 58°C/136°F, take it off the heat and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice into chops and serve with the Shrewsbury sauce.
VEG PLATTER
This works great on its own, or you could chuck it in the middle of a table alongside some meat or fish; it’s also easy to scale up.
SERVES 2 or more as an accompaniment
BBQ setup: 2-zone direct grilling
Fuel source: Lumpwood, briquettes, or wood burnt down to embers
COOKING TIME: Under 30 minutes
1 large tomato
160–200g (5½–7oz) fire-roasted carrots
150–200g (5½–7oz) courgette (zucchini)
150–200g (5½–7oz) aubergine (eggplant)
100–150g (3½–5½oz) tenderstem broccoli
75–100g (2½–3½oz) fine green beans
60–100g (2¼–3½oz) spring onions (scallions)
Red pepper dip
Lemon pepper mayo
To season the veg
SPG (salt, pepper, garlic granules;)
Thyme leaves
Rapeseed (canola) or olive (non-virgin) oil (or you can use smoked or garlic oil)
Lemon juice
METHOD
Tomato first. Get your tomato on before anything else. Cut it in half, season with SPG, the thyme leaves and oil. Put it high up on the BBQ so it gets a slow roast over direct heat, turning it over halfway through so it gets some good colour on both sides.
Cook the courgette and aubergine. Slice your courgette and aubergine about 1cm (½ inch) thick, toss in oil, SPG and a squeeze of lemon juice. Get them over direct heat, close enough to the coals that you can’t hold your hand there for longer than 2 seconds without shouting an expletive. The goal is to get a good char and cook them past the rubbery stage, especially the aubergine. Once ready, move them somewhere on the BBQ to keep warm.
Cook the rest of your veg. Toss the broccoli, beans and spring onions in oil, SPG and lemon juice. Get the veg on the grill! The broccoli will take the longest. You’re looking for everything to have a nice bit of char on the outside and to be beautifully tender; as soon as you can get a fork through the veg easily, it’s done.
Assemble. Once everything is cooked, lay the veg out on a tray with the dips. Get stuck in and use the dips to give your grilled veg that extra flavour kick.
FOOD & CRAFTS
26th JULY
23rd AUGUST
27th SEPTEMBER
25th OCTOBER
22nd NOVEMBER
13th DECEMBER
BBQ FISH AND CHIPS WITH CHAR TARTARE SAUCE
How do you do fish and chips on the BBQ without running the risk of a trip to A&E? The answer is here and involves direct grilling the fish to get that super-crispy skin, and par-boiling then BBQ roasting your chips. Combine that with the char tartare sauce and you have an amazing fish supper that tastes just like a chippy tea.
METHOD
Prep the chips. Cut the potatoes into fat, chunky chip shapes.
Wash off the starch, then drop the potatoes into a pan of heavily salted cold water. Slowly bring to the boil and simmer until you can just poke a knife through them.
Drain, then lay the potatoes on a rack over a baking tray so air can get all around them. This helps dry them out. Make the char tartare sauce. Follow the instructions on page 214. Cook the chips. Set your BBQ up for BBQ roasting at around 200°C/400°F. Place a large roasting tin on the grill and add the beef dripping. Close the lid to get it ripping hot. Add the potatoes and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning regularly, until golden brown and crispy.
Cook the fish. Pat the fish dry, especially the skin. Rub the fillets with oil. Heavily season the skin side with salt and pepper, going lighter on the flesh side.
SERVES 4
BBQ setup: Direct grilling for the fish, BBQ roasting for the chips
Fuel source: Lumpwood, briquettes, or wood burnt down to embers
COOKING TIME: 45 minutes (ideally boil the potatoes earlier in the day)
1.5–2kg (3lb 5oz–4lb 8oz) Maris
Piper or King Edward potatoes tartare sauce
150g (⅔ cup) beef dripping
4 skin-on cod fillets, each 150–200g (5½–7oz)
Rapeseed (canola) oil, for rubbing into the fish
Salt and ground black pepper
Malt vinegar, to serve pepper
Grilled lemon, to serve
Oil the grill grates really well. Once the grill hits the 2-second hand rule (see page 32), place the fish skin-side down and leave it alone.
Crispy skin only happens if you let it sit. About 70 percent of the cooking time should be skin-side down. After 4–5 minutes, the edges should start to firm up. If the skin still sticks when you try to flip it, give it another minute.
Gently flip and cook the flesh side for another 2–3 minutes. Serve with the chips, vinegar and the char tartare sauce. Garnish with a wedge of grilled lemon.
LOCATION, location, location is the title of a well-known TV show… and also a priority when it comes to choosing a hotel.
So it proved on our visit to Weetwood Hall, just a few miles from Leeds town centre, which is an impressive hotel and conference centre, parts of which date back to 1540 and includes a 17th-century Jacobean Manor House set on a nine-acre estate with woodlands and gardens.
A surprising find so close to a major city centre which makes it a great choice for a weekend getaway or short stop over, especially as Leeds boasts an impressive list of high end shops and popular department stores.
Walking tours, including a ghost themed experience, art galleries and museums, including the famous Royal Armouries, are other top attractions in Leeds and also nearby are historic piles Kirkstall Abbey and Harewood House - both well worth a visit.
The hotel is also ideally placed for exploring the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors with its many top tourist attractions and amazing countryside to explore.
There are 114 stylish bedrooms, including family-friendly accommodation, four-poster feature bedrooms and superior double bedrooms while The Brasserie restaurant serves superb Yorkshire cooking - there is even a pub on site.
The Stables has local ales alongside a variety of top tipples and when we visited on a damp mid-week night was busy with hotel guests and locals – many students from the nearby university.
A tasty steak and piping hot fish dish in the hotel’s impressive restaurant proved the credentials of the kitchen before we retired to our large double bedroom which boasted all the creature comforts in a stately home style setting.
Weetwood also has award-winning meeting and conference rooms, plus two rooms in the Manor House licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships.
There are sports facilities for training camps and free parking (with EV chargers) plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi to make your stay perfect.
So with room rates from £120 B&B based on 2 people sharing, whether it is countryside rambling or retail therapy you are after Weetwood Hall is the ideal location.
For more information visit weetwood.co.uk, call 0113 230 6000 or see www.facebook.com/weetwood or instagram.com/weetwoodhall
Cardamom Cream, Ramsbottom
THERE was a time when a great night out with friends had to include an Indian meal… but that was some years ago. However, after a visit to Ramsbottom’s acclaimed Cardamom Cream restaurant I am thinking of reviving the tradition!
I went along with number one son, also a big Indian food fan, and found a fine dining experience in contemporary surroundings that provided a pleasant atmosphere and a relaxing experience to remember.
Friendly helpful staff and excellent food and drink have made Cardamom Cream the talk of the town – and what a pleasant and thriving town Ramsbottom is, even though it was early evening on a Wednesday the restaurant and surrounding pubs and bars were buzzing.
People from further afield join with locals to visit Cardamom Cream meaning there is always a great atmosphere and busy staff are on hand to make sure all goes well serving up the latest in Indian cuisine with seamless efficiency.
I had a generous and delicious chicken tikka with Basmati rice and a side order of cheese topped nan bread all washed down with a couple of pints of Indian lager while my son was a bit more adventurous going for Cardamom Cream House Special – a dish or minced chicken with coconut, almonds, cream and butter with Basmati rice and plain nan.
He also reported the dish to be excellent and judging by the speed with which it disappeared I could see that to be true.
Both stylish and striking the restaurant boasts VIP booth seating as well as more traditional table layouts where customers can enjoy what management describe as a “modern fusion of traditional dishes from all regions of India”.
Chefs take immense pride in spices created daily to accentuate their range of dishes, mixing, roasting and grinding them to create diverse flavors for customers to enjoy and the menu gives a huge choice. You can also pick from an award winning wine list to complement your chosen dish.
Cardamom Cream is vegetarian friendly with Vegan options plus halal and gluten free and if you are not able to get there you can still enjoy their great food as the restaurant operates a busy takeaway service.
Cost wise it seemed good value for the standard of food provided and size of portions and I would thoroughly recommend a visit to both Cardamom Cream and Ramsbottom – I for one will certainly be going there again!
By Steve Howarth
Cardamom Cream is in the center of Ramsbottom at 21 Bolton Street, BL0 9HU.
Call 01706 827888 or see www.cardamomcream.co.uk
Cocktail Bar
Offering a more modern environment both from our clinical and technical needs.
Confidence begins with a beautiful smile ...
Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Bolton Denture Centre specialise in correcting.
What is a Clinical Dental Technician?
A Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training to gain a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).
At Bolton Denture Centre our clinician is one of the first registered Clinical Dental Technicians in the country, and able to offer a bespoke service of treating the patient AND making the denture in the laboratory.
Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. One such innovation currently on the dental market is DIGITAL DENTURES.
However as with any new technology it usually gets rushed to market before it is fully developed. We have seen an upturn in enquiries for this technology, but after many meetings with sales reps and looking into the technology behind it we feel the quality and aesthetics are extremally substandard in comparison to a bespoke handmade tradtional denture.
We also feel the fit of digital dentures are not going to be as good as the fit of traditional dentures as the digital impression cannot replicate the compressive action of the denture, therefore leaving in general reduced suction. This is why we have chosen not to offer this service as of yet here at Bolton Denture Centre. You still have to be a clinical dental technician to provide digital dentures.
Your Dentures need Attention
1. When they become loose.
2. When teeth or denture base discolours.
3. When tooth surfaces become flat.
4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).
5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.
6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.
7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.
My Dentures have become loose!
Bolton Denture Centre can offer all aspects of denture care including;
4 Free Consultations
4 Denture cleaning and polishing service
4 Repair of broken or cracked dentures
4 Relining existing dentures to improve fit
4 New full dentures
4 New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *
4 Sports mouth guards
* Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.
your dentures holding you back
This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.
one of the most basic, biologically uniform expressions of all Smiling is not just a universal means of communicating, it’s also frequent one. More than 30% of us smile more than 20 times a day and 14% of us smile less than 5 times a day.
Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?
host of benefits which include:
Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage. Once a new set is made the old set becomes a spare.
Psychologists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood s immunity - smiling makes your body more relaxed and contributes to a go immunity.
What our Customers Say
CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES
What can I say about this place.......... Don’t think anything I do say will do this place justice to be honest. My partner is autistic and she struggles a lot, Jonathan is amazing and made her feel comfortable and was patient with her. Gemma was amazing too, cannot thank them both enough, lily been smiling all day, honestly wish I could give you more stars.
PM
Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.
In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.
Fantastic service. Called Friday as my dad had had a fall and broken his teeth and I was very limited in terms of when I needed them sorted as I live far away from him. I was given an appointment Monday afternoon and they were sorted brilliantly and with such a welcome and smile. So appreciative of the excellent service.
AB
At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING
Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.
Johnathan is an absolute star, my dentures are wonderful and fit perfectly, I am so glad to have my smile back. Thankyou Johnathan. The service is excellent and very friendly.
PD
Constructing a Good Set of Dentures
Smiling releases endorphins which reduce stress and change y same effect.
pressure - Reducing stress and smiling can also help lower blood pressu infectious - Not only do others smile when we smile but studies also sugg others when we smile.
Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to
don’t like your smile, do you suffer from loose poorly fitted or broken dentures? Bolton Denture Centre we have been helping denture wearers to get beautiful smiles for
Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.
At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
Why not call me to discuss your current situation or arrange an appointment as I am always more than happy to help.
We are extremely excited to welcoming
always
Jonathan Dean LBIDST CDT RCS Eng
Hewlett Court
Hewlett Court was opened by the East Lancashire Masonic Charity [ELMC] in 1979 as Sheltered Accommodation for the Elderly. Hewlett Courts aim is to provide good quality, affordable accommodation with support services tailored to meet individual’s needs.
Hewlett Court supports individuals in an independent, safe and caring environment.
We understand that moving from your home into a communal living setting can be a very difficult and momentous decision, for both the potential individual and their Families. We are here to support that decision to ensure the right conclusion is made for all concerned.
Hewlett Court prides itself on providing a warm, friendly, Family environment.
The Staff are all dedicated to ensuring that each individual have control over their own lives, to encourage them to make their own choices and opportunities to maintain their independence, encouraging them to play an active role in the improvement and development of the services provided. Hewlett Court continually look at ways to improve the amenities and to provide the best service available.
There is a varied menu at Hewlett Court providing three home cooked meals per day, including any special dietary needs.
Hewlett Court Newcombe
INDEPENDENT LIVING
TESTIMONIALS
Mary M – You can go and look around Bury and you won’t find any another facilities like Hewlett Court. The food is excellent and the staff are very obliging. Everyone enjoys all the entertainment and the outings that are free. We can come and go as we like
Julie – I really enjoy it, myself and my Sister have been made to feel welcome and have made lots of friends. I enjoy the baking classes and all the activities.
John – I am very happy at Hewlett Court, I feel safe and well looked after. The staff are very helpful and the food is excellent.
Doreen B - Just fabulous, a great place to be. Nothing is too much trouble. Fantastic staff and a friendly, clean, homely place.
Location:
Hewlett Court is situated in Holcombe Brook on the north side of Bury near the foot of Holcombe Hill. The Home is close to the local amenities; shops, post office and Doctors Surgery.
50
leaves and produces scented flowers all summer. Alternatively, you
leaves and produces scented flowers all summer. Alternatively, you
leaves and produces scented flowers all summer. Alternatively, you
Beyond Dubrovnik: Why Split Is Croatia’s Most Compelling Coastal Escape
look lovely and provide covered seating from where to enjoy a favourite view of your outdoor space. The design has been around for hundreds of years but look out for those with a modern twist that provide storage in the seat – ideal for having cushions and rugs immediately to hand.
look lovely and provide covered seating from where to enjoy a favourite view of your outdoor space. The design has been around for hundreds of years but look out for those with a modern twist that provide storage in the seat – ideal for having cushions and rugs immediately to hand.
look lovely and provide covered seating from where to enjoy a favourite view of your outdoor space. The design has been around for hundreds of years but look out for those with a modern twist that provide storage in the seat – ideal for having cushions and rugs immediately to hand.
Creating a lifestyle
Creating a lifestyle
Creating a lifestyle
By Anna Selby
Croatia’s second city is fast catching up with the country’s most popular tourist city, Dubrovnik, with ever-increasing visitor numbers. What Split shares with its southern neighbour is its
A good option for plant lovers is a pergola. It’s a feature in itself but growing your favourite climber up it quite literally takes the look to another level. One fast-growing option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has evergreen
A good option for plant lovers is a pergola. It’s a feature in itself but growing your favourite climber up it quite literally takes the look to another level. One fast-growing option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has
good option for plant lovers is a pergola. It’s a feature in itself but growing your favourite climber up it quite literally takes the look to another level. One fast-growing option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has evergreen
J. Child & Son Ltd Monumental Masons
J. Child & Son Ltd Monumental Masons
J. Child & Son Ltd Monumental Masons
4th Generation Independent Family Run Business Established 1899
Help and Advice Freely Given, Home Visits, Detailed Brochure
Help and Advice Freely Given, Home Visits, Detailed Brochure
Detailed Brochure
l Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials
l Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials
l Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials
l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification
l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification
l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification
l Large Display of Vases and Statues
l Large Display of Vases and Statues
l Large Display of Vases and Statues
l Inscriptions in any Language
l Inscriptions in any Language
l Inscriptions in any Language
l Cleaning and Renovations
l Cleaning and Renovations
l Cleaning and Renovations
l Memorial Insurance
l Memorial Insurance
l Memorial Insurance
l Maintenance Contracts
l Maintenance Contracts
l Maintenance Contracts
446 Blackburn Road
ASTLEY BRIDGE
446 Blackburn Road ASTLEY BRIDGE
BOLTON BL1 8NL
BOLTON BL1 8NL
Tel/Fax 01204 309189
Tel/Fax 01204 309189
515 Bury Road
515 Bury Road
ROCHDALE OL11 4DG
ROCHDALE OL11 4DG
Tel/Fax 01706 645993
Tel/Fax 01706 645993
When it comes to eating and entertaining outdoors there’s something for everyone and every pocket these days. From small table-top barbecues to pizza ovens and even barbecue huts. With built-in grill, chimney and benches the latter is ready for use at any time of year, not just late summer, as is a hot tub. Positioned under an awning or pergola this can add a touch of luxury to any garden setting.
When it comes to eating and entertaining outdoors there’s something for everyone and every pocket these days. From small table-top barbecues to pizza ovens and even barbecue huts. With built-in grill, chimney and benches the latter is ready for use at any time of year, not just late summer, as is a hot tub. Positioned under an awning or pergola this can add a touch of luxury to any garden setting.
When it comes to eating and entertaining outdoors there’s something for everyone and every pocket these days. From small table-top barbecues to pizza ovens and even barbecue huts. With built-in grill, chimney and benches the latter is ready for use at any time of year, not just late summer, as is a hot tub. Positioned under an awning or pergola this can add a touch of luxury to any garden setting.
compactness (both are easy cities to walk and get to know) and its historic wonders. In fact, Split could steal the march here given the Old City is in its entirety not merely a UNESCO heritage site but a Roman palace, built by the Emperor Diocletian as his retirement home between 295 and 305AD.
He chose well. Facing a perfectly semi-circular harbour, with the warm waters of the Adriatic beyond, it’s one of the sunniest cities in the Med (2,600 to 2,800 hours annually). For an emperor – even a retired one – these were, nevertheless, dangerous times and so his palace was heavily fortified with watchtowers and double gates that could trap potential foes. Inside, however, there were walkways overlooking the sea where the emperor could stroll while enjoying the breezes, gardens and temples, sumptuous living rooms, garrisons and workshops and a vast dining room where Diocletian could entertain his guests around a marble table.
Firepits are a big trend for taking any chill out of the air. There are steel basins in a range of finishes that can be moved into different
Firepits are a big trend for taking any chill out of the air. There are steel basins in a range of finishes that can be moved into different positions to suit or more permanent brick or concrete structures and even table-top versions. The choice now is vast, making it really easy to find one that fits your lifestyle and garden design.
even table-top versions. The choice now is vast, making it really easy to find one that fits your lifestyle and garden design.
The upper levels of the palace have mostly disappeared but the lower levels reflect them, not just in having the same floor plan but in their architectural scale and flamboyance – perhaps rather unexpectedly for what would have functioned essentially as cellars. There are the loftiest of ceilings and the finest of archways and, after considerable restoration work, you can now wander through them again. Above ground, there are still parts of the original palace you can visit –though, of course, they have mostly been repurposed. The Shrine to Jupiter is now the Baptistry and Diocletian’s mausoleum is now the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, one of the oldest cathedral buildings in the world that is still in use.
Firepits are a big trend for taking any chill out of the air. There are steel basins in a range of finishes that can be moved into different positions to suit or more permanent brick or concrete structures and even table-top versions. The choice now is vast, making it really easy to find one that fits your lifestyle and garden design.
The rest of the palace, though, has been cannibalised over the years by a series of invaders – the Venetians built a new wall around the city, while the French demolished it and opened up
statement plants, dress a pergola, or to make a group of steps safer and aesthetically pleasing. Again, the choice is wide from solar and
statement plants, dress a pergola, or to make a group of steps safer and aesthetically pleasing. Again, the choice is wide from solar and
statement plants, dress a pergola, or to make a group of steps safer and aesthetically pleasing. Again, the choice is wide from solar and
With the right elements and features in place your garden won’t just be a relaxing haven at the height of summer, it will have a magic that keeps on drawing you to it for so much longer, not only this year but for years to come.
With the right elements and features in place your garden won’t just be a relaxing haven at the height of summer, it will have a magic that keeps on drawing you to it for so much longer, not only this year but for years to come.
With the right elements and features in place your garden won’t just be a relaxing haven at the height of summer, it will have a magic that keeps on drawing you to it for so much longer, not only this year but for years to come.
For more advice visit www.essilor.co.uk
Old Town
the city particularly the area next to the sea which is now a wide pedestrianised promenade, the Riva. Full of open-air cafés and restaurants, markets pop up here from time to time and everyone strolls along it, enjoying the delicious local ice cream. Within the Old City itself, shops and restaurants, bars and cafés have grown up against the old palace walls and houses have sprung up with scarlet geraniums spilling out of their window boxes and washing drying on the lines. There are few places where 2,000 years of history rub along so easily together.
I stayed in the nearby Ambasador Hotel which sits on the water with a perfect view across the harbour to the Old City, less than 10 minutes’ walk away. It’s Split’s only 5* and its bar and restaurant spill out on to the harbour’s edge, a favourite meeting point for guests and locals alike. There’s a rooftop bar and restaurant, too, with stunning views and beneath on another roof is the pool, pleasantly private and with more panoramic views and a bar of its own.
The hotel can arrange tours not just of Split itself and the palace but further afield. You can go white water rafting on the Cetina River or learn to make soparnik, the region’s signature dish, a chard-filled savoury pie that looks a little like the thinnest calzone you have ever seen. It is quite delicious. This is made the traditional way, cooked on hot stones and covered in ash by the Bulic family in the village of Tugare. It’s a region known for its delicious cherries (the family makes its own liqueur) and ubiquitous dry stone walls. On a day in the mountains, you get to enjoy not just the soparnik
but home-cured hams and salamis, fresh cheese and their own awardwinning wine, all in the most glorious surroundings.
Nowadays, this is a region known as Dalmatia but you’ll also find it in Shakespeare, notably Twelfth Night, as Illyria. For our Elizabethan forbears, it was a byword for exoticism and romanticism, with a frisson of danger, mostly from pirates, and where music was the food of love. Nowadays, Split is blooming again, a sun-kissed city whose citizens have the rare privilege of living inside their very own Roman palace.
Funeral Director for Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd www.havenfuneralplans.co.uk
Supporting Families with Care, Compassion and Experience
As the seasons change and brighter days return, Fred Hamer Funeral Service continues to offer gentle guidance and trusted support when it is needed most. For over 100 years, we have been privileged to care for families across the Northwest. Still proudly family owned, our service is built on understanding, dignity and personal attention, values that remain at the heart of everything we do.
Our experienced and compassionate team is here to help you celebrate life, honour memories and find comfort during difficult moments. With strong local knowledge, exceptional customer care and a longstanding reputation in the community. We are proud to be a Nominated Funeral Director for Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd, offering peace of mind for today and the future.
Website www.fredhamer.co.uk
The Whole Nine Yards: Belong at Home Atherton Retains Top Carers Crown
Dementia specialist home care service, Belong at Home Atherton, has retained its crown as the UK’s only not-for-profit operator to be named in the top 20 home care groups every year for the past nine years running – signalling its continuous success in supporting older people with the highest quality of care.
The exceptional result is based solely on independent reviews on leading website homecare.co.uk, often dubbed the ‘Tripadvisor of home care’, with service users and their families reporting on the performance of Belong at Home teams across the North West and West Midlands.
Its rigorously trained and compassionate carers support older people to retain independence in their homes through personal care, domestic duties, and running errands.
Core to its approach is person-centred care, empowering carers to assist customers to enjoy later life, for example, by arranging excursions, indulging their hobbies and interests, or even help them to try something new. Customers can also enjoy the amenities at Belong Atherton village, including bistro, salon, specialist gym, and an entertainment venue, as well as partake in its vibrant experiences programme.
One daughter of a customer reviewed: “The team treat Dad like one of their own, and the care has adapted beautifully as his illness has progressed (he was recently diagnosed with mixed dementia).
Most importantly, Dad really enjoys their company.They always take the time to chat with him and even play his favourite music during visits, which makes such a difference.”
Another said: “The service provided was of the highest standard and very professional, but the carers were also very friendly and very empathetic towards Mum, which was greatly appreciated.”
The news comes as the organisation opens its books to welcome more customers to take advantage of its award-winning home care service. In tandem, its continuing recruitment campaign has opportunities for those looking to enjoy a fulfilling career with a Gold Investors in People employer.
Speaking of the award, Andrew Shield, head of operations at Belong at Home, said: “Making the nation’s top 20 home care services for another year is a fantastic result and we appreciate our customers’ feedback. They tell us they like the fact we are not for profit, so they and their care are our focus. We genuinely love what we do, and this win really is down to the incredible work our colleagues do every day.”
For more information about Belong at Home Atherton, visit belong.org.uk or email enquiries@belong.org.uk
Considering a funeral plan?
Take
What is a funeral plan?
A funeral plan allows you to pay for your funeral in advance, helping to ease the financial responsibility for your loved ones when the time comes. By planning ahead, costs are set at today’s prices, which may help protect against future inflation between taking out the plan and when it is needed.
Although thinking about your own funeral can feel uncomfortable, many people take reassurance from knowing that practical arrangements are already in place. More importantly, it can provide loved ones with guidance and support at a time when making decisions may feel overwhelming.
Anyone who has had to arrange a funeral for a family member or close friend will understand how daunting the experience can be. At a difficult and emotional time, families are often required to make numerous decisions, from service details to personal preferences, sometimes without knowing exactly what their loved one would have wanted. Alongside this, there can be the added worry of meeting the cost of the funeral.
A funeral plan can help remove much of this uncertainty. By recording your wishes in advance and taking care of the cost, you can relieve your loved ones of both emotional pressure and financial burden, allowing them the space to focus on remembering and celebrating a life.
It’s also important to choose a provider you can trust. Funeral plans in the UK can only be sold by firms that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or by their appointed representatives. If you wish to check whether a firm is regulated, you can search the Financial Services Register on the FCA website at www.fca.org.uk/register.
For many people, a funeral plan is a positive and practical step, not just for themselves, but as a thoughtful decision made with loved ones firmly in mind.
Understanding the Benefits and Risks of Funeral Plans
If you are considering a funeral plan, it’s important to take time to understand how they work and whether one is right for you. Like any financial decision, weighing up both the benefits and the potential drawbacks can help you make an informed and confident choice.
The benefits of having a funeral plan
One of the main advantages of a funeral plan is the ability to fix the cost of your funeral at today’s prices. Funeral costs have risen steadily over recent years and may continue to do so. By paying
in advance, you may be protected against potential future price increases, offering reassurance that no further payment will be required for the services included in your plan.
A funeral plan can also remove the financial burden from loved ones at an already difficult time. With the cost taken care of, families are spared the worry of finding money during a period of grief.
Another benefit is by putting arrangements in place ahead of time, your personal wishes are clearly recorded and followed, helping to avoid uncertainty or difficult decisions for those close to you.
Funeral plans also have practical financial advantages. In the UK, they are exempt from Inheritance Tax, meaning the money set aside for your funeral is not included in the value of your estate.
Things to consider before taking out a funeral plan
While funeral plans offer reassurance, it’s important to understand their limitations. Each plan covers only the items and services that are included within it, and these can vary between providers. If additional services are needed when the funeral takes place, such as extra vehicles for mourners, these costs would usually need to be paid for separately by the family.
There is also the possibility that a funeral plan provider could fail. In such cases, plans are typically either refunded or transferred to another provider, depending on the circumstances and protections in place.
Funds paid into a funeral plan are usually held in a trust. If that trust were to fail and funds could not be returned, you may be entitled to compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), subject to eligibility.
Finally, in the unlikely event that funeral costs fall in the future, the price paid for a funeral plan would remain the same, as the plan is designed to provide certainty rather than market flexibility.
A considered choice
For many people, a funeral plan is a thoughtful and practical decision, offering peace of mind, clarity and reassurance for loved ones. Understanding both the benefits and the risks allows you to decide whether it is the right step for you and your family.
What’s included in a funeral plan?
What is covered by a funeral plan can vary depending on the provider and the type of plan you choose, which is why it’s important to understand exactly what is included before making a decision.
Most funeral plans are designed to cover the main elements of a funeral service. A Haven Personal Funeral Plan, for example, typically includes the funeral director’s professional services, a coffin, a hearse, and the services of a minister or celebrant. It also covers cremation fees or burial fees up to the cost of a cremation.
As funerals are highly personal, it’s essential to take time to check what is and isn’t included in any plan you’re considering. This ensures there are no unexpected costs later and that arrangements reflect your wishes as closely as possible.
Many plans can also be tailored and personalised, allowing you to make choices that suit your individual preferences, whether that’s a more traditional service or something that better reflects your
personality and values.
Understanding the detail upfront can help provide clarity, confidence and peace of mind, both for you and for those you love.
How does a funeral plan with Haven work?
Haven Personal Funeral Plans works through a trusted network of family owned funeral directors, all of whom act as an Appointed Representative of Haven. These funeral homes operate across East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, offering local knowledge alongside professional guidance. Funeral plans are sold face to face by funeral directors who are specifically trained to discuss funeral planning.
When you take out a Haven funeral plan, the price you pay includes an administration fee, which covers the day to day running costs of the company. The remaining balance is then placed into The Haven Funeral Trust, where it is invested by an investment manager regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The money is held protectively until it is needed.
Throughout the lifetime of the plan, Haven keeps in touch. Every 3 years, you’ll receive a summary of your funeral plan and have the opportunity to review or update any details. Changes can also be made at any time if your wishes change, and Haven does not charge an administration fee for making amendments. It is important to us that your plan remains right for you and continues to reflect your wishes.
When setting up your plan, you are also given the option to appoint a Nominated Representative. This is someone who is aware of your funeral plan, helping to ensure it is easily located and used when the time comes. A nominated representative cannot make changes to or cancel the plan; their role is simply to ensure it doesn’t go unclaimed.
At the time of need, whoever is arranging the funeral simply contacts Haven or the nominated funeral director. From there, the family is guided through every step of the process by a dedicated and professional team, offering support before, during and after the funeral.
Once the funeral has taken place, Haven pays the nominated funeral director directly for carrying out the funeral in line with the planned arrangements. These costs are covered by the funeral plan, meaning no additional charges are passed on to loved ones for the services included. If any extras are required that are not part of the plan, these would be payable separately.
This structured and supportive approach can bring reassurance, with clear arrangements in place, funds held separately in line with regulatory requirements, and loved ones supported when it matters most.
Thinking AHEAD this summer?
Summer often brings moments of reflection — time spent with family, warm evenings and a chance to put plans in place for the future. A Haven Personal Funeral Plan allows you to do just that, offering peace of mind that everything will be taken care of when the time comes.
By planning ahead, you can ease the emotional and financial pressure on your loved ones.
Plan with us today the Haven way.
Fixed price pre-paid funeral plans offering peace of mind for you and your family.
Haven have helped over 7,000* clients plan for their final farewell since 1998 * represents the total number of funeral plans sold as at May 2025.
26 Nominated funeral directors throughout East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Give your family peace of mind knowing the financial burden of arranging a funeral has been taken care of.
