Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial (false) looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures.This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that ChrisWright Denture Clinics specialise in correcting.
Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?
DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING
Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.
Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorption dentures will become loose sooner or later.
Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.
Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.
YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION
1. When they become loose.
2. When teeth or denture base discolours.
3. When tooth surfaces become flat.
4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).
5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.
6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.
7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.
MY DENTURES HAVE BECOME LOOSE!
This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.
DENTURES ON IMPLANTS
This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.
SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE?
Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.
CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES
Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.
In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.
At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
WHAT IS A CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN?
A Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the
Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).
It is this qualification that allows the clinicians at Chris Wright Denture Clinics to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted to supply dentures direct to the public.
A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them
for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT.
CHRIS WRIGHT DENTURE CLINICS CAN OFFER ALL ASPECTS OF DENTURE CARE INCLUDING;
• Free Consultations
• Denture cleaning and polishing service
• Repair of broken or cracked dentures
• Relining existing dentures to improve fit
• New full dentures
• New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *
• Sports mouth guards
*Dentist treatment plan can be arranged
DID YOU KNOW?
It is illegal for anyone who is not a GDC registered Dentist or Clinical Dental Technician to make a dental appliance directly to the public. This includes dentures or tooth whitening. Anyone providing these services should be reported to the General Dental Council or Trading Standards as they are practicing dentistry without the appropriate qualifications or indemnity insurance.
GIORGIO
14-15
Sardinia
Beyond Dubrovnik
GIROGIO LOCATELLI
The Master Chef joins Masterchef
21-22 HOME
Extending your home into the garden this Summer
23-27 FOOD
Great British Barbecue with the Beefy Boys
30
MOTORING
Steve Howarth’s test drives the X-TRAIL TEKNA 213 E-4ORCE
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
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HIGHLIGHTS: to Dunvegan Castle. Smoo Cave Lunch. Wolfburn Distillery.
Cambridge is a vibrant, modern city with a colourful history that attracts visitors from around the world. Combined with our visit to Bletchley Park, home of the Codebreakers, you’re sure to learn something new on this Cambridgeshire long weekend. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Bletchley Park. Guided Tour of Cambridge.
to Conwy. Full Day Snowdonia with stops at Betws-y-coed and Caernarfon. Monday, 5th October | 5 Days | £419
An award-winning resort where elegant Victorian villas, a bustling harbour, and palm fringed beaches give the Riviera its well-earned name. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Brixham & Palace Hotel Cream Tea. Exmouth & Exe Estuary River Cruise. Powderham. Castle & Exeter. Dartmouth River & Rail. Dawlish & Teignmouth Monday, 5th October | 8 Days | £739 A WEEK IN TORQUAY The Headland Hotel
Cornwall is in the far west of Great Britain on a peninsula tumbling into the vast Atlantic Ocean, almost completely surrounded by the sea. Cornwall is loved for its dramatic coastline, captivating fishing harbours, and of course, its pasties and cream teas!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Truro & Farmer’s Market. Looe & Padstow. Pencarrow House & Garden with Cream Tea.
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.
A tour to Yorkshire packed full of attractions, which includes a visit to Harewood House, a train ride on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway, a Skipton Canal cruise, and a visit to an award-winning winery, Ryedale Vineyard.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Ryedale Vineyard. Journey on the Embsay & Bolton Railway. Harewood House. Skipton Canal Cruise
WARWICKSHIRE
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 Schoolroom & Stratford-Upon-Avon. Tewkesbury Abbey & Broadway. Alcester & Packwood Tudor House.
Monday, 26th October | 5 Days | £559
PICTURESQUE
The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast is famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and seemingly endless rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns, and little villages.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: The Beautiful Seaside Town of Tenby. Picton Castle & Gardens & Saundersfoot. Mumbles & The Gower Peninsula.
BOURNEMOUTH
With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all – a vast variety of shops and restaurants, endless countryside offering peace and relaxation, and beautiful, award-winning gardens.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Compton Acres & Poole Quay. Cruise from Poole to Swanage. Monday, 26th October | 5 Days | £499
BABBACOMBE
The Babbacombe Hotel
Perched high on the red sandstone cliffs of South Devon’s English Riviera, Babbacombe is a peaceful village that blends seaside relaxation, rich heritage, and stunning natural surroundings. Just minutes from Torquay, this coastal gem offers panoramic views, hidden beaches, and a perfect escape from the bustle.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Paignton Zoo. Coleton Fishacres & Brixham Canal Cruise.
Monday, 26th October | 5 Days | £379
Stroll along Morecambe’s award-winning promenade with an ice cream before visiting the Eric Morecambe Statue, and the Tern Project, a series of public art installations inspired by the birdlife of Morecambe Bay.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Lakes Rail & Sail. Lune Aqueduct Cruise with Fish & Chip Lunch.
in
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens and Lossiemouth. Fort Augustus & Loch Ness Cruise. Strathspey Steam Railway & Aviemore.
BOURNEMOUTH TURKEY & TINSEL The Suncliffe Hotel
With seven miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town of Bournemouth has it all – a vast variety of shops and restaurants, endless countryside offering peace and relaxation, and beautiful, award-winning gardens.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: The Tank Museum & Poole Quay. Salisbury Cathedral & Salisbury. Turkey & Tinsel Theme. Evening Entertainment. Tea-Dance One Afternoon. Monday, 2nd November | 5 Days | £429
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 smithtours
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
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
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!
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AVA are committed to making the whole process of taking a holiday with us as easy and pain free as possible.
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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
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AYRSHIRE COAST, ISLE OF ARRAN & BUTE
13TH SEPTEMBER
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GATEWAY TO THE CAIRNGORMS
Beyond Dubrovnik: Why Split Is Croatia’s Most Compelling Coastal Escape
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 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.
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.
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 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
Split
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.
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 award-winning wine, all in the most glorious surroundings.
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
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.
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.
LIKE THE BEST BOOKS, YOU’LL WANT TO RE-VISIT AGAIN & AGAIN
Looking like nothing special from the outside - confusing, almost. Once a garage, built for fuel and function. A plain building. Easy to drive past. However 26 years ago, someone did slow down, a man with a vision. And in 2001, the doors opened againthis time as Brierlow Bar Bookstore. The garage had become a bookshop.
In July 2016, a new chapter began. A café was added, and High Peak Bookstore and Café was born - a place not just to browse, but to stay.
The smell of coffee and paper. Shelves bulging with books. Corners that invite you to sit a little longer than planned. A space with its own rhythm, a little unconventional, proudly itself. Some people read in silence, others talk softly over cups and crumbs, some simply breathe for a moment before heading back out into the world. We’ve kept old photographs and signage of the original garage on the café wall, and even a petrol pump outside, as a quiet reminder of where this building began.
25 years on, we’re celebrating becoming part of the wonderful community, who love books, cakes and coffee as much as we do, so our next era is about you, the people who walk through the door. Through events, conversations, good food and drink, and shelves full of wonderful books, the High Peak Bookstore and Café will continue to be a place to gather, discover, and belong - growing by deepening what it already does best.
We won’t win any prizes for architectural aesthetics. But it’s ours and we love it - and as they say, you should never judge a book by its cover.
Summer in Derby
Derby plays host to a fantastic array of events this summer, from farmers’ markets to spectacular outdoor concerts featuring music icons such as Billy Ocean and JLS
Step into the beautiful Derby Market Hall this summer. Discover a secret, intimate dining room and enjoy three courses of culinary wizardry at Saturday Supper Club, a new adult only dining experience featuring local guest chefs, taking place on Sat 4 Jul. With specially selected red and white wine paired with your meal, bring your nearest, dearest, or a date and sit amongst fellow foodies. Celebrate the summer with special evening editions of our Farmers’ Markets on Fri 17 Jul and Fri 21 Aug! Expect a brilliant atmosphere filled with fantastic local traders, artisan treats, fresh produce, street food, handmade goods, live music and much more. Whether you’re stopping by after work, meeting friends for the evening, or simply enjoying the summer vibes in the heart of the city, these special celebrations promise great food, shopping and entertainment throughout the Market Hall. Derby Market Hall is located on Tenant Street, DE1 2DB.
The Darley Park Weekender makes a return this summer! Caribbean King of Pop Billy Ocean takes to the stage on Fri 21 Aug, promising a night of joy and great music, and will be joined by special guest Marti Pellow, iconic lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, alongside Katrina formerly of Katrina and the Waves who will be Walking on Sunshine! On Sat 22 Aug, expect a night of chart-topping favourites from boy-band royalty JLS. Joining them, Appleton sisters Natalie and Nicole deliver signature hits alongside All Saints classics, while Chesney Hawkes brings back his unstoppable pop-rock energy. The weekend concludes on Sun 23 Aug at The Darley Park Concert, which has been Derby tradition for over 35 years! Providing the soundtrack to your evening is our very own Sinfonia Viva. Based right here in the East Midlands, this award-winning orchestra brings incredible local talent to the stage. We are also delighted to welcome back the esteemed conductor Stephen Bell. Having conducted for the BBC Proms and the Hallé, Stephen’s return ensures a worldclass performance for all ages to enjoy together. The night will culminate in a spectacular pyrotechnic display, transforming the night sky. This fusion of colour and sound is designed to delight audiences of all ages, providing a dazzling conclusion to the weekend’s festivities.
Leap into the extraordinary with Derby Festé on Sat 26 Sep! Transforming Derby City Centre into a vibrant playground of creativity, the city’s premier FREE outdoor arts festival invites you to a family-friendly celebration right in the heart of the city. Watch as the streets become a stage for a spectacular lineup featuring high-energy dance and performance, to stunning art, crazy characters and breath-taking circus acts.
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 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.
THE STRINES INN
Great British BBQ
rtewkesbury@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk
With The Beefy Boys
Traditional Country Pub in Sheffield a perfect destination for walkers and dog walkers
THE BEEFY BOYS are Anthony Murphy, Daniel MayoEvans, 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.
Food and drink
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!
Our menu is based around old favourites and traditional crowd pleasers, from pies and Yorkshire puddings to lasagne. We also have an extensive range of vegetarian options so there is something for everyone. We serve a host of fine real ales, alongside quality wines and spirits of all kinds.
Beer garden
The beer garden at The Strines Inn is the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside when relaxing with a pint of real ale. Geese, chickens and peacocks roam nearby, while our enclosed play area means there’s plenty of fun to be had for kids.
Atmosphere
There’s nothing like a roaring fire and a good beverage to warm the cockles on a winter’s night, and The Strines Inn’s historic building offers atmosphere in spades to those who come through our doors. There’s plenty of nooks and crannies and quiet corners where you can settle in for an afternoon or evening.
Visit us today and find out why people come from miles around to sample our food, drink and unique atmosphere.
Despite being within Sheffield's border, the Strines Inn could be a world away. Nestled amongst breathtaking moorland scenery, it is one of the local landmarks in the Peak District National Park.
Originally a manor house, it was built in 1275 for the Worrall family, although most of the present day structure is 16th Century. After becoming an Inn in 1771 when John Morton leased the property from the Worrall's, it got its name from an Olde English word meaning the meeting of water, quite appropriate as nowadays it overlooks the Strines Reservoir.
In the height of Winter the Inn attracts walkers and visitors on a daily basis. The roaring fires and stunning views perfectly compliment the excellent food and drink available, with many dishes being homemade.
The Strines Inn is also famous for its numerous peacocks, the previous Landlord having introduced several pairs twenty years ago, there are now over thirty of them.
There is also accommodation available for those people looking to escape for a few days to relax. Our rooms all feature four-poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, hot drinks facilities and colour televisions. Each has a dining table where breakfast will be served to you, offering you comfort and privacy. Two of our rooms have fantastic views across the reservoir, so please ask if you would like a room with a view.
• Four-poster bed
• En-suite facilities
• Breakfast included
851247
www.thestrinesinn.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.
JERK CHICKEN
We love Caribbean food. It was never readily available in our home town of Hereford but whenever we were in cities like Bristol or London, we always used to make a beeline for anywhere serving proper jerk chicken, curry goat or salt fish and ackee.We were over the moon when the street food pop-up Jerk Bay started in Hereford. Lamin and the team at Jerk Bay are total legends, banging out incredibly tasty and authentic Jamaican street food, so we had to get some tips off them for our Jerk recipe.
SERVES 2–4
BBQ setup: 2-zone direct grilling or smoking
Fuel source: Lumpwood, briquettes, or wood burnt down to embers
Wood flavour: Pimento wood if you can get it, cherry if you can’t
COOKING TIME: 1 hour, plus overnight marinating
1 whole chicken, quartered
For the jerk marinade
3 spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped
8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled (bear in mind
I have unusually big thumbs from years of Mario Kart abuse), roughly chopped
2 tbsp thyme leaves
2 tbsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 red onion, quartered
At least 2 Scotch bonnet chillies (but add as many as you want)
2 tbsp smoked salt
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp cracked black pepper
380ml (1½ cups) soy sauce
240ml (1 cup) orange juice
Juice of 2 limes
60ml (¼ cup) olive (non-virgin) or rapeseed (canola) oil
METHOD
Blitz all the marinade ingredients in a food processor.
Grab a ziplock bag, place the chicken pieces inside and pour in three-quarters of the marinade. Keep the remaining separate from the raw meat and save it for later as a dipping sauce.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken. Lift the skin where you can and massage the marinade between the skin and the meat. Leave to marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 24 hours.
To cook the chicken you can either cook it indirect, away from the direct heat, turning regularly and letting the gentle heat of the
coals slowly cook the chicken, or you can smoke it over pimento or cherry wood. If smoking, get your smoker running between 120 and 150°C/250 and 300°F.
Whichever method you use, remove the breast when it has been reading above 65°C/149°F for 10 minutes; bear in mind that carryover cooking should take a piece of chicken removed at 65°C potentially all the way up to the late 60s°C/150°F once removed off the grill. The thigh and leg can be taken all the way to the high 80s/192°F or early 90s/195°F and will still be juicy.
Serve with the reserved marinade as a dipping sauce.
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.
IT’S one of my favourite UK destinations for a short break holiday… but many others agree which is why a trip to The Lake District needs a perfect place to stay.
At the heart of all that stunning scenery and great attractions is Bowness-on-Windermere where we enjoyed a two night break at The Ro – an 87 bedroom historic and striking structure on the hills just above Bowness with amazing views out along England’s biggest lake.
Anyone who has visited The Lakes will tell you that traffic and parking are two of the biggest problems in high season so The Ro was a perfect choice being a short stroll from the centre of the village and a great base for longer walks across the rolling hills with easy access and ample parking on site.
The hotel reopened in 2021 after a multi-million pound refurbishment which has resulted in a luxurious yet comfortable, relaxed destination with contemporary interiors a warm welcome and panoramic views across Lake Windermere. It has become a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
Built in 1881, the original building has played a significant role in the community throughout its history serving as a boarding school for boys and later as a convalescent hospital during the First World War.
In 2025 the hotel expanded its guest offering with the opening of a Hydro Wellness Club, providing a dedicated space for relaxation and wellbeing.
With sweeping views across Lake Windermere and a design-led aesthetic, The Ro also boast the Lacu Restaurant serving excellent food in a welcoming contemporary setting and has dog-friendly accommodation.
We enjoyed an evening meal selecting tasty fish and chicken dishes from the set menu which were generous, piping hot and good value.
Walking boots on we set off the next day for a stroll along the lakeside aiming for Ambleside a few miles away at the head of Windermere. This being the lakes there were various hostelries along the way meaning coffee and lunch stops were no problem and a near perfect day was finished off with a 30-minute ferry cruise back to the comfort of our welcoming hotel. Even the June weather played its part with no downpours and some very sunny spells.
Walking routes are provided in the hotel reception stretching from moderate strolls to more challenging treks and helpful staff will advise on the perfect route for you.
Eager to explore the quirky shops, bars and restaurants of Bowness on the second night we ventured out to discover busy watering holes and eateries (with thankfully small queues outside) and discovered Bowness has something for everyone – and every nationality.
Room rates at The Ro vary by season and room type, see www. therohotel.com for prices and offers, but start from £139 for a high season double room including full buffet breakfast.
More info at info@therohotel.com or website: https://therohotel.com
So much more than a care home
The original Belong care village, Belong Macclesfield is a welcoming community, where we work to make sure every day is as good as it possibly can be.
Yes, we provide nursing and dementia care - and in an exceptionally stylish and homely environment. [We call it household living because it looks and feels di erent from a traditional care home.] And yes, we provide facilities, such as
a bistro, specialist gym, hair salon and entertainment venue. [Our village centre.]
But more than that, we create opportunities. Music, the arts, exercise, gardening, walks, talks, dominoes, darts, book clubs, bridge, outings, socials and, ultimately, friendships.
There’s something for everyone and we’re not-for-profit, which enables us to invest in our people, settings and experience programmes.
STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE
X-TRAIL TEKNA
213 E-4ORCE
MANY car manufacturers make ambitious claims about fuel consumption figures for their new models… but always in the small print is something called real world MPG, which is quite a bit less and what you are much more likely to achieve.
However, I think I have found a car that bucks the trend in the Nissan X-Trail Tekna 213 E-4ORCE which claims up to a modest 52mpg plus – not bad at all for a seven seat SUV capable of 111mph.
A week of driving this comfortable and well equipped 4X4 –including three days around the steep and twisty roads of North Yorkshire and Cumbria – showed this claim to be, if anything, quite reasonable as after a few hundred miles there was still a third of a tank left.
The X-Trail’s party trick is that its 1.5 three cylinder turbo petrol engine is not actually connected to the wheels. It simply acts as a generator supplying power to a small on-board battery or directly to the two electric motors – which also means four wheel drive.
The fourth-generation model comes in a variety of trims and we tested the range topping e-4ORCE 213 Tekna version, which deploys its four-wheel drive and clever hybrid system to provide a supersmooth driving experience.
It feels controlled, well-balanced and powerful (especially in sport mode) with a 0-62mph time of 7 seconds and another plus is seven seats for those with lots of friends or family.
Behind the wheel you get a smoother, pure-electric driving experience opposed to the transitions you notice on a conventional hybrid when it changes between petrol and electric. The petrol engine just charges away in the background when needed which seems a more effective way of merging the power on tap.
Buyers can opt for two-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive e-4ORCE version - tested here - has an extra electric motor at the back to drive the rear wheels when you need more grip giving
the X-Trail a sure-footed feel and helping maintain traction on treacherous surfaces.
Plenty of driving modes are on offer, Standard, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. Drivers also have the choice of switching on the e-Pedal, which gives you the option to accelerate and decelerate effectively with just the one pedal, hardly needing the brakes at all while recovering energy into the battery.
From the front, the car has a tough look with the latest Nissan corporate grille and sleek LED lights. From the side, silver strips across the doors draw the eye while roof rails and black trim around the wheels and body side mouldings add a robust feel to the overall look. From the rear, the vehicle is distinguished by its roof spoiler and rear styling plate.
Inside the X-Trail is a pleasant place to be with all the controls within easy reach and power heated faux leather front seats mean getting comfy is no problem.
Two cup holders and a phone charging bay can also be found on the floating central platform above another storage area while the doors also have big spaces for your bits and pieces.
The large infotainment screen is crystal clear and offers access to satnav, DAB radio, phone connectivity, NissanConnect services and a ‘Where am I’ function in case you get hopelessly lost..
There are plenty of soft-touch materials while the dash incorporates some smart stitching and a silver strip beneath a section of wood-effect detailing. You have to look much lower down to find any cheaper plastics.
There are plenty of other creature comforts including a heated leather steering wheel, power sunroof and a 360 camera system providing a great all-round view when manoeuvring.
As a mid-seat passenger legroom and headroom are great and three sizeable adults can sit alongside each other in some comfort. The rear seats are a little more cramped but still OK even on a longer journey. Mid row passengers also have heated seats, their own climate control and USB charging ports.
The X-Trail starts from £38,220 for the entry lever 2WD version and our 4x4 test car in special order Electric Blue is £47,880 on the road.
For more info see www.nissan.co.uk
5 Bene ts of funeral planning with Simplicity
Just like getting a savings account, car insurance or writing a will, a funeral plan is a sensible approach to life admin. It allows you to make key decisions in advance and pay for the essential funeral services at today’s prices.
At Simplicity, we believe a heartfelt farewell doesn’t have to come from grand gestures. You can plan a respectful funeral with a direct cremation, as a thoughtful choice with lower costs.
A simpler way to say goodbye
Direct cremations are simply a cremation without a service at the crematorium for mourners to attend. It is carried out with the same dignity and respect as a traditional cremation, but without expensive add-ons, like flowers, an organist or procession of funeral cars. Since there’s no service, it’s often a more a ordable way to say goodbye.
Peace of mind
A funeral plan is a practical way to plan and pay for your funeral ahead of time. You can make important decisions about your farewell today, so your family won’t have to later.
You don’t need to rely on anyone to make funeral arrangements for you or worry about passing on the expense of doing so. Instead, everyone can have peace of mind that arrangements are already in place.
Less pressure on loved ones
Keeping funeral arrangements simple can help make a di cult time a little easier. Loved ones can focus on being there for each other and remembering you in their own way.
There’s no pressure to guess how you would have wanted to say goodbye or worry about how to cover costs.
Remembering you in their own way
It also means families have the freedom to honour you in their own way, separate from the cremation. If they would like to host a celebration of life or scatter the ashes in a special ceremony, it’s their choice.
This can be especially helpful for families who want a little more time to arrange something special or who need more time to travel.
Simple to arrange
At Simplicity, we o er a straightforward approach to funeral planning, with simple arrangements and local care.
You can arrange a direct cremation funeral plan with Simplicity for just £1,799 when you pay in one go, or £1,899 when you pay in instalments over 24 months.
To arrange a direct cremation funeral plan with us, visit simplicity.co.uk
If you would like to speak to someone, you can call our friendly experts on 0808 291 2597
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