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JANUARY - MARCH 2016

KIRKLEES & CALDERDALE EDITION 48

Paul Nicholas

FROM JUST A GOOD FRIEND TO AN EASTEND GANGSTER PLUS

John Torode’s NEW RECIPES

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take on

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CONTENTS

INSIDE... 5

6-7

8-9

14-15

18-19

Twittering On With Graham Smith.

6-7

Lake Garda A special interest trip.

8-13

Robinsons Holidays Affordable peace of mind.

14-15

Paul Nicholas From Just a Good Friend to an Eastend Gangster.

18-19

Downsizing & Decluttering A plan of action.

26-29

My Kind Of Food John Torode shares some of his favourite recipes.

36-37

Out and About What's going on in your local area?

36-37 6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

What’s your “50 Plus” New Year Resolution for 2016? This time of year, many people are planning their New Year Resolutions – new interests, new challenges and perhaps giving something back to their community? West Yorkshire Police are targeting readers of “50 Plus” magazine who may be interested in volunteering to join the Special Constables? Being a Special is about giving something back to your community, self-improvement and developing your skills You could be on the frontline of policing, patrolling local communities and reassuring members of the public, or perhaps volunteering to help with other specialist task? Full training and support is provided and being a Special can help you cover the following challenges which may already be on your New Year Resolution tick list: Improving your fitness, learning a new skill, meeting new people, improving your qualifications and life experience, and of course helping your community and local residents. What kind of commitment is involved? It can be as little as 16 hours a month of your time. For more details, to read the info, view our videos and browse the blogs written by serving Specials and new recruits on our website: www.westyorkshire.police.uk/bespecial You can also apply to join online.

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Twittering On with Graham Smith

“They are anointed and I declare passes when your children sit for Graham Smith exams. They are said to work for anyone who is sitting for any test,” he said. According to Nigerian Watch, one parishioner testified: “My son is not very bright and I think this will help him. With the knowledge he has acquired and this pen from the man of God, I think it is going to work.” One student said he scored highly in his A-levels last year after using the pen he was given by the prophet.

Love a duck A bow-tie wearing duck has been injured in a drunken pub brawl with a local dog in Chulmleigh, Devon. The booze-loving bird, affectionately named Star, was enjoying a pint in The Old Courthouse Inn with his handler, Barrie Hayman, when Hayman’s canine Meggie sparked a bar brawl. Star was left with injuries to his beak after the fight. “Star pushed his luck too far and Meggie snapped - splitting Star’s bottom beak right down the middle,” Hayman, 69, told the Cheddar Valley Gazette. “He gave her a stare, then promptly stood on her back. It was not pretty and not nice. We were so scared we would lose Star. “He had to be rushed to the vets and go under anaesthetic, which is always risky and could go either way with ducks and other small animals. “Thankfully our Star is a tough cookie and it looks like he came out okay.” Hayman has cared for Star ever since he was a chick, carrying him around in his pocket. Once the duckling grew up, he developed a taste for real ale and started following his owner to the pub.

“He just won’t leave me and so we go everywhere together,” Hayman said. “I’ve not trained him to follow me. He just seems to like it and he is one fantastic duck. “He loves to come to the pub, where everyone loves him. He is such a personality and attracts so much attention.”

Note the pastor’s Christian name…. they’re not all locked up are they?

Good baahaviour! A sheep has been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in the British Army for good baa-haviour.

Chicken feed

Private Derby XXX was promoted to the rank at an event in Chester, marking eight years of being in the Mercian Regiment.

An Australian Thai restaurant has trained a live chicken to run its Twitter account.

The ram was awarded his honor by the Colonel of the regiment, Brigadier Andrew Williams.

Apparently the chicken pecks out the messages on the keyboard with its beak. Woe betide it if anything untoward appears there or I see a whole new meaning to chicken fried twice!

The Swaledale sheep is officially classed as a soldier and he is the 30th in a line of mascot rams running back to the Indian Mutiny War in the mid-19th Century.

Mighty pens!

Formerly known as Private Derby 30th, his promotion now entitles him to wear a single stripe on his uniform.

A Zimbabwean pastor has reportedly convinced his congregates his holy pens can make students pass their exams - and the more you pay for one, the better grades you’ll get. Prophet Sham Hungwe of House of Grace International Church in Harare is selling the pens, which cost from $1 up to $20. According to News24Zim, the prophet told his congregation those sitting exams only needed faith and one of the special pens to pass.

The Mercian Regiment celebrated his success on its Facebook page, writing: “He was resplendent in his scarlet coat with Lincoln green and gold facings, emblazoned with the Regiment’s main Battle Honours.” During his career, Lance Corporal Derby XXX helped switch on the Christmas lights in Ashbourne and met Prince William at the unveiling of a memorial commemorating the 1914 Christmas Truce.

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50 Plus Travel

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Lake Garda, Italy a special interest trip By Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor.

Jacqueline is an experienced writer and traveller, who travelled to Lake Garda to sample the gastronomic delights of the region. A tough assignment but someone had to do it! Lake Garda is the perfect place to experience what this stunning region of Italy has to offer mature travellers. We particularly enjoyed the trips to Verona, Venice, a vineyard for wine tasting and, probably our favourite, learning to cook Italian style.

as a family-owned hotel, had a friendly relaxed atmosphere – especially the live music in the hotel courtyard and ‘happy hour’ from 5-6pm each evening. The barman was brilliant, suggesting different drinks to try and with a wicked sense of humour!

Definitely a drink that became an easy habit as it is light, refreshing and easy to drink, bars that offer the spritz generally including a bowl of olives, crisps and nuts at no extra charge. Naturally we felt obliged to try out every version of the cocktail at different bars we visited.

Half-board accommodation at Hotel Continental in Nago (near Torbole at the northern end of Lake Garda), included a carafe of wine with dinner each day and

Locally a glass of Prosecco is around 2.50, and a spritz cocktail with Prosecco base, Apperol for the pink colouring plus a dash of soda water, is a similar price.

At the northern end of the lake, no motor boats are allowed (except for the ferry) so it is a centre for sailing, wind surfing and other water sports plus

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TRAVEL walking and cycle routes around the lake. The ferry is €6 return, only takes ten minutes to Riva and leaves every half an hour. Riva del Garda is an old town with narrow streets, lots of little shops (open on Sunday) plus friendly bars and restaurants so worth popping over for the day.

Learning to cook Italian style At Tinazzi winery for the cookery course, our group of 12 worked as couples to produce what we ultimately ate for lunch. We soon discovered six different approaches to breaking 2 eggs into a bowl for the tiramisu! We made pasta, an easy process that requires muscles, a steady table when kneading it into submission, and two of you to stop it falling on the floor as you roll it thinner. The chef was very helpful and, finishing with a huge mixed vegetable stir-fry to go with the pasta, we enjoyed our freshly-prepared tasty lunch with an exceptional Bardolino red wine.

Venice After a very early start and long journey, our excellent guide explained the history of Venice, how and why it is expensive, and how to get the most out of a oneday visit. He offered to arrange things for us – gondola trip at €22 for half an hour, boat trip around the islands €16 for an hour, lunch at a little restaurant off the main square at €15 each for two courses plus wine. It was a perfect option. The Venice basics first: •

If you sit for food or drink, you will pay

•

If you stand for coffee or a drink it is much cheaper

•

If you want to sit down, visit a church which is free.

Verona Excellent tour guide Ambrish explained the history of Verona, the architecture, why the Arena (amphitheatre) was built, and the development of street lighting, aqueducts and take-away food in Roman times. He was interesting, very knowledgeable then repeated it all again in German – brilliant. It is a lively, bustling city and on Friday 26th June there was a motorbike convention with hundreds of them arriving in town square, horns blazing

and flags flying – spectacular. It is worth joining a guided tour for an hour, as the guide explains the finer details you might not notice and takes you to see the balcony of Romeo & Juliet (supposedly) where you can have a photograph with Juliet on the balcony or sign your name on the graffiti wall.

Aida in Verona We were excited to find Aida was on in Verona on our free Saturday. It was €308 for two of us, including coach pick-up from the hotel, and was all booked for us over the phone by our excellent hotel manager. Though hot and sunny during the week, dark clouds gathered as we arrived in Bra Piazza around 6.45pm on Saturday, as did the official sellers of plastic raincoats at €5 each. As we entered the Arena, the rain started. We sat, huddled, while thunder, lightning and torrential rain targeted the audience

until it was so bad they crammed us into the lower corridor, water pouring down steps and dripping off our less-thanadequate raincoats. There is no cover over the Arena so if the performance cannot start due to bad weather, or is delayed for 2 hours, they have to refund your money. If they start then stop due to rain, there is no refund. With an audience of up to 10,000 you can see this might be a worry. The performance finally started at 10.20pm, with one interval instead of three and lightning still flashing in the far distance. It was spectacular, a superb performance with incredible number of performers on stage and an impressive set that takes up a quarter of the Arena. If you want to fit in as much as possible, and enjoy some different experiences in this beautiful part of Italy, then this holiday is highly recommended.

FACTBOX Archers Holidays features the ‘Lake Garda’s Gastronomic Experience’ based at the four star rated Hotel Continental, Lake Garda and includes excursions to Venice, Verona, and a cookery class at the Tinazzi winery with an experienced Italian chef using local ingredients to make pasta and sauces with participation from the class. A half day excursion is also included to discover the wine tradition of the region of Veneto at the vineyard “Tenuta Ugolini” with wine tasting included. The holiday is priced from £762 per person for a departure on 12 October 2016 to include return flights, airport transfers, seven nights half board accommodation and all excursions.

For more information, please visit www.archersdirect.co.uk/ holiday/lake-gardas-gastronomic-experience-new

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Offering Great Value Holidays For Over 90 Years

from only

£129 Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Eastbourne is an “all year round” holiday destination with one of the best sunshine records in the UK.

The Isle of Wight offers stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, breath taking seascapes and not forgetting its extensive history.

The Imperial Hotel is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker.

The Ocean View Hotel is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

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Delightful Devon Torquay

With its mild climate and trademark Palm Trees, Torquay is one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and has been fashionable since the 19th Century. The Abbey Lawn Hotel is an elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout. Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay. Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage

The Robinsons Difference Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

9 Day Tours 2016

8 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 30 Apr 07 May 14 May 21 May 28 May 04 Jun 11 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun 02 Jul 09 Jul 16 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 06 Aug 13 Aug 20 Aug 27 Aug 03 Sept 10 Sept 17 Sept 24 Sept 01 Oct 15 Oct 29 Oct 06 Nov 26 Nov

£395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

ABBEY LAWN £395 £409 £419 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £419 £409 £399 £389 £309 £299 £289 £309 £309

Only standard rooms available on 9 Day Tours

8 Day Tours 2016

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 30 Apr 01 May 07 May 08 May 14 May 15 May 21 May 22 May 28 May 29 May 04 Jun 05 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 02 Jul 03 Jul 09 Jul 10 Jul 16 Jul 17 Jul 23 Jul 24 Jul 30 Jul 31 Jul 06 Aug 07 Aug 13 Aug 14 Aug 20 Aug 21 Aug 27 Aug 28 Aug 03 Sept 04 Sept 10 Sept 11 Sept 17 Sept 18 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept

£349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

7 Day Tours 2016

6 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

ABBEY LAWN £349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £379 £379 £389 £389 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £389 £389 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £359

Imperial Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £35 Abbey Lawn Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Front Facing Room - £15 Ocean View Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Sea View Room - £15

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 27 Mar 03 Apr 10 Apr 17 Apr 24 Apr 01 May 08 May 15 May 22 May 29 May 05 Jun 12 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jun 03 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Jul 07 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Aug 04 Sept 11 Sept 18 Sept 25 Sept 09 Oct 23 Oct 06 Nov 20 Nov

£219 £229 £249 £259 £269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

ABBEY LAWN £219 £229 £249 £259 £269 £299 £315 £325 £335 £345 £355 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £359 £329 £249 £239 £259 £259

Only standard rooms available on 7 Day Tours

We offer you ... 3 4/6/7/8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 3 2 included excursions 3 Free pick-ups 3 Service of driver courier

Your Groups’ Specialist for coach holidays in the UK and Europe

We can tailor make tours to your specific requirements, if you want more information then contact our groups department on 0800 7851025 or email groups@robinsons-holidays.co.uk

With over 90 years of experience in tailor making holidays, we at Robinsons offer a personal service. Whether you need help with part or all of your groups holidays we can lend a hand in organising, booking and everything in-between. We are flexible in our approach and can offer destinations found in this brochure or we can tailor make to your specification, whether in the UK or Europe. We offer all of our group’s excellent benefits: • 1 FREE place for every 10 paying passengers • Special interest and activity groups catered for • Complete financial security-BCH Bonded

5 Day Tours 2016

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW 08 Feb 15 Feb 22 Feb 29 Feb 07 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 25 Mar 30 Mar 04 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 Apr 02 May 06 May 10 May 16 May 20 May 24 May 30 May 03 Jun 07 Jun 13 Jun 17 Jun 21 Jun 27 Jun 01 Jul 05 Jul 11 Jul 15 Jul 19 Jul 25 Jul 29 Jul 02 Aug 08 Aug 12 Aug 16 Aug 22 Aug 26 Aug 30 Aug 05 Sept 09 Sept 13 Sept 19 Sept 23 Sept 27 Sept 01 Oct 05 Oct 09 Oct 15 Oct 19 Oct 23 Oct 29 Oct 02 Nov 06 Nov 12 Nov 16 Nov 20 Nov 26 Nov 30 Nov * 05 Dec * 12 Dec † 23 Dec l 29 Dec

£129 £139 £139 £139 £155 £159 £165 £175 £169 £175 £179 £185 £189 £199 £205 £209 £215 £219 £225 £229 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £239 £235 £229 £225 £219 £215 £209 £205 £199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £189 £189 £185 £185 £179 £179 £179 £169 £159 £399 £349

ABBEY LAWN £129 £139 £139 £139 £155 £159 £165 £175 £169 £175 £179 £185 £189 £209 £205 £199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £189 £189 £185 £185 £179 £179 £179 £169 £159 £399 £349

Imperial Hotel: Supplements per person: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Abbey Lawn : Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Turkey & Tinsel; * Unlimited single rooms; † Christmas Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion -  New Year Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion

Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by enjoyed considerable popularity in that channel’s Saturday evening “Subtitle Slot”. So much so that a holiday dedicated to the Sicilian hero appears in the latest Adagio brochure. I have a soft spot for Adagio as I was in at the birth of the idea. It comes to all of us as the years take their toll - the stiffening of the joints, the thickening of the waist and the realisation that, though the spirit is more than willing to tackle the roughest of rambling trails, the flesh is weaker. The ideal solution is to take holidays with folk with whom we can share our memories, knowing that those memories are likely to be mutual. And also knowing that the holidays will enable us to take a little gentle exercise - if only to prove that we can still do it.

Let’s Amble rather than Ramble By John Carter

John Carter, patron of Silver Travel Advisor and long-time presenter of TV’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ and “The Holiday Programme” and seasoned globetrotter now enjoys a little ambling rather than rambling to various tantalising destinations. We encountered no British holidaymakers when, in 1972, we went to Aghios Nikolaos on the north coast of Crete. Two years later, the resort was packed with them. A BBC television drama “The Lotus Eaters”, had been filmed there, and fans were eager to follow the footsteps of their heroes and heroines. The harbour cafes sported handwritten notices - in that style of bad English the Greeks do so well informing us that this or that place was the very establishment where the stars had eaten (“Shrims in Clay Pot” being a favoured dish).

10 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Why recall that ancient memory? Because of Inspector Montalbano. The stories by Andrea Camilleri were adapted for television in Italy, found their way to BBC Four and recently

Adagio is a collection of holidays from Ramblers Worldwide aimed at those who nowadays prefer to amble rather than ramble. And “Montalbano’s Sicily” fits the bill as perfectly as the inspector’s sharp suits fit the frame of actor Luca Zingaretti. There is much of interest in that somewhat neglected south eastern region of Sicily - the world heritage site of Ragusa, Syracuse, the Baroque town of Noto and the cave systems of the Cava Ispica gorge. Including locations featured in the television programmes adds a little fun to the

TRAVEL remember when it was not “former” will know all too well how limited in scope and style its cuisine used to be. Nowadays, in restaurants throughout Istria, you can discuss with the waiter the merits of the various olive oils on offer before going on to discuss the wine list. I’m pleased to see that the ancient town of Rovinj features in this holiday. I think it is a gem. It still shows evidence (specifically carvings of the winged lion of St. Mark) of its link with the Venetian empire, but before the Venetians, there was Illyria, the Roman and the Byzantine eras.

mix. As does a three-course lunch and wine-tasting at Noto. As I mentioned earlier, I have a soft spot for Adagio and think it provides an ideal holiday for anyone who has enjoyed more active breaks in the past but who - for all sorts of reasons prefers to take life at a slightly slower pace. You’ll find yourself with likeminded folk who will, more often than not, share memories of past holidays and destinations with which you are already familiar. In this context, I was a little concerned to see they’ve introduced something called Adagio Plus to the 2016 programme - offering “more challenging walking opportunities”. From what I gather, it is a way of combining the occasional morning on the hoof with some afternoon sightseeing - which doesn’t seem to be too taxing. Just as long as they don’t get carried away. Some of these holidays are, literally, mouthwatering. One is based in Bologna, Italy’s gastronomic capital. Instead of dwelling on the sights to be seen, I found myself thinking of the food - mortadella, parma ham, parmesan cheese and the like. I ate and drank very well indeed when I was last in Bologna. I even did some sightseeing, but not much. The city’s nickname “la grassa” (the fat one) is well earned, and this holiday enables you to visit, in addition, historic locations such as Ravenna and Modena.

Another destination which recently surprised me by the range and high quality of its cuisine is the Istrian peninsula of Croatia. My far more knowledgeable companion took me to several restaurants and small hotels during the course of a week, where we ate extremely well. I was introduced to the “slow food” movement - which began as a protest against American-style fast food, but which took on a wonderful life of its own. It is quite remarkable how well one can now eat in Croatia, and for that matter in other parts of former Yugoslavia. Those of us old enough to

France, Portugal and the Azores are also in this latest programme, along with holidays to Estonia and Latvia as well as the island of Jersey. A winning mixture of comfortable hotels, leisurely (and, of course, optional) walking, the pleasant company of like-minded folk, and some first class food and wine. Switzerland is featured, too. One holiday to Zermatt and the Matterhorn features the cable cars and alpine railways of the region, which are used to carry you to fine walking country. But, as I said, the walking has to be regarded as the cherry on the cake with these holidays, aimed as they are at people who have chosen to take holidays, and life, at a slower pace.

Factbox: Silver Travel Advisor recommends Adagio Holidays. For more information, visit adagio.co.uk or contact info@adagio.co.uk or call 01707 386700 WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Great south south Great coast holidays coast holidays Coach SELF-DRIVE & & COACH COACH INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE BREAKS BREAKS SELF-DRIVE

89 nclusive ££114 holidays GREAT GREAT VALUE VALUE55DAY DAY BREAKS HALF BOARD HALF BOARD BREAKS

from from

per per person person

When itit comes comes to to inviting, inviting, relaxing relaxing When breaks in in the the south, south, we we have have the the breaks ideal holiday holiday for for you. you. ideal Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our seven hotels cover or a group break with like-minded people, our seven hotels cover the south’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall the south’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone. to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone. Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in comfort, while our self-drive holidays offer the freedom of having comfort, while our self-drive holidays offer the freedom of having your own car. your own car.

have our own fleet of executive aches that enables us to offer el from a selection of pick up Every break Every break includes: nts across theincludes: UK.

• Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation vehicle features conditioning and on • Comfy en suiteair accommodation

board • Breakfast 3-course evening meal to make your &&journey as comfortable as possible. • Breakfast 3-course evening meal • Live nightly entertainment also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet • Live nightly entertainment help you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let now of any planned comfort breaks. We aim to Trio awarded Certificate of Excellence ou to your hotel between on We are proud to3-5pm, announce thatdepending three of our group – the Barrowfield, Devonshire and Daish’s hotels – have been ngth of the journey. awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Six fabulous locations, seven great hotels

Seven fabulous locations, eight great hotels

newquay Newquay

Everyweymouth break includes: torquay weymouth Weymouth Weymouth Isle of Wight Isle of Wight

• Return coach travel (self-drive option • Comfy en suite accommodation

Request your new 2016 brochure now!

Barrowfield BarrowfieldHotel Hotel

Devonshire Hotel Hotel Prince Regent

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Russell Hotel Daish’s Hotel Daish’s Hotel • Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Don’t miss

Request your new 2015 these coach brochure now!

inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away. Best of British All holiday prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room on half board basis and includes nightly live entertainment. Price includes return coach travel from: WY: Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield (Denby Dale Road), Sheffield, Chesterfield. All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks! DATEpick up DAYS PICK UP Bristol, NOW DATE DAYS PICKStroud, UP NOW Local points from, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury Worcester make it easy to WEYMOUTH get away.- REGENT HOTEL NEWQUAY and - BARROWFIELD HOTEL 5

02-Feb

DATE

DESTINATION HOTEL 5 05-Mar

January 17-Mar 08 12

DATE

March

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£149

DESTINATION HOTEL 5 08-Feb

£129 COACH

DAYS BOARD INCLUSIVE WY £154 PRICE

WEYMOUTH - RUSSELL HOTEL

Half

£89

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

Half

£104

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

Half

£109

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

Half£184 £89

5 28-Jan Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

WY5

Half

£129 £139

£89

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay 5 WY5 25-Feb

Half

£129 £144

£104

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£144

4 Half SHANKLIN - DAISHS HOTEL

03-Feb

February

WY 5 0114-Mar Claremont Hotel5– Eastbourne

Half

£129

Half£154 £124

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay 5HOTEL Half TORQUAY - DEVONSHIRE

£99

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

14-Feb

Half

£119

Half

£109

£114

Half

£124

£139

BOURNEMOUTH - SANDS5 HOTEL Half

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

08-Mar

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

April

23-Jan

Half

£164 £129

£174

£154

£169

LLANDUDNO - SOMERSET HOTEL

Devonshire Hotel –5Torquay 17-Feb Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

04-Mar

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

WY7

Half

£214 £169 £154

£189

£144

5 WY 5 20-Feb 11 Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

£134 Half £109

5 WY 27-Mar 22 Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne 5

£194 Half £179

1703-Mar Claremont Hotel5– Eastbourne WY 5

Half£139 £139

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

Half

£184

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

Half

£109

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

Half

£114

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

Half

£139

May

27-Mar

£169

Prices shown are per person based 5on two Room. 27 Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight Half people £124 sharing 05 a Standard Barrowfield Hotel –Supplements Newquay 5apply Halfon twin/ £154 double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more 20 Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight 5 Half £184 coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2015. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person 21 Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne 6 Half £244 from prices shown.

Weymouth Weymouth Weymouth Prices shown are per Weymouth person based on two people sharing a

June

Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2015. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

bournemouth Torquay

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

Half

£174

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Paul Nicholas

Eastenders Bad Boy

Laid-back high-achiever Paul catches up with us to discuss his long career, from Just Good Friends right up to his current roles as Gavin Sullivan in Eastenders and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol which runs from December 4th - January 3rd at Winter Gardens, Blackpool. It's quite likely that one of the keys to actor Paul Nicholas’s success is a no-stress policy that extends to most parts of his life. When we talked, he was in the middle of a lengthy run of the Agatha Christie play “And Then There Were None”, and had been playing in Westcliff on Sea that day. “We’re somewhere else next week but I’m not sure where,” he replies

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in the familiar and friendly tones that have endeared him to TV and theatre audiences for the past 40 or so years. The exact tour location wasn’t somewhere he was particularly worried about but the play – in which he is a judge “typically serious and quite posh, actually” – was one project sandwiched among several. For example, he had also just come back from a stint directing the musical “Tommy” in Blackpool with Joe McEldery – “who is brilliant and really can sing”.

These commitments had made another facet of his recent career, as Kathy Beale’s husband, Gavin Sullivan, in TV favourite “EastEnders”, a challenge to achieve as filming had to be arranged around the hectic Nicholas schedule. So, was he enjoying this new TV role. “Oh yes,” he asserts, happily. “I love doing different things and this is great.” Gavin is a bit nasty, but you will get to know his nice side as well. It will be interesting to see how his character develops.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW It ended in 1986 with the couple marrying and afterwards Paul starred in major drama series “Bust” and another “Close to Home” - a sitcom about a vet. In fact, during this period he became a small screen regular and favourite for millions, especially women. Since then, he has returned to the theatre to play numerous roles, notably as the Pirate King in “The Pirates of Penzance” and in the lead role in “Barnum”.

...we all need to continue doing the things we like, and also doing a variety of things. I think that’s what keeps you healthy. This laidback but high-achieving approach has stood Paul Nicholas in good stead ever since he first came to public attention as a pop singer called Paul Dean in the late 1970s. He had two Top Ten hits but then decided to combine singing with acting and headed for the stage, taking the role of Rum Tum Tugger in the original London cast of the musical “Cats” in the early 1980s to great success. He also had a film career around this time with appearances in the Beatles’ film “Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and followed that up with “The World is Full of Married Men.” He then went against his perceived nice-guy type as the loutish punk singer in “The Jazz Singer” before starring with Joan Collins in “The Nutcracker” in 1983. What many TV fans remember Paul most for, however, was the role of Vince in the gentle romantic comedy “Just Good Friends” with Jan Francis, written by John Sullivan. Millions tuned in each week to see how the engaging romance, and its two charismatic central characters, fared.

He has both toured and had West End runs. His mercurial nature means he doesn’t mind touring too much, although he was hoping that his EastEnders’ character would have some longevity as “it’s only half an hour away from home for filming and so it’s easy.” He’s canny enough to know that appearing on TV also sells theatre tickets – “well, people like to come to see you when your profile is high, don’t they?” But he has plainly been offered plenty of high-profile theatre roles and is naturally viewed as a box-office safe bet. Ask him to name his own favourite roles and he immediately plumps for Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” and King Arthur in “Camelot.” “I like playing King Arthur,” he confides. “You know, Lancelot runs off with his wife Guinevere. We always get a few sniffles from the audience at the end, which tells you that it’s working.” He’s 69 now, with six children and 11 grandchildren, but he’s retained a youthful look and still has that glint in his eye. He appears to refuse to take most things in life seriously. He doesn’t exercise – “that’s not true, really. My house has a basement and three floors so I try to run up the stairs. Well, I run up the first few!” He doesn’t drink alcohol much, likes a “meat and two veg” kind of diet with no spicy food and is unlikely to die from stress. His mother lived until she was 92, which he takes as a positive sign – “it’s in the genes” - but his workload continues to be quite full-on. Does he feel like slowing down a bit as he gets older? “Not really,” he says,

Paul in Scrooge mode mildly. “I’m sure that, like most of your readers, we all need to continue doing the things we like, and also doing a variety of things. I think that’s what keeps you healthy.” He doesn’t feel the need for labourintensive pets these days, “but I have a tortoise called Toby that I’ve had for 20 years who is wonderful,” he states. “He goes around our walled garden all day and I bring him in at night, if I can find him. He’s perfectly happy – I bought him a little lamp the other day and he loves keeping warm!” With most information that Paul Nicholas gleefully imparts, you feel you should be taking it with a large pinch of salt. But there is no denying that he has a relaxed philosophy on life that has stood him in very good stead over the years. He has no real desire to play particular roles, although was looking forward to a four-week stint as Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Blackpool Winter Gardens from December 4th to January 3rd. “Yes, it’s an exciting production,” he enthuses. “It’s quite an adult show but it’s got ghosts for the children and families do love this show. “I like Blackpool,” he adds. “It’s a great place for all ages. It doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t and people have a good time.” And, actually, that general description could be extended to Paul Nicholas himself. He’s a talented actor and singer, not to mention a director and producer, whose life just seems to go from one success to another – all quite by some mysterious quirk of fate.

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Downsizing & Decluttering THERE comes a time for many of us when we look around at our previously much-loved home and decide the time has come to downsize to something smaller. This may be because your family has left to become independent and the property that once seemed to be bursting at the seams is just too big. It may be that you need to move to more convenient housing because health or financial necessities demand it, or because you would just prefer to look after and maintain a smaller place. There are more options than ever for retirement living these days and, while property can help fund your care home should you need it, another route is to rent a retirement property. This is a very popular choice, explained one company, Girlings Retirement Rentals which has around 2,500 properties in more than 600 retirement developments throughout the UK. “It is an easy option for retirement living,” explained Caroline Hull, head of marketing at Girlings. The company has been in business for 25 years, backed by Norwich Union which is now Aviva. The assured tenancies offer peace of mind, security of tenure and flexibility. Under the assured tenancy the landlord cannot give notice, however, after the initial 12 month's term, the tenant can choose to give notice and leave should they wish to. “This seems to work very well all round and we are getting more and more phone calls reserving properties,” added Caroline. Girlings is also part of the Places

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for People Group, which offers tenants even more assurance. Another popular retirement living choice today is to buy a park home. Lillybrook Parks, for example, offer two stunning park home estates – Lillybrook and Church Park – in the beautiful North Wiltshire countryside, just a five mile drive from Royal Wooton Basset. The family firm which has run it for more than 50 years, with a history there going back to the early 20th century, has created a sought-after and picturesque development for those aged 50-plus. Director Philip Burchell explained how they keep the environment at heart, creating above standard eco friendly homes which also mean much reduced running costs all year round. And, because the parks are residential, they are regulated by the Mobile Homes Act, offering reassurance for residents. There are also plenty of activities and company for individuals – “In fact, it’s a real community here,” adds Philip. Whatever you do next, you may well be faced with having to sell a property that reflects years of a happy home life. And that can mean a mass of possessions that may not fit into your downsized new home.

Amanda Manson

Orderly Office and Home

In order to sell a property, it needs to be as clear as possible of the life of the previous owner so that a potential-buyer can see where he or she might fit their lifestyle into it. Decluttering your home takes a particular mind-set and genuine determination. In fact, as professional declutterer Amanda Manson of Orderly Office and Home points out: “The thought of what you’re going to do with everything might fill you with utter dread!” She recommends a simple plan of action:

START NOW

Beginning decluttering well in advance of putting your property on the market assists in a quick sale and spreads the load over time. “Try 10 minutes a day,” she advises, “little and often. Don’t try a whole room in one go – you’ll end up exhausted and disheartened. Keep in the forefront of your mind your goal of moving into a new home and you’ll be spurred on to continue each day.”

MAKE A LIST

Keep track of where everything is. “If your new home has been agreed, assign a number to each room, and pack your belongings in a box numbered accordingly,” says Amanda. “If your new home hasn’t been decided yet, start grouping like items with like. Pack Winter/ Summer clothing together, pictures and ornaments, books and bedding (always spread books across several boxes – your removal men will thank you!). Remember to label everything.”

REALITY CHECK

Look at what’s in your home and ask yourself “Do I use it, love it or need it?” If the answer is “no”, is it time to say goodbye? Amanda suggests that clothing you haven’t worn in over a year you might never wear again so out it goes, along with gifts that you’ll never use. Give them to relatives or friends, a local charity, sell them in the local paper or on an auction site or list them online for free collection. Adds Amanda: “Recycle unwanted items where possible, but if unsuitable then it’s a trip to your local rubbish tip or a call to your local council for removal.”

SIZE MATTERS

If you have no garden, garage or guest room in your new home be realistic about whether you’ll use certain items like, for example, a lawnmower if you’re going somewhere with a serviced garden or no garden. Is your furniture too big for your new property? Try to imagine the bare minimum you could manage living with, and take it from there. “Often the additional ‘stuff’ we keep with us becomes an emotional weight around our necks,” states Amanda.

A GIFT TO YOUR CHILDREN

If your loft has been home to items belonging to children like their earliest artwork, toys and other memories, now is the time to give them back. Explain your reasons, keep what you really can’t bear to part with and ask them to collect what’s left, with a deadline.

VISIBLE SPACES

All open surfaces and room space should be as clear as possible ready for estate agents’ photographs. “Buyers can be easily put off by what appears to be a cramped or cluttered space,” observes Amanda.

HIDDEN SPACES

Don’t just wonder if prospective buyers will look inside your cupboards. They will.

If you have fitted wardrobes and sleek kitchen cupboards, buyers will want to know what they can fit into them.

STORE UNTIL YOU MOVE

If you have a move date, this makes deciding what to keep out and what to pack away and what can go much easier. Without one, you’ll have to get organised. Box up seasonal items and store them away in a loft, garage or in a storage facility until you move and keep your cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen space for things you use often.

STOP BUYING MORE!

If you’re really set on making the move, start paring down any consumables right now, insists Amanda. “Sort through kitchen cupboards and freezer to see what meals you can make with what you already have. Discard out of date items, meal plan and make amends to your shopping list so

you’re only buying the item you really need each week. Repeat the process with your bathroom cupboards and toiletries – and avoid the BOGOF temptations as it’s just more stuff to move.”

PAPERWORK AND READING MATERIAL

As the years go by, it’s easy to let papers build up. “Sort through your paperwork piles and discard or shred anything that you really don’t need like outdated bills, manuals for items you don’t now have and old magazines,” says Amanda.

* For more information go to: www.girlings.co.uk www.lillybrook.co.uk www.orderlyofficeandhome.co.uk

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HOME

preparing your garden for winter No matter how vast or small your garden might be, the onset of winter requires off-season prep and clearing out. Many people make the mistake of assuming that once summer is over, they can hang up their gloves and let the garden do its thing until next year. This assumption might not sound unreasonable, but gardeners who fail to put their garden to bed properly for winter usually find that it has grown into disarray by next season. Follow these top tips to prepare your garden for the colder months. Tidy your borders Winter presents a great opportunity to smarten up your garden’s borders, as you can move, replace, and compost any old or misplaced plants. It’s is a good idea to dig up annuals such as marigolds and petunias, as this prevents them from wilting and turning into mulch under snow and ice. It is also advisable to cut back any dull perennials to just above ground level, as this refreshes them and also provides shelter for insects while they regrow. Maintain your lawn It’s not unusual for your lawn to look a little tired or worse for wear at the end of autumn/start of winter. Maintaining your lawn is therefore important to

prevent any lasting damage. Firstly, you should keep mowing (weather permitting) if your grass is still growing due to mild conditions. Remember to mow on a high setting to ensure roots are protected from harsh weather conditions. Secondly, you should prepare the ground for new grass. This time of year is great for preparing any areas that you want to seed in the spring, so dig them over and pack them down by walking on them or using a garden roller, then rake them and repeat the rolling. You can also improve your lawn’s aeration by pronging the entire garden with a fork, which creates deep holes for drainage.

Lift delicate plants Delicate plants such as cannas and dahlias should be lifted from your garden, once their leaves have started to blacken and before temperatures plummet. You should then clean the soil away from the plants and store them in a cool place, in trays filled with dry compost (ensure only the crown is visible). Your plants can then be replanted for next year’s spring. Clean your tools Winter is an ideal time for servicing your machinery and ensuring your tools are cleaned and oiled ready for next year. It is also a good time to invest in new garden tools, as there are some great offers available and you can hone your technique ahead of spring. Gardening expert Mantis regularly have special offers on machinery and garden products. Net your pond Dead foliage around your pond, such as decomposing leaves, can fall into the water over winter months. As they rot, they release gases that are harmful to wildlife. Save yourself the trouble of having to remove dead foliage by catching leaves in pond netting before they have the chance to fall in. Knowle Nets, based in Dorset, produce bespoke nets that are cut to order so you have no excess. It might seem like hard work at first, but once you’ve cleared out your garden you can enjoy the winter months knowing that you’ve given yourself a head start come spring. Follow these tips to ensure botanical brilliance.

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FOOD & DRINK

Cook with John Torode!

Delicious recipes from his new book - My Kind Of Food GLAMORGAN SAUSAGES My search for a great vegetarian sausage recipe took me far and wide, from Australia to Asia to Ireland, with Europe in between. I finally stumbled across these little beauties closer to home – in Wales. They’re simply made with some cheese, breadcrumbs and a couple of eggs and they are grand. To my mind, they taste a bit like the stuffing you get from a good chicken. They are moreish, so beware.

Feeds 4 175g Caerphilly cheese or Cheshire cheese, grated 225g fresh breadcrumbs 1 banana shallot, grated 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 egg, beaten 20ml milk 1 teaspoon hot English mustard plain flour, for dusting 300ml vegetable oil, for frying salt and freshly ground black pepper jar of apple sauce or apple chutney, to serve

rode John To

For the coating 1 egg, beaten 50ml milk 50g plain flour 1 teaspoon paprika Prep the sausage mixture In a large bowl, mix the cheese, breadcrumbs, shallot and herbs and season with salt and pepper. In a jug, beat together the egg, milk and mustard. Pour the egg mixture over the cheesy breadcrumbs and mash together until you get a dough.

On a lightly floured worktop, roll out the mix into long sausages roughly 2cm thick and then cut the sausages into 8cm lengths – you should get about eight.

Coat them

Beat the egg and milk together in a shallow dish. Spread out the flour in another dish and season with the paprika. Roll the sausages in the egg mixture and then in the seasoned flour. Leave on a tray in the fridge for 10 minutes to set.

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Cook the sausages

Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and gently fry the sausages over a medium heat for about 4–5 minutes, turning, until brown all over. Drain well on kitchen paper. Serve with apple sauce or apple chutney.

For a non-vego version

Add bits of crisp bacon, flaked smoked haddock or shredded ham and chopped-up peas to the sausage mixture and then coat and cook as above.

FOOD & DRINK

TOMATO AND PESTO TARTS I have always been a sucker for anything cooked in, or with, puff pastry. These deep tarts are topped with the concentrated flavour of sweet tomatoes and the kick of a punchy pesto. Serve with peppery watercress. If you like, just make smaller individual ones as snacks for your hungry hordes.

Makes 4 tarts* * 1 each as a starter

500g block puff pastry (all-butter, if possible) plain flour, for dusting 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons pesto (see page 160 for home-made, or just use a jar) 8 plum tomatoes, sliced salt and freshly ground black pepper To serve 100g watercress 10ml peppery olive oil

Prep the pastry Heat the oven to 220°C/gas 7. Line a baking sheet with baking paper. On a lightly floured worktop, roll the puff pastry out until it is about 2cm thick. You will need to cut four circular discs from the pastry so you need to find a small plate or saucer that’s about 16cm in diameter to use as a template. Place the plate over the pastry and run a sharp knife around the edge to cut out the first disc. Repeat until you have four. Now you need to lightly score a margin about 1.5–2cm in from the edge of the pastry discs, so find a smaller plate or bowl that you can use as a template. Place the smaller plate in the centre of each pastry disc and lightly run a sharp knife around the edge, being careful not to cut all the way through. Lift the disks onto the baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. With a fork, prick the inner circle but not the outer edge – this will stop the pastry from rising in the middle but will allow the outer edge of the tart to rise up.

Build the tarts Take a good amount of the pesto and spread it over the inner circle of each tart. Place the tops and bottoms of the tomatoes in the centre of the tarts, then start to lay the slices on top of the pesto so they overlap and create a swirl effect – it should look a bit like a Catherine wheel. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip

Cut out pastry discs, stack them between layers of cling film and keep them in the freezer – ready in case of an emergency! Just take them out of the freezer 10 minutes before you want to cook them, then make the tarts and bake as above.

Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until well risen and coloured. Mix the watercress with the olive oil and serve with the tarts.

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FOOD & DRINK

PEACH UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE My Nanna used to grow lots of fruit in her back garden – ladyfinger bananas, passion fruit, apples, limes, lemons, mulberries and strawberries – but my favourite were the peaches. Whenever I cook this cake I feel as though I could be 9 years old again, standing next to Nanna on a sunny Saturday, peaches just picked from the tree at the side of the house and the smell of her perfume and the wood-burning stove.

Makes 1 cake 5–6 peaches, cut in half and stones removed 400g caster sugar 1 vanilla pod, split in half lengthways and seeds scraped out 200g plain flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder 200g butter 4 eggs 30ml milk

Prep the peaches

Pop the peaches in a large pan with 200g of the sugar and the vanilla seeds and pod, cover with water – just enough to cover the fruit – and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and cover with a lid and leave them for 20 minutes.

Make the cake batter

Sift the flour and the baking powder together into a bowl three times to aerate. Beat the butter and the remaining sugar until white and doubled in size (an electric whisk is good for this). Add the eggs one at a time, beating until well mixed, then add the sifted flour and milk and mix well. Lift the peaches out of their cooking liquid and arrange the wet peaches, cut-side down, over the base of the cake tin. Pour the cake batter over the peaches and bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin a little – about 10–15 minutes – then gently turn out onto a plate and carefully peel off the paper. Leave to sit for 30 minutes. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.

icing sugar, for dusting Heat the oven to 180°C/gas 4. Line the base of a 23cm springform cake tin with baking parchment.

Find these recipes and more in John’s latest book is My Kind of Food: Recipes I Love To Cook at Home by John Torode, published by Headline priced £25.

FOOD & DRINK

PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI, LINGUINE, CHILLI AND PINE NUTS This is one of my quick, quick, the kids are starving (so am I) recipes. The amount of chilli you use is up to you; I serve some on the side for those who like it. Chopped sausages are a good addition: push the sausages out of their skins and cook them with the chilli and onions for a more blokey type of feast.

Feeds 4â€“6 50ml olive oil, plus extra for the pasta water 500g linguine 1 red onion, sliced 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 long red chillies, split in half, de-seeded and sliced (optional) 300g purple sprouting broccoli, boiled for 2 minutes 20g pine nuts salt and freshly ground black pepper a big hunk of Parmesan, to serve

Bring a really large pan of water (about 5 litres) to the boil with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a lowâ€“ medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cook gently and slowly for a few minutes until they are soft; keep the temperature low. Season the onions well with loads of salt and pepper. Drop in the chilli (if using), and cook for a minute or so. Now drop in the cooked broccoli, give it a good stir and cook for a couple of minutes so that the broccoli gets hot. Add the pine nuts. Drain the pasta and pour it into the pan with the onion and broccoli. Turn up the heat and toss everything together. Spoon onto plates or pile into a large heated bowl, and make sure there is loads of Parmesan to grate over the top.

Or try...

For grown-ups you can add a few anchovies. Use different varieties of broccoli or Romanesco cauliflower, or even add some bitter leaves, like radicchio.

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ORION

THE DAZZLING HUNTER WITH THE GLOWING SWORD Brian Jones Visible high above the southern horizon during winter evenings, Orion is arguably the most beautiful constellation in the sky. Its conspicuous and unmistakable pattern of bright stars becomes ever more prominent as winter progresses and, once seen, is unlikely to be forgotten. Greek mythology tells of the mighty hunter Orion who boasted far and wide of his prowess and who declared himself a match even for the gods. This angered Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt, who challenged Orion to a hunting match, a challenge which Orion gladly accepted. He and Diana spent many days in the chase, but in the end there was nothing to choose between them, and the contest was declared a draw. Once more Orion bragged and, in a fit of anger, Diana commanded a scorpion to crawl out of the ground and kill him. She then placed the mighty hunter among the stars where he can be seen to this day. One of the most conspicuous stars in Orion is the red giant Betelgeuse. This is one of the largest stars known to astronomers and, if Betelgeuse occupied the position of our Sun, its outer surface would extend beyond the orbit of Mars. The ruddy glow of Betelgeuse contrasts sharply with the brilliant white of Rigel, another giant star which is so far away that the light we are seeing from it set off towards us only a few years after the Domesday Book was compiled. Along with Betelgeuse and Rigel, the two stars Bellatrix and Saiph complete the main outline of the constellation, central to which are the three stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka that form the Belt of Orion. The easternmost

of these is Alnitak, the area immediately surrounding which is rich in stars and well worth a closer look through binoculars. The trio of stars forming the Belt of Orion have been given other names in the past, Australian natives referring to them as ‘Young Men’, Greenlanders calling them ‘The Seal Hunters’ and mariners identifying them as ‘The Golden Yardarm’. Perhaps the silliest episode relating to the naming of these three stars took place in 1807 when the University of Leipzig christened them ‘Napoleon’, whereupon an irate Englishman promptly retaliated with the title ‘Nelson’. Needless to say, neither name found its way on to star maps! Just below the Belt of Orion is a line of faint stars, within which can be found the magnificent Orion Nebula. Visible as a glowing patch of diffuse light, this is one of the most famous and eye-catching objects in the entire sky. Shining because of the energy from hot stars embedded within it, the Orion Nebula is clearly visible to the naked eye on dark, clear moonless nights. The wide field of view of a pair of binoculars brings it out well, and the sight leaves the observer with a sense of wonder when it is realised that inside this glowing cloud stars are actually being formed.

It may be winter, and the nights are predictably cold. However, don’t let that stop you checking out what the impressive Orion has to offer. Happy stargazing!

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Brighter Financial Services

A C H R I S T M A S S T O R Y F R O M T H E B R I G H T E S T S TA R But through the years the winds of time swept a tall thin figure into the lives of the 20th Century Youngsters. His name was the Pied Piper of Osborne (yes seriously there is such a place!) and he planned to free all pensions from the kingdom of Lock and Key. He piped his way to the end of a rainbow where a large pot of gold sat and invited the Youngsters from the 20th Century to take a scoop. They rushed to grab a handful, forgetting their manners, in their eagerness to get a feel of the yellow stuff. “How wonderful” they said “what do we do now?” they asked Pied Piper Osborne “can we just take it?” “Well it is yours” he said “but let’s give you some choice” He picked up his horn and heralded in the start of his speech. Pah, Pah Pah Pah Pah went his little brass horn. He then lowered it and began. “You can take it all or some of it as cash, you can take some and re-invest the remainder, you can take small amounts over time, as and when you need it or you can still buy an income for life with an annuity. ”

Once upon a time a very long time ago, in the 20th Century, some youngsters didn’t have a choice about whether they paid into a pension or not. They were either told they should get one by their respected elders, or their boss, who would take from their salary and contribute to a scheme on their behalf. “This is your future” they were told “you must save for the rainy days and plan for your retirement when you are no longer working.”

Without question the Youngsters from the 20th Century did as they were told (which is considered to be very oldfashioned these days!) But as the youngsters grew older, like glass baubles on a Christmas tree, they found that pensions were to be looked at but not touched. There was no nice letter, telling them how much they had, so like Scrooge they could rub their hands in glee. Oh no, all they had was the annuity fairy, beckoning them from the future, with the promise of a dull and un-interesting regular income in retirement. “It’s so unfair” said one of the Youngsters to another, now 59 yrs. “I’ve been saving into this wretched pension for years. It’s my money and I should be able to have it! I need to care for my elderly mother now and I cannot carry on working with all these changes they keep bringing in” “I quite agree” said her friend who had just taken her pension at 64 years old “it’s ridiculous we have to wait”

32 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The soft sound of tinkling bells that the gold made as it slipped through fingers, suddenly stopped and some of the Youngsters stood up looking bemused. Others continued to play with the gold, singing “we’re going to be rich, we’re going to be rich!” The bemused Youngsters wanted to know more “but what about our futures, how will they be taken care of if we spend the money now? We’ve always been told to save for a rainy day and to look after ourselves for the time when we can no longer work.” Pah ,pah , pah, pah pah pah went the horn again “you’ll still be able to do this “declared the Pied Piper, in between breaths, as he danced around the little group “You’ll just have more choices now, as to how you do it” he sang. The Youngsters from the 20th Century continued to ask questions but behind the bushes three or four gold diggers, their faces masked and dressed in black clothes, were beginning to gather. “Tee hee” one said to another “they don’t know what’s just hit them. Wait til’we get our hands on this loot!” Over the months the Youngsters went back to their lives but they found that they were being bombarded with e-mails and information about the news that the Pied Piper of Osborne had brought to them. Not only that, they had heard about other youngsters from the 20th Century being contacted by the masked gold diggers, claiming to be able to help them with their pensions and then running off with the pot. “It’s all very worrying” said one 56 year old gentleman, over a pot of tea with his wife “we just can’t trust anybody these days! Pied Piper Osborne seemed to be bringing us good news but all we hear about now is bad.”

“I know” sighed his wife “but opportunity and freedom of choice has to ultimately be a good thing. It is what we all value, so surely Pied Piper Osborne was on the right track?” Her husband agreed, but that night as he climbed the dark stairs to bed, he felt heavy of heart. The World was moving too quickly and he didn’t seem ever to have time to catch up and understand what was really going on. As he came to the top of the first flight of steps he stopped and looked out of the window on the landing, which he often did to have a rest on the way up. There in the distance was a very large bright star winking at him. The star seemed to be guiding him, but he couldn’t tell where or why. He had never seen such a bright star and he stood and stared at it for a very long time. That night the man from the 20th Century Youngsters slept better than he had ever done before. He woke and instead of crawling out of bed, like he usually did, he sprang from the mattress and skipped down the stairs. “I knew I’d seen that star somewhere before” he said to his wife. “What are you talking about?” she said, taken a-back by her husband’s burst of energy! “The star, the star” he cried “those people –Brighter Financial Services —they have a star for their logo and they claim to have a clear and simple policy. I’m going to contact them and ask them what we should do with our pensions. I’m sure they can help”

“Oh” she said “is that all? Well if it makes you happy, let’s go and visit them. As long as it isn’t on a camel!”

as and a m t s i r h C y ! r Merr ear to all A Brighte y w e n s u pero very pros

Brighter Financial Services LTD I N D E P E N D E N T

F I N A N C I A L

A D V I C E

We are a small, friendly, approachable firm of IFA’s committed to providing robust financial advice to our clients, some of whom have been with us for over 20 years. We are based in Sowerby Bridge and have clients from a wide geographical area—from Huddersfield and Calderdale to Tameside, Airedale and North Yorkshire. Our advisers are highly trained and can help you with every aspect of financial planning, including the regulatory authority to carry out final-salary pension transfers (where in client’s favour to do so). Our services are as follows: Later Life Planning from pensions to health/income insurance Home ownership Specialist services –Pension wealth improvement assessments via switch or transfer

Contact us today for an informal chat, without obligation on 01422 832100 or e-mail us at hello@brighterfinancialservices.com. We will be pleased to help you with your query. Brighter Financial Services Ltd 66-68 West St, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 3AN

Brighter Financial Services Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA no. 531145.

The character in this article is purely fictitious and any similarities to actual people, purely coincidental and not intended.

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MoreWofWaWpeopleWperson? -------D--------L---------------------orD----L----D-L----------;PreferWsomethingWlocal?W ItL---------help;--L-----------;----D---------------events; HoweverWyouWchooseWtoWdonateWitJWaWlittleWofWyourW timeWcanWmakeWaWmassiveWdifferenceWtoWwhatW KirkwoodWHospiceWcanWachieveO ---------D--WJohnW JohnsonJWVolunteer Services Manager:

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CAN YOU HELP BY SPONSORING A KIRKWOOD NURSE TODAY?

£5 A MONTH OR £60 A YEAR

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OUT & ABOUT

The Lawrence Batley Theatre... The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen's Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP

encounters with a frog, mouse, mole and swallow is played gently amongst gardening tools.

pocket watch and a wager to win, Fogg sets out on the most celebrated literary journey of all time.

With traditional glove and rod puppets handmade from wood and cloth, THUMBELINA is an enchanting introduction to the magic of theatre.

Based on Jules Verne’s famous novel and combining clowning, live music, and storytelling Around the World in 80 Days takes you on a highspeed, madcap, transcontinental race against the clock. One policeman, two comrades, three cab rides, four continents, five trains, six ships and just 80 days to get back home!

All Stars Of Comedy International Comedy Special Saturday 30 January Main Stage, 7.45pm Tickets: £17.50 / Early Bird £15*

Following a sold-out show in 2015, the international comedy clash returns to rock Huddersfield into the new year.

Sleeping Beauty 9th - 13th January 2016

Huddersfield Light Opera Company return with another lavish pantomime, promising spectacular staging, sidesplitting comedy, breathtaking costumes and popular songs. Once upon a time in a faraway land called Tiddletwist, a beautiful princess is born. The King and Queen throw a huge celebration, inviting guests from all across the land, and a trio of doting Fairy Godmothers gather to grant magical gifts for the child.

This season’s all-star line-up features the people’s choice, the undisputed pound for pound champion of the UK comedy circuit, Slim; hilarious Bajan dance hall queen Wayne Dibbi Rollins; rising star Axel Blake; new comedienne on the block Judy Love and urban comedy sensation Smash. ‘Laugh after laugh… full to the brim with raucous and cheeky performances’ - NOTTINGHAM POST *Limited availability for Early Bird tickets The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen's Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP Tel: 01484 430528

BBC Radio's multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2015 with its sell out touring show. Join Barry Cryer, Miles Jupp, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jeremy Hardy and host Jack Dee for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment.

Around the World in 80 Days

There was once a girl so small that she could float on a lily pad and ride on the back of a dragonfly. Hans Christian Andersen's tale of a girl no bigger than a thumb, and her

36 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

The Official Stage Tour The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP In the Main Auditorium

The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen's Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP Tel: 01484 430528

Syngenta Cellar, 11.00am & 2.00pm Tickets: £7 Norwich Puppet Theatre Age recommendation: 2 - 7 years Running time: 40 mins

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue Monday 25 January, 7.30pm

But the King and Queen forgot to invite the wicked fairy Carabosse, and she’s not in the mood for celebrating...

Thumbelina

The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen's Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP Tel: 01484 430528

Monday 15 & Tuesday 16 February Main Stage, 2.15pm & 7pm Tickets: £14 / £12 / £10 / Kirklees Passport £3 off / under 26’s £7 Only Yorkshire Date Age recommendation: 6yrs + Running time: 120 mins

"Whether the teams are singing the words of one song to the tune of another, making up serial rhymes or entering the mythic maze of Mornington Crescent, they have now become the National Theatre of fun." Gillian Reynolds, Daily Telegraph

New International Encounter and Lawrence Batley Theatre invite you to join them on the greatest adventure ever imagined… Join Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout in their audacious plan to navigate the globe in just 80 days. With only a bag full of money, a

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

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OUT & ABOUT

Sarah Millican - Outsider The Victoria Theatre, Fountain Street, Halifax HX1 1BP Tuesday 2 February 2016, 8pm

In the past when you put Sarah Millican outside, she asked things like: 'Why? Where is the taxi? Do I need a cardie?' and said things like: `There'll be wasps. I've nothing to sit on. Is that poo? Can we go home? But things have changed. Now she has outside slippers. She can tell a chaffinch from a tit (hey). But she still can't tell if it's an owl or her husband's asthma. Sarah Millican is venturing outside. Bring a cardie. Not suitable for under 16s.

Orchestra of Opera North - Classic FM Classic Romance

Sunday 14 February 2016 Huddersfield Town Hall, Ramsden Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2TA

The Sixties

The Sixties aims to recreate the spirit of this exciting decade which saw momentous change in so many areas of public and private life. The gallery uses fascinating and iconic objects from the social history, art, fashion, military and astronomy collections to bring back the atmosphere of change which swept over the country during the 1960s. Highlights include a Lambretta scooter, a Dansette record player, Beatles singles and fashion by Mary Quant. The Eye Of York York, YO1 9RY

There has been no greater source of inspiration for composers throughout the ages than the joys and sorrows of romantic love. In this very special Valentine’s Day concert we celebrate love in all its aspects – from the thrill of falling into it to the heartbreak of losing it. And there is surely nothing more romantic than serenading the object of your heart’s desire with a full-size symphony orchestra live in the room, playing some of the most beautiful and passionate music ever written! For more details on the concert call 01484 221000

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To receive the next two issues of 50 Plus Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: 6th Floor, 120 Bark Street, Bolton BL1 2AX Tick here if you wish to keep up to date with our email newsletters!

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Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Halifax, Huddersfield & District Branch The Twilight Scheme

E.A.R.S

The Twilight Scheme has been set up to fund the medical treatment of our elderly cats and dogs before they are re-homed. If you are unable to adopt an elderly animal but would like to help, why not join The RSPCA Twilight Scheme to help provide our elderly animals with essential veterinary care?

Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme

The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch have developed the EARS Scheme to assist with the re homing of elderly dogs and cats (10 years +.) These animals enter our centre often due to their owner’s ill health or death, but few prospective adopters want to take on such an animal, mainly because of the possible financial implications.

Please contact enquiries@rspcahalifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk for information on the scheme and how to donate.

The Scheme Adopters will pay £5.00 per month to the Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch which will entitle them to the following benefits: •

A free booster vaccination and health check once a year

•

Free routine worming tablets and discounted flea treatment

•

All current and future medication will be offered at a discounted price

• •

WINNER OF THE MARINA ARNSBY AWARD Presented to the branch for the most innovative re homing scheme

Would you like to become one of our fantastic fostering team?

•

Prescription diets will be offered at a discounted price

24 hour emergency phone in case the adopter has a personal emergency

•

Discount grooming from Lara at Warilda Grooming Salon

Euthanasia free at RSPCA Animal Centre

•

Discount cremation service

•

20% discount for surgical procedures and emergencies(at participating vets)

•

Immediate return for re homing via the scheme should an owner be unable to continue looking after an animal.

•

Transport to our clinic where necessary

•

Grants for emergency treatment/ elective surgery dependant on the buoyancy of the Scheme

•

Emergency cover if an owner is hospitalised

•

Access to our Animal Centre vet during routine clinic times at £5.00 per consultation

All dogs and cats will be fully vaccinated, de flea, wormed, microchip, neutered, vet checked and fully temperament assessed before re homing.

If you are interested in these Schemes and would like to know more please contact ANNETTE BAVERSTOCK at the Animal Centre on 01422 365628 or email annettebaverstock@rspcahalifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk 38 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Foster Homes Urgently Needed

A large amount of animals come through our Centre doors each year which require fostering. From a single puppy to pregnant cats, we often call on our fosterers to help out with the temporary care of animals. Fosterers are provided with everything they need including medical treatment. All we ask in return is for you to love and care for your foster animal until they are able to come back to the Centre for re homing. EARS animals stay in foster care until they are adopted.

RSPCA Animal Centre

Wade Street, Halifax HX1 1SN.

Tel: (01422) 365628 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk www.rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk Registered Charity No. 225575

We Need Your

Donations... All your donations will be used to raise

money for our Animal Centre in Halifax where we rehabilitate and rehome animals that are in need of our help.

OUR SHOPS... HALIFAX

Queens Hall, Queens Road Halifax HX1 3NS. Tel: 01422 362461 28 Union Street Halifax HX1 1PR. Tel: 01422 343858

BRIGHOUSE

53 Commercial Street Brighouse. HD6 1AF Tel: 01484 714571

HUDDERSFIELD

6 Byram Street Huddersfield HD1 1BX. Tel: 01484 469402

We are creating some fantastic fundraising groups to help raise vital funds for our Animal Centre...

37 Trinity Street Huddersfield HD1 4DL. Tel: 01484 426181

The groups will play an important role by taking part in all our fundraising campaigns such as RSPCA Week, Pets at Home and other yearly collections.

6 Regents Parade, Wharf Street Sowerby Bridge HX6 2EH Tel: 01422 835525

We will also like them to help organise fundraising events and activities within their local community. The groups will act as ambassadors, helping to spread the word about adopting, fostering, the work we do and encourage local people, clubs

and organisations to fundraise for us too. If you can spare a few hours a month to be a part of a fundraising group, we'd love to hear from you. Itâ€™s a great excuse to get together with your friends, family or colleagues and raise money to support animals less fortunate than your own. We'll be there to help you set up your group and provide you with lots of fundraising ideas and support

SOWERBY BRIDGE HEBDEN BRIDGE

14 Bridge Gate Hebden Bridge HX7 8EX Tel: 01422 842145

ELLAND

19 Southgate, Elland HX5 0BW Tel 01422 378236

Get in touch now by contacting Clare on 01422 341160 or email ClareWood@rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

Did you know you can help the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield & District Branch for free when you use easyfundraising?

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Have you reported your changes? Council tax reduction or housing benefit Report a change of circumstances If you receive council tax reduction and/ or housing benefit you must tell us straight away if your circumstances change. If you do not tell us within 21 days depending on the circumstances you may be fined £70, or your benefit amount could be affected. Changes we need to know about include:

• changes to your income or capital • someone moving into, or out of your household • changes to income or capital belonging to anyone in your household • moving home, or into a different room if you live in a shared property • changes to the amount of rent you pay

You can report your change online at: www.kirklees.gov.uk/changecircumstance

40 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Unregulated Will Writing Did you know that anybody can call themselves a “Will Writer”? This is a deeply concerning issue for the Private Client Team here at Ramsdens as thousands of people are putting themselves at risk of being cheated by unscrupulous salespeople who offer to write their wills but who are not adequately qualified, trained nor insured. A recent survey showed that 67% of clients wrongly believed that all Will writers are solicitors and 82% of the 1000 people polled thought that training and qualifications are required before someone can become a Will Writer. David Sinclair, a Director of Solicitors for the Elderly said “Will writers need no training and they aren’t regulated so if you choose a Will writing company to do your Will you are taking a huge risk.”

Rachael Sykes from Ramsdens Private Client Team and also a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly comments “The number of horror stories from clients who have used a Will Writer is on the rise. It can be very costly to sort out after you have gone and your family are left to pick up the pieces”. Will writers often claim that they are cheaper than solicitors but research carried out by Which? Magazine found that the average price of a Will from a Solicitor is £130 and from a will writer is £107. Professionals such as Solicitors and Legal Executives are regulated, have relevant qualifications, undergo continual training and must be insured and provide redress if things go wrong. Given the protection you get by making a Will with a regulated professional, the small difference in price is well worth it. Rachael Sykes further comments “People are all too easily fooled by the advertisements of Wills from £50. Once they actually get in front a Will Writer this cost will dramatically rise. Many people make Wills in their senior years and are targeted by Will writing companies

who often apply high-pressure selling techniques, offering wills for a low fee then selling other services such as transferring a home into a trust to avoid care fees.”. Ramsdens Solicitors have ten offices throughout West Yorkshire and our Private Client team are an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS). This shows that we follow best practice procedures to meet the highest standards of technical expertise and client service in providing tailored wills and probate advice to consumers. We are highly recommended by the Legal 500 and we have members of our team who are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE). We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and we are also happy to review any existing will you may have to ensure that it still meets with your requirements. For more information please call Rachael Sykes on 01484 848987 or email rachael.sykes@ramsdens.co.uk

01484 821 500 www.ramsdens.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 41

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Our vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to have a place they can call

Stonewater manages and owns more than 30,000 homes across England and we have one of the UK’s largest development programmes to help meet the rising demand for housing Stonewater was formed in January 2015 from the merger of Jephson and Raglan Housing Associations.

We are one of the UK’s most significant social housing providers, both in terms of the properties we own, and geographic spread. Our mission is to offer quality homes and services for people whose needs are not met by the open market.

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| 43

NOW OFFERING DAY CARE SERVICES FROM ÂŁ25 PER DAY

Holme House Care Home with Nursing

Oxford Road, Gomersal, Cleckheaton BD19 4LA Holme House is a modernised care home in a stunning stone building which will be home to 68 residents both residential, nursing and EMI. All bedrooms are single rooms with en-suite shower facilities. Each room has beautiful fitted furniture with an integrated fridge and a television/dvd with freeview as standard. Sky Television is also available if required by the resident. Each bedroom has its own telephone and residents can make and receive outside calls from the privacy of their own room. Each nursing bedroom has a ceiling hoist for safe and easy moving of residents and also has a profiling nursing bed as standard as well as all the above facilities. Our premium ground floor bedrooms have their own front door access for more independent residents to live in.

The home offers a hairdressing salon and lots of activities space with a dedicated computer room with internet access for use by residents. Each floor has a beautifully decorated and furnished lounge and dining room. All the communal bathrooms have tracking hoists which adds to the ease and comfort of the people who live in the care home. The superb kitchen has the most up to date equipment and is managed by a head chef and his team. An extensive menu of the highest quality food is offered to our residents. Choice is available at every meal. In addition to the main kitchen, each floor of the home has its own dedicated kitchen area with drinks and light snacks available all day and night if required. All in all this is a attractively designed care home which offers the highest quality accommodation which is matched by high quality nursing and residential care for a dedicated and well trained staff team. Treat yourself or your loved one to a five star care experience, you deserve it and we want to help you enjoy it.

For information, to view our beautiful home, please contact the Manager or her team on 01274 862021.

www.croftcarehomes.co.uk

Croftlands Care Home with Nursing Kirkburton, Huddersfield HD8 0TH Croftlands is a stunning stone-built care home for 55 residents, both residential, nursing and people with dementia related needs. All bedrooms are single rooms with en-suite shower facilities. Each room has beautiful fitted furniture with an integrated fridge and a television/dvd with freeview as standard. Sky Television is also available if required by the resident. Each bedroom has its own telephone and residents can make and receive outside calls from the privacy of their own room. Each nursing bedroom has a ceiling hoist for safe and easy moving of residents and also has a profiling nursing bed as standard as well as all the above facilities.

All the communal bathrooms have tracking hoists which adds to the ease and comfort of the people who live in the care home. An extensive menu of the highest quality food is offered to our residents. Choice is available at every meal. In addition to the main kitchen, each floor of the home has its own dedicated kitchen area with drinks and light snacks available all day and night if required. All in all this is an attractively designed care home which offers the highest quality accommodation which is matched by high quality nursing and residential care for a dedicated and well trained staff team. Treat yourself or your loved one to a five star care experience, you deserve it and we want to help you enjoy it.

The home offers a hairdressing salon and lots of activities space. Each floor has a beautifully decorated and furnished lounge and dining room. There are also a number of quiet lounges. For people with EMI needs there is a reminiscence room and a sensory room. Couple with extensive grounds and well maintained gardens this is a wonderful environment to live in.

For information, to view our beautiful home, please contact the Manager or any of the team on 01484 604864.

www.croftcarehomes.co.uk

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Affordable Funeral Service

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most upsetting and distressing times. We go out of our way to help ease the worries where funeral arrangements are concerned. Not only involved with losing a loved one is the emotional upset, but it can also be a time of financial worry and strain and we not only lend a sympathetic ear but also an affordable funeral service too. Or maybe you see not the need for an elaborate funeral and want only a simple, low key occasion without all the fuss.

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Personal Family Touches We strongly believe that a funeral service for a loved one should be as personal and unique as they were and we will do everything possible to ensure that all wishes are carried out to make things easier on the day. Be it that family members would like to carry the coffin or perhaps certain members would like to speak within the funeral service. We encourage family involvement and are more than happy to discuss all options possible.

Serving all areas

Affordable without comprominsing on care. If we can help please call for an informal chat and advice

Affordable

Funeral Ser vice

local caring independent funeral director

Low Fuss Funeral - £1650

Bespoke Funeral - £1800

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister's fees

• The conveyance of your loved one into our chapel of rest

• The provision of an oak-effect coffin and interior of your choice

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral • The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest

ALL OTHER FUNERAL REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN AFFORDABLY

Springhead Funeral Service

7/9 Stainland Rd, Halifax (opposite Andy Thorntons)

Tel: 01422 327 382

Bradley Funeral Service 9 Copthorne Square, Bradley, Huddersfield

Tel: 01484 534 488

• The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium

Pre-paid Funerals

at today's prices guaranteed... Golden Leaves Funeral Plans WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK | 47

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