MARCH MAY - JULY - MAY 2018 2018
MERSEYSIDE BOLTON & BURY SOUTHPORT & ORMSKIRK EDITION 58 EDITION 47
Joanna Lumley
IT'S ALL ABOUT ME
James Martin's
AMERICAN ADVENTURE
Door to Door
QUALITY COACH HOLIDAYS FROM MEMORY LANE TRAVEL
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Robinsons Holidays Wins
3 Top Awards at UK Coach Rally 2018
3 Top awards for Robinsons Holidays - at the 64th UK Coach Rally 2018 - one for driver/ engineer William Brayford, one for their Jonckheere coach, and one for the company itself were presented by the North East Traffic Commissioner, Kevin Rooney. William (Billy) Brayford of Robinsons Holidays, won the prestigious and coveted title of UK Coach Driver of the Year at the national event in Blackpool. To achieve this accolade he underwent a full weekend of gruelling tests to evidence his excellent driving skills. The tests involved road runs and off road driving assessments against 48 other drivers from other coach companies right across the UK. The coach Billy used for the tests was Robinsons oldest in their fleet of 22 - a  2004 registered, Volvo B12B coach with a Jonckheere Mistral 50  body - which has been owned by Robinsons from new and maintained in their own garage throughout. The garage team have done such a great job that the coach too won its own award for being the best Jonckheere in the show, despite much newer ones being in the competition. The more modern coaches in the Robinsons own fleet were all away on tour providing high quality holidays for their passengers. A third award was also presented. This was for the Robinsons Holidays company itself because of its longevity - being the longest established coach company in the competition and known for its heritage and traditional values.
Congratulations to Billy for the individual driver award, to the maintenance team in the garage for the Coach award, and to Robinsons Holidays overall for the company award. Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP. Freephone 0800 083 9900 www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Twittering on With Angela Kelly Help -The English Language is being murdered! AS a fan of the English language I get positively bad-tempered when I hear it being mangled and manipulated. It’s not just people who pronounce “th” as “f” or fail to sound the “g” in words ending in “ing” or “endin’” in “in’” as it comes out.
JOANNA LUMLEY
it's all about me tour 10-11
travel
trans canadian rail odyssey 6-7
What really gets my linguistic goat is the current obsession with creating your own words. For example, why put “ness” on the end of a word just because you fancy doing so when a perfectly good word covering that meaning already exists? It’s enough to make you break out in a bout of angriness! And, when one of Radio 4’s presenters told A Point of View that he hated the expression “going forward”, it heralded a flow of listeners’ pet word hates. These included “cheeky” as in “I’m just having a cheeky beer” (why have an insubordinate beer at all then?) and using “so” to start a question (so what has “so” to do with anything?). I’m sure there are plenty of words that irritate people today but among my annoying choices are “meet with” when “meet” is enough on its own, “go figure” (an Americanism that strings two pointless words together).
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It would be easy to blame social media but I actually think that TV and laziness are mostly at fault here. I mean, why bother thinking about the best way to express anything when you can probably construct whole sentences just using trendy modern phrases that mean nothing at all? It’s a no-brainer!
Irritating over-used phrases include “car-crash interview” (upsetting for anyone who has ever been in a car crash and a bit over-the-top for any kind of interview), “going forward” (as opposed to going backwards? What’s wrong with “in the future”?) and “Listen up, people” (more Americanisms used as a means of getting attention: try “Hello, everyone” as an opening gambit). Anyone who tries to qualify “unique” as in “completely unique” is on a loser as “unique” means one of a kind so needs nothing else with it. “Fit for purpose” has become wildly over-used as a “onesize fits all” phrase (another couple of words we hear far too much about and in every kind of situation). “For free” is also one word too many as “free” also stands alone in this context.
Harry and Meghan’s modern fairytale WE do love a Royal Wedding – especially when it involves such a likeable lad as Prince Harry. The comparisons between Meghan and Princess Diana have already been made quite favourably, although time will tell if the former comes close to the latter in the hearts of ordinary people. She’s probably got a long way to go in the charity and personality stakes currently but it is early days. Meghan is already proving to be an effective style icon, especially for the British fashion industry. Every coat and dress she wears to a public occasion tends to sell out immediately. One tiny denim firm now has back orders for three months after the brideto-be wore a pair of £230 black Hiut jeans on a visit to Cardiff. The small company, based in Cardigan in West Wales, has already had to move to a bigger factory to meet demand as
Bridgeman House | 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk
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orders flood in from Paris and New York – all thanks to the Meghan effect.
work colleagues for banter and approval, being your own boss can actually be better for you.
Interestingly, Meghan does seem to be a universally-approved choice of partner for the popular young prince. Even the Queen, who must be hard to impress, has sanctioned the match (both officially and unofficially). It’s probably no real surprise that the public seem to like her as well. In 2018, we are obsessed with celebrities of all kinds and particularly entertainers so to have an actress marrying our prince seems like the right kind of modern fairytale. You just hope, don’t you, that the two of them find their place in society and that they’re happy. Harry needs to have the kind of fulfilling work that a young man with so much energy demands and his new bride will want to step into some kind of meaningful role in public life that allows everyone to get to know her better. In the meantime, let’s just wish them a very happy married life.
Coffee and crème eggs on tap for home-workers WORKING from home – or remote working as it’s known – is a modern trend that has been happily embraced by thousands. An office is now almost an essential home area for the many who have chosen to work either independently or just away from head-office. Now, perhaps not too surprisingly, a study has shown that people who work for themselves are happier, too. In spite of the long hours, the possible stress of finding and keeping work and the lack of
The study, by experts from the universities of Sheffield and Exeter, looked at 5,000 people from various fields around the world. It found that the self-employed felt more engaged with their work, mostly because they enjoyed more freedom around their working environment, took on bigger challenges and met higher standards. There are more than four million people in Britain who spend at least half their time working at home. I’ve been a home-worker for the past 12 years and never regretted the move. Networking provides plenty of opportunities for meeting people and is a genuine source of work offers. And I can wear my PJs until 11am if I want to – provided I don’t Skype anyone. I can have a coffee when I want, stick on a wash load or even binge on Cadbury’s crème eggs between jobs if that’s my choice. No wonder we’re a happier lot!
National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved. Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above or email; help@aamail.org Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service Office at the address below. For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026
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50 Plus Travel
sponsored by
Trans Canadian Rail Odyssey
with Titan Tours first impression! One of you has to climb the stepladder to top bunk - not as bad as it sounds as the beds are comfy and a good width. The sink and separate WC are tiny, and storage is extremely limited. While at breakfast, your room steward puts the beds away, so two armchairs create a cosy private space to relax (short for ‘nod off’).
This is a wonderful way to experience Canada, travelling across the Canadian Rockies over 14 nights from Toronto to Vancouver, three nights aboard The Canadian sleeper train plus two days on the prestigious Rocky Mountaineer. Toronto is a fascinating mix of modern high-rise buildings and occasional traditional buildings in the old part of town. It is beautifully lit up after dark, especially the central square opposite Hudson’s Bay Store. After an overnight stay, the full-day trip to Niagara Falls was wonderful! Words such as stunning, amazing, aweinspiring are unavoidable. It was even more spectacular than we expected.
Snow Capped Mountains
From Toronto through industrial areas, vast lakes and dense pine forest then on through Ontario towards Manitoba, where the scenery is more diverse. After a break to explore the city of Winnipeg, there is a definite change in scenery as you travel towards Saskatchewan. Vast plains, yellow wheat fields and a strange ‘singing’ sound of the train along this stretch of the railway, different from before.
We had pre-booked the Hornblower Cruise (optional), and donning red ponchos, chose a spot on the deck for the best views. It was a brilliant experience, under the Falls with a real feel for the power of this tremendous flow of water. After visiting Niagara on the Lake, a pretty village nearby, the day ended at Toronto rail station to catch VIA Rail’s sleeper train, “The Canadian”. Toronto to Jasper Our cabin had private facilities, and a shared shower at the end of the carriage. Bijou is definitely the
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An Activity Coach includes beer-tasting, bingo or a movie, plus free tea, coffee and cakes all day. Three sittings for lunch and dinner, the food is excellent and beautifully presented amazing they can produce such high quality in this environment.
Winnipeg Bridge
Jasper and Banff to the Rocky Mountaineer After brunch, we said good-bye to The Canadian and on to Jasper by coach. This is a fabulous area, rich with lakes and waterfalls and strange rock formations. We stopped at several places to
TRAVEL photograph pale-turquoise lakes and rivers coloured by minerals seeping from the hills. Maligne Lake is a great place to stop, eat at the Chilli Bar, hire a canoe or just enjoy the backdrop of snow-topped mountains. Along the Icefield Parkway is the included excursion onto the Athabasca Glacier. Board the Ice Explorer truck which trundles slowly onto the designated walkways for visitors. Wrap up warm and enjoy the spectacle of this ancient glacier which is shrinking by the day. Two nights in Banff at the excellent Fox Hotel and Suites. Phone rates were reasonable, all rooms had free WiFi, and there is also a free public transport pass which is “not really free, we just paid for you�! Banff has a variety of shops and restaurants, and you might even see a moose or bear wandering around. The first day includes an excursion to Lake
Louise and optional Gondola (cable car) ride plus lunch with an early start next morning to join the Rocky Mountaineer for two days. A delicious breakfast awaited us on board, and we were constantly fed or provided with drinks startin at 9.30am! We enjoyed the luxury of the Gold Leaf service, comfortable seats on the top deck of the sightseeing carriage and a restaurant downstairs. Standard Silver Leaf service is also in comfortable, allocated seating with meals served at your table and plenty of viewing opportunities. Overnight is at The Coast hotel in Kamloops, then back onboard in the morning. We were all sorry to say goodbye to the Rocky Mountaineer. If only you could travel the whole way across Canada in such style! Vancouver Our last 3 nights were spent in central Vancouver. We loved the city, especially
Stanley Park, enjoyed an evening Harbour Cruise dinner, (meeting a racoon in the street on the way home), and a cable-car trip up Grouse Mountain the next day. September was a perfect time to visit and in hindsight, an extension of a few days in Vancouver at the end of the trip would be ideal.
By Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor. www.silvertraveladvisor.com
Silver Facts: For further information, visit www.titantravel.co.uk and search for Trans Canadian Rail Odyssey or call 0800 988 5803. Quote Silver 17 for any current special offers (various savings available depending on tour and date).
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H O L I D AY S
& T R AV E L
Now taking bookings for oberammergau 2020 VISITING GERMANY AND ITALY. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.
2018 DOOR TO DOOR Quality British and European Holidays by Coach Scarborough
Entertainment Package
5 DAYS £354
Britain’s first holiday resort occupies a fine position on the Yorkshire coastline with two magnificent bays and a headland topped by a castle. The resort is steeped in a thousand years of history and is surrounded by beauty. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the ESPLANADE Hotel 3 Excursions to NORTH YORKS RAILWAY, GOATHLAND, WHITBY, WHITBY ABBEY.
1st July £354
Torquay
Downton Abbey & Bath
5 DAYS £426
5 DAYS £385
This hotel is where ‘To the Manor Born’ was filmed. Our tour has Warner’s usual package of quality entertainment and very high standards of food in their restaurant.
Stay in this stylish resort at the heart of the English Riviera with a real continental atmosphere. In keeping with its name the English Riviera enjoys a mild climate with sandy beaches, palm trees and pretty coves dotted along the coast line.
This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the warners cricket st thomas 3 Excursions to HONITON, SIDMOUTH, LYME REGIS AND SEATON.
9th July £426
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
Isle of Man
Cumbria
5 DAYS £449
This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the HEADLAND Hotel 3 Excursions to DARTMOUTH ON THE STEAM RAILWAY FROM PAIGNTON.
23rd July £385
Explore the history, gardens, events and life behind the scenes of “The Real Downton Abbey”. Highclere is a beautiful Castle. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the BEST WESTERN PLUS BLUNSDON HOUSE HOTEL 3 Excursions include Highclere Castle, City of Bath, day in the Cotswolds and Bourton on the Water.
2nd Aug £389
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £80
Perthshire
Angus Secret Coast & Glamis Castle
5 DAYS £379
DINER TOUR
5 DAYS £389
6 DAYS £472
5 DAYS £465
High Peaks of Luxury DINER TOUR
The Isle of Man is simply magical, an enchanted journey back in time that somehow still feels modern. The island is peppered with stone churches, castles, forts and intricately carved Celtic crosses, all in varying states of preservation. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the rutland Hotel 3 Excursions include st johns, PEEL, port erin, ramsey, LAXEY AND DOUGLAS, manx electric railway.
2nd July £449 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £40
Cumbria is considered one of England’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty, serving as inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians. Historic sites in Cumbria include Carlisle Castle, Furness Abbey, and Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the GILSLAND HALL Hotel 3 Excursions include HEXHAM, HADRIANS WALL, KESWICK CALDBECK, SOLWAY COAST & DUMFRIES, CARLISLE, PENRITH AND KENDAL.
15th July £379 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £45
Take in the region’s breathtaking variety, from its serene glens and endless expanses of lush forest, to its bleakly beautiful moors, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at CRIEFF HYDRO Hotel 3 Excursions include GROUSE WHISKY DISTILLERY, HIGHLANDS AND SIX LOCHS TOUR, INVERARAY, PERTHSHIRE & SCONE PALACE, DUNKELD AND PITLOCHRY.
23rd July £465 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £95
Angus has it all, from the breathtaking scenery of the rolling hills and glens, to the sandy white beaches along the stunning coastline in the east of Scotland. This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the PARK Hotel, MONTROSE 3 Excursions include GLAMIS CASTLE AND GARDENS, ABERDEEN AND WILDLIFE CRUISE, BRECHIN AND ARBROATH.
5th Aug £472 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £75
Call for full 2018 brochure Booking Hotline 01942 728 960 www.memorylanetravel.co.uk
Eastbourne
Edinburgh
Llandudno 6 DAYS £449
3 DAYS £309
Excellent Tattoo Tickets Packed with medieval tenements, narrow wynds of the Old Town and the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, there’s no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world. This tour includes: 3 2 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the KINGS MANOR Hotel 3 Excellent Tattoo Tickets and Short City tour.
7th Aug £309 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £65+
Cornish Splendor & Doc Martin
Eastbourne is a resort town on England’s southeast coast. On the seafront are Victorian hotels, the 19th-century Eastbourne Pier and a 1930s bandstand. As well as being awarded multiple awards for its clean and safe beaches, Eastbourne has a huge variety of activities to enjoy. This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the BEST WESTERN LANSDOWNE Hotel 3 Excursions include visits to Alfreston and Beachy Head, Lewes, Bluebell Railway and Brighton.
26th Aug £449
12th Aug £439 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
Babbacombe 6 DAYS £335
19th Aug £335 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
Situated between the Little Orme to the east and the Great Orme to the west, Llandudno is the largest resort in North Wales incorporating some of the most beautiful scenery in the Welsh mountains and coastline. This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the Queens Hotel 3 Excursions include BEAUMARIS, CARNARVON, LLANBERIS, PORTHMADOC AND CRICCIETH, BETWSY COED AND CONWAY.
23 Sept £395 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £20
9th Sept £429 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £45
Blackpool, often head of the table as the most popular resort in the UK, has many attractions along the sea front including the famous Tower that still offers dances every afternoon for a small charge. If you are not a dancer, shops await you. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the park house Hotel 3 Excursions include visits to Cleveleys, The Lake District and Southport.
17th Sept £299 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
This tour includes: 3 5 Nights Dinner, bed and breakfast at the MAYFAIR HOTEL, ST HELIER
2nd Oct £489 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £90
6 DAYS £299
Long Weekend
Nestled within an area of outstanding beauty and only 23 miles south of Edinburgh the Borders town of Peebles sits straddling the majestic River Tweed. The world famous salmon fishing river - Peebles motto is “Against the stream they multiply”. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights Dinner, bed and breakfast at the Barony castle hotel & spa 3 Excursions include WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF NEW LANARK, BIGGER, EDINBURGH AND THE BORDERS RAILWAY, ABBOTSFORD HOUSE AND ROSSLYN CHAPEL.
This tour includes: 3 4 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the park house Hotel 3 Excursions include visits to Cleveleys, Fleetwood, the Lake District and Southport.
12th Oct £299 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
Isle of Wight
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £65+
6 DAYS £439
23rd Sept £398 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £80
Loch Lomond 5 DAYS £449
Blackpool Illuminations 6 DAYS £299
Jersey lies in the bay of Mont St Michel and is the largest of the Channel Islands covering 10 miles east to west and 6 miles north to south to make this an ideal spot for visiting and exploring pretty countryside and taking in the history it has to offer.
5 DAYS £398
6 DAYS £429
Northumberland with majestic coastal views and endless undulating countryside It has to be the most attractive county in the region. This is particularly true of the area around Bamburgh dominated by its magnificent castle along with the attractive nearby fishing port of Seahouses. This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the victoria hotel 3 Excursions include ADMISSION TO ALNWICK CASTLE GARDEN AND BAMBURGH CASTLE.
6 DAYS £489
Blackpool
Peebles
Bamburgh
Great Value Holiday Babbacombe boasts its very own promenade, theatre, shops, restaurants and of course the world famous Babbacombe Model Village and Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Stunning coastal views are abundant right around Lyme Bay’s Jurassic coast. This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the anchorage Hotel 3 Excursions include CITY OF EXETER, STEAM TRAIN THROUGH DART, NEWTON ABBOTT AND TEIGNMOUTH.
6 DAYS £395
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
6 DAYS £439
St Agnes is a picturesque village on the spectacularly beautiful Atlantic coast of Cornwall. Steeped in mining and maritime history the village now contents itself with providing a warm welcome for tourists, many of whom return year after year. This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the ROSEMUNDY HOUSE Hotel 3 Excursions to PORT ISAAC, PADSTOW, ST IVES, TRURO, EDEN PROJECT
Jersey by Air
A Victorian Steam Journey The Loch Lomond and Trossachs area of Scotland was awarded National Park status in July 2002. A popular leisure destination located between the lowlands of central Scotland and the Highlands. This tour includes: 3 4 Nights Dinner, full board at the winnock Hotel 3 Excursions include STIRLING & THE TROSSACHS WITH A SAIL ON THE STEAM SHIP SIR WALTER SCOTT PLUS LUNCH IN THE LOCHSIDE RESTAURANT, A SAIL AND RIDE THE FALKIRK WHEEL AND A JOURNEY ON THE BO’NESS & KINELL STEAM RAILWAY AND AFTERNOON CREAM TEA AND TEA DANCE.
27th Sept £449 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT £56
Shanklin is one of the Isle of Wight’s most well-known resorts, and it is therefore no surprise that there is a whole range of activities and attractions nearby to keep you entertained during your visit, no matter what the weather! This tour includes: 3 5 Nights dinner, bed and breakfast at the CHANNEL VIEW Hotel 3 Excursions included COWES, GODSHILL AND NEWPORT.
27th Oct £439 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT NOA
DINER TOURS: On these tours our hostess will serve a freshly DINER TOUR prepared light lunch with tea & coffee on day excursions, and morning coffee and biscuits on the outward and return days. All freshly made on board.
Memory Lane Holidays & Travel Heath Street
Golborne
Warrington
WA3 3AD
Joanna Lumley
IT’S ALL ABOUT ME NOT many people can go from championing the Ghurkas to starring as a crazy fashion guru to presenting the BAFTAs and still remain absolutely fabulous but Joanna Lumley can. Now, the 71 year-old is embarking on her first ever live tour, All About Me, later this year when she hits the road for a 30date itinerary all over the UK and Ireland, finishing in Boston, USA. “The thought of this tour, travelling across the British Isles and Ireland, has completely taken over my waking hours,” she admitted. “It’s utterly thrilling to start planning the stories I can tell and the rapture (and gratitude, to be fair) with which I shall greet the audiences. Nothing like this has come my way before, and I may have to be dragged off with a hook at the end of each show.” The tour should prove a fascinating one as Joanna’s life so far has certainly been full and interesting and began in the same out-of-the-ordinary way it has continued. She was born in Kashmir, India, to British parents. Her father was a major in the Ghurka Rifles and she spent most of her early childhood in the Far East where he was posted. Although she was an aspiring actress, it was as a model in the Swinging Sixties in London that she first found success. Statuesque and with striking good looks, she caught the attention of famous-name photographers including the late Lord Patrick Lichfield. She was designer Jean Muir’s muse and house model for several years before going freelance to become one of the top 10 most-booked models of this exciting decade. Her acting career included appearances in On the Buses, Dracula and Coronation Street (where she was Ken Barlow’s early love interest) and she was a Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Her acting breakthrough, though, came as Purdey in The New Avengers’ TV series in 1976. More than 800 girls auditioned for this role to appear alongside actor Patrick McNee but producers obviously saw something special in Joanna and her subsequent success in the series – along with her trademark Purdey haircut which became a musthave style – made her a hit with the public as an all-action heroine.
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Roles which followed included Sapphire in Sapphire & Steel in 1979, opposite David McCallum, in a cult sci-fi series which gained many fans. During the 1980s, Joanna honed her theatrical skills in Hedda Gabler and as Elvira in Blythe Spirit. Joanna also made appearances in several films including the 1982 hit Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pink Panther the following year. She also had a screen-stealing role in iconic hit film Shirley Valentine in 1989. While the public had long ago accepted her versatile acting talents, the role that really shot her to international acclaim came along in 1992 when she joined Jennifer Saunders in the TV comedy series Absolutely Fabulous. She played fun-loving fashionista Patsy Stone to Saunders’ PR guru Edina “Eddy” Monsoon and this re-invention as a comic actress caught the public’s enduring attention. It also won Joanna a string of awards including BAFTAs and cemented her status as a muchloved and admired entertainer. She has always been quick to attribute Ab Fab’s success to the writing of Jennifer Saunders, commenting: “You cannot get better than the writing. The writing has to be the best you can get, then you can build on it. You can’t make bricks without straw “Jennifer’s writing for Ab Fab was absolutely stunning and unbeatable and individual and hysterically funny.” The public, however, long ago embraced both Patsy and Joanna as their own and she has been a regular fixture on national TV screens ever since. She has also built up a successful film career as a character and voice-over actress. Her silky, upper-class English tones are immediately identifiable and her enduring beauty and charm have made her a natural for presenting programmes of all kinds. In 2009, she became a strident spokeswoman for the Gurkhas in the UK and helped persuade the British Government to allow those who had served in the Army the right to settle here. Not too surprisingly, when she visited Nepal she was feted by crowds and thanked by Nepal’s President and
CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Prime Minister for her work in championing the Ghurkas’ cause. She does have strong views about standing up to be counted and once stated: “You have to feel more involved than just writing out a cheque. Charity is almost the wrong word – I think people are beginning to feel more responsible for the world.”
And, however unlikely another Ab Fab series might currently seem, what is certain is that thousands of fans are about to be fascinated by a glimpse into the world of Joanna Lumley on her tour. As for Joanna, she is both excited and grateful for this, insisting:
“Oh people! This is especially for you from me, with masses of love. I think it will be fabulous!”
NORTH WEST TOUR DATES 13 October 2018 Opera House, Blackpool 14 October 2018 Lowry, Manchester 27 October 2018 Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool 7 November 2018 St Georges Hall, Blackburn * For full details of Joanna Lumley’s tour and tickets go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk
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Outdoor
LIVING It may be anything from a tiny patch of grass to a paved garden or something lush that stretches over a large area. Whatever the size of your garden, this time of year is when we really appreciate getting outside on fine days and enjoying that private piece of England. And more and more we are now making the very best of our gardens. If you’re planning a garden or improving one, it’s worth deciding first of all how you want to use it. Is it purely a place to grow flowers and vegs? Is it for relaxing, for cooking and entertaining or as a children’s playspace? Is it a “working” garden that has additional storage or even a garden studio? Once you have decided on its main purpose, come up with a wish-list of things you would like in it – and prune this to fit your budget. Some garden experts suggest, as a rule of green thumb, living with your garden for a year to experience every season and what this means to your garden. Each garden has its own subtle annual patterns and styles – and it needs to suit the property it adjoins to complement it properly. Make the garden that fits the right location: if you’ve got a city garden your space will probably be overlooked by buildings creating shade so use plants that have a chance of blooming. If your garden overlooks your neighbours consider hedges and trees for privacy, but if it’s bordered by open rural space and lovely views think about lowering fences so it blends in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. All this helps you to enjoy your garden more. PATHS can create an illusion of space and areas of greater interest; a winding path makes a more fluid design than a straight one and you can make individual areas for sitting or just admiring the greenery. Use path materials to complement those used on the house, matching the tones but varying the layout, perhaps adding a secondary, smaller material to give the path a more distinctive look. Do you want to stride boldly around your paths or are they a more subtle way of enticing people through the garden? In a narrow garden, a fan effect of paths can help the space look wider, or just lay wide rectangular slabs in a less formal way. A PATIO can prove to be a real sun-trap and a place where you can enjoy al fresco dining and entertaining. You can
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make your own decked area relatively easily, but don’t forget to treat it with stain and preserver products that will protect it from sunlight, water damage and mould. POTS and PLANTERS placed distinctively around your garden can look great on a patio with a large shrub, can screen areas or make small areas of fascination throughout your garden. Ensure, however, that they are portable enough to move around – if you get tired of them in one place then you can move them to another. Highlight all this with subtle LIGHTING. Invest in beautiful lanterns or LED lights in styles to complement your garden and spotlight your hard work. To take your lifestyle out into the fresh air, AWNINGS are a welcome all-year-round home accessory. They allow for outdoor dining and entertainment and can easily extend living areas outside day or night. They offer shade when it’s hot and protection when it’s not and these days come in beautiful shades and with smooth mechanisms that make using them a pleasure. PERGOLAS, GAZEBOS and ARBOURS come in all shapes and sizes, too, offering a quirky and interesting attraction or simply as a way to enhance your garden walks. The wood used blends in beautifully with the surroundings yet they offer a talking-point and bring a different element to your garden. Everyone loves a BARBECUE in the garden and gas or charcoal-burning mobile models are available in various styles and prices to suit all pockets.
GARDEN
There are even brazier-like barbecues that heat the area on chilly evenings.
Find out more at the British and Irish Spa Hot Tub Association (BISHTA) on www.bishta.co.uk
You can, of course, build your own barbecue from brick, ensuring beforehand that it’s at the most practical and comfortable height for the people using it and that it doesn’t pose a fire-risk.
Gardens are great places in which children and grandchildren can play and there’s a wealth of PLAY EQUIPMENT available – everything from climbing frames, slides and swings to exotic treehouses.
Gardens are also wonderful for their relaxing qualities, so finding ways to get nearer to it – and even work within it – make sense for many of us. GARDEN STUDIOS are one clever way of doing this – individually built rooms with plenty of glass and airiness that allow us another handy room outside the house.
And if all you really want to do in your home outdoor space is garden, you can make your life easier with every kind of GARDEN EQUIPMENT. Choose from the latest labour-saving lawnmowers, trimmers and strimmers to all manner of small tools to create the garden of your dreams – and even be kind to your knees with the latest comfy kneeler!
We all know the healing and relaxing power of water which is why PONDS and WATER FEATURES are all so popular in our gardens today. They don’t have to cost a fortune – you can create a small pond on quite a modest budget, install a pump and put in suitable plants plus fish for a reasonable amount. And water features can be as big or small as you want, all involving that lovely sound of trickling water that calms the soul. If you really want to, literally, push the boat out you could invest in a SWIMMING POOL. You could have a small one in the open air or something larger in its own purpose-built home. Choose carefully and this could provide luxury swimming on site all the months of the year. HOT TUBS have also become very popular in this country over the last decade. Again, these can be used all year round and provide a relaxing and healthy way to chill out at home.
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OUT & ABOUT
Out & About
A GUIDE to some amazing events Take a Fresh new look at Fleetwood Market! Fleetwood Market is one of the oldest in Lancashire. Dating back to the 1800’s in a coastal setting at the heart of the seaside town which is popular with visitors and locals, but don’t be fooled by its age this Market has ever changing stalls and is a shopper’s delight for clothing, household goods and gifts all at great prices – there are currently over 200 stalls to explore. It’s open four days a week all year round we're easy to get to by car, coach bus or tram and we're fully accessible for wheelchair users including a free cash machine on site. The new Digital Help Centre at Fleetwood Market was officially opened in February 2018 and is already helping local people to get online. The centre, run in partnership by Citizens Advice and Wyre Council, will help people to learn new IT skills and even work their way towards qualifications. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, all bank holidays and Tram Sunday 9am – 4.30pm. Find us online at www.fleetwoodmarket.co.uk or call the market office on 01253 887651 Adelaide/Victoria Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 6AB. 30 May - 24 June 18
OUR COMMUNITY ART SPACE IN GALLERY FOURTEEN FEATURES EXHIBITIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY, HOYLAKE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY RETURN WITH A SELECTION OF THEIR MEMBERS OUTPUT. Williamson Art Gallery Slatey Rd, Birkenhead, Prenton CH43 4UE 0151 666 3537 williamsonartgallery.org
1 June 2018 - 3 June 2018
Southport Food and Drink Festival If you love food then make a date with the Southport Food and Drink Festival – a ‘foodies’ paradise with a little something for everyone to enjoy which usually takes place over the first weekend in June. Stimulate your senses and try food from different cultures – you can enjoy crepes, gourmet burgers, hot wings, churros, spiral potatoes, paella and curry from the Street Food stalls. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BZ
Thursday 21st June 2018
GEORGE BENSON
R'n'B lovers know him as the guitarplaying vocalist who is responsible for such hits as Give Me The Night and Turn Your Love Around, while the jazz world continues to treasure his classic instrumental albums of the '60s and early '70s. Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/ philharmonic.htm
9 and 10 June 10-5pm
The Wirral Open Studio Tour returns to the Williamson with five local artists showing their work and their practice within the gallery. Williamson Art Gallery Slatey Rd, Birkenhead, Prenton CH43 4UE 0151 666 3537 williamsonartgallery.org Wednesday 13th June 2018 / 7:30pm
6 Hands: John Williams, John Etheridge & Gary Ryan After many years of playing together John Williams and John Etheridge are joined by classical guitarist and composer Gary Ryan in a colourful and varied programme of solos, duos and trios. Williams and Etheridge will play some of their most popular pieces together and own compositions and Gary Ryan will play his own “Benga Beat. Tickets £26.00 (£24.00 conc) Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral CH45 2JS 0151 666 0000
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Friday 22nd June 2018 / 7:30pm
Dan Snow – An Evening With The ‘History’ Guy ‘An Evening with DAN SNOW’ will feature the well-known historian, broadcaster and TV presenter recount anecdotes of memorable experiences from his very successful career. Dan will also research and include historical facts relating to the Wirral and will be aided by the use of digital screens. The show will be an undoubted success with academics, students, families (young and old) and all those interested in the history of their region. The show will conclude with a 20mins Q&A. Tickets £26.50 (£21.50 conc) / £19.00 under 16) Group Discounts available Floral Pavilion, Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral CH45 2JS 0151 666 0000
Sunday 1st July 2018
ABBA MANIA
It is just over 40 years since ABBA won Eurovision and now it's your chance to thank ABBA for the music! ABBA Mania is now accepted as the world's number one touring ABBA tribute production. Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/empire.htm Monday 2nd July 2018
ROGER WATERS
English rock musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Waters was the bass player, co-lead vocalist, lyricist, primary songwriter, and one of the founding members of the rock band Pink Floyd. He now tours as a solo artist, performing some of the classic songs he helped write in Pink Floyd. ECHO Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/echoarena.htm
21 July 2018 - 22 July 2018
Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) 2018 The Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) returns in 2018 on July 21st and 22nd. LIMF is a grand-scale celebration of the city’s rich musical history, diversity and continued relevance, and is one of the highlights of the Liverpool 2018 programme which marks ten years since the city’s game-changing year as European Capital of Culture. The Liverpool International Music Festival (LIMF) returns in 2018 on July 21st and 22nd. LIMF is a grand-scale celebration of the city’s rich musical history, diversity and continued relevance, and is one of the highlights of the Liverpool 2018 programme which marks ten years since the city’s game-changing year as European Capital of Culture. Sefton Park, Mossley Hill Dr, Liverpool L17 1AJ Sunday 15th July 2018
6th - 8th July 2018
JASON MANFORD - MUDDLE CLASS
Are you looking for a fun and exhilarating day out with the kids? Do you have a limited budget to entertain the family for the day? Family Celebration or Company Day Out and you want to make it truly special? Or do you simply have a love of aviation and air shows?
He's back! Muddle Class promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class' then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class' - causing much confusion! Delivered with Jason's amiable charm and captivating wit, this is a show not to be missed. Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE
Southport Air Show
If the answer to the above questions is 'Yes' then look no further than the Southport Air Show - the number one family day out in the North West! www.visitsouthport.com/airshow Thursday 12th July 2018
...YOU’LL LAUGH, CRY AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. CILLA THE MUSICAL IS SIMPLY FLAWLESS’ LIVERPOOL ECHO
BILL KENWRIGHT & LAURIE MANSFIELD PRESENT
JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA Former Squeeze ivory-tickler and presenter of the legendary Later with Jools Holland. Since learning to play fluently at the tender age of eight, Jools has gone on to become one of the UK's most proficient jazz and blues pianists. Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/philharmonic.htm
BAFTA AWARD WINNING
JEFF POPE’S
THE MUSICAL
TUE 23rd to SAT 27th OCT Tickets from £31.50 BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS
Sunday 15th July 2018
JASON MANFORD - MUDDLE CLASS He's back! Muddle Class promises to feature a wealth of new material about Jason growing up ‘working class' then finding, over the years, that part of him has become ‘middle class' - causing much confusion! Delivered with Jason's amiable charm and captivating wit, this is a show not to be missed. Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/empire.htm
THEIR LIVES WERE WORLDS APART... ...THEIR DESTINY JOINED THEM TOGETHER MON 5th to SAT 10th NOV
Tickets from £28.00
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Williamson Open
Della Robbia Collection
Portraits of people of Oxton
Slatey Road, Birkenhead, CH43 4UE 0151 666 3537 www.williamsonartgallery.org Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am until 5pm
Cafe, art supply shop, book shop and gift shop
Workshops with independent craftspeople and artists
Adult art classes and drop in family art sessions
Free car park and free wiďŹ
The Chapterhouse
The Conway Chapel
The Undercroft
Birkenhead Priory & St Mary’s Tower
Priory Street, Birkenhead CH41 5JH
0151 666 1249 or 0151 666 3537
www.thebirkenheadpriory.org Opening hours for Summer Wednesday – Friday 1pm - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Car park at end of Church Street CH41 5EQ
The oldest standing building in Merseyside, a scheduled monument with history museum and Friends of the Conway museum. St Mary’s Tower gives unrivalled views over the River Mersey to Liverpool and Cammell Laird shipyard. Guided tours available from our knowledgeable Priory Volunteers.
OUT & ABOUT Monday 30th July to Saturday 4th August 2018
TITANIC THE MUSICAL
Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE 16 August 2018 - 19 August 2018
Southport Flower Show 2018 Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the country and is set to be bigger and better than ever before so why not make it a ‘must see’ whilst visiting Liverpool.
Festival, which celebrates the music of the most famous pop group the world has ever known, The Beatles. In the city where it all began, Liverpool.
On Sunday evening as the competition ends, the five professional judges will go behind closed doors and decide the winner of the competition.
There is so much to do and see that you don’t need to be a Beatle fan to enjoy the festival, though it probably helps! This is truly an international event with 70 bands from over 20 countries and fans from over 40.
Each competitor is judged on: synchronisation, mood and flow; patterns, colours, effects and music; technical aspects such as timing & overall design.
Live music is the focus of International Beatleweek. Not only do we have live music on the Cavern’s three stages all day, every day (with a different band on every hour), but we also go out into the city to various venues so you can get a real feel of Liverpool.
Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BZ www.visitsouthport.com
www.internationalbeatleweek.com
At Last: The Etta James Story is a twohour narrative concert starring Vika Bull. Vika brings her heart, soul and funk to tell the story of Etta's turbulent life and sing her best loved songs including: ‘Tell Mama',‘Pushover', ‘I'd Rather Go Blind', her iconic signature song ‘At Last' and more.
The theme, The Curious Garden is inspired by a sense of mystery, wonder and curiosity. Find your way through the foliage to reveal the strange and delightful secrets of the British garden. Through a twist, a turn and a secret door - what will you discover? The Southport Flower is a great day out for the entire family and only 20 miles along the coast of Sefton from Liverpool. Southport Flower Show is the largest independent flower show in the country and is set to be bigger and better than ever before so why not make it a ‘must see’ whilst visiting Liverpool. The theme, The Curious Garden is inspired by a sense of mystery, wonder and curiosity. Find your way through the foliage to reveal the strange and delightful secrets of the British garden. Through a twist, a turn and a secret door - what will you discover? The Southport Flower is a great day out for the entire family and only 20 miles along the coast of Sefton from Liverpool. Victoria Park, Rotten Row, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 2BZ www.southportflowershow.co.uk 22 August 2018 - 28 August 2018
International Beatleweek 2018
Cavern City Tours is proud to bring you our annual International Beatleweek
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The winner is then crowned!
Tuesday 9th October 2018
AT LAST: THE ETTA JAMES STORY
Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BP http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/ philharmonic.htm Tuesday 23rd October 2018
JEFF LYNNE'S ELO Thursday 20th September 2018
JANE McDONALD
One of the nation's most loved entertainers will tour the UK in her brand new show – “ Making Memories”. A must see event of 2017, not to be missed! Get ready to make some memories and see Jane McDonald's best show yet! http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/ southport.htm Fri, Sep 28 - Sun, Sep 30 at 6:00pm–9:00pm
British Musical Fireworks Championship The British Musical Fireworks Championship is a firework competition across three nights. Each competitor will fire a 16 - 18 minute display which must be choreographed to music. The fireworks will unfold, Southport skies will light up and Victoria Park will come alive with music!
Jeff Lynne's ELO have always been known for their epic live shows and with a distinct style that seamlessly and innovatively blends rock, pop and classical, ELO has had twenty six UK Top 40 singles, making Lynne's sweeping productions some of the most recognisable music of the last forty years and helping sell over 50 million records worldwide.. ECHO Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/ echoarena.htm Saturday 24th November 2018
THE FOUR TOPS & THE TEMPTATIONS The Four Tops have been wowing audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954. The Temptations are known for their seminal R&B and soul catalogue, their harmonies and their trademark choreographies. ECHO Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4FP http://www.liverpooltheatres.com/ echoarena.htm
Lets Step into Summer at HESKIN FARMERS MARKET
COACHES WELCOME
Butchers, Food Shops, Gifts with a Difference, Craft Studios, Ladies, Gents & Baby Wear, Personalised Gifts, Handbags, Jewellery, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Woodburning Stoves, Guitar Shop, Bridal Gallery and much more ....
A GREAT DAY OUT WITH OVER 40 UNIQUE SHOPS, FREE PARKING & FREE ENTRY We look forward to seeing you! OPENING TIMES: Tues- Sat 10am - 5pm
Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm
Monday - Closed
Bank Holidays 11am - 4pm
Wood Lane l Heskin l Chorley l PR7 5PA l T: 07599 831907
www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk
HOME
Bring your home
BACK TO LIFE one room much improved, it can make the others look rather dull! Keep your HALLWAY bright with good lighting and possibly new wallpaper and paint. Mirrors are also a great way to maximise space and light.
KEEN ON GREEN – Cool greens are used by Valspar paints for this relaxing lounge
THIS is definitely the time of year we take a fresh look at our home and think about change. Spring is not just a time for Springcleaning but also altering and improving our lifestyle and streamlining the way we live with less clutter. As the brighter days come along, the fresh light on often tired furnishings and décor can galvanize us to action. But where to start? Although it may be your rooms that look like they need some immediate rejuvenating, it’s worth first checking the OUTSIDE of your property and seeing if work needs doing there. The fascia board and soffits – the wooden bits around the outside of your home – may be looking tired and in need of some work. You may just need a new coat of paint on the outside or even new WINDOWS. Today, windows are not only very effective in keeping out the bad weather and ensuring your home is well-insulated
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but also look good and can modernise the most tired-looking property. If you don’t want to spend quite that amount, check that your FRONT DOOR is still effective as a welcoming portal to your home. Front doors come in all kinds of designs these days and are ideal for ensuring light in your hallway. You may want to build onto your home in 2018 with an EXTENSION, SUNROOM or ORANGERIE. You may prefer a CONSERVATORY as a means of extra light and space. They can all add both value and quality to your home and daily living but it’s worth choosing your builder carefully. An approved official body like the Federation of Master Builders is a good place to start; go to www.fmb.org.uk for information about a suitable local builder. Your builder should be able to show you previous work which is why having one recommended to you often helps. Check all your rooms carefully before you start any work as, once you’ve got
Decorating might be the answer around the house, especially in areas like the lounge and kitchen where you spend a large amount of time. The paint experts at Valspar advise that “light colours will always uplift a small room and make it appear bigger. In larger rooms, you can use dark colours to make the room feel cosier or create a more dramatic effect.” If you don’t want to invest in a new SOFA or CHAIRS, having new covers made or even buying attractive throws will definitely brighten them up.
The same applies in the KITCHEN where new unit doors, for example, can create the illusion of a completely new kitchen. Or, splash out on a large, freestanding fridge if you’ve got the room to stylishly add to storage and drinks’ capacity. Even new pots and pans, displayed attractively, can improve the look of you kitchen or new, brightly-coloured utensils. You can buy complete ranges of coffee-makers, kettles and containers now in lively colours. The same applies in the BATHROOM where a new suite will do wonders for the look here and make it much more
contemporary. Bright shower curtains and accessories can complete your makeover. BEDROOMS definitely benefit from decoration in soft, relaxing colours, complemented by new bedding in similar shades and new flooring.
Nothing will work well in the way of home improvements, though, if you don’t seriously address the matter of clutter. Professional de-clutterer Amanda Manson from Orderly Office and Home suggests some simple, tried and tested tips to help you tackle those niggling areas and create a feeling of calm. 1. Decide on your goal – Getting started requires a mindset that is open to letting things go, a sense of acceptance and the ability to move forward. I speak to many people who say they have too much stuff in the spare room or that their loft is ful of “goodness knows what” and they just can’t seem to make a start tackling it. So first I’d suggest setting yourself a goal and a timeframe in which to achieve it. Clearing the overflowing sideboard or dining table before you have guests over for lunch or going through a pile of newspapers and magazines that have been stacking up over the weeks in time for paper recycling day, for instance, are both great motivators. 2. Pick a time and a place – Whilst in certain circumstances it makes sense to sort all of a particular “type” of thing in one hit – books, clothes, photographs etc – if you’re simply trying to give yourself a sensible clear-out and freshen up your home, I’d suggest working either room-by-room or space-by-space. So, find yourself a free morning or afternoon when you can get stuck into a room, or just 30 minutes to work on a set of drawers or a shelf, put the radio on and get to work! 3. Bags, boxes and all that jazz – You don’t need to go overboard here by any means but it’s good to have at hand some suitable containers for sorting your items. There are things to keep, to donate to charity, to pass on to friends or where, needs must, to put into the bin. Cardboard boxes, bin bags plastic tubs or simple marked-up spaces on the floor (use a post-it note) or table are a good starting point. Simply moving things around and not into a specific category means it’s easier to mix up and
BACK TO NATURE – It’s the natural look by Valspar paints for this lovely room what you have and decide if you have enough, too many or need more. A simple trick here is, over the course of a week, to only put back into that drawer the items that you have used. Look at what’s left at the end of the week and decide if you really need what’s left in the box.
get into a muddle again. 4. Need it? Use it? Love it? – These are the questions you need to ask yourself when going through your possessions. If you can’t answer “yes” to any of these, you’ll then need to ask yourself why you still have it! Easier for some items than others, granted, but for the purpose of a Springclean it’s likely you’ll be tackling things that you’re less emotionally attached to. 5. Sort, group and purge – When going through your possessions, start by gathering together things from one place. For instance in your kitchen just empty out that utensil drawer onto the countertop and try to group all of the same kinds of items together. Lay out all the knives, whisks, measuring spoons and so on. Then it’s time to assess
6. Sort first, store second – Don’t be tempted to buy new storage items on a whim. Go through the simple steps in whichever area of your home needs a tickle then you can enjoy finding something suitable to fit in your space. Try to re-purpose storage items that don’t work in other rooms. You’ll often find they work wonders when given a new job. 7. Clean and be cleaned – Of course, you’ll want to give the area you’re sorting a good Springclean whilst you’re at it. Just think how much easier a bookshelf will be to dust when there are fewer items cluttering up the surface space. Likewise for your laundry cupboard. Three fewer duvets and a new way of storing them (duvet cover and bottom sheets stored inside the matching pillowcase) will make life much easier going forwards. • For more information on Amanda Manson go to www.orderlyofficeandhome.co.uk and on Valspare paint www.valsparpaint.co.uk
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Sally Bee The Home of Gorgeous Gifts Our home is in the delightful village of Birkdale, Southport . We offer a handpicked, eclectic mix of fabulous gifts for Her, Him, Baby & Home. We are always searching for the perfect gift and we will happily help you to select yours! We even offer a complimentary gift-wrapping service too! Pop in and discover our unique collection of gorgeous gifts and treats. If you just can’t wait you can view our website ; follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep in touch with all that’s going on !
We look forward to seeing you soon! www.sallybeegifts.co.uk
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01704 550646
Sally Bee The Home of Gorgeous Gifts 43 Weld Road Birkdale Southport PR8 2DS
FOOD & DRINK
James Martin's
AMERICAN ADVENTURE Chicken ‘Bonne Femme’ Bonne femme translates as ‘good woman’ or ‘good wife’, and refers to the simplicity of this tasty dish. In culinary terms, it has come to refer to a dish with a mushroombased sauce. There are lots of versions of Bonne Femme, made using oysters or sole as well as chicken. This is my version of a Louisiana Creole classic. The Worcestershire sauce adds a great depth of flavour.
4 tablespoons olive oil 100g (31/2 oz) lardons or chopped streaky bacon 100g (3/4 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1.5kg (3lb) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces 1 green pepper (bell pepper), deseeded and diced 3 large Spanish onions, sliced 2 celery sticks, diced 125g (41/2 oz) white button mushrooms, sliced 300g (101/2 oz) new potatoes 5 garlic cloves, chopped 150g (51/4 oz) chorizo sausage, diced 4 tablespoons white wine 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 15 drops of Tabasco a few sprigs of tarrago
Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6. Place a large roasting tray over a medium heat. Drizzle half the oil into the tray, then add the lardons or bacon. Stir into the hot oil and fry until crispy, tossing every now and then. Once the bacon is cooked, lift out with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl.
on one side, flip over and brown the other side, then place in the bowl with the bacon. With the tray still over a medium heat, add the vegetables, potatoes, garlic and chorizo, stir in, then pour in the wine. Deglaze, stirring in the sticky bits and juices from the base of the pan, then add the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco.
Spread the flour on to a plate and season well. Dip each piece of chicken into it to coat completely. Fry the pieces in the tray, in batches and over a medium heat, adding the remaining oil, as you need to. When each piece is golden
Return the cooked bacon and chicken to the tray and season. Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 35–40 minutes. Sprinkle with tarragon before serving.
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Bow Pasta with Clams, Crayfish & Cajun Spices
SERVES 6 1 tablespoon salt 500g (1lb 2oz) bow pasta 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon celery salt 4 tablespoons butter 5 garlic cloves, chopped 4 tablespoons white wine 500g (lb 2oz) clams 300ml (1/4 cup) double (heavy) cream large handful of cavolo nero, chopped 500g (1lb 2 oz) crayfish tails sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 10 drops of Tabasco 25g (oz) Parmesan cheese
We definitely need to eat more of these little fellas, as American crayfish have taken over from the UK crayfish in our rivers and streams. It’s easy to find containers of the cooked tails in the supermarket. This pasta dish is so simple to make and uses American kale, also called ‘black cabbage’ or cavolo nero. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add the salt and the pasta, stir in and simmer for 10 minutes until al dente. Mix the paprika, white pepper, thyme, oregano and celery salt together in a bowl. Melt the butter in a large pan over a low to medium heat. Once the butter has stopped foaming, add the garlic, herbs and spices and cook for a minute or two. Pour in the white wine, then add the clams and
cream and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and cook for 2 minutes. As the clams start to open, add the cavolo nero followed by the crayfish. Bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain the pasta, keeping a little of the water, and tip into the pan with the sauce. Season and keep cooking for another 2 minutes. Add the Tabasco and grate half the Parmesan into the sauce. Spoon onto a large serving bowl and grate over the rest of the cheese.
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FOOD & DRINK
Bourbon Pecan Tart Another classic American dessert, this moreish tart is packed with crunchy pecans, smothered in bourbonflavoured sticky goodness. If you’d like to glaze the cake, warm 2 tablespoons golden syrup (light corn syrup) in a pan and brush all over the tart after baking.
SERVES 8 For the pastry 250g (I3/4cups plus 2 tablespoons) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for rolling out 125g (1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon) butter, diced, at room temperature 1 medium egg, beaten For the filling 4 tablespoons butter 100g (3oz) treacle 4 medium eggs 175g (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) caster (superfine) sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons bourbon whiskey 500g (1lb 2oz) pecans To serve double (heavy) cream or vanilla ice cream
To make the pastry, put the flour into a large bowl, add the butter and rub in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Pour the egg into the middle of the mixture and stir in well, then lightly knead the mixture to bring it together. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the mixture feels a bit dry and doesn’t come together into a smooth dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and rest in the fridge for 20 minutes. Lightly flour a clean work surface
then roll out the pastry into a large circle, around 2mm (1/8in) thick. Keep turning the pastry every time you roll it to keep the shape even. Use to line a 26cm (10 in) fluted loose-bottomed tart tin, 3cm (1.in) deep.
Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until mixed well then pour in the cooled butter mixture, cinnamon and bourbon and stir everything together.
Line the tin with the pastry. Press into the flutes and edge of the base of the tin, then leave the remainder hanging over the edge.
Put the tart tin on a baking sheet. Spread the pecans all over the tart case, then pour the filling over the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes until the filling is firm.
Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/gas mark 3. Make the filling. Put the butter and treacle into a small pan and heat gently to melt the butter. Stir together. Take the pan off the heat and cool a little.
Once cooked, cut all the overhanging edges off the tart using a sharp serrated knife. Cool the tart until warm, then lift the tart out of the tin and transfer to a plate. Cut the tart into slices and serve with cream or ice cream.
James Martin’s American Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography © Peter Cassidy
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DENTURE SOLUTIONS
Are your Dentures causing you teething troubles? 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 clinician at Denture Solutions 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. Dentures, like most things, have a limited lifespan; usually around 5-7 years. After this period of time the denture can start to offer inadequate facial support, which can leave cheeks looking sunken and withered as well as lips appearing excessively wrinkled. New dentures can reduce these age related features by supporting the facial tissues without making the teeth looking large and protruded.
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HEALTH
DENTURE Solutions fully understands the daily problems that wearing a denture can create. Andrew’s passion and enthusiasm for natural lifelike dentures has helped him create a denture clinic where the finest detail and care are delivered in a relaxed atmosphere. At your free initial consultation Denture Solutions will take time to discuss your individual needs and the choices that are available to you, be it complete or partial dentures, flexible dentures, implant dentures as well as denture repairs, adjustments and relines. It’s friendly, professional staff will guide you through the whole process making your experience a relaxing and enjoyable one. Its clinical technician, Andrew Corlett (CDT, RCS (Eng)) and nurse Adele aim to provide a complete professional denture service, with discreet care and understanding of what your needs and expectations are. Using its onsite laboratory enables Andrew to combine clinical and technical skills together to design and create beautifully handcrafted dentures focusing on comfort, fit and appearance.
Let Denture Solutions solve your denture problems with our friendly, personal and confidential service. We provide natural looking Dentures designed and created just for you.
Thank you to our patients who kindly allowed us to use their testimonial and images.
Natural looking dentures designed and created just for you Before
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Mrs Graham from Waterloo “When I first saw Mr Corlett’s ad, regarding his dental clinic, I was interested, but also anxious, as I had not heard of him before. However at my first consultation I realised my anxiety was not necessary. We discussed what I needed and what would be best for me. TheNatural endlooking result is a perfect set of the dentures designed and created just for you. most comfortable dentures I have ever had.” New dentures direct to the public Emergency repairs and relines Implant dentures and flexible dentures • Free consultation with discreet care • Home visits by appointment • • •
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01704 578209
Fully qualified, registered and insured clinical dental technician with 20 years experience. Find us on, 104 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3HL or get in touch, 01704 578 209 manager@denturesolutionsuk.com web: www.denturesolutionsuk.com
Find us on: 104 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3HL or get in touch phone: email:
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