These are the individuals who forge a reputation on their opinions of everything from restaurants and hotels to beauty products and fashion shared online?
I’m quite torn on the subject as, while I can see they often provide a valuable service offering the consumer’s eye view, they may need curbing in some areas.
Influencers can earn a surprisingly large amount of money from their endorsing work with UK influencers collectively commanding audiences exceeding 650 million followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
As you might guess, they are both more popular and more influential among younger age groups. However, perhaps we can all agree that many are entertaining and informative and can be very useful, especially in engaging with younger and hard to reach groups.
The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), for example, spent £6,000 on a pilot scheme of paid-for influencer content last year on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube ahead of the peak visitor season.
This aimed to “educate more people about how to visit the Lake District responsibly”.
It came amid mounting pressure for the park to deal with inconsiderate parking, illegal camping and fly-tipping. The messaging centred around litter, fell safety, visiting less congested areas and wild camping guidance.
The Authority found using influencers reached 1.8 million young people, encouraging them to respect Nature. They were pleased enough to consider continuing with the campaign ahead
of this Summer and believed it gave “insights to build on future engagement activities.”
The flip-side of that comes in other photogenic areas like Notting Hill where influencers have become a nuisance with their constant cameras and posing on private property for an entertaining shot or video.
There are also problems in some restaurants where influencers have arrived complete with cameras and tripods to film. Some fed-up restaurateurs have turned them away while others complain that influencers expect free food for their review and exposure.
We are now very used to both reading and posting reviews of holiday hotels, restaurants and places like theme parks. In fact, many of us automatically study reviews before we book to check the consensus of opinion and they are useful.
So perhaps we just have to accept influencers for what they are and enjoy what they have to tell us. Or just ignore it all and go your own way.
SECRETS OF MORE INNOCENT TIMES
TODAY the lives of celebrities and film stars are open to scrutiny via all kinds of media.
Unlike when generations of us were growing up, these lives are not just reliant on studio press releases sanitising their existence or offering a view that Hollywood demanded.
Then, in much more naïve times without the information overload we’re used to now, we weaved fairytale existences around the stars we really liked.
We believed the studio press releases absolutely.
Some of these disguised rather more unacceptable facts then but, for others, amazing lives were hidden from view.
One of these was the legendary Audrey Hepburn.
This iconic screen star with the fragile beauty was the epitome of grace. But not everyone knew the truth about her background, revealed far more recently by her son’s fascinating memoir of his mother.
By the time Holland was liberated during World War 2, Audrey had seen men executed and had risked her own life many times working for the Resistance.
The roots of that delicate beauty lay in starvation and hardship. Even that engaging angle of her head and neck - so loved in studio photos - had a much more sinister origin.
Audrey had ventured out into the garden of her home near Arnhem to soak up some sun as she was pale as a ghost from malnutrition and months trapped indoors.
She had almost dropped off to sleep when a shell landed nearby. She expected to be “blown to oblivion” and dug frantically into the earth as gravel hit her skin like buckshot and metal fragments flew all around.
What she never told anyone until a few years before her death was that a small piece of shrapnel embedded itself in her neck, preventing her from bending her neck in the normal way.
Hence what became her trademark “angle.”
It says much about the star that she insisted that this fact was never revealed during her lifetime.
HOW MUCH SCREEN-TIME FOR TOTS?
IT’S interesting to see that new Government guidance states that children under five should be limited to one hour of screen-time a day while under-twos shouldn’t be watching screens alone.
Although it’s very tempting for ultra-busy parents to encourage children to play alone with their screens, there are down-sides.
The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, and Department for Education scientific adviser Professor Russell Viner have reviewed the latest evidence and state that long periods spent on screens alone can affect children’s sleep and physical activity. These are key to their development.
They’ve also found that watching screens with an engaged adult is linked to better cognitive development than using screens alone.
The Government has previously said that around 98 per cent of children are watching screens on a daily basis by the age of two.
Commonsense is surely the key here and cutting down screentime and making use more of a joint activity sound like the way forward. Computer screens definitely have their uses but a child’s development – preferably with parents – comes first along with a structured approach.
DOGGY ‘BAND OF BROTHERS’ IMPRESSED
WHO could not have been touched by the sight of a small group of dogs in China who had escaped a meat factory and tackled together the 10-mile journey home?
This “band of brothers”, as they’ve come to be known, even looked after one injured German Shepherd, with a Corgi leading the pack and glancing back regularly at their injured pal.
We’re told they all made it home, and I really hope they did.
It’s inevitable that the idea will spark a film – and I’m definitely going to see that!
Recycling & Textile Centre Opening
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm
Celebrating in Style!
Gillian Thornton and her husband celebrate a special occasion with a slow boat through southern France
From the top tier of the Roman theatre in Vienne, it is easy to imagine life here 2,000 years ago. Built into a steep hillside above a broad meander of the Rhône, the theatre once sat 13,000 citizens of the Empire and dominated the bustling city that straddled this strategic waterway.
Today, Vienne’s antique theatre is amongst several outstanding Roman attractions along the Rhône, which rises in the Alps and flows into the Mediterranean between the wetlands of the Camargue and the ancient port of Marseille.
As a travel writer specialising in France, I have visited many of the historic riverside towns by car, but had never enjoyed the tranquillity and scenery of a journey by water. So, with a significant wedding anniversary providing the perfect excuse, I booked a holiday in late October with my husband John, cruising from Burgundy to Provence on board Riviera Travel’s MS Thomas Hardy.
Sights and scenery
We joined the Thomas Hardy in Lyon, a city we both know well, so instead of joining the guided excursion included in the itinerary, we opted for an independent morning on a nostalgic tour of old haunts. The beautiful Renaissance Old Town with its hidden passages; the hilltop basilica of Fourvière and twin Roman theatres; and the
painted walls and grand boulevards of the peninsula between the Rhone and Saône.
After lunch, Thomas Hardy turned north up the Saône into Burgundy, and we had time to enjoy this luxury ship which takes 167 passengers.
Waking up next morning in Chalon-sur-Saône, we enjoyed a sunshine drive up the Route des Grands Crus through a ‘wine list’ of villages including Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay and Pommard, before arriving in Beaune. The Saturday market was in full swing and there was time to browse after our tour of the Hôtel-Dieu, founded in 1443 as a hospital for the poor and location for an annual charity wine action.
Cruising overnight again, we head back through Lyon to Vienne with a free morning to explore independently. Not just the spectacular theatre but also the Roman Temple of Augustus and Livia, one of only two intact temples surviving in France. An afternoon on the water was a welcome chance to watch the river scenery pass by from the sun deck.
Second time, new experiences
And so, our week unfolded in a relaxing mix of discovery and relaxation. Yes, we had visited some places before, but the Rhone Valley offers some outstanding sights that are well worth a second visit. We enjoyed following the route on the concertina-map provided for each guest, and even though overnight rain left moody skies and low mist for our excursion to the spectacular Ardeche Gorges, the weather can never spoil the dramatic underground rock formations of the Grotte de la Madeleine.
Basilica of Notre Dame
Hotel Dieu
Overnight, we slipped seamlessly from the Rhone-Alpes region into Provence, arriving in Arles where Vincent Van Gogh spent one of the most productive periods of his life from February 1888 to May 1889. Close to our mooring, a reproduction of his famous Starry Night revealed the exact spot where the troubled artist stood.
Arles is another Roman gem. The theatre is smaller than those in Vienne and Lyon, but a vast amphitheatre rises up in the centre of town, still used for bull games and cultural events today. But the best was still to come in a week already packed with archaeological highlights – our afternoon excursion to the three-tier aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Here we had free time to take photos from every angle and tour the excellent visitor centre with museum, movie and café.
And finally, to Avignon, famous not just for that bridge – or what’s left of it – but for the towering Gothic Palais des Papes, home to nine popes between 1316 and the early 15th century. After visiting both sites with a local guide, we enjoyed wandering Avignon’s historic streets in glorious autumn sunshine, people watching from a café terrace, and stocking up on Provençal gifts to take home.
Your cruise, your choice
This is a cruise that can be as active or passive as you please. There is no pressure to join in any of the included excursions or the post-dinner programme which included a lively music quiz, a hilarious French ballroom dancing display, and a tasting of Rhone Valley wines. Local guides were charming and knowledgeable; city mornings were always well positioned; and coach transport to excursions, comfortable and efficient.
We really enjoyed linking some of our favourite French destinations by water, watching the scenery change dramatically between the gold-tinged vineyards of Burgundy and the grey-green olive groves of Provence. We met some lovely passengers – some celebrating 30 years of married life, others with more than 60 on the clock – and for us, the MS Thomas Hardy proved the perfect celebration of 45 happy years.
Next steps
Find out more about Riviera Travel: silvertraveladvisor.com/riviera-travel/ To plan and book a Riviera cruise or tour, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678.
or email: help@aamail.org
Pont d’Avignon
40 YEARS IN THE HEART OF BOLTON
Our family business is proud to celebrate 40 years in Bolton Town Centre. Since 1986, we’ve remained committed to providing quality beds and mattresses, straightforward advice, and the kind of service that comes from decades of experience.
Bolton has changed a great deal over the years, but our values haven’t. We’re still an independent, family-run business focused on helping people choose comfort, support and lasting value.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past four decades. We look forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.
WE DO THINGS A BIT DIFFERENTLY THAN OUR RIVALS.
All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service.
That means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door. No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definately no hassle!
WE ARE FINANCIALLY SECURE.
We are members of the Bonded Coach Holiday group overseen by The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Ltd. This is a Government Approved Protection Scheme.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
On the morning of travel we pick you up at a prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services or Stockport.
WITHIN
30 MINUTES.
SUPER HOTELS, ALL INCLUDED!
We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.
We use a wide range of mainly 3 and 4 star hotels, some privately owned many part of larger chains. All entrances and excursions are included in the price stated.
COACHES AND DRIVERS.
We use modern executive coaches and all our drivers are experienced, mature and friendly!
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE RETURN.
Your taxi will be waiting for you to take you home.
TRAVEL INSURANCE?
All our customers are offered our coach specific insurance, pre-existing medical conditions are covered for UK travel with no upper age limit.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Nothing we can think of!
INTERESTED? Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2026 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk request of tours
A SELECTION
COACH TOURS 2026
a charming 4-star country manor and explore grand Tudor estates – 16th Century Loseley Park and 15th Century Dorney Court, both still lived in today.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Loseley Park & Head Gardener Tour. Dorney Court with Private House Tour.
MORECAMBE
The Auckland Hotel
Stroll along Morecambe’s award-winning promenade with an ice cream before visiting the Eric Morecambe Statue, and the Tern Project, a series of public art installations inspired by the birdlife of Morecambe Bay.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Lakes Rail & Sail. Lune Aqueduct Cruise with Fish & Chip Lunch.
Monday, 3rd August | 5 Days | £469
SOUTH DEVON DELIGHTS Exeter Rougemont Hotel
Beautiful Devon is one of the UK’s most breathtaking destinations. Whether you’re seeking golden beaches, rugged moorlands, charming villages, or delicious local food, Devon offers an unforgettable experience. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. Cruise on the River Exe with Cream Tea. Visits to Sidmouth & Torquay. Cream Tea at The Belgrave Sands Hotel.
CORTON COASTAL VILLAGE
Corton Coastal Village
Warner Hotels offer a high standard of accommodation, food & facilities and are well-known for fabulous cabarets attracting some of the country’s biggest star names. A wide range of activities and leisure facilities from bowls, tennis and croquet to indoor swimming pools, saunas, fitness studios and much more available for your enjoyment.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Norwich. Southwold.
Monday, 3rd August | 5 Days | £439
BONNIE SCOTLAND
Best Western Crianlarich Hotel
The village of
to the
of the
TOUR
of
Monday, 10th August | 5 Days | £669
INTERESTED? Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2026 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk request of tours smithtours
Crianlarich is located in Glen Strathfillan
north
The Trossachs, some eight miles north
head of Loch Lomond.
HIGHLIGHTS: West Highland Railway Line – Oban through the Pass of Brander. Loch Leven, Glencoe & Rannoch Moor. Ben Cruachan – The Hollow Mountain. Glenturret Distillery.
The Beguiling Beauty of Basel
By Rebecca Underwood, BA Hons | Travel Journalist
For those keen to take a break from the relentless stresses of life in the fast lane, consider a long weekend in Basel. Located on the banks of the river Rhine, where the Swiss, German and French borders convene, Basel is a captivating city of contrasts, cosmopolitan yet traditional, with a vibrant culture and an impressive number of museums, attracting over 1.5 million visitors every year.
Art lovers should head for the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts), which features three venues containing the largest art collection in Switzerland. I viewed extensive paintings and drawings highlighting the works of artists active in the Upper Rhine area and dating back to the early 15th century. I Wandered around the fabulous collection of Holbein masterpieces and admired the stunning works of Rembrandt, Rubens, Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Cezanne and Van Gogh. The contemporary collections include works by Andy Warhol, Brice Marden, Mimmo Paladino, Walter Dahn and Siegfried Anzinger.
Another popular attraction is Basel Zoo, located on Binningerstrasse. Set in lush, landscaped parkland it is easy to navigate and the 600 species include Kangaroos, African elephants, lions, crocodiles, giraffes and rhinoceros. The antics of the monkeys and apes enchant visitors for hours and don’t miss the pelicans and seals devouring huge numbers of fish during their afternoon feeding sessions.
For my own dining experience, I hopped on the no. 34 tram at Zoo Dorenbach, disembarked at Universität, and headed for the family-owned and managed Restaurant Zur Harmonie, located on Petersgraben. The property has an intriguing history and is mentioned as an inn on records dating back to 1807. The interior features antique wood panelling and a beautiful lead glass window, created by Auguste Philippe Matisse. This restaurant specialises in Swiss, Italian and French dishes and I sampled the succulent ‘Café de Paris’ sirloin steak, served with pommes allumette, which was presented with much aplomb. Accompanied by a glass or two of Monferrato Rosso Lanimo 2009, it is a first class dish.
An exceptional vegetarian dining experience awaits diners at Tibits, located on Stänzlergasse. An extravagant buffet style display features fresh, homemade vegetarian and vegan salads, hot dishes, soups, freshly
pressed juices and a choice of desserts. Diners select a plate, choose their food and then proceed to the cash desk where the plate is weighed and this determines the cost. I sampled the scrumptious quiche with a crispy salad, followed by the delicious pistachio ice-cream.
The Basel Minster, once a Catholic cathedral and now a reformed Protestant church, is also among the most popular tourist attractions and is listed as a heritage site of national significance. I took a stroll around the busy market square and admired this imposing building, the red sandstone architecture, the multi coloured tiled roof, the soaring twin towers and the cross shaped intersection of the main roof. Built between 1019 and 1500 it is a magnificent example of a mesmerising blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Energetic visitors are welcome to climb the steep staircases within the towers in groups of two or more.
For a less strenuous bout of exercise, I inhaled the crisp Alpine air and took a leisurely stroll along the meandering alleyways of Basel’s Old Town, where I discovered a mixture of 15th century and contemporary buildings. Basel is home to the works of a number of world renowned architects including Renzo Piano and Mario Botta. I browsed around the trendy boutiques and dusty old book shops, stopped at a coffee shop and sampled a Swiss pastry or two. If you love to rummage for a bargain, the Flohmarkt, held every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Barffüsserplatz, is the place to be. Bargain hunters gather to search the stalls, crammed with goodies galore.
In need of a sugar rush, I made my way to Lackerli Huus, located on Gurbergasse, it’s a paradise for a sweet tooth. I sampled the Basler Leckerli; a rectangular piece of gingerbread and a veritable feast of honey, hazelnuts, almonds, candied lemon and orange peel and a dash of spices. Leckerli, which dates back to the 15th century, was a source of nourishment for church dignitaries and it is simply divine.
Swiss chocolate fans should visit Xocolati, situated on Glubengasse, it’s a charming chocolate boutique, which offers more than 700 exclusive chocolate products as well as over 50 varieties of hot and cold drinking chocolate.
For an absorbing insight as to how the affluent people of Basel lived in the 18th and 19th centuries, I visited the Haus Zum Kirshgarten. This 18th century property was once a silk merchant’s private residence, and the family wealth is evident. The museum features 25 rooms, lavishly
furnished with period pieces. The permanent exhibitions include ‘Basel – symbols and Images’, which gives an insight into the history of Basel from the Middle Ages to the present time through the displays of images, symbols and badges of identity used by past rulers and their subjects.
‘The Basel Dance of Death’, another popular exhibit, is a sixty metre long mural, once painted onto the wall of a cemetery within a Dominican convent and although fragmented it is prominently displayed and thought to signify the 1439 plague epidemic.
Visitors seeking an exceptional place to stay in an excellent location will discover that the Gaia Hotel, located on Centralbahnstrasse, is a short stroll from Basel’s main transportation hubs and it offers the highest levels of comfort and service, a complimentary in-room mini bar and free Wi-Fi. This impressive property, which is family-owned and managed, opened in 1929, and provides spacious and contemporary accommodations with charming traditional touches. I stayed in a superior, air-conditioned; double room, measuring 36 sq. metres, which featured an espresso machine, a large flat-screen TV and a spacious en suite bathroom. The bed, swathed in crisp, white linens, was ultra comfortable and ensured my deep and peaceful slumber. The organic buffet breakfast, served in the hotel’s elaborate dining room, which has retained its rich traditional wooden panelling, was absolutely outstanding. The service was excellent and it was a pleasant surprise to find a hotel that caters for vegans and diners requiring gluten free produce. Hotel facilities include an excellent spa, which features a Kneipp trail, a Finnish sauna, a treatment room, an inviting relaxation area, and rejuvenating rain showers.
Visitors with a preference for apartment-style accommodation will find that the Adagio aparthotel, located on Hammerstrasse, is just the ticket. Hotel facilities include a fitness centre with rowing machines, a self service laundry, a business centre and complimentary WiFi. I relaxed in a one bedroom apartment measuring up to 35 sq. metres, which provided a welcome retreat after a day of arduous explorations. The lounge area offered a comfortable, plump sofa and an LCD TV with more than 35 channels and the kitchen included a microwave with a grill, a ceramic hob, a dishwasher and all amenities required for self catering. I opted for the hotel’s excellent buffet breakfast, which included a wide selection of fresh breads and pastries, yoghurts, cold meats, cheeses and a selection of hot dishes.
After such a sumptuous feast, I burned up a few calories by taking a stroll along the banks of the river and then hopped on one of the four ferries, which sail between Basel’s five bridges spanning the river Rhine. Whenever you decide to visit, you can be sure that the locals will offer a warm welcome. I was truly enchanted with the beguiling beauty of Basel. Images, excluding hotels, supplied with the kind permission of Switzerland Tourism.
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If you have a disability or mobility problem our aim is to help you to find the best solution, so why not contact us or call into our showroom. Our experienced staff are always happy to offer friendly and useful advice on the best mobility solution for your needs.
FINANCE AVAILABLE along with free HOME DEMONSTRATION on request.
3 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE IS INCLUDED WITH EVERY POWERED WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY SCOOTER PURCHASED
Established in 2016 we offer fantastic holidays in the UK and across Europe.
With fabulous excursions, quality hotel accommodation, executive coaches and top class tour drivers, a trip with AVA Travel is one to remember!
We also have a huge selection of UK day trips to suit every traveller.
AVA are committed to making the whole process of taking a holiday with us as easy and pain free as possible.
OVER 200 HOLIDAYS AND SHORT BREAKS TO CHOOSE FROM!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TO ORDER YOUR FREE BROCHURE TODAY!
Ava Travel Leyland Ltd
MERYL STREEP
The Art of Becoming Someone Else
There are movie stars, and then there is Meryl Streep—an actor whose very name has become shorthand for excellence. For more than five decades, she has inhabited characters so fully that audiences forget the performer behind them. Accents melt into bone, gestures feel inherited rather than learned, and emotional truths land with the quiet authority of lived experience. In an industry addicted to novelty, Streep’s true miracle is endurance: she remains essential not because she repeats herself, but because she never does.
Streep’s career is often reduced to a statistics game—record Oscar nominations, shelves of awards, reverent headlines. Yet numbers can’t explain the strange intimacy she builds with viewers. We don’t simply watch her characters; we recognise them. The anxious mother, the ruthless editor, the grieving widow, the dazzling chanteuse—all seem plucked from real life, as if Streep has slipped into parallel worlds and returned with souvenirs. She has made a vocation of empathy.
That gift for transformation began with discipline. Trained in theatre, Streep absorbed the rigour of voice, movement, and text long before Hollywood called. The famous facility with accents is not a party trick but a key to psychology: speech patterns reveal class, history, and fear. When Streep speaks as someone else, she isn’t decorating a role; she is decoding it. This is why her performances feel less like impressions and more like revelations.
What sets her apart is not just technique but taste. Streep has never chased youth or glamour as a brand. Instead, she has chosen complexity. Early on, she refused to be boxed into ingénue territory, insisting on parts that showed women as contradictory— strong and fragile, moral and compromised. Long before the industry began talking seriously about representation and agency, Streep was practising it, one role at a time.
Consider how often her characters stand at crossroads. They must decide between love and duty, comfort and conscience, silence and speech. In those moments, Streep avoids melodrama. She
lets doubt flicker across her face, trusts the audience to lean in, and finds drama in restraint. A pause can be as devastating as a monologue. It is a reminder that acting, at its highest level, is less about display than about disclosure.
Her range has become legend, but range alone is not the point. Plenty of actors transform physically or vocally. What Streep transforms is the temperature of a scene. She can raise it with wit, cool it with sorrow, or let it simmer with ambiguity. In lighter fare, she understands timing and mischief; in darker stories, she knows when to hold back. Comedy and tragedy, often treated as separate disciplines, sit side by side in her work. She proves they are cousins.
As Hollywood matured, so did Streep. She embraced middle age not as a decline but as an expansion. Where many actresses found roles narrowing, hers widened. Mothers, bosses, politicians, artists—women with histories rather than hopes. She showed that visibility after forty need not be an apology. It could be a declaration. In doing so, she quietly challenged the industry’s fear of wrinkles and wisdom.
Off screen, Streep’s influence is just as marked. She has never been interested in celebrity as spectacle. Interviews reveal a thoughtful professional who treats acting as labour, not mystery. She speaks of rehearsal, research, and responsibility—words more common in a workshop than on a red carpet. When she does step into public debate, it is with a measured clarity that echoes her performances: precise, humane, and grounded in evidence rather than outrage.
Her collaborations read like a map of modern cinema, spanning auteurs and crowd-pleasers alike. This eclecticism is deliberate. Streep resists the idea that prestige must look one way. She appears in small dramas and glossy musicals, in literary adaptations and broad comedies. Each
choice widens the conversation about what a leading actress can do and where she can do it.
There is also joy in her work— often underestimated because of the gravitas that surrounds her reputation. Watch her in musical numbers or sharp comedies and you see an actor who relishes play. That sense of fun is not frivolous; it is fuel. It keeps her curious, open to surprise, and willing to look foolish in pursuit of truth. The courage to be silly is as important as the courage to be serious.
Perhaps Streep’s greatest legacy is the permission she grants other women. Permission to age, to be complicated, to take up space, to be loud or quiet as the story requires. Younger actresses cite her not just as a role model but as proof that a long career can be artistically rich rather than merely sustained. She has turned longevity into an aesthetic.
In an era of algorithms and franchises, Streep’s career feels almost radical. It is built on the slow accumulation of craft rather than the flash of a single hit. Each role adds a brushstroke to a larger portrait of what acting can achieve. She is not defined by one character but by a philosophy: that the job is to listen deeply and respond honestly.
So why does Meryl Streep still matter? Because she reminds us that performance is a form of citizenship. By stepping into lives not her own, she enlarges the audience’s sense of what is possible. She doesn’t tell us what to think; she shows us how to feel without fear. In a culture quick to categorise, she specialises in nuance. In a world hungry for certainty, she offers questions.
We may never see another career quite like hers—not because talent has vanished,
but because the conditions that allowed such patient growth are rarer now. Yet her example remains a standard against which new work is measured. Excellence, in her case, is not an adjective but a practice.
And so, as the awards tally climbs and the filmography thickens, Streep continues to do the same thing she has always done: become someone else, and in the process, help us become more ourselves. That is not just star power. That is art.
Meryl Streep is once again stepping back into the icy stilettos of Miranda Priestly for The Devil Wears Prada 2, a long-awaited sequel to the 2006 fashion classic that’s due in cinemas on 1 May 2026. Nearly two decades after the original, Streep returns alongside Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci, with director David Frankel and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna reunited behind the camera.
Spring-fresh your Home
SPRING offers the rare opportunity to have a fresh start with your home and prepare it for, hopefully, brighter days to come.
The best way to begin is with a “blank canvas” which means that you need to make a serious stab at DE-CLUTTERING
This basically involves identifying what you’re happy to let go of this year and it makes all kinds of sense to start in the kitchen.
There are always cupboards here with forgotten items. The result can be expired food items, especially condiments and spices, and anything not in a tin or with an expiry date.
Tinned food generally keeps food fresher longer because it’s airtight.
When it comes to clothes, sort through your items and remove anything that’s damaged, doesn’t fit or that you haven’t worn for at least 12 months.
If it’s in reasonable condition, bag it all up and take it along to your favourite charity shop so that local charities can benefit from your Spring-clean. Or, take them to shoe and clothing collection points run by organisations like Samaritans. Just Google the address of your nearest.
You could, of course, sell it on Vinted or offer it to one of the Freecycle organisations dotted around the country to give someone a free bargain.
Go through all your beauty products, make-up etc, check for expiry dates or if you just don’t use them regularly. Any new items or gifts,
take along to the charity shop, otherwise just enjoy a simpler beauty routine with the items you really like.
On bigger items like furniture, if you have some you really don’t need, contact charities like homeless organisation Emmaus, the British Heart Foundation or your local hospice if they have furniture-only outlets to see if they’re suitable for them.
This way you’re not only giving them stock to sell to fund their much-needed work but most big charities will come and collect items from you, which makes life much easier.
The general rule on De-cluttering which works well for almost any item is “one in, one out”. So if you buy something new, earmark
something else to either throw out, sell or give to charity.
Spring also offers the chance to renew areas of your home that you’ve been promising yourself to improve all through the Winter.
If, for example, you really need new WINDOWS – both to keep your home cosier, cutting energy bills, and to brighten up your rooms with a fresh perspective.
Try to go on personal recommendation from family and friends when it comes to buying from a supplier. Most have websites with genuine reviews, too, which demonstrate individual strengths and weaknesses.
Understand the factors that influence the cost as prices really do vary. Bear in mind that uPVC is the most affordable option followed by aluminium and timber designs. Timber framed designs are the most expensive but do offer better insulation. In other words, you get what you pay for.
Large, complex windows are generally more expensive than standard casement windows, with double glazing standard. If you want triple glazing costs can increase by 30% to 50%.
New FLOORING can also make a great difference to freshening up your rooms and maximising available space.
The latest design choices to enhance your home’s comfort, energy efficiency and long-term value include warm, earthy tones like honey oak, soft caramel woods and muted terracotta shades for that welcoming feel.
At the same time, rustic stone floors are very popular and patterned vinyl flooring offers a stylish and practical way to introduce colour into your home.
Consider timber and re-claimed wood for that cosy atmosphere but ensure it suits the age of your home.
If you have handsome FIREPLACES, especially anything vintage, make them a feature this year.
When they’re not doing their “day job” warming up rooms, ensure they shine with baskets of flowers or ferns or are home to large, leafy houseplants or even imaginative artificial flowers.
Mantelpieces come to life with family photographs and even small trinkets to prompt memories of special occasions. If you are making
MAJOR APPLIANCES
it a special place, perhaps aim a spotlight in that direction to really bring it to life.
LIGHTING is particularly important as the warmer months and longer days come in. If you’ve got your windows sorted and are perhaps introducing blinds or lighter curtains for the Summer months, ensure that your lighting enhances life daily.
Amber and brown-coloured glass are among contemporary trends for 2026 lights that can give warmth to any room. Sunshine shades like yellow or pink also provide that lovely glow we associate with the warmer months.
Striped fabric shades or tinted glass all add to this seasonal cosy glow with coloured glass pendants particularly popular to light up a room.
Wall lights are a 2026 trend that many older homes will already have. Give them a more modern vibe as part of light layering in rooms perhaps in a metal finish to blend in with contemporary décor.
Keep the quality of light in mind as well. Warm-toned lighting gives a homely ambiance and a dimmable feature in rooms will also allow you to change the atmosphere far better.
Take a fresh look at WALLCOVERINGS and consider textured walls and finishes like plaster, wood panels or patterned wallpapers to add depth and interest.
In general, warm, earthy tones can combine with metallic accents for a sophisticated look that works today. Echo those tones in fabric cushions or throes to catch the eye and reinforce room shades or opt for the occasion flash of a contrasting colour.
Even BEDS and bedding offer an opportunity to show your domestic style. Go for considered layered textures, patterns and colours – a contrasting textured coverlet or upholstered headboard can provide a focal point for a bedroom or create a pleasing contrast.
Add ART to your walls throughout your home. If you or your family are not artistic, look at individual work on offer in smaller galleries or online or visit a local art collective for a pleasing bargain.
THE ART OF PERFECTION
In the Ribble Valley, where craftsmanship and heritage are quietly revered, Renovo Dental has established itself as the definitive name in bespoke implant dentistry
Renovo Dental operates in a rarefied sphere where precision engineering meets artistry and where compromise is simply not part of the language.
Founded by the highly experienced clinician Dr Usman Riaz, Renovo was conceived with a singular philosophy - to deliver cosmetic and implant dentistry at the highest possible level - all meticulously planned, flawlessly executed and designed to endure for decades.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the practice now stands as the pre-eminent implant in the North West, with a three-month waiting
list and a discerning clientele that includes fellow dentists who entrust their own smiles to Renovo’s care.
“It goes without saying that you should not compromise when it comes to implants and your smile, it is an investment,” says Dr Riaz. “Implants should last at least 20 years or more. If taken care of, lifelong. If you get an implant done once, it’s got to be done well.”
At Renovo, placing the implant is regarded as the straightforward element. The true mastery lies in the planning - an intricate, detail-driven process that considers gum architecture, bone health, facial harmony
and the individuality of every smile.
“For us, placing the implant is simple. Our philosophy is about the planning and making the implant look and act like a natural tooth.
“Aesthetic dentistry is not about changing smiles, it’s about respecting them. Implants must be harmonious with the facial aesthetics, as every smile is unique.”
It is this devotion to detail that elevates Renovo beyond clinical excellence into the realm of artistry.
FOR US, PLACING THE IMPLANT IS SIMPLE. OUR PHILOSOPHY IS ABOUT THE PLANNING AND MAKING THE IMPLANT LOOK AND ACT LIKE A NATURAL TOOTH. THAT’S THE HOLY GRAIL
Central to that journey is an in-house specialist team, ensuring continuity, accountability and an uncompromising standard of care. Among them is Dr Khurrum Hussain, a highly experienced specialist periodontist and implant surgeon whose expertise has earned international recognition. Recently, Dr Hussain was invited to present at the prestigious ICE Annual Scientific Symposium 2026, which focused on ‘Innovations in Implant Dentistry and Peri-Implant Disease’. Held at the Manchester Hilton, the symposium gathered the world’s leading implant authorities, including keynote speaker Professor Tomas Albrektsson, widely regarded as the father of modern dental implantology.
Dr Hussain joined this distinguished line-up to discuss how serious implant failures and complications can be avoided - a subject that lies at the very heart of Renovo’s philosophy.
‘’It’s about precision, predictability and control’’ says Dr Khurrum. “That makes everything much easier for the patient.”
The latest technology at Renovo is not employed for spectacle, but for superiority. Advanced CT scanning and digital smile design software allow for forensic-level planning.
From the first assessment to final smile, every step follows a patient-specific workflow, where the gum profile, the biomechanics, including the bite and smile aesthetics, are all pre-planned.
“There is no guesswork. We already know what the result is going to be, so for us it’s all about the journey. We find that journey
exciting and we like our patients to be involved in the planning too.”
Yet what truly sets Renovo apart is its holistic approach. Many implants are placed on the same day, often without the need for bone grafting, gum removal or sutures.
High-tech laser systems are used to disinfect and accelerate healing. Renovo has taken this even further by incorporating oral biomarkers to assess inflammation and study the micronutrition to support healing.
“Optimising a patient’s health before implant surgery acts in our favour,” explains Dr Riaz. Patients may self-refer or be referred by their own dentists and once under Renovo’s care they are coached and mentored in maintaining exemplary oral health and as Dr Riaz explains: “Our aim is to deliver dentistry that not only looks great, but the teeth feel like they truly belong and last for many more years.”
The results speak volumes. More than 1,000 smiles have been transformed through implant rehabilitation since the foundation of Renovo Dental. Whether replacing a single tooth or reconstructing multiple teeth, the objective remains unwaveringlongevity, practicality and beauty in perfect balance.
OUR AIM IS TO DELIVER DENTISTRY THAT NOT ONLY LOOKS GREAT, BUT THE TEETH FEEL LIKE THEY TRULY BELONG AND LAST FOR MANY MORE YEARS
Indeed, Renovo’s implants are crafted to mimic nature so convincingly that patients and observers cannot distinguish them from the real thing. “People often can’t believe they’re not their natural teeth. That’s the holy grail.”
Working six days a week and dedicating many hours to meticulous planning, the Renovo team remains driven not by volume, but by passion. Dentistry, as Dr Riaz affirms, is evolving and Renovo is proud to be at its vanguard, inspiring the next generation while quietly redefining what is possible.
In the Ribble Valley, excellence has found its benchmark at Renovo Dental where perfection is not pursued it is engineered. n
Now the celebrations of Christmas and New Year are over, many people will turn their thoughts to the year ahead. Plans for diets, fitness regimes, holidays and moving home are just some of the best intentions we start the year with.
But one thing that many people leave off the ‘to do’ list is to make a will. While it’s not as exciting as booking a cruise, a will is probably one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Research carried out by Royal London revealed that 54% of the adult population doesn’t have a will. For me, as a solicitor, this is a very scary statistic.
A will is an incredibly important document. Without it, you’ll die intestate which means that you won’t be able to choose who you want to inherit from your estate, exclude those you don’t want to benefit from your death or even nominate those who you would want to look after your children. Instead, the government will decide on all these things and more for you, which may or may not correspond with your wishes, so you should never underestimate the power of a will.
There’s often a misconception that making a will is an expensive, time consuming process, but the cost of applying for a grant of probate – obtaining the legal authority from the court to deal with a deceased person’s financial affairs – is far more expensive. It’s also something that your loved ones would have to do after
your death which only adds to the stress and heartache they’ll already be going through.
Planning your future in this way could be viewed as a little morbid, but the reality is that death is coming to us all, so it’s sensible to make arrangements in order for you to be able to choose who you want to benefit from your passing.
A good solicitor will put you at ease and explain the process in plain English so that you’re not overwhelmed or confused by any of the legal terms.You’ll also have peace of mind that your solicitor will be regulated by industry bodies, such as the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Some solicitors specialise in older client law and are trained to deal with the specific requirements of older people. They may also be able to visit you at your home to take instructions if you find it difficult to get out.
Make sure you give your solicitor all relevant background information, such as whether you’ve been married before, if you have any children, whether you’re widowed etc. All this information will help your solicitor to outline your options, explain any inheritance tax implications or whether the will needs to include a discretionary trust.
If you’re planning on disinheriting any of your children or family members, make sure your solicitor knows about it so they can account for it when making your will. There are a growing number of successful claims made by children who have contested a will under the Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependents Act 1975. If your will is challenged, a judge can make an informed decision based on your explanation as to why those people have been left out of your will. If you don’t do it, a judge doesn’t have any evidence that you consciously made this decision and could potentially overturn your will.
There’s a lot to think about when making your will; here’s a list of the main points you should consider:
Who will write it?
Unlike some will writers, solicitors are regulated and have a duty of care to act in your best interests. Whilst cheap, online or DIY wills can often cause problems further down the line because they only allow you to draft the most basic of wills. Anything a little more complicated can lead to the will being invalid or your loved ones having to pay a lot more to administer your estate retrospectively.
What are you worth?
In the first instance you need to understand how much you’re worth. Making a list of all your assets – any property, savings, shares, policies, insurances, pensions, jewelry, vehicles, gadgets, artwork, family heirlooms etc. – will help you determine the value of your estate. Don’t forget to include any online accounts as these are easy to miss if there’s no paper trail.
Do the same thing again, but this time, list all your debts. These will be any outstanding mortgages, credit card balances to pay, loans, finance arrangements – anything you owe money on.
Choosing an executor
When it comes to choosing an executor, you can appoint anyone you like as long as they’re over the age of 18. A word of caution though; being an executor is a responsible job that can involve a lot of work. They’re the person who’ll deal with distributing your estate, so you need to make sure that whoever you choose they’re both capable of doing it and want to.
Louise E Rance Russell & Russell
Who’ll benefit?
Next, think about who you want to inherit your assets. Will it be all family or is there someone who isn’t a blood relative you’d like to leave something to? Also, think about family dynamics. More people are re-marrying, so if this applies to you, you’ll need to think about how this will pan out if you have children from your first marriage, for example.
You might also want to leave money to charity or an organisation. If this is the case, you’ll need to be careful to list the full name, address and registered charity number. Whoever and whatever you leave your estate to, it’s really important that you’re clear about what exactly you want to leave and to whom.
Make sure it’s valid
This can’t be stressed enough. If you don’t sign your will, it won’t be worth the paper it’s written on. This may be obvious, but it’s surprising how many people forget. As well as yourself, you’ll need two independent witnesses to sign in each other’s presence.
The witnesses, their spouses or civil partners can’t be a beneficiary of your will otherwise they’ll lose their right to their inheritance. In fact, they shouldn’t even be present when your will is being signed. It’s also wise not to ask an executor to be a witness.
If you’re unable to physically sign the will yourself, a clause needs to be added to the will stating that you understand the contents of it. It can then be signed on your behalf (as long as you’re present when it happens) with your consent. The consent basically states that you’re aware of the signing and that you’ve done it voluntarily and without pressure from anyone.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a degenerative mental illness, such as dementia you can still make your will as long as you have mental capacity and understand the effect it will have. Again, you’ll need to add a clause saying you understand the contents of your will before it’s signed, but in addition you may also need a medical practitioner’s statement at the time the will is signed, certifying that you understand what you’re signing.
Keep it up to date
Once you’ve drafted your will, it’s vital you keep it up to date. Events like divorce or marriage will invalidate your will. To avoid confusion, once you’ve updated your will, make sure you destroy any earlier versions.
Storing your will
Leave your will with your solicitor for safekeeping and advise your executor of its location. For reference, your solicitor can provide you with a copy. Never attach documents to your will with paperclips or staples because if they become separated and leave marks, it could raise questions about whether the will is missing any parts or amendments.
At Russell & Russell, we specialise in will writing. We’re accredited to the Law Society Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme, which sets the benchmark for best practice and transparency in setting up wills and estate planning. The team is also part of the dementia friends initiative and we offer a free, no obligation consultation so that you can decide what you want to do and what’s best for you.
Russell & Russell Solicitors LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales, registered no. OC420972. The registered office is Spa Road, Bolton BL1 4AG where a list of members is open to inspection. Authorised & regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
TIMELESS STYLE
For your outdoor space
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your garden. From vibrant spring bulbs and seasonal planting to our beautiful new RHS Bramblecrest furniture range, Summerseat Garden Centre has everything you need to create a space to enjoy all season long.
As a loyalty member, you’ll also receive 5% back on your purchases. We’d love to welcome you in store and help you make the most of your outdoor space.
VISIT US AT...
Summerseat Garden Centre, Railway St, Summerseat, Bury, Lancashire BL9 5QD
01204 883048
MON - SAT 9AM - 6PM, SUN 9AM - 5PM
RHS Wisley 4 Seat Dining Set - Sage
Gardening in Early Summer
Early summer is that sweet spot in the gardening calendar: the rush of spring has eased, the light is generous, and the garden is finally starting to look like the picture you had in your head back in February. For gardeners over 50, this season is all about enjoying the rewards without feeling like the garden is running you. Think colour, comfort, and clever shortcuts.
Let the Garden Do the Work
By now, borders should be filling out nicely. Early summer stars like peonies, lupins and hardy geraniums are at their best, and roses are beginning their first big show. The trick is to support, not struggle. A quick round with plant supports can save a whole season of flopping stems, and a thick layer of mulch keeps moisture in while cutting down on weeding.
If bending and kneeling aren’t as appealing as they once were, raised beds and container planting come into their own. Pots of herbs or compact tomatoes close to the back door mean fewer trips up and down the garden — and more time to admire your work with a cup of tea.
Gentle Gardening, Big Results
This is the season for light, regular jobs rather than big weekend battles. Deadheading spent blooms keeps plants flowering longer and gives you a reason to wander around each day. Water little and often, ideally in the morning or evening, and focus on the roots rather than the leaves.
For tired backs and knees, long-handled tools are worth their weight in gold. They reduce strain and let you stay out longer — which is no bad thing when the sun is warm but not yet fierce.
A Season to Savour
Gardening in your 50s and beyond is less about chasing perfection and more about shaping a space that suits your life. Early summer
reminds us that a garden doesn’t have to be grand — it just has to feel good to be in. A few bright flowers, a comfortable seat, and time to notice the bees doing their rounds… that’s success.
The best gardens at this time of year aren’t the busiest. They’re the ones where you can pause, breathe in the scent of warm soil and blossom, and think: yes, this will do nicely.
Grow What You Love
Early summer is also the time to be honest about what earns its place in your garden. If something constantly needs attention or never looks happy, it may be time to let it go. Replace highmaintenance plants with reliable performers: shrubs, ornamental grasses and hardy perennials that come back year after year with minimal fuss.
And don’t forget the joy factor. Whether it’s a row of runner beans, a pot of strawberries, or a single glorious rose, grow things that make you smile when you look out of the window.
Let Nature Join In
Early summer gardens truly come alive when birds, bees and butterflies move in. Planting nectar-rich flowers such as foxgloves, salvias and echinacea provides a steady food source, while a shallow water dish or birdbath offers relief on warmer days.
If you have space, allow one small corner to grow a little wilder. A patch of longer grass or native wildflowers can dramatically increase insect life, which in turn supports birds. The joy of watching goldfinches balance on seedheads or bees working steadily through lavender adds another layer of pleasure — and reminds us that gardening is as much about stewardship as it is about beauty.
Create a Garden You Can Sit In
A garden should be lived in, not just looked at. Early summer is the perfect moment to think about seating. A bench tucked into a shady corner, or a small table near flowering borders, turns the garden into a destination rather than a job. Surround these spots with scented plants - lavender, honeysuckle, or sweet peas - and you’ve made yourself a daily retreat.
Paths matter more than you think. Clear, even walkways mean safer strolling and less chance of tripping when you’re watering in the evening. Gravel, paving slabs or bark chips all do the job, and they make the garden feel more intentional.
Early summer is one of the busiest- and most rewarding - times in the garden. Plants are growing fast, flowers are blooming, and weeds are trying to take over. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense checklist to keep everything thriving.
CLAUDE’S
Planting & Transplanting
6. Thyroid eye disease: Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (‘staring’ or ‘bulging’ eyes).
6. Thyroid eye disease: Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (‘staring’ or ‘bulging’ eyes).
6. Thyroid eye disease: Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (‘staring’ or ‘bulging’ eyes).
• Plant out tender bedding plants once frost risk has passed.
• Sow fast-growing crops like lettuce, radishes, beetroot, and carrots.
• Plant heat-lovers such as tomatoes, courgettes, squash, and beans.
What will an optician test for and check (beyond long and short sightedness)?
What will an optician test for and check (beyond long and short sightedness)?
What will an optician test for and check (beyond long and short sightedness)?
• Transplant seedlings started indoors and water them in well.
• Top up containers with fresh compost if growth is slowing.
Watering Smartly
“A close inspection of the lens, retina and optic nerve can reveal a host of disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes among them, even if the patient feels fine and shows no other symptoms.
“A close inspection of the lens, retina and optic nerve can reveal a host of disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes among them, even if the patient feels fine and shows no other symptoms.
“A close inspection of the lens, retina and optic nerve can reveal a host of disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes among them, even if the patient feels fine and shows no other symptoms.
• Water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than little and often.
• Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
• Prioritise pots, hanging baskets, and newly planted areas.
“There are lots of age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, that an eye examination can also identify at an early stage – so it is crucial to get your eyes test regularly, especially as you get older.
“There are lots of age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, that an eye examination can also identify at an early stage – so it is crucial to get your eyes test regularly, especially as you get older.
“There are lots of age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, that an eye examination can also identify at an early stage – so it is crucial to get your eyes test regularly, especially as you get older.
• Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses if possible.
• Add mulch (compost, bark, straw) to retain moisture.
Feeding & Fertilising
• Feed flowering plants with a high-potash fertiliser.
• Start weekly tomato feed once flowers appear.
• Apply a balanced feed to lawns if needed.
• Add liquid seaweed feed to boost stressed plants.
Pruning & Deadheading
• Deadhead roses and bedding plants to prolong flowering.
• Cut back spring-flowering shrubs after blooms fade (e.g. Forsythia and Philadelphus).
“Many opticians will carry out an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan as part of the eye examination. This hospital-quality scan uses cutting-edge technology to look more closely at your retina. OCT technology uses light waves to take images of your retina; similar to how an ultrasound scan uses sound waves. During an OCT scan, you will be asked to sit in front of a small machine with your chin placed on a support. The instrument then takes a picture of your eyes, revealing to the optician what is going on beneath the surface of the eye. They will review this information as part of your eye examination.
“Many opticians will carry out an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan as part of the eye examination. This hospital-quality scan uses cutting-edge technology to look more closely at your retina. OCT technology uses light waves to take images of your retina; similar to how an ultrasound scan uses sound waves. During an OCT scan, you will be asked to sit in front of a small machine with your chin placed on a support. The instrument then takes a picture of your eyes, revealing to the optician what is going on beneath the surface of the eye. They will review this information as part of your eye examination.
“Many opticians will carry out an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan as part of the eye examination. This hospital-quality scan uses cutting-edge technology to look more closely at your retina. OCT technology uses light waves to take images of your retina; similar to how an ultrasound scan uses sound waves. During an OCT scan, you will be asked to sit in front of a small machine with your chin placed on a support. The instrument then takes a picture of your eyes, revealing to the optician what is going on beneath the surface of the eye. They will review this information as part of your eye examination.
• Pinch out tips of herbs to prevent bolting.
• Tie in climbing plants like sweet peas and clematis.
• Remove side shoots from cordon tomatoes.
some attention – eye
“An optician will also ask you questions about your general health in order to build up an overall picture if your lifestyle and any issues they should be aware of.
“An optician will also ask you questions about your general health in order to build up an overall picture if your lifestyle and any issues they should be aware of.
“An optician will also ask you questions about your general health in order to build up an overall picture if your lifestyle and any issues they should be aware of.
Weed Control
• Hoe weeds on dry days-they’ll shrivel in the sun.
• Hand-weed borders before weeds seed.
• Top up mulch to suppress new weeds.
• Check gravel areas and paving regularly.
“Other common stages of an eye exam include tonometry test –this uses puffs of air to measure pressure inside your eye, again this can help to identify any early signs of glaucoma. A slit lamp is used to check the health of your cornea, your iris and your lens. Your optician will use a powerful microscope to assess each eye.
“Other common stages of an eye exam include tonometry test –this uses puffs of air to measure pressure inside your eye, again this can help to identify any early signs of glaucoma. A slit lamp is used to check the health of your cornea, your iris and your lens. Your optician will use a powerful microscope to assess each eye.
“Other common stages of an eye exam include tonometry test –this uses puffs of air to measure pressure inside your eye, again this can help to identify any early signs of glaucoma. A slit lamp is used to check the health of your cornea, your iris and your lens. Your optician will use a powerful microscope to assess each eye.
Pest & Disease Watch
• Check roses for aphids.
• Look under leaves for slugs and snails.
• Net brassicas against cabbage white butterflies.
• Improve airflow around plants to prevent mildew.
“The sight part of the test is known as refraction – this is where the optician will ask you to read letters on a chart in front of you whilst different lenses are out in front of your eyes to fine tune your prescription
“The sight part of the test is known as refraction – this is where the optician will ask you to read letters on a chart in front of you whilst different lenses are out in front of your eyes to fine tune your prescription
“The sight part of the test is known as refraction – this is where the optician will ask you to read letters on a chart in front of you whilst different lenses are out in front of your eyes to fine tune your prescription
• Remove diseased leaves promptly.
Lawn Care
• Mow weekly, but don’t cut too short in dry weather.
What should prompt you to go for an eye test –bearing in mind this may not be just for sight, but if you are worried about anything else?
What should prompt you to go for an eye test –bearing in mind this may not be just for sight, but if you are worried about anything else?
What should prompt you to go for an eye test –bearing in mind this may not be just for sight, but if you are worried about anything else?
• Edge borders for a neat finish.
• Water deeply during prolonged dry spells.
• Spot-treat weeds if needed.
Support & Maintenance
“If you are experiencing any changes to your vision or pain, redness and discomfort for more than a couple of days then you should get your eyes tested. Symptoms such as eye pain, burning, blurred / double vision, floaters with flashing lights and droopy eyelids could all be signs that something isn’t right.
“If you are experiencing any changes to your vision or pain, redness and discomfort for more than a couple of days then you should get your eyes tested. Symptoms such as eye pain, burning, blurred / double vision, floaters with flashing lights and droopy eyelids could all be signs that something isn’t right.
“If you are experiencing any changes to your vision or pain, redness and discomfort for more than a couple of days then you should get your eyes tested. Symptoms such as eye pain, burning, blurred / double vision, floaters with flashing lights and droopy eyelids could all be signs that something isn’t right.
• Stake tall perennials before they flop.
• Tie in climbing beans.
• Check plant supports after windy weather.
• Clean and sharpen tools.
“Redness and irritation are often an early warning signal that your eyes could do with a bit more looking after. This can be caused by a range of factors including fatigue, allergies, over-wearing contact lenses or an infection such as conjunctivitis. Your option can advise and recommend treatment if it’s needed.
“Redness and irritation are often an early warning signal that your eyes could do with a bit more looking after. This can be caused by a range of factors including fatigue, allergies, over-wearing contact lenses or an infection such as conjunctivitis. Your option can advise and recommend treatment if it’s needed.
“Redness and irritation are often an early warning signal that your eyes could do with a bit more looking after. This can be caused by a range of factors including fatigue, allergies, over-wearing contact lenses or an infection such as conjunctivitis. Your option can advise and recommend treatment if it’s needed.
• Refresh hanging baskets with extra feed and water-retaining gel.
option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has evergreen
A good option for plant lovers is a pergola. It’s a feature in itself but growing your favourite climber up it quite literally takes the look to another level. One fast-growing option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has evergreen
A good option for plant lovers is a pergola. It’s a feature in itself but growing your favourite climber up it quite literally takes the look to another level. One fast-growing option is Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine), which has evergreen
J. Child & Son Ltd Monumental
J. Child & Son Ltd
J. Child & Son Ltd
Masons
Monumental Masons
Monumental Masons
Help and Advice Freely Given, Home Visits, Detailed Brochure
Help and Advice Freely Given, Home Visits, Detailed Brochure
Help and Advice Freely Given, Home Visits, Detailed Brochure
l Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials
l Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials
l Distinctive Memorials in a Wide Choice of Materials
l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification
l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification
l Style and Ornamentation to Personal Specification
some attention – eye strain (either from an outdated prescription
We start every spring wondering if our garden fences have withstood the storms, many do not. As we become busy in spring with family and fun things to do, we think about how to make our gardens more appealing, maintenance free and take out tedious jobs.
At Everlong Fencing, installers of Colourfence maintenance free garden fencing in the Northwest UK for over 13 years, and now installing maintenance free Durapost garden fencing, we have all the solutions you require.
From coloured composite metal fencing and composite plastic fencing, both guaranteed for 25-years, we provide all year-round solutions with no boundaries to colour size and design. From gates to railings fencing set between brick pillars, from 900mm high to 2m high, you choose, in certain circumstances you can go higher. With decorative top rail or lattice design.
Success is driven by a passion for quality and outstanding customer service.
Stephen and his dedicated team have built a reputation for delivering long-lasting, aesthetically appealing fencing solutions that transform outdoor spaces.
Their commitment to quality, reliability, and attention to detail ensures each project meets clients’ unique visions, making them a trusted name in the region.
Everlong Garden Fencing Ltd is the business Stephen created over 13 years ago to deliver high quality low maintenance fencing to the Northwest.
Beyond fencing, Stephen’s business has grown to become a comprehensive outdoor solution provider. Colourfence zero maintenance
Composite metal garden fencing and gates colours never fade truly a fit and forget garden fence and gate solution.
Durapost unique H-post garden fencing system with composite plastic of wood infills an alternative to wood and concrete.
VistaFolia artificial living walls and hedging offers lush greenery with zero maintenance, ideal for enhancing gardens without the fuss of real plants which never die or fade.
Deponti verandas and pergolas, perfect for creating elegant, functional outdoor living areas.
James Robertshaw electric blind, awnings and retractable roofing solutions for instant shade when required.
And now Garden Rooms designed to serve as versatile home offices, studios, or leisure spaces, tailored to suit modern lifestyles. Offering affordable Garden Rooms, or office Pods. Offering contemporary and traditional designs using a high-quality timber-frame build method.
This expansion reflects his forward-thinking approach and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers, providing a one-stop shop for high-quality, maintenance-free outdoor and garden solutions.
Clients consistently praise Stephen and his team for their professionalism, punctuality, and meticulous approach, which results in highly satisfied customers and glowing testimonials. This positive reputation fuels ongoing growth, establishing Stephen’s business as a reliable, innovative leader in garden and outdoor solutions across the Northwest UK.
For expert advice or a free, no-obligation quotation, contact Stephen at 07793 437581 or at steve@everlongfencing.co.uk and discover how his team can help you transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional haven. www.everlongfencing.co.uk
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Longer days, brighter colours, and more time outdoors - spring is here! Discover our fantastic range of garden furniture at Bradley Fold Garden Centre, perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and making the most of the season. Plus, explore our gardening essentials to bring your outdoor space to life. Visit us today
Fold Garden Centre,
BRADLEY FOLD GARDEN CENTRE
The Curry Guy Slow Cooker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With Dan Toombs
Dan Toombs (aka The Curry Guy) has perfected the art of the restaurant curry. After over 20 years of travelling around, sampling dishes, learning secrets from restaurant chefs and refining those recipes at home, Dan has created recipes that taste just like a takeaway but in less time and for less money.
Dan Toombs (aka The Curry Guy) has perfected the art of the restaurant curry. After over 20 years of travelling around, sampling dishes, learning secrets from restaurant chefs and refining those recipes at home, Dan has created recipes that taste just like a takeaway but in less time and for less money. Dan's first book, The Curry Guy (2017), was a bestseller; he is also the author of Curry Guy Easy, Curry Guy Veggie, Curry Guy Light, Curry Guy Bible, Curry Guy Thai and Curry Guy BBQ. He lives in Yorkshire with his curry-loving family.
Dan’s first book, The Curry Guy (2017), was a bestseller; he is also the author of Curry Guy Easy, Curry Guy Veggie, Curry Guy Light, Curry Guy Bible, Curry Guy Thai and Curry Guy BBQ. He lives in Yorkshire with his curry-loving family.
Tom kha gai is one of the most popular Thai soups, together with tom yum gai, so I knew I needed to include both in the book.This recipe could not be easier!You just have to throw the ingredients in and let your slow cooker do its job.
1 litre (4 cups) shop-bought or homemade chicken stock (page 117) or water
400ml (13/4 cups) thick coconut milk
2 tbsp palm sugar
8 shiitake or chestnut mushrooms, quartered or halved
70ml (1/4 cup) Thai fish sauce*
2 tbsp Chinese crispy chilli oil
80ml (1/3 cup) lime juice, or to taste
3 spring onions (scallions), roughly chopped
METHOD
Place all the ingredients up to and including the mushrooms in your slow cooker and stir well. Slow cook on the high setting, covered with the lid, for 3 hours on the high setting or 6 hours on low.
When the chicken is cooked through and the broth is already starting to taste amazing, remove the chicken and shred it by hand or using a couple of forks.
Return the chicken to the broth and add a couple of tablespoons of fish sauce. Try the broth and add more fish sauce to taste, if needed. I usually add about 5 tablespoons but you might want more or less. Stir in the Chinese crispy chilli oil, with as many of the crispy chillies as you like, and also add the lime juice to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with the chopped spring onions and more crispy chilli oil, if you like.
Some Thai fish sauces contain gluten, but there are gluten-free brands available.
LAMB NECK PASANDA
Pasanda curries are great for kids and those who don’t like too much heat. Like a curry-house-style korma, there are no spicy ingredients in this recipe.Traditionally, pasandas are prepared with flattened meat, which can either be sliced thinly or pounded.You could pound the meat with a meat mallet for appearance, if you like, but I usually don’t bother. Lamb neck has a lot of muscle and loads of flavour but it needs to simmer for a good long time to become tender.You could use any cut of lamb but I wanted to show you that you can get amazing results with the cheapest cuts of lamb, so I used neck here.
METHOD
If toasting the almond flakes, heat the oil in your slow cooker using the sauté/searing function or in a pan over a medium–high heat. When the oil is looking bubbly hot, add the almond flakes and toast them, stirring continuously until lightly browned, which should only take a minute or so. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
Using the same oil, add the lamb pieces in one layer in the pan. You might need to brown the lamb in batches. Don’t overcrowd your pan or the lamb will stew rather than sear. Sear the meat for about 4 minutes all over and then transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4 tbsp flaked (slivered) almonds (optional to garnish)
800g (1lb 12oz) lamb neck or another cut of lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned lightly with salt, to taste
2 onions, finely chopped
3 tbsp coconut milk powder
3 tbsp ground almonds
2 tbsp sugar
70ml (¼ cup) passata
70ml (¼ cup) meat stock or water
3 tbsp red wine or more stock or water
125ml (1/2 cup) thick coconut milk
1 heaped tbsp sultanas (golden raisins) or raisins
1 tsp Garam masala
Sea salt, to taste
70ml (1/4 cup) single (light) cream, or to taste
Now stir in the chopped onions and fry for about 5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Stir in the coconut milk powder, ground almonds, sugar, passata, meat stock or water, wine and the thick coconut milk. Bring to a light simmer. At this point, you could leave the sauce as it is or blend it until smooth using a stick or countertop blender, just like the sauces you find at good curry houses.
In your slow cooker, stir the sultanas or raisins and lamb into the sauce. Cook on the high setting for 4 hours or 6–8 hours on low. When the meat is really tender, stir in the garam masala and add salt to taste. Slowly drizzle the cream over the curry to serve and then garnish with the toasted almond flakes, if using.
BUTTER CHICKEN
Butter chicken is usually made with grilled tandoori chicken, and the creamy yogurt marinade is mixed with cream to make the sauce.This version is quite a lot easier but you still get a very good, if perhaps less authentic, butter chicken.
SERVES 4
PREP TIME: 15 MINS
COOKING TIME: HIGH 3 HRS, LOW 6–8 HRS
1kg (2lb 4oz) chicken thighs, skinned and cut into small pieces FOR THE MARINADE
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 tbsp rapeseed (canola) oil
1 level tsp sea salt
1 tbsp Garlic and ginger paste
1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp ground turmeric
1 generous tsp Tandoori masala
FOR THE SAUCE
15 raw cashews, soaked in water for 15 minutes
250ml (1 cup) passata
2 tbsp ghee or rapeseed (canola) oil
2 medium red onions, blended with 2 tbsp water if needed
2 tbsp Garlic and ginger paste
1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp sugar, or to taste
100g (4oz) butter
200ml (¾ cup) double (heavy) cream, whisked
1 tbsp kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
½ tsp Garam masala
Sea salt, to taste
METHOD
Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
Add the chicken pieces and stir them in to coat. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours but no longer! Strain the soaked raw cashews and blend them with the passata for the sauce together until smooth. Set aside.
When ready to cook, heat the ghee or oil in your slow cooker using the sauté/searing mode or in a pan over a medium–high heat. When it begins to bubble lightly, remove as much of the marinade from the chicken as you can and retain all the marinade. Sauté the chicken in one layer for about 5 to 7 minutes to lightly char the exterior. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon. The chicken will not be cooked through at this point.
Now stir in the blended onions and fry for about 5 minutes to cook out the raw flavour. Then stir in the garlic and ginger paste and fry for an additional minute. Stir in the chilli powder or paprika, cumin, ground coriander and sugar, then pour in the blended passata and cashews and bring to a simmer. Stir in the chicken and all the marinade. Bring back to a simmer.
In your slow cooker, put on the lid and cook for 3 hours on the high setting or 6–8 hours on low until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the butter and let it melt into the sauce. Then add the whisked cream (you don’t have to add it all if you don’t want to). Add the kasoori methi by rubbing it between your fingers over the sauce, then stir in the garam masala. Season with salt to taste just before serving.
DAL MAKHANI
Dal makhani isn’t a dal you can rush, as these lentils need a good long cook – so this recipe is perfect for the slow cooker. In fact, I think they are better if you cook on low for 8–10 hours rather than trying to speed things up by cooking on the high setting. So some forward planning might be a good idea. I usually soak the lentils all day on day one, then place them in the slow cooker overnight. Once they are cooked, this is a quick and easy dish.
SERVES 4, OR MORE AS PART OF A MULTI-COURSE MEAL
PREP TIME: 10 MINS, PLUS SOAKING TIME
COOKING TIME: LOW 8–10 HRS
300g (10 ½ oz) black urad dal, soaked overnight in cold water
750ml (3 cups) boiling water, plus extra if needed
5 tbsp rapeseed (canola) oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp Garlic and ginger paste
2 tomatoes, diced
2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp Garam masala
1 tsp paprika
250ml (1 cup) single (light) cream
2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
3 tbsp butter, or to taste
4 tbsp chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves, to garnish
METHOD
For best results, rinse and then soak the urad lentils for 8 hours. Rinsing is required but you could get away with not soaking them. It might just take longer for them to cook.
Place the lentils in your slow cooker, pour in the water and cook on low for 8 hours. Sometime during the day, when it is convenient, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium–high heat and add the chopped onions. Fry for 10 minutes, or until the onions are soft, translucent and lightly browned and then add the garlic and ginger paste and fry for a further minute. Turn off the heat and stir in the tomatoes, chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala and paprika. Stir for a minute into the hot oil, then set aside.
Check the lentils after 8 hours to ensure they are fall-apart soft. If not, continue cooking. Once soft, mash them with a potato masher or blend using a stick blender.
Pour in the prepared onion and spice mixture. You want the dal makhani to be good and hot, so if serving later you could reheat it using the sauté/searing mode of your slow cooker or in a pot on your stove.
Just before serving, stir in most of the cream and season with salt to taste. Top with the butter, which will melt into the dal. I usually swirl a little cream on top at the end before garnishing with the chopped coriander.
FOOD & CRAFTS
10.00am - 3.00pm
Lorraine Stratton-Webb, Partner in the residential conveyancing team at Clough & Willis Solicitors answers your questions around the
RENTERS’ RIGHTS ACT 2025
What is the Renters’ Rights Act 2025?
The Act is a reform of private rental law in England. It reshapes the balance between landlords and tenants by introducing stronger tenant protections, tighter controls on rent practices, new compliance requirements and higher property standards.
When do the changes take effect?
The Act is being introduced in stages. From 1 May 2026, section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions will be abolished and most Assured Shorthold Tenancies will convert into rolling tenancies. By the end of 2026, a mandatory Private Rented Sector database and a new Landlord Redress Scheme are expected to launch. Looking further ahead, the Decent Homes Standard and the principles underpinning Awaab’s Law will be extended into the private rental sector.
What is happening to Assured Shorthold Tenancies?
ASTs will be abolished from 1 May 2026 and will automatically convert into assured periodic, or rolling tenancies. This applies to both new and existing tenancies, regardless of any fixed term stated in the contract. In practice, fixed terms will disappear and tenancies will continue on a month-to-month basis. Rent will only be payable up to one month in advance, meaning the demand of three or six months’ rent upfront will stop.
How can tenants end a tenancy under the new system?
Tenants will be able to terminate their tenancy by giving two months’ notice to their landlord. This is designed to give tenants greater flexibility and mobility, while still providing landlords with reasonable notice.
What replaces section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions?
From 1 May 2026, landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without providing a reason. They must rely on Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 and cite one or more of the statutory grounds for possession. These grounds are divided into mandatory and discretionary categories. If a mandatory ground is established at the possession hearing, the court must grant an order for possession. If only discretionary grounds are relied upon, the court will consider whether it is reasonable to grant possession in light of all the circumstances.
What are examples of mandatory and discretionary eviction grounds?
These include where a landlord intends to occupy the property themselves or sell it, where a lender is repossessing the property, where redevelopment or demolition cannot be carried out with the tenant in situ, where the tenant has accumulated serious rent arrears of at least three months, or where there has been severe or criminal antisocial behaviour. Discretionary grounds cover matters such as persistent rent arrears, breaches of tenancy terms, deterioration of the property due to tenant neglect, provision of suitable alternative accommodation and lower-level antisocial conduct.
Can tenants receive compensation if evicted?
In certain circumstances, tenants may be entitled to financial compensation. For example, where a landlord relies on particular mandatory grounds following regulatory failings or housing condition breaches, the court may award compensation.
Are landlords still allowed to take deposits and rent in advance?
Landlords may still take holding deposits and tenancy deposits, but strict limits remain in place. A holding deposit is capped at one week’s rent, and tenancy deposits are capped at five weeks’ rent, or six weeks where annual rent exceeds £50,000. In relation to rent in advance, landlords may take a maximum of one month’s rent, or 28
If you have any questions on any property matters please contact Lorraine Stratton-Webb on freephone 0800 083 0815
days’ rent where payments are due every 28 days or less.
Is rent bidding still allowed?
No. Landlords must advertise an asking rent and are not permitted to accept more than that advertised figure.
How will rent increases work?
Rent increases will be limited to once per year and must be made using the formal Section 13 notice procedure. Any proposed rent must reflect the open market rate. If a tenant believes that the proposed rent exceeds market value, they may challenge it. Any increase will take effect no sooner than two months after agreement, service of notice or tribunal determination.
Can landlords refuse pets?
Tenants will have an implied right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords may not unreasonably refuse consent. What amounts to a reasonable refusal is narrowly defined and may include circumstances where a superior landlord’s consent is required and has been properly sought but refused. Landlords must respond within 28 days of receiving a request. If a tenant fails to provide requested information, the request may lapse.
Does the Act address discrimination?
Yes. The Act prohibits landlords and agents from discriminating against prospective tenants on the basis of benefit status or family status. Blanket restrictions such as ‘No DSS’ or exclusions targeting families will no longer be lawful.
What
is the Decent Homes Standard and how will it apply?
The Act empowers the government to introduce mandatory quality standards for private rental properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation. These standards will govern both the condition a property must be in before it can be lawfully let and the ongoing maintenance obligations landlords must meet. Implementation is expected between 2035 and 2037.
How does Awaab’s Law relate to this Act?
Awaab’s Law requires social landlords to investigate and remedy serious hazards, particularly damp and mould, within strict,
legally enforceable timeframes. The Renters’ Rights Act effectively extends similar principles to the private rental sector, with implementation anticipated in the later phase of the Act.
What is the Private Rented Sector database?
The Act introduces a mandatory national database requiring landlords to register themselves and their properties before marketing or letting. Failure to register or keep information updated will prevent lawful letting and may result in financial penalties.
How will the Act be enforced?
Local authorities will have primary responsibility for enforcement and will be empowered to investigate suspected breaches,
impose financial penalties of up to £7,000 per breach and up to £40,000 for repeated offences, issue banning orders preventing individuals from letting property and pursue criminal sanctions for obstruction or non-compliance. In addition, a mandatory Landlord Redress Scheme will be introduced by the end of 2026 to handle complaints from current and prospective tenants.
What does this mean for landlords and tenants?
The Act represents a significant rebalancing of the private rental sector. It strengthens tenant security, increases regulatory oversight and raises compliance for landlords. For landlords, proactive preparation and careful adherence to the new framework will be essential. For tenants, the reforms promise greater stability, fairness and transparency.
Personal matters, need a personal touch.
We believe that experience counts when it comes to matters of family and personal law.
Our friendly solicitors are highly professional and knowledgeable in their areas. We pride ourselves on being open, honest and speaking plain English with our clients to help guide you through difficult times. We can help you with a wide variety of matters, including:
Lorraine Stratton-Webb Head of
Nicola Finbow Head of Private Client
Chris Macwilliam Head of Dispute Resolution
Chiara Ozuzu Family Law Solicitor
Hidden Treasures, Stronger Communities
Discover the Joy of Charity Retail at Regenerage charity superstore, Middlebrook Retail Park, Horwich, Bolton.
More Than Just a Shop
A visit to a charity shop has always held a certain charm; the thrill of finding something unexpected, the satisfaction of a bargain and the knowledge that your purchase is doing good.
Today, charity retail has grown into something even more meaningful.
At the heart of this is the Regenerage Charity Superstore at Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, Bolton; a place that offers far more than shopping. It’s a space built around community, connection, and purpose, where every visit feels worthwhile. This year the notfor-profit charity, Regenerage celebrates it’s 45th anniversary; 45 years of working with and for older people, enriching their lives and supporting them to live well and independently.
A Different Kind of Shopping Experience
From the moment you step inside the Middlebrook Retail Park superstore the difference is clear. The store is bright, spacious (11,000 sq feet) and easy to explore, offering a wide range of quality items from furniture and homeware to clothing (including designer), bridal and occasional wear, books, new white goods and unique one-off finds.
That sense of discovery brings a quiet enjoyment to browsing, whether you’re searching for something specific or simply taking your time.
All the donated items have had a previous life and now are ready for a new one. In 25/26, with the help of donated items, we prevented 182 tons from going to landfill!
Every purchase supports the work of Regenerage, helping to improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness and isolation for people over 50. It’s shopping that carries real purpose.
The Joy of Giving Things a Second Life
Many of us reach a point where we look around our homes and realise there are things we no longer use, even though they’re still in good condition. Passing these items on can be surprisingly rewarding.
Donating to the Regenerage Superstore is a simple way to clear space while making a positive contribution. Items that are no longer needed can become something valuable to someone else, whether it’s a piece of furniture, a coat, or a household item.
At the same time, those donations help fund important services and activities that bring people together and support healthier, more connected lives.
A Place to Feel Part of Something
For many people, the superstore becomes more than just somewhere to shop. It’s a place where familiar faces appear, conversations happen naturally, and there’s always a warm welcome.
These everyday interactions can make a real difference. A friendly chat or a shared moment can lift the mood and help people feel part of a wider community, especially for those who may have more time on their hands; it offers a simple but meaningful way to stay connected.
Volunteering: A Rewarding Way to Get Involved
For those looking to take things a step further, volunteering at the store can be an incredibly positive experience.
It offers the chance to meet new people, build friendships and be part of a supportive team. There’s also the opportunity to learn new skills or share existing ones, all while staying active and engaged.
Many volunteers find that even a small amount of time each week brings structure to their routine and a renewed sense of confidence. It’s not about having experience, it’s about being willing to take part and try something new. If you want to know more about volunteering for Regenerage call us on 01772 552850 or email volunteers@ regenerage.org.uk
Why Charity Retail Matters
Choosing to support a charity shop is about more than a single purchase or donation. It contributes to something much bigger.
It helps strengthen local communities, encourages more sustainable ways of living, and supports services that genuinely improve people’s lives. Just as importantly, it creates welcoming spaces where people feel valued and included.
In a world that often feels busy and disconnected, places like the Regenerage Superstore offer something refreshingly different, a sense of kindness, purpose and belonging.
Make It Part of Your Routine
A visit to the store can easily become part of your regular week. You might stop by for a browse, drop off a few items you no longer need, or simply enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
There’s always something new to discover, and no two visits are ever quite the same. What remains constant is the feeling that your time there matters.
Your Invitation
The Regenerage Charity Superstore at Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, Bolton is open and ready to welcome you. Our opening hours are Monday – Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Whether you’re curious to explore, looking to donate, or thinking about volunteering, there’s a place for you here. Every visit, every contribution and every conversation helps build a stronger, more connected community.
Take the First Step
Next time you’re nearby, why not call in?
Take a look around, enjoy the experience, and see what catches your eye.You might leave with something special or simply with the knowledge that you’ve been part of something positive.
Because sometimes, the simplest visits can mean the most.
Celebrating
20 years of being open, offering a more modern environment both from our clinical and technical needs.
Confidence begins with a beautiful smile ...
Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Bolton Denture Centre specialise in correcting.
What is a Clinical Dental Technician?
A Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training to gain a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).
At Bolton Denture Centre our clinician is one of the first registered Clinical Dental Technicians in the country, and able to offer a bespoke service of treating the patient AND making the denture in the laboratory.
Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. One such innovation currently on the dental market is DIGITAL DENTURES.
However as with any new technology it usually gets rushed to market before it is fully developed. We have seen an upturn in enquiries for this technology, but after many meetings with sales reps and looking into the technology behind it we feel the quality and aesthetics are extremally substandard in comparison to a bespoke handmade tradtional denture.
We also feel the fit of digital dentures are not going to be as good as the fit of traditional dentures as the digital impression cannot replicate the compressive action of the denture, therefore leaving in general reduced suction. This is why we have chosen not to offer this service as of yet here at Bolton Denture Centre. You still have to be a clinical dental technician to provide digital dentures.
Your Dentures need Attention
1. When they become loose.
2. When teeth or denture base discolours.
3. When tooth surfaces become flat.
4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).
5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.
6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.
7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.
My Dentures have become loose!
Bolton Denture Centre can offer all aspects of denture care including;
4 Free Consultations
4 Denture cleaning and polishing service
4 Repair of broken or cracked dentures
4 Relining existing dentures to improve fit
4 New full dentures
4 New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *
4 Sports mouth guards
* Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.
your dentures holding you back
This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.
one of the most basic, biologically uniform expressions of all Smiling is not just a universal means of communicating, it’s also frequent one. More than 30% of us smile more than 20 times a day and 14% of us smile less than 5 times a day.
Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?
host of benefits which include:
Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage. Once a new set is made the old set becomes a spare.
Psychologists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood s immunity - smiling makes your body more relaxed and contributes to a go immunity.
What our Customers Say
CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES
What can I say about this place.......... Don’t think anything I do say will do this place justice to be honest. My partner is autistic and she struggles a lot, Jonathan is amazing and made her feel comfortable and was patient with her. Gemma was amazing too, cannot thank them both enough, lily been smiling all day, honestly wish I could give you more stars.
PM
Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.
In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.
Fantastic service. Called Friday as my dad had had a fall and broken his teeth and I was very limited in terms of when I needed them sorted as I live far away from him. I was given an appointment Monday afternoon and they were sorted brilliantly and with such a welcome and smile. So appreciative of the excellent service.
AB
At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING
Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.
Johnathan is an absolute star, my dentures are wonderful and fit perfectly, I am so glad to have my smile back. Thankyou Johnathan. The service is excellent and very friendly.
PD
Constructing a Good Set of Dentures
Smiling releases endorphins which reduce stress and change y same effect.
pressure - Reducing stress and smiling can also help lower blood pressu infectious - Not only do others smile when we smile but studies also sugg others when we smile.
Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to
don’t like your smile, do you suffer from loose poorly fitted or broken dentures? Bolton Denture Centre we have been helping denture wearers to get beautiful smiles for
Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.
At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.
Why not call me to discuss your current situation or arrange an appointment as I am always more than happy to help.
We are extremely excited to welcoming
always
Jonathan Dean LBIDST CDT RCS Eng
Inspiring five years of making, doing and mending
One of the first charity stores of its kind in the region is celebrating its fifth year of inspiring people to make, do and mend – for good.
Homelessness charity Emmaus Bolton added a ‘scrap store’ to its courtyard of charity shops off Fletcher Street in Bolton in 2021, providing people with the affordable supplies they need for repair work and creative projects.
There are estimated to be around 100 Scrap Stores in the UK. Scrap Stores are not-forprofit places, repurposing donated materials for people interested in repair, hobbyists, schools and community groups.
Visitors can find a wide range of beautiful arts and crafts supplies for any number of projects, from its rolls of fabric to needlecraft items and jewellery making materials, stationery and wool at the Emmaus Bolton Scrap Store, helping divert thousands of tonnes from landfill and dumps overseas.
Scrap Store shelves are regularly restocked with richly textured and patterned fabric,
that comes from clothing that cannot be reused in the charity’s shops. Materials are cleaned, resized and carefully reprocessed into usable pieces by Emmaus Bolton volunteers in the charity’s on-site Recycling Centre.
Shoppers can pick through the treasure trove of items at the Emmaus Bolton Scrap Store throughout the week and on Saturdays. These include donations from regional businesses and individuals with excess.
Beginners can get busy with starter kits while experts can get their hands on creative supplies and patterns available by the boxful, all at affordable prices.
Inside the main charity store are examples of what you can make, from bucket hats to pencil cases and bags, created by Emmaus Bolton volunteers and made available to raise money for the charity.
All funds generated by Emmaus Bolton’s shops supports the charity’s work, empowering people to overcome
homelessness by providing a stable home, support and opportunities to progress.
Tony Stephenson, chief executive officer of Emmaus Bolton, said: “At Emmaus Bolton we want to reuse as much as we can in a way that’s good for people and the planet.
“The charity’s aim is to generate as much funding as we can ourselves from our charity shops and services, so we are as self-sufficient as possible. The Scrap Store’s success is thanks to contributions from the local community, people supported by the charity, volunteers, trustees and staff.
“By shopping to support Emmaus Bolton, you’re giving second chances to people as well as items, directly helping people take their next steps away from homelessness and towards new lives”.
You can shop to support Emmaus Bolton at the Scrap Store off Fletcher Street, Bolton, BL3 6NF from Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-4pm. To find out more about Emmaus Bolton or make a donation, visit www.emmaus.org.uk/bolton.
VOLUNTEER TODAY
Meet new people & learn new skills
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering can help you meet new people, learn new skills and even feel happier and healthier. If you are looking to get back into work, volunteering can be a great way to build your CV. Give us a call to hear about the volunteering opportunities we have at Emmaus Bolton.
Come and join our great team!
Ask for more details on 01204 398056 or email info@emmausbolton.org.uk emmaus.org.uk/bolton/volunteer-roles
Dementia Action Week at Belong
Discover a new approach to living well with dementia.
At Belong Atherton, we’re proud to set the standard for high-quality support, creating a welcoming environment where people living with dementia can continue to enjoy rich, fulfilling lives as part of a vibrant community.
As a not-for-profit provider, we reinvest in our people and surroundings to deliver exceptional dementia care, ensuring everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging
Join us during Dementia Action Week for our welcoming and friendly B’s Dementia Café and find out how Belong villages are transforming the experience of dementia care over a cuppa and cake in The Bistro.
Join us on Wednesday 20 May 2pm – 4pm
There will be opportunities to meet our dedicated team, access free advice and support, and join in with dementia-friendly activities.
STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE
KIA EV4
I’VE been doing this job for a few years now so remember the very first electric cars to come onto the UK market - all of which had an Achilles heel that led to a new phrase entering the English language… range anxiety.
The first ones I tested could only go ludicrously short distances on a full charge (in some cases less than 20 miles) and even when things got a little better around a decade ago you had to plan journeys well in advance yet could still be caught out by a lack of charging facilities at your destination.
Fast forward to 2026 and things have changed out of all recognition with rapid public chargers popping up everywhere and recharge speeds a fraction of what they were. Then there are the electric cars themselves – a great example of which is the very latest offering from KIA, the EV4 which comes as a hatchback or more sporty fastback.
Its full charge range is 388 miles (enough to get you from Manchester to London and back!) a distance which would have seemed the stuff of science fiction in those early electric car days. In fact KIA say if the car is just used for city driving that range can go up to a shade under 500 miles.
With the latest KIA front-end styling it’s built on the same underpinnings as the EV3 but is shorter and has a stretched wheelbase meaning better aerodynamics.
A week of motoring, including a two day break to North Yorkshire, showed those claims to be credible as I only had to stop at a motorway charge point once to keep the battery well topped up.
The EV4 is KIA’s first electric saloon and C-segment hatchback and their first new saloon in Europe since the Stinger.
Like its siblings the EV3, EV6 and EV9, there is a three-tier model line-up: ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’, each are well equipped as standard. The EV4 Fastback is only offered in ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GTLine S’ guise.
Our entry level EV4 ‘Air’ is available with a choice of 58.3kWh standard range or 81.4kWh long range battery packs. The car can travel up to 273 miles with the 58.3kWh version, or up to 388 miles on our larger 81.4kWh edition - the first time a Kia EV has a range of more than 380 miles on a single charge.
Stepping up to the ‘GT-Line’ only the long range battery pack is offered as is the top specification EV4 ‘GT-Line S’.
Every EV4 has a single front-mounted electric motor with 150kW (201bhp) and 283Nm torque and can do 0-to-62mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 105mph. However, for more power the new EV4 GT will have two electric motors, four-wheel drive and is claimed to get to 62mph in around four seconds with 288bhp on tap.
With all seats upright, the Fastback has boot space of 490 litres while the hatchback can carry 435 litres of luggage, making it one of the most practical vehicles in its segment.
Super-fast 400-volt technology ensures charging is hassle free going from 10-to-80 per cent in just 29 minutes (31 minutes for long range) when plugged into a 150kW DC rapid charger, and in just 5 hours and 20 minutes on an 11kW AC charger (7 hours and 15 minutes for models with the long range battery).
Standard equipment includes Kia’s new connected car Navigation Cockpit integrated into the dual 12.3-inch display and infotainment screens featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a range of on-demand features, and an additional 5.3-inch climate control touchscreen, accompanied by physical rocker switches on the centre fascia to control heating and ventilation.
The EV4 also has a Kia AI Assistant to help control the vehicle’s features and makes Kia’s voice assistant even more capable. It can support travel planning, suggest stop-off points and POI information, answer FAQs regarding the owner’s manual plus
entertainment, such as music recommendations, voice games, jokes and trivia questions.
‘GT-Line S’ variants offer premium electric front relaxation seats which can recline almost flat if you want to take a break from driving.
The driving position is very good and interior space front and back exceptional while everything feels well put together with some soft touch surfaces where needed. All versions come with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. GT-Line S versions add a bird’s eye view camera.
Our entry-level Air trim model still has a respectable amount of luxuries, including 17in alloy wheels, heated front seats, power
fold door mirrors, sat-nav and lots of safety kit including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, rear-cross traffic alert, Isofix child seat mounts on the two outer rear seats and blindspot monitoring.
The regular EV4 hatchback starts at around £35,000, rising to around £45,000 if you want the bigger Long Range battery, range-topping GT-Line S trim and a heat pump for more efficient warming of the interior in cooler weather.
For more information see www.kia.co.uk
Serving & Caring for the families of the Northwest for over 100 years
Fred Hamer has been serving families of the North West for over 100 years and the company is still family owned today.
We aim to provide a quality and bespoke funeral service, in a caring and dignified manner, whilst respecting all faiths and traditions.
We have an excellent reputation, thanks to our highly qualified and experienced staff, our local knowledge, our exceptional levels of customer service and our long history in the region.
Website www.fredhamer.co.uk
Considering a funeral plan?
Take care of your financial end of life planning and more importantly give peace of mind to your loved ones. This article was written by Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd.
What is a funeral plan?
A funeral plan allows you to pay for your funeral upfront saving your loved ones from the financial burden of covering the cost themselves. Funeral plans can only be sold by firms authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or their Appointed Representatives.
You will pay for the funeral at today’s prices, potentially saving the cost of inflation from between when you take the funeral plan out and time of need.
Planning your own funeral can be a difficult and emotional thing to do for most people, nobody wants to think about, let alone have a conversation about the day when they are not here. However it can provide loved ones with all the help and support they will need at a difficult time.
If you have ever had to plan a loved one’s funeral, you will know first hand how distressing and difficult this can be. In order for the funeral director to arrange the funeral they have to ask you a series of questions. You need to make certain decisions which when you are grieving and upset can be an incredibly difficult thing to do, especially if you didn’t know your loved one’s personal preferences. This can make you question if you made the right choice and then there is the financial burden of also having to cover the cost of the funeral.
A funeral plan can be a positive, practical and productive thing to do not only for yourself but very importantly for your loved ones.
What are the benefits and risks of having a funeral plan?
If you are thinking about a funeral plan, it is important that you have all of the information in order for you to decide if a funeral
plan is right for you, it is important to weigh up the benefits and the risks.
Benefits of having a funeral plan:
• They potentially protect you from inflation. You pay for the funeral at today’s price avoiding any future inflation. If funeral costs continue to rise in the future as they have done consistently in previous years, you will not need to pay anymore. Currently in the UK, the cost of a basic funeral is now £4,141.00 which has increased by 4.7% compared to last years price (according to the Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2024).
• The financial burden is taken away from your loved ones at time of need.
• Your funeral arrangements and personal wishes are taken care of.
• Funeral plans are exempt from Inheritance Tax.
Risks of having a funeral plan:
• A funeral plan only covers items/ services included in the plan, these vary depending on the plan so it is important to check you have included everything. If at point of need items / services need to be added, for example an additional car for relatives, your relative will have to pay for this.
• The funeral plan provider could fail, if this was the case your plan could be refunded in full or be transferred to another provider.
• The Trust in which your money is invested may fail, if this was the case and a return of your monies is not possible you may be entitled to compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
• In the unlikely event that funeral costs fall in the future, the price paid for your funeral plan would remain the same.
What’s included in a funeral plan?
This can vary depending on the plan provider and the type of funeral plan however most funeral plans include funeral directors’ costs, a coffin, a hearse, a minister, cremation fees, burial fees up to the cost of cremation. It is important when buying a funeral plan that you read and understand exactly what is and is not included in the funeral plan. Funeral plans can be tailored and personalised to suit your individual needs and wishes.
How does a funeral plan with Haven work?
Haven sells funeral plans through a network of family-owned funeral directors who are Appointed Representatives of Haven Personal Funeral Plans. The funeral homes cover East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. Funeral plans are sold face
to face by funeral directors who have been specifically trained in funeral plans.
When you take out a Haven Personal Funeral plan, the price you pay includes an administration fee that is kept by the company to cover the day to day running costs. The balance is then transferred into The Haven Funeral Trust where it is invested by an FCA regulated investment manager. The money is held there until needed.
During the lifetime of the funeral plan, you will be contacted every 18 months with a summary of your funeral plan and given the opportunity to change any details of the funeral plan to suit your current needs and wishes. Changes to your funeral plan can be made at any time, you do not need to wait for the 18 month summary. Haven do not charge an admin fee for changes being made to your funeral plan.
When you take the funeral plan out, you will be given the opportunity to appoint a Nominated Representative. A Nominated Representative is someone who will know about your funeral plan so that at time of need, the funeral plan does not go unclaimed. A nominated representative can’t make any changes or cancel your funeral plan.
At time of need, whoever is arranging your funeral simply needs to get in touch either with Haven directly or your nominated funeral director where they will be informed of what happens next. They will then be supported throughout the entire process leading up to during and after the funeral by our team of dedicated caring and professional staff.
Once the funeral has taken place, Haven will pay your nominated funeral director for carrying out your funeral in accordance with your planned wishes. Your loved ones will not be charged any extra for this, these costs will be covered by your funeral plan. If any extras are required at time of need that are not covered by the funeral plan, these will be payable to the funeral director by your loved ones.
Haven is a trading name of Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd which is registered in England and Wales No. 03557936
Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – FRN 962488
What are your PLANS this spring?
Sit back and relax this spring knowing your funeral plan is taken care of.
Plan with us today the Haven way.
Fixed price pre-paid funeral plans offering peace of mind for you and your family.
Haven have helped over 7,000* clients plan for their final farewell in 1998 * represents the total number of funeral plans sold as at May 2025.
25 Nominated funeral directions throughout East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Give your family peace of mind knowing the financial burden of arranging a funeral has been take care of.
Celebrate your life your way.
OUR FAMILY HELPING YOURS FOR OVER 25 YEARS www.havenfuneralplans.co.uk or call 01706 230285
Haven is a trading name of Haven Personal Plans Ltd which is registered in England and Wales No. 03357936. Registered address Cedar Lodge, 227 Bury Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale BB4 6DJ. Haven Funeral Plans Ltd is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - FRN(962488).
