Merseyside, Southport & Ormskirk September - October by 50 Plus Magazine

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6-7 TWITTERING ON By Angela

Kelly

8-9 CELEBRITY FEATURE

British superstar Sean Bean 10-11

A hiking holiday to remember 14-15 HOME

Preparing for Winter

Chinese made easy 23 GARDEN

Give your outdoor space a lift in 2025

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Perfect for older people or people living with dementia, memory strolls are a fantastic way to explore Liverpool’s past, and are an opportunity to share memories and stories of life in Liverpool and beyond.

Email us at learning@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk to book a memory stroll.

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TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

- because x’ing on doesn’t sound quite the same

Sport Shows Just Who You Are

IF there’s one activity that reveals a person’s true character it’s the way they play their sport.

The decent people in life – you know, the ones really worth bothering about – will be as fair and even-handed there are you’ve found them in the rest of their lives.

Those worth cutting out of your life simply won’t.

Two brilliant examples came this Summer. One in the way the Lionesses conducted themselves in the Euros and the other in a visiting US President, who shall be nameless, having a round of golf.

The Lionesses were individually inspiring but together made up an amazing squad who played for each other, their remarkable manager and their adoring country.

Lucy Bronze played the tournament with a broken leg, for goodness sake.

The other person in this analogy allegedly shamelessly allowed an aide to drop his golf ball in an advantageous spot during a round.

My own experiences have been very much more low-key during a lifetime of amateur sport but, I suspect, very typical.

I’ve played badminton, rounders and now Pickleball against some wonderful people – just, modest and a credit to their sport.

I’ve also played against some selfish, untrustworthy individuals who are a waste of space.

Cheating in any sport, amateur or professional, is unforgivable and

immediately shows up those who just cut corners without any real love of a sport or respect for all those taking part.

Probably just how they are in everyday life, too.

Anyone who has played an amateur sport has suffered from creative line-calling, bending of rules and other worrying decisions. We all know the culprits and word soon spreads but –and this is also a great character-revealing trait – they don’t care.

Winning is all that matters and the chance to boast about it. But, unknowingly, they devalue the coinage.

Everyone else knows how they got to that elevated point and, even if they are talented, they get no credit for it.

All I know is that if I had to choose between someone who always played fairly in their chosen sport, always ensured the rules were followed and that points and prizes were allocated properly, and those who didn’t I would – and do – select a group of the best I’m proud to call my friends.

Lucky Name Choices for Children

APPARENTLY, if you want to give your child the chance to be a huge success in life, their name choice is vital.

Research by gambling site Gamblizard, highlighted in The Sun, analyses Forbest’ Real-Time Billionaires showing the 10 most common names among the globe’s most wealthy people.

The main guide for names is to go for classics, including some which derive from the Bible.

Of today’s 2,700 billionaires, 50 of them are called Michael or versions of it. Think media mogul Michael Bloomberg and tech tycoon Michael Dell.

The biblical name John also scores highly – chocolatier John Mars, for example.

Andrew is next followed by David and Marc/Mark in fifth place. George and Carl are next with Eric and James just behind and in 10th place, Jeff tied with Jim and Li.

Women only constitute 13 per cent of global billionaires but, again, certain names may increase a girl’s chances of achieving great wealth.

Here, traditional names like Maria and versions of it take the top spot, like Maria Bianchi the fashion designer and businesswoman heading Italian high-end Prada and Miu Miu brands.

Catherine, Anna, Susan, Elizabeth, Alexandra, Christine, Julia, Alice and Wu follow that. In fact the richest woman on the planet is an Alice – Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton and worth £78.5 billion.

Commonsense, though, suggests these names are only a guide. After all, the world’s richest man is Elon Musk.

Whatever way you use to choose the name of your offspring, the advice is to go for a lucky name if you can. And I suppose luck can easily be measured in billions.

There’s A Badge for Everything!

YOU’VE got to admire the girlguides with the way they keep up with modern trends in 2025.

The famous organisation was started in 1909 by Agnes BadenPowell, wife of Robert Baden-Powell who started the scouts’ movement.

The Girl Guides Association was started the following year and is now in 150 countries with almost 300,000 girlguides and young Rainbows nationally.

They have remained relevant to life throughout the decades, given the usual highs and lows, but their latest move seems to chime very much with the current decade.

They have just rolled out 72 new badges, or emblems, in a major modernisation drive to represent “modern life in the 21st century.”

Interestingly, the Hostess badge, dropped for a while, comes back with a gender neutral makeover and now called Celebrations. This reflects how young people learn about and plan celebrations and bring others together to “make lots of happy memories.”

Girls will now also be rewarded for having a good night’s sleep, critiquing food, discovering a new hobby and planning a holiday. Skills include mechanics and entomology (the scientific study of insects).

The badges are given to wear on their uniforms and are divided into sections to encourage wellness, knowing oneself, learning and having adventures, among other things.

The 72 were chosen after more than 4,000 badge design ideas were submitted by girls and volunteers and 11,000 girls from 753 girlguiding units across the UK took part.

Broadcaster and presenter Angelica Bell joined the movement as an ambassador to help launch this latest project. She states: “Girlguiding offers a safe and welcoming space for all girls.

“I am so impressed by the work they do to build girls’ confidence and wellbeing whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny.

“It was a real blast trying out the new badges with girlguiding members. I know first-hand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside school to educate but also have fun.”

So, good luck all you girlguides in getting those special badges!

or email: help@aamail.org

SEAN BEAN

FOR an actor who seems to have built a career in films and TV dramas as a tough Northerner Sean Bean is surprisingly mild-mannered and quiet.

Even though he admits that the former description is often how he comes across, he insists: “It’s the parts that you play, I guess. I don’t mind it. I’m not a tough guy. I’d like to act as a fair, easygoing kind man at some point.”

That softer version of a star who has capitalized on his rough sex-appeal might well surprise the many fans of the green-eyed blonde actor, now 66. It won’t, however, affect his popularity one little bit.

Bean’s ability to play swashbuckling adventurers like Richard Sharpe in the eponymous long-running TV series or the mighty Boromir in The Lord of the Rings has long turned him into a romantic hero.

However, he equally plays baddies - as in the Harrison Ford hit film Patriot Games (1992) - with committed, brooding fervour.

His list of big screen and small screen successes is long.

Such a chequered career might well not have been his vision when, as a young man just graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), he made his professional debut in a production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983.

Born and educated in Sheffield, young Sean worked for his father’s fabrication company after leaving school, studying welding one day a week at a local college.

Here, he came upon an art class and decided to pursue an interest in art before attending drama classes there. He later won a scholarship to RADA and his early acting career was a mixture of stage and screen work.

He became a member of the Royal Shakespear Company, retaining his trademark Yorkshire accent, and his first film was Caravaggio in 1986. His first villain was in The Fifteen Streets, prompting a dedicated following and setting the scene for future roles.

In 1996, he combined his love of football (he’s a huge Sheffield United fan and wanted to be a footballer before an injury prevented that) playing a footballer in When Saturday Comes and gaining the attention of more film fans.

He was chosen for the lead role in TV series Sharpe after first choice Paul McGann was injured just two days into filming. The role proved a game-changer for the young actor.

The series ran continuously from 1993 to 1997, filmed in challenging conditions first in Ukraine and later in Portugal. Such was the popularity of the series, then and now, that two cinemalength, 90-minute episodes were made in 2006 and 2008.

Hollywood came calling in 1992 when he played an Irish Repubican terrorist in Patriot Games. During the death scene, Harrison Ford accidentally hit him with a boat hook, giving him a permanent scar which, oddly enough, only added to Bean’s slightly villainous looks.

He was James Bond’s nemesis Alec Trevelyan in the 1995 film GoldenEye, Spence in action thriller Ronin (1998), a wife-beating ex-con in Essex Boys (2000) and a kidnapper and jewel thief in Don’t Say A Word (2001).

Sean Bean and wife Ashley Moore

Bean played villainous treasure-hunter Ian Howe in National Treasure with Nicholas Cage (2004) and an evil scientist in The Island (2005).

As hero Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001 to 2003) he impressed fans further – in spite of struggling with a fear of flying that made filming scenes in New Zealand’s mountainous region difficult. Instead, he hiked there in full costume.

Some roles helped showcase Bean’s acting ability more effectively: Extremely Dangerous (1999), Equilibrium (2002) and The Big in 2003 when he played an alien cowboy.

His distinctive Yorkshire accent has made him a natural for voiceover work, mainly in the British advertising industry for O2, Morrisons and Barnardos. In the USA, he’s worked for Acuvue and the Sci-Fi Channel.

Bean does the voice-over for the National Blood Service’s TV and radio campaign and made a memorable TV ad for Yorkshire Tea.

He appeared in Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) and starred in the first season of TV blockbuster Game of Thrones (2011).

The following year he played in four films: Soldiers of Fortune: Cleanskins as a secret service agent, the Snow White adaptation Mirror Mirror, sequel Silent Hill: Revelation reprising a previous role and the ABC drama series Missing – appearing as a crossdressing teacher.

He also appeared in the opening episode of the second season of UK TV series Accused, which earned him a Royal Television Society Best Actor award.

From 2015 to 2017, Bean starred in the ITV Encore drama series The Frankenstein Chronicles but during that time he continued his successful film career.

He was in Jupiter Ascending, Pixels and The Martian, where he played the space boss determined to bring all his spaceship crew home safely.

His acting abilities, often in spite of his popularity, have also been officially recognized. In 2017, he starred in the BBC series

a BAFTA award for

In 2021 he was reunited with writer Jimmy McGoverrn (Broken, Accused) and with actor Stephen Graham (his co-star in Tracie’s Story) for acclaimed three-part BBC prison drama Time.

More recently, he played the main character Ronnie Phelan, head of a crime family in Liverpool, with sinister sincerity in multilayered TV hit series This City is Ours. Another series is now underway.

Away from films and TV, Sean Bean is married to Ashley Moore. He has been married five times – including to actress Abigail Cruttenden who starred in Sharpe episodes - and has three daughters.

He is plainly quite a pragmatic personality who has sorted out what is important to him in his life. His explanation: “I sort of leave the characters at the end of the day.

“I don’t carry anything around with me. No excess baggage or unnecessary thoughts. I think it’s too exhausting to do that.

“To put things into perspective, your work is your work and your leisure time is something else.”

Broken as a troubled priest, which earned him

Best Actor.

Walk this way: a hiking holiday to remember

Silver Travel Advisor’s Kerry Gallagher laces up her hiking boots and takes to the trails in Madeira, one of Europe’s most scenic hiking destinations

I’ve been lucky enough to watch the sun rise in some pretty incredible places. The Taj Mahal in India, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Uluru in Australia. But perhaps one of the most memorable was at Ponta do Rosto located on the eastern tip of Madeira. With sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean and coastal cliffs dominating the landscape, this scenic viewpoint delivered one of the most vibrant and colourful skies I have ever seen.

Despite a 5am start to catch this spectacular sunrise, we then set off to hike Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco, also known as ‘The Dragon’s Tail’. This rugged coastal path follows the narrow stretch of the island which takes you to the furthest point on the east coast that it is possible to hike to. Any effort it took to hike 10km with sleepy heads under the heat of the morning sun was richly rewarded with stunning views of the turquoise ocean crashing against colourful rock formations. Every turn revealed a different perspective and a reason to stop and take photos to capture the memories.

This was just one of the hikes I took during a week-long hiking holiday with a group of friends in Madeira. As avid hikers in the UK, usually found in the Lake District most weekends, we’d heard time and time again that Madeira was one of the most incredible islands

in Europe for hiking, with a varied mix of terrains from levada trails to hidden waterfalls, steep mountains and, as we saw from Sao Lourenco, glorious coastal pathways.

Sao Lourenco

Ponta do Rosta

And everything we had heard turned out to be true – with so much more I could add. It was day after day of discovering new landscapes and exploring some of Madeira’s most popular routes, and seeking out some of the lesser-known trails. Planning couldn’t be easier thanks to the naming system of the island’s trails – all of which start with PR meaning ‘Pequena Rota’, which translates to ‘small route’, followed by a number.

PR1 is perhaps the most famous hike, and a must on any hiking holiday. It takes you from Pico de Areeiro to Pico Ruivo – the highest peak on the island at 1,862m. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’. It’s a challenging route with steep inclines and rough terrain, but the views are worth every step. Unfortunately following the wildfires in August 2024, the majority of the trail is now closed, but visitors can still sample a section between Pico de Areeiro to Pedra Rija Belvedere.

Before arriving in Madeira, I was a little confused by all the talk of levada trails – what is a levada? Do we have them in the UK? The answer is no, there are no levadas in the UK, but there are over 3,000kms of them in Madeira. In short, they are irrigation channels transporting water from the springs at the top of the mountains down to the valleys below. They provide a natural footpath through some of the most breathtaking scenery, and at times they are the only means of access to certain places and areas of natural beauty.

Amongst the many levada trails we walked, the most popular was PR6 – the Levada das 25 Fontes – a moderate trek passing Risco waterfall, through thick forest and onto the star of the show – a weeping wall of 25 streams falling into the clear pool below. However, my favourite levada trail was PR6.3 – Lagoa do Vento – a short trail of just 7km which passes a levada waterslide, and leads to the base of the waterfall in a quiet, secluded spot, ideal to stop for lunch or just to relax and soak up the surroundings. From here you are actually at the top of a tier of waterfalls and below you’ll find Risco and 25 Fontes from the PR6 route. You can even walk to the top of Risco where the water cascades over the edge – but take extreme care as there are no guardrails or barriers.

Aside from excellent hikes and scenic trails, there’s plenty to see and do in Madeira. The capital, Funchal, is a vibrant city on the coast, boasting cobbled streets lined with shops, restaurants and bars… and the unique attraction of basket-weaved tobogganing! And the smaller town of Calheta, with its laid-back waterfront restaurants, where a perfect Sunday evening was spent enjoying cocktails as the sun set. As highly as I recommend Madeira, I’ll leave you with a word of warning – if you’re tempted to try the traditional Madeiran tipple Poncha, then do so at your peril and remember – small sips, not down in one!

Next steps

To plan and book a hiking holiday to Madeira or elsewhere in the world contact Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678. visit silvertraveladvisor.com

Levada Waterslide

PREPARING FOR WINTER

WHILE we really don’t want to think about the colder, darker months ahead in Winter this Autumn really is the right time to make practical plans.

We all know that, even in a mild Winter, there are going to be cold temperatures and strong winds and our homes have to cope with all the damp conditions this season means.

Alongside increasing fuel costs for the average household, though, is also the fact that professionals are called out far more to emergency repairs on boilers that won’t work and gutters blocked with leaves.

There are, however, simple things to be done early to minimise those problems.

Ensure your BOILER has a thorough annual service and bleed your radiators, checking for cold spots. If you do have any problems with your heating, don’t wait to book a qualified gas engineer because they soon get really busy.

Are your PIPES and WATER TANK properly lagged and insulated? This helps keep water warmer for longer and can reduce heat escaping through piping – as well as cutting energy bills.

LOFTS need insulating to keep your home cosy in the wintry months. This can be a significant cost initially but it will definitely save you more in the long run by keeping the heat inside and the cold air out.

Your ROOF, GUTTERS and DOWNPIPES can become clogged up with leaves and dirt and leaks and water damage result, especially if they ice up during the coldest weather.

Check the roof over and look for cracked tiles, slates that have slipped and blocked guttering. The debris needs removing to prevent overflow and damp.

Then if you spot anything that needs repairing, call in a professional roofer as soon as you can because, again, in Winter they can get very busy.

Still outside, secure loose FENCES, GATES and SHEDS against the possible damage high winds may cause. Rusted hinges need replacing and fence panels need fixing. Check out the fixings on any garden structures and remove anything that you can from the garden, storing it away safely until warmer weather.

Remove moss, leaves and debris from paths and drainage covers to reduce the likelihood of slips, trips and falls in damp or icy conditions.

Look for gaps on external DOORS and WINDOWS which could cause draughts which allow that expensive heat to escape from your property and let the cold air in.

Replace any worn seals, fill gaps with sealant and consider secondary glazing for older windows.

Consider fitting draught excluders on doors and invest in thicker Winter CURTAINS that you can draw across when the evenings close in to make your home much cosier.

If you have glass doors internally, think about getting door curtains -but make sure you throw open all those cosy curtains during the day to let the sun into your home and help with the heating.

If you’ve got hard floors in some rooms, use rugs to help with insulation and to give a warmer “feel” to any area in colder weather.

Use timers on your HEATING. Set the heat to come on at a lower temperature around 30 minutes before you get up or come home. This makes your house feel warmer when you need it to and is cheaper than turning it on higher when you need it.

Boilers heat up at a constant speed whether you set your thermostat to 20 deg c or 30 deg c. Leaving it on all day when you’re not in the house is simply paying for heat you don’t need.

It’s important to test your smoke and carbon monoxide ALARMS as we use more heating in Winter and by trying to get rid of draughts as much as we can, we may affect the VENTILATION

As a result, it’s crucial that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work properly. Replace batteries if you need to. Check that all the alarms are working and replace any that aren’t.

For ventilation reasons as well , it’s also a good idea to clean and check EXTRACTOR FANS

Keeping air circulating in your home, especially when the windows are shut, is vital. It prevents moisture building up and damp and mould forming but it also increases the air quality inside your home. Poor air quality can cause a range of health problems as well as frequent sore throats and dry eyes.

Check that kitchen and bathroom fans are working efficiently, clean all of them to remove dust and grime build-up and see that all external

Look forward to ageing backwards

vents are free from blockages and thoroughly clean.

Invest in throws for your sofa and comfy chairs. As well as feeling warmer, you can pop them over your knees to ensure you’re cosier watching TV!

It’s also worth moving your SOFA in Winter as it absorbs heat if it’s near a radiator. Hot air can circulate more easily if you move it away from radiators.

Keep your curtains and drying clothes away from the radiator, too, to get the most from your heat source. If you have to dry your clothes indoors, use an airing rail so you don’t lose heat but can still get your items dry.

Plan early for Winter and stock up on the items you are bound to need like grit, de-icer and windscreen covers. Buying a couple of torches and a good supply of batteries also makes sense.

A supply of charged power banks and accessible torches can be really helpful during power cuts and outages. Create a small emergency kit and place it somewhere central, like a hallway cupboard, so it can be easily found by everyone when you need it.

Stocking up your FOOD CUPBOARD with tins of soups, meats and vegetables can also prove very useful if bad weather hits and you might struggle to get out to the shops.

Your freezer comes into its own here, so stock up when items like meat and fish are on “special offer” and add frozen fruit and vegs so you’ve always got enough for complete meals.

Living at The Standard is so much more than owning a beautiful, 1 or 2-bedroom apartment exclusively for residents aged 55+.

Included in the monthly service charge is Anchor’s award-winning Be Well 360 service. It’s tailored to each participant’s needs and abilities, akin to having your own personal trainer or life coach onsite. This pioneering, holistic programme will see in residents:

“I feel �tter, happier, and more connected than ever. This programme has transformed my daily life.” A healthy, active & connected lifestyle

To �nd out more about later living at The Standard, including the Be Well 360 service, come visit us and see for yourself. We’d be delighted to welcome you for a complimentary co�ee and cake and a relaxed, no-obligation tour.

Find out more

01942 314 203

Wellington Place, Standish, Wigan, WN6 0HD

Your table awaits...

Classic British dining with a modern touch

We are a family-owned restaurant and bar, proudly awarded TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice 2024. At The Cherry Tree, we serve classic British cooking with a warm, friendly, and personal service that keeps our guests coming back.

Our menu is a celebration of Lancashire’s finest. With the freshest local produce at our doorstep, we craft timeless dishes with a modern twist — from the best cuts of local meat and fresh fish from our glorious coastline to seasonal fruit and vegetables bursting with flavour.

The Garden Room

The true heart and soul of the The Cherry Tree. The dining room everyone is talking about. Our Garden room will leave you breathless with its stunning blossom tree decor, spacious booths, beautifully designed cocktail bar and clear views of the Garden. The Garden Room is perfect for all occasions.

The Con servatory

The Garden Terrace

Six beautiful oral decorated booths, boasting views of the garden room and our garden area. This dining terrace can be fully opened on those summer days making it the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco dining and cocktails in the sun.

The Blossom Lounge

With luscious foliage and jungle textures, this room will certainly not disappoint. Moon shaped booths alongside natural light from our garden area make this the perfect room to impress your guests and ‘enjoy it all.’

Nestled between our public bar and conservatory dining room is the blossom lounge. Impressive blossom trees hug the walls and ceiling, making this area perfect for intimate dining and amazing for group reservations.

The Public Bar and Cocktail Lounge

The Bar at the Cherry Tree is a destination in its own right. A perfect place to meet family, friends, go on a date, enjoy pre-dinner drinks or celebrate a special occasion. Our Bar Manager and his team have curated an exciting, contemporary cocktail menu, heavily in uenced by their trips all over the world.

New Afternoon Tea Menu Festive Season

Our newly created menu will be launched on Monday 22nd August.

Our brand-new Afternoon Tea menu is the perfect way to unwind this season. Enjoy a selection of delicate sandwiches – from smoked salmon & cream cheese to coronation chicken sliders – paired with warm savouries like homemade sausage rolls and a comforting cup of soup. Finish on a sweet note with lemon drizzle cake, chocolate brownies, and our signature scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. A vegetarian Afternoon Tea is also available.

Coming soon... our New Menu

Our menus combine unpretentious modern British avours whilst focusing on strong classical techniques to create our take on modern British dining. We only use locally sourced produce from all of our chosen suppliers, working with the seasons, making us the Best Restaurant in Bolton.

Our newly created menu will be launched on Monday 22nd August.

Our menus combine unpretentious modern British avours whilst focusing on strong classical

Our main menu has been carefully created by our chefs whose intention is for you to experience new, interesting dishes with exciting avours.

On Sundays, we also have delicious, succulent roast dinner options available too!

Sandwiches

Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on Farmhouse Brown Loaf Honey-Roast Ham on White Bread | Grain Mustard, Sliced Gouda Cheese

Egg Mayonnaise on Brown Bread | Cress

Coronation Chicken Sliders on Brioche Buns | Gem Lettuce

Warm Savouries

Homemade Sausage Roll | Branston Pickle Hot Cup of Soup

Desserts

Lemon Drizzle Cake | Lemon Frosting Cream

Homemade Scones | Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam

Chocolate Brownie | Fudge Cream

Afternoon Tea Pricing:

Classic Afternoon Tea – £29.95 per person

Sparkling Afternoon Tea – £34.95 per person

Cocktail Afternoon Tea – £34.95 per person

Vegetarian option available

Celebrate the season in style with our festive menu – perfect for family gettogethers, work parties, or a cosy catch-up with friends. Enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, alongside a selection of seasonal favourites crafted to bring warmth and joy to your table. Book your festive reservation by October 31st for any date between December 1st and 14th, and enjoy an exclusive 15% off as our early gift to you! Quote Festive15 at the time of booking. T&C’s apply.

CHINESE MADE EASY

Dive into Chinese cooking with these delicious, authentic and easy-to-use recipes from Kwoklyn Wan

CARAMELIZED BRAISED PORK BELLY

A tantalizing dish featuring succulent cubes of pork belly infused with rich sweet and savoury flavours.Tender, juicy and utterly delicious!

Serves 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour

2 tbsp vegetable oil

500g (1lb 2oz) pork belly, skin removed and cut into 3cm (1¼in) cubes

2 tbsp sugar

1½ tbsp minced garlic

5 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped (greens and whites separated)

1 small onion, finely diced

2 tbsp fish sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

½ tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tsp onion powder

¼ tsp white pepper

METHOD

Place a wok over a medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the oil, followed by the pork belly and brown on all sides. Once the pork belly is browned, pour over boiling water until covered and bring to the boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Remove the wok from the heat and drain the pork. Place a clean wok over a medium heat, then add the remaining oil along with the sugar but do not stir.

Once the sugar has begun to brown and darken, add the garlic, spring onion whites and onion, cook for a few seconds and then

add 350ml (1½ cups) of water and the remaining ingredients, except the spring onion greens.

Add the pork belly, ensure all the ingredients are well combined, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for a further 20 minutes.

Remove the lid and, if the sauce is still quite thin, continue to cook until it begins to thicken. Finally, transfer to a serving plate and top with the spring onion greens to serve.

GOLDEN CHICKEN AND SWEETCORN DUMPLINGS

These plump little dumplings are filled with tender chicken, sweetcorn and aromatic seasonings, then pan-fried to gain their sticky bottoms and served with a fragrant sesame-infused sauce. Perfect as a starter or a movie night snack.

Serves 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

20 round dumpling wrappers

2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the filling

450g (1lb) minced (ground) chicken

3 spring onions (scallions), finely chopped

90g (½ cup) sweetcorn

1 tbsp minced garlic

½ tbsp minced ginger

½ tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

½ tsp salt

Pinch of white pepper

2 tsp chicken powder

For the sauce

2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)

1 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tsp light soy sauce

3 tbsp water

1 tsp sesame oil

½ tbsp vegetable oil

METHOD

Combine all the filling ingredients, then using a teaspoon, place a spoonful of filling in the centre of each dumpling wrapper. Dab a little bit of water on the top edge of the wrapper and then bring top and bottom together and pinch to seal while squeezing out any excess air. Repeat until all the filling has been used.

In a bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and then set to one side.

Heat a frying pan (skillet) or wok over a medium heat, add the oil and place your dumplings into the oil (bottom-side down). Fry the dumplings until the bottoms have turned a golden brown,

then add half a cup of water to the pan and cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes until the water has evaporated, steaming the dumplings.

Finally add the sauce mixture to the pan and cook until the sauce has evaporated, leaving the dumplings with sticky bottoms.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy with your favourite dipping sauce.

GRIDDLED SOY GINGER CHILLI RIBS

These succulent pork ribs are marinated in a tantalizing mixture of Chinese rice beer, soy sauce, miso paste and aromatic spices. After a tenderizing steam bath, they hit the griddle for a sizzling finish, resulting in a dish that’s both tender and sticky with a gentle chilli kick.

METHOD

Begin by placing the ribs in a large bowl along with the salt, rice vinegar and enough water to cover them. Give the ribs a good wash and allow them to sit for 20 minutes in the water. This process will not only tenderize the meat but also remove any impurities.

After 20 minutes, drain, then rinse and drain again. In another bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together well, then separate one third of the marinade and set to one side. Add the rinsed and dried ribs to the larger bowl of marinade and marinate for a further 20 minutes.

Serves 2

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus 40 minutes marinating and tenderizing

Cooking time: 50 minutes

600g (1lb 5oz) pork ribs

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp rice vinegar

3 tbsp vegetable oil

For the marinade

100ml (scant ½ cup) Chinese rice beer

100ml (scant ½ cup) light soy sauce

1 tbsp chilli powder of your choice

2 tbsp miso paste

1 tbsp sesame oil

2 tbsp honey

2 tbsp garlic paste

1 tbsp ginger paste

Place the marinated ribs in a steamer basket and steam for 30 minutes until tender. Remove from the steamer and allow to cool.

Place a griddle pan over a medium-high heat, add the oil to the ribs and massage into the meat. Place the ribs on the hot griddle and baste with the reserved marinade – continue this process every couple of minutes. Once the ribs have a thick, sticky glaze and are heated all the way through, they are ready to serve.

Serves 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Groundnut oil for deep-frying

260g (2 cups) self-raising (self- rising) flour

1⁄2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

360ml (11⁄2 cups) water

4 bananas, peeled and halved

130g (1 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour

To serve

6 tbsp golden syrup

4 scoops vanilla ice cream

BANANA FRITTERS

Gooey bananas covered in a fluffy batter and served with a blob of ice cream and oozing golden syrup.Yum!

We often ate this at the end of ‘staff dinner’ as the head chef had a sweet tooth, and while he was cooking the bananas he’d leave the tin of golden syrup in a bowl of warm water to make it extra runny for drizzling over the top.

METHOD

Heat enough oil in a wok or deep-sided saucepan so you can deep-fry the bananas, to 170°C (340°F).

Sift the self-raising flour into a large bowl, add the bicarbonate of soda and the water and mix to form a smooth batter. Lightly dust the bananas in plain flour, then dip into the batter to coat and carefully drop into the oil.

Deep-fry for around 6–8 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Divide between four plates, drizzle over the golden syrup and add a scoop of ice cream to serve.

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Give your Outdoor Space a Lift in 2025

Is it time to start afresh in the garden and turn those ideas you’ve been dreaming about over winter into reality. Whether a major transformation or simply disguising an ugly drain cover, making plans and acting on them is exciting and rejuvenating for you and your outdoor space. One of the best moves I made last year was to give my wooden panel fencing a facelift. The dark protective coating had done its job but really made the garden feel much smaller and enclosed than it needed to be. Admittedly the lighter paint finish I chose required a few coats to mask what was underneath but the difference it made justified all the hard work – not only has the fencing receded from view but the paler backdrop really sets off plants growing against it.

Borrow the view

Is there a view or attractive feature beyond your garden that you could focus the eye on to make your plot feel bigger than it actually is? It could be a church spire, a group of trees or perhaps some hills on the horizon. Trimming an opening in a hedge will frame the scene and draw the eye to what lies outside as will creating a ‘window’ in a boundary wall. Some rustic screening or trellising with an archway in it can have the same effect. Alternatively, use a simple pair of trees in pots or two attractive tall urns either side of a feature to direct attention to it.

Grow wild

Many modern flowers offer wildlife little or no nectar or have such large and intricate flower heads that insects can’t find a way inside to reach it. Provide a helping hand by planting a native wildflower patch that will offer food, in the form of pollen, seeds, fruits, nectar and foliage to feast on, as well as shelter and

nesting sites. Go for plants like common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgar). Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) has lovely lilac flowers, shaped like a pin cushion on tall upright stems and flowers between July and September. For scent try chamomile with its apple-like aroma in June to August. Wildflowers are not only easy to grow but fairly pest resistant too.

Take it easy

Having a gorgeous garden doesn’t mean you have to be a slave to it. Keep things low maintenance by growing plants that are reliable, easy to care for and offer a long flowering season. Evergreen shrubs like viburnums, mahonia and camellias have attractive flowers, provide year-round interest and need little pruning. And don’t forget bulbs will come back year after year. In spring snowdrops (galanthus) look wonderful planted in drifts under trees or brightening up bare space between border shrubs. Crocuses inject much needed colour at this time too. Choose perennials like Geranium ‘Rozanne’ that just need deadheading to encourage more flowers and go for trees like acers that will add height but need little to no pruning.

Devise a plan

Grab a diary or calendar in the new year sales or programme your phone to remind you about jobs, like pruning and sowing, that need to be done at a particular time. If it’s major design work you’re considering then don’t underestimate the importance of planning before digging. It’ll save time and stop you from making costly mistakes when you’re tempted to buy at the garden centre. Knowledge is key so get to know everything about your plot from soil type to which areas

are in sun and shade. Are there large trees that will affect plant growth or structures, like a bin store, that you’d like to disguise. Know what you want to use your garden for and how much time and resources you can devote to it.

Get the seasons covered

Whatever the season you can never predict the weather. A veranda or gazebo will take all the guesswork out of the equation, leaving you free to entertain outdoors whenever you want or just relax and enjoy the garden year-round under cover from rain or full-on sun. Seek out designs like those offered by & urbandecorbury.co.uk, who provide bespoke aluminium framed options that not only fit against a structural wall but include a choice of polycarbonate or glass roofing, all in a range of sizes and colours.

Add water

Tap into the relaxing sound of running water. These days we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to designs and size of water features. From traditional ponds with built in electrics for larger plots to solar fountains for smaller ones, water adds an extra dimension to your outdoor space and also encourages wildlife. Make it a focal point or use it in amongst planting or a quiet corner for added interest. A still water feature, hidden from view ready to be discovered, is effective too as it provides an element of surprise.

Love your lawn

If you don’t have time to do anything else then the quickest and best way of giving your garden a lift is to make sure lawn edges are looking neat and tidy. It’s amazing what a difference a trim can make. Well-defined edges against paving show you care and look really stylish. Do it at least once every other cut using long-handled edging shears or a special half-moon edging iron. A powered nylon-line trimmer will make quick work of a larger lawn.

Think outside the border

Don’t confine plants to borders and patio pots. Create extra space for them to grow in by lifting slabs and planting up the gaps with tough rock plants, low growing herbs and succulents. If you’ve got a large expanse of patio that you want to keep for entertaining, it’s a simple way of softening the look of it and makes the space much more inviting and individual. In the same way see a broken slab as a planting opportunity rather than an eyesore. Choose drought tolerant types that are happy with limited root space like Thymus serpyllum, houseleeks and aubretia. Less hard landscaping is good for the environment too.

A VILLAGE WHERE EVERYONE

An ‘Outstanding’ rated care village, Belong Wigan invites everyone to be part of a warm and caring community where life is lived to the fullest. It is our people who set us apart, with their dedication to ensuring the best possible experiences and outcomes for everyone who lives with us.

Designed around Belong’s award-winning household model, our village is both stylish and homely. Facilities such as a bistro,

specialist gym and hair salon o er a range of opportunities to enjoy an active lifestyle in a safe environment.

As a not-for-proﬁt provider, Belong invests in its people and settings to ensure the highest standards of nursing and dementia care, with a range of services to support people as their needs change, and everything geared towards promoting a sense of belonging to a vibrant, inclusive community.

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

JEEP AVENGER 4XE

OVER may years of attending new car launches I have become a bit sceptical when manufacturers announce an ‘off road’ experience to fully test out their latest offering.

Some car makers (no names mentioned) think 20 minutes going along a farmers driveway is sufficient but I know that when Jeep invite me to try one of their cars it really will involve traversing some of the rough stuff.

So it was recently when I went along to a spectacular North Yorkshire country estate to sample the recently launched Avenger 4xe. Jeep have added 4x4 power to their Avenger B segment SUV to give the stylish motor true off road capability with a three cylinder petrol engine up front and twin electric motors.

The 4xe drivetrain is the most powerful in the Avenger hybrid lineup, offering 36hp and 25 Nm more torque than the e-Hybrid FWD, which results in faster acceleration and a higher top speed with only a slight increase in CO2 emissions.

Its innovative powertrain features a 48V hybrid system with a 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine producing 136hp, paired with dual 21kW electric motors located at the front and rear. This combination delivers all-wheel-drive and is coupled with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to allow the vehicle to drive in full electric mode at low speeds. It accelerates from zero to 62 mph in a time of 9.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 120 while fuel consumption figures are up to 60mpg.

In addition to more power, the Avenger 4xe has superior off-road performance, with improved angles, an additional 10mm of ground clearance plus the ability to wade through water up to 400mm deep. Standard M+S tyres provide reliable traction while optional All Terrain 3PMSF tyres are available.

Equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Avenger 4xe ensures that 4x4 is available at low speeds with permanent traction on all four wheels in a 50:50 torque split. At medium speeds (up to 56 mph), the rear axle drive engages only when required, while at high speeds (above 56 mph), the rear e-motor disengages from the axle to optimise fuel consumption.

The system you to switch between modes: Auto; providing allwheel drive only when necessary; Snow, enhancing traction and stability during winter travel; Sand & Mud, for uneven terrains, featuring specific gear ratios and traction control to maintain grip and Sport, which has an E-boost function for rear-wheel torque and quicker acceleration.

The Avenger 4xe also has the Jeep Multilink rear suspension system, a feature usually found on larger vehicles, which significantly enhances rear axle articulation resulting in smoother rides on rough roads and providing superior comfort across challenging terrain.

We got to sample the North Face editions which boast refreshed exterior including redesigned fog lights positioned slightly higher and outward, roof rails and rear tow hook which complement the vehicle’s rugged looks.

New front and rear bumpers and offer improved body protection over rocky terrain with higher and more prominent cladding protecting vital components and North Face versions also feature a matt bonnet sticker to cut reflections from the sun while driving.

Inside there are new seats made from washable materials and the range starts from the 4xe Upland at £31.219 with 17-inch black alloy wheels, full LED reflector headlamps, body-coloured door handles and silver skid plates.

The Upland has driver assistance features including a 10.25inch radio screen and matching 10.25-inch full digital cluster for infotainment and driving data. Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control, a 180 degree rear camera, Telematic Box and Connected Services, an auto-dimming mirror, automatic high beam and keyless start are also included as standard.

The Overland trim level adds full LED front headlamp projector, rear LED lights, privacy glass, 360 degree parking sensors, L2 assisted driving, wireless charger, blind spot monitor, frameless auto dimming rear view mirror and foldable door mirrors with puddle lights.

While the range topping North Face Edition, limited to 4,806 units (the height of Mont Blanc), has special edition features and plus North Face have also created a dedicated welcome kit for customers which includes a tent, duffle bag and water bottle- all for £35,219.

The dashboard has a silhouette of Mont Blanc and the inscription ‘One of 4806’ displayed below the Avenger logo and the North Face Edition also includes sat-nav, heated windscreen and heated front seats, passive entry and a hands-free power tailgate.

The Jeep Avenger 4xe is produced at the Stellantis plant in Poland which has undergone modernisation and the Avenger range offers three powertrain options, two transmissions and two drivetrain options.

On road it is quite quick and comfy but it is off road where the superhero stuff happens as we assembled to take our Avengers across steep slippery inclines, rivers and over huge rocks and boulders… great fun.

For more information see www.jeep.co.uk

CITROEN E-C3 MAX

ELECTRIC cars have been with us for some time now and so have their elevated price tags – until now because the new Citroen e-C3 is a proper electric motor for just £22k.

The electric version of Citroen’s best-selling car ever, the C3, comes in with the fourth-generation models, but if you must burn fossil fuels then the conventional petrol cars also live on.

It’s far more SUV-like than its predecessor with skid plates, big wheel arches and roof rails plus it’s grown a little - nearly 100mm taller (with 62mm extra ground clearance) plus a tad longer and wider which means more room inside.

The e-C3 is the first of maker Stellantis’ new ‘cost-efficient’ platform with an 111bhp electric motor good for 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of just 84mph. The all-important range from its 44kWh lithium battery pack is claimed to be 199 miles but I could only get 188 after fully charging overnight on a home 3 pin set up.

Citroen say a 20 to 80 per cent top-up takes just over 25 minutes on a rapid DC charger and a stop at motorway services seemed to match up with that.

But the e C3’s biggest selling point is that price which starts at £22k and an even cheaper, 124-mile version with a smaller battery is on its way soon.

Comfort is also a big plus with Citroen’s excellent advanced suspension as standard and with light but accurate steering that soft suspension soaks up the bumps - although there is also a bit of typical Citroen roll in the bends.

Despite the affordable price Citroen have managed a decent level of style and equipment with a compact steering wheel, head-up display, fabric-wrapped dashboard and armchair-like seats. There are even a smattering of ‘cool’ labels that say ‘have fun’, ‘be happy’, ‘feel good’ and ‘be cool’ so Gen Z buyers will love that – and they look quite easily removed for everyone else.

Plus models get 17in alloy wheels, black wheel arches, two-tone paint, roof rails, electric heated and folding door mirrors, head-up display, advanced comfort seats, advanced comfort suspension, a 10.25in colour touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

Top-of-the-range Max versions additionally get front fog lights, LED rear lights, heated front seats, steering wheel and windscreen, rear privacy glass, Citroen Connected Navigation, wireless charging and a rear camera.

Both trim levels have a 10.25in touchscreen with shortcut buttons down the right-hand side and volume controls on the left. Citroen has kept the climate controls separate, with a dedicated panel below.

Prices start at £22,095 the entry-level Plus trim, with rangetopping Max models from £23,759. A cheaper, 124-mile version with a smaller battery will arrive later in 2025.

Quirky and quite unlike anything else currently on offer I loved it for a week of mixed driving including a 200 mile plus round trip for a birthday party in Darlington. One oddity is the fact that you start it with a key, no button pushing, which will fool the Gen Z lot.

For more information see www.citroen.co.uk

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/

BREAST SCREENING

Saves lives through detecting cancer early

The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 – 70 every 3 years for a mammogram. Each GP Practice is screened in turn and all women registered with a GP will receive an invitation

What happens when I reach 71?

Women over the age of 71 will not be sent an appointment automatically but they can self-refer for a mammogram every 3 years by contacting us.

What is breast screening?

Breast screening (or mammography) is an x-ray of the breast that is used to find any changes in the breast tissue that could be cancer, so they can be investigated early

South Lancashire Breast

Screening is your local service , covering Wigan, West Lancs and Chorley and South Ribble

0300 707 5899

bsuappointments@wwl.nhs.uk

www.wwl.nhs.uk/specialities/breast_screening

South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit

Why do I need to be screened?

1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lives. Breast cancer is now the most common cause of cancer in women in this country

Early detection saves lives

Most breast changes will not be cancer, but if cancer is found, the treatment needed will often be less intense and the chance of making a full recovery is much higher

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of survival

We’ll get you smiling ...

Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial (false) looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street specialise in correcting.

WHAT IS A CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN?

A Clinitcal Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).

It is this qualification that allows the clinicians to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted

to supply dentures direct to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT.

Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before. Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?

DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING

Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION

1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

MY DENTURES HAVE BECOME LOOSE!

This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

DENTURES ON IMPLANTS

This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE?

Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES

Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street can offer all aspects of denture care including;

l Free Consultations

l Denture cleaning and polishing service

l Repair of broken or cracked dentures

l Relining existing dentures to improve fit

l New full dentures

l New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) *

l Sports mouth guards

*Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.

by arrangement Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm Friday, 9am - 1pm

Genteel Geneva

By Rebecca Underwood, BA Hons | Travel Journalist

Geneva, the second most populous city of Switzerland, is situated in Romandy, right on the spot where the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva meet the mighty river Rhône, and surrounded by the majestic Alps and the Jura mountains it is simply unforgettable.

A truly global metropolis, a financial hub, and the international heart of diplomacy, Geneva hosts the headquarters of the European branch of the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross. In 1949, the Geneva Conventions, which focus on the welfare and protection of prisoners of war, wounded participants and innocents caught up in conflict, were signed in this tranquil city.

Geneva, known as the city of peace, is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and provides a very high quality of life for its fortunate residents. To appreciate the stunning beauty of this cosmopolitan city, I took a stroll along the quays of Lake Geneva and admired the view of the Jet D’Eau, a spectacular fountain, which pumps gallons of water soaring up to 453 feet into the Swiss air.

I made my way to the English Garden at the foot of the Mont Blanc Bridge and you was amply rewarded with a view of the flower clock, which of course, as expected, keeps perfect time. For an insight into Geneva’s reputation as a city of peace, I visited the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum on Avenue de la Paix and observed the Humanitarian Adventure, a fascinating exhibition, which focuses on defending human dignity, restoring family links and reducing natural risks. Be sure

to see the interactive chronology, which presents 150 years of humanitarian history and you can see examples of Red Cross and Red Crescent operations currently taking place around the world. Also located on the Avenue de la Paix is the imposing Palace of Nations, which was originally built in 1929 to house the League of Nations and has hosted the United Nations since 1966. Visitors are welcome but ensure that you make an online reservation for the popular guided tour well in advance. This beautiful property is surrounded by an enormous park which features an abundance of towering trees and colourful flowers and you may well encounter one or two of the resident peacocks strutting around and defending their territory with gusto. I made my escape, and headed towards the Old Town and visited the Rath Museum to view exquisite collections of Swiss art. Built in 1824, the Rath, known as the temple of the muses, is located on Place Neuve, near to the city’s only remaining rampart walls

Another nearby attraction is the Maison Tavel, the oldest house in Geneva, which is also a museum. The original property was constructed in the 12th century and was rebuilt in 1334 due to fire damage. Located on Rue due Puits St Pierre, this property is a fine example of Geneva’s history, with an impressive display of exhibits dating back to the medieval period. For a very special treat, I followed in the footsteps of Lord Byron and Shelley and visited the Château de Chillon, located at the eastern end of Lake Geneva near Veytaux, 98 kilometres from the centre of the city. In June 1816, Lord Byron, accompanied by Shelley, was sailing on Lake Geneva and decided to visit the Château. Byron wandered around the castle’s dungeons and on hearing the tale of the imprisonment of the Genevois monk François Bonivard in 1530, he was inspired to write the narrative poem Prisoner of Chillon. Byron carved his name onto one of the pillars in the dungeon and it remains in place today. Records show that the castle dates back to 1005 and in the 12th century it was home to the Counts of Savoy, members of the one of the oldest royal families in the world and rulers of Italy for 85 years. Peter II, known as the Little Charlemagne, was the last Count of Savoy to reside in the castle and was largely responsible for expanding the property. London’s Savoy Theatre and the Savoy Hotel were both named in his memory. I wandered around the enormous main rooms and admired the four great halls and the opulent bedrooms, one of which was occupied by the Duke of Savoy and it is adorned with several beautiful examples of 14th century murals.

Geneva

Another popular attraction is the beautiful Lavaux wine region, which covers 800 hectares and was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. The Domaine Bovy, a family owned wine estate located in Chexbres, is only 20 minutes drive from the Château Chillon and visitors to the winery are welcome. Selected wines from Chasselas are housed in huge oak casks for up to six months after direct pressing, cold settling, the adding of yeast and fermentation between 18 and 20 degrees centigrade. The red wines are de-stemmed, fermented at 28-30 degrees centigrade, frequently pumped and macerated for ten days and are stored in the oak casks for six to eight months. I visited the Bovy Cave, which is furnished with casks, each with a capacity of 2,500 to 5,000 litres and I needed no persuasion to take part in the popular wine tastings, held on a spacious veranda with spectacular views across Lake Geneva and the Alps.

To clear my head, I made my way back to the Old Town and took a brisk walk to the Place du Molard, the location of the Molard Tower, which dates back to 1591 and is the only remaining part of an enclosure built to protect the city. I strolled along the Rue du Rhône, a shopper’s paradise crammed with glittering jewellery shops with breathtaking displays of timepieces and other sparkling treasures. I passed by the chic boutiques including Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Armani and Valentino and if, unlike me, you are enticed inside, be prepared to part with a substantial number of Swiss francs. Should you be pondering on splashing out on a new wristwatch, consider visiting the Patek Phillippe Museum, located on Rue de Vieux Grenadiers. The exquisite collections, displayed over four levels, are simply dazzling. Exhibits include watches and enamels dating back to the 16th century and the fascinating history of Patek Phillippe, founded in 1839.

For sailing enthusiasts, Geneva’s spectacular Bol D’Or Mirabaud, the most important inland regatta in the world, takes place, during the summer, every year. More than 3,000 participants are expected to race to Le Bouveret accompanied by 600 sailboats.

Or, you may prefer to visit the Geneva Festival, the largest tourist event in Switzerland, held in July and/or August and includes concerts, fun fairs, art and craft markets and a wide array of water sports including rowing and water-ski jumping competitions and life boat racing. Evening displays of fireworks, accompanied by music, light up the sky and children and ‘grown ups’ squeal with delight.

For the ideal place to stay consider the Beau Rivage hotel, located opposite the Jet d’Eau, on the Quai du Mont Blanc, a popular picturesque lakeside promenade. This grand property dates back

to 1865 and offers the highest degree of comfort and service. Accommodations are spacious and luxuriously furnished with rich fabrics, the latest gadgets and amenities and fabulous panoramic views of the Lake, Mont Blanc and the old town. Should you feel peckish, you won’t need to go far as Le Chat Botté offers outstanding French and contemporary dishes reflected in the achievement of a Michelin star. Or you may prefer the more informal dining experience at the Café du Soleil on Place du Petit Saconnex. Order the traditional Swiss fondue, made with a delicious cheese from Roche, a small village, north of Gruyére. Sample a tipple of Pinot Blanc Geneva, raise your glass and make a toast to the enchanting and genteel city of Geneva.

Chillon Castle

Lake Geneva

Geneva’s Flower Clock