JUNE - JULY 2026
4-5 TWITTERING ON By Angela Kelly 6-7
TRAVEL
Celebrating in style 10-11
CELEBRITY FEATURE
Meryl Streep - the art of becoming one 13-15
HOME
Spring fresh your home 22-23
GARDEN
Gardening in early Summer 25-28
FOOD
The Curry Guy Slow Cooker 32-33
HEALTH
Confidence begins with a beautiful smile. IN THIS
Ground Floor | 546 Blackburn Road | Astley Bridge Bolton BL1 8NW. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180
E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
By Angela Kelly - because x’ing on doesn’t sound quite the same
WHAT are your views on influencers?
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.
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 photoshad 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.
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 screen-time 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.
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!
Loneliness is something many older people experience at different points in life, often quietly and without others realising. Changes such as retirement, bereavement, reduced mobility, or family living further away can all contribute to a smaller social world. At Regenerage, we see every day how powerful connection can be in improving wellbeing and helping people feel more confident, included and supported.
Staying connected doesn’t always mean making big changes or joining lots of new groups. Often, it starts with small, manageable steps that gradually rebuild confidence and routine. A friendly chat with someone at a local community activity, a regular phone call, or even a brief conversation with a neighbour can all help reduce feelings of isolation. These small interactions matter more than people often realise.
One of the most effective ways to tackle loneliness is to take part in local activities that feel enjoyable and meaningful. Regenerage supports people to find opportunities that suit their interests and pace; whether that’s a coffee morning, a gentle exercise class, a craft group, or simply somewhere welcoming to spend time. The focus is never on pressure or expectation, but on creating spaces where friendships can grow naturally over time.
We also know that taking the first step can feel difficult. It’s common to worry about walking into a room where you don’t know anyone, or to feel unsure after being out of
the habit of socialising. That’s completely normal. Many people find it easier when they attend with support, or when they know there is a friendly face waiting to welcome them. Regenerage works to make that first step feel less daunting by offering encouragement, introductions and ongoing support.
Volunteering can also be a powerful way to reconnect. Giving time to help others not only supports the community but also brings structure, purpose, and new relationships into your own life. Many people who start volunteering through Regenerage say they gain just as much as they give.
Technology can also play a role in staying connected. From video calls with family to online community groups, digital tools can help bridge distances. With the right guidance, many older people find that a little digital confidence opens up new ways to stay in touch and feel included.
At Regenerage, we believe that no one should feel they have to face loneliness alone. Connection can be rebuilt at any stage of life, and even small steps can lead to meaningful change.
Contact us to find out what activities are available at our Activity Centre in Lostock Hall, Preston –Tel 01772 269175
And to find out more about Volunteering opportunities in Lancashire – Tel 01772 552850
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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 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.
Choosing the right blinds for your space might seem like a small decision, but it actually plays a big role in how a room looks, feels, and functions. Blinds are not just decorative—they control light, protect privacy, improve energy efficiency, and even affect mood. With so many styles, materials, and features available, it’s worth taking the time to understand your options before making a choice.
The first thing to consider is the purpose of the blinds. Different rooms have different needs. For example, a bedroom usually requires better light blocking to help with sleep, while a living room might benefit from blinds that allow natural light in while still offering some privacy. In kitchens and bathrooms, moisture resistance becomes important, so materials that can handle humidity are a better choice. Thinking about how you use the room helps narrow down the options quickly.
Light control is one of the main reasons people install blinds. Some people prefer bright, sunlit rooms, while others want a softer, dimmer atmosphere. Blinds come in various levels of opacity, from sheer to blackout. Sheer blinds let in plenty of light but
offer minimal privacy, making them suitable for daytime spaces. Blackout blinds, on the other hand, are designed to block almost all light, making them ideal for bedrooms or media rooms. Many people choose something in between, such as light-filtering blinds, which soften sunlight without completely darkening the room.
Privacy is closely linked to light control. In areas where houses are close together or windows face the street, privacy becomes more important. Blinds with adjustable slats, like Venetian blinds, allow you to control both light and visibility. You can tilt the slats to let light in while still blocking the view from outside. Roller blinds, while simple and stylish, usually offer less flexibility—they are either open or closed—so choosing the right fabric is essential.
Material is another key factor. Blinds are available in a wide range of materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminium, and fabric. Wooden blinds give a warm, natural look and work well in living rooms or offices, but they may not be suitable for damp environments. Faux wood is a popular alternative because it looks similar but is more resistant to moisture. Aluminium blinds
are lightweight and durable, often used in modern or minimalist spaces. Fabric blinds, such as Roman or roller blinds, offer a softer appearance and come in countless colours and patterns.
Style and design should also match the overall look of your room. Blinds can either blend in or stand out as a feature. Neutral colours like white, grey, or beige are versatile and work with most interiors. Bold colours or patterns can add personality and become a focal point. It’s important to think about how the blinds will look alongside your walls, furniture, and flooring. Consistency in style helps create a balanced and visually pleasing space.
Another important consideration is size and fit. Blinds can be mounted inside the window frame (inside mount) or outside it (outside mount). Inside mounts create a clean, streamlined look and are ideal if you want to show off decorative window frames. Outside mounts, however, can make windows appear larger and are better at blocking light because they cover the entire window area. Measuring accurately is crucial, as poorly fitted blinds can look awkward and may not function properly.
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
Renovo Dental
Pendle House, Clitheroe Road Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000
hello@renovodental.co.uk
renovodental.co.uk
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. There are no
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
And if you catch us before spring there is a 30% discount off labour for installations. Offer ends 31st July!
l 12 years of
l Fully insured, highly skilled team
l Honest, reliable service from local experts
l Quality, accredited products built to last
l Competitive prices with no compromise on standards
l Safe Contactor Approved
l Licenced Waste Carriers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nominated Funeral Director for Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd www.havenfuneralplans.co.uk
Here for you when it matters most, whatever the season.
As spring and summer bring longer days, fresh blooms and moments of reflection, we are reminded that every life leaves behind memories that continue to grow and endure.
At Hyndburn Funeral Service, we are here to help you honour those memories with compassion, care and dignity. Our experienced, local team provides gentle guidance and personal support.
From traditional funerals to more personal celebrations of life, we take time to understand each family’s wishes, creating a meaningful farewell that reflects the individuality of the person being remembered.
Independent. Local. Trusted.
Hyndburn Funeral Service — helping you celebrate a life well lived.
336 Union Street, Oswaldtwistle BB5 3DJ Telephone: 01254 879436
Queens Road, Accrington BB5 6DR Telephone: 01254 233 133/879739 www.hyndburn-funeral-services.co.uk
Hyndburn Funeral Services is a trading name of Havencare Management Limited. Havencare Management Limited is an appointed representative of Haven Personal Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
AUTHOR
Curry Guy) has perfected the art of the 20 years of travelling around, sampling from restaurant chefs and refining those created recipes that taste just like a nd for less money. Dan's first book, The bestseller; he is also the author of Curry Guy Curry Guy Light, Curry Guy Bible, Curry Guy He lives in Yorkshire with his curry-loving
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.
Photography © Kris Kirkham
He lives in Yorkshire with his curry-loving family.
As the seasons change and brighter days return, Fred Hamer Funeral Service continues to offer gentle guidance and trusted support when it is needed most.
For over 100 years, we have been privileged to care for families across the Northwest. Still proudly family owned, our service is built on understanding, dignity and personal attention, values that remain at the heart of everything we do.
Our experienced and compassionate team is here to help you celebrate life, honour memories and find comfort during difficult moments. With strong local knowledge, exceptional customer care and a longstanding reputation in the community.
We are proud to be a Nominated Funeral Director for Haven Personal Funeral Plans Ltd, offering peace of mind for today and the future.
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.
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.
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PREP TIME: 10 MINS, COOKING TIME: HIGH 41/4 HRS, LOW 6–8 HRS
3 tbsp rapeseed (canola) or coconut oil
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 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.
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
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 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
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.
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By Steve Howarth
REGULAR readers will recall we recently featured a new must visit venue for classic motoring fans in deepest Wales - but now I have come across another petrol-head paradise in the beautiful Cumbrian Dales.
And far from being a new venture it turns out that The Fat Lamb at Ravenstonedale has been hosting classic car lovers for over four decades, even providing free tour planning for groups to explore the many tourist attractions amidst stunning scenery in the Cumbria and North Yorkshire regions.
Paul Bonsall (who owns several classic marques including Aston Martin and Jaguar) has been the landlord for more than 48 years and over the decades has turned the isolated award-winning hostelry into a mini-motoring museum.
There are vintage petrol pumps, old car parts, garage signs an all kind of motoring memorabilia from bygone ages adorning the walls and ceilings. Well over 400 classic car club events have been hosted at the Fat Lamb over recent years and all have revelled in the amazing twisty moorland roads which are a feature of the breath-taking scenery.
Amongst the clubs which have visited The Lamb are the Aston Martin Owners Club, Austin Healey Club, the Porsche Club GB, the Riley Register, Lotus Drivers Club, Club Peugeot UK and the MG Club.
Great food is also on offer and the Lamb has several comfy rooms so guests can stay over to fully appreciate the driving experience.
Paul is one of those lucky people who has managed to turn is hobby into a business. He said: “I enjoy planning routes through the spectacular scenery we have to offer up here, organising visits to local attractions and lunch stops etc – and of course driving out with the clubs as they tackle the high passes, sleepy villages and sweeping moorland roads to photograph their cars en-route… its tough work but someone has to do it!”
Along with some car mad mates we stayed on a 2026 special preseason two-night deal for three course dinner with wine plus bed and breakfast in a double room for just £350 (for two people).
For more information see www.thefatlamb.co.uk
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
Celebrating over 20 years of being open, offering a more modern environment both from our clinical and technical needs.
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.
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.
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 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 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
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
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.
A funeral plan allows you to pay for your funeral in advance, helping to ease the financial responsibility for your loved ones when the time comes. By planning ahead, costs are set at today’s prices, which may help protect against future inflation between taking out the plan and when it is needed.
Although thinking about your own funeral can feel uncomfortable, many people take reassurance from knowing that practical arrangements are already in place. More importantly, it can provide loved ones with guidance and support at a time when making decisions may feel overwhelming.
Anyone who has had to arrange a funeral for a family member or close friend will understand how daunting the experience can be. At a difficult and emotional time, families are often required to make numerous decisions, from service details to personal preferences, sometimes without knowing exactly what their loved one would have wanted. Alongside this, there can be the added worry of meeting the cost of the funeral.
A funeral plan can help remove much of this uncertainty. By recording your wishes in advance and taking care of the cost, you can relieve your loved ones of both emotional pressure and financial burden, allowing them the space to focus on remembering and celebrating a life.
It’s also important to choose a provider you can trust. Funeral plans in the UK can only be sold by firms that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), or by their appointed representatives. If you wish to check whether a firm is regulated, you can search the Financial Services Register on the FCA website at www.fca.org.uk/register.
For many people, a funeral plan is a positive and practical step, not just for themselves, but as a thoughtful decision made with loved ones firmly in mind.
If you are considering a funeral plan, it’s important to take time to understand how they work and whether one is right for you. Like any financial decision, weighing up both the benefits and the potential drawbacks can help you make an informed and confident choice.
One of the main advantages of a funeral plan is the ability to fix the cost of your funeral at today’s prices. Funeral costs have risen steadily over recent years and may continue to do so. By paying
in advance, you may be protected against potential future price increases, offering reassurance that no further payment will be required for the services included in your plan.
A funeral plan can also remove the financial burden from loved ones at an already difficult time. With the cost taken care of, families are spared the worry of finding money during a period of grief.
Another benefit is by putting arrangements in place ahead of time, your personal wishes are clearly recorded and followed, helping to avoid uncertainty or difficult decisions for those close to you.
Funeral plans also have practical financial advantages. In the UK, they are exempt from Inheritance Tax, meaning the money set aside for your funeral is not included in the value of your estate.
While funeral plans offer reassurance, it’s important to understand their limitations. Each plan covers only the items and services that are included within it, and these can vary between providers. If additional services are needed when the funeral takes place, such as extra vehicles for mourners, these costs would usually need to be paid for separately by the family.
There is also the possibility that a funeral plan provider could fail. In such cases, plans are typically either refunded or transferred to another provider, depending on the circumstances and protections in place.
Funds paid into a funeral plan are usually held in a trust. If that trust were to fail and funds could not be returned, you may be entitled to compensation under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), subject to eligibility.
Finally, in the unlikely event that funeral costs fall in the future, the price paid for a funeral plan would remain the same, as the plan is designed to provide certainty rather than market flexibility.
For many people, a funeral plan is a thoughtful and practical decision, offering peace of mind, clarity and reassurance for loved ones. Understanding both the benefits and the risks allows you to decide whether it is the right step for you and your family.
What’s included in a funeral plan?
What is covered by a funeral plan can vary depending on the provider and the type of plan you choose, which is why it’s important to understand exactly what is included before making a decision.
Most funeral plans are designed to cover the main elements of a funeral service. A Haven Personal Funeral Plan, for example, typically includes the funeral director’s professional services, a coffin, a hearse, and the services of a minister or celebrant. It also covers cremation fees or burial fees up to the cost of a cremation.
As funerals are highly personal, it’s essential to take time to check what is and isn’t included in any plan you’re considering. This ensures there are no unexpected costs later and that arrangements reflect your wishes as closely as possible.
Many plans can also be tailored and personalised, allowing you to make choices that suit your individual preferences, whether that’s a more traditional service or something that better reflects your personality and values.
Understanding the detail upfront can help provide clarity, confidence and peace of mind, both for you and for those you love. How does a funeral plan with Haven work?
Haven Personal Funeral Plans works through a trusted network of family owned funeral directors, all of whom act as an Appointed Representative of Haven. These funeral homes operate across East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester, offering local knowledge alongside professional guidance. Funeral plans are sold face to face by funeral directors who are specifically trained to discuss funeral planning.
When you take out a Haven funeral plan, the price you pay includes an administration fee, which covers the day to day running costs of the company. The remaining balance is then placed into The Haven Funeral Trust, where it is invested by an investment manager regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The money is held protectively until it is needed.
Throughout the lifetime of the plan, Haven keeps in touch. Every 3 years, you’ll receive a summary of your funeral plan and have the opportunity to review or update any details. Changes can also be made at any time if your wishes change, and Haven does not charge an administration fee for making amendments. It is important to us that your plan remains right for you and continues to reflect your wishes.
When setting up your plan, you are also given the option to appoint a Nominated Representative. This is someone who is aware of your funeral plan, helping to ensure it is easily located and used when the time comes. A nominated representative cannot make changes to or cancel the plan; their role is simply to ensure it doesn’t go unclaimed.
At the time of need, whoever is arranging the funeral simply contacts Haven or the nominated funeral director. From there, the family is guided through every step of the process by a dedicated and professional team, offering support before, during and after the funeral.
Once the funeral has taken place, Haven pays the nominated funeral director directly for carrying out the funeral in line with the planned arrangements. These costs are covered by the funeral plan, meaning no additional charges are passed on to loved ones for the services included. If any extras are required that are not part of the plan, these would be payable separately.
This structured and supportive approach can bring reassurance, with clear arrangements in place, funds held separately in line with regulatory requirements, and loved ones supported when it matters most.
Summer often brings moments of reflectiontime spent with family, warm evenings and a chance to put plans in place for the future. A Haven Personal Funeral Plan allows you to do just that, offering peace of mind that everything will be taken care of when the time comes.
By planning ahead, you can ease the emotional and financial pressure on your loved ones.
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 since 1998 * represents the total number of funeral plans sold as at May 2025.
26 Nominated funeral directors throughout East Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Give your family peace of mind knowing the financial burden of arranging a funeral has been taken care of.
Celebrate your life your way.
FAMILY HELPING YOURS FOR OVER 25 YEARS www.havenfuneralplans.co.uk or call 01706 230285
Leyland Beds and Furniture is a family-run business that has been serving the community for over 20 years. We’re open 7 days a week and offer free local delivery in a 30 mile radius. Our product range includes beds, mattresses, frames, occasional and dining furniture, and ex-display items.
Clair Evans, Owner of Leyland Beds and Furniture
