Bolton & Bury issue 74

BOLTON & BURY EDITION 74

APRIL - MAY 2022

Bill Bailey

THE MULTI-TALENTED ENTERTAINER

Value for Money Gardening

CREATE A GREAT GARDEN WITHOUT SPENDING A FORTUNE

Maritime Canada A TALE OF TWO CITIES

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CONTENTS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE

Bill Bailey

4-5

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

6-7

TRAVEL Maritime Canada

8-9

DAISH’S HOLIDAYS Self drive & coach inclusive breaks

25-27

HOME Living simpler and cheaper

33-38

GARDEN Value for money gardening

44-46

MOTORING Steve Howarth’s test drive

52-53

HEALTH Six health conditions an eye exam can reveal.

THE MULTI-TALENTED ENTERTAINER

Food VIBRANT SPRING RECIPES

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TWITTERING ON

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TWITTERING ON

BY ANGELA KELLY

Apart from those keen skiers and snowboarders who go to resorts to enjoy their sport, many of us never ski or skate.

The last time I went skating, my youngest daughter (now 38) fell and ended up in A & E with a suspected fractured elbow.

It was a birthday treat and she and her pals (giddy eight year-olds) thought the best bit was sitting having their McDonalds’ happy meals as increasingly grisly injuries trooped past. I digress.

It is, though, wonderful to see the honed talents competing, whether in exciting Luge and ice-hockey, soaring ski-jumping or elegant ice-dance.

Winter Olympic fun warms up British audiences UNTIL just a month or two ago I don’t think many of us knew a wick from a wobbler or a bone from a butter.

Thank goodness they’re an important part of Team GB!

But after the Winter Olympics from Beijing, we’ve learned a lot about curling and snowboarding, which respectively boast these moves.

IT’S something we’ve all done at one time or another – singing the wrong words to a popular song with all the quiet confidence of someone who believes they’ve got it absolutely right.

Of course, one of the things we’ve definitely learned is that there are a large number of other countries which are much better at everything from bobsleigh to biathlon than we are.

This may be in the shower or, if we’re particularly brave, in the pub or another public place, probably joining in with others who may possibly be equally deluded.

Well, they’ve probably got both the snow and the resources to plough into such natural sports for them.

Watching the Kathryn Heigel film 27 Dresses on TV the other day brought home to me the delights of singing completely the wrong lyrics with real gusto.

They can’t take the curling from the UK, though. Our girls, lead

by Eve Muirhead, took gold in the final against Japan – going one better than our men’s team which took a valiant silver.

The odd thing is that, for just a matter of a very few short weeks early in the year, we all become quite knowledgeable about Winter sports most of us will probably never think about for at least another 12 months.

After all, we don’t go out each Saturday afternoon with our mates to watch our favourite team in the biathlon or speed skating, do we?

BURY CHORAL SOCIETY

7.30pm, Sat.21st May 2022 St.Margaret's Church, St.Margaret's Rd., Prestwich, M25 2QB “GLORIOUS RHYTHM” Conductor Juan Ortuño Ramirez Misa Criolla, Lambert Rio Grande, Bernstein Chichester Psalms (sung in Hebrew), Toch Geographical Fugue Patron Sir Mark Elder Tickets £12 (students £6) on the door from www.burychoral.org or Bury Fusilier Museum

4

It all seems like another world, really, and it is. Only the Scots, who have the weather and the resilience, seem to be able to make their mark on any of the Winter Olympics.

Just love Roy Orbison’s hit Only Baloney!

She totally mangled the Elton John song Benny and the Jets during a drunken evening in a bar but the results proved so entertaining.

Checking on this general phenomenon, I discovered a book by Martin Toseland called The Ants Are My Friends: Misheard Lyrics, Malapropisms, Eggcorns and other Linguistic Gaffes.

This is just a delight. For example, he discovered that some Adam and the Ants’ fans were happily singing “Stab in the liver, your mummy or your wife” in Stand and Deliver instead of “Stand and deliver, your money or your life.”

Elvis’s Suspicious Minds apparently had the line “We’re courting a trout, I can’t walk out” instead of “We’re caught in a trap, I can’t walk out.”

Roberta Flack’s magnificent song Tonight, I Celebrate My Love To You translated to “Tonight, I sellotape my glove to you” by some poor souls with hearing problems.

And Dusty Springfield’s ever-popular Son of a Preacher Man never boasted “The only boy who could ever reach me was the son of a pizza man.”

Even soulful hits like Crystal Gale’s Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue are not exempt from lyric problems. I really don’t think she meant “Doughnuts make my brown eyes blue”, although you never know.

And Queen’s mega-hit Bohemian Rhapsody definitely didn’t include “Beelzebub has a devil for a sideboard”. Actually, it was Beelzebub has a devil put aside for me” but who cares?

Never mind, one of my favourite all-time songs is Michael Jackson’s Ben - and I only found out last week that it’s all about a boy and his pet rat!

Judges have selected five inspiring UK dogs as finalists to go forward for a public vote to find the winner but, really, any one of them could take the title.

There’s three year-old Golden Retriever Milo who has given his owner a new lease of life after he started losing his sight.

Milo has prevented him from being injured including stopping him from crossing a road during a dangerous police car chase, thus saving his life.

Then there’s Chewie, a five year-old rescue dog, who saved his owner’s life when he alerted his wife to the fact that he was having a cardiac arrest.

Newfoundland dogs Storm, Sonar, Bob and Walker provide water therapy as a form of suicide prevention. These natural water rescue dogs offer a wonderful calming influence for people considering suicide, swimming happily with them.

Four year-old Golden Retriever Ruby works as a therapy job for her owner who has cerebral palsy. Springer Spaniel Simba can quickly detect a variety of ignitable substances. He helps his handler to work out the cause of fires set deliberately and bring murderers to justice.

Hero dogs come in all shapes and sizes

I know such training takes long and dedicated hours by humans but, we have to admit, there is something special about dogs that allow their talents to be honed like this.

DOGS are truly remarkable, aren’t they? Anyone who owns one will attest to that.

However, don’t tell our mad Jack Russell, Ollie, that he’s any more special than he already thinks he is. He knows he’s top dog in our house.

Today, though, they seem even cleverer. So it’s great to see that the famous Kennel club has a Hero Dog Award which is announced at Curfts 2022.

or email: help@aamail.org 5

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Halifax Seaport Farmers Market is just next door and a great place to pick up a coffee and locally baked cinnamon roll whilst browsing local crafts and produce.

Follow the boardwalk towards the centre of town and you will come to pop up food vendors offering the local delicacy ‘poutine’ (chips with curds and gravy) and the famous lobster rolls. I know which I prefer! In the summer you may come across an outdoor concert; our visit co-incided with the annual Mac n’Cheese Festival – quite an experience!

Maritime Canada

by Sally Dowling

A Tale of Two Cities – Halifax & Montreal linked by VIA Rail ‘Ocean’ Service Having enjoyed many USA road trips, Canada seemed to be calling my husband and I. Our plan was a few nights in Halifax, Nova Scotia, followed by the overnight VIA Rail service to Montreal where we would stay for a further 2 nights. We were keen to discover two very different cities and enjoy the changing scenery through the region known as Maritime Canada Halifax Just 6 hours flying time from London is the compact city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Not much bigger than a large UK town, Halifax is capital of Nova Scotia and Canada’s important Eastern gateway with an impressive harbour. As your plane prepares to land you may find yourself asking – ‘where is this city?’ Mile upon mile of tree covered wilderness, with no buildings in sight is a bit concerning. Never fear, at the last minute Stanfield International Airport appears - welcome to Nova Scotia where you will never be far from a pine forest.

On arrival you will be relieved to find that it doesn’t take long to clear immigration, the bonus of a small airport. Pick up a rental car or take the airport shuttle bus and in about 30 minutes you will be downtown.

Halifax has a laid back and relaxed atmosphere which appealed to us. It has a strong maritime history and all the main city hotels are within easy reach of the historic waterfront. This was by far my favourite part of town whatever time of day. The 4km boardwalk has fabulous views over the ocean with thoughtfully placed traditional Adirondack chairs and inviting hammocks available along the way. At the southern end is the Cruise Terminal where the visiting liners dock for a day or two of sightseeing. Here you will find the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. A fascinating place where you can follow the timeline of immigrants, arriving from all over the world, who helped make Canada the successful multi-cultural country that it is today.

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Also on the waterfront is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, a fascinating insight into the seafaring history of Halifax. Discover the emotional stories of both the Titanic Disaster, and the devastating Halifax Explosion of 1917 when nearly 2000 people lost their lives. Follow the part that Halifax played in WW2 as a major port for the North Atlantic Convoys and understand shipbuilding over the ages.

A 2-day stopover doesn’t give you time for everything and Halifax boasts some great museums and galleries, immaculate Victorian Gardens and the Citadel – a national historic site. This star shaped fort is situated on the top of the hill overlooking the harbour and was built by the British to defend the city. The grounds inside the fort are open all year with guided tours available from May to October. Be prepared for the daily firing of the ‘noon day gun’, a tradition dating back to 1857.

VIA Rail Canada From Halifax we took the VIA Rail overnight ‘Ocean Service’ train to Montreal. 24 hours on a train is quite an experience and made a change from driving. VIA Rail offers two main fare options – a reclining seat with access to a buffet car to buy snacks and light meals, or a sleeper cabin which includes meals and also gives access to a lounge with free WiFi and, of course, the iconic viewing car.

Our cabin was bijou – I think that is the word to use! Swinging cats was not really an option but it did have full ensuite facilities and was very comfortable. We had been advised to check our suitcases into the luggage car and just take a small overnight bag on board, great advice. Our steward welcomed us on board at 1.00pm and explained how everything worked and we were soon feeling

at home. Lunch was served within 15 minutes of us leaving Halifax, a full 3 courses including a rather delicious dessert! During the afternoon we joined fellow passengers in the viewing car, we swapped stories over complimentary snacks, coffee and tea, and enjoyed watching the countryside change from pine forests, across rivers, over vast plains and through small rural communities.

Our route took us north through Nova Scotia, into New Brunswick and finally Quebec. A 10 minute stop in Moncton gave us the chance to stretch our legs, then back on board for a delicious 3 course dinner. Meanwhile our cabin was being expertly transformed into bunk beds, complete with complimentary chocolate on the pillow. We drew straws for the top bunk (he won) and were soon rocked to sleep as the train sped through the night. Breakfast was early as many passengers disembarked at Quebec. Freshly cooked eggs, bacon and all the usual fare plus fruit, pastries and lots of coffee. All too soon Montreal came into sight as we left the countryside behind and headed for the high rise buildings on the horizon.

working to live and give

Train travel is a really great experience especially in Canada, and VIA Rail didn’t disappoint.You have total relaxation for 24 hours, WiFi is available if needed but it was a treat to just ‘switch off’.

Montreal This is one sassy city where French is spoken almost exclusively, and that includes signage and public announcements. Montreal is a complete contrast to Halifax with its streets shaded by towering skyscrapers in the downtown area, and an atmosphere of hustle and bustle. Suddenly we were back in the land of the big brand stores, designer boutiques and familiar restaurants.

With just 2 days at our disposal we soon worked out how the Metro worked, it is very straightforward and great value at just CAD10 for a 24-hour ticket. We hit the ground running and after dropping our bags at our very central hotel our first stop was Montreal’s historic old town and a ride on La Grande Roué, Montreal’s big observation wheel. It was a perfect late summer day with a clear blue sky, and we enjoyed views in every direction. Having just arrived it was a good way to orientate ourselves with the different parts of the city. From the wheel we walked into Vieux Montreal, the old city, an area of cobbled streets, bars and cafes bedecked with flowers. The elegant and historical building that houses the Bonsecours Market showcases the best artisan shops and galleries with original artwork and crafts on sale.

The following day, with the skies still blue, we took the Metro to the Olympic Park, much of it is currently closed for renovation but we did enjoy a ride the funicular to the top of the observation tower. Famous for its 45-degree tilt, it is the tallest inclined tower in the world. A short walk away are the Botanic Gardens and this for me was the highlight of Montreal. There is so much to see that you need to put aside plenty of time and pace yourself.You will find seats hidden away that entice you to rest for a while, overlooking lakes or gardens or just in quiet corners. Explore the expertly maintained specimen gardens, the gloriously colourful Chinese Garden or sit by the lake and watch the many species of birds that make the gardens their home. Planting changes with the seasons so there is always something new to enjoy.

Our last morning we explored Mount Royal, originally a small extinct volcano and now a sprawling area of parkland overlooking the city. In summer the park is host to open air concerts, picnicking families, hikers and cyclists and in the winter it becomes a winter sports playground. We were just content to sit and admire yet more views from the massive terrace in front of the Mount Royal Chalet. The long walk back downhill was just what we needed before setting off for the airport and the flight home.

Fact Box: Silver Travel Advisor recommends Frontier Canada silvertraveladvisor.com/travel_partners/frontier-canada/ Or call 0800 412 5678 for further information, quotes and to book your Canadian holiday.

Volunteer Today Meet new people & learn new skills

With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. Volunteering can help you meet new people, learn new skills and even feel happier and healthier. If you are looking to get back into work, volunteering can be a great way to build your CV. Give us a call to hear about the volunteering opportunities we have at Emmaus Bolton.

working to live and give Come and join our great team!

Ask for more details on 01204 398056 or email info@emmausbolton.org.uk 7

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks

GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

£169

from

per person

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you..

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Robinsons’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 26 luxury Mercedes coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Request your brochure now!

Every break includes: Return coach travel (self-drive option available)

Comfy en suite accommodation

Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Live nightly entertainment*

Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice We are proud to announce that five of our group – Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, County – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2021.

Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Scarborough

Eastbourne

Weymouth

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

Bolton, Farnworth, Walkden, Eccles, Stretford, Sale, Altrincham, Lymm Services.

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s).

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

DATE

HOTEL

APRIL

DAYS

PRICE

JUNE

04

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£204

03

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£229

17

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£169

05

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£219

19

County Hotel – Lake District

5

£229

07

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£264

19

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£209

19

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£214

20

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

£184

20

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£234

24

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

9

£349

24

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£284

25

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£184

26

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£244

MAY

JULY

01

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£194

03

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£249

08

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£194

10

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£254

12

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£199

15

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

£304

14

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£234

16

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£299

15

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£204

28

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£284

19

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

9

£439

31

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel – Blackpool

5

£279

22

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£194

23

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£204

26

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

8

£489

28

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

£264

29

County Hotel – Lake District

5

£274

Quote - 50PlusMW Call - 01254 889900

facebook.com/robinsonsholidays1 Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy.

Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2021. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 30th April 2022

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 01254 889900 or visit daishs.com

facebook.com/robinsonsholidays1

@RobinsonsHolida

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Culture and Cuisine in Tunisia, Anna Selby takes a tour Flights are returning to Tunisia at last, in time for a sunny alternative to the British winter. In late November when I visited, the temperatures were in the low 20s and they tend not to dip much below the high teens even throughout the colder months. It’s a tempting thought and visitors can be sure of an equally warm welcome, too, from the locals who have been suffering a long dearth of tourists over the last 18 months.

Hotels have upgraded during the long lockdown and are opening up again now with plenty of offers available for those hunting for a bargain winter holiday. There are lots of Covid-precautionary measures in place and all hotel and restaurant staff wear masks while the cleaning regime is more or less constant.

In seaside towns such as Monastir and Sousse, there are some excellent beachfront hotels, so you could just make this a quick escape to a

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sunnier clime. However, there is also theTunisian way of life to explore at your leisure.

Tunisia retains a strong French influence (French is very widely spoken as is English in most places) and there is the kind of relaxed outdoor

Brik is the most famous. It looks a little like a Cornish pasty but in reality it is the cousin of the Turkish borek – filo pastry stuffed with onion, tuna, parsley, harissa (the ubiquitous local spicy sauce) and an egg. This can cause a bit of a mess if you’re not expecting it and the recommended approach is to nibble your way around the outside till you find it!

Another favourite is “Bambalouni”, best described as a deep-fried doughnut that can (the choice is yours) be rolled in icing sugar and eaten hot as you walk down the street. The most famous bambalouni makers are in Sidi Bou Said village on the outskirts of Tunis. Built high above the city with views over Tunis-Carthage and beyond to the sea, this is definitely in the running for Africa’s prettiest village. All of the houses are painted white with sky-blue balconies, doors and railings and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants with stunning views (get there in time for sunset to make the most of it).

Wherever you are inTunisia, you won’t be far from a traditional Medina or market. From spices to leather, carpets to silverware, perfume to dates, it’s all here to be haggled over. Shopping in the Medina takes time and the negotiations are part of the fun. Just remember never to take the first price offered and, if you’re thinking of buying a big item like a carpet, be prepared to sit down, drink tea and have a series of beautiful weavings unrolled at your feet for an hour or more. restaurant dining you might expect in France itself. The seafood in Tunisia is particularly good and the country prides itself on all of its local produce being super fresh.There are fine dining restaurants and, at the other end of the scale, the street food is definitely worth a try.

Tunisia was the home of the Carthaginians and the famously sea-faring Phoenicians but was also part of the Roman Empire and, as a result, has North Africa’s largest and most impressive Colosseum at El Jem. It is a remarkable place and not far behind the Roman version in terms of

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its size – Rome had room for 43,000 spectators, El Jem can accommodate over 30,000. There are five tiers of marble seating and row after row of tall rounded arches, some of them massive, just for the glory of it!

It was here that the film Gladiator was made. And, for a touch of bathos, you can visit another famous film set at Monastir.The fort here is dramatic and beautiful – especially if you visit at sunset with a moon rising and a starry sky. And the film? Life of Brian.

But perhaps the most famous film set of all in Tunisia is way down in the South at Tataouine. And if that name rings a bell, it’s not surprising. George Lucas chose the same name for his Star Wars films and Planet Tatooine was where Anakin Skywalker lived as a boy. Lucas didn’t just take the name, he adopted the troglodyte living that the locals enjoy down here in caves that are surprisingly comfortable, cool in the summer, warm in the winter. He even dressed ObiWan Kenobi in the brown hooded cloak favoured by the local Berbers.

So you can certainly go to Tunisia for a sunny winter break and relax on your lounger for a week or two – but that would be to miss out on so much. There’s a huge cultural hinterland here just waiting to be explored.

Fact Box: Call our Silver Travel Advisors for information on holidays to Tunisia 0800 412 5678 or visit silvertraveladvisor.com

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16 Marsden Street, Wigan Town Centre (Royal Arcade)

CALL: 01942 495464

DAY EXCURSIONS

All the excursions below operate via D OOR T O D O OR Bolton, Little Lever, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich.

CO AC H

TO U R S

19 April

202 1

19 May

ORMSKIRK MARKET & SOUTHPORT

www.ellensmith.co.uk LLANDUDNO Llandudno’s immaculate seafront, gracefully framed by two headlands, is a seaside classic.

Plus arty and other modern attractions that add the perfect contemporary touch. You’ll find sandy beaches, excellent shopping and lots of pubs, cafés & restaurants to suit every taste.

Ormskirk Market is renowned for being one of the UK’s oldest and most traditional outdoor markets. After some free time we make our way to Southport, with its most celebrated Lord Street shopping experience.

Price £19.50 | Book online £17.55

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

23 April

24 May

HARROGATE OR HARROGATE FLOWER SHOW(TICKETS NOT INCLUDED).

ANGLESEY & BEAUMARIS

Today we travel to North Wales and across to The Island – Anglesey. We drive through beautiful landscapes, pass unspoilt coastlines and picturesque towns and villages on our way to Beaumaris where we spend the rest of the day.

We travel to Harrogate to take in the Flower Show.

The Harrogate Flower Show will be held at Great Yorkshire Showground. Alternately you could travel to Harrogate, a Victorian Spa town in the heart of Yorkshire.

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

Price £19.50 | Book online £17.55

04 May

Friday 27 May 2022

We travel to the Yorkshire market town of Skipton – ‘Gateway to the Dales’- and today it’s market day.

You have the day at leisure to explore the town with its unusual shops, cosy cafes and tea rooms.

On our way home we stop at Boundary Mill.

Bay View is a family owned garden centre & restaurant situated overlooking the shores of Morecambe Bay, renowned for its stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Following on from our visit here we spend some free time in Morecambe.

SKIPTON MARKET & BOUNDARY MILL

BAY VIEW GARDEN CENTRE & MORECAMBE

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

Membership No: 10228

03 June

08 May

BLACKPOOL

YORK, ROMANS AND VIKINGS!

21 BROCHURE.indd 1

Today we enjoy the day in York. Imagine a city with Roman roots and a Viking past, where ancient walls surround contemporary independent shops and vibrant eateries and there’s a festival for every month of the year. Offering more attractions per square mile that any other destination in the UK.

01/02/2021 10:53

Today is free to explore the popular seaside resort of Blackpool. Why not visit the world-famous Blackpool Tower, one of the most loved and recognised landmarks in the world, and home to the famous Tower Ballroom, the Tower Circus, Blackpool Tower Dungeons and the Blackpool Tower Eye.

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

10 May

17 June

Today we travel to Lytham and St Annes-on-Sea. Experience the wide-open sandy beaches of St Annes with its traditional pier, beach huts, mini links golf or the pretty green and historic windmill on Lytham Green offering views across to Southport and even North Wales on a clear, sunny day.

We travel to Portmeirion Village where we spend the day. Aside from its iconic architecture, scenic surroundings and vast woodland gardens, Portmeirion is home to hip hotels, a huddle of historic cottages, a spa and award-winning restaurants.

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

Price £31.50 | Book online £28.35

18 May

27 June

LYTHAM & ST ANNES

PORTMEIRION

RHS GARDEN BRIDGEWATER

There is so much to see – the Weston Walled Garden contains multiple garden rooms, setting the tone for a journey of exploration with colourful themed borders, complementary sub-gardens each exploring a different horticultural style and characterful listed buildings. The wider woodland, meadows and lakes further your enjoyment.

Price £27.00 | Book online £24.30

How to Book

Price £18.50 | Book online £16.65

Ellen Smith Tours Ltd Tel: 01706 648126

LLANDUDNO Llandudno’s immaculate seafront, gracefully framed by two headlands, is a seaside classic.

Plus arty and other modern attractions that add the perfect contemporary touch. You’ll find sandy beaches, excellent shopping and lots of pubs, cafés & restaurants to suit every taste.

Price £19.50 | Book online £17.55

Book online: www.ellensmith.co.uk Full details can be found on the website.

Membership No: 10228

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THE RIVIERA TENBY THE ENGLISH ENGLISH RIVIERA -- TORQUAY TORQUAY KILLARNEY TENBY & & PEMBROKESHIRE PEMBROKESHIRE YORKSHIRE GEMS & THE RING OF The Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa ~ The Giltar KERRY Cairn The Hotel Belgrave Sands Hotel & Spa ~ The Giltar Hotel, Hotel, Tenby Tenby ~ ~3 3 Star Star 4 Star For these holidays we stay in Tenby, with its Killarney Towers Killarney Based in the Spa Town of Harrogate, we are 4 Star For these holidays weHotel, stay in Tenby, with its pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets, An award-winning resort elegant gems. perfectly placed to visit somewhere of Yorkshire’s An award-winning resort where elegant Victorian villas, bustling harbour Our March tour hasaAll Inclusive theme.and ThepalmCairn Victorian villas, a bustling harbour and palmHotel was built during Harrogate’s period fringed beaches give the Riviera its of a fringed beaches give the Riviera its Spa Town whenname. people came from far & wide to well-earned well-earned take the waters.name.

Carefully modernised, grand original features still welcome you to this charming Victorian hotel.

| 16th May | 5| 5 Days | £399 28th 28th March March | 5 Days Days | £359 £359

NORTH DEVON & NORTH DEVON & CORNWALL CORNWALL RAIL & SAIL IN THE WESTERN The Durrant House The Durrant House Hotel Hotel ~ ~3 3 Star Star HIGHLANDS Based in the port of Bideford, this tour

Based in the port of Bideford, this tour The Winnock Hotel combines the best of Beautiful Cornwall and

combines the of Beautiful Cornwall This is a superNorth tourbest organised conjunction withand delightful Devon. in Bideford’s narrow North Devon.

Bideford’s narrow thedelightful Winnock Hote includes a day trip the exploring back streets and alleyways link quay The and back streets alleyways link theKatrine. quay and Trossachs with a and 2-Hour Cruise Loch A ride the river, and the old roadon has a lovelybridge river, and theRail oldjourneys road has a lovelybridge on the the Falkirk Wheel. with one afternoon that crosses the river linking Bidefordto other teathat and crosses a day exploring Loch Lomond includingother a the river linking Bidefordto areasCruise of Devon.

2-Hour discovering its hidden Islands. areas of Devon.

| £289 4th 5 Days 26thApril May ||| 6 4th April 5 Days Days| |£599 £289

buildings, narrow streets, Apastel-coloured bustlingwalls, town and and full of character, Killarney fortified bustling atmosphere. walls, and atmosphere. isfortified Ireland’s oldest andbustling most popular tourist Tenby is one of the prettiest resorts in South Tenby is oneOn of thetour prettiest resorts in South destination. we enjoy jaunting Wales. Whetherour you take a strollathrough the car ride, Whether a Lake Cruise as well as exploring Wales. you take a stroll throughthe the town or along the beaches, or enjoy a ride spectacular Ringthe of Kerry. town or along beaches, or enjoy a ride along the Pembrokeshirecoast, Tenby is an along the Pembrokeshirecoast, Tenby is an ideal base. ideal base.

20th May| 6 | 6 Days|| £499 £589 3rd 3rd April April | 6 Days Days | £499

PERTHSHIRE, ST. PERTHSHIRE, ST. ANDREWS ANDREWS & & SUFFOLK & CONSTABLE EDINBURGH EDINBURGH COUNTRY Salutation Hotel, Perth ~3 Salutation Hotel, Perth 3 Star Star Best Western Marks Tey ~ Hotel,

Perthshire is a region of breath-taking variety,

Perthshire is a region of breath-taking variety, Colchester from its serene glens and endless expanse of from its glens endless expanse Suffolk is serene a county with and many charming and of lush forest to its bleakly beautiful moors, lush forestfeatures; to its bleakly beautiful moors, redeeming picturesque seaside resorts, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. agricultural landscapes of wheat fields, thatched cottages in rural villages and attractive market towns.

30th May|| |55Days Days ||| £339 £399 4th April 4th April 5 Days £339

BEAUTIFUL COAST WYE & ROYAL BEAUTIFUL NORFOLK NORFOLK COAST & & WYE VALLEY VALLEYTHE & THE THE ROYAL ENCHANTING SOMERSET EXPLORING SCOTTISH CITY FOREST OF DEAN CITY FOREST OF DEAN BATH, WELLS Brook & GLASTONBURY HIGHLANDS Bells Hotel Club Best Western Bells Hotel & & Country Country Club ~ ~3 3 Star Star Best Western Brook Hotel, Hotel, Norwich Norwich The The Wessex Hotel Nethybridge Hotel Experience this magical borderland on a ~ 3 Star Experience this magical borderland on a ~ 3 Star BeThe enchanted, Somerset lots ofbeautiful, surprises with East Anglia coasthas is starkly waiting to beAnglia discovered beaches, green The East coast–isstunning starkly beautiful, with picture postcard fishing villages, and much countryside, woodlands, lakes, and more. picture postcard fishing villages, and much

more, creating an idyll of rural charm. As a more, creating an idyll of rural charm. As a contrast, we feature the lovely Cathedral City contrast, we feature the lovely Cathedral City of Norwich, and the Norfolk Broads. of Norwich, and the Norfolk Broads.

| Days || £389 6th June 18th April 18th April| |55 5 Days Days| £329 £389

You can river lose yourself thetrain stunning scenic cruise, awithin relaxing ride scenery and river cruise, a relaxing train ride and ofscenic The to Highlands, with its This majestic mountains visits historic towns. is a place where visits to historic towns.

This is a place where and lochs as we journey through this youmysterious can recharge your batteries, get off the you can land. recharge your batteries, get off the beautiful We enjoy a train journey, learn beaten track and escape the everyday. beaten track and the everyday. about Highland life escape in days gone by and discover the beauty of Loch Ness.

6th June || 5 5 Days | |£499 18th 18th April April | 5 Days Days | £419 £419

BOURNEMOUTH BOURNEMOUTH FORT WILLIAM & THE ISLE OF Mayfair Hotel~ 3 Star Mayfair SKYE Hotel~ 3 Star With seven miles of golden sands and With miles of golden sands and Theseven Alexandra Hotel sparkling sea, the vibrant cosmopolitan town sparkling vibrant cosmopolitan town Staying insea, Fortthe William, and by of Bournemouth has it all – asurrounded vast variety of of Bournemouth has scenery, it all – a this vasttour variety of spectacular Scottish shows shops and restaurants, endless countryside shops and restaurants, endless countryside off somepeace of theand most scenic parts the West offering relaxation andofbeautiful, offering peace and relaxation and beautiful, Highlands. award-winning gardens. award-winning gardens.

| | Days | | £499 23rd May 5 Days 4th 4th April April | 5 5 Days | £339 £339

SKEGNESS & SKEGNESS & THE THE BEST BEST OF OF GREAT YARMOUTH LINCOLNSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE Palm Court Hotel The Royal Hotel, Skegness ~ 3 The Royal Hotel, Skegness ~ hustle 3 Star Star A holiday of many contrasts, from the &

Experience the best of Lincolnshire with bustle of a busy seaside resort, to the relaxing calm Experience the best of Lincolnshire with historic towns and villages, thriving seaside of the Broads, to the historica City of Norwich historic towns and villages, a thriving seasideand resort and ‘Bomber Country’ heritage. also the quieter resorts and towns of the region. resort and ‘Bomber Country’ heritage.

|| 5| 7Days June Days|| |£339 £639 11th April 11th5th April 5 Days £339

BLENHEIM, SEZINCOTE AND BLENHEIM, SEZINCOTE AND THE THE SHAKESPEARE COUNTRY KENNET & AVON CANAL KENNET & AVON CANAL Doubletree by Hilton Best Western Best Western Blunsdon Blunsdon House House Stratford-Upon-Avon Hotel ~4 Star Based in~the Hotel 4 centre Star of Stratford-upon-Avon, this tour

Ais lovely for the summer as most we enjoy on our tour doorstep!

We make the of thisa A lovely tour for the summer as we enjoy a base visit unique Sezincote, a 200-year-old withto a day to explore this medieval market town as visit to unique Sezincote, a 200-year-old Mogul Spend a day exploring Park. well as Indian visits toPalace.

Blenheim Palace and Charlecote Mogul Indian Palace. Spend a day exploring Blenheim Palace and relax with a horse-drawn Blenheim Palace and relax with a horse-drawn barge trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal. barge trip on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

12th June Days| | £469 | | 5Days 21st 21st April April | 5 5 Days | £449 £449

VISIT VISIT OUR OUR WEBSITE WEBSITE AND AND BOOK BOOK ON-LINE ON-LINE TO TO SAVE SAVE £10.00 £10.00 PER PER PERSON PERSON

Join Join our our facebook facebook community community by by ‘liking’ ‘liking’ our our page page to to view view latest offers, customer comments and various photographs. latest offers, customer comments and various photographs.

ellensmithtours ellensmithtours

A SELECTION OF OUR COACH TOURS 2022

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WINDSOR SOUTHSEA SPRING, WINDSOR CASTLE CASTLE & & CRUISE CRUISE THE THE SCARBOROUGH SOUTHSEA & & CHICHESTER CHICHESTER SPRING, SOUTH SOUTH SHIELDS SHIELDS & & BLACKPOOL & HISTORIC YORK BOURNEMOUTH THAMES HARBOUR CRUISE THE DURHAM COAST THAMES HARBOUR CRUISE THE DURHAM Mayfair Hotel COAST Imperial Hotel Park Manor Hotel The Hotel, Gerrard’s Cross Best Royal Beach Hotel ~ With The Little Hotel ~ Star seven milesHaven of golden sands and TheinBull Bull Hotel, Gerrard’s Cross A holiday Blackpool will leave you feeling Scarborough enjoys an Royal unrivalled positionHotel as one ~ Best Western Western Beach The Little Haven Hotel ~3 3sparkling Star sea, ~ 4 Star A vibrant great Spring tour based Shields has the cosmopolitan town in of South Bournemouth 3 Star refreshed, relaxed and recharged – even if you are of Britain’s premier coastal resorts, yet also lies ~ 4 Star A great Spring tour based in South Shields 3 Star it overlooking all – a vast variety of shops and restaurants, endless the River Tyne and Little Haven on the 25 hours Perhaps it’s resort’s of tantalisingly close to North Yorkshire’s rugged A go lovely tour aasday! we discover thethe splendour A great tour for the summer – stroll along

A lovely tour as or we discover the that, splendour of National A great tour summer –can stroll along infectious for life, it’smighty just Park.

Onfor thisthe holiday, you enjoy the Royalzest Windsor andmaybe explore Windsor Southsea seafront, visit the historic cathedral Royal Windsor and explore mighty can Windsor Southsea seafront, uniquely, whatever your Blackpool offer beaches, superb visit parksthe andhistoric gardenscathedral and Castle.

Offering aroutine, welcome contrast, we also golden city of Chichester and enjoy a relaxing Castle.

Offering a perfect break from it. a welcome contrast, we also wide range of leisure amenities which have given of Chichester and enjoy a relaxing enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Thames. city harbour cruise and indulge with a gin tasting its justifiable reputation. enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Thames.Scarborough harbour cruise and indulge with a gin tasting

13th | 5| Days | £369 | £489 21stJune April 5 Days

21st April | 5 Days | £489

at Bombay Sapphire. at Bombay Sapphire.

13th June || 55Days | £519 | 25th 25th April April | 5 Days Days | £459 £459

overlooking the River Tyne Little and Haven countryside peace and and relaxation Beach. Weoffering explore the scenic coastline before Beach. We explore the scenic coastline before beautiful, award-winning gardens. enjoying time in the historic city of Durham as enjoying time in the historic city of Durham as well as a visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. well as a visit to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

18th June || 5 7 Days | |£499 25th 25th April April | 5 Days Days | £439 £439

PICTURESQUE KENT, THE GARDEN DEVONSHIRE & PICTURESQUE PEMBROKESHIRE PEMBROKESHIRE THE KENT, THE BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL DEVONSHIRERAILWAYS & ILFRACOMBE ILFRACOMBE HIGHLANDS, & ST ANNES-ON-SEA ENGLISH RIVIERA -GARDEN & BEAUTIFUL GOWER OF ENGLAND The Royal & Fortescue Hotel & BEAUTIFUL GOWER OF ENGLAND TORQUAY St. Ives Hotel DOLPHINS The Royal & Fortescue Hotel ~ ~ 3 Star The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel The Derwent Hotel St. Annes-on-Sea, on the Fylde coast, offers a The Priory Hotel The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel 3 Star A short break with excursions to interest Carmarthen ~ Star ~ gentle and peaceful way St. Annes boasts a An award-winning AA wonderful Scottish tour short break withHighlands excursions towith interest Carmarthen ~ of3 3 life.

Star ~4 4 Star Star resort where elegant Victorian everyone. We take in North Devon throughout beautifully restored Victorian Pier, promenade with The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast villas, Known as the Garden England, Kent boasts a bustling harbour andofpalm-fringed beaches natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast Known as the Garden of England, Kent boasts viewsThe across North Wales, multi award-winning the Riviera its well-earned name. and thetoGower Peninsula are famed all over givebeautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting and the Gower Peninsula are famed all beautiful beaches, stunning castles, exciting beach huts, a wide-open beach, plenty ofover the world.

Glorioussandy sandy beaches and rugged culture, and delicious food & drink. Our tour the sandy beaches culture, and delicious food & drink. Our tour places to world. eat andGlorious wonderful seaside charm.and rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns, and little villages. towns, and little villages.

is ideally based in Folkestone, and we include is ideally based in Folkestone, and we include visits to some lovely coastal and inland towns visits to some lovely coastal and inland towns

20th | £419 1stJune May| |55Days Days| £359

26th 2nd June May || 85 Days Days| |£549 £399

1st May | 5 Days | £419

2nd May | 5 Days | £399

THE CITY OF BLACKPOOL THE HISTORIC HISTORIC CITYSTEAM OF WORCESTER WORCESTER BLACKPOOL NORFOLK BROADS & PAIGNTON & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The Doric Hotel & STRATFORD-UPON-AVON The Queens The Doric Hotel Hotel ~ ~3 3 Star Star CRUISE A holiday in Blackpool will leave you feeling Fownes Hotel ~ 3 Star Welcome to Paignton, part of stunning English A holiday in Blackpool willthe leave you feeling Fownes 3 Star Holiday Inn Hotel Hotel,~Norwich refreshed, relaxed and recharged – even if

This is an area of literary greats, of culinary Riviera, situated on the and South Devon coastline in refreshed, relaxed recharged – even if is an area of literary Norfolk greats, than of culinary WhatThis better way to experience with you are on theThe go 25 hours day!are Perhaps brilliance and iconic heritage.

We enjoy the sheltered Torbay. treesa dottedit’s you are on the go palm 25 hours athat day! Perhaps it’s a Broads Cruise,and a nostalgic railway, and visit to brilliance iconic heritage.

Weaenjoy the the resort’s infectious zest for life, or maybe about centreinfectious give the impression that birthplace of William Shakespeare andretreat a thethe resort’s zest for life, or you’re maybeon Sandringham Estate, the much-loved Norfolk birthplace of William Shakespeare and a it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine, a continental holiday and when the sun shines you cruise,The the historic citystately of it’s just that, uniquely, whatever your routine, of Herrelaxing Majestyriver the Queen. relaxing river cruise, the magnificent historic city of can offer a perfect frominit.the canBlackpool imagine yourself being almost break anywhere and the beautiful gardens scenic Cotswolds.

Blackpool can offer a perfect break from it. houseWorcester, is set in stunning landscaped and Worcester, and the beautiful scenic Cotswolds.world. remains very much as it was in Edwardian times.

3rd Days | £429 | £439 8thJuly May| 5| 5 Days

8th May | 5 Days | £439

4th | £299 9thJuly May| |55Days Days| £449

9th May | 5 Days | £299

spectacular a memorable rail journey everyone.scenery, We take in North Devon throughout with visits to an interesting attractions which, and experience unforgettable boat cruise on with visits to interesting attractions which, when combined with our excellent hotel, the Moray Firth to see theour world’s most northerly when combined with excellent hotel, makes this enjoyable break. along with other population of an Bottlenose Dolphins, makes this an enjoyable break. marine wildlife, including seals and otters.

30th June| | 5Days Days| | £499 8th 8th May May | 5 5 Days | £479 £479

BEAUTIFUL CORNWALL BEAUTIFUL CORNWALL WESTON SUPER MARE & Rosemundy House SOMERSET Rosemundy SPLENDOUR House Hotel Hotel AA AA ~ ~ 4 Star 4 StarAtlantic Hotel Grand

Cornwall is in the far west of Great Britain on

Cornwall is in the of Great Britain Our tour is based in far thewest popular resorton of a peninsula tumbling into the seaside vast Atlantic Weston-Super-Mare.

Somerset of surprises a peninsula tumbling into thehas vastlots Atlantic Ocean, almost completely surrounded by waiting be discovered – stunning beaches, Ocean,toalmost completely surrounded by green the sea. Cornwall is loved its dramatic countryside, woodlands lakesfor & more. the sea. Cornwall is loved for its dramatic coastline, captivating fishing harbours and of coastline, captivating fishing harbours and of course, its pasties and cream teas! course, its pasties and cream teas!

11th July || 6 5 Days | |£399 13th 13th May May | 6 Days Days | £519 £519

INTERESTED? INTERESTED? Call Call our our reservations reservations office office on on 01706 01706 648126 648126 and and request request a a copy copy of of our our 2022 2022 brochure. brochure. You’ll You’ll be be surprised surprised at at the the variations variations of of tours tours we operate.

Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk we operate. Visit our website www.ellensmith.co.uk

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

BILL BAILEY THE MULTI-TALENTED ENTERTAINER WHEN comedian Bill Bailey waltzed, quick-stepped and hiphopped his way to the glitterball trophy in December, 2020, he became the oldest celebrity contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing.

He was probably also the unlikeliest winner because the smart money would not have been on a balding 55 year-old with no track record of dancing. However, the gambling sceptics would have been badly wrong.

Our Bill proved to be a light-footed, athletic dancer, a quick learner with dance partner Oti Mabuse and a delight to watch.

Not to mention a poster-boy for all males over 50 who believed they could never be a dance hero.

Yet, a quick look at Bill Bailey’s background – and a seat at any of his many sell-out shows – would reveal a multi-talented entertainer with daredevil inclinations when it comes to tackling new challenges.

Born Mark Robert Bailey in Bath, Somerset his father was a GP. Bill recalls: “He taught me patience. It sounds like a terrible pun but it’s true. He has an immense ability to listen.”

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Bill was educated at the independent King Edwards School and was highly academic until around the age of 15 when the thrill of performance as a member of the school band distracted him.

He did, though, take his music A level (which he passed with an A grade) and later became a classically trained musician at the London College of Music.

He was also a keen – and talented – cricketer, often leading the singing on the long coach journey back from away fixtures. He was given the nickname Bill by his music teacher for being able to play the song Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey so well on the guitar.

Recalled Bill: “None of the kids knew what he was on about, but it stuck.”

Bill started his studies for an English degree at the University of London but left after a year. He performed with a boy band called The Famous Five and also got early acting roles – including a part in the Workers’ Revolutionary Party’s stage production of The Printers which also featured Vanessa Redgrave.

Born with a lively sense of humour and a vivid imagination, Bill began touring with comedians like Mark Lamarr and in 1984

formed a double act, the Rubber Bishops, with Toby Longworth.

Here he began developing his own style, mixing musical parodies with a personal take on traditional jokes and humour.

He combined his theatrical talents and comedy in 1993 when he performed in Rock at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with Sean Lock. The show was about an ageing rockstar and his roadie and was later serialised for the Mark Radcliffe show on BBC Radio 1.

Bill’s career at this stage was not yet soaring so he went solo the next year with a one-man show Bill Bailey’s Cosmic Jam. This led to a recording at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London which was broadcast in 1997 on Channel 4 as a one-hour special called Bill Bailey Live.

This was the first time that Bill’s trademark combination of music, post-modern gags and funny ramblings came together to create the style that would make him famous.

In 1998, the BBC gave him his own TV show Is It Bill Bailey? and he won the Best Live Stand-Up award at the British Comedy Awards the following year. Bill Bailey had arrived.

Guest appearances on radio and TV shows like Have I Got News For You and Room 101 introduced Bill to a wider audience. His quick wits made him a regular on intellectual panel game QI and he had several acting roles on TV programmes including E4 teenage series Skins, the BBC show Hustle, Jonathan Creek, Midsomer Murders and Worzel Gummidge.

He also starred in cult comedies Spaced and Black Books.

It is, however, his stage shows which have consolidated his fan base and earned him new followers all over the world. Last year, he took his new touring show En Route To Normal to venues across the UK and Ireland and this year he is off further afield to Europe and later in the year to Australia.

Bill is an accomplished musician and plays a variety of instruments including piano, guitar and keyboards. He is a big fan of progressive rock and heavy metal and presented Peter Gabriel with the Prog God award at the 2014 Progressive Music Awards.

He is plainly an admirer of Gabriel whom he has described as “perhaps the most ambitious, influential and innovative musical wizard on the planet.”

He is an avid Star Trek fan and in 2003 named his son after the Star Trek: Deep Space 9 character Dax. In fact, he often refers to himself as a Klingon and claimed, during his Part Troll tour, that his ear-mounted microphone made him look like “a wizard in a call centre and “a Klingon motivational speaker.”

Bill keeps an open mind about all new areas of music. He once said: “I don’t reject popular culture – I’m not the sort of grumpy old man who says ‘Well, I actually switched off after 1982.’

Bill Bailey is not your ordinary Joe to behold, either. He auditioned for the role of Gimli the dwarf in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001 and his nickname is Bilbo.

The long, untidy hair, the beard and the piercing eyes are now immediately recognisable. “I first grew a beard out of terror,” he reported.

“About 20 years ago, my friend and I were staying in a very heavy area off Times Square in NewYork. People would stick drugs in your pocket and then say you owed them money.We grew emergency beards and affected the hobo look to protect ourselves.”

And it looks very much like this eccentric image has helped Bill Bailey win hearts and minds ever since. Oh, and that glitterball trophy.

“Good music is being made all the time; you just have to filter out the chaff. And there is a lot of chaff, unfortunately.”

• For details of Bill Bailey’s 2022 appearances go to https://billbailey.co.uk/live/ 17

LEGAL

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

CARRYING OUT GRANT OF PROBATE YOURSELF CARRIES SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Y

ou could be forgiven for thinking that once a will has been written there are no other formalities to administer a person’s estate after they’ve passed away. After all, a will expresses who the deceased wanted to benefit from their estate and how much, or what, each beneficiary inherits. It’s a legal document that’s drawn up by a solicitor with an appointed executor – the person (or persons; you can have more than one) who administers the estate of someone who has passed away) – so you might wonder what probate has to do with it?

Well, a will in itself doesn’t grant authority to distribute an estate. It merely tells the executor(s) who gets what. To actually administer the estate – allocate the assets of the deceased person – the executor needs to obtain a grant of probate. This is a legal document which confirms that the executor

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has the authority to deal with the deceased person's assets i.e. their money, property, jewellery, cars or any other possessions.

In an effort to save on costs, some executors attempt to carry out probate themselves.

While there is a whole host of information

Judith Bromley Russell & Russell

about how to do this on the internet, the process isn’t for the faint hearted and there are definite risks involved which could end up costing far more than instructing a solicitor in the first place.

If this is something an executor insists on doing, here’s a list of the things they need to be sure of before proceeding: What exactly is in the will?

A silly question you may think, but to ensure the wishes of the will are carried out, the executor needs to clearly understand who is getting what. While this may be obvious, the will may stipulate that a beneficiary receives their inheritance at a specific point in time rather than as soon as probate has been granted. Also, is there a trust in the will? If so, this will have its own set of legal instructions which will need attending to.

Is the will actually valid? You’d be surprised how many people forget to sign it. Not only that, would you be able to tell the difference between a valid and an invalid will?

Responsibility Being an executor is a responsible job and not one to be taken lightly. It’s vital that the processes and protocols are followed so that the estate is administered correctly, otherwise the executor can become personally accountable for any mistakes. More worryingly, beneficiaries can hold executors liable for things they haven’t done if they cause a loss to the estate through poor administration.

Legal speak The law is no stranger to mind boggling jargon and for those who are unfamiliar with legal terminology, it can be difficult waters to navigate. Misunderstanding the terms of a will could also lead to being sued by disappointed beneficiaries.

Taxes As with death, the only other certainty in life is tax.

Executors are responsible for paying any tax due to HMRC on behalf of the deceased. Inheritance tax is the obvious one that springs to mind, but there could be other taxes waiting to be paid before the remainder of the estate can be distributed.

The executor may even need to check the deceased person’s historic records of transactions to ensure that they don’t need reporting to HMRC. A final word of caution on this: failing to settle any outstanding debts could render the executor personally liable.

Paperwork Put simply, there could be a lot. While some organisations will release money below certain limits without a grant of probate, most do need authority.

Getting hold of all the necessary paperwork from the banks, insurance policies, HMRC etc. can be a daunting task. In terms of properties to be transferred to beneficiaries, it’s the executor’s job to make sure the legal title is transferred correctly or, again, they can be sued for loss to a beneficiary.

Seek Advice Probate is complicated and ignorance of the process is no defence in the eyes of the law. It may appear cheaper to ‘DIY’ but if there’s even the slightest doubt about the capability of obtaining and carrying out the duties associated with a grant of probate, it’s always far wiser to seek legal advice.

At Russell & Russell, there is a team of specially trained probate solicitors who can provide advice and guidance through this complex area of the law. The firm offers a free consultation, so that you can understand what’s required and how to resolve any issues. Call 0800 103 2600 to book an appointment or fill in the contact form on the website and someone will call you back. www.russellrussell.co.uk 19

BREAST SCREENING Saves lives through detecting cancer early

The National Breast Screening Programme Invites all women between 50 and their 71st birthday for a mammogram, every 3 years. All women that are registered with a GP will receive an invitation.

What do I wear?

It’s always easier to wear a two-piece outfit because you will need to remove your top and bra. Please do not apply deodorant or talcum powder as this can affect the quality of the mammogram.

of

What to expect Your mammogram is always carried out by a female mammographer. Each breast is compressed for a few seconds while an x-ray is taken. This compression can be uncomfortable but is needed to provide a clear image. The mammograms take about 5 minutes and could save your life.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that’s used to find breast changes in the breast tissue that could be due to cancer. It spots cancer that are too small to see or feel. Early detection saves lives.

How do I get a mammogram?

The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women between 50 and 71 every 3 years for breast screening. All women will receive an invitation through the post.

What happens next?

If you choose to have your mammogram, please come along to your appointment which will be at either Bolton Hospital, Bolton One, Radcliffe Primary Care Centre or Nye Bevan House in Rochdale. If you wish to change your appointment to a more convenient time, please contact the breast screening office.

Getting your results ….

You should receive your results in the post within 2 weeks of having your mammogram.

What Next?

Most women will have a normal result and will be invited back again in 3 years for their routine mammogram.

In-between mammograms you should be breast aware and check your breasts regularly. If you notice any changes or are suffering from any signs or symptoms you should contact your GP.

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PREMIER BED STORES OPEN AS USUAL

Premier Bed Stores has been trading in Bolton Town Centre for over 36 years, quite an achievement these days! In early January this year Bolton Council permanently closed Central Street car park due to the redevelopment of this area.

The trouble is no building work has yet been started & there is a constant stream of traffic looking where they can park. With this in mind we’d like to advise our customers on where the most convenient places to park are located.

The nearest car park is on King Street off Deansgate which is at the side of the old main Post Office.You can also park on Le Mans Crescent near the town hall or the Market Place car park ( over the top of what was formerly Debenhams) All these car parks are

within a couple of minutes walk away from us & we really hope our customers old & new will continue to visit our store.

Bolton is going through a difficult transformation at the moment where there is too much retail space that has to be used for different purposes. There are a lot of apartment building under construction at the present time & once these are fully occupied it will help with the regeneration of this once glorious town centre.

With people come micro businesses, already we are seeing small convenience stores opening selling food & other household goods & I’m sure there will be many more to follow.

So in the meantime I implore you all to support our independent family business & let your friends & families know about us please.

DEANSGATE SLATERS

CAR PARK

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MARKET PLACE

KNOWSLEY STREET

CAR PARK

KING ST

WE ARE HERE

VICTORIA HALL

CAR PARK

LIVING SIMPLER AND CHEAPER AFTER a Winter of Discontent when energy prices have rocketed and food prices have soared alongside them if there’s one thing we want to do this year it’s to live cheaper and simpler.

While your planned new property may well be easier to manage and much cheaper, it’s worth researching your new area for facilities and transport.

We learned much about what style of living we wanted during lockdown. And for many people what they had was not what they wanted long-term.

Charity Age UK has plenty of advice to help here. Go to https:// www.ageuk.org.uk

As a result, some house prices – especially those with space and a garden – have gone much higher as people vote to change their lifestyle by packing their bags and bringing in the estate agents.

Downsizing also means less space for possessions so you will probably have to do some radical de-cluttering. The best way to do this is to go room by room and be realistic about what you can take with you.

Certainly, what has happened is that we have all assessed whether we’re happy with our current accommodation and the lifestyle we have with many looking for ways to change them in 2022.

List what you want to keep, throw out or give away to charity and try and keep to your plan because there will be plenty of temptations to keep items for sentimental reasons.

While you may have a wish-list of things you want in your new home, what you might simply want is to downsize – thus giving you not only the place but the cheaper lifestyle you want.

Charities like Emmaus contact@emmaus.org.uk and the British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/ informationsupport/heart-helpline will take unwanted furniture.

The children might have left home.Your health might mean you need easier or supported accommodation.You might just want to slash domestic bills by living in a smaller home like an apartment.

Local hospices and the Salvation Army may also take furniture.

They will certainly take household items at local charity shops along with unwanted, good-condition clothes, shoes etc.

It may be that the maintenance on your current home is too difficult or that you need to raise funds for your retirement or care.

If you really don’t want to move house but need to cut your bills, consumer experts Which? provide a good place to start. Go to https://www.which.co.uk

There are many alternative options including a smaller house or flat, a bungalow or other single storey accommodation, a retirement home or village or a park home.

Which? Switch may be useful if you need to switch ENERGY SUPPLIERS. They also advise choosing paperless bills and managing your account online as some companies charge extra for paper bills.

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HOME | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE When replacing an appliance, Which? points out that you can cut your electricity bills by choosing the most energy-efficient model. The most visual indication of a product’s energy efficiency is its EU energy-efficiency rating. Which? also tests items like washing machines so it could be worth a look.

LOFT and CAVITY WALL INSULATION can save you a large amount each year. If you have it already, it might be worth topping it up as this can also help reduce heat loss.

You can also reduce heat loss by replacing WINDOWS with single and double glazing.

Heating is responsible for more than half of your energy bill each year so replacing an old, inefficient gas BOILER with a modern energy-efficient one could make a big difference.

Energy-saving LIGHTBULBS can also help cut your energy bills and if you don’t already have a room thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves, installing them and using them well could provide another useful saving.

Paying by direct debit is also usually cheaper and sending regular meter readings can keep your bill accurate.

If you only need to heat one room in your home, it can be cheaper to use a portable electric heater and keep the thermostat turned down.

Question any direct debit increases that seem too high as your energy company should be able to explain the changes.Your usage and payments should balance out over a year.

For anyone living alone or working from home, investing in an electric heater could save on heating bills over time as you’re not

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Brand New Beds Cheaper than the High Street

WE ALSO RECYCLE FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS. TO DONATE YOUR GOODS AND ARRANGE A FREE COLLECTION CALL

working to live and give

01204 398056

Derby Barracks, Fletcher Street, Bolton BL3 6NF Tel: 01204 398056

www.emmaus.org.uk/bolton/ 26

l

info@emmausbolton.org.uk

If you don’t use a CHIMNEY or fireplace, put an inflatable pillow inside to block the chimney or fit a cap over the chimney pot. For loft hatches, use draught-proofing foam strips to keep the heat in, Keep rooms you don’t use closed and well-insulated and keep heating down to a minimum. Many of us spend a lot more time in the kitchen or central living areas over the colder months so these are areas to concentrate on.

Lined CURTAINS help with insulation and making your home heating work better – they’re also cosy, even on chilly Summer evenings. BLINDS on bare windows not only feel cosier but also brighten up rooms and so make us feel better all year round.

heating the whole home unnecessarily. However, be careful with your electric heater as electricity is much pricier than gas per hour.

Stop heat from escaping through unwanted gaps around DOORS and windows with effective draught-proofing. Use draughtproofing strips around the windows; brush strips work better for sash windows.

On doors, use draught-proofing strips around the edges and brush or hinged-flap draught excluders at the bottom.

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If you need more living space rather than less, CONSERVATORIES and ORANGERIES not only add more areas in which to live daily but also add to your insulation – along with the value of your home.

Take a real look at the way your life is at home and work out whether you could use space better and more efficiently.You might need an office space, a workout area, somewhere for the children to study or just better utilisation of the rooms and areas there already.

Sometimes, by re-configuring the rooms you have – whether by internal building work or just by usage – you can streamline the way you live.

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK : Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am-4pm Heaton Fold Garden Centre & Café Overdale Drive | Bolton BL1 5BU Tel 01204 336848 | www.heatonfold.co.uk Keep up to date with the latest news

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HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

PREMIER BED STORES ADJUSTABLE BEDS

R

Premier Bed Stores has one of the largest displays of electrically operated adjustable beds in the North West. We have a choice of over 20 different mattresses in store for our customers to try on the adjustable beds thus making sure that they find exactly the correct type of support & comfort for their individual needs.

Adjustable beds are available in 7 different widths with the most popular being the single size right up to the Superking size, which are designed with 2 separate mattresses each with their own controls. We are seeing an increasing trend for 4ft width beds designed to give more room for single occupancy.

QuickRefresh™ Cover

As always we offer a completely free delivery & assembly service & we can even remove your old bed at the same time making the whole delivery operation as seamless as possible.

For customers who can’t make it into our store we can come to you! We can either bring a choice of mattresses or a 3ft bed to try, all without obligation.

Please give us a call to discuss your needs.We are always happy to help.Tel: 01204 363493

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GARDEN | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’

VALUE FOR MONEY GARDENING You can create a great garden without spending a fortune on it.

Gardening writer Julia Heaton tells how.

The soaring cost of living needn’t be a barrier to creating a gorgeous outdoor space. With a little forward planning, tips, tricks and gardening know-how you can get far more out of your garden than you would think. All without having to dig deep in your pockets for the pleasure and satisfaction it brings.

Plant choice Amelanchier lamarckii Go for plants that work hard for you in the garden like those that provide more than one season of interest. If you have a small space this makes even more sense. Why have a plant that blooms for a couple of weeks in summer, then that’s it for the rest of the year?

For instance Viburnum opulus ‘Compactum’ has clusters of white

flowers in spring and red berries in autumn. And while heucheras offer up tiny summer flowers they also have interesting year-round foliage (except in the worst winters). For a delightful small tree you can’t better Amelanchier lamarckii with coppery coloured leaves in spring followed by an abundance of white flowers. In autumn its leaves turn orange and red and it even has black fruits – what a winner.

Wherever possible choose perennial plants that will come back year after year. They may look small and cost a bit more to begin with but they’ll grow bigger and better, unlike bedding plants that give their all in one season and then are gone. Perennials also have another major point in their favour and that’s the fact that most can (and should) be divided after three or four years. Lifting 33

GARDEN | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Verbascum

be surprised when they pop up elsewhere too when carried and dropped by the wind or birds.

Money well spent

and separating the root mass not only keeps the plant healthy but provides you with new ones – only this time it’s for free.

If you’ve spent lots of money in the past on planting, only to have some die when you haven’t been able to provide the care and attention needed, then have no fear. There are tough types that actually thrive on neglect so you can be assured your money is being well spent. For foliage interest go for variegated zebra grass.

Or for architectural form and spikes of scented yellow flowers there’s Mahonia Charity. How about daylilies? These produce robust clumps of leaves and a succession of trumpet-shaped flowers that are often scented.

Peonies

Create more plants Division is just one way of propagating your plants. Depending on the plant type you could propagate by taking cuttings, sowing saved seeds or using a layering technique (encouraging a branch or shoot to root by bending it down to soil level). Whichever way it’s not difficult to stock a whole garden with plants for free.

If that sounds like too much bother you could always invest in a few self-seeders to do the work for you. Left to their own devices plants like eryngium, verbascum and alliums will simply shoot up again from where their seed has fallen to the ground. Just don’t

As seen on BBC2's Inside the Factory

Rise & Recline Centre

Independent Family Business Est. 1986

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T: 01204 363493 www.premierbedstores.com

CAR PARK

DEANSGATE SLATERS

MARKET PLACE

Premier Bed Stores, Queens Buildings, Central Street, (Off Deansgate) Bolton BL1 2AB E:premierbedstores@gmail.com

WE ARE HERE

KNOWSLEY STREET

PremierStores Bed, Sofa-Bed and

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm Wednesday 9.30am-4pm | Closed Sundays

VICTORIA HALL

Get a King size bed for the price of a Double, or a Super King size for the price of a King size... Huge savings in store!

Peonies are long-lived cottage garden favourites, one of which is Paeonia Officinalis ‘Rubra Plena’. Growing to a height of 30in (75cm) it’s one of the earliest to flower and survives on neglect. And, of course, a wildflower seed mix scattered over prepared soil can be left to do its own thing while also being great for wildlife. Low maintenance types will pretty much take care of themselves but you’ll still have to ensure they are properly established to begin with.

Grow your own

Supermarket savings Growing fruit and veg makes sound financial sense too given rising supermarket prices. Choose edibles that you not only like to eat but will also give you a high yield in a small space.

And there’s no smaller space than a hanging basket. Tomato ‘Tumbler’ will produce a steady cascade of cherry tomatoes.

Just make sure they get enough water. And cut-and-comeagain salad mixes in containers are so much better than the expensive bagged baby leaves in store. Simply sow your own every few weeks from late spring onwards, then snip, eat and wait for a new crop to grow.

Don’t forget to establish a patch for your favourite herbs and go for fruits like damsons that can be frozen for use all year round. Prunus Insititia ‘Farleigh Damson’ is a regular cropper and makes a good jam too as well as having attractive spring blossom.

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK : Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Saturday/Sunday 10am-4pm Heaton Fold Garden Centre & Café Overdale Drive | Bolton BL1 5BU | Tel 01204 336848 | www.heatonfold.co.uk Keep up to date with the latest news

heatonfold

@heatonfold

heatonfold

35

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GARDEN | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Rent rather than buy Water wisely Installing a water butt will allow you to store rainfall via guttering and save money on your water bills in the long term. Buy one now to capture any of those pre summer showers and to have it ready for winter rainfall. Think too about reusing bath water. Because of what it is likely to contain this ‘grey water’ is best applied direct to the soil, not foliage, using special syphon kits to empty straight into the garden or water butt. Try to use eco-friendly soaps and bubble bath as part of this process.

Use water retaining granules when potting up plants so you don’t have to water as often. Similarly a 3in (7.5cm) layer of bark or compost, applied as a mulch around the base of plants, will help to conserve moisture in the soil.

Alternatively slit them along three sides and place around the base of plants to act as a weed barrier.

If you’re going to buy the same seeds as a neighbour or friend then consider buying one packet between you. And look out for local seed swopping events, like Seedy Sunday, held in February each year. See www.seedysunday.org Keep an eye out at the garden centre for split bags of compost, bark, sand etc. There may be a deal to be done.

Never buy on impulse from a garden centre. Go with a shopping list and stick to it.

Water your garden in the hours before and after sunset or in the morning before 10am. Any other time and it is likely that water will be lost through evaporation.

Thrifty tips Make your own pots by piercing drainage holes in tin cans and using them for small summer bedding plants. Carboard toilet roll centres are ideal for plants like sweet peas and beans that need space for deep root development.

Many gardening websites offer free delivery if you spend over a certain amount, so get together with a friend to bulk up your order.

Rent rather than buy tools or machinery that you’re likely to only use once or twice.

When pruning trees and shrubs remove foliage from the stronger twigs, store them in a dry place and reuse as general plant supports and stakes.

Carefully open compost bags along the top and fill them with leaves in autumn then leave to rot down into leaf mould.

Don’t buy cut flowers, grow your own. Gerbera, like the Landscape Series, can be twice the size of shop bought ones and can provide 20 blooms per plant by the end of the season.

Crysanthemums are also worth it and, both being perennials, they’ll flower again next year.

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GARDEN | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE Cane toppers on stakes help protect eyes from injury when stooping over plants in the border. Use the caps from sauce and puree pouches instead.

through a muslin cloth and decant into a spray bottle. Use the spray to coat the infected plants on a weekly basis throughout summer.

Standard watering cans can damage fragile seedlings. Pierce holes in the lid of a plastic milk bottle and use as a gentle waterer for free.

Transparent storage boxes make good cloches for protecting plants that need it in winter.

Make your own propagator for housing cuttings of summer bedding plants by combining a brown food punnet as a base and clear one over the top to create the humid environment needed.

Make your own bug spray

If you only need to heat half of your greenhouse seal off this area from the rest by hanging a plastic sheet across the middle.

Combine this with some bubble wrap over the door and you’ll be saving big time on your heating bill.

Make your own bug spray. Control aphids by combining three chopped garlic cloves to two cups of water and a few drops of washing up liquid. Shake, leave to stand for a day, then put the mix

Opening Times: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

It all goes to prove that having a garden you can be proud of doesn’t need to involve spending lots of money. Choose the right plants, make the most of gardening techniques and you’ll not only save pounds but also gain a satisfaction that money just can’t buy.

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Lorraine Stratton-Webb, Partner in the residential conveyancing team at Clough & Willis Solicitors Answers your questions on equity release

Q. What is Equity Release?

Equity release is the releasing of some of the equity/capital that has accrued in your property during your ownership.You have two options when choosing an Equity Release product.

1) The most common is through a lifetime mortgage, whereby you release the lump sum by way of a mortgage against your property. Monthly repayments are not required and the interest accrues against the property. On your death, or on moving into

long-term care, the loan and interest will have to be repaid usually by the property being sold.

2) The other option is a home reversion plan whereby you sell all, or a portion of your property to the home reversion provider. Similar to the first option there is no interest to be paid, however it is likely that the provider will buy the proportion of the property off you at less than market rate.You will have the right to reside in the property for the rest of your life.

It is important that if considering equity release you seek advice from a specialist financial advisor as this product is not right for everyone but it can make a difference to those that it is suitable for, for the rest of their lives.

Q. Can I sell my house if I have taken out an Equity Release?

Yes you can. However the loan would have to be repaid, unless you have agreed with the Equity Release provider that the loan can be transferred to another property. The lender would not automatically transfer the loan as the new property would need to meet the lender’s criteria.

Q. Would taking out an Equity Release affect my Pension credit?

If you are considering taking out an equity release it could reduce your Pension Credit. It is therefore essential that you obtain the appropriate advice before proceeding with an Equity Release to see whether the product would be appropriate or not.

product you get is appropriate for your particular circumstances Q. Will taking out an Equity Release affect my benefit?

Equity Release might affect any means tested benefits, particularly if you receive Pension Credit, council tax support or housing benefit. It may affect your tax position. Therefore you should take appropriate advice from the Inland Revenue, Benefits Agency or local Citizens Advice Bureau before proceeding further.

Q. Will I no long need to maintain or insure my home?

Your obligation to insure and maintain your home continues after taking out an Equity Release. It would be classed as a breach of a term of the mortgage if you did not insure or maintain the property once you have taken out an Equity Release.

If you have any questions on any of the above or any other property matters please contact Lorraine Stratton-Webb on freephone 0800 083 0815

Are you finding life is too short?

Equity release allows homeowners over 55 to remain in their much-loved home and release an income or lump sum from their property.

Lorraine is our specialist Equity Release solicitor who can help you if you are considering releasing money from your home. She will guide you through the process and help you avoid any pitfalls.

For more information on Equity Relase contact Lorraine on freephone

0800 083 0815

Or by email lorraine.webb@clough-willis.co.uk

Q. Can you obtain further money from both schemes if required?

For both types of equity release some providers offer facilities that can allow you to draw more funds in the future.

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Bury Head Office 2 Manchester Road, Bury Lancashire, BL9 0DT. Tel: 0161 764 5266 www.clough-willis.co.uk

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STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS PLUG-IN HYBRID ONE of the most crowded – and fastest growing – sectors in the new car market at present is for SUVs so Citroen’s latest offering, the C5 Aircross, already has a lot of competition.

Also growing fast is the demand for electric or hybrid cars which gives our test car this week another big market to compete in as it is the plug-in version.

With a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine and 81kW electric motor the SUV has impressive stats with a total of 225bhp giving a 140mph top speed and 0 to 60 figure of 8.7 seconds, but the one which really counts these days is how much of the ever-more expensive go juice it will consume.

Well there is good news there as well as this entry level Shine trim e-EAT8 PureTech version will do a claimed 157 to 222 miles per gallon depending on your driving style.

There is also a range of 33 to 40 miles on electric only after a full charge which can be achieved, say Citroen, in less than two hours on a high power socket. I put the car on a slower three pin plug home charge overnight and that also gave a full charge.

Now at £35,000 it is not cheap (the non-hybrid models start from £25,000) but the list of equipment adds to this car’s appeal as it includes adaptive cruise control, all round parking sensors and cameras, an 8” central infotainment screen with sat nav and voice control, power folding and heated door mirrors, special ‘diamond cut’ 18 inch alloy wheels and a whole raft of safety systems.

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The C5 Aircross is also comfortable and spacious and drives well, with only a small loss of boot space compared to the diesel and petrol versions, and has comfortable seats and lots of room for adults in the back seats.

This Citroen’s distinctive exterior is reflected by an eye-catching interior design featuring chunky seats and futuristic design with a rounded rectangular theme and high centre console, although some of the interior materials used are a bit disappointing You’re vaguely aware of the automatic gearbox shuffling between its eight speeds, but it’s all very smooth. Using the steering-wheelmounted paddles is largely a waste of time, as is selecting the car’s Sport mode, because the tweaks it makes fail to make the C5 feel remotely sporty.

Like the petrol and diesel versions there are the same thin LED daytime running lights at the leading edge of the bonnet, large Citroen badges and prominent wheel arches with plenty of plastic cladding helping the C5 Aircross to stand out from more conservative SUVs. So what is the C5 Aircross Hybrid like to live with? Well after a week of very mixed driving, including a trip to the tip with an old wardrobe, it proved a practical motor which can cope with anything you need to do with peppy performance, comfort and great interior space plus a distinctive style which makes it stand out from the SUV crowd.

MOTORING

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Car Maintenance Just Got a Lot Easier In the UK with Service My Car Service My Car, the region’s largest automotive maintenance network, aims to disrupt the legacy automotive service industry with a breakthrough launch in the UK. By introducing a novel way of getting car maintenance done, car owners across the UK can now get various automotive-related services done from the comfort of their home.

Service My Car boasts an effective technological infrastructure that will now enable car owners in the UK to book a car service, a car repair, or an MOT renewal online. Customers can stay connected with their car with progress update notifications, digital health reports, and digital quotes.

“Time’s precious and we understand that. Why would anyone want to spend so much time getting a routine car service when they can do it from home? That’s where Service My Car comes in” said, Ozair Puda, founder and CEO of Service My Car.

“Most people don’t have the time for car maintenance anymore, and thus, feel more inclined to use our services. By tapping into crucial markets, we want to establish Service My Car as a global brand that every car owner is not only aware of, but is also a consumer of,” the CEO added.

Trust is another pivotal aspect of the company’s ethos. Service My Car has taken strenuous steps to ensure that all their services come with a yearlong parts and labour warranty that promotes the use of genuine parts. Customers can also enjoy personalised service assistance from professional, ex-agency service experts at Service My Car. Car maintenance has never been easier. Get started by calling the Service My Car team at 03337 720720, booking online at www. servicemycar.com, or downloading the Service My Car app today.

Office times From 9am - 6pm

03337 720 720 If you’re a car owner, there’s a particular feeling you only really get when you use servicemycar.com • A sense of freedom from the painfully high prices that some dealerships charge for servicing.

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•An uncontrollable smile because you just paid up to 80% less than main dealer prices.

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The generous interior is comfortable and both Excel and Excel Premium trim levels have lots of kit with an upmarket feel. There is an eight-inch infotainment screen surrounded by assorted switchgear all close to hand and elsewhere a mixture of analogue and digital displays with the Premium models even getting a headup display.

The standard panoramic roof adds to the spacious feel while for comfort there are leather heated and ventilated seats, multi-zone air conditioning and a premium sound system. Passengers in the second row have plenty of space while the third row are big enough for adults on shorter journeys and kids all day long.

With the rear two seats folded down the Highlander offers a generous 658 litres of storage, rising to 1,177 litres if you also stow away the second row which fold down flat.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EXCEL HYBRID THERE’S no doubt Toyota have a reputation for making tough, reliable vehicles – remember Jeremy Clarkson’s attempts to ‘kill’ an old pick-up and news footage from third world conflicts almost always features the company’s aging products traversing rugged terrain.

So their latest large SUV, the Highlander, already ticks those two boxes (and even shares its name with an ‘immortal’ film franchise character) but what is it like to live with away from the battlefield or TV motoring stunt show?

Well we got our hands on the lower-spec Excel Hybrid version for a week and it did not disappoint. Mind you, for over £50,000 you would expect something special.

Now in its fourth generation, the Highlander has long been a key part of Toyota’s line-up world-wide, but not here in the UK until now. The seven-seater is a big vehicle so has lots of road presence with a blend of rugged SUV design and distinctive Toyota styling.

The Highlander Excel (from £50,595) also has a power tailgate, which adds to its practicality, and other standard kit includes black leather upholstery on all seven seats, three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and sat nav.

The plusher Excel Premium (from £52,575) also gets that headsup display, a top-down parking camera, heated rear seats and ventilated fronts among other additions.

The Highlander is offered with only one powertrain for the UK, a 244bhp 2.5-litre petrol-electric hy-brid set up which has an electric motor on each axle to give four-wheel drive and plenty of power (0 to 60 in 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 111mph) while returning an impressive claimed mpg of a shade under 40.

Toyota’s long experience of hybrids means seamless integration of petrol and electric power alt-hough the CVT transmission can let revs rise a bit under hard acceleration. The Highlander can al-so run on electricity alone up to the motorway limit given enough charge is available.

The suspension set up gives a comfortable ride on normal roads yet can cope with the rough stuff if required. The Highlander is, however, more road focussed that its slightly bigger brother, the ven-erable Land Cruiser.

There aren’t many seven-seater premium hybrid SUVs on offer at this price so the Highlander could find a niche for those looking for a value for money, well-appointed, spacious and practical large SUV backed by the pedigree of the Toyota brand.

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/ 46

T U R K I S H M E D I T E R R A N E A N R E S TA U R A N T 122 Bradshaw Brow, Bolton BL2 3DD Tel: 01204 591122

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Butter Spinach with Garlic £3.95 Garlic Bread (Plain) £5.95 Garlic Bread with Cheese £5.95 Garlic Bread with Tomato £5.50 47

FOOD | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

VIBRANT SPRING RECIPES FROM MALDON SALT

ROASTED PARSNIPS WITH GIANT COUSCOUS SALAD, ROASTED RED ONIONS, FETA AND PARSLEY Parsnips are healthy and good for the body, providing plenty of vitamins, minerals and healthy fibre. They are also low in fat and are packed full of flavour. As a root vegetable they serve themselves well when roasted and this delicious salad is a great way of adding them into your diet.

Ingredients • 200g Giant couscous • 4 Tbsp olive oil • 6 Parsnips • 3 Red onions, thinly sliced • 25g Golden sultanas • 25g Parsley, finely chopped • 50g Feta, crumbled • 20g Pomegranate seeds, to garnish • Pomegranate molasses, to garnish • Maldon Salt • Cracked black pepper

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Method Begin my preheating the oven to 180C. Prepare the parsnips by simply cutting the larger ones in half lengthways but keeping any small one’s whole. Place them into a roasting tray and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, some Maldon salt and cracked black pepper. Toss them so they are well coated and then place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, turning halfway through.

They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.

While the parsnips are cooking, prepare the couscous. In a saucepan, cook the couscous according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain and remove from the heat. Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, plenty of Maldon salt and cracked black pepper. Allow the couscous to cool.

Once the couscous has cooled and the parsnips are out of the oven (and also cooled). Stir the finely sliced red onion, chopped parsley, sultanas and crumbled feta into the couscous. Check the season and adjust if needed.

Pile the couscous onto a serving platter and top with the roasted parsnips. Garnish with the pomegranate seeds, a little textra parsley and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

RADICCHIO SALAD WITH SLICED APPLE, ROCKET, PECORINO AND PINE NUTS This recipe shows you how to prepare radicchio for salad and combines apple, rocket, pecorino and pine nuts along with a beautiful dressing.

Ingredients

• 1 Red radicchio • 1 Eating apple, sliced into matchsticks • 50g Wild rocket • 25g Pecorino, shaved • 20g Pine nuts, toasted • 10g Dill

Method Start by preparing the dressing for the salad. In small bowl or jug, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, walnut oil and cider vinegar.

Whisk together and then season with Maldon salt and cracked black pepper. Set aside.

To prepare the radicchio, carefully pluck the leaves off working your way into the centre core. Once you reach the inside white core, discard this as it can be bitter and tough.

Dressing:

• Half lemon juiced • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp Walnut oil • Maldon Salt • Cracked black pepper

Arrange the radicchio leaves on a large serving platter and toss with the apple matchsticks, wild rocket and dill.

Drizzle the dressing over the leaves and apple before topping with the pecorino shavings and toasted pine nuts, plus a final garnish of dill fronds.

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FOOD

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BUTTERNUT SQUASH SPAGHETTI

This recipe shows you how easy it is to make butternut squash spaghetti by spiralizing the squash, which makes a great and healthy alternative to pasta. You can make different sauces for your squash spaghetti; however, this is a lighter alternative which uses burrata, courgette, mint and lemon.

Ingredients

OPENING TIMES MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.30AM-5.00PM ATURDAY 10.00AM-4.00PM Method Begin my peeling and deseeding the butternut squash. Then cut into sections and using a spiralizer, create long ribbons which look like spaghetti. Place a large frying pan on the heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the butternut squash spaghetti and sauté for 5 – 7 minutes until softened and golden.

Remove from the heat.

OPENING TIMES MONDAY-FRIDAY 8.30AM-5.00PM Come along for TURDAY 10.00AM-4.00PM Opening Times:

• Half butternut squash, spiralized • 1 Green courgette, thinly sliced • 1 Yellow courgette, thinly sliced • 15g Fresh mint, leaves picked • Half red chilli, deseeded and finely diced • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 100g Burrata • Maldon Salt • Cracked black pepper • pinch of nutmeg, grated • pinch of sea salt

hot, add the slices of courgette and fry for a few minutes on each side so they are golden and toasty – you made need to do this in batches. Remove them from the heat.

GARDEN CENTRE NOW OPEN While the butternut squash is cooking, place a second small frying pan onto the heat and drizzle in 1 tbsp olive oil. When the oil is

Now you can plate up – pile a golden heap of butternut squash spaghetti onto two plates. Top with some burrata, fried courgette slices, diced chilli, fresh mint leaves and some lemon zest. Finish each plate with a final pinch of Maldon salt, some cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.

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BLOOD ORANGE OLIVE OIL CAKE The Blood Orange Olive Oil cake combines beautiful seasonal Blood Oranges and the use of Olive oil makes it wonderfully moist and flavoursome without being too sweet. It is topped with Blood Orange slices for a real showstopper dessert.

Ingredients • 5 Blood oranges • 250g Golden caster sugar • 150g Plain flour • 80g Semolina • 2 Tsp baking powder • Pinch of Maldon Salt • 1 Orange, zested and juiced • 1 Tsp vanilla extract • 3 Large eggs • 250ml Extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for greasing • Creme fraiche, to serve

Method Grease a 20cm round cake tin with olive oil and line the base with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 190C. Take the blood oranges and carefully cut into thin rounds (as thin as you can go!). Start by sprinkling 30g of the golden caster sugar on the bottom of the cake tin, over the paper. Then arrange the slices on top of the in a nice circular pattern. Use the end pieces of the blood oranges to squeeze over any remaining juice and then set aside while you make the cake batter.

In a large mixing bowl mix together the plain flour, semolina, baking powder and Maldon salt. Adding salt to your baking helps balance and enhance flavours, it balances sweetness and acidity.

Next in a smaller bowl mix together the orange juice and zest, vanilla extract and olive oil.

Place the eggs and sugar into a stand mixer – or you can use an electric whisk – and beat them together until they are pale and fluffy. Next add the dry ingredients, followed by the wet ingredients and beat until smooth.

Pour the cake batter into the tin on top of the orange slices and smooth over the top. Place the cake tin into the preheated oven and bake for 30 – 40 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove from the cake tin before turning it upside down onto a plate and peeling off the baking paper. Allow the cake to then cool completely before slicing and serving with crème fraiche.

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HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

SIX HEALTH CONDITIONS AN EYE EXAM CAN REVEAL Dr Andy Hepworth from optical lens specialists Essilor. co.uk explains what eye examinations can reveal beyond short or long sightedness and common eye conditions.

“TV Celebrity Sue Perkins recently revealed that her father was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour as a result of an eye examination at an optician. This is one example of why it’s vital for people to get their eyes checked regularly by a professional, at least within the recommended timeframe of every two years minimum, even if your vision seems fine.

“Eyes are like a magnifying glass into the inner workings of our blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues throughout the body. So eye examinations are an important health check for overall wellbeing – and a potential way to identify an underlying potentially life-threatening issues.

Here’s six signs of other health issues that eye tests can reveal: 1. Brain tumours: Tumours on the brain can cause increased pressure that results in swelling near the back of the eyes – meaning that an optometrist can see these abnormalities.

Changes in pupil size or double vision are also potential signs of a brain tumour. Other cancers that might affect the eyelids and outer surfaces of the eye can also be found during a detailed eye exam.

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2. Diabetes: Diabetes affects eye tissue and thus can be identified with an eye exam. Tiny blood vessels in the retina that leak yellow fluid or blood can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy happens when the blood vessels in the eye are damaged by high blood glucose levels, which is a serious condition if left undiagnosed. Early signs are usually picked up during diabetic eye screening – this is when photographs of your eyes are taken to check for damage.

3. Cardiovascular conditions: Eye exams can detect a number of cardiovascular conditions, including clogged arteries or decreased blood flow due to heart disease. These conditions can leave plaque deposits or show as damage within the eye area to indicate a more significant health issue.

4. High Blood Pressure: A very slight bleed in the eye, that presents itself as a tiny broken blood vessel in the white of the eye, can be associated with high blood pressure.

5. High Cholesterol: Eye tests can detect some warning signs that point to the presence of high cholesterol. For example, sometimes people with high cholesterol have small deposits of fat (called xanthelasmas) that can occur on the eyelids. Similarly, by examining the cornea – the dome shaped clear structure in front of your iris – it can show what’s called an arcus that can relate to cholesterol levels.

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6. Thyroid eye disease: Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (‘staring’ or ‘bulging’ eyes).

What will an optician test for and check (beyond long and short sightedness)?

“A close inspection of the lens, retina and optic nerve can reveal a host of disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes among them, even if the patient feels fine and shows no other symptoms.

“There are lots of age-related eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, that an eye examination can also identify at an early stage – so it is crucial to get your eyes test regularly, especially as you get older.

“Many opticians will carry out an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan as part of the eye examination. This hospital-quality scan uses cutting-edge technology to look more closely at your retina. OCT technology uses light waves to take images of your retina; similar to how an ultrasound scan uses sound waves.

During an OCT scan, you will be asked to sit in front of a small machine with your chin placed on a support. The instrument then takes a picture of your eyes, revealing to the optician what is going on beneath the surface of the eye. They will review this information as part of your eye examination.

“An optician will also ask you questions about your general health in order to build up an overall picture if your lifestyle and any issues they should be aware of.

“Headaches could also be a sign that you need to pay your eyes some attention – eye strain (either from an outdated prescription or too much time spent looking at a screen), can lead to headaches. If you are experiencing headaches regularly it can be easy to overlook eyes as the root cause.

“It really is important to book an eye examination if anything at all is concerning you.

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J. Child & Son Ltd

“Other common stages of an eye exam include tonometry test – this uses puffs of air to measure pressure inside your eye, again this can help to identify any early signs of glaucoma. A slit lamp is used to check the health of your cornea, your iris and your lens.

Your optician will use a powerful microscope to assess each eye.

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“The sight part of the test is known as refraction – this is where the optician will ask you to read letters on a chart in front of you whilst different lenses are out in front of your eyes to fine tune your prescription

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What should prompt you to go for an eye test – bearing in mind this may not be just for sight, but if you are worried about anything else?

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“If you are experiencing any changes to your vision or pain, redness and discomfort for more than a couple of days then you should get your eyes tested. Symptoms such as eye pain, burning, blurred / double vision, floaters with flashing lights and droopy eyelids could all be signs that something isn’t right.

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“Redness and irritation are often an early warning signal that your eyes could do with a bit more looking after. This can be caused by a range of factors including fatigue, allergies, over-wearing contact lenses or an infection such as conjunctivitis.Your option can advise and recommend treatment if it’s needed.

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Are your dentures holding you back A smile is one of the most basic, biologically uniform expressions of all humans. Smiling is not just a universal means of communicating, it’s also aw frequent one. More than 30% of us smile more than 20 times a day and less than 14% of us smile less than 5 times a day.

Smiling has a host of benefits which include: Mood Boosting - Psychologists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood smiling can lift your spirits.

Boost your immunity - smiling makes your body more relaxed and contributes to a good health and stronger immunity.

Relieves Stress - Smiling releases endorphins which reduce stress and change your mood. Even forcing a smile has the same effect.

Lowering blood pressure - Reducing stress and smiling can also help lower blood pressure.

Smiles are infectious - Not only do others smile when we smile but studies also suggest we appear more attractive to others when we smile.

What if you don’t like your smile, do you suffer from loose poorly fitted or broken dentures?

Here at The Bolton Denture Centre we have been helping denture wearers to get beautiful smiles for over 15 years.

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HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

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.

constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

What our Customers Say

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soonas 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.

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.

Bolton Denture Centre can offer all aspects of denture care including; l l

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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.

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Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to

Free Consultations Denture cleaning and polishing service Repair of broken or cracked dentures Relining existing dentures to improve fit New full dentures New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) * Sports mouth guards

* Dentist treatment plan can be arranged.

Jonathan Dean

LBIDST CDT RCS Eng Why not call me to discuss your current situation or arrange an appointment as I am always more than happy to help.

Call for a FREE Consultation

01204 382244

Thank you so much for the care you gave to me and now I can smile again with the lovely teeth you made for me.

PD What a difference you have made for me. I can smile again. No problems.

Thank you so much.

VH Thank you so much for my new dentures, they fit really well and I am very pleased with their appearance. I have had them for two months and not had any problems. Thank you for your time and trouble to ensure a perfect fit. I don’t need to use fixative and your recommended cleaning routine is working a treat.

Your sincerely AW (Mrs) Just a few words to thank you for the work you have done.

Everyone has been saying how well I look lately not knowing why. You have given me my smile back and I thank you so very much, you have made me so happy.

C Thank you for putting a smile on my face again.

S

www.boltondenturecentre.co.uk

Bolton Denture Centre, 44 Higher Bridge Street, Bolton BL1 2HA

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What’s On Guide...

28th May Lost in Music

18th June Ed Byrne 7th August Dinosaur Adventure Live 9th September Ray Quinn

16th September Craig Charles 20th-24th September Shrek the Musical on sale from www.stagestubs.com

For more info visit; www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk For tickets visit; www.quaytickets.com/boltonalberthalls or call 0343 208 0500