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CHESTER & WIRRAL OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2013 EDITION 38

Cliff ’s Still Reelin’ and a-Rockin’ Hairy Bikers

Grills & Roasts

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Acorn Antiques & Collectables

We offer an unrivalled choice of gifts, antiques and collectables creating a unique shopping experience.

We are open every day from 10am to 5pm. Late night - Thursday till 8pm.

... an array of bygone treasures Mold Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham LL11 4AF

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Tel: 01978 754090 www.acornantiqueswales.com Situated behind Heart FM on the A541 Mold Road

Coffee Shop

Furniture

Clocks

Wide range of Victorian and Edwardian pieces

Wide range of mantle, grandfather and other vintage clocks and watches

Jewellery

Vintage Clothing

Collectables

Retro, Modern and Vintage

Stand out from the crowd in designer vintage clothing from the ‘Bohemia’ and ‘Victoria’ units

Vast range of antique and modern on display

Freshly made sandwiches, baguettes and light lunches, a selection of home made cakes and scones. PLUS a very extensive main meal menu!

Sally’s Designer Clothing Agency

Art Gallery View our extended art studio encompassing some Master’s and a whole range of art right up to new works by local Artists.

Berwyn Books NEW larger book unit now open with a vast collection of books old and new!

is a friendly clothing agency based within Acorn Antiques. Working on behalf of our clients we sell quality designer clothes and accessories second time around. You will find a quality outfit or single item without paying a premium price, or you may simply want to make some cash from unwanted clothing.

Dealer evenings are held every Thursday evening up to 8 pm, where you can trade your antiques or collectables for instant CASH!

!

Two Meals for £8.00 off Specials Board (incl. drinks) on presentation of this voucher

CONTENTS

8-9

6-7

inside...

6-7

Wine and Walking ...

In France!

8-9

2014 Robinsons Holidays Own Hotels...

Enjoy the Robinsons Difference

10-11

12-13 Cliff Richard ...

Still Reelin’ and a Rockin’

24-26

Vittoria Healthcare Limited offer

22-23 Keeping Ageing at Bay ...

Tips on how to save money

Prescriptions • Co 28-29 Vittoria Healthcare LimitedFree offerRepeat a wide range of services in 12-13

24-26 Perfect Home & Space ...

The psychology of home spaces.

Friendly Advice & Support with your me Free Repeat Prescriptions • Collection & Delivery to the McGrath Media.

Weight Management (selected stores) • E Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. Friendly Advice & Support with your medicines • Help with Stopping S T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

Weight Management (selected stores) • Emergency Contraception (se

Making life Making life a little easier! a little easier!

Our Pharmacies offer a wide range of services including: Vittoria Healthcare Limited offer a wide range of services including:

Vittoria Pharmacy - Birkenhead Birkenhead Pharmacy - Birkenhead Free Repeat Prescriptions • Collection & Delivery to the housebound Victoria Central Pharmacy - Wallasey Wallasey Village Pharmacy - Wallasey Friendly Advice & Support with your medicines • Help with Stopping Smoking Egremont Pharmacy - Wallasey Weight Management (selected stores) • Emergency Contraception (selected stores) Blackheath Pharmacy - Leasowe

imited offer a wide range of services including: l

Free Repeat Prescriptions

Making life • Help with Stopping Smoking aContraception little easier!

• Emergency

ptions • Collection & Delivery to the housebound

pport with your medicines (selected stores)

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to the housebound CollectionVittoria & Delivery Pharmacy - Birkenhead - 647 8679 Birkenhead Pharmacy - Birkenhead - 653 7720 Manor Pharmacy

Hoylake/Meols

Victoria Central - Wallasey - 639 0732 Friendly Advice & Support with yourPharmacy medicines Greasby Pharmacy - Greasby Help with Stopping Smoking

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(selected stores)

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Wallasey Village Pharmacy - Wallasey 2392 Healthcare in your- 638 Community Irby Pharmacy - Irby Egremont Pharmacy - Wallasey 639 5016 (selected stores) Willaston Pharmacy - Willasto Blackheath Pharmacy - Leasowe - 604 1600

Weight Management

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fe ier!

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Vittoria Pharmacy - Birkenhead - 647 8679

Vittoria Pharmacy - Birkenhead ...............647 8679 Birkenhead Pharmacy - Birkenhead - 653 7720 Birkenhead Pharmacy - Birkenhead. ...........653 7720 Victoria Central Pharmacy - Wallasey - 639 0732 0732 Victoria Central Pharmacy - Wallasey........639 Wallasey Village Pharmacy Wallasey 638 2392 Wallasey Village Pharmacy - Wallasey.......638 2392 Egremont -Pharmacy - Wallasey - 639 5016 5016 Egremont Pharmacy Wallasey.................639 Healthcare in your- 604 Community Blackheath PharmacyPharmacy - Leasowe...............604 1600 Blackheath - Leasowe 1600

Westminster Park Pharmacy - Little Sutto

Manor Pharmacy Hoylake/Meols. ...........................

632 0070 Manor -Pharmacy - Hoylake/Meols - 632 0070 Greasby Pharmacy - Greasby...................................

678 3350 Greasby Pharmacy - Greasby - 678 3350 Irby Pharmacy - Irby.................................................

648 Irby Pharmacy - Irby - 648 1498 1498 Willaston Pharmacy - Willaston................................ 327 5110 Willaston Pharmacy - Willaston - 327 5110 Westminster Park Pharmacy - Little Sutton..................... 339 3382 Westminster Park Pharmacy - Little Sutton - 339 3382 Westminster Park Pharmacy - Westminster Park....01244 677000 Owens Chemist - Saltney..........................................01244 680410

Healthcare in your Community

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Manor Pharmacy - Hoylake/Meols - 632 0070 Greasby Pharmacy - Greasby - 678 3350 Irby Pharmacy - Irby - 648 1498 Willaston Pharmacy - Willaston - 327 5110 Westminster Park Pharmacy - Little Sutton - 339 3382

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THE ROCKLANDS APARTMENTS

UPTON ROAD, BIDSTON CH43 7RY These apartments, newly built in a prestigious Wirral district, are set back from Upton Road, Bidston and ideally located within proximity to the M53 motorway which links to the Mersey Tunnel to Liverpool; and Bidston station with regular Merseyrail services to Liverpool.

NO DEPOSIT RENTAL: In the region of ÂŁ520 pcm This exclusive new development comprises 15 two bedroom and a one bedroom apartment, all with en suite. The development stands in landscaped communal gardens with ample off street parking and neighbouring the local cricket club.

There is a lift to all floors and there are excellent security features with entry to the building controlled via a phone entry system.

For further details and expressions of interest, please telephone 07825 754500 or email: TheRocklands@magentaliving.org.uk Applicants should be in employment, no children, no pets. References will be required and applicants will be subject to an affordability assessment and enhanced checks.

JUST RELEASED, LUXURY HIGH RISE LIVING Brackendale luxury high rise flats in Woodchurch

Magenta Living is pleased to offer six modern, one bedroom apartments, available to rent in a safe, secure and comfortable environment for active older people at Brackendale, located in the centre of the Woodchurch Estate, Birkenhead. l l

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All properties are self contained flats with the added benefit of up to the minute facilities.

Each apartment has had a newly refurbished kitchen and bathroom and benefits from either a step in shower or a flat access wet room.

The welcoming foyer has been refurbished to a high standard and has a secure fob entry system which allows only residents and their visitors into the block.

There is also 24 hour CCTV for added peace of mind.

Excellent facilities including conservatory, communal lounge and kitchen, small library, hairdressers, therapy room and laundry.

Mobility scooter recharging room.

Outside landscaped area provided for residents.

Applicants for Brackendale must be over 55 and subject to a support assessment Rental in the region of ÂŁ78 pw, No deposit. e: brackendaleapplications@magentaliving.org.uk

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

WINE AND WALKING IN FRANCE

By Tina James, Managing Director, Headwater Holidays.

If you go walking in France it is only a matter of time before you happen across a vineyard. And while the New World upstarts may well have flooded your local supermarket with gallons of very drinkable – and well-priced – wines, nothing quite matches up to sipping your beverage of choice in the very vineyards where the grapes were grown.

And that is exactly what you can do in numerous locations in France, from Champagne to Provence, Bordeaux to Alsace, you will be very well catered for irrespective of your preferred tipple.

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Two of the most fascinating and rewarding wine regions to visit when exploring France on foot are the Loire and Burgundy.

The regions sit side by side in the middle of the country, and while both are best renowned for their world-famous white wines (Chablis in Burgundy, Sancerre in the Loire) there are some excellent reds and rosés produced in both areas. When going on a walking holiday to Burgundy you will be able to visit some of the many smallholder vineyards that are easy to miss if driving. Passed down through the generations, some of the vineyards in the region date back almost two thousand years.

The vineyards of Burgundy cover an area exceeding 25,000 hectares and there are 99 appellations d’origine controlee split between the five main areas of production

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in the region: Chablis/ Auxerrois in Yonne, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune in Côte-d’Or, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais in Saône et Loire. But aside from the wine itself there are numerous walking routes that allow visitors to enjoy some of the most enchanting countryside France has to offer. Poppies carpet the landscape and gently rolling fields of wheat and wooded hills separate the quaint riverside villages and the numerous gastronomic and grape-related delights that reside within.

compared to some of the more prestigious – but prohibitively expensive – options from the top end of the Bordeaux wine spectrum. Like in Burgundy, there are very many vineyards of the Loire Valley which you can visit, often to stroll around the grounds and get in amongst the vines themselves, but always to sample – and perhaps purchase – the wines produced there.

Of course, there is plenty more to the Loire Valley than just the wine. While you can’t go far in France without finding a vineyard, For real aficionados of you can’t hang around two-footed travel, taking the Loire region for long Villandry Castle, Loire Valley in a section of the famous without finding one of the – and very well-trodden – many châteaux for which pilgrims’ path to Santiago the region is famous. From di Compostella, the purported resting place of the mortal the refined architecture of the Château de Cheverny to the remains of the apostle St James, is worth the effort. The magnificence of the Château de Serrant, there are literally UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vézelay, meanwhile, hundreds of the castles, stately homes and palaces which marks the starting points of journeys in the other direction: reside under the umbrella of châteaux. Many also have the 12th Century basilica was used as the launching point their architectural splendour mirrored in the gardens in for two Crusades. With the beauty and charm of the which they are set, with plenty of scope to amble away the mediaeval city of Auxerre offering an excellent starting afternoons in some of the grandest and most intriguing point for a trip to the region, it makes a great contrast from botanical collections in the whole of France, if not Europe. the rusticity of the surrounding area, with some top-class restaurants, all of which serve many of the region’s most So with walks that will stretch the legs rather than break drinkable and satisfying wines. the bones, undulating countryside pockmarked with pretty villages and dissected by meandering rivers, the Loire So switching attention to the neighbouring Loire Valley Valley is another great place to enjoy a walking holiday region, and some things are very similar: beautiful rolling where relaxation is the order of the day. As for the night? hills awash with flora and supporting a good variety of Well, that’s when the wine really comes into its own. birds and mammals; many small but intriguing towns and villages built aside picturesque rivers; and, almost going Silver Travel Advisor recommends without saying, a vast array of wines, many full of subtle Headwater Holidays for independent complexity.

The high mineral content in the soil of the Loire region gives a sharp freshness to the famous whites of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume, both of which use the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety. The crisp and surprisingly complex wines also offer excellent value for money when

and guided walking and cycling holidays around Europe and worldwide.

Visit www.headwater.com or call 01606 720099

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

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Est.1923

Coach Holidays Enjoy a relaxing holiday by coach to great hotels and destinations throughout the UK and Europe with Robinsons Holidays.

2014 ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS Stylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey.

Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include:

The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3H

An impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard.

The Robinsons Difference Complimentary Insurance l Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l Includes excursions l Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security

Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Lounge, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage.

Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include:

l

Payment in instalments

Two Residents’ Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage.

The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3H An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops.

Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3H

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* Robinsons own hotels

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See brochure for full holiday details, Terms & conditions apply.

FREEPHONE 0800 0839900

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Eastbourne

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5 Day Tour ~ 4 Nights Half Board Date

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn

Isle of Wight

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Torquay

8 Day Tour ~ 7 Nights Half Board Date

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn

09 Feb

£125 - £125

03 May

£359

£359

£359

16 Feb

£129 - £129

04 May

£359

£359

-

23 Feb

£135 - £135

10 May

£369

£369

£369

03 Mar

£139

£139 £139

11 May

£369

£369 -

10 Mar

£145

£145 £145

17 May

£379

£379 £379

17 Mar

£149

£149 £149

18 May

£379

£379 -

23 Mar

£155

£155 £155

24 May

£389

£389 £389

31 Mar

£159

£159 £159

25 May

£389

£389 £389

06 Apr

£165

£165 £165

31 May

£399

£399 £399

13 Apr

£169

£169 £169

01 Jun

£399

£399 £399

18 Apr

£179

£179 £179

07 Jun

£399

£399 £399

23 Apr

£175

£175 £175

08 Jun

£399

£399 £399

27 Apr

£179

£179 £179

14 Jun

£399

£399 £399

03 May

£185 £185 £185

15 Jun

£399 £399 £399

07 May

£189 £189 £189

21 Jun

£399 £399 £399

11 May

£195

£195

22 Jun

£399

17 May

£199 £199 £199

28 Jun

£399 £399 £399

21 May

£205 £205 £205

29 Jun

£399 £399 £399

25 May

£209 £209

-

05 July

£399 £399 £399

31 May

£219 £219

-

06 July

£399 £399 £399

12 July

£399 £399 £399

13 July

£399 £399 £399

19 July

£399 £399 £399

20 July

£399 £399 £399

26 July

£399 £399 £399

27 July

£399 £399 £399

£195

SUPPLEMENTS - PER PERSON ABBEY LAWN HOTEL Front View Premier Room

8 DAYS £15 £50

5 DAYS £10 £30

IMPERIAL HOTEL Premier Room

£35

£20

OCEAN VIEW HOTEL Sea View Premier Room

£15 £50

£10 £30

£399

£399

All tours include 2 Excursions and Complimentary Insurance 9 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

Graham Smith...

TWITTERING ON Talk your way out of a jam!

It is a source of great concern to me that the Germans are already working on the next generation of cars which are going to “talk” to each other, see round corners and see through lorries.

For someone who can remember starting a Morris 1000 with a crank handle this is a worry. I remember headlight dip switches on the floor, adhesive heated rear windows, trafficators which popped out to say which way you were going and tyre chains. If you could read a number plate at the prescribed distance, avoid ploughing into too many pedestrians, do a three point turn in a space the size of a football pitch and recite the Highway Code you passed your test. Now the blasted car is going to talk to me? I don’t want one!

I have enough problems with a sat nav trying to chuck me in the river somewhere off the M6 without the car talking to me as well, I normally have sufficient coping with my wife. Vehicles equipped with “car-to-x” technology, should warn of hazards far beyond the vision of the driver including traffic jams further along a motorway or a vehicle making an emergency stop up ahead.

The organisation behind the technology is Frankfurt-based Safe Intelligent Mobility Testfield (Sim TD), a consortium of vehicle manufacturers with factories in Germany.

Mercedes Benz-maker Daimler is leading the project and BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford and Opel are also involved.

They have already held the world’s largest field test of car-to-car communication around Sim TD’s home city: 500 drivers signed up to test the tech and clocked up a total of 1.7 million km (1.1 million miles).

Sim TD says you can expect to see the first talking cars on the road in 2015. That’s it for me. The first time any vehicle speaks to me I’m hanging up the keys and buying a bike.

It’s ridiculous. Imagine you’re tootling down the High Street and suddenly the car announces that someone has done an emergency stop three miles away so be careful. Too much information.

And how are the ladies going to cope? It’s not so many years since the fairer sex were hanging their handbags on the choke handle, so what’s going to happen when the flipping dashboard starts talking? I see trouble and consternation, and there’s worse to come. Audi is testing other mechanisms, including a vibrating steering wheel and force feedback pedals - a pedal which pushes back or vibrates when the driver tries to accelerate.

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“That will get the driver’s attention,” says Robert Manz, an Audi developer. Oh it will Robert, I guarantee it. Why do we need a vibrating steering wheel? I have a picture of obeying my sat nav by taking the next left and suddenly the steering wheel vibrates and as I press the brake it presses back at me. I’m not going to be pleased and neither is the bus driver coming towards me as I career onto the other side of the road.

Interactive traffic signs and traffic lights equipped with sensors will also talk to each other and swap information with cars in the area. Oh will they? That’ll be fun, you’ve just pulled away on green and the traffic light leans forward and announces 3p a litre off at the local supermarket and, in fear, you lurch into the path of another oncoming vehicle which will now be able to shout pre-programmed obscenities at you, flash its own headlights and take a picture at the same time!

There will be tears before bedtime. I have arranged for machine guns to be fitted under my front bumper, an ejector seat and a wide screen TV where the windscreen used to be because it is obvious I will no longer have to look where I am going, the blasted car will do it for me.

Bollards And while we’re on the subject I had a chuckle at this story.

A man had to be rescued by a policeman after his head became wedged inside a traffic bollard for two hours.

The unfortunate chap was unable to free himself after putting the cone on his head while joking with friends in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

John Waterman, who captured the incident on his mobile phone, said: “I came out of Burger King and this man had the bollard stuck on his head.

“I had seen him walking with it on top of his head five minutes earlier, but now it was pulled right down.”

“No one was helping him because they thought he was just messing around.”

Eventually, a police officer and passer-by managed to free the man, who was applauded by a crowd of onlookers. Did anyone think to ask him how his head got there in the first place?

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Cliff’s still Reelin’ and a-Rockin’ Cliff usually spends Winter at his six bedroom villa in Barbados, surrounded by manicured gardens around an azure swimming pool.

When the Caribbean gets too hot it’s over to his vineyard retreat in Portugal. An enviable lifestyle that he can enjoy every day of the year, but he chose June 2013 to embark on a Summer tour unlike any other, performing his best loved songs against a backdrop of England’s most beautiful castles and stately homes before flying off to continue his tour in Israel.

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INTERVIEW

Just prior to the tour we decided to ask Cliff some questions about his lifestyle as the Peter Pan of Pop...

Looking forward to your new tour – Midsummer Nights – Still Reelin’ and A-Rockin’ -great title, how many nights are you performing?

Me too. Having performed the “Reelin’ and A-Rockin’” show “down under” I can’t wait to get started again.

Fingers crossed, that we have a great Summer, we certainly deserve one!!l. I will be performing eight nights from Saturday June 1st and I will be singing at some of the most stunning sites in England on this tour including, Harewood House, Blickling Estate, Warwick Castle and Powderham Castle and finishing up at Hampton Court Palace. I know it is going to be great fun and hope you can join me and my ‘gang’.

Although you are enviably fit and slim are you worried about the toll this show will take on your body? (Probably not you are the most enthusiastic of performers and always seem to be enjoying yourself and giving your best).

When you get older, performing does take more of a toll on your body. However, I make sure I train before I tour so my body is ready for any physical excursion.

I tend to keep fit all year round so it’s not so much of a shock to my body when I do go on tour. I try to play tennis around three times a week. However, I do leave bigger gaps between my tours these days.

Have you ever wanted to do something else to earn your living?

No, never. Ever since that day I first heard Elvis, I wanted to sing, and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I’m sure that if I hadn’t become a performer, I would have got myself into the industry somehow, be it producing or song writing.

What are your top 5 desert island discs?

I would have to take “Heart break hotel “by Elvis, “You got my letter” by Boz Scaggs . Any track from Hank Marvin’s “Django’s Castle”CD. “I honestly love you” by Olivia Newton-John and “Johnny B Goode” by Chuck Berry.

Who do you think are the best acts today who will stand the test of time?

There are some very successful singers out there.

Adele, Rhianna & One Direction. I’ve heard some impressive stuff on the radio but too often nobody tells you who they are, so I don’t know their names. Our business has changed so much that in terms of “who will stand the test of time” well, I guess only time will tell !!!

How would you spend your time if you were free from commitments for a full day?

If I was free from commitments for a full day, I would definitely play some tennis, watch a movie and then get with some friends and have a curry dinner.

What words of wisdom would you give to a young singer?

I would give them the same advice that my father gave me. When I was getting serious about singing, my father told me that if I didn’t make it, there was still a life to be lived. Then, when I recorded Move It, he asked me: “Do you really want this? If you do then give it your all and give it all the time.” This is true for any career that you want to pursue, if you want to do it then give it your all.

How often do you get together with your family?

I try to get together with family as often as I can.

When I’m on the road performing, I don’t really have much time to myself to get to see family or friends. So whenever I have a break I try to see family and close friends. As I have homes in Barbados and Portugal they love to come out and visit and of course it’s a holiday for them.

For all things Cliff please visit www.cliffrichard.org www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Pauline McNamara Partner Head of Family Law

Why people are choosing to celebrate their “Silver Separation” rather than their “Silver Wedding Anniversary.”

Divorce among the over 50’s in the UK is on the rise. This rise in the number of “Silver Separators” can be contributed to a number of reasons. The triggers can be anything from the children leaving the nest, a sudden crisis or just simply a sudden realisation that you have nothing in common in with your partner.

A recent survey carried out by Saga and YouGov highlighted the main reasons why couples in their 50’s and 60’s commence divorce proceedings: •

28% - One partner was

emotionally cold

•

27% - lack of commitment to the

marriage •

25% - Lack of interest in a

physical relationship

•

23% - Inability to resolve or

manage a conflict

•

23% - Other

•

14 % - Nagging

•

13% - Met someone else

•

12% - Abandonment

•

11% - Alcohol/drug addiction

•

10% - Nothing to talk about

•

9% - One partner not contributing

enough financially

•

8% - Jobs made things difficult

At Cassell Moore we frequently advise clients in their 50s and 60s who are thinking about divorce to consider the following before making any decisions: Pension Rights – Either your own or your partners pension can often be one of the largest matrimonial assess to consider when sorting out the finances ancillary to divorce. If the husband has been the breadwinner for most of the marriage and has been contributing to an occupational (work –based) pension scheme, or even a private pension scheme he is likely to have built up a considerable fund. The wife however may not have worked for several years and may have been paying the lowest

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rate of national insurance contributions.

earning capacity between the husband

This could mean that she may not be

and the wife. Following divorce or

eligible to claim a state pension in her

separation the partner who earns the

own right and will have been relying

lower amount may find it difficult to

on contributions from her husband.

make ends meet. In this situation the

The same of course applies should the

issue of spousal maintenance will

wife have been the main breadwinner.

need to be addressed. This can be

At Cassell Moore we can provide the

a very complex area to navigate. At

older client with expert advice regarding

Cassell Moore our solicitors have the

pension sharing.

experience and required expertise to guide our clients though this particularly

The Matrimonial Home – With older

difficult issue following divorce.

couples at this stage in their life the matrimonial home is likely to be

Should you be considering divorce,

mortgage free. This therefore can be

separation or already be going through

another large asset to consider when

it – contact Cassell Moore and we will

divorcing. One problem is that even

be able to assist you in disentangling

though the property may be mortgage

two lifetimes’ worth of assets and help

free it is often the case that there

you plan sensibly for your retirement

are insufficient funds after its sale to

and the rest of your life.

purchase individual properties for both the husband and the wife. It can be

John Owens - Cassell Moore.

difficult at this stage in their life for either party to obtain a mortgage. At Cassell Moore we can advise older clients on how best to resolve the issue of re-housing following divorce including taking into consideration any issues such as earning capacity and any other special needs either party may have.

Spousal Maintenance – With an older couple there may be huge disparity in

Cassell Moore Solicitors Edward Pavilion Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AF. Tel: 0800 014 9277 e: info@cassellmoore.com www.cassellmore.com

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OUT & ABOUT

Curious About Chester? Two self guided treasure hunt style walks of discovery 26 September 2012 to 31 December 2015 Starts at Chester Castle, Chester CH1 2DN Have fun discovering Chester. Buy or download two unique self-guided, treasure hunt style walks around this fabulous city. Cost £3.50.

Contact Sue Jennings Telephone 01159502151 Email sue.jennings@curiousabout.co.uk

Tea Dance 28 October 2013. 2pm - 4pm.

CIVIC HALL, CIVIC WAY, ELLESMERE PORT CH65 0AZ Sequence and ballroom dancing to the live music of Steve Sound.

Cost £3.75. Admission inclusive of refreshments.

Contact Brio leisure Telephone 0151 356 6890

My Bronte Book Your autobiography captured in a beautiful, illustrated volume for your family to treasure.

Complete with a web site of your pictures and recordings of your stories. Written in Haworth, home of the Brontes.

Haworth gave birth to the historic novels of the Bronte sisters and it can become the birthplace of your personal story.

Makes a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Bronte Book will publish your personal autobiography, written and published in Haworth, to pass on as a living legacy after making detailed recordings.

Within the four month long process comes your own web site (also available separately) containing recordings, pictures and special stories. Your own living legacy which we know you will enjoy compiling.

You may choose a book and/or a web site and an e-book within the package which starts from £300 ranging to £2,750 for the full process, which can include up to 20 books. A deposit with instalment payments plan is available.

Details from www.brontebook.com or Bronte Media, brontemedia@outlook.com Tel: 01535 959002, Mobile: 07866 626090

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Halloween Masquerade and Murder Mystery Spectacular 30 October 2013 to 31 October 2013. 6pm.

BOAT MUSEUM, SOUTH PIER ROAD, ELLESMERE PORT CH65 4FW. Step into a live action murder mystery event that will take you across the museum grounds, exploring every dark corner for clues, interviewing suspects and collecting goodies along the way.

Cost: Adults £5, Children £2.

Contact Claire Goodman Telephone 0151 355 5017

Community Firework Spectacular & Fun Event Friday 1st November 2013. Gates open at 4.30pm.

Old Stanney High School, Grounds Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port CH65 9DB Cost: Family ticket £5 for 2 adults & 2 children under 14 years.

Contact Steve Talbot Telephone 07901815317

Fireworks Fun Night 2 November 2013 CHESTER RACECOURSE, CHESTER CH1 2LY Presented by Chester Lions this Charity Jubilee event brings you two massive displays, live music - Junior Parker and Motion Empire, fun fair, Face painters, and clowns.

Toddlers display at 6.45 pm and main display at 7.30pm.

Introduction to Sewing Skills 02 November 2013. 9.45am - 3.45pm.

SIR JOHN DEANES COLLEGE MONARCH DRIVE NORTHWICH CW9 8AF. This introduction to sewing skills will equip you with the basics to get you sewing. It will give you the confidence to use ‘easy’ commercial sewing patterns to make both fashion garments and items for the home. Cost:£33.00 with a complimentary lunch.

Contact Adult Education Team www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT Telephone 01606 810020 Email adult_education@sjd.ac.uk

Scottish Country Dancing 6 November 2013 7.45pm - 10pm Caldy Valley Centre CH3 5PR Sun 7th July, 5:00pm

THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA ...WITH STRINGS!

No partner required.

Beginners welcome as tuition given.

It’s great fun and keeps you fit.

Contact: Sun 7th July, 5:00pm Sun 7th July, 5:00pm Chris Woodward 01244 545550

THE Telephone GLENN MILLER THE GLENN MILLER Email chris.r.woodward6@uwclub.net ORCHESTRA ORCHESTRA

...WITH STRINGS! ...WITH STRINGS!

Waterways Craft Group

Wed 24th July, 2:30pm.

17 November 2013 WedSOUTH 24th July,PIER 2:30pm.

BOAT MUSEUM, ROAD, ELLESMERE PORT CH65 4FW

HAPPY DAYS HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

ARE HERE AGAIN

This lively group meets the third Sunday of the month (with the odd exception) on the first floor of the Island Sat 3rd August, 7:30pm.

Warehouse, to demonstrate the traditional crafts of the inland waterways.

Sat 3rd August, 7:30pm.

BUDDY AND THE KILLER

BUDDY AND THE KILLER Contact Claire Goodman telephone Fri 16th August, 7:30pm.

0151 355 5017 ROB KINGSLEY

‘A VISION OF ELVIS’

Fri 16th August, 7:30pm.

Christmas Light Parade ROB KINGSLEY

‘A VISION OF ELVIS’

Sun 25th 21 November 2013. 17:30 to 19:30 August, 7:30pm.

CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL, THE FORUM SHOPPING CENTRE, CHESTER CH1 2HS

SUPERSTARS OF SOUL WITH BEN E. KING & 25th August, JIMMY JAMESthe The Queen of Sun Light leads the7:30pm. parade as it illuminates

SUPERSTARS OF SOUL WITH BEN SatE.31stKING & August, 7:30pm.

Contact David Atkinson GREG FRANCIS, HIS ORCHESTRA & SINGERS JIMMY JAMES Telephone 01244 976741

City.

BERT KAEMPFERT

Email david.atkinson@ GALA CONCERT THE MUSIC OF THE LEGENDARY cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Sat 31st August, 7:30pm.

BANDLEADER AND COMPOSER GREG FRANCIS, HIS ORCHESTRA & SINGERS

BERT KAEMPFERT Christmas Flowers Tue 3rd to Sat 7th September, 7:30pm.

GALA CONCERT Sat matinee, 2:30pm.

30 November 2013. 9.45am - 3.45pm.

THE MUSIC OF THESTAND LEGENDARY UP THE MUSICAL

SIR JOHN DEANES COLLEGE, MONARCH DRIVE, BANDLEADER AND COMPOSER NORTHWICH CW9 8AF

Fri 27th September, 7:30pm.

Come and join us in creating wonderful and evocative Christmas arrangements both you and your family Tue 3rd to Satthat 7th September, 7:30pm.

WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED BY matinee, 2:30pm. will enjoy overSat the Yuletide period.

Thu 3rd October, 2:30pm.

THE Wed GOOD OLD DAYS THE OLD DAYS 24th GOOD July, 2:30pm.

OF MUSIC HALL OF MUSIC HALL HAPPY DAYS AND VARIETY HERE AGAIN ANDARE VARIETY Thu 3rd October, 2:30pm.

Mon October to Sat 2nd November, 7:30pm.

Sat 3rd28th August, 7:30pm.

BUDDY AND THE KILLER AGATHAGO CHRISTIE’S BACK FOR MURDER Mon 28th Wed October Sat 2nd November, 7:30pm. & Sat to matinees, 2:30pm.

Wed & SatAGATHA matinees,CHRISTIE’S 2:30pm.

GO BACK FOR Fri 16th August, 7:30pm. MURDER

ROB KINGSLEY Sun 10th November, 7:30pm. Pre-concert talk, 6:30pm.

MID WALES OPERA PRESENT ‘A VISION OF ELVIS’ Sun 10th November, 7:30pm. Pre-concert talk, 6:30pm.

BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S MID WALES OPERA PRESENT ALBERT7:30pm.

HERRING Sun 25th August,BRITTEN’S BENJAMIN SUPERSTARS OF SOUL ALBERT HERRING Wed 27th November, 7:30pm.

WITH BEN E. KING & THE WEST END MEN JIMMY JAMES

IN CONCERT u 3rd October, 2:30pm.

Wed 27th November, 7:30pm. Th THE GLENN MILLER THE GOOD OLD DAYS ORCHESTRA Sat 31st August, 7:30pm. OF MUSIC HALL ...WITH STRINGS! AND VARIETY Sat 30th November, 7:30pm.

GREG FRANCIS, HIS ORCHESTRA & SINGERS IN CONCERT BRITISH PHILHARMONIC Wed 24th July, 2:30pm.

Mon 28th October to Sat 2nd November, 7:30pm.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA Wed & Sat matinees, 2:30pm.

HAPPY DAYS AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ARE HERE AGAIN GO BACK FOR MURDER THE MUSIC OF THE LEGENDARY Sat 30th November, 7:30pm.

BANDLEADER AND COMPOSER Sat 3rd August, 7:30pm.

BRITISH PHILHARMONIC Sun 10th November, 7:30pm. Pre-concert talk, 6:30pm.

BUDDY AND THE ORCHESTRA KILLER MID WALES OPERA PRESENT CONCERT BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S ALBERT HERRING Sun3rd 1st December, 7:30pm.

Fri 16th August, 7:30pm.

Tue to Sat 7th September, 7:30pm.

THE FRON2:30pm.

MALE VOICE CHOIR ROB KINGSLEYSat matinee, ‘A VISION OF ELVIS’ Wed 27th November, 7:30pm.

THE WEST END MEN WITH GUEST VOCALIST KATHRYN RUDGE IN CONCERT Sun 7th July, 5:00pm

THE WEST END MEN

BERT KAEMPFERT GALA CONCERT A VIENNESE STRAUSS CHRISTMAS GALA

A VIENNESE STRAUSS CHRISTMAS GALA VOICESUP OF THEMUSICAL VALLEY STAND THE

Sun 25th August, 7:30pm.

SUPERSTARS OF SOUL Sat 30th November, 7:30pm.

WITH Sun BEN1st E. KING & September, December, 7:30pm.7:30pm.

BRITISH PHILHARMONIC 27th JIMMY JAMES Fri CONCERT Th u 12th December 2013 to SunORCHESTRA 5th January 2014.

THE FRON MALE VOICE CHOIR AAVIENNESE STRAUSS A MAGICAL GIANT OF PANTOMIME! CHRISTMAS WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED

BY GALA Sat 31st August, 7:30pm.

GREG FRANCIS, HIS ORCHESTRA & SINGERS WITH GUEST VOCALIST KATHRYN RUDGE BERT KAEMPFERT Sun 1st December, 7:30pm.

GALA CONCERT THE FRON MALE VOICE CHOIR THE MUSIC OF THE LEGENDARY STARRING ED PETRIEVOICES FROM CBBC AS JACK OF THE VALLEY BANDLEADER AND COMPOSER

SNOW WHITE VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET THE BEANSTALK

VOICES OF THE VALLEY JACK AND

SNOW WHITE Thu 12th December 2013 to Sun 5th January 2014.

MAGICAL GIANT OF A PANTOMIME! STAND THE MUSICAL JACK AND FESTIVAL BALLET AUP STAND UPVIENNA THElunch MUSICAL Adult Cost £30.00 with a complimentary THE BEANSTALK

WITH GUEST VOCALIST KATHRYN RUDGE

Tue 3rd to Sat 7th September, 7:30pm.

Sat matinee, 2:30pm.

A MAGICAL GIANT OF A PANTOMIME!

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

Fri 27th September, 7:30pm.

Contact Adult Education Team Fri 27th September, 7:30pm.

Telephone 01606 810020 SNOW WHITE Email adult_education@sjd.ac.uk WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED BY

Thu 12th December 2013 to Sun 5th January 2014.

STARRING ED PETRIE FROM CBBC AS JACK

SNOW WHITE WORLD PREMIERE PRESENTED BY STARRING PETRIE FROM CBBC AS JACK VIENNA FESTIVALED BALLET

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

17

Exhibitions at the

WILLIAMSON ART GALLERY & MUSEUM, BIRKENHEAD 14 September – 13 October Wirral Society of Arts – members’ exhibition Wirral Art School Fellowship Annually, lecturers at Wirral Met College select graduate students to become Fellows for the following year: this year’s have been Colette Elcock and Barbara Swan.

Wirral Society of Arts – members’ exhibition The fellowship exhibition coincides with the regular display of work by Wirral’s premier art group, the Wirral Society of Arts, most of whose members were students at the local art schools in Wallasey, Birkenhead, Liverpool and Chester.

26 October – 24 November Journey through Landscape: paintings by Sean McCann

Seán McCann - The Clearing (Cheshire) Seán McCann is a landscape painter living in Liverpool. This is his first major exhibition, showing work from the last 10 years representing the Highlands of Scotland, Lake District, Cheshire, Wales, Ireland and the Canadian Rockies.

The A41 Project – Visualising Inequality (photographs) The A41 road runs from Marble Arch, London, to Woodside Ferry, Birkenhead. It passes through areas of both affluence and deprivation. Colin McPherson has taken photographs along the way and worked with local communities to look at their own areas en-route.

30 November – 1 December Oxton Art Fair An annual celebration of the skills and craft of our very local artists.

Peter Philip, Bestiary VII Ostrich

Try our new Gallery 14 Café and shop, stocking work by local artists & craftspeople.

Building work at the gallery means that the whole building is still not fully open, though it is hoped that it will be before the end of 2013. If there is something specific within the gallery collections you wish to see, please call in advance.

Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Slatey Road, Birkenhead CH43 4UE 0151 652 4177 williamsonartgallery@wirral.gov.uk

Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm Closed Monday

Have you visited Birkenhead Priory?

WIRRAL

A

site now wholly enclosed by modern Birkenhead, the Priory has the oldest standing buildings in Merseyside and is usually a haven of tranquillity, until the shipyard next door starts banging!

The Undercroft Museum tells the story of the Priory and the Chapter House dates back to 1150, in use as church since St Mary’s parish church closed forty years ago. Upstairs is the chapel dedicated to HMS Conway, the training ship stationed on the River Mersey off Rock Ferry for many years.

The chapel is open by arrangement.

Phase 1 of work on the refurbishment of the buildings has been completed: St Mary’s church tower is open to visitors for its unequalled views over Cammell Lair, Birkenhead and the River Mersey to Liverpool.

Please telephone before a visit if you are hoping to see something specific.

Open Wednesday – Friday pm, Saturday & Sunday all day Telephone (0151) 666 1249 or 652 4177 to check times, which vary with the season.

Varicose Veins Varicose veins are veins in the leg that have become enlarged and often appear ‘lumpy’. A high proportion of the population, both men and women, suffer from varicose veins at some time in their life and they can occur in relatively young people.

They are caused by faulty valves in the veins, the valves normally controlling the direction of the flow of blood within the veins. Blood in all veins is being transported back to the lungs and heart, valves within them preventing blood flowing back down the leg after it has been pumped up by the movement of the leg muscles. If the valves become faulty, blood collects in the veins causing them to enlarge and bulge.

Many people with varicose veins have no symptoms and suffer no ill effects.

However, for some they can be unsightly and cause discomfort, with aching in the leg particularly after a day at work and particularly in those who have to stand for long periods. Other symptoms may be itching or eczema, and in rare cases can lead to ulceration of the leg.

Healthy vein valves: Blood flows up and can’t flow back.

Damaged vein valves: Blood flows back down and gathers in weak areas.

Temporary relief may be achieved by wearing a support stocking. For most patients who have unsightly varicose veins or who are suffering from regular discomfort, the long-term solution is the removal or the destruction of the vein with the faulty valves. If treatment is being considered we would recommend a scan on the leg using an ultrasound machine to view exactly where the faulty valves are.

Most visible varicose veins are in the calf but the origin of the vein problem is usually in the thigh and groin.

Treatment is, therefore, aimed at both the calf and thigh veins. Surgery removes the veins, usually under a general (full) anaesthetic. More modern treatments which include radiofrequency ablation (VNUS) or endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) can be performed awake under a local anaesthetic. A wire or chemical is passed into the thigh vein and it is destroyed by heat or a chemical reaction as within the vein wall. The calf veins are either removed by plucking them out under a local anaesthetic or by injecting them with chemical foam. These new procedures are very effective, take about an hour to perform and mean that you can walk in, have the treatment and walk out again to restart most activities immediately. There is a high satisfaction rate with these new procedures and the early return to work and leisure activities for most, is a great advantage over standard surgery.

This article was written by Professor Paul Edwards MA, MB BChir, FRCS (Ed), FRCS (Eng), MChir, Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester. He has been treating varicose veins regularly for over 20 years and has used many of the proven new techniques to do so. In the recent past Professor Edwards assisted in testing and modifying the national Varicose Vein Treatment Outcome Form (PROM) which is now used across the country to assess the efficacy of varicose vein treatment.

20

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Varicose Veins Advisory Clinic Are your veins causing aches, pains, itchiness and general discomfort? Not sure what the best treatment may be for you? Why not come along to our Free Varicose Veins Advisory Clinic with our Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Professor Edwards, to find out how treatment can help and what options are available.

For further information or to book your Free 10 minute appointment, contact:

Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester on 01244 684305 Find out more at nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/chester www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

21

Keeping Ageing at Bay

WE long ago seem to have decided against growing old gracefully and opted to do whatever we can to keep ageing at bay.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do to help ourselves, whether or not we want to resort to cosmetic surgery. In fairness, the cosmetic surgery industry in this country is generally of a very high standard. But, as in anything where you are dealing with your health and investing large amounts of money, it’s worth checking out your private clinic or hospital of choice and comparing both costs and reputations with others.

Eyebag removal, facelifts, cheek and chin implants, tummy tucks, arm lifts and thigh lifts are now all relatively common procedures – although they are all still surgery and require proper consideration and investigation beforehand.

However, there are less drastic options we can undergo that don’t involve the scalpel but can still improve our appearance. First, though, it’s worth ensuring that you’ve explored all that Mother Nature has to offer - along with your active co-operation.

A healthy diet is vital for glowing skin and hair, and it’s important to keep your weight within a reasonable level, too. If you’re not sure whether you’re overweight or underweight, ask your doctor and take his or her advice.

22

Plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular, are good for health along with a certain amount of protein in meat, fish or pulses. If you’re on a specific diet – for health or other reasons – you may need a vitamin supplement to ensure you keep well and look and feel good. Consulting a nutritionist or asking your GP’s advice are good starting points here.

Exercise can also ensure our joints and muscles stay supple, which is a great aid to youthful vitality as well as improving the shape we’re in. Regular walking in the fresh air can give an outdoorsy look that’s attractive at any age, and the enjoyment of an activity that allows us to relax our faces and bodies can also hold back the years.

Having an attractive smile is surprisingly ante-ageing.

In fact, your smile is very important in this ageing battle as an unattractive smile can positively age you far more than skin can in most cases.

Missing teeth, very crooked teeth, poor gum health or very discoloured teeth or fillings will obviously not add up to a pleasant smile. Paradoxically, crowns and dentures with teeth that are too white, too straight and too uniform can also make a person look older than their years.

The key is for a natural smile of healthy-looking teeth and gums that enhances and suits your face. Clever dentists can carefully add well-matched filling material to the tips of worn lower teeth these days. And it’s also easier now to get rid of a denture with fixed teeth or by fixing or stabilising a denture with implants – all of which can be a massive boost to confidence.

If you’re looking for beauty procedures with naturallooking results, try these ideas:

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Anti-wrinkle injections – These involve injecting botulinum toxin type A (the most famous brand being Botox) into facial muscles. This can actually prevent muscle action so effectively reduce frown-lines, furrowing of the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes.

When this is carried out well by skilled practitioners, it not only means less wrinkles but a less tired, more relaxed look – like you’ve just been on a lovely holiday!

Dermal fillers – A major problem as we get older is the loss of volume, indeed loss of fat, in the face. Fillers are designed to be used in the face to plump up targeted areas and lines such as the naso-labial folds and the marionette lines around the nose and mouth. They are also great for correcting the turned-down mouth that can sometimes come with age. Temporary fillers are also an effective and popular way of filling folds and lines, and for defining and augmenting lips.

If injections are complete anathema to you, think about the many treatments that the beauty industry can now offer. Facial treatments generally, though, tend to work best on a well-cared for skin so it’s important to keep skin well hydrated inside and out.

Keeping to well-known beauty product names may well help here as you may know better what your skin reaction will be. One typically famous brand offered in some salons is Guinot, and one of their most popular treatments comes from the Hydradermie range.

The Hydradermie deep cleansing facial is, apparently, much beloved by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and

Coleen Rooney. This involves deep-cleansing the skin, and it also stimulates cellular renewal. The benefits are particularly felt by those with dry skin, and it also reduces the sebum level in oily skin.

The Hydradermie Lift is a machine-based facial using cutting-edge technology to treat both the skin and the facial muscles for an immediate “lifting” effect. Designed for skin that shows signs of loss of elasticity, it targets areas where fine lines are most evident – around the eyes, mouth and nose and across the forehead. It also “lifts” and firms the cheeks, jawline and neck.

Liftosome Facial – This facial treatment has been specially developed to treat the problems associated with mature skin including lack of skin tone and loss of radiance.

With age or fatigue, we notice a slackening and loss of firmness of the skin, especially in the cheeks, chin and neck. This is largely caused by the deterioration of the elastic fibres of the dermis. The skin loses density and becomes dehydrated, resulting in dryness, wrinkling and slackening.

The treatment consists of three phases: the vitaminenriched serum, the thermal treatment mask and the firming massage. The facial finishes with the application of moisturisers to the face, neck and eye area.

The great thing about all facial treatments for many of us, of course, is that it’s such an enjoyable and luxurious process that we automatically come away feeling much more relaxed – and thus also much younger looking!

A trip to the dentist should be a relaxing one and at Saltney that is what you experience, the whole setting is tailored to supplying the highest quality of dental care you could wish to receive. We provide a full range of NHS Dental Care. Dentistry should no longer give you nightmares, come along to Saltney Dental Practice or give us a call and we can arrange a consultation at your convenience.

Our Services include: l Gum Health Treatment l Crowns l Xrays l Dental Emergency l Nervous Patients l NHS Dentistry l Dentures

goodpractice member

TO ARRANGE A CONSULTATION CALL:

01244 683 993 www.saltneydentalpractice.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

23

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT HOME AND SPACE

In pursuit of the

PERFECT HOME AND SPACE Whether your house feels empty now the children have flown the nest, you have retired and want to make some changes to your home, or you feel your home no longer reflects your personality, Niki Schäfer, founder of interior design company Dwell-Being says we psychologically need different spaces to create our perfect home.

Schäfer explains: “Understanding and appreciating space in a home is essential. We need space to think clearly, we need space to cook a meal, we need space to breathe and get away from it all, we need head space, me space and we certainly need space for our shoes/ power tools! If the children have left home, the house which has been dominated by the family way of life for probably more than two decades can all of a sudden feel like a quiet shell particularly if the mother has been a ‘stay at home mum’. It can feel liberating but can also often feel lonely and empty and can involve quite a process of reflection and style rediscovery, before you can look at the house that will be with you for the next exciting chapter in your lives.

“Some of us plan on living beyond our 100th year and therefore 50 is really only half way through life so it can be a wonderful time for change! The house does perhaps in time need to reflect changes in current and forthcoming lifestyle though, especially if it is a large investment such as a new home build or complete refurbishment. I have a client who is designing a lift 24

into their home despite being very agile and healthy, but they know there will come a time for the lift rather than the stairs. Getting this balance right is key.

Understanding what your future holds is exciting but it needs to be practical too.

“Generally the plus 50’s know how much money they have. University fees are coming to an end and hopefully the children are earning their own income so the household finances start to look in much better shape if future investments have been catered for.

Their experience in life also means they know where to invest in longer term pieces like furniture to be inherited and where to have some short term fun such as with accessories.”

Schäfer stresses our homes have an impact on our health: “Your home environment is more than just four walls and a lick of paint. It can dictate how you feel.

It can boost your self-esteem; it can calm you down, or make you more productive. Our environment is so much more than the latest wallpaper or a stunning pair of curtains. How is your home space working for you - does it give you the breathing space you so desperately crave? Does it feel organised and efficient and equally comforting and secure? Does it reflect your personality and who you really are? If the answer is no to any of these questions, your home could be affecting your well-being.”

This subtle blend of psychology and interior design is what underpins Schäfer’s company, Dwell-Being, and has helped countless families and individuals to make their dream space a reality. Schäfer’s eclectic experience of living in over 100 homes, including the most unlikely of places such as a cheese cake factory in New York and a railway station in Scotland, makes her well qualified in creating space.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Niki Schäfer’s seven steps create the three foundations to a home – the act of personal style, the science of family thinking and the discipline of house rules: 1) Outer Space - Understanding what home really means to you is

important. Where do you want to live? What neighbourhood is right for you?

What do you want your home to look like? What facilities and local resources do you need close by? All of this has to be thought through very carefully as you make those vital decisions about buying (or whether to stay in) your home.

2) Me Space - A home is a blank canvas for you to express your personality, your aspirations and also a safe place for your memories.

Figuring out your own personal style isn’t as difficult as you might think and once you’ve worked it out it’s such a pleasure to shop for your home.

3) Head Space - Finding the time to design and decorate a home can be one of the most difficult hurdles to pass. We have so much to do and we juggle so much. Working out why we are doing all the things we are doing (so much on autopilot!) and getting rid of what’s not really helping us can save a huge amount of time.

4) Thinking Space - We all think differently in the home, even our children who we mould and love turn out to have very different ways of thinking. Thinking space is a space in the house that really needs to be understood if the home is to be harmonious.

5) Dream Space - Bedrooms have become such busy spaces, places where we work, sleep and keep entertained.

This isn’t helping us in our stressful lives. A bedroom is a place to relax in and to recuperate at the end of the day; not to feel more stressed by. Design a space to dream in.

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25

6) Breathing Space - We are spending so much

time consumed by technology and screen time that we forget about the simple pleasures. Finding somewhere to sit quietly in our home and simply breathe is an

invaluable space. Creating the habit of stopping for a moment or two with a drink, or maybe just to drink up the view, does our wellbeing the world of good.

Have a space to stop rushing.

7) Heart Space - Designing a space in the heart

of the home – the kitchen, dining and family room is a way to ensure that our family communicates well.

Creating a place where the family comes together every day, where they can share stories and feel supported is an undeniably important space in the house. This is more than physical space; this is the space we need to give to others, to hear what’s truly going on in their lives, not to simply pay lip-service to it.

We are a family run Builders Merchant with knowledgeable and helpful staff. We have been in business for 30 years.

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Schäfer concludes: “Harnessing the importance of each of our seven spaces and learning how to make them beautiful and appealing to everyone who uses them is an art and a science. After all, our environment is so much more than the colour of the walls and what furniture we choose. It’s only when we’re in an environment that’s perfectly suited to us, that we can truly be ourselves.”

Niki Schäfer Dwell Being www.dwell-being.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Do you need legal advice?

At Lampkin & Co we have expertise in the legal matters you may face in later life.

We know that things don’t always go to plan. It can be particularly disheartening if you or a loved one find yourself unable to get about and do the things you’d like, all through no fault of your own.

We also understand these things may happen at a time when the care of elderly parents or relatives can be an additional worry.

It’s the unexpected and difficult things that we’re here to help with.

We are regularly instructed by clients over 50 to seek compensation in the following matters: • Defective Metal-on-Metal hip implants • Abuse or failures in care for the elderly • Slips, trips or falls whilst shopping or at appointments • Road traffic accidents Lampkin & Co Solicitors

We’re local - big city expertise on your doorstep Client-focused approach puts your best interests first

PERSONAL INJURY & LITIGATION

Committed to delivering an outstanding service Members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Members of The Law Society

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 301 730)

For free advice call 08081 782110 click www.lampkins.co.uk

Aled House, St. David’s Park, Ewloe, Flintshire CH5 3XA

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

Grills & Roasts MEDITERRANEAN BEEF BURGERS Everyone loves a burger and you can still eat these when on a diet. Bulking the meat out with some grated onion and courgette makes the burger feel more generous with few extra calories, and you’ll find no one will notice the difference.

They’ll be too busy enjoying the succulent combination of beef, basil and mozzarella, all packed into crusty ciabatta.

SERVES 4 1 small courgette 1 medium onion 400g lean beef steak mince 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato paste or tomato purée 1 tsp sunflower oil 4 ciabatta rolls 100g reduced-fat (light) mozzarella, well drained and cut into 4 slices 2 large ripe vine tomatoes, sliced fresh basil leaves balsamic vinegar, for drizzling fine sea salt freshly ground black pepper

413 calories per portion

Trim the courgette and grate it coarsely on to a board, then tip it into a large mixing bolw. Peel the onion and grate it coarsely, then add this to the bowl with the courgette. Put the minced beef, garlic, oregano, basil and tomato paste or purée into the same bowl and season well with salt and pepper. Mix with clean hands until everything is thoroughly combined.

Divide the mince mixture into 4 evenly sized balls and flatten each into a patty shape about 2cm thick. Brush the oil over a large non- stick frying pan and place over a low heat. Fry the burgers gently for about 10 minutes or until nicely browned and cooked through, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Preheat the grill to its hottest setting.

While the burgers are cooking, cut the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally and place them on a grill pan, cut side up. Cook under the preheated grill until lightly toasted. Remove from the heat and take the bread off the tray and put it on to one side.

Place the hot burgers on the tray and top each one with a slice of mozzarella. Put the tray back under the grill from another 1-2 minutes or until the mozzarella has melted.

Put the bottom half of each roll on a plate and top with sliced tomatoes and basil leaves. Add a dribble of balsamic vinegar and some black pepper. Add a sizzling hot burger, top with the remaining bread and serve right away. Fantastic!

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

SERVES 4 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 tsp sunflower oil, for greasing lime wedges, to serve CAJUN SPICE MIX 5 tsp ground cumin 4 tsp smoke paprika 2 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp flaked sea salt potato wedges 3 medium potatoes (about 475g) 1 tsp sunflower oil 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper chive dip 203 calories per portion 381 calories per portion (with pitta)

100g low-fat natural yoghurt 2 tbsp finely chopped chive

284 calories per portion

CAJUN SPICED CHICKEN WITH POTATO WEDGES AND CHIVE DIP This recipe, with its raging Cajun spicy flavours, was inspired by the fab food we ate when we made our trip down the Mississippi. It’s a real treat but surprisingly low in fat, so you can enjoy a few - and we mean a few - potato wedges alongside.

Preheat the oven to 220oC/Fan 200oC/Gas 7. To make the Cajun spice mix, put the spices and salt in a jar and seal tightly with a screw-top lid. Give the jar a really good shake so that all the spices are mixed together - you can do a bit of a samba at the same time! This spice can now be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks.

Peel the potatoes and cut them into 8-10 long wedges, depending on how big they are, and put them in a bowl. Add the oil and toss lightly to coat all the wedges. Sprinkle with the paprika, salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper, then scatter them on to a baking tray. Cook in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.

Whilst the potatoes are cooking, place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of cling film and beat with a rolling pin until the meat is about 1.5cm thick. You need to make the chicken breasts all the same thickness so they cook evenly.

Brush the griddle pan or non-stick frying pan with a little oil and place over a medium-high heat until hot. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the spice mix over each chicken to dust it lightly.

Griddle or pan-fry the chicken breasts for 2 minutes, then turn them over with tongs and cook on the other side for a further 1 minute. Finish by cooking the chicken for 1 more minute on each side or until cooked through. They should be no pink remaining. Put the chicken breasts on a plate and leave them to rest for 3-4 minutes.

To make the chive dip, mix the yoghurt and chives together. Spoon into small pots and put 1 on each plate. Divide the potato wedges between the plates and add the cooked chicken breasts. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken and a large mixed salad.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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EATING OUT

SHELDRAKES Open 7 days a week all year round Sheldrakes not only gives you spectacular panoramic views over the River Dee and Welsh Hills, the award winning Chefs also offer a sumptuous mix of traditional and Mediterranean dishes that promise you a memorable visit.

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Views to dine for Spectacular Sunsets and roaring fire Famous Sunday Carvery 4 courses for £18 and £10.75 for Children Exclusive Private dining and function facilities with panoramic views across Wales Bespoke Wedding and Civil Partnership packages Conference facilities.

RESERVATIONS TEL: 0151 342 1556 bookings@sheldrakesrestaurant.co.uk www.sheldrakesrestaurant.co.uk BANKS ROAD, LOWER HESWALL, WIRRAL CH60 9JS

SHELDRAKES SEASONAL STEAL 50% OFF Four Course Meal Sharing Platters worth £99.00

NOW £49.99 per two people TO ACTIVATE THIS VOUCHER BOOK ONLINE

www.sheldrakesrestaurant.co.uk

DEAL:

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Seafood Platter l Chateaubriand l Assiette of Dessert l Cheese

This offer is available upto 28th February 2014 – Booking and payment required in advance and this offer cannot be used on special days.

THE PLOUGH .... Q & A’s with head Chef Matt Parry Q: How long have you been a Chef ?

A: It’s been my dream job for the last 15 years.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a Chef ?

A: When I got my first job in a Spanish restaurant just outside

York when I was 18.

Q: What inspires you ? How do you come up with the dishes

in your restaurant ?

A: Working with new ingredients and flavours.

Q: What is your favourite dish on the menu & why ?

A: Our signature dish Three Little Pigs, it has so many different

cooking methods to put it together and it’s unique to the Plough.

Q: Do you have any tips for budding chefs ?

A: Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time ?

A: Walk the dog (to the pub) and try different places for food all

in the name of research.

EATING OUT

THE PLOUGH INN

Richly furnished with comfortable bars and open fires, a well maintained & enclosed apple orchard beer garden with children’s play area and full disabled facilities and access.

TRADITIONAL HAND PUMPS

dispense an impressive range of select cask ales.

QUALITY SEASONAL & LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD SERVED DAILY The food surpasses standard pub fare by a country mile using locally sourced quality ingredients, all food is home-cooked, featuring classic dishes and supported by an exciting Specials Board.

Let our experienced catering and restaurant team look after your family and friends in warm comfortable surroundings.

Go online to view our full menu and weekly offers www.theploughinncheshire.co.uk The Plough Inn Plough Lane, Christleton, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7PT 01244 336 096 | e: info@theploughinncheshire.co.uk

What is Costco?

Costco’s Operating Strategy

The first membership cash and carry warehouse club, Price Club, was founded in San Diego, California in 1976. Seven years later, a group of limited partners started Costco Wholesale in Seattle, Washington. Both companies operated very successfully for over a decade, and then in 1993 they merged to form PriceCostco. In November of that year, the company opened its first warehouse club in the UK. Following the success of the merger, the company changed the name to Costco Wholesale in 1997.

Our goal is to provide our members with top quality goods and services at the lowest prices possible. We do this by operating large, no frills, low-cost facilities, in the most efficient manner.

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Costco currently operates over 627 Costco membership warehouses worldwide. Each one is filled with top quality, brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices. Our members include business owners and managers purchasing for resale and commercial uses as well as certain qualifying individuals who are members of specified employee groups.

We offer a wide range of nationally branded product categories with a narrow selection of the most popular items and styles within each category. This narrow selection process ensures the best selling items are available to you while providing increased inventory turns at our warehouses.

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These improvements in efficiency contribute directly to lower prices for our members.

JOIN COSTCO

TODAY! Costco Wholesale is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing our members quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices.

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Trade Membership*

SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THIS ADVERT AND RECEIVE ONE OF THESE FREE GIFT!!

Costco Chester only Valid until 12/05/13

The annual membership fee for Standard Trade Membership is ÂŁ20 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Individual Membership* The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is ÂŁ25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Join in the warehouse or online: www.costco.co.uk/membership

For further information, please contact our Membership Team at Costco Chester on

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Membership Criteria applies.

Accepted methods of payment: cash, debit card, cheque or American Express. Membership must be obtained before purchases can be made.

Costco Chester Dunkirk Trading Estate Chester Gates Chester CH1 6LT T: 01244 852 071 E: marketing119@costco.co.uk Central Membership: 01923 830 477 www.costco.co.uk

33

Thomas McMullan FA M I LY  F U N E R A L  S E R V I C E S

Serving the community since 1981

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0151 653 4173 The Valley Lodge Funeral Home, Borough Road, Birkenhead CH42 9JE.

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