Derbyshire & High Peak 43

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MAY - JULY 2016

DERBYSHIRE & HIGH PEAK EDITION 43

Barry Manilow

ONE LAST TIME: THE TOUR

Markeaton Park A FUN DAY OUT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS! W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K

QUALITY CARE

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The UK’s largest stocks of Collection

Discover the largest selection of superb quality rugs in the UK. We travel far and wide to find the finest rugs in theworld. Every one of our showrooms is home to the most exquisite array of designs. Thousands of designs in every size, shape and colour. When it comes to rugs, we’ve got everything covered.

Service

If you are looking for something special to make the finishing touch to your room you are sure to find it at FrithRugs. With our “Bring to home” service we can even bring a selection to your home for you to choose in situ, so its never been easier to find the perfect quality large rug

Colour

Enjoy a rainbow of shades. Our rugs come in every tone from subtle neutrals in cream and beige to fired-up reds, gorgeous greens and bold blues. Calming and invigorating colours create the right mood for any setting. Bring in samples of your existing colour scheme and find the perfect match.

Warmth

Turn up the heat with a beautiful rug. There’s no faster way to add a warming focal point to any room in the home. Choose a vibrant shade and introduce rich tones to lift your mood and warm your heart. Select a deep pile design and sink into softness and cosy indulgence.

Beauty

Every rug is a work of art. Each hand made rug is unique and has been beautifully created by master craftsmen. This is exceptional quality and skill that has to be seen to be believed. Visit a showroom and the sheer beauty of our designs will take your breath away.

Over 30,000 rugs in stock, with free next day delivery

quality Rugs & large Rugs Style

What’s your style? Traditional, floral, tribal, modern, plain? We source rugs from all over the world with designs from the Middle and Far East and a vast range of machine made wool rugs from Europe. Most rugs are made especially for us. Our exclusive Laura Jade Designer Collection features a dazzling display of contemporary designs and colours.

Ideas and inspiration for everyone.

Quality

It’s our watchword. We search the world for fine rugs and only the best meet our exacting quality standards.

Our buyers inspect every rug before dispatch to our showrooms. This kind of attention to detail is unmistakable. Step inside a showroom and discover the largest collection of superb quality rugs you’ve ever seen.

Comfort

Beautiful to the eye. Warm and comfortable underfoot. All our rugs are made from only the finest materials and come in a range of thicknesses to suit any room. Choose from sleek rugs in fine silk to long pile shaggy rugs. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sensation. Comfort is guaranteed.

Choice

See rugs in every size, shape and colour. Our vast selection of sizes ranges from a modest 31 cm sqaure to a huge 8m by 5m. Even larger rugs are available to order.

Choose from rectangles, squares, circles, ovals and octagons as well as hall runners in a variety of lengths.

Custom

Most of our designs are available to order in any size, any shape and any colour. So, if we don’t have the right rug in stock for you, we will arrange for this to be custom made, exactly as you want it.

Tel: 0845 4 900 600 Showrooms at: FrithRugs Kaydon House, Kinmel Park, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales LL18 5TY FrithRugs Lythgoes Lane (A49) Warrington WA2 7XE FrithRugs Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7FJ Lifestyle Furniture Plus, Snugborough Trading Estate, Union Mills, Douglas, Isle of Man IM4 4LH Floor Style Canterbury, Nason’s, Maynard Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3RQ

• 30,000 RUGS IN STOCK • ORDER TODAY, HAVE IT DELIVERED FREE TOMORROW* *Excludes weekend delivery.

• FREE PARKING • BESPOKE SERVICE • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Open: Mon-Sat: 10.00-5.00, Sun & Bank Hols: 10.00 - 4.00 Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Easter Sunday FrithRugs is a trademark of GH Frith (Bodelwyddan) Ltd.

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TWITTER

LET’S TALK ABOUT

FOOD FUELS! There are so many diets out there and it can be very confusing deciding which one is the right one.

Some diets tell you to eat lots of carbohydrates, fats or proteins, while others tell you to avoid them.

Old Smokey meets his match

“I'm in pain”

CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP ME?

OFFER PRICE

£39 Expirydate date 31st 30th June Expiry July 2013 2016.

For a limited period we will complete a full consultation, examination, Neuro Scan, X ray, full report of findings and one treatment all for

£39.00

(Normally £130.00) (Normally £142.00) Expiry date 30th June 2013

WE TREAT THESE CONDITIONS...

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS PLEASE CALL OUR CLINIC TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT

Andrew Jackson BA MSc Kerry Labuschagne MTech Chiro Fay Sidebottom M Chiro MARPLE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

8-10 Derby Way, Marple SK6 7AH 0161 449 5006 www.chiropractichealthsolutions.co.uk

STOCKPORT CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

466 Didsbury Rd, Heaton Mersey, SK4 3BS 0161 432 6708

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catnapped his way through far more than his standard nine lives.

If you would like to learn more, please give us a call and book an appointment with one of our Chiropractors.

At Marple Chiropractic Clinic we offer free workshop to our patients and their friends to teach the simple healthy eating guidelines. The

• HEADACHES, BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN • PREVENTION OF MIGRAINES • MUSCLE SPASMS, JOINT PAIN • TIRED ALL THE TIME, TENSION

with Graham Smith

workshop teaches how and when to fuel your body, as well as how to exercise to keep your spine healthy.

So which one is correct?

The answer is actually quite simple: they all are! When we understand how our bodies use these three macronutrients we can better use them to give us energy, without getting overweight.

Your initial visit will include: • A private consultation with chiropractor • X rays if necessary (normally £60) • Spinal examination, orthopaedic and neurological tests • A confidential report of our findings • An explanation of our treatments procedure if we determine Chiropractic can help you • A referral to the appropriate specialist if we determine Chiropractic cannot help you

T w i tte r i n g

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Match making through social media is perhaps nothing new but taking a couple of 50-plus silver surfers and an ageing cat acting as introducer has to be something of a first!

But it has worked out just purrfectly for everybody.

Old Smokey is something of a media star on Facebook.

He’s the mouthpiece of a former top national newspaper photographer who decided to launch the page for pet lovers, their stories and their photographs. Little did he know that unwittingly the site was to be the meeting place for a couple then living 150 miles apart but whose lives and careers had started right on his own Lancashire doorstep.

As Old Smokey strolled the green acres of his adopted home little did he know that behind the scenes a romance was unfolding with all the ingredients of Wuthering Heights, a story set very close to his own doorstep, where, ironically, our modern day Heathcliff was living. His Cathy was many miles away but through the humour and banter which the couple shared on the Facebook page a friendship and more was forming as Smokey

We read so much about Internet love stories now.

They are usually the province of the young but our lovers are beyond the first flush of youth and kept their true feelings hidden among the pictures of Spring lambs and cuddly puppies on Old Smokey’s page. Few knew their secret and Old Smokey was oblivious to the fact that he was the catalyst (go on, groan then) in a blossoming relationship, a meeting of minds and a fabulous friendship which neither of our anonymous lovers had been looking for but which fell naturally into their laps as both had been victims of unhappiness before.

It became obvious to the couple that destiny decreed they must be together and they met one day in the shadow of the legendary Pendle Hill, an area where they had both worked many years ago, but which still held a magic for both of them.

The meeting confirmed all that they already knew…and more. Old Smokey had done a catastrophic (more groans) piece of match making. He probably sat back in the sun and knew he’d done a scratch job (I don’t care how much you groan any more).

The couple are now together and very happy, proof that social media can bring fulfilment to all ages, can bridge the miles, can bring like minds together and Old Smokey knows his master’s page wasn’t such a daft idea after all.

On Graham Smith

The players in this piece met up recently…Old Smokey was asleep on the coffee table. He cast an eye towards the couple as though he was the cat that got the cream. He didn’t…….I did.

Big John and the pc brigade Irregular readers of mine will know the pc brigade gets up many of my orifices.

Recently the mentally challenged of the USA have decided there can’t be a national John Wayne day because of racist comments he made when he was alive. What?

As I recall John shot thousands of Indians as an actor but never killed one in his own right. What a load of bloody wigwams. I interviewed John many years ago. He was drunk, belligerent, drawling and a pain in the proverbial but I loved him, as I had loved him in every film he ever made. He was a larger than life character with vices. He had opinions, he wore a wig but he was a lovely live human being who gave pleasure to so many.

So who are these twerps who say he cannot be commemorated? Get on your horses and drink your milk.

He was an actor who played a part.

inside

These twits cannot even be themselves without a script written by lunatics.

enhanced and wrapped in a brick to throw at the unsuspecting public.

Enough to make you ill

Hair raising

As the years advance I find myself in need of a little medical attention, and that’s exactly what I get…little.

Arrive at the surgery and no one at reception speaks to you. You have to punch your date of birth into a machine and it tells you if you have an appointment. It’s also bloody ignorant and doesn’t say “Good Morning”.

Alternatively you can have a telephone appointment. By the time the doctor phones you you’ve Googled your symptoms and know more about the prognosis than she or she does. I spoke to a doctor recently and got more drugs over the phone than I could have done with a machine gun raid on a pharmacy.

Scary.

What happened to the good old days where the doctor pricked your boil?

The final curtain We’re running out of stars and icons.

So many famous names and wonderful entertainers are leaving us this year, and some not so wonderful who are praised as being icons, a much overused word in the media.

Terry Wogan, Cilla Black and Paul Daniels are three who spring to mind as having contributed much to not just the world of entertainment but far beyond it.

Their talent was honed at a grass roots level with real people, not electronically

Being follically challenged I should probably keep my mouth shut, but what’s this coloured hair thing all about?

I’m almost used to the younger generation having tattoos and metal protruding from every bodily orifice but green, blue and red hair. I don’t get it. It is not attractive in any way and makes them look like frustrated orang-utans who are in need of a banana.

Recently I saw three apparitions in the supermarket with varying shades of top knot. It put me right off my breakfast of quails’ eggs in octopus pee and thoroughly spoiled my frogs’ leg sandwich.

We’ll meet again One of the true icons of British entertainment, Dame Vera Lynn, is now 99. She seems to share the longevity of the Royal Family to whom she is so close.

Is it really 21 years since we last heard her sing in public? And 60 plus years before that since she was the Forces sweetheart It’s some years now since we sat and reminisced in a small French restaurant, her eyes wistfully looking out to the sea surrounding the country she helped to liberate.

Keep smiling through the years you wonderful lady , the inspiration of so many memories.

TRAVEL...

EXOTIC RIVERS OF THE WORLD PAGES 8-9

BARRY MANILOW ONE LAST TIME: THE TOUR PAGES 16-17

INTERIORS...

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME PAGES 16-17

JAMES MARTIN SWEET TREATS PAGES 28-30

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GLOSSOP CARAVANS CELEBRATES

40 SUCCESSFUL YEARS Join the party to mark its key milestone and welcome an equally bright future.

Back in 1976 - when Britain basked in the heat of a recordbreaking summer - a small family-run caravan dealership with a handful of employees was born.

Forty years on, Glossop Caravans has grown to become one of the UK's leading dealers, with a prime seven-acre site on the fringe of the country's first National Park in the Peak District and a workforce of around 160 people.

Over the past four decades, Joint Managing Directors Stan and Brian Laing have developed it from a fledgling company selling second-hand caravans to a thriving business working in close partnership with Britain's top three manufacturers.

The success story began when the company was launched by three brothers - Tommy, Stan and Brian Laing - in Droylsden. It expanded so quickly that they were soon on the look-out for a second site, and Tommy found one alongside the main A57 road at Brookfield, Glossop.

Shortly after opening in Glossop, Tommy took the decision to concentrate on the original business in Droylsden, while Stan and Brian took over at Brookfield and developed the Glossop Caravans brand.

It soon caught the attention of many passing caravanners, as well as building up a solid base of customers within a 50-mile radius of the business.

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Stan and Brian gradually expanded operations to include an awnings showroom in the early 1980s and a shop selling accessories and a workshop offering a repair and aftercare service in the late 1980s, then a state-of-the-art Service Centre in 2004.

Partnerships with Coachman, Elddis and Swift were forged in the 1990s, and the company now works with all three to produce its award-winning range of Special Edition Caravans.

Life may have changed since that long hot summer of 1976, but core values - quality products and service, commitment to customers, employees and industry colleagues and the very best standards of aftercare - remain constant at Glossop Caravans.

Celebrations to mark Glossop Caravans' 40th anniversary will coincide with National Camping and Caravanning Week, The Camping and Caravanning Club's annual celebration of camping, caravanning and the great outdoors, from Saturday May 28 to Sunday June 5. Both weekends will feature a Caravan Clinic and towing masterclass, live radio broadcasts and activities for younger visitors, including a circus skills workshop and magicians.

You can also win holidays from Coachman, Elddis and Swift, plus membership of The Camping and Caravanning Club.

Join the fun at Glossop Caravans, Brookfield, Glossop SK13 6JF, 01457 868011.

WIN a Powrtouch mover

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CARAVAN CLINIC

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GLOSSOP CARAVANS INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE THEIR 40th ANNIVERSARY Saturday 28th May – Sunday 5th June 2016

WIN a holiday at Castlerigg Hall with Coachman

WIN aarnard at B ddis holiday ith El w Castle

Great dea on Swift Motorls homes

p WIN club membershi for the friendly club

01457 868011 OR EMAIL: sales@glossopcaravans.co.uk

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TRAVEL

Exotic Rivers of the World B y J enn i e C a r r f r o m S i lve r T r a vel Adv i so r River cruising has been growing in popularity over the last five years, with many taking trips along the Rhine, Danube or Seine to enjoy the beauty to be found along these waterways of Europe. Historical cities, small towns and river bank scenery are part and parcel of every voyage. However, have you ever thought of exploring further afield on an Asian or Russian river?

River cruises can take you to exotic destinations, with much to explore and discover from the comfort of your floating hotel. Daily excursions allow you to discover the heartlands of new countries, which can be overlooked on ocean cruises. Our river cruising partners, see the fact box below for details, have a superb variety of itineraries and guide-accompanied shore visits that ensure you can immerse yourself in both the culture and history of the destination, whilst enjoying excellent on board facilities and dining.

The Yangtze and Li Rivers, China China has so much to offer visitors and the stunning scenery of the Yangtze is a real must-see one of these. It is Asia’s longest river and the third longest in the world. The Three Gorges, Wu, Qutung and Xiling, are quite magical, with towering mountains and limestone karsts on either side of a narrow passage, created by the upstream dam.

Often covered in mist, the atmosphere is other worldly and mystical.

Downstream the river is vast, with verdant countryside and agriculture on both banks or busy industrial cities utilising it for transport. You can take a short trip through the Gorges or spend longer travelling on the river, stopping at towns and cities on your voyage.

The Li River is famous for its wonderful scenery, with cormorant fishing taking place here, much as it has done for centuries. This is traditional China, with green fields, mountain cliff faces,

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remarkable limestone caves and the city of Guilin.

The Irrawaddy River, Myanmar Since the late 20th century tourism in Myanmar has been encouraged by the

country’s ruling powers and whilst the number of tourists visiting is increasing, the country has retained its values and beliefs. It is as yet an unspoilt destination with a serious abundance of Buddhist temples.

The Irrawaddy is the main river in Myanmar, running through the middle of the country, from north to south, naturally being hugely important for cargo. It is also known as the ‘Road to Mandalay’ after Rudyard Kipling’s poem. It, too, flows through stunning gorges, above Mandalay, with fabulous rock faces, reaching to the sky. Below this busy city, the river joins with the Chindwin River, gets wider and flows southwest through the most populated area, down to the delta. Rangoon (Yangon), the former capital, is located here; it’s the largest city in Myanmar, with many interesting colonial buildings still remaining.

The Irrawaddy has three distinct regions: in the north forests of oak and pine, in the central lowlands there

TRAVEL The Ships In Asia, these tend to be far smaller than on European rivers, with maybe just 70 passengers or less, staying in truly beautiful staterooms, often in a colonial style, reminding you of times gone by. Picture yourself relaxing in comfortable rattan chairs or on teak loungers, beneath a gently whirring ceiling fan, watching the lush greenery pass you by. Travel on these vessels is luxurious and very comfortable, affording you a sanctuary after a busy day experiencing totally different and fascinating places.

Factbox A number of different river cruise companies offer trips on these wonderful and exotic rivers. The following are recommended by Silver Travel Advisor.

Viking River Cruises www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk Call 0208 780 7900 Our thanks to Viking for the photographs for this article Ama Waterways www.amawaterways.com.

Call 0808 250 7047

is relatively little rainfall, so the forest are of teak and much agriculture takes place here. Finally in the delta region, the mangroves are a haven for birds, the river itself being home to crocodiles, turtles and the Irrawaddy dolphin, and land wildlife includes elephants, leopards, wild boar and dogs as well as macaque monkeys.

The Mekong River, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand This is a river that touches on many Asian countries and has played its part in conflict and co-operation. The most popular river cruises often start in Siem Reap in Cambodia and finish in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in Vietnam, passing through Phnom Penh. These names conjure up images of beautiful palaces, monks in saffron robes and golden statues of Buddha. The river flows through gorges, swift rapids, mirror-like lakes and vast fertile floodplains, its banks are home to over 60 million people who rely on it for food, water and transport. A little known fact is that the carp of the Mekong can grow to be nine feet long! And not surprisingly, this fish forms the basis of many dishes eaten close to the river.

More well-known is Angkor Wat and the temples around Siem Reap, which are a real wonder of the world especially at sunrise. The beauty of Phnom Penh is found in the Khmer architecture and the Silver Palace is a prime example of this. The Vietnamese delta beyond and around Ho Chi Minh City is known as the ‘Rice Bowl’ due to the fertile soil and ease of irrigation. The city itself has markets, French colonial architecture, the spectacular Jade Emperor Pagoda and great opportunities for karaoke!

Avalon Waterways www.avalonwaterways.com Call 0800 440 2798 Emerald Waterways www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk Call 0800 270 7017

Noble Caledonia www.noblecaledonia.co.uk Call 0207 752 0000 Riviera Travel www.rivieratravel.co.uk Call 01283 742354 Scenic www.scenic.co.uk Call 0808 102 1335 Uniworld www.uniworld.com/gb/ Call 0808 168 9231

ARCHAEOLOGY & TRAVEL Perfect Combinations of Leisure and Interest • Minoan Crete & Santorini • Cyprus: North & South • Pompeii & Campania • Malta's Millennia • Ancient Greece

• Informed Travel • Beautiful Locations • Bespoke Itineraries • Expert Guides • Local Airports

RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2016 www.hiddenhistory.co.uk enquiries@hiddenhistory.co.uk tel: (UK) 0121 444 1854

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9

Offering Great Value Holidays For Over 90 Years

from only

£159 Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

Located on the south coast within the historic county of Sussex, lies the elegant seaside resort of Eastbourne. Renowned for its top sunshine records and award winning beaches, Eastbourne is understandably a popular holiday destination for all.

With a sprinkling of high street shops, centrally located, a Victorian pier and a rich history boasting a variety of castles, museums and galleries, Eastbourne is sure to cater for your every need.

Imperial Hotel Located just a stone’s throw away from the promenade and band stand, this grand Victorian hotel is full of character and home to a number of spacious, comfortable bedrooms, all accessible via lifts.

Guests are able to unwind in the relaxing lounge area before an evening meal in the Majestic Restaurant, offering hearty, home cooked food.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Two lifts serving all floors l Porterage.

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of astounding natural beauty with a variety of attractions to suit all ages.

Located on the south east coast of the island, the traditional seaside resort of Shanklin is home to golden sandy beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages. It is understandably one of the most popular resorts on the island with plenty to entertain.

Ocean View Hotel Situated in a premier location with an idyllic seaside position, the charming, well-appointed Ocean View Hotel boasts uninterrupted panoramic views across Sandown Bay. The hotel also offers a large sprung dance floor and provides live entertainment most evenings.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and sea views rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor swimming pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Please note that on each floor of the hotel, some steps may need to be negotiated.

Delightful Devon Torquay

Located in the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is renowned for its mild climate, award winning sandy beaches and secluded coves and has been a popular holiday destination since the early 19th century.

With its distinctive European atmosphere, sophisticated environment and beautifully varied scenery, Torquay remains a popular holiday destination.

Abbey Lawn Hotel If you’re looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey with stunning views of the bay, the Abbey Lawn hotel offers an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The hotel comprises superb facilities, including a heated indoor swimming pool and a conservatory lounge overlooking the bay, where guests can relax and enjoy a drink.

Hotel facilities l All rooms are en-suite with telephone, television and hairdryer l Free WiFi in Public areas l Premier and front facing rooms available* l Complimentary tea and coffee in all rooms l Waiter service l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Licensed bar l Table d’hôte menu l Optional a la carte menu available l Live entertainment most evenings l Ballroom/Dance floor l Heated indoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

The Robinsons Difference 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 l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

9 Day Tours 2016

8 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

28 May

£429

£429

£429

04 Jun

£439

£439

£439

11 Jun

£439

£439

£439

18 Jun

£439

£439

£439

25 Jun

£439

£439

£439

02 Jul

£439

£439

£439

09 Jul

£439

£439

£439

16 Jul

£439

£439

£439

23 Jul

£439

£439

£439

30 Jul

£439

£439

£439

06 Aug

£439

£439

£439

13 Aug

£439

£439

£439

20 Aug

£439

£439

£439

27 Aug

£439

£439

£439

03 Sept

£419

£419

£419

10 Sept

£409

£409

£409

17 Sept

£399

£399

£399

24 Sept

£389

£389

£389

01 Oct

£309

£309

£309

15 Oct

£299

£299

£299

29 Oct

£289

£289

£289

06 Nov

£309

£309

£309

26 Nov

£309

£309

£309

Only standard rooms available on 9 Day Tours

8 Day Tours 2016

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

7 Day Tours 2016

6 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

ABBEY LAWN

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

5 Day Tours 2016

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

ABBEY LAWN

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

28 May

£389

£389

£389

29 May

£345

£345

£345

30 May £229

£229

-

29 May

£389

£389

£389

05 Jun

£355

£355

£355

03 Jun

£239

£239

-

04 Jun

£399

£399

£399

12 Jun

£379

£379

£379

05 Jun

£399

£399

£399

07 Jun

£239

£239

-

11 Jun

£409

£409

£409

19 Jun

£379

£379

£379

13 Jun

£239

£239

-

12 Jun

£409

£409

£409

26 Jun

£379

£379

£379

17 Jun

£239

£239

-

03 Jul

£379

£379

£379

21 Jun

£239

£239

-

18 Jun

£409

£409

£409

19 Jun

£409

£409

£409

10 Jul

£379

£379

£379

27 Jun

£239

£239

-

25 Jun

£409

£409

£409

17 Jul

£379

£379

£379

01 Jul

£239

£239

-

26 Jun

£409

£409

£409

24 Jul

£379

£379

£379

05 Jul

£239

£239

-

02 Jul

£409

£409

£409

31 Jul

£379

£379

£379

03 Jul

£409

£409

£409

11 Jul

£239

£239

-

09 Jul

£409

£409

£409

07 Aug

£379

£379

£379

15 Jul

£239

£239

-

10 Jul

£409

£409

£409

14 Aug

£379

£379

£379

19 Jul

£239

£239

-

21 Aug

£379

£379

£379

25 Jul

£239

£239

-

28 Aug

£379

£379

£379

29 Jul

£239

£239

-

02 Aug

£239

£239

-

08 Aug

£239

£239

-

12 Aug

£239

£239

-

16 Aug

£239

£239

-

22 Aug

£239

£239

-

26 Aug

£239

£239

-

30 Aug

£239

£239

-

05 Sept £239

£239

-

09 Sept £235

£235

-

13 Sept £229

£229

-

19 Sept £225

£225

-

We offer you ...

23 Sept £219

£219

-

27 Sept £215

£215

-

3 4/6/7/8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast 3 2 included excursions 3 Local pick-up points 3 Service of driver courier

01 Oct

£209

£209

£209

05 Oct

£205

£205

£205

09 Oct

£199

£199

£199

15 Oct

£195

£195

£195

19 Oct

£189

£189

£189

23 Oct

£185

£185

£185

29 Oct

£179

£179

£179

02 Nov

£189

£189

£189

06 Nov

£189

£189

£189

12 Nov

£185

£185

£185

16 Nov

£185

£185

£185

20 Nov

£179

£179

£179

26 Nov

£179

£179

£179

30 Nov

£179

£179

£179

* 05 Dec £169

£169

£169

* 12 Dec £159

£159

£159

16 Jul

£409

£409

£409

17 Jul

£409

£409

£409

23 Jul

£409

£409

£409

04 Sept

£369

£369

£369

24 Jul

£409

£409

£409

11 Sept

£369

£369

£369

30 Jul

£409

£409

£409

18 Sept

£359

£359

£359

31 Jul

£409

£409

£409

25 Sept

£329

£329

£329

06 Aug

£409

£409

£409

07 Aug

£409

£409

£409

09 Oct

£249

£249

£249

13 Aug

£409

£409

£409

23 Oct

£239

£239

£239

14 Aug

£409

£409

£409

06 Nov

£259

£259

£259

20 Aug

£409

£409

£409

20 Nov

£259

£259

£259

21 Aug

£409

£409

£409

27 Aug

£409

£409

£409

28 Aug

£409

£409

£409

03 Sept

£389

£389

£389

04 Sept

£389

£389

£389

10 Sept

£379

£379

£379

11 Sept

£379

£379

£379

17 Sept

£369

£369

£369

18 Sept

£369

£369

£369

24 Sept

£359

£359

£359

25 Sept

£359

£359

£359

Imperial Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £35 Abbey Lawn Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Front Facing Room - £15 Ocean View Hotel Supplements per person: Premier Room - £50 Sea View Room - £15

Only standard rooms available on 7 Day Tours

Your Groups’ Specialist for coach holidays in the UK and Europe

We can tailor make tours to your specific requirements, if you want more information then contact our groups department on 0800 7851025 or email groups@robinsons-holidays.co.uk

With over 90 years of experience in tailor making holidays, we at Robinsons offer a personal service. Whether you need help with part or all of your groups holidays we can lend a hand in organising, booking and everything in-between.

We are flexible in our approach and can offer destinations found in this brochure or we can tailor make to your specification, whether in the UK or Europe. We offer all of our group’s excellent benefits: • 1 FREE place for every 10 paying passengers • Special interest and activity groups catered for • Complete financial security-BCH Bonded

† 23 Dec £399

£399

£399

 29 Dec £349

£349

£349

Imperial Hotel: Supplements per person: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Abbey Lawn : Supplements per person: Premier Room £30 Front Facing Room: £10 Turkey & Tinsel; * Unlimited single rooms; † Christmas Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion -  New Year Tour includes 3 resort lunches & 1 mystery excursion

Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP

TRAVEL

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Is Camping Fun for Empty Nesters?

B Y S t eve Ald r i dge

Steve Aldridge from Silver Travel Advisor explores the Loire Valley from his very comfortable mobile home with Canvas Holidays Camping, without kids? That’s intense! (well not “in tents”, as we were actually staying in a mobile home but never let the facts spoil a good joke).

Canvas Holidays helped us choose somewhere relatively flat and quiet, with interesting surroundings and booked that alongside Eurotunnel reservations. With a few essentials packed (Baked Beans and toilet roll) we were off to the Château des Marais site in the Loire Valley.

With the cries of “are we there yet” missing, a leisurely drive west of Paris took us to our destination. We admired the largest Gothic cathedral in France at Amiens and stayed at the picture perfect Honfleur. Many painters still follow in Monet’s footsteps and easels abound at the Vieux Bassin (old dock).

Upon arrival, friendly Canvas staff familiarised us with our 2 bedroom mobile home, which was set in a quiet wooded area, with plenty of dappled shade. We had a comfortable lounge to relax in, well equipped kitchen and welcome en-suite facilities. Outside

was a raised decking area with table, chairs and umbrella, perfect for outdoor dining, cups of tea and sampling the local produce such as cheese and wine (it would be rude not to support the local economy wouldn’t it?).

Chairs, sun loungers and BBQ completed the “ahhh this is all very relaxing” kit. The grounds were very well maintained and the woodland nature of the site allows for the tents and mobile homes to be broken into a succession of quiet secluded areas. Open grassy areas, flower beds, swimming pools, reading and games room, restaurant, bar and shop complete the generous facilities on site.

Close by is a jewel of the French Renaissance, Château de Chambord, the largest in the Loire Valley. When Francois I started the build in 1519, he set out to impress everyone who came here and WOW did he get that

12 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TRAVEL

right. This Château sports an amazing collection of turrets, chimneys and lanterns, which make Cinderella’s castle look a bit boring really. The English audio guide navigates us around this architectural wonder, following a route that did its best not to miss any of the selection of 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases and 4500 works of art covering paintings, tapestries and furniture that were accessible to visitors. The most impressive staircase is the double-helix staircase that Leonardo da Vinci may well have had a hand in designing. A wonderful outing is concluded with a picnic in the vast and impressive grounds that surround the Château, claimed to be the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, with 5440 hectares to enjoy.

The area around the campsite is relatively flat and there are something like 550 Km of cycle friendly paths, trails and back roads to enjoy, perfect for us to go walking. The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is a UNESCO World heritage site and is described as an outstanding cultural landscape of great (I would say exceptional) beauty. We walked for hours along the river Loire and there are some handy parking spots so you can pick up where you left off the day before, without walking the same route again. For a couple of days the temperature was perfect, the sun shone, the dragon flies danced above the reeds with electric blue reflecting in their wings, wild orchids beamed from the bank,

trees shed their fluffy white blossom so that occasionally it seemed we were walking through a snowstorm. Hand in hand, at that moment in time, there was no place in the world we’d rather be. The walking paths/bike trails were fairly deserted and we’d walk for quite some time before passing another soul.

Nearly all greeted us with a cheery bonjour.

With so many Châteaux in the Loire Valley, we chose Château de Chenonceau, for a second day out. Building began in the 16th century and it is significantly smaller than Château de Chambord, but its outstanding feature is that it spans the Cher River using a number of elegant arches. The gallery that sits above it is said to have been the venue for many an interesting party in its day. There were also beautiful gardens, a maze and waxworks to admire. It took about an hour to get to the Château de Chenonceau from the site and we stuck to the minor routes to get a look at some of the smaller towns and villages along the way. This made for a really interesting drive, on which we saw smaller Châteaux, churches and were impressed by some of the villages that take a real pride in beautifying their homes with flowers and shaped hedges.

With the horrors of outdoor toilets and showers avoided by having a comfortable mobile home, this proved to be an excellent base to explore this beautiful area and a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Sign us up for the next camping trip.

Factbox Canvas Holidays offers luxury self-catering tent, mobile home and lodge holidays at over 100 of the finest campsites in Europe. Destinations span across 8 European countries including France, Spain and Italy. Canvas Holidays provides accommodation to suit all budgets, offering flexibility on dates, duration and travel arrangements.

With plenty of activities tailored for adults, more and more couples are enjoying the flexibility that camping holidays with can offer. Many of their campsites are ideal for an over 50s holiday and offer activities from luxury spas and wine tasting to golf and scuba diving. Camping really does offer something for everyone.

Contact www.canvasholidays.com or call 0345 268 0827

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.

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 13

Great British Seaside Holidays

Coach £189 nclusive holidays

SELF-DRIVE & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS

GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

from

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

Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our eight hotels cover the finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.

Our coach allowsof guests across the UK to travel in have our inclusive ownoption fleet executive comfort, while our self-drive holidays offer the freedom of having your that own car. enables us to offer ches Every a break includes: of pick up el from selection • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) nts across the UK. • Comfy en suite accommodation

• Breakfast & 3-course evening meal and on board vehicle features air conditioning • Liveyour nightlyjourney entertainment o make as comfortable as possible. also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet elp you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let Trio awarded Certificate of Excellence are proud to breaks. announce that threeaim of our to now of any plannedWecomfort We group – the Barrowfield, Bournemouth Sands and Daish’s hotels – have been awarded the coveted ou to your hotel between 3-5pm, depending on TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. ngth of the journey.

Seven fabulous locations, eight great hotels.

Every break includes: Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth

Eastbourne

• Return coach travel (self-drive option • Comfy en suite accommodation Request your new 2016 brochure now!

Daish’s Hotel

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Bournemouth Sands Claremont Hotel • Breakfast & 3-courseTheevening meal

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

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

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

MAY 21

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£234

22

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£189

22

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£204

25

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£239

JUNE 01

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£189

01

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£244

02

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£244

03

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

4

£169

07

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£199

12

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£214

15

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£204

18

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£259

20

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£219

23

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£224

25

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£204

26

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

£249

Price includes return coach travel from:

Mansfield, Nottingham, Beeston, Loughbrough, Leicester, Coventry, Derby, Burton-upon-Trent, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, NEC. All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s). 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 2016. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

n available)

Call 01202 638840 or visit daishs.com quote 50PlusDERBY facebook.com/daishs

Somerset Hotel

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Barry Manilow “One Last Time” BARRY Manilow’s latest UK tour may be entitled “One Last Time” but it’s very unlikely that the British public will ever let one of their favourite artistes simply disappear from view.

At 72, the singer who specialises in lush, sentimental ballads and orchestrated upbeat songs and has long been dubbed the consummate showman, is still as popular as ever on both sides of the Atlantic – and in many other countries around the world.

He will play only eight dates in the UK – from Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena to the Manchester Arena and London’s O2 Arena – which will no doubt each be a sell-out. But his music is an enduring currency that few fans will ever stop needing, and that ensures that, even if this is “one last time” on tour, his records and TV appearances will be as much-prized as ever.

His life has been all about the music.

As he explains: “I am a musician. My passion for music has obliterated everything in its path for my entire life.

“Whenever there was a choice between music and anything else, music won hands down every time. No one person or material thing could ever come close to the feeling I get when the music is right.”

16 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Barry was born to Edna and Harold Pincus, of Russian-Jewish descent, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943. His father left when he was just two and young Barry later adopted his mother’s maiden name of Manilow.

His musical interest started early: at the age of seven he learned to play both the accordion and the piano, preferring the latter, and was singing by 13.

After graduating from high school, he was accepted into the well-known Julliard School of Music and paid for his own schooling by working in the CBS mailroom.

It took time for Barry to meet the right people but he was eventually given the chance to become musical director of CBS show “Callback”. To supplement his income, he also wrote, produced and performed advertising jingles for clients including Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds.

In 1971, a then unknown singer, Bette Midler, hired him as her pianist, arranger and musical director and it was a collaboration that brought the young

man his real break into the music world.

He supervised Bette’s first two albums - her debut album won a Grammy award - and in 1972 at the Carnegie Hall, had the chance to showcase some of his own material. This led him to a new label, Bell, offering a record deal; his debut album “Barry Manilow” was released in 1973 although it didn’t sell well.

After Bell itself underwent a transformation and became Arista, however, his fortunes changed. New label head Clive Davis asked Barry to record pop tune, “Brandy”, a UK hit for Scott English. Barry altered the tune to a ballad and renamed it “Mandy”, to avoid confusion with a similar-sounding hit. The haunting song really struck a nerve with the record-buying US public and went to No.1 in early 1975, remaining one of Barry’s best-loved songs of all time even today.

His second, equally successful offering in early 1976 was “I Write The Songs” from the “Tryin’ To Get The Feeling” album which went triple platinum. Barry was becoming an established star.

CELEBRITY NEWS His concert double LP “Live” in 1977 was his first and only No.1 album with sales of more than four million copies. ABC aired his first prime-time programme “The Barry Manilow Special” in 1977, for which he won a Grammy award, and the same year he won a Special Tony award for his Broadway show.

The following year, he had another triple platinum album with three Top Ten singles including the legendary “Copacabana”, and his reputation as an entertainer who delivered was made.

Seven albums and five years later, he inevitably decided to change musical direction and released a swinging jazz album, “2:00 AM Paradise Café”, featuring big jazz names including Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme and Gerry Mulligan. He continued to show his versatility with swing, vocal jazz and traditional pop through various albums including “Manilow Sings Sinatra” – proving the man can sing anything from standards to showtunes and give it that Manilow magic.

As he admits: “My style of music is the great American songbook meets the pop world of the Seventies and Eighties.”

In 1985, he played the role of Tony Starr in the TV series “Copacabana.”

In 1994, he enjoyed stage musical success with a show of the same name and followed it with another musical, “Harmony”, which toured both the US and UK extensively.

Since then, the hits, the touring and the TV appearances have all continued in large amounts for the boy from Brooklyn. He’s performed in two-hour “specials”, and guested in popular shows like “Ally McBeal” and “Will & Grace.” His career has also been littered with awards; in 2002, he was inducted into the US National Academy of Popular Music’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Michael Jackson, Randy Newman and Sting.

At the same time as these glittering accolades, though, and the millions of fans he attracts, he has always had his detractors who never saw his brand of music as being contemporary enough.

Go to any of his shows or conventions, however and Fanilow Fever is strictly

the order of the day. The singer makes himself very accessible to fans, and many of them have followed him for the nearly three decades of his career and are intensely loyal.

“I will still make albums and do onenighters here and there. This is the last of the big tours that keep me away from home and living my life. It’s time to stop the big tours, not time to stop.”

He’s had a couple of health scares and, like many artistes before him, probably finds extensive, regular touring exhilarating but tiring. However, Barry himself is keen to point out that the title of this latest tour does not mean he is quitting his singing career.

And that’s good news for the millions for whom Barry Manilow is their singer, their showman of choice. And when worldwide pop trends of all kinds have come and gone – for them, Barry is still No.1.

As he told the American newspaper the Kansas City Star just recently: “I’ve been roaming the earth for 40 years, and it’s not that I’m retiring.

Photos: Mary A Lupo/Shutterstock.com s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

To find out more about tickets for the One Last Time Tour go to www.manilowuk.com WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 17

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BATEMILL BEDROOMS One of the best things about fitted bedroom furniture is that it can be specially designed to suit your tastes and your requirements. So whether you need extra-large wardrobes to cope with all of your outfits or a solid oak chest of drawers for your collection of socks, you can make the space work for you.

To find out mre about our range of sliding and hinged wardrobes or any other products in our furniture range, come to Batemill and have a look at our Bedroom displays and also sliding door modules.

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HOME

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME

BY A N G E L A K E L LY

CHANGING the mood of your home is a definite way to alter and improve your lifestyle in 2016.

The wonderful thing about this positive decision is that it can cost as much – or as little – as you want it to, involving differences to your home that are radical or merely minor.

“It really all depends on your budget and how much change you want, your circumstances and your surrounding space,” explains interior designer Allyson Houghton from Ideas Interior.

She has noticed that a major trend in improving homes today involves glass and letting in plenty of natural light through glass walls and roofs. “This is a natural improver of your mood and helps bring the outside in,” she adds.

“Conservatories and orangeries are also very popular these days,” says Allyson, ”and you can often finally achieve the lifestyle you dreamed of by having this improvement in light and space.”

“In bathrooms and kitchens you generally want brighter lights, with softer lighting in the lounge and bedrooms,”

Take a look at your existing frontdoor: does it need sprucing up with a lick of paint or do you need a new one? A modern front-door, often with smart glass panels, can make quite a difference to your hallway – “and this area is the gateway to your home as it’s the first thing visitors see so it really needs to give a good impression,” says Allyson.

Try panels on the walls that reflect light. “LED lighting is so far advanced now that you can change the mood whenever you want.”

If you are planning major changes to alter the whole mood and atmosphere of your property and way of living, it may well be worth investing in an extension to provide more rooms or an extra bathroom.

Select your builder carefully, preferably on recommendation, and see for yourself the kind of work he has already carried out. Look at the planning permission or building control approval you might need first by checking on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk

20 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

There are many varying styles of both available and, again, choose your supplier carefully. Go online and study the styles that would both complement your own home and will provide the changes you want or visit local showrooms.

Allyson Houghton Ideas Interiors is an established Interior Design Studio based in the heart of Lancashire, and their client geographic stretches from The Highlands to London and further afield in Europe.

Lighting around your home is a major improver of mood and feelings. Allyson advises investing in dimmer switches to change the lighting as your own mood changes, and use good-quality candles around the home. “These not only give out a lovely light but can also scent your home – and the senses need soothing in this way so they are a definite mood-changer.”

Sometimes, just painting your home, improving the garden or patio and adding colourful pots of plants and flowers can change the whole look of your home and lift your mood, too, states Allyson.

If you’re buying new light fittings, while it’s useful to see what is available by going online, it’s always best to go into shops and stores and see light fittings for yourself and the effect they have on an area.

Be careful about choosing wall colours and décor throughout your property. Bold colours like reds and greens can be harsh but if you want a more relaxing ambience, neutral shades and gentler colours like blues and lilacs can soothe and improve how you feel as soon as you step through the door.

Colour is vital in your home. Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages, so it’s important to get it right.

If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort.

Derek Delaney from Granite Transformations, which specialises in kitchen and bedroom makeovers among a raft of work to dramatically alter properties, emphasises that colour is vital in your home.

“Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages,” he states. “So it’s important to get it right.”

If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort.

But, Allyson advises that if you have a really good suite or sofa that’s more than 15 years-old but looking the worse for wear these days, consider

having it re-upholstered instead. “Older furniture can be particularly well-made and some good suites are certainly worth keeping – I never advise throwing away one like that,” she says. “Find a good upholsterer to give your suite or sofa a more modern look and you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes. And if you can’t afford re-upholstering, invest in a couple of attractive throws to alter the way they look.”

Changing a room’s colourscheme by getting the help of a recommended painter and decorator – or simply doing it yourself – can bring a main room like a lounge into the 21st century. Use a central colour, adds Allyson, and accentuate this with toning cushions and other soft furnishings and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your home is starting to look.

New curtains and drapes that frame windows beautifully can also open up a room, adding to that lovely new décor.

This new style can be repeated around the home in varying ways. Having a new kitchen is a welcome, major addition to your property and certainly worth the investment if yours is looking jaded and old-fashioned.

“Or adding new unit doors and work surfaces can also revamp a kitchen,” states Allyson. “Smart new flooring, a new sink and taps can really cheer up your kitchen and make it look modern.”

Floor coverings generally can alter the look and mood of your home – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make rooms smarter and feel so much more comfortable, which improves your quality of living.

A new bathroom might be your dream – and a great place for relaxing. Baths are a real style item today and it’s worth having a look around for just the right shape and style.

The same goes for your bathroom tiling and décor – “but sometimes just having candles lit in your bathroom can make a difference,” insists Allyson.

Your bedroom is definitely a place that needs to reflect a relaxing mood, so does it need a revamp? New units completely change this room, and improve your lifestyle by having a place for everything.

On a simpler level, new bedding, cushions and a new carpet can make this room into a wonderfully restive place – and investing in a new bed is definitely an ongoing mood-changer that gives you the right level of sleep, every night.

• For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 21

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Give your garden a Spring awakening After the long cold months of winter, your garden may be looking a little the worse for wear. Don’t despair, however – plants are remarkably resilient, and with a bit of work, the effects of rain, wind and snow can soon be undone and your garden restored to life again.

Spring offers the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate your garden and prepare the earth for a healthy growing season.

Spring is also a lovely time to spend in the garden — witnessing a bare tree or shrub blossoming into its full, bushy prime is a satisfying process for both beginners and expert gardeners. With that in mind, here are our top tips for making the most of your garden in the Spring, while preparing it for the Summer.

Give the space a routine clean up Winter wind and frosts can be particularly cruel on plant pots, ornaments and fencing, leaving your garden looking extremely messy. Shards of orange clay or pieces of wood debris littering your garden are not only unsightly, but also make the area unsafe for children and pets. Taking care of these first will allow you to start focusing on the real gardening work, without any hindrances.

Prune out dead or damaged shrubs If your shrubs have any dead or damaged growth, now is the time to remove this. Trim evergreen shrubs if necessary to shape them or reduce their size. Winter and early spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia and wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) can be pruned once they have finished flowering. Spring is also the time to prune roses, just before they start to bud. Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns, and use a heavy, sturdy pair of secateurs, such

as Spear & Jackson secateurs which are available online from Amazon and come with a 10-year guarantee. You should look to spend at least £20 on a pair of secateurs — you can certainly purchase them for cheaper, but you will definitely get what you pay for.

Rid the earth of weeds It’s time to get a head start on controlling weeds, before their growth gets out of hand. It is most effective to do this by hand, pulling up weeds by the roots to ensure that they don’t grow back again in the future.

Nourish the soil Once your soil is free of weeds, you can mulch the soil with a layer, (at least 5cm thick if you can manage it) of compost or well-rotted farmyard manure. Don’t dig this into the soil, merely spread it generously on top, where it will help to suppress weeds, and leave the earthworms to gradually work it into the soil for you. You can buy compost, but it is far more resourceful to produce your own. This will allow you to dispose of garden waste while creating your own eco system, turning dead plants into food for new plants.

Plant Spring vegetables Once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost is past, it’s time to start sowing vegetable seeds. Crops such as broad beans, carrots, leeks and peas can all be sown in Spring, for a delicious harvest later in the year. It’s best to buy your vegetable seeds from a reputable seed supplier as not only will the crop be of high quality, but you will also receive specific advice on how best to sow the seeds and care for the plants.

Pulling the gardening gloves back on in spring can take some motivation, but tending to your garden sooner, rather than later, ensures that your Summer will be spent in a beautiful, pristine outdoor space.

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HEALTH & FITNESS contribute to diabetes, as well as obesity.

Ideally, ditch it completely, or at least try sticking to the recommended limit of 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day.

4. Keep hydrated A glass of water before meals has been shown to reduce the amount of calories we consume. What’s more, we might think we are hungry, when in fact we are thirsty. But don’t reach for a fizzy drink or juice, which are both high in sugar.

Instead, get a taste for pure water and your body will thank you for it.

5. Sleep well Studies show we are more likely to reach for high-sugar, high-fat foods when tired.

So, a good night’s sleep is an easy way to help your weight-loss efforts.

Dr. Sally Norton’s top five tips for achieving and maintaining a healthy blood pressure:

TOP HEALTH TIPS FROM DR SALLY NORTON How do I lose weight?

As a nation, we are getting heavier and heavier, despite decades of yo-yo dieting. With gradual weight gains, our risk of diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, breathing problems, infertility and much more, increases.

So face the facts – are you ‘tripping the light fantastic’ or ‘packing a hefty punch’? And more to the point, how do we stop the numbers on the scales and importantly, our levels of fat, increasing?

Dr. Sally Norton’s top five weight loss tips:

2. Beat portion distortion – choose a smaller plate!

Portions are out of control – we are consuming larger quantities of food every year. Super-size high street drinks and buckets of popcorn are now the norm. Simply eating from a smaller plate and getting portions back into perspective will help you shed the pounds with minimal effort.

3. Ditch the sugar The ‘buzz’ word of the moment; But, the fact remains, sugar is full of calories yet totally lacking in nutritional value.

Sugar can be addictive, with effects on our brain similar to hard drugs and may

1. Avoid processed food where possible If you have to study a label to find out how much sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and other additives there are – it is best avoided. Processed food is often stripped of fibre, low in vitamins and minerals, as well as being packed full of nutrient-poor calories. If you cook and prepare real food from scratch, you are likely to be providing your body with premium fuel and it will function far better as a result.

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1. Weight control Keep your weight in the healthy range – and your waist to hip ratio 1 (or 0.85 for women) 2. Keep active If you are fit and get plenty of exercise, your blood pressure is likely to benefit too.

3. Eat a healthy diet without too much salt A healthy diet is likely to help weight control, with the added benefit of being low in salt. Salt is one of the greatest influences on our blood pressure and reducing salt is one of the quickest ways to reduce blood pressure. But remember, 75% of the salt we eat is already in foods like ready meals, bread, breakfast cereal, sauces and processed meats. So, avoid processed food where possible, cooking from scratch is preferable.

4. Stop smoking and cut right back on alcohol Both of these affect our blood pressure – and much more besides – so binning the fags and slashing the alcohol consumption will do us a lot of good.

5. Get help Finally, if your blood pressure is high, take advice from your doctor as further treatment may be needed.

Weight loss expert & brand ambassador for Kinetik Wellbeing www.kinetikwellbeing.com

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FOOD & DRINK

JAMES MARTIN’S

SWEET TREATS

Sweet by James Martin (Quadrille £20) Photography: Peter Cassidy

The secret to a perfect panna cotta lies in having a slight sharpness – here from buttermilk – to balance the sweetness. The consistency is also important: too much gelatine will give you something you could bounce off the kitchen wall; you want to use just enough for the panna cotta to hold its shape when unmoulded. Combined with raspberry jelly, raspberries and warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts, this is a really delicious dessert on the plate. The remaining doughnuts are great with coffee.

B U T T E R M I L K PA N N A C O T TA W I T H D O U G H N U T S A N D R A S P B E R RY J E L LY For the doughnuts 1 quantity enriched yeast dough, made to the end of the first prove vegetable oil, for deep-frying caster sugar, for dusting For the mascarpone cream 100g mascarpone cheese 25g caster sugar 50ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped First make the panna cotta. Place the double cream in a small pan with the vanilla pod and seeds, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and whisk through until dissolved.

Set aside to cool, then add the buttermilk and whisk gently to combine.

Carefully pour into 8 small pudding basins or ramekins, making sure you distribute the vanilla seeds equally.

Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set.

Serves 8 250g raspberries, plus 100g for garnish 1 tbsp water 1–2 tsp icing sugar 6 mint sprigs For the panna cotta 300ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 5 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 450ml buttermilk For the raspberry jelly 50g caster sugar 100ml water 300g raspberries 4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes

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For the sauce, place the 250g raspberries, the water and icing sugar in a blender and blitz to a purée. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl and add more icing sugar if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the jelly, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pan. Add the raspberries and heat until they just start to break down. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Don’t press, just let the juice drip through.

Measure 300ml juice and return to the saucepan to warm through. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the

heat. Line a shallow baking tray (20cm x 15cm) with clingfilm and pour the jelly over it to a depth of about 3mm. Chill in the fridge until set.

For the doughnuts, divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll into balls. Line a tray with silicone paper and space the balls evenly across it. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside at room temperature to prove for 20 minutes.

When the dough has proved, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 150°C/320°F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown immediately when dropped in.

CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous.

Never leave unattended.

Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Transfer to a plate and dust generously with the sugar.

For the mascarpone cream, whisk the mascarpone, sugar, cream and vanilla seeds together in a bowl until smooth.

To serve, cut the jelly into squares (about 2.5cm). Briefly dip each panna cotta mould in hot water, then turn out onto a large plate. Place two spoonfuls of the cream on each plate and top with a jelly square. Place two doughnuts on each plate and scatter the remaining raspberries and the mint around. Finish with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

FOOD & DRINK I first came across really good palmiers when I was working on the pastry section in a restaurant in the south of France. The trick is to get an even dusting of sugar, so that as the palmiers cook it caramelises to a nice glaze.

Palmiers are often offered as a petit four to end a meal, but sandwiched with raspberries and cream, they’re hard to beat for afternoon tea. These are best served at room temperature – once they go into the fridge, the butter in the pastry solidifies, making them less pleasant to eat.

the

Strines Inn

BUTTERFLY PALMIERS WITH RASPBERRIES AND CREAM Serves 6 650g puff pastry or good-quality, bought all-butter puff pastry flour, for dusting 60g caster sugar 100ml stock syrup glaze (optional) For the filling 300ml double cream, softly whipped 200g raspberries Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.

Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone paper.

Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle 25cm x 40cm and about 3mm thick, with the long side facing you, like a landscape picture.

Dust the pastry rectangle with 20g of the caster sugar then fold one long side of the pastry into the centre.

Repeat with the other long side to meet it, so you now have a piece half the width.

Dust with another 20g of the caster sugar, then repeat, folding each side into the centre, leaving a 5mm gap in the centre. Dust once more with the remaining sugar and repeat – you should now have three folds on each side with plenty of sugar sandwiched in between. Fold both sides together gently as you would close an open book, then transfer to a tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.

Remove the roll and cut into 12 x 1cm-thick slices. Lay on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are at least 6cm apart.

Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Remove the palmiers from the oven, turn them straight over, place back on the tray and brush them with a little stock syrup glaze, if liked. The palmiers are best eaten on the day you make them.

When cold, spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle and pipe the cream over half the palmiers.

Top with some lightly crushed raspberries and another palmier.

Serve immediately.

D

espite being within Sheffield's border, the Strines Inn could be a world away. Nestled amongst breathtaking moorland scenery, it is one of the local landmarks in the Peak District National Park.

Originally a manor house, it was built in 1275 for the Worrall family, although most of the present day structure is 16th Century. After becoming an Inn in 1771 when John Morton leased the property from the Worrall's, it got its name from an Olde English word meaning the meeting of water, quite appropriate as nowadays it overlooks the Strines Reservoir.

In the height of Summer the Inn attracts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis. The glorious sunshine and stunning views perfectly compliment the excellent food and drink available, with many dishes being homemade.

The Strines Inn is also famous for its numerous peacocks, the previous Landlord having introduced several pairs twenty years ago, there are now over thirty of them.

There is also accommodation available for those people looking to escape for a few days to relax. All rooms have Four poster beds and En-Suite facilities.

THE STRINES INN BRADFIELD DALE, SHEFFIELD S6 6JE

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| 29

FOOD & DRINK

I love this simple little dessert that one of my chefs came up with – cherries and chocolate are a great combination.

As with any tart, it’s vital to make sure the pastry is nice and thin, so you get plenty of filling and not too much pastry. Otherwise it can be more like eating a biscuit!

C H O C O L AT E A N D C H E R R Y TA R T WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE SORBET Serves 8–10 butter, for greasing 1 quantity pâte sucrée 1 egg yolk, for blind-baking flour, for dusting 400g tin cherries in syrup 400g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar 2 tbsp crushed Hazelnut Praline and edible flowers 1 quantity Crème Fraîche Sorbet Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Butter a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin.

Roll the pâte sucrée out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 3mm and use to line the tin. Blind bake the pastry.

While the pastry case is baking, drain the cherries through a sieve into a saucepan and place the syrup over a medium heat. Cook the syrup until thick and sticky, and reduced by half. Chop the cherries in half, then add to the pan with the reduced syrup and allow to cool.

Put the chocolate into a large, heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream and sugar together in a saucepan until just simmering then pour over the chocolate and whisk continuously until smooth.

Spread the cherries and their syrup over the base of the tart case, then pour the chocolate filling over the top. Glaze with a blow torch or place under a hot grill until bubbling, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove and leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Place a line of the crushed praline and edible flowers on each plate, then slice the tart and serve with a scoop of Crème Fraîche Sorbet.

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OUT & ABOUT

Model Railway Show Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June 2016. NEW MILLS, Derbyshire 10am to 4.30pm – Saturday 10am to 4.30pm - Sunday

Visit New Mills and New Mills & District Railway Modellers at New Mills Town Hall, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire.

SK22 4AT New Mills Street Party 2015

New Mills Festival 2016 From 9th until 25th September, New Mills will host a variety of activities for people of all ages to get involved in.

From an afternoon foraging for fungi, spending a sunny morning chasing giant bubbles in High Lea Park to a family day out at a lantern making workshop, there will be something to tickle everyone’s fancy. This year’s event will be themed around inventions as inspiration for creative lantern ideas.

The festival finalé will be a magical evening parade of lanterns through the gorge beneath the town on the 24th September and a street party afterwards where revellers can sample food from around the world. The festival ethos is creating events to bring the community together to learn something new, get creative or be entertained. It’s funded entirely by donations and fundraising activities and arranged by a tribe of volunteers.

The festival is always looking for new events to take place, new artists to showcase in the Arts Trail, and willing volunteers, especially to help prepare for the parade and street party.

Anyone wishing to be involved should get in touch through www. newmillsfestival.com/contact.htm (use the programme email for event ideas), twitter.com/nmfestival or facebook. com/NewMillsFestival/

Features: Model Railway Layouts including Catley Boat Lift, Happy Valley – that Blue Tank Engine, Shed Street, Bridge Street Goods, Nedwood, Model Fairground & Hornby 3 Rail Layout. Displays of Model Soldiers, Cars, Buses, Boats and Planes.

Buxton Family Festival

Admission: Adults - £3.00 Children (5 & Over) - £1.00 Children under 5 Free

This summer you can expect fun, thrills and adventure! From fairs, shows and arts & craft to outdoor camping, rock climbing and races! There'll be fun and educational activities to satisfy curious minds and lots of oppurtunities to shop for the bigger ones!

Amenities: Refreshments, Wheelchair friendly Traders / Preservation Societies: SMTF, Dad’s Shed, GRH Video Bagnall Locomotive Group, Cake Stall For more information... exhibition@nmdrm.co.uk www.visitnewmills.co.uk www.nmdrm.co.uk Tel No. 01663 740828

1st to 17th August 2016

The Buxton Family Festival returns once again this summer to provide 16 days packed full of family entertainment in venues across Buxton!

More information will be released online about the activities and how to book soon, so make sure to check www.paviliongardens.co.uk/fairs/ buxton-family-festival For updates be sure to Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

Subscription Form To receive the next two issues of 50 Plus Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: 6th Floor, 120 Bark Street, Bolton BL1 2AX

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| 31

A fun day out for the whole family

Markeaton Park is a great place to visit, enjoy the outdoors and meet friends. The park has seen major changes and improvements in the past year including new pathways, improved signage, refurbished children’s play area and a fantastic transformation of the Craft Village and Orangery.

Keeping active There’s lot to keep you active Markeaton Park, including refurbished Tennis Courts , Pitch and Putt, Crazy Golf, our NEW Footgolf course, monthly Park Run or for the adrenaline seekers why not try the NEW High Ropes course. To find out more and to book activities please visit our website.

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A family day out Let the children let off steam in the ever-popular Mundy Play Centre where they can enjoy the paddling pool and climbing frames, or relax in one of the quieter areas, feed the ducks, walk or ride a bike on our new circular paths and discover the park’s wildlife. Mundy play Centre opening times can be found on our website.

Why not explore the park and discover its historic gardens and 18th century parkland? Enjoy a light snack and drink at the refurbished Orangery Café and browse for a gift in our fantastic Craft Village. Craft units include: Cocoa Tabby, Original Monkey, Upcycled Creative, Lilac Joinery, Studio in the Park, Matthew Morris Furniture, The Biz- Media, Makeup & Hair, Derby Stained Glass, Paint a Pot and Sew ‘n’ Jo.

THE MARKEATON PARK

Stop in for a refreshment break at the newly refurbished Orangery, overlooking Markeaton Park’s formal gardens. A range of food and drink is available including ice creams and homemade cakes.

Events

We have a fantastic programme of events, volunteering opportunities and community activities in 2016, allowing more people to get involved in the park. Find details on the website.

Outdoor Cinema and Theatre

derby.gov.uk/markeaton

Jenson Button Triathlon

Superhero Picnic in the Park

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| 33

OUT & ABOUT

Derby Book Festival 2016 3rd-11th June

The first Derby Book Festival included 64 events and activities, 36 venues, over 3000 tickets sold, over 10,000 participants, 14 sold out events and 98% of feedback rated events as Excellent or Good.

The Festival would not have happened without the support of all the arts and educational organisations in the city as well as businesses, sponsors and volunteers. It was a great success!

The Festival celebrates the joy of books and the pleasure and power of reading and aims to inspire a new generation of readers. It welcomes internationally celebrated, best-selling authors as well as a broad range of local writing talent and has an exciting educational programme.

Ashbourne Festival 17th June -3rd July 2016

An exciting mix of entertainment in a rural setting. Each festival aims to bring the best in performance art to Ashbourne and its surrounding area.

Ashbourne Festival takes place every June and July in the small market town of Ashbourne, situated at the southern end of the Derbyshire Dales and close to the popular tourist areas in the Peak District National Park. Its rural location and Georgian buildings make it the perfect location for this small and eclectic festival. However, the festival is not just about this heritage, it aims to bring the best possible classical and contemporary arts for the town, the surrounding area and its many summer visitors. Ashbourne Festival has hosted some of the best street theatre, musicians, comedians, artists and writers working in the region, nationally and internationally. It is a cultural oasis in a popular area that is still relatively isolated from significant arts venues. The Festival is now established as one of the town’s unusual mix of traditions, which include Shrovetide football and the Highland Gathering.

For more information visit www.ashbournefestival.org

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OUT & ABOUT

Summer brass band concerts Join us for a series of afternoon performances at Carr Bank Park in Mansfield on the following dates:

5 June - Pleasley Colliery Band 24 July - Blidworth Welfare Band 7 August - Holymoreside Band 11 September - Whitwell Band.

All performances are from 2pm to 4pm.

Visit our Facebook page for more information

My Mansfield UK

For more information contact our Parks Team on 01623 463463.

www.mansfield.gov.uk/parks

Hassle-free shopping in the heart of the Peaks

So much more than shopping!

If you are seeking a great day out in a picturesque location where you can shop, eat and park for free then Peak Shopping Village is a must visit.

The shopping is in a relaxed and friendly environment with national named retailers such as Regatta, Pavers Shoes, The Gift Company and many more. You can enjoy refreshments alfresco in the warmer months too.

High Street Stores & Unique Independents Cafe+Restaurant | Free Parking 4hrs Just two miles from Chatsworth House Chatsworth Road, Rowsley, Derbyshire DE4 2JE www.peakshoppingvillage.com* Follow us:

Schedule a visit during a wonderful weekend event such as the Arts in the Village Festival’- part of the county wide Derbyshire Open Arts 2016 event.

With over 20 artists, ceramicists and designers exhibiting and selling their work. There will also be live music, entertainment & children’s interactive activities. Taking place on the 28th, 29th and 30th of May. Or if you fancy a themed market then visit www.peakshoppingvillage.com and choose from one of the many weekends planned during 2016.

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| 35

d n a r e r i a F e s ’ l t b a i x h t re Fle mo

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Email Royal London will use the information you provide to respond to your enquiry. You can read our privacy notice at www.royallondon.com/legal/or if you don’t have access to the internet contact us on 0800 202 8705. Marketing consent: We may contact you with further offers, promotions and information about Royal London and carefully selected third party products or services that may be of interest to you. It will only ever be Royal London that contacts you, as we will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. By providing your contact details, you consent to being contacted by us for these purposes; this could be by post, email, text or phone. Please tick this box if you would not MAG030 10602 like to receive such information from us: The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

The firm is on the Financial Services Register, registration number 117672. Registered in England and Wales number 99064. Registered office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL.

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| 37

Tomatoes, Prostate Health and the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is often associated with healthy living. Research suggests that the humble tomato is a key constituent of this diet and may play a significant role in human health, especially of the prostate.

The belief that tomatoes have health benefits can be traced back to South American Indians, ideas that were brought to Europe by Columbus in the 15th century. Tomatoes were also thought to be aphrodisiacs, sometimes being referred to as Pommes d’Amour or “love apples”.

The key ingredient of tomatoes is lycopene, one of the world’s most powerful, naturally occurring antioxidants.

Responsible for tomatoes’ distinctive red colour, it is a member of a large family of coloured compounds called “carotenoids” that are found throughout the natural world.

Humans possess no mechanism to make carotenoids, instead we accumulate them from our diet. Some, such as betacarotene, are easily accumulated whereas others are much less easily absorbed.

Our bodies are hardly able to take up lycopene from raw tomatoes and need the fruit to be cooked or processed prior to eating. Alternatively, “bioavailable” lycopene supplements are becoming increasingly popular.

Lycopene is sometimes presented in the National media as a panacea, a miraclefood that cures almost everything. Whilst many claims are exaggerated, there

is a large and credible research base that reports lycopene health benefits, particularly in relation to prostate cancer, heart disease, breast cancer and skin health.

The most extensive research has been conducted in the area of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is known to accumulate in the prostate gland and this has driven scientists to try to investigate its impact on the disease.

Some of this research has shown not only a positive association between high lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, but also benefits for those who already have the disease.

Professor Ed Giovannucci from Harvard Medical School has been following the progression of 50,000 men since 1986, investigating the relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene consumption. In his latest 2014 report he notes: ‘Dietary intake of lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially lethal prostate cancer’.

A smaller trial at King’s College Hospital, London concluded: ‘Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation from lycopene slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer.’

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, many researchers think that lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s DNA from damaging free radicals. Others believe that lycopene improves cell-to-cell communication, reducing the risk of the uninhibited growth seen in cancer cells.

In all likelihood, several mechanisms are at work.

Every time a damaging free radical is removed by a lycopene molecule, the antioxidant becomes “spent” – the lycopene sacrifices itself to protect the body’s DNA. However, research has shown that the presence of plenty of vitamin C allows the “spent” lycopene molecules to be reactivated, rejuvenating them and preparing them to quench another poisonous free radical.

Staying Informed Professor George Truscott and two internationally renowned colleagues formed George & Partners back in 2000. The company provides readable, up-todate, scientifically robust information about lycopene research, particularly that related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and skin health. The company also develops food supplements based on the latest research.

To sign up for a free newsletter, please call 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk.

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GENERAL MEDICAL ADMISSIONS

STAY WITH US – WE’LL HELP TO GET YOU BACK ON YOUR FEET BMI The Alexandra Hospital is here to support you with our General Medical Service. Should you need treatment, rest and recuperation, we’ll assist on the road to recovery.

For more information on our General Medical Services and conditions we can treat, call 07714 844855 or visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/alexandra

GENERAL MEDICAL ADMISSIONS TREATMENT & RECOVERY

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Our services ensure you are promptly assessed, diagnosed and treated, then allow you or your loved one to recuperate and recharge confident in the knowledge that BMI The Alexandra Hospital will provide specialist, high quality care.