Kirklees Issue 66

EDITION 66 SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2021

Dolly Parton

FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES

Bulbs to Light-Up Spring

PLANT SPRING BULBS NOW FOR A GLORIOUS DISPLAY OF COLOUR NEXT YEAR

Kwoklyn Wan

CHINESE TAKEAWAY IN 5

Travel

WALKING IN WEST SUSSEX

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1

Travel

Dolly Parton

STARRY NIGHTS TOUR DE PROVENCE WITH CYCLING FOR SOFTIES

FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES

Home

Garden

KEEPING SUMMER IN YOUR HOME ALL YEAR

BULBS TO LIGHT UP SPRING

IN THIS ISSUE 6-7

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

10-11

DAISH’S HOLIDAYS Self drive & coach inclusive breaks

12-13 TRAVEL

Walking in West Sussex 17-19 HOME

Keeping Summer in your home all year 22 MOTORS

Steve Howarth test drives the Kia 28-31

FOOD & DRINK Chinese takeaway in 5 by Kwoklyn Wan

32-33 HEALTH How to choose the right home care

Bridgeman House 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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BY ANGELA KELLY successfully created his famous cyclone Hoover-type machine.

That took out four years of his life - and probably most of his temper - but he got there. As he points out: “Folklore depicts invention as a flash of brilliance. That eureka moment. But it rarely is, I’m afraid. It is more about failure than ultimate success.”

He beavered away in his workshop every day, building cyclones, testing them for their effectiveness in collecting dust. Fortunately for James, he had a very supportive wife who believed in him and allowed him to put their home and home-life at risk to develop his dream.

But if you look at crucial inventions all through history, they come at the price of consistent, dogged determination – and often health and wealth.

The real value of grandparents WHAT value on grandparents in 2021? Are we still useful and relevant in this age of Love Island and Tik Tok? I only ask because it was interesting to see that Meghan Markle’s father, Thomas, is reported to be considering going to court in order to be able to see his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet.

I don’t want to go too deeply into personalities here. The Sussexes generally make me rather annoyed and disappointed and I don’t know what kind of father Thomas was.

What I do know is the value of grandparents today and what they can mean to busy young parents and children who may not have many family members nearby.

Grandparents have often got the time and willingness to spend on both caring for their grandchildren and being the patient listening ear that youngsters need.

They have experience of life generally, and particularly of bringing up their own children, and have learned from the mistakes that we all make as parents.

Grandparents offer children a second, different view of adults. Sometimes, one that is gentler and kinder partly because we’re

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not full-time carers or disciplinarians and we can always give them back!

This allows a special kind of freedom of loving and enjoyment of life with grandchildren that busy parents can’t always provide.

Grandparents can supplement that caring basis in the home and take it in different directions.

So I hope – for the sake of Archie and Lilibet and, oddly, for the sake of the Sussexes themselves – that they can all resolve this in some way and allow the generations to get to know each other better.

It’s what can ultimately make real families.

Going through trying times IF there’s one life-lesson that should be passed through the generations it’s that simple saying “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again.”

We seem to have moved away from that kind of “stick-at-ability” and often give up when faced with the first real hurdle in many things we’re doing today.

One person to show just how this can work brilliantly positively for us, though, is inventor James Dyson.

Talking about his life and inventions in a national newspaper recently, James recalled how it took 5,126 attempts before he

There’s no doubting that Alexander Graham Bell didn’t just suddenly discover the telephone one day. It was the result of years of hard work. Or that Marie Curie happened on the power of radium by chance.

Everything important since the advent of the wheel has been achieved by someone – or a group of someones – being prepared to put in the hard yards and keep going with an idea until it worked.

It’s true that during that time there will also have been thousands for whom effort didn’t ultimately pay off. But the main thing is that they had a dream and they tried and didn’t just chuck in the towel when things got a bit tough.

It would be unfair and unjust to say that there aren’t success stories today because of course there are. It’s just that this determination to succeed, to reach a goal, isn’t always given the kudos it deserves.

We might acknowledge the achievement in creating a clever idea and making it work but we seldom pay homage to the huge amounts of time and energy it took to reach that point.

In fact, having “stick-at-ability” isn’t necessarily something that’s admired in people today.

We praise the flexibility and vision of people prepared to move on from projects to something else if it doesn’t pan out.

Granted, life doesn’t work out all the time but James Dyson’s kind of stoicism offers much to be admired. Fortunately for him, it’s also made his fortune.

Waste not want not!

IT’S a shocking fact that the average UK family wastes £730 a year on uneaten food – especially when nearly eight million people don’t get enough to eat.

As domestic users, we throw away about 18 per cent of the food we buy, 85 per cent of it is perishable and 70 per cent of it still edible.

I only know these figures because I saw an article by the excellent Great British Bake-Off judge and food expert Prue Leith who was bemoaning the amount of food we waste every day.

She was harking back to World War Two and reminding us all that during the war you could go to jail for wasting food. She still thinks it’s a crime now and she’s right.

I don’t know how scrupulous you are about chucking out food but I’m ridiculous about sell-by dates and reach for the bin at the first sign of imagined mould.

Prue recalled that one of her earliest memories was of her mother’s stricken face during WW2 when the family’s precious egg ration (five for a family of five) smashed on the hall’s tiled floor after the bag gave way.

“We scooped them up and ate them anyway. Scrambled,” stated Prue. “To waste them would have been a sin.”

She advocates more realistic shopping, more frugality and a realistic approach to the freezer as well as using up leftovers.

It really is a matter of commonsense and a way to conserve the world’s resources.

or email: help@aamail.org 7

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set off on a round-trip tour in the sunshine, which began along a cycle path through meadows of sunflowers and freshly harvested straw. It really can’t have been hard for Van Gogh to find inspiration here. If I had an ounce of artistic talent, I’d have been off that bike, whipped out an easel and pastels, and captured it on canvas too.

STARRY NIGHTS TOUR DE PROVENCE WITH CYCLING FOR SOFTIES Debbie Marshall pedalled leisurely in rural Southern France, enjoying gourmet delights en route.

The Tour de France is the pinnacle of stamina, strength and nerves, when nearly 200 lean and mean cyclists fix their sights on winning the ‘maillot jaune’ (the infamous yellow jersey). With its gruelling schedule of daily rides, each up to 200 km long, steep ascents, frantic sprint finishes, and with thigh and stomach muscles like reinforced steel, this is hardcore cycling.

The town was also home to Van Gogh after he removed his own ear, and very sensibly admitted himself to the St. Paul Hospital (well worth a visit). Here he produced some of his most famous works, including Starry Nights, after which our tour was named.

By chance, our very own Tour de France in July 2021 (a small sliver of Van Gogh’s Provence) coincided with the timing of the big race. The peloton of two silver cyclists fixed their sights on lunch, afternoon patisserie and a 3-course dinner with a local vintage. With 4 gentle rides of around 45 km, mainly flat terrain, glorious views, plenty of rest stops, and thighs and stomachs with a bit of a wobble, this is Cycling for Softies.

Soon after arrival, we were introduced to our trusty two-wheeled steeds by our friendly Cycling for Softies local representative Marc.

Even my inexpert eye could see that the bikes were high quality, well-equipped, relatively lightweight, and with a full complement of first-aid kit, inner tube, maps and water bottles. I had briefly considered taking the electric version, but I’m not that soft just yet, and the itineraries of around 24 miles each day looked manageable. What’s more, our luggage was being moved from one hotel to another, and all we had to do was pedal!

Our starting point was Saint Remy-deProvence, a picturesque town, buzzing with bars, restaurants, shiny streets, smart boutiques, and the very comfortable Hotel Gounod, our base for the first two nights.

The next morning, fortified by a fabulous dinner arranged by Cycling for Softies, and a swim in the pool, we were ready for action and adventure. With the excellent route directions downloaded on the GPS app, we

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Our tour continued with an uphill climb to the top of the medieval fortress town of Les Baux, although with a fairly gentle gradient.

It was well-worth the pedal for outstanding views across the Alpilles (little Alps!), and a wander through cobbled streets filled with boutiques and, most importantly, a wide choice of places to have lunch. I felt sorry for the Tour de France chaps devouring their energy bars at full-speed, as we relaxed into a lengthy calorific sojourn on a shady terrace.

A lovely downhill ride was a further reward, and a gentle cruise back to St. Remy.

There was no rush the following morning, as it was Wednesday and market day in St Remy, a treat to be enjoyed at leisure. The entire square was a festival of clothes, linen, tablecloths, bric-a-brac and antiques, with the pedestrian streets of the medieval village centre dedicated to food and art with street music at every corner.

Deciding on a picnic lunch, we bought fresh bread, cheese, tomatoes and local nougat, and, like mad dogs and Englishmen, eventually set off for our 24-mile cycle to Arles at high noon. The journey, meandered through many huge fields of crops: wheat, melons, corn on the cob, lavender and more sunflowers. I discovered why they are called ‘tournesols’ in French, as they literally turn their heads around to face the sun during the day.

In the late afternoon, we arrived in Arles along the banks of the Rhone, almost like a lake it is so wide, and a welcome ice-cream in the main square. A wonderful treat was to find our hotel room directly overlooking the Arena where sadly no gladiators were to be seen, although bullfights and bull racing events were scheduled to take place a few days later.

After another fabulous dinner at a Softies choice of restaurant, the next day we cycled in a leisurely fashion around the Camargue.

The sound of cicadas disappeared as we pedalled into the Rhone delta marshland

where some of the roads are impassable in winter when the river floods, and in summer the freshwater wetlands are on either side of the road. On closer inspection, many of these are paddy fields which initially came as some surprise to me, but of course Camargue rice is to be found worldwide (or at least at Waitrose). Other farming abounds with melons, peaches, tomatoes and aubergines.

And wildlife is abundant too: frogs, coypu (rodent-like water animals, similar to beavers), dragonflies, pink flamingos, many types of birds, wild ponies and bulls.

It was far too hot to go fast (goodness only knows how the Tour de France cyclists keep powering on), and a welcome pitstop came at what was the only restaurant on the circuit.

Highly recommended, especially if you like bull steaks.

Returning to Saint-Remy on the final day, our tour ended with a wonderful dinner at a backstreet restaurant, prebooked by Cycling for Softies and which we would never have found on our own, and a ‘religieuse’ dessert, which was a truly spiritual experience.

The Cycling for Softies formula is a winner and has been honed and perfected over many years. It might be cycling with a soft centre, but it wins the ‘maillot jaune’ for me.

Fact Box: Silver Travel Advisor is an award-winning travel reviews and information website for the over 50s. Take a look for holidays and cruises, destination guides, suggestions and ideas.

Contribute your own reviews too. silvertraveladvisor.com recommends Cycling for Softies for gourmet cycling holidays in the wine regions of France, Italy and the UK. See the best of the country, eat the best of the food! cycling-for-softies.co.uk

Luxury lodges settled within a beautiful, tranquil parkland As a lodge-owner the first thing you’ll notice on your approach to Staxton Vale is the security gates. These offer peace of mind, ensuring privacy and security at all times.

The lodges themselves are manufactured by some of the most renowned names in in log cabin suppliers, offering both high-grade holiday accommodation and durable living space.

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Prices starting from £89,995 9

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DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER 04

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

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£249

01

Russell Hotel – Weymouth 

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Somerset Hotel – Llandudnoy 

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10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

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choice of walks and the sociability of other guests, but this time I decided to opt for the flexibility of a self-guided break, travelling with my regular walking companion from home. Friends since school and both only children, Liz and I have been ‘surrogate sisters’ to each other for over 50 years, always up for a new experience, and never short of things to talk about!

Set in large grounds with a lake, Abingworth House is tucked into the rolling South Downs and offers a wide variety of walking options.

Independent hikers enjoy the same full-board deal as guided walkers, including cooked breakfast, copious picnic lunch, and a threecourse dinner with three choices per course.

WALKING IN WEST SUSSEX

Gillian Thornton has been keen to stride out after months of staying close to home, she heads off to Sussex for a selfguided walking holiday. whilst ahead, the unmistakeable outline of the Seven Sisters rippled towards the horizon, my walking route for the next couple of hours.

This famous stretch of coastline was a geological wonder I’d long wanted to see but never somehow got around to, despite living just a couple of hours away beyond the capital. But I’d always been too busy going to other places until Covid travel restrictions made me take a closer look at UK options.

Now I was finally here, it was every bit as good as I’d hoped.

Standing on the clifftop above Beachy Head lighthouse, warm sun on my face and flowersplashed grass beneath my feet, I felt I had finally ticked a long overdue box. Far below me, the azure water of the English Channel was retreating from the gleaming chalk cliffs, 12

I’ve loved walking my local area during the pandemic, but I always love exploring someone else’s backyard too, and West Sussex ticked all my boxes for an active short break within easy reach of home. So I booked a Monday-to-Friday stay at Abingworth Hall in Thakeham, one of 17 country houses across the UK run by walking specialists HF Holidays.

I have joined guided groups at a number of HF properties and always enjoyed the daily

I’ve always enjoyed HF food, but the young chef at Abingworth ticked all my boxes for both interesting dishes and attractive presentation. HF have long prided themselves on their choice of Gluten Free fare, and have now added additional Vegetarian and Vegan options to the mix. Monday is Local Food Night and Friday, Chef’s Tasting Menu.

Abingworth also offers a wide choice of walking routes, from short strolls – great for those who want to combine walking with local heritage visits – to full day legstretchers. But whilst guided walkers have transport provided at either end of a linear walk, independent walkers must either go for circular trails (from the property itself if you don’t have a car) or be prepared to take public transport at some point.

We tried both options. On day one, we set off from the front door for a delightful circular route of 8.6 miles, passing through rolling farmland to the RSPB reserve at Pulborough Brooks before winding through villages and vineyards. We dropped in at quaint country churches, stopped to snack on scenic benches, and even made friends with an alpaca farmer. RSPB Pulborough The laminated note cards were easy to follow with strategic photos accompanying written directions, and including an OS map section with the trail clearly marked. But having OS maps on a smartphone also enables you to zoom in for even greater accuracy.

A chance conversation with one of the HF group leaders at dinner that night sent us off next day to explore nearby Knepp Wildland.

This former farm was taken out of production

in February 2000 and is now grazed by traditional livestock such as longhorn cattle, Exmoor ponies and Tamworth pigs. We even saw nesting storks.

Four colour-coded trails wind through the estate on public footpaths and permissive trails, and you can also book onto themed nature safaris. We chose the longest loop, the 6-mile Red route, which left the afternoon free for the spectacular gardens of Parham House near Pulborough, and the vineyard trail at Nutbourne Vineyards. What better way to end an active outdoor day than with a glass of crisp English wine and a bottle or three to take home?

After a spell of changeable weather, the settled forecast for our third and final

day was perfect for the coastal section of the South Downs Way (SDW). Everyone at Abingworth seemed to be heading the same way – the guided walkers for their daily walk and the small group tackling the last leg of their SDW adventure. Once again, the note cards we borrowed from HF were impeccable, advising independent ramblers to park at the end of the walk and then catch one of the regular buses towards Eastbourne to pick up the SDW and walk back.

A six-mile loop picks up the SDW west of Beachy Head at Birling Gap, but we opted for the nine-mile circuit over National Trust downland for the chance to experience Beachy Head too. With a soundtrack of meadow birds and 360° views at almost every step, it was a spectacular finish to a packed but relaxing short break.

By the time we checked out on Friday morning, Liz and I had covered around 35 miles on foot, averaging 25,000 steps on each of our three full days. And with only a modest homeward journey ahead of us, we had time to enjoy a last morning in Arundel, just 25 minutes by car from Abingworth – prebooking essential at time of writing for the castle and fabulous formal gardens.

So would we do another self-guided walking break through HF? Most definitely. We loved the flexibility to combine walking with heritage and garden visits at our own pace, whilst based in a relaxed hotel that is totally geared up for outdoor adventurers. And you can, of course, still be sociable with other guests around the property.

Liz and I talked all the way home – no surprise there – reliving our fun-filled break and planning the next one. Uplands or lowlands? Coast or countryside? Britain has so much to offer, and we fully intend to put some more ticks against our To-Do list.

Fact box: silvertraveladvisor.com recommends HF Holidays for walking holidays in the UK staying at their sociable country house hotels, where activities such as yoga, art, bridge, cycling, cooking and photography are also offered. hfholidays.co.uk

Spring Valley Park has been thoughtfully landscaped for your relaxation and ease.

Situated on a secluded crescent, our location was chosen both for its leafy tranquility, and for it’s proximity to local amenities. A short distance from North Yorkshire’s stunning heritable coast, Spring Valley is also close to a number of supermarkets, doctors’ surgeries, and Scarborough’s vibrant and bustling town centre.

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Spring Valley Residential Park | Lightfoots Road | Scarborough | YO12 5NP

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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FROM RAGS TO RHINESTONES DOLLY Parton’s life is a rags to rhinestones story worthy of any feelgood film and with plenty of traumas and triumphs along the way.

But, the singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, actress, businesswoman, author and philanthropist with the down-to-earth approach would probably categorise her own life dismissively with something like “honey, you get out of life what you put in.”

Dolly was born on January 19, 1946, the fourth of 12 children. Most of her cherished memories are around the oneroom cabin in Locust Ridge nestling in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee where the Partons lived.

Life must have been hard there with her daddy running his own small tobacco farm. But young Dolly learned a lot about music from her mother, whose family had originally come from Wales to Southern Appalachia a century earlier and still sang the old songs.

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They were a churchgoing family and the life and surroundings later figured in the songs that Dolly wrote including My Tennessee Mountain Home. The status she always described as “dirt poor” was revealed in Coat of Many Colors and In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad.)

for performers like Skeeter Davis and Hank Williams Jr.

Dolly began performing as a child, singing on local radio and TV programmes and by 13 was recording the single Puppy Love and appeared at the Grand Ole Opry – a weekly country music stage concert in Nashville.

There, she first met Jonny Cash who encouraged her musical career.

Fortunately, the record company eventually recognised Dolly’s country music potential.

Her first country single Dumb Blonde reached No.24 on the country chart followed by Something Fishy which made No.17. Both songs appeared on her first full-length album Hello, I’m Dolly.

After she graduated from Sevier County High School, Dolly moved to Nashville and her first success was as a songwriter. Her songwriting partnership with her uncle, Bill Owens, resulted in several chart hits

But it was when musician and country music entertainer Porter Wagoner invited her to have a regular spot on his weekly syndicated TV programme that Dolly really broke through.

Dolly signed a record deal at the age of 19 and was categorised then as a singer of bubblegum pop. Her single Happy, Happy Birthday Baby charted during this time.

She signed with RCA and her first single was a remake of Tom Paxton’s The Last Thing on My Mind as a duet with Wagoner. This not only reached the country Top Ten but began a six-year run of basically uninterrupted Top Ten singles for the pair.

Her first solo single was Just Because I’m a Woman, released in 1968, which became a moderate hit but by 1970, solo success was still eluding her.

The canny Wagoner persuaded Dolly to record Jimmie Rodgers’ Mule Skinner Blues which caught the public imagination and catapulted her to No,.3 in the charts.

This was closely followed by her No.1 single Joshua and kicked off a string of solo hits for the next two years including her signature song Coat of Many Colors.

Her biggest hit during this period was Jolene in 1973. It topped the country chart early the next year and reached the Hot 100 as well as later charting in the UK at No.7.

Dolly decided to leave Wagoner’s organisation to pursue her solo career.

Possibly her best-known song, I Will Always Love You – later a huge hit for Whitney Houston - was written about her professional break from him.

This went to No.1 on the country chart and about the same time, Elvis Presley said he would like to record it. Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, tried to get Dolly to sign over half of the publishing rights as “standard” but the feisty gal refused – a decision credited with making her millions of dollars in subsequent royalties.

Dolly had three solo singles reach No.1 on the country chart in 1974 – Jolene, I Will Always Love You and Love is Like a Butterfly. She again topped the singles chart in 1975 with The Bargain Store.

Her transition into a pop princess happened between 1974 and 1980 when she had a series of country hits. Her songs crossed over into mainstream music through performers like Olivia Newton John, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt who covered them.

In 1977, Here You Come Again became her first million-seller album, winning a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance the following year.

The petite blonde with the remarkable figure was a natural for TV and her unique personality and voice endeared her to millions across the world. She wrote the song 9 to 5 for the feature film of the same name, starring in it with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. This also gave her a country and mainstream hit.

Then in 1982, Dolly was in the film “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”, earning her a Golden Globes’ nomination. Her screen career also included an impressive role in Steel Magnolias.

Also in 1982, she got into the mainstream Top 50 with what became an enduring favourite, Islands in the Stream with Kenny Rogers.

Since then, in spite of times when her star has dimmed slightly in the entertainment firmament, Dolly has continued to write and record songs for herself and other famous singers.

She is always eminently quotable and honest. She once stated: “I’m not offended by dumb blonde jokes. I know that I’m not dumb. I also know I’m not blonde.”

And of her personal style, she famously said:

It takes a lot of money to make a person look this cheap!

Alongside her singing and songwriting career, Dolly – now 75 - has also proved herself a naturally astute businesswoman.

Her Dollywood Company operates the Dollywood theme park, a dinner theatre called Dolly Parton’s Stampede, waterpark Dollywood’s Splash Country and the Dream More Resort and Spa. She is also a long-term supporter of many charities, particularly relating to literacy, and created the Dollywood Foundation. This mails thousands of books to children each month and works across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

Her list of awards and national honours is enormous but it is Dolly herself who has been taken into the hearts of millions around the world. And, being a warm Southerner, that probably means the most.

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GUARANTEED PRICE PROMISE

Gold Standard Delivery Service Free Home Consultation High Quality Furniture Handmade in the UK Call One of Our Specialist Consultants for Free Help and Advice Shackletons Tel: 01924 440 600 Web: shackletonsretail.co.uk

359 Bradford Road Batley West Yorkshire WF17 5PH

The Mill Outlet & Garden Centre 418 Bradford Road Batley, West Yorkshire WF17 5LZ

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more light flood in and retain your home’s warmth.

Tame your CURTAINS! They often partially block out light without you even realising it. It may be time for new curtains – something brighter and less gloomy that can soon transform a room and help maximise available light.

Consider blinds as a modern option.

Bright, well-planned blinds can really open up window areas offering extra space and enhancing the amount of rays coming through. Ask your local supplier about the best type to let in the most light.

KEEPING SUMMER IN YOUR HOME ALL YEAR WHEN the sun is shining outside and our homes are filled with light and warmth it makes us want to keep that sunny feeling indoors all year round.

Unfortunately, the British weather has other ideas. Don’t give up, though, because there are plenty of ways to keep that Summer feeling in your home all year round – and they don’t even have to cost a fortune.

If you’re having any RENOVATIONS done at home, it’s worth considering adding extra windows, maybe into the ceiling. Infinity roof lights or fixed flat rooflights are also good options to let

Go for SHINY home fittings as they reflect light. Mirrors, glass or shiny metal bounce light and brighten up rooms.

Putting a large mirror opposite your biggest window will also really open up that space.

The hall, too, will benefit from mirrors especially teamed with paler walls, lighter flooring and good lighting.

Try strong CONTRAST in a room, especially your main living rom. A black picture frame, for example, emphasises the lightness of everything around it to reveal bright areas you didn’t even know you had.

Some are very simple and involve that route the sunshine takes into our homes: WINDOWS. It may sound over-simple but just cleaning your windows can put a different aspect on a room. We can get used to the marks and blemishes and, let’s face it, the grime that can build up without us even noticing.

A good “springclean” any time of the year allows the windows to do their “job” properly and us to better appreciate the space in which we live.

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opportunity to alter the colour scheme and go for shades that lift your mood.

While you’re re-decorating, it’s worth checking what shape your kitchen TILES are in. Re-tiling can change the look of a kitchen, bringing it up to date and even giving it a Mediterranean feeling if that’s what you want.

However, if you don’t want such a drastic change, consider colourful stick-on splashbacks to give this area a lift.

Take a closer look at your FURNITURE. Is it gloomy and past its sell-by date?

looking materials also promotes light and that sunny feeling that Summer brings.

Light furniture brightens up a room instantly. Accessorising cleverly with cushions and throws in pale but warm-

If you can’t afford new furniture currently, paint some existing items with white paint or a bright colour. Perhaps use this

Wetroom & Walk-in Shower Specialists

PLANTS can definitely give a home that airy Summer feeling, bringing Nature indoors. Choosing the right ones, though, and maintaining them are especially important in living areas.

If your current plants are dragging them down or – more importantly – blocking out light – either re-pot them elsewhere or invest in new ones. Fake plants are also much nicer and more realistic these days so it’s worth a look at the best.

Great choices for the smallest room Thinking of updating your bathroom? Then take a look at the extensive showroom at Huddersfield’s Atlas Bathrooms of Lockwood.

With now even more choice in store, Atlas has invested heavily in the extensive showroom and now has even more displays of bath suites, showers and wet rooms to choose from.

It now has one of the biggest displays of bathrooms and accessories in the Huddersfield area. Spread over two floors it has ranges from top manufacturers including Jacuzzi, Heritage, Roca and Ideal Standard.

There is also plenty to suit all budgets with bathrooms and showers ranging in price from affordable to the luxurious end of the market.

Victoria Mill, Albert Street, Open: Lockwood, Huddersfield Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 4pm

Tel: 01484 547110 Email: hudd@atlasbathrooms.co.uk

www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk 18

For more information, look at the website www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk or ring 01484 547110.

Remember that uplighting can work best in main general living areas and LED lights or strips under kitchen cabinets can get rid of shadows. LED lights are a real friend as they can cut your bills and, by selecting the type carefully, can cheer up any area with their warm looks.

Nothing makes a room look darker than CLUTTER so now is a great time to just get rid of all the things you don’t need or that you’ve just not put away.

Invest in more cupboards and storage spaces if you must keep them and use those odd corners for shelves to open up areas.

FLOORING can cheer you up if it’s warm and uplifting or depress you if it’s just too drab. A light-coloured runner or rug on dark

flooring lifts a room. Re-painting floors or opting for light wooden floors is another way to get more of that important Summer feeling.

Vibrant ARTWORK can brighten any room or busy space. How about a fabulous beach view or vista of sun-kissed mountains to take you back to super Summer holidays?

A large picture can soon become a pleasing focal point and remind you of blue skies and warm days even on the most miserable day.

Remember that painting any space with sunshine shades like yellows, reds and oranges will also give you that glowing feeling Or, paint your ceiling light blue!

High-gloss paint reflects light well and adds a special element to any room.

There’s no point in changes within your home to make it feel more like Summer all year round, though, without addressing your HEATING. Is your boiler working properly or does it need a service or attention? Have

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Can you help us make someone's day by calling them for a friendly chat, or helping out at a social group for 55+ in the Kirklees area?

you got sufficient radiators for individual rooms?

Wood burners have become very popular in the last decade and part of their appeal is that they look cosy. They’re also very contemporary so can give tired rooms and furnishings a more up to date look It may sound obvious but simply trimming the TREES AND BUSHES outside your windows makes a difference to the amount of light and sunshine that’s allowed indoors.

Some garden experts recommend never planting trees on the southern side of your home as the sun will be too high for the trees to provide shade in the Summer and can block windows, limiting solar warmth and light in the Winter.

And if there’s a way of bringing the outside in – like bifolding doors in your kitchen or lounge area - this may be one investment that makes sense all year round.

Could you be our missing piece?

COMMUNITIES HUDDERSFIELD Join our friendly community by contacting us on 01484 515420 email our at Huddersfield@mha.org.uk Join ourorfriendly teamteam of volunteers by contacting us on 01484 515420 or email our team at Huddersfield@mha.org.uk

MHA Communities is part of Methodist Homes for the Aged Registered as a Charity - No.1083995.

Company Limited by Guarantee - No.4043124

Try to have three different LIGHT SOURCES in any one room. A lounge might need a central ceiling light – especially a crystal chandelier which is literally brilliant at reflecting light around – and two table lamps.

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with outlets in Heywood, Bury, Buxton & Leeds

Helping to Create Beautiful Homes A message from Karen Simpson…

Hello again!

We hope this edition finds you well, happy and more relaxed! It’s good to see things calming down and a bit of normality returning, don’t you think? It’s been quite full on in the Simpson’s camp over the past few months.

Lots of new things happening.

We’ve been busy working alongside our existing manufacturers to enhance the products we already stock, and we are proud to be able to offer their new designs. Celebrity’s Mayfair is a stunning suite which is already proving to be popular with our customers. We have also been in discussion with some exciting new suppliers, allowing us to broaden our designs and give a slightly more contemporary slant to some of our ranges.

Find us in the famous Kirkgate Market.

1904 Hall Units Q and R Vicar Street, Leeds, LS2 7JG.

We are also in the process of designing some ranges that would be produced to our very own specifications and would be exclusive to Simpsons, so some very exciting times ahead.

We are aware that shopping trends are changing, but we remain staunch advocates of shopping being an ‘experience’. Yes, we work hard on all areas of our business and offer a broad range of products online.

We use social media to advertise our products, especially new arrivals and special offers, But we firmly believe that you just can’t beat the experience of walking into one of our outlets; being met and greeted by one of our friendly members of staff; being allowed to wander around to soak up the extensive array of quirky and unusual products; be free to explore our vast range of suites and chairs, and marvel at our stunning wood furniture; all without any hard sales pitch or pressure. We want you to enjoy your visits to our outlets, we want you to be advocates of Simpson Furniture, and we want you to go away and tell your friends. Now that is what we consider good advertising!

www.simpsonfurnitureuk.com

Problems arise in every business, so we make sure that our after sales service is also second to none. When you ring Simpsons, you speak to a person, not a machine. We deal with any issues promptly and efficiently, and a member of our team will call round to deal with any issues that have arisen.

Sustainable wood furniture

In short, we are with you every step of the way.

Finally, we want to share the most exciting news. We are thrilled to announce that we are now able to offer a home visit service. We have spent many hours discussing the past 18 months and have been very conscious of the limitations that have been placed on where people can shop. We were frustrated that we were unable to service our loyal customers during the lockdowns, and we are very aware that people are unable or nervous about coming out in the short term.

Range of quirky accessories We’re working hard to help address these issues, offering home visits where you can expect the same quality, value and service of Simpson Furniture, but without having to leave your home. We are also hoping to explore the possibility of doing ‘road show’ events to the larger retirement villages, assisted living complexes and care homes. So, watch this space!

And please do not hesitate to contact us via phone, email or social media if you are interested in this new venture, or just want more information.

Church Place, Heywood, OL10 1LT

Showroom

01706 368628

Springs Shopping Centre, Buxton, SK17 6DF

Buxton

Simpson Furniture LTD

1 Murray Road, Bury, BL9 0BJ

Bury

@simpsonfurnitureltd

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STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE As with all Kias these days build quality is good as are the materials used throughout and then there is the manufacturer’s much lauded 7 year warranty to fall back on in the unlikely event of a problem.

From there it was into the totally electric world of motoring with the e-Niro. I tried the ‘4+’ spec range topping model which is £39,395 on the road (e-Nero prices start from £30,345).

KIA DRIVING DAY A DRIVING day featuring almost their whole car range highlighted just what a motoring force Kia have become in the UK. Yours truly was one of the northern journalists invited to try out the Kia range at the recent event near Skipton – from the diminutive Picanto up to the fire-breathing new Stinger – nearly all models were on show.

They each have their own merits but I chose to put two in the spotlight, the all electric Kia e-Niro and XCeed PHEV as hybrid and electric cars are very much in buyers’ minds at the moment.

That battery system can be charged up in just a few hours so as the average commute in this country is less than 25 miles, providing you can also plug in at work, driving almost completely on environmentally-friendly electric is possible.

For an on-the-road price of £34,905 this XCeed is mid-range (prices start from £31,805 for the PHEV models) and comes with 18” alloys, panorama sunroof, leather seats (memory, heated and cooled in the front), heated steering wheel, smart cruise control, 10.25” infotainment central touch screen, park assist with reversing camera, digital dashboard and a whole heap of safety systems.

That all-important electric range is up to 282 on a full charge in mixed driving and Kia say the car will fully charge from zero on a domestic socket in 29 hours, but that drops dramatically if you use a 100kW commercial charge point to just 54 minutes. In reality topping up the charge overnight at home will be feasible if no long journeys are planned.

What also changes is performance as this car’s 64kWh motor can get it from 0 to 60 in just 7.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 104.

Again the quality in both build and materials is evident and a long spec list includes such essentials as heated leather seats (again memory and cooled in the front), big central infotainment touch screen with sat nav, wireless phone charger, smart cruise control and the usual comprehensive line up of safety systems and driver aids.

First up was the XCeed, which I tried out in 1.6 GDi ‘First Edition’ spec. As the name suggests there is a 1,580cc conventional internal combustion engine doing most of the work but this is mated-up with an electric motor to give 104bhp on tap.

Kia has just picked up two category wins at the annual What Car? Electric Car Awards for their EV6 and the e-Niro. The EV6 has won the ‘Readers’ choice’ award and the e-Niro earned the title of ‘Best electric small SUV’ for the second year running.

The first figure everyone wants to know is the electric only range – around 33 miles – while the combined mpg is a claimed 167.

So you don’t have to just take my work for the quality of their cars. Kia’s growing trophy cabinet is also testimony to their products and services.

What is impressive is the seamless way the car switches between power plants or employs both together under hard acceleration. It is comfortable and fast enough for most with a 10.6 0 to 60 time and top speed of 99mph.

22

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

Rossendale Interiors Full Page.qxp_Layout 1 17/03/2017 13:33 Page 1

Rossendale Interiors Full Page.qxp_La

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• Massive choice of traditional or modern • Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 days • Owned by JJO Furniture Manufacturers offering very keen prices and a quick turnar Financially solid • Project-managed installation. All aspects covered • Established over 150 years with four experienced designers plus CAD designer for outstanding visual aids qualih t • ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ subject to status is

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••• Massive of or Bacup - 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Massive choice of traditional or modern Massive choice choice of traditional traditional or modern modern ••• Fabulous showroom with 60 displays open 7 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle. BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 304 Fabulous 77 days days Fabulous showroom showroom with with 60 60 displays displays open open days Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston.

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Bacup Bacup 352-358 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup.

OL13 0LD Tel: 01706 252122 Bacup ---352-358 352-358Newchurch NewchurchRoad, Road,Stacksteads, Stacksteads,Bacup.

Bacup.OL13 OL130LD 0LDTel: Tel: 01706 01706 252122 252122 Oswaldtwistle Oswaldtwistle Mills, Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle.

BB5 3DE Tel: 01254 Oswaldtwistle 304068 Oswaldtwistle --Oswaldtwistle OswaldtwistleMills, Mills,Colliers ColliersStreet, Street,Oswaldtwistle.

Oswaldtwistle.BB5 BB53DE 3DETel: Tel: 01254 01254 304068 304068 Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston.

LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston Brogden/Market Street, LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street,Ulverston.

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LA120LD 7AHTel: Tel:01706 01229252122 581828 Bacup - 352 Bacup---Kitchen 352-358House, Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, Bacup. OL13 Blackburn Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn.

BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 669215 Blackburn Market Hall, 5AF Tel: 01254 669215 Blackburn -- Blackburn Blackburn MarketMills, Hall,Church ChurchStreet, Street,Blackburn.

Blackburn.BB1 BB1BB5 5AF3DE Tel:Tel: 01254 669215 Oswaldtwistle - Oswaldtwistle Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle.

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Ulverston - Kitchen House, Brogden/Market Street, Ulverston. LA12 7AH Tel: 01229 581828 Ulverston - Kit

Blackburn - Blackburn Market Hall, Church Street, Blackburn. BB1 5AF Tel: 01254 669215 Blackburn - B

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you have heavy soil you can improve drainage by digging in some horticultural grit before planting.

After that the main thing to get right is the planting depth.

Bulb planting depths vary As a general rule plant at a depth of up to two to three times their height and two to three bulb widths apart. The pointed tip should always be facing upwards and the flat root end down. But if you really can’t be sure you can always plant them on their sides – the stem and roots will grow in the right directions. A trowel is all you need for this but there are specialist bulb planters available with depth gauges.

BULBS TO LIGHTUP SPRING Plant spring bulbs now for a glorious display of colour next year says gardening writer Julia Heaton After the depths of winter there’s no better sign that the garden is beginning to stir into life than the sight of the first snowdrops or daffodils raising their heads above ground in a rallying cry of colour.

Spring flowering bulbs can be so uplifting. They look good in informal and formal borders and are great gap-fillers until the rest of the garden comes into flower. They also look lovely in lawns and are excellent value for money when planted in containers.

Gently fill in the hole and firm down with your hands. Then mark up a plant label and place it in the centre of the area planted – it’ll act as a reminder of what’s in there and not to get too close when digging nearby.

Planting in lawns Crocus do well in lawns.

Bulbs like narcissi, crocus, snowdrops, grape hyacinth, winter aconite and cammassia are great for bringing colour to a lawn that you’re not fussy about mowing. This is important because the grass can’t be cut from when the first bulb leaves appear until the flowers have gone and the foliage has died back.

Wait until you’ve done your final cut of the season before planting.

Then start by making sure the soil is moist and weed free.

For a natural drift formation simply throw a handful of bulbs in the air and plant them where they fall. Using a sharp-edged trowel dig out a plug of turf that’s three times the depth of the bulb you’re planting. Then add some good compost or grit if the soil is heavy.

HALIFAX & HUDDERSFIELD IVC

If you want a slice of this action then now is the time to set the wheels in motion for a stunning display next year.You can plant them all the way through to November, as long as it’s before the risk of frost, so that they can become acclimatised and start sending out roots.

Tulips are an exception and can be planted right up until Christmas as they need cold temperatures to reduce the risk of disease and help them root. Don’t forget that there are lots of hardy summer flowering bulbs like lilies and alliums that can be planted in October too.

Planting out in borders Make sure you plant with the pointed tip facing up.

Plant in drifts, groups or individually, depending on the effect you want to achieve. It could be that you’d like to add some height to the border or create a focal point with a large group.

As long as the soil isn’t waterlogged bulbs will grow in most soil types. Break up the earth so there are no clods but if

Want to kick-start your social life?

Join us for social activities including walks, theatre, concerts and meals out.

Phone: 01422 358001 or 07879 442135, email: hahuivc@gmail.com or visit our website: www.halifaxhuddersfield.ivc.org.uk

25

After planting break up some of the earth belonging to the plug and place it back on top of the bulb. Replace the remainder of the turf plug and gently firm it in so that it’s level with the rest of the lawn.

Snowdrops

Alternatively, for the smallest bulbs, try cutting into the turf, peeling it back, forking over the surface and adding some grit before planting as before. A bulb planter, which will lift out an individual plug, can also be used for larger single bulbs.

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Left in position your bulbs will naturalise, propagating across the lawn to bring even bigger displays. Try this method in a wildflower area to add some different interest in the spring.

Bulbs in pots

Choose a pot that’s deep enough to accommodate bulbs that need the deepest planting depth and line the bottom with crocks for drainage. Then add a layer of bulb compost or multi-purpose with added grit for drainage. Plant the largest and

Brown

Cream

Blue

latest flowering bulbs first at the correct depth then add another layer of compost followed by an earlier flowering group of smaller bulbs. For a third, top layer, add more compost followed by the smallest and earliest flowering bulbs.

NO

Bulbs can also be placed closer together than if they were growing in the soil and don’t worry about them being directly on top of one another – the shoots of those at the bottom will just bend around the smaller ones.

Finish with a layer of compost, stand the Tips for better displays- MAINTENANCE, container on pot feet for drainage and Snowdrops establish better when planted water it well. For a three-layered treat go in leaf or ‘in the green’ in early spring.

PAINTING OR for something like daffodils on the bottom Winter aconites and lily of the valley FOR 25 YEARS! layer, hyacinths onREPAIRS the middle and crocus benefit from this too. on the top.

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Free to enjoy the pleasure of your garden and a fence that’s always easy on the eye. There is a good choice of design and colour options to create the setting that you desire. ColourFence will even withstand windgusts of up to 130mph. Making it, probably, the world’s best maintenance-free fence.

Competitive pricing, easy payment plans and free no-obligation quotes are all part of the service.

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To get the most out of pot displays go for the layering technique that’s become known as lasagne planting. Just by planting layers of bulbs that flower at different times you can get a fantastic display that will last for months.

However, every cloud has a silver lining, and we couldn’t be more pleased with our new ColourFence. It looks great, and we are looking forward to years of summers with no fence paint or algae treatments.

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- When buying go for the largest bulb you can find in that variety. Smaller ones are more likely not to flower in the first year or produce weaker blooms. Check for mould and discard any that feel soft.

- Insulate pots against freezing winter weather by wrapping with bubble wrap.

- Protect newly planted bulbs from squirrels by laying chicken wire over the top and covering with a layer of soil or compost.

Five spring flowerers to plant now - Crocus: Grows from a corm in full sun or partial shade. Plant in natural flowing groups for maximum effect; - Snakes head fritillary: Nodding bellshaped mauve flowers are happy in full sun or partial shade;

The vibrant colour of crocosmia in summer.

- Daffodil: Plant in sun or light shade.

Dwarf daffodils do well in lawns, pots and even rockeries;

good in well-drained soil in full sun. Try planting under deciduous trees;

- Allium: Flowers best in a sheltered but sunny site in well-drained soil;

Hardy summer flowering bulbs:

- Bluebells: Best grown in partial or dappled shade around trees or under shrubs;

Plan ahead for next summer by planting these in September and October:

- Crocosmia: Plant from corms in sun or partial shade. Good on most soil types but ideally moisture retentive in summer;

- Chinodoxa: Also known as ‘Glory of the Snow’, these star-shaped flowers do

- Lilies: Ideal for containers and borders in full sun or partial shade;

- Bearded Iris: Grow in full sun in welldrained soil.

Our pets are much loved companions, best friends and family members but sadly, not all animals are treated with the love and care they deserve The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch receives no government funding and we are entirely reliant upon the generosity of our kind supporters. Over a third of our income is in the form of gifts included in people's Wills.

This generosity helps us to give food, bedding, veterinary care and TLC to the animals in our Animal Centre and contributes greatly to their rehabilitation. This is only possible thanks to the generosity of people leaving us a gift in their Will.

Your act of kindness is literally a gift of life to hundreds of animals that have been cruelly treated. It will cost you nothing in your lifetime but from £100 to £100,000, every donation to the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch is greatly appreciated and can help save an animal’s life.

Making a Will, or adding a codicil to your existing Will is the only way to ensure that those you love will be taken care of, including your pets.

If your pet has brought huge joy into your life, remembering the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch in your Will is a wonderful way to celebrate your love of your animals and help animals less fortunate than your own for many years to come.

As a self funded RSPCA Branch, we're totally reliant upon the kindness of animal-lovers in order to continue our work. Your lasting legacy will ensure that we can continue our work to help the thousands of animals that we care for every year and also plan for the future.

If you would like to talk to someone about leaving a Gift in your Will, please call us on 01422 341160, e-mail us at: Branchoffice@rspcahalifaxhuddersfieldbradford.org.uk or if you prefer you can write to us at RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District, Wade Street, Halifax, HX1 1SN

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CLASSIC TAKEAWAY IN 5 FROM KWOKLYN WAN

Try these classic Chinese dishes from Kwoklyn Wan that use only five ingredients.

Alongside a basic store cupboard of five essentials - salt, pepper, soy sauce, sugar and oil - you can make a feast of easy dishes using the bare minimum.

SINGAPORE CHOW MEIN Indo-Chinese flavours have become increasingly popular in the UK over the last 10 years, thanks to the explosion of street food markets in most major cities. This dish is a classic Indo-Chinese creation mixing ingredients from China with spices from India.

Ingredients • 2 chicken breasts or 300g (10oz) shredded char siu pork • 1 nest of dried egg noodles • 1 red (bell) pepper, cut into strips • 175g (3½ cups) beansprouts • 1 tbsp mild curry powder • 3 tbsp vegetable oil • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp white pepper • ½ tsp sugar

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Method • Bring 800ml (3½ cups) water to the boil in a medium saucepan. Add the chicken breasts, bring back to the boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes. Drain and set to one side. Once the chicken has cooled, cut into thin strips.

• Meanwhile bring another 800ml (3½ cups) water to the boil in another saucepan. Add the dried egg noodle nest and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Drain and set to one side.

• Place a wok over a medium heat; once it begins to smoke add the vegetable oil along with the red pepper strips and cook for 1 minute, then add the beansprouts and cook for a further minute. Add the curry powder and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes. Add the salt, pepper and sugar and mix well.

• Add the cooled sliced chicken (or pork, if using) and drained noodles to the wok and continue to cook for a further 5–8 minutes, making sure all of the ingredients are well combined and heated all the way through, allowing the noodles to catch some colour in the wok.

Supporting Positive

Mental Health

Providing clinical hypnotherapy to support positive changes in your life such as • Anxiety and stress relief

SATAY CHICKEN UDON NOODLES Even I was surprised at just how quick this dish was to cook; no sooner had I started the dish, than it was on my plate and being scoffed. Washing up consisted of just my wok and the wooden spoon I used. Chewy noodles, juicy chicken, crunchy onions and peppers smothered in a rich spicy satay sauce. Lovely!

Ingredients • 2 chicken breasts, cut into

bite-sized pieces • 1 white onion, cut into strips • 1 green (bell) pepper, cut

into strips • 4 tbsp satay dipping sauce

(or use 2–3 tbsp satay paste,

to taste)

•

•

• •

300g (10oz) straight-to-wok udon noodles 2 tbsp oil (vegetable, groundnut or coconut) 1 tsp salt pinch of white pepper

• Fear and phobia relief • Covid related anxiety • Weight management • Confidence building • Pain management • Stopping smoking/vaping • Sleep Issues • Coping with change Wellbeing and Mindfulness programmes also available to support positive mental health for individuals, groups and organisations

Tip: Add a sprinkle of crushed salted peanuts just before serving to add a lovely crunch.

Carol Heptonstall

Method • Heat a large non-stick wok over a medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the chicken and allow to brown on one side, then stir in the onion and green pepper for 1–2 minutes to soften.

• Season with the salt and pepper, then stir in the satay dipping sauce, along with 250ml (1 cup) water. Once all of the ingredients are well combined in the sauce, add the noodles and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to separate the noodles. Serve immediately.

HPD PNLP MA BA (Hons) GN Clinical Hypnotherapist Mindfulness teacher & Wellbeing at Work Coach Wellbeing Coach www.hypnotherapy&mindfulnesssolutions.co.uk Email - Enquiries@hypnomind.co.uk 07305 810935 Located within Pukacz Practice 2 Burley Street Elland HX5 0AQ

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FOOD & DRINK

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BLACK BEAN TOFU AND VEGETABLE STIR-FRY

Ingredients •

•

•

•

•

• • • • •

4 tbsp fermented Chinese black beans 340g (12oz) firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped or grated 1 bag of ready-prepared stir-fry vegetables 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) mixed with 2 tbsp water 2 tbsp vegetable oil ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp white pepper 1 tsp sugar 2 tbsp light soy sauce

Tofu has been used in China for well over 2,000 years. As a staple ingredient for vegetarian Buddhist monks, Buddhist chefs often shape and cook the tofu to resemble meat. Black bean fried tofu can be found on many Cantonese restaurant menus and is still one of the top ordered vegetarian dishes.

Method • Soak the fermented black beans in 120ml (½ cup) water for 10 minutes, then drain in a sieve and set to one side.

• Heat the oil in a wok over a medium-high heat and fry the tofu for 6–8 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Drain on kitchen paper and set to one side.

• Reheat the oiled wok over a medium heat and gently fry the garlic and black beans for 45 seconds until fragrant. Add the stir-fry vegetables, increase the heat to medium-high and fry for 2 minutes.

• Then add 120ml (½ cup) water, the salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce and fried tofu and bring to the boil.

• Give the cornflour mixture a stir and slowly pour into the sauce, stirring constantly, to thicken. Serve immediately.

Chinese Takeaway in 5 by Kwoklyn Wan (Quadrille, £15) Photography ©Sam Folan 30

Smile Denture Clinic REPORTER SERIES

Reporter Series Thursday, January 25, 2018

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Badly-designed dentures technology.

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To design a successful denture treatments for ultimate confidence.

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Wouldn’t you want that statement If you’re considering having new Intomany it’out s justabout a matter Smile Denture Clinic, 4 Cross you to be the right one? dentures replace cases, an old worn Crown Street, Cleckheaton BD19 Clinical dental technicians David set or wish to look years younger as the best care, a safe and hygienic of careful evaluation and correcting 3HW. a denture wearer, you naturally want Coates Dip CDT RCS (Eng) and

DENTURE WEARERS...

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customers, it’s no wonder denture wearers trust David Coates to help them feel more confident with a great appearance and live their denture wearing lives to the full.

Do You Want To Feel More Confident, Look Years Younger and Eat Better tha

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28

To book your FREE consultation with David, call today on:

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(Patients with natural teeth remaining or have dental implants will need a prescription from a dentist) Dental Implant Clinic,Cleckheaton 57 Bradford Road, BD19 3LB UK) 457Cross Crown Street, BD19Cleckheaton 3HW (next door to Age David Coates Dip CDT RCS (Eng)

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CARE

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

assessment of your home, as well as a manual handling assessment. This is important, as it will identify how the company staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required.

All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.

How to choose the right

Home Care

Whether you’re choosing a home care company for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way.

Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you. They should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence. That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy.

If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible.

Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.

HOME CARE COMPANY STANDARDS All companies have a ‘Statement of Purpose’ that sets out their aims and objectives and the type of the services they offer. If you’re employing a company, they should give you a contract explaining all terms and conditions.

This will include things such as their confidentiality policy – for example, how they will hold and use personal data. All home care company employees should also have clear written guidelines and follow robust 32

procedures on how to administer and assist with any medication needs.

BEFORE YOUR HOME CARE STARTS It’s important to always make sure that the home care company you choose visits you at home, before care starts. This will give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider. A good home care company will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the company the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working.

If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care company visits.

So you’re thinking about using a company to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?

INITIAL HOME VISIT BY A HOME CARE COMPANY During the initial home visit by the home care company, they will carry out a detailed risk

KEEPING YOU SAFE AND SECURE IN YOUR OWN HOME It’s the job of the home care company staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care company must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home.

Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the company’s name and contact details. Home care companies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.

PAYING FOR HOME CARE It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home care services. In most cases, companies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends.There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays.

Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about.

If you have been assessed by Social Services as being eligible for care and support at home, and Social Services have agreed to, fully or part fund your care (dependant on your financial assessment), you can choose to have the Care Company Social Services appoint, or you can choose to have Social Services provide the money to buy, some or all of, the support you need using something called a “Direct Payment”. The Direct Payment option allows you greater flexibility and freedom in how your care is provided.You can choose to employ your own ‘personal assistant’ or decide to work with the care provider of your choice.Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further.

CHECK WHAT YOU ARE BEING CHARGED All costs should be written into the contract between you and the company and you should

be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service. In most cases, the home care company will keep timesheets that you will need to sign. Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits.

It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.

Automated care worker monitoring Some home care companies have electronic monitoring so care workers can ‘check in’ using their mobile phone or put a pin number into your landline phone.

There is no cost to you when they use this system and it records the exact length of time that your care provider has been with you. This system also helps the home care company to highlight any missed calls by the care worker, reducing the risk of you not getting a call.

We care about our service users and are here to make life easier for you and your loved ones.

Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care company •

Can the company provide the care needed, and have they provided care before for someone with similar needs?

•

How will the company and staff respect your privacy and dignity?

•

Have they taken the time to understand your personal likes and dislikes?

How do they match the most suitable care worker to your needs?

Will they arrive at the time you have requested. Will you always have the same person caring for you. What happens if they are sick or go on holiday?

•

•

What charges will you be expected to pay (Is there a minimum charge)? And how you will be invoiced?

•

Is the company insured to protect your safety and interests?

•

Do all care workers undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being employed? And what ongoing training do they receive?

•

Does the company have a copy of its latest inspection report available for you to look at?

•

Can the company be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?

•

Will the company give you a copy of their standard contract to read before signing?

FIVE STAR HOMECARE LEEDS SUPPORT PEOPLE TO DO THE EXTRAORDINARY EVERYDAY. Five Star Homecare Services provides care and support to people in their own homes thus enabling them to live as independently as possible.

They are an award winning homecare provider and pride theirselves on providing a well led, effective and caring service within the community.

Five Star Homecare is based in Morley and covers LS27, we also cover BD11, WF3, WF12 and WF17. From their South Leeds office they cover LS10, LS11 and LS26.

Our wide range of homecare services are designed to meet all of your health needs. From 24-Hour Care to Medication administration our qualified carers work tirelessly at improving the quality of life for each and every one of our service users and their families.

l l l l l l l

24-Hour Care Personal Care End of Life Care Dementia Care Medication Administration Domestic Cleaning Services Chaperones, Assisted Outings & Sitting Services

All our staff are highly trained and DBS checked with the disclosure and barring service. We are fully compliant and registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission).

All our staff are covered under our public liability insurance.

If you or a loved one feel that you would benefit from our professional support or if you require further information please contact us. One of our friendly home care coordinators will be happy to assist.

Five Star Homecare Leeds Ltd 16C Deanfield Mills, Asquith Avenue Morley, Leeds, LS27 9QS

Tel: 07584675423 email: fivestarhc@outlook.com www.fivestarhcleeds.com

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2. You will be required to read some letters or numbers from a board. To assess your prescription needs, your eye doctor will ask you to read letters and numbers from a board, as well as ask you to look at red and green boards. This will help them to determine what you need going forward.

3. Completing your prescription.

Once the optometrist has determined the correct prescription for you, you will be required to choose your glasses frames if you desire. If you don’t find any you like, you can order prescription glasses online from Eyeglasses.com to find the perfect fit for you!

Getting Used To Your Prescription & Health Tips

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR EYES TESTED AT 50?

As we age, our bodies change, and its needs and requirements shift with it. If you are reaching the fifty mark, or you have already gone past it, you may have noticed a change in your eyesight over the years. This is a totally natural change, but it might need your special attention in order to keep your eyes feeling healthy and comfortable.

In this article you will find helpful advice on seeking eye care at 50+. Let’s get started!

Symptoms of Strained Eyes Without taking care of your eyes, you can strain them and further damage your eyesight.

You can experience negative symptoms that cause you stress and even pain. These include: • Headaches. Not wearing glasses when you need them, or wearing glasses or contacts that have the wrong prescription for you, can cause terrible headaches. These headaches are referred to as ‘vision headaches’ and mostly occur across the brow line and forehead.

• Fatigue and poor concentration. If your concentration span has decreased, it could be down to straining your eyes.

•

Itchy and sore eyes.

•

Blurred vision.

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If you experience these symptoms, it is important that you book an eye test to see how your symptoms can be alleviated through prescription glasses or contacts.

Eye Care At 50 According to healthcare experts, having an eye test every two years is important once you reach the age of 50-60. This does not sound very frequent, but is an increase in recommended eye tests compared to the proposed once-a-decade between the ages of 20-29. At the age of fifty and over, most people are likely to need some kind of eye support when reading or driving.

What To Expect From An Eye Test If you have never had your eyes tested and don’t know what to expect, here is what will happen at your first eye test!

1. Your eye doctor will ask questions about your general health. There are myriad things that can affect your eyesight, such as the amount of time you spend looking at a screen, your diet, other health issues or medications. Before examining your eyes closely, your eye doctor will likely ask questions about these aspects of your routine.

Now that you have the right glasses or contact lenses for your eyes, you might continue to experience your previous symptoms for a while – or indeed, brand new ones.Your eyes will have become accustomed to their previous range of vision, meaning that the interruption of prescription lenses might cause you some headaches or other symptoms like nausea.

In order to combat these, make sure to take breaks when wearing your new glasses. Wear them for an hour, then remove them for an hour, and build up this time until you can wear them full-time if needed. If they still give you grief after a few weeks, contact your optometrist to discuss this further.

Here are some health tips to assist your eyes as you get older!

• Eating healthily. Eating healthy, natural foods, such as fruit and veg, is hugely important for keeping your eyes healthy. The eyes respond to healthy foods just like any other body part, so ensuring that your diet is as best as it can be is a great way to take care of them.

• Taking screen breaks. At any age, staring at a screen for hours at a time is unhealthy for many reasons. If you are required to be on a computer all day for work, make sure to take regular mini-breaks without a screen to protect your eyes.

• Glasses with blue light filters. When having your eye test, speak with your optometrist about blue light filters.

These are special lenses that help reduce your eyes’ exposure to blue light from computer screens.

• Overall, taking care of your eyes as a mature person is vital.

Use this guide to help you care for your eyes at 50+!

GET TOGETHER THIS SEPTEMBER AND HELP

HOS YOUR EVTENT YOUR WAY

After a challenging year, we could all do with something to look forward to. So let’s get together, put on an event to remember and help The Kirkwood Support Life across Kirklees.

Sign up today for your free fundraising pack!

Call: 01484 557 911 Online: thekirkwood.org.uk/gettogether Registered Charity No. 512987

The Kirkwood Get Together is all about bringing your friends, family, neighbours or work colleagues together to raise funds for The Kirkwood. Host a coffee morning or lavish afternoon tea party this September and you will be helping The Kirkwood Nurses to continue providing the very best care in Kirklees.

Taking part is really simple - and once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a free fundraising pack to help you plan your event.

HEALTH

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50 PLUS MAGAZINE

‘TOXIC POSITIVITY’ - IT’S NOT NEW, BUT IT’S ON THE RISE AND IT IS DANGEROUS What is toxic positivity?

Toxic positivity can come in the form of advice from someone else who possibly unwittingly invalidates your feelings when you’re feeling low, or stops you feeling justified about your response to a situation with “things could be much worse” or makes light of your experience. Toxic positivity also occurs when we feel we have to be positive all of the time and avoid feelings that are difficult to deal with like anger or hurt. Often our self-talk may be around guilt such as “I’ve no right to feel fed up, look at how many people are suffering in the world”, or as shame “I should be doing so much better” or as low self-worth “feeling anxious is stupid” and so we swallow these feelings and try to project ourselves as doing better emotionally than we are.

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Both forms can have harmful long-term consequences because toxic positivity inhibits people from feeling perfectly normal emotions, which if left unchecked can lead to longer lasting deeper issues like anxiety, diminished self-esteem and burnout.

Why is toxic positivity on the rise at the moment?

Many of us have suffered hardship, anxiety and low mood during the pandemic, but have forced ourselves, or been pushed or urged by someone else, to swallow those feelings and to count ourselves as lucky.

We have also watched others seemingly thrive during this time, flaunting their new wonderful hobbies, revealing lockdown achievements and enjoying their time as the

world’s happiest family, often projecting false realities.

Toxic positivity has also flourished because of social media which often only shows us at our best in the moments we want to share.

This kind of positivity overload encourages a comparison culture and has made us far more critical of ourselves. We feel pressured to be positive all the time and feel like failures when we are having an off day or month.

Why we need to express our emotions We typically use the term positive emotion to describe being happy, hopeful and optimistic and the term negative emotion to describe fear, sadness and anger. In fact, all emotions are positive because they are our barometer to know when things are going

well or not, a warning signal and learning tools to motivate us to do better.

Ignoring feelings can cause anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and inhibits our ability to regulate emotions. In fact, extensive research has been undertaken to study the effects of suppressed emotions. Being in a state of high stress can make us more susceptible a number of medical conditions due to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol and being stuck in a constantly active sympathetic nervous system, will continue to increase our heart rate, prevent good quality sleep and disrupt our digestive system.

to put yourself in their shoes. Enter the conversation without judgement and show respect. Validate their feelings by offering sympathy, showing understanding and offering your help rather than trying to shut down how they feel and shake them up into feeling better.

6) Take healthy steps… by going on a walk to clear your head or having a chat with a friend. Plan something for you to look forward to but allow yourself to feel what you feel.

7) You wouldn’t ignore a physical pain, so don’t ignore an emotional one… If you

had a chronic physical pain, you would do something to fix it – we should do the same with our mental health. It is best to acknowledge our pain in order to work through it. Suffering allows us to learn and can give us perspective to build upon.

8) Shift the focus on mental health…

Too much emphasis is placed on ‘being positive’ in order to maintain good mental health. Rather than pushing negative feelings aside, give them space and attend to them accordingly. By shifting the focus, accepting and understanding our feelings can lead to powerful learning through life’s ups and downs.

So, what can we do to avoid toxic positivity?

1) Embrace all emotions… All feelings are valuable and contribute to our human experience. Even ‘negative’ feelings like anxiety, anger and fear are primitive responses that our brain releases to keep us safe from threats. Honour your emotions and allow yourself to feel whatever you need to feel. All feelings are valid and normal.

Feelings are responses so they need to be given time and space.

CONFiDENT Denture Centre

Dentures that give you confidence

We’ll Make Your Smile Worthwhile!

Dentures that are the very best fit achievable!

Denture Wearers, would you like ....

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2) Be authentic… Give yourself and others permission to experience all emotions, including ‘negative’ ones so you can work through them and let them go in your/ their own time. If we don’t act with authenticity it affects our ability to make social bonds and destroys trust in us.

3) Social media does not project a true reality… If you’re going through a tough period avoid getting engrossed in social media and remember that more often than not it projects a false reality of eternal happiness and perfection.

4) Don’t compare yourself to others…

We have all had varying life experiences that have shaped us, and we deal with things differently. If your friend responds to something in a contrasting way than you that does not make your response wrong.

There are people who are naturally inclined to be happier than others and people who have had terrible experiences that have conditioned them to notice the dreadful events more than the joyful events. We feel things in different ways.

5) If you are talking to others, listen…

Take the time to understand what is wrong, rather than invalidating their feelings with toxic positivity. Listen carefully and try

Dentures that look natural and suit you

Dentures with a clear transparent upper palate Lower denture fitted with a permanent comfort base Your upper denture refitted for improved suction Emergency Denture Repairs Free Advice on Denture Problems Convenient On Street Parking

SATISFACTION

Teeth are a significant part of our facial make up. The loss of our natural teeth however, does not mean we have to grin and bear a lifetime of feeling unattractive and uncomfortable. Seek a denture professional who can recreate teeth to match your standard of satisfaction.

Before

INDIVIDUALITY

Just as no two people are alike, no two dentures are alike. A series of procedures and applications using professional skills and judgement must be varied according to the patients needs.

HELP & ADVICE

We will be happy to advise you, without any obligation, about how our services can help you now, or in the future.

After

You care how you feel, so do I! Visit Carrie Whitton GDC 143712 At Confident Denture Centre 3 St James Street, Halifax HX1 5SU Or call 01422 380251

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Affordable Funeral Service

Losing a loved one can be one of life's most upsetting and distressing times. We go out of our way to help ease the worries where funeral arrangements are concerned.

Not only involved with losing a loved one is the emotional upset, but it can also be a time of financial worry and strain and we not only lend a sympathetic ear but also an affordable funeral service too.

Or maybe you see not the need for an elaborate funeral and want only a simple, low key occasion without all the fuss.

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Serving all areas

Affordable without compromising on care.

If we can help please call for an informal chat and advice

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Your Local Caring Independent Funeral Director

Direct Cremation - £1200

Direct cremation at a fixed price inclusive of all necessary disbursements, cremation & doctors fees (no funeral service)

Low Fuss Funeral - £2150

Inclusive Funeral - £2600

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of a cremation fee

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Doctor's fees

• The payment of the Minister's / Celebrant fees

• The payment of the Minister’s / Celebrant fees

• The conveyance of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest

• The conveyance of your loved one into our Chapel of Rest

• The provision of the York, oak veneered coffin and gold embellishments

• The provision of the York, oak veneered coffin and gold embellishments.

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The arranging and conducting of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral

• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral

Bespoke Funeral - £2300 • All of the above plus..

• The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest • The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium

• The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest • The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium • Obituary in the local newspaper • Floral tribute to the value of £50 • One family limousine

ALL OTHER FUNERAL REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN AFFORDABLY

Springhead Funeral Service Chapels of Rest

7/9 Stainland Rd, Halifax (opposite Andy Thorntons)

Tel: 01422 327 382 616 Wakefield Rd, Huddersfield, HD5 8PZ

Tel: 01484 534 488

Pre-paid Funerals

at today's prices guaranteed with Golden Leaves Funeral Plans Please call for an information pack or informal chat

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3

Is Retirement Living for you?

Private and secure studio and one bed apartments are available to let in West Yorkshire, designed to offer and promote independence within a community setting for people over the age of 55.

Key features and benefits: • Dedicated Court Manager on-site during the week • 24/7 emergency alarm system • Communal lounge and landscaped gardens • Close to local amenities • Pet-friendly policy • Housing benefit accepted

To find out more and to arrange your viewing, call Jessica Lowe on 0370 192 4951 or email NorthLettings@housing21.org.uk Ward Court | Brighouse HD6 3UZ Charlesworth Court | Overthorpe Road | Dewsbury WF12 0RR Charles Jones Court | Batley WF17 7JA Mowat Court | Hightown | Liversedge WF15 8LN Wellington Court | Pellon | Halifax HX2 0HH Wellesley Court | Botham Hall Road | Huddersfield HD3 4WQ

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