Oldham & tameside issue 52

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W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K JANUARY - MARCH 2017

OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE EDITION 52

Arise Sir Rod AS HE EMBARKS ON ANOTHER MAJOR TOUR

FREE ONE DAY PASS

HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A CONTEMPORARY LOOK

AT 4 FITNESS CENTRES

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Est.1923

Coach Holidays

2017 BROCHUR OUT NOW E Eastbourne

Isle of Wight

Freephone: 0800 083 9900 Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

Torquay

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn, BB6 7SP

IMPERIAL HOTEL POSTCARD.indd 11

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.

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.

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19/12/2014 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.

09:58

5 Days from £129 7 Day Tours 2017

5 Day Tours 2017

4 nts dinner, bed & breakfast IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

6 nts dinner, bed & breakfast ABBEY LAWN

Sat/Sun Departure

£219

£219

04/05 Mar

-

£219

ABBEY 11/12 Mar £249 £269 IMPERIAL OCEAN£249

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

12 Mar £219

6 Feb

-

£129

-

13 Feb

-

£129

£129

18 Mar

-

£135

19 Mar £219

£219

-

20 Feb £135

-

-

£139

26 Mar £219

£219

£219

06 Mar £145

£145

£145

02 Apr

£229

£229

£229

13 Mar £149

£149

£149

09 Apr

£249

£249

£249

20 Mar £155

£155

£155

16 Apr

£259

£259

£259

27 Mar £159

£159

£159

23 Apr

£269

£269

£269

27 Feb

-

03 Apr

£165

£165

£165

10 Apr

£175

£175

£175

14 Apr

£179

£179

£179

19 Apr

£185

£185

£185

24 Apr

£189

£189

£189

01 May £199

£199

£199

08 May

£209

£209

-

15 May £219

30 Apr

IMPERIAL OCEAN VIEW

ABBEY LAWN

-

£259

VIEW

- LAWN

18/19 Mar

£259 £259 £279

25/26 Mar

£269 £269 £289

01/02 Apr

£279

£279 £299

08/09 Apr

£289

£289 £309

15/16 Apr

£299

£299 £319

22/23 Apr

£325

£325 £329 £349 £349

£299

£299

£299

07 May £315

£315

£315

29/30 Apr

£349

£359 £359 £359

14 May £325

£325

£325

06/07 May

21 May £335

£335

£335

13/14 May

£369 £369 £369

28 May £345

£345

£345

20/21 May

£379 £379 £379

04 Jun £355

£355

£355

27/28 May

£389 £389 £389

11 Jun £379

£379

£379

03/04 Jun

£399 £399 £399

18 Jun £379

£379

£379

10/11 Jun

£409 £409 £409

17/18 Jun

£409 £409 £409

24/25 Jun

£409 £409 £409

01/02 July

£409 £409 £409

08/09 July

£409 £409 £409

15/16 July

£409 £409 £409

22/23 July

£409 £409 £409 £409 £409 £409

£219

£219

22 May £225

-

£225

29 May £229

£229

£229

25 Jun £379

£379

£379

05 Jun £239

£239

-

02 July £379

£379

£379

12 Jun £239

£239

£239

09 July £379

£379

£379

19 Jun £239

£239

-

16 July £379

£379

£379

26 Jun £239

£239

£239

23 July £379

£379

£379

03 July £239

£239

-

30 July £379

£379

£379

10 July

£239

£239

06 Aug £379

£379

£379

-

8 Day Tours 2017

7 nts dinner, bed & breakfast

17 July £239

£239

£239

13 Aug £379

£379

£379

29/30July

24 July £239

-

£239

20 Aug £379

£379

£379

05/06 Aug

£409

£409 £409

£379

12/13 Aug

£409

£409 £409

19/20 Aug

£409

£409 £409

26/27 Aug

£409

£409 £409

02/03 Sept

£389 £389 £389

09/10 Sept

£379 £379 £379

16/17 Sept

£369 £369 £369

23/24 Sept

£359 £359 £359

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

27 Aug £379

£379

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

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

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

We offer you ...

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

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

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Twittering On WITH TYLER GRUNDY

nation’s favorite grandma, as she has been coined, announced her leave as well, Twitter and the nation went into meltdown. Just a note, if my Gran was known to party the night away on the isle of Ibiza, as Mary is known to do, I must admit I am not too sure how I would feel.

It seems as though we are in luck. While surfing the realms of Twitter compiling this article for you lucky readers today, I came across some telling statistics.

Now it is not my intention to bore you with mindless numbers and figures, although I have been called a ‘Statto’ numerous times over the years. Just this one will do;

As one Twitter user put it and many seemed to agree;

Literally no one is going to watch ‘Paul Hollywood’s Great British Bake Off’.

51% of adults aged between 5564 regularly use social media.

This is according to the Office of National Statistics. So, at the conclusion of this article do not hold back your desire to post a Tweet on a topic of your choosing. Let your voice be heard, after all that is what Twitter is all about.

Anyway, let us get into it.

Paul Hollywood & Mary Berry on the Great British Bake Off

shows. However, viewers have recently been handed a pie to the face.

I imagine it failed to pass the majority of you by, that the BBC had sold the show to Channel 4. The uproar soon followed. And it soon became clear that Channel 4 had purchased a tent and a bread maker. By that, I mean the silver fox Paul Hollywood.

“Breadxit” Undoubtedly, many of you will recognize the two figures above.

Indeed, for many a Brit they have become synonymous with Wednesday evenings. The Great British Bake Off or GBBO as commonly abbreviated (and hash tagged on Twitter) is one of the BBC’s most popular and well-watched

Co-Hosts, the commonly known Mel and Sue, soon after announced they would be departing from the show. I guess you could say the dough was failing to rise for Channel 4. When the

I for one will certainly view with interest the Channel 4 version of the show to see what they can squander together.

If the show does become a dead loss, I will certainly miss 9pm in our house on a Wednesday evening when the cake goes in the oven, having spent the previous hour drooling over bake off wonders.

How to spot a Brit?

It came to my attention that while writing this piece for you, Britain was celebrating the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. Now, due to my historical background I feel obliged to bring this up. So please do bear with me. In case you did not know, the battle

inside TRAVEL...

SINGLES HOLIDAYS PAGES 12-13

ROD STEWART NEW TOUR 18-19

INTERIORS...

HOW TO GIVE YOUR ROOM THAT CONTEMPORARY LOOK PAGES 27-29

antonio carluccio SHARES HIS LOVE OF ITALY'S FAVOURITE FOOD PAGES 22-24

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 860 194 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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TWITTER was fought between William of Normandy (the invader) against the English King Harold.

Admittedly, I am not here to give you a history lesson, no doubt you already know this. And I am certain, even if I had not told you it was the 950th anniversary then you would know the year. Here lies the essence of how to spot a Brit.

Twitter seems to be in unanimous agreement about this.

Hastings Direct has long been advertising on our television screens with the catchy jingle and memorable phone number. If you are struggling to recall, it is the one with the seagull if I am not mistaken. The jingle goes, 0800… wait for it…1066. The point being calling out 0800, if one would reply with 1066 then you most certainly have found yourself a fellow Brit.

Together Again.

I am sure, all of you will be familiar with the comedic and indeed, genius double act that was Morecambe and Wise. Now for the first time, they stand together again in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The statue that has been unveiled just this month is the first of the two together while the two men, have their own individual statues respectably in Morecambe and Leeds.

Blackpool is really the spiritual home of the pair. They performed numerous times at the seaside resort before their real shoot to fame. Myself being a massive fan of the pair, I feel I should take this opportunity to regale you with my own personal favorite sketch. I think it was the first clip I saw of the two and hence why it has stuck with me and I still find it hilarious to this day. ‘The Banana Boat song’, I would recommend a quick search on YouTube if you are failing to recall the sketch. A smile and a laugh I can guarantee.

Standard tickets for the festival, which holds 135,000 amongst its vast grassy plains, have all been snapped up. Although, many of them will now find their way upon the Internet black market selling for ludicrous amounts of money.

So let us say, you were one of the lucky ones who managed to get tickets. Well currently, not one act has been announced. Oh, I do love a risk taker. Come that faithful weekend in June that band you have always wanted to see and quite possibly just sold half your material belongings for, just to get that Glastonbury golden ticket might not even be there.

Here is the real risk though, relying on the Great British weather to provide the sort of sun and warmth of the likes of Costa Brava over a bunch of fields in Somerset. It very rarely happens. The festival campsite soon becomes a bog. You can keep the bikini and speedos in the draw for this weekend more often than not, a rain mac and a pair of wellies is usually the safest attire.

Get yo’ Wellies Out. Glastonbury, the famous British festival has sold out…again.

Now do not get me wrong I understand the buzz of seeing your favorite music act up close and personal…but with Glastonbury it just is not that simple.

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HOLIDAYS...

WITH A DIFFERENCE WHEN our children are younger, family holidays fall into very distinct categories – usually at some seaside venue or busy resort with enough to keep young minds and bodies occupied.

As we grow older, though, and our children become independent adults, possibly with families of their own – or as we simply opt to be a little more experimental in our choice of destinations – we start to look further afield at more adventurous and unusual holiday choices.

in Jaipur, Rathambore National Park, Udaipur ad Jodhpur, allowing passengers to experience the sights of India in a relaxed atmosphere.

Exotic India

Or, you can climb aboard the Trans Siberian Express, the Eastern and Oriental Express, the Rocky Mountaineer or, closer to home, enjoy a short journey on the luxurious Venice Simplon Orient Express.

For an exotic adventure, why not consider India by rail? Packed with beautiful landscapes, diverse architecture and amazing people – India truly offers something for everyone.

If the train is not for you, though, and you would rather spend time on the high seas, there are several cruise lines that offer an all-inclusive luxury experience.

The “Palace on Wheels” starts and ends its journey in Delhi and takes

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And if you want to go somewhere different than the Mediterranean on your cruise, experience the splendour of Alaska or the South Pacific.

If you’re wanting to escape the often dreary UK Winter, where better to head than “Down Under” and experience the vibrant cities, beautiful beaches and awesome mountain vistas of Australia and New Zealand?

Accommodation ranges from goodvalue motels and campgrounds to luxurious five-star hotels or lodges.

The Orient or USA? Experience the Orient in Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur, kick back on a South Pacific island or visit San Francisco or LA. All these are possible these days and great destinations, with a great range of first-class airlines available.

Looking for somewhere quite different? Many people favour the Green Season (May/June and November) when the seasons are changing. The land is verdant and the National Parks are quieter, giving you the opportunity to experience the forests, beaches and volcanoes without the crowds.

Far, Far Away?

The Far East has also become a greater attraction to Western travellers with amazing tours available. Vietnam, Laos

TRAVEL and Cambodia are popular for temples, beaches and the inspiring stories of human resilience.

Experience the splendour of Angkor Wat and Siem Reap, the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam has some gorgeous beaches, too. Winters can be cold in Hanoi but further south the climate is kind throughout the year, although tropical downpours are common. The most popular time to visit is between November and April, with the heaviest rains between June and September.

For a completely different culture, how about a private tour of China? Travel from Beijing and visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall before heading to Datong, Taiyan to marvel at the sandstone statues in the Yungang Caves.

At Pingyao visit the walled Ming and Qing dynasty town before heading on to the Shaloin Temple and Xian to see the famous Terracotta Warriors. Spring and Autumn are generally the favourites times for tours of China, avoiding the harsh Winter and searing Summer heat experienced in some of its regions.

Archaelogical Adventures Closer To Home It is said that travel broadens the mind, and especially when we explore the history and archaeology of the places we visit. The past, like a foreign country, is full of difference and interest. It underlies the character and identity of every destination, and yet it is also the wider story of humankind, and so holds familiarity and relevance for us all. This is why archaeological travel is so fascinating. It unites culture with adventure and adds value and meaning to our travels.

The world’s historic and ancient sites are a ‘wonderbox’ of interesting things, and a veritable ark of profound insights, unsolved mysteries and great discoveries. They are often in beautiful locations too, and visiting them can get us off the beaten track to see more of the country. A useful starting point and source of inspiration are the country profiles by Hidden History Travel who describe the archaeological and historical interest of various travel destinations.

Ancient Greece Ancient Greece, for example, may seem like a distant, unfamiliar place but a tour of the ancient sites can be a profoundly satisfying experience. It’s not just the warm weather and good food; it’s an intellectual and emotional connection, a return to the cradle of our modern European world. A Greek temple, with marble columns rising into a clear blue sky, is an abiding symbol of western civilisation, and it is more than just the architecture that feels familiar; it’s the thoughts and actions of its creators,

the people whose philosophy, science, art and politics laid the foundations of European culture. Well-conducted tours, offered by Hidden History Travel bring out these wider contexts for us all.

It isn’t necessary to be a history buff; holidays are available which bring it all together for you, so you don’t have to do all the planning and research yourself. The best tours have a balance of leisure and interest, and knowledgeable guides who bring the sites to life. As someone once said; “a tour without a guide is like a movie without a soundtrack”.

Everywhere has a story to tell, and the breadth of interest is endless; from simple everyday life to cultural beliefs, and the rise and fall of great civilisations.

Prehistoric Malta On the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, there are Stone Age temples that predate the pyramids and which were expressions of prehistoric beliefs similar to those held by the builders of England’s famous Stonehenge. Whatever strange rituals were practised at such places, they still fascinate us today as reminders of the bigger picture; the human journey and our continuing attempts to understand life, death and the cosmos. Recent archaeological research has made fascinating inroads into our understanding of the prehistoric world of our ancestors. A great archaeological tour of Malta is available through Hidden History Travel.

The Real Atlantis The physical remains of the past create landscapes of memory that still resonate in our modern minds. Everyone has heard of the myth of Atlantis but how many people have actually visited the most likely site of the original city? Many scholars agree that the Aegean island of Santorini is the very place. This volcanic island erupted around 3500 years ago with devastating effects on the Bronze Age civilisation of the region, including the palaces of Minoan Crete. It is simply amazing to stand today on the rim of that volcanic crater and realise the scale of the event, and marvel at the antiquity of the island’s ancient city, incredibly preserved in ash like a prehistoric Pompeii. Then sail across to Knossos on Crete, home of King Minos and the Minotaur, to discover Europe’s earliest civilisation.

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by everyone busy. Modern campsites and holiday parks provide entertainment and sports all day long, with evening entertainment too. Some have golf courses, spas and fishing lakes as well.

Standards have dramatically improved since the days of Hi-de-Hi. Comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchens and barbeques often come as standard. And cabins in woodland are rather luxurious as an alternative, you could be sleeping in a stunning treehouse, a few yards away from the main property. Whatever you pick, tents, mobile homes, wooden lodges or apartments, you can have as many properties as the family needs or if you like, all share together!

Skiing

Holidays - with how many members of the family?

By Jennie Carr of Silver Travel Advisor Multi-generational holidays are becoming seriously popular: think grandparents, adult children and grandchildren all travelling together.

And indeed, following the example of The Queen and Prince Philip, with their several great-grandchildren, you might even holiday with four generations, although most of us don’t have Sandringham to accommodate everyone!

No matter, here are some suggestions for you to take a look at if you’d like to go away with your wider family.

Cruises Ships these days are absolutely bursting with activities: ice rinks, cinemas, discos, climbing walls, cookery demonstrations, choirs, running tracks and enough restaurants for every discerning foodie or faddy infant. And that’s before you’ve stepped on shore for the fascinating excursions. We’ve heard of family groups of sixteen people or more taking a Caribbean voyage, with Granny and Grandpa comfortably settled on deck, whilst parents take a bridge class or enjoy a spa session as teenagers sleep in and the little ones have fun at a kids’ club. Then they’d all meet up for lunch or dinner, sharing tales of their day, however it was spent. A cruise can offer a superb

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range of things to do whatever your age: no complaints and no boredom!

Villas Renting a place in the sun, with a pool, offers endless opportunities for spending quality time together. And many larger properties have an annexe or separate floor, which is ideal for teens or grandparents who’d like a bit of privacy.

We all love our families, however getting an hour or two of peace and quiet can be vital, especially at siesta time. Villa companies often provide lovely addons: a cook, who will shop as well (what bliss!), motorboats if you’re near the sea and even a nanny or babysitter for adultonly moments. With a villa, all options are covered: exploring the local area on foot or by car, relaxing by the pool, leisurely sundowners, and trips to the beach in many cases. This is communal living of the easiest kind.

Self-catering We have a long tradition of holidaying in rental properties around the UK and in Europe: you and your family can enjoy the freedom this brings. Mealtimes when you fancy, movies all day if you like and interesting attractions close by to keep

Now, this has to be for more active families, who love the mountains. And it’s true that skiing, once over a certain age, can be tiring, however, with proper preparation and fitness you can enjoy some great times with all ages. And for non-skiers, many resorts are charming places to spend a few days, with iceskating, snow-shoeing and sledging as winter alternatives. A hot chocolate taken outside in sunny, cold, crisp air, surrounded by mountains is a great joy everyone delights in. And cosy evenings, sleepy by the fire, are hugely relaxing.

When it snows, the child in each of us surfaces, for snowball fights and snowman building – perfect bonding moments in a winter wonderland!

Mini Guide If you’re out and about having day trips in Great Britain you might enjoy our mini guide especially for grandparents, filled with suggestions of where to take your little darlings for a treat. From castles to lochs, the National Football Museum to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway or the Harry Potter Studio Tour, there is a wealth of attractions for every member of the family. To get your free copy go to www.silvertraveladvisor.com and type Grandchildren Guide into the search box, on the right hand side.

Factbox Cruise: www.silvertraveladvisor.com and select from a wide range of cruise companies Villas: www.cvvillas.com or call 020 7563 7900 Self-catering Forest Holidays : www.forestholidays.co.uk or call 03330 110495 Skiing: www.inghams.co.uk or call 01483 79 11 11

Door to Door Coach Tours with Ellen Smith Membership No: 10228

TRY to describe the ideal holiday and it’s a fair bet it would start right at your front door and simply whisk you away for a fantastic experience.

Well, at Ellen Smith Coach Tours, that’s exactly what we do.

We’re proud of our efficient door-to-door service that picks you up at your home address at a pre-arranged time in a taxi or small minibus. We take you straight to one of our two meeting points: Birch Services near Heywood or Poplar Services near Lymm, where there’s no hanging around as you’re usually on your way within 15 to 20 minutes.

This is just the start of a memorable holiday or break that’s packed with attention to detail – because we know from experience what works for people, and we want to give them the best.

Our business was started in 1900 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, so we’ve got a long and distinguished history of providing top-quality, value for money coach holidays. In fact, as managing director Paul Targett says: “We get it right – that’s certainly what our customers tell us, and they choose to come back again and again.”

Ellen Smith Coach Tours wants clients to completely enjoy the experience of their chosen holiday or break – whether it’s to the picturesque Highlands of Scotland or the rugged beauty of Cornwall. We choose the best hotels and inject genuine creative thought into putting together interesting and enjoyable itineraries Your driver will always be very experienced, pleasant and helpful. “Many of our drivers know our regular clients by their first names, which all adds to the family atmosphere,” states Mr Targett.

No need, either, to worry about carrying heavy cases as the vast majority of our hotels offer a porterage service. On your return date, the reverse of your original journey is all in place.

Your taxi is waiting for you at one of the two service stations and you’re usually back through your own front door with a cuppa and feet up to watch “The Chase”!

Our whole holiday experience is worry-free. All our holidays are fully bonded by the Confederation of Passenger Transport Bonding Scheme – a Government-approved consumer protection scheme ensuring your money is protected. We also offer popular “Mature Singles” holidays where all the hotel bedrooms are sole occupancy, offering a brilliant break for the solo traveller.

We also run some excellent Continental coach holidays to wonderful destinations like Lake Como, Lake Garda, Alpine trips and Normandy for the D-Day landing beaches. And, for that touch of extra luxury, we offer Fred Olsen cruises from Liverpool at unbelievable prices, plus a variety of Air, Cruise & Worldwide holidays.

In fact, Ellen Smith Coach Tours is simply all about the best of holidays – brought to your door.

Our coaches are executive standard with toilets, air conditioning and reclining seats. On the journey to your hotel, we tend to avoid motorway services and visit some of the glorious villages, towns and cities dotted around our lovely country.

We always plan to arrive at our destination around 4.30 – in time to give you plenty of opportunity for a quick snooze and to settle in your room before dinner. As we normally only use 3 and 4 star hotels, with the occasional family-run 2 star hotel that we’ve used for many years, you’re in for a comfortable and relaxing stay with the very best in catering.

We also use a range of hotels to suit specific tours. Many of our tours are themed, like “Royal Sandringham and the Sport of Kings” or “An Irish Country House Experience”. All our tours have day excursions at no extra charge, including canal or train journeys or visits to historic castles or country estates.

“We try to showcase the best of what our country has to offer,” added Mr Targett.

Want to know more?

Call on 01706 648126

for a copy of the 2016 brochure – you’ll wonder why you ever went away in your car!

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Why not join one of our Quality Door to Door Coach Tours?

We pick- up at your door in most of the Greater Manchester area. We visit every part of the UK from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall. Our drivers are very experienced mature individuals with a wealth of knowledge about our wonderful country. We do city breaks, historic adventures, scenic tours, train rides, boat rides, canal trips, not forgetting our numerous costal resorts.

On your first day of travel we pick you up at your front door at a pre-arranged time in a minibus or taxi. You are then transferred to a central meeting point, either Birch Services or Poplar Services dependant upon where you live, where the coach is waiting for you. Within 15 to 30 minutes you’re on your way aboard our luxury coach travelling directly to your holiday destination, making suitable stops en-route.

The hotels that we use are of a 3 or 4 star standard or occasionally a good quality family run 2 star hotel. Upon your return to either Birch Services or Poplar your taxi or minibus is waiting to whisk you home.

Included in every tour... l

Good Standard Hotel l Half Board l All Excursions l Door to Door Service

Ellen Smith Price Promise 1. Everything is included in the final price – no hidden charges 2. Every customer will pay the same price - no last minute reductions!

3. No currency charges - even post Brexit!

4. Any additional charges from the hotel will be passed on without surcharge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we'll refund the difference to the whole coach

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TOUR

10th Feb Mature Singles-Cotswolds

OUT NOW!

www.ellen smith.co.uk Membership No: 10228

HOTEL Holiday Inn Leaminton Spa

13th Feb

Cosy Break Torquay

Headland Hotel

13th Feb

Mystery Tour

??????? Hotel

17th Feb A Cornish Winter Warmer

Coach Tou

rs 2 017 DATE

2017 BROCHURE

D O O R TO DOOR

A SELECTION OF OUR 2017 COACH TOURS

Parties, Bingo & Entertainment ???????????????

Rosemundy House

20th Feb

Bournemouth

Mayfair Hotel

20th Feb

Eastbourne

Haddon Hall

24th Feb

Llandudno

Marlborough

27th Feb

Paignton

Palace

5th Mar

Discovering Shropshire

Buckatree Hall

6th Mar

Lake District

Cumbria Grand

6th Mar

Llandudno

Tynedale

13th Mar

Bournemouth

Durley Dean

20th Mar

Looe, Cornwall

Portbyhan

Join our friendly bunch !

Cream Tea, Sherry, Wine Snack lunches, Cream tea and £1 bar £1 bar from 8pm to 11pm ’All Saints’ theme – nearly full!

DAYS

PRICE

5

£249

5 £219 5

£199

5 £229 5

£239

5 £205 4

£199

Super Hotel ‘Cosy Break’ theme 5 £229 A relaxing retreat

5

All Inclusive plus min 2 nights entertainment 5 Landlubbers Cruise Leisure facilities including pool Newly refurbished hotel

5

£239 £259 £299

5 £239 5

£249

INTERESTED?

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2017 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate.

Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk Find us on facebook & twitter (searchwww.50plusmagazine.co.uk for ellensmithtours)

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| 11

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by just like you. There’s an extra bonus too – a tour manager who ensures that all the logistical hassles are taken care of and that the group ‘gels’ together.

And then there are local guides, who share their inside knowledge and help bring destinations alive. On sporting trips, coaches are on hand to match up players, so you enjoy your games and improve too. Some of the major coach tour companies organise singles only trips around the UK and Europe too, which provides yet another option!

Beach and hotel holidays

Singles holidays

by J ennie C arr from S ilver T ravel A dvisor

If you’d like to flop and drop, with company when you choose, there is a wide range of places to go, around Europe or beyond. Singles’ specialists, Solos Holidays have an extensive range of places to get away to where the sun shines, the beach is glorious and the pool all yours. Quite often, the hotels they use are exclusively theirs, so everyone is a fellow solo traveller.

And if activities are on offer, you’re free to join in or not. Sometimes a day on the sun lounger is just too tempting. In the UK, Solos Holidays, Warner Leisure Hotels offer hotel breaks with zero or limited supplements. Go on, why not spoil yourself?

Top Tips Singles travelling on holiday can celebrate! You are a fast-growing group of people and the options are getting more plentiful by the month. Tour operators and cruise lines are now vying to bring you the perfect trip. What could be better?

We know it seems daunting when you think about taking your first trip alone – we’ve been in the same shoes.

However, from all reports, once you’ve taken the first brave step, there is no looking back. You might even wonder what took you so long!

Cruises I recently spoke to a single lady in her 60s who told me she loved cruising because it is safe, she knows that the ship is secure and that should anything happen, she’ll be missed. More and more cruise lines are re-fitting or building with single cabins, all just as comfortable as doubles! And what’s more, coffee mornings and activities are organised for those travelling alone, so you can meet others in the same

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situation. At dinner, singles’ dining tables are allocated, so if you’d like to be sociable, you can be. Excursion companions and dancing partners are often available too. So you can cruise around the UK coast, voyage to Antarctica or visit sites around the Mediterranean, comfortable in the certainty that you’ll be included in all the activities and well looked after. Saga Holidays have now started offering river cruises just for singles too!

Escorted tours and activities holidays These are a real joy for the solo traveller. You’re joining a friendly group, all who have a similar interest, whether it be going to historic British houses and gardens, playing tennis, walking on islands, visiting ancient Greek ruins or meeting pandas in China. There really is a holiday for everyone. And interestingly, many tour companies tell us that between a third and a half of everyone travelling this way are holidaying on their own, which means that you’ll meet others

We are frequently asked about single supplements, which can be a barrier to those travelling alone. Several cruise lines, escorted touring companies and activities holiday specialists offer same sex sharing to avoid the supplement.

Just ask when booking, and if no else wants to share, you then have the room to yourself. However, many companies have great offers with no or low supplements, it’s just a question of enquiring. Always be willing to request the best price or the latest deals – you may be surprised at what’s available.

These are sometimes missing from websites and brochures. Ask and you just may receive!

Fact Box: Silver Travel Advisor has produced a useful mini guide for the Solo Silver Traveller, with advice, recommended companies and contact details. To receive your free copy, go to www.silvertraveladvisor.com and type ‘Guide solo’ into the search box, top right hand side. We’ll post a one out to you, or it can be downloaded electronically.

TRAVEL

Travelling through airports by Jennie Carr from Silver Travel Advisor Airports can be heaven or can be hell, so Silver Travel Advisor have teamed up with Your Service Centre Gatwick in partnership with Sky Break, to make life just that little bit easier. You can receive a printed copy of The Silver Travellers’ Guide to Gatwick Airport, free of charge through the post or electronically, by going to www. silvertraveladvisor.com and typing Gatwick guide into the search box, top right hand side.

If you are flying from another UK airport and wish to familiarise yourself with the lie of the land, you can find real maps and terminal diagrams at www. airportguides.co.uk or by visiting the airport’s own website. From Aberdeen to Southend, with many in between, this information can really help you plan your airport experience. And this is particularly helpful if you prefer to use a lift instead of the escalators, or require an accessible toilet. Many special features of the airports are

clearly marked so when you do arrive, you can confidently get to where you need to go. And should you be spending time in transit, it’s a good idea to take a look at the facilities at this airport too.

It’s always worth remembering that you are entitled to special assistance, should you need it, from the door of the airport to the foot of the aircraft steps, and this should be provided by the airport. You can call well in advance to advise of your mobility requirements, talk to the airline or travel agent if you can’t find the airport number on line. You might also decide to take advantage of a ‘Meet and Assist’ service which will make certain you are well looked after, on arrival and departure.

medication in your suitcase for the hold, so you have extra in case of an emergency. And remember not to exceed the maximum of 100ml for any liquids otherwise they will be confiscated as you pass through security, which would not be a good start to your journey.

Should you need to take medication in your hand luggage, it’s worth having a doctor’s letter explaining what this is and what it is for so there is no misunderstanding in a foreign country. It is also worth packing spare

And our absolute top tip, is to leave yourself plenty of time to clear security and the find the departure gate. Having an extra 20 minutes for a cup of tea is so much better than getting stressed whilst you rush through the terminal.

· · · · ·

· · ·

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5 TOP TIPS from M ove it or L ose it !

January – a time of resolutions and diets – which comes precisely at the time of year we have no desire to eat salads or motivation to go jogging in the dark!

Here’s 5 top tips that fit into a busy day and are exactly what we need to focus on at 50+. Think of the word FABS – which stands for Flexibility, Aerobics, Balance and Strength – and you’ll have it covered.

First the Aerobics, simply climb the stairs. You won’t believe what a great all round exercise this is, not only does it work your thighs, it gets your heart pumping too. By generating heat (usually after 5 flights of stairs you’ll start to notice your breathing rate go up) you are also burning calories. And here’s the best bit, research shows the more stairs a person climbs the ‘younger’ their brain so make sure you go up and down stairs 10 times a day at home or work.

Next, Strength. After 50 our muscles start to decline unless we do something to make them work against a resistance.

No time or inclination to go to the gym?

No problem! A simple resistance band is a fantastic bit of kit which you can use

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anywhere. To tone up your arms and target bra bulge, do this using a band that makes your muscles feel tired after 10 repetitions.

after menopause so here’s a simple stretch for your hamstrings so you’ll be able to try on those thigh-high boots with ease.

•

•

•

•

• Stand with one foot just in front of the other – heel on level with toes.

• Now bend the back knee and push your bottom back, place your hands on the thigh of the bent leg.

• You should notice that as the front leg straightens out you will feel a big stretch along the hamstrings.

• Keep your chest lifted and abdominal muscles pulled in slightly. Hold for up to 20 seconds then repeat on the other leg.

Sit towards the front of an upright chair, lay the band on your lap and scoop it up with palms facing upwards about hip distance apart.

Draw the hands apart but keep your elbows tucked in to your waist.

Now draw the band towards your hips taking the elbows behind you and pull your shoulder blades inwards as if you’re squeezing a grapefruit between them.

Hold for 3 seconds then take hands back to the starting position and release the tension in the band.

Now put all of these together and Dance. Either join a class or simply put Balance is not something we incorporate on your favourite music and get moving. into our life unless we do yoga and By turning, stepping and getting your whole body moving you will get your often declines without us noticing. So endorphins going to lift your winter test yourself out. Make sure you have a mood and help you feel FABS all year chair to hold onto for support, then lift round. one knee up so you stand on one leg.

Can you hold this for 30 seconds without wobbling? If you can, that’s great, now Article written and accredited to fitness challenge yourself to do it with your expert Julie Robinson,Move it or Lose it. eyes closed! It’s tricky so take care. With practice you will improve so do this every Receive 10% off all products excluding training using the discount code day when you’re brushing your teeth or JAN10. waiting for the kettle to boil.

Flexibility. Have you ever struggled to put on your hold-ups gracefully? Our ligaments and tendons tend to get stiffer

Tel: 0800 612 0450 www.moveitorloseit.co.uk

HEALTH also follow the paths that lead into our own interior world.”

All in all then, walking is good news.

So how can you make the most of your new healthy hobby? Here’s our top tips on walking technique, the best tools, and the most scenic routes to discover the best bits of Britain’s beautiful countryside.

Count your steps The first step is to get a pedometer (or download an app to your phone) to find out how many steps you take during a normal day. Track your steps for the week and work out a daily average. Even if you have a sedentary desk job, you might be surprised by how many steps you take walking to the water cooler!

GET MOVING & improve your life BEING fit and over 50 goes together far more these days than it once did and for all sorts of reasons.

Our parents may not have gone to the gym as part of their weekly routine, played a sport or watched their diet, but tougher times in particular didn’t lend themselves to this kind of self-awareness.

Sarah Hanson, health practitioner and researcher at UEA’s Norwich Medical School. “What’s more, people find it relatively easy to stick with this type of exercise regime.”

Today, we are all expected to live far longer, thanks to a better diet, healthcare and improvements in technology and medical research. However, just how we live our lives is entirely up to us.

Walking can even increase creativity, as a study from Stanford University discovered in 2014.

It’s a fact that we have never before had sport and healthy activities more available and accessible to everyone.

Of course, you don’t necessarily have to pay for these pastimes. One of the best exercises of all is entirely free: walking.

Forget hydro-cycling and doga classes (that’s yoga with dogs) — one of the best types of exercise you can do comes completely for free, and you can do it absolutely anywhere. Researchers have found the simple act of walking to have a whole host of health benefits, from reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of diabetes to improving self-esteem.

“The benefits are wide ranging — and they go above and beyond making people more physically active,” says

“Many people anecdotally claim they do their best thinking when walking.

We finally may be taking a step, or two, toward discovering why,” wrote Stanford doctoral graduate Marily Oppezzo and Professor Daniel Schwartz in their study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition.

“We’re not saying walking can turn you into Michelangelo,” says Oppezzo. “But it could help you at the beginning stages of creativity.”

As Peter Owen-Jones, Walking Correspondent at The Sunday Times and author of Pathlands: Tranquil Walks Through Britain, puts it: ”When we walk, we walk through two landscapes: an exterior land of trees, seas, cities, mountains and fields but we

The NHS recommends that you should aim to take 10,000 steps a day. There are plenty of ways to gently introduce more steps into your daily routine — getting off at an earlier bus stop, for example, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Why not try taking a stroll during your lunch break, or visiting a colleague at their desk instead of emailing them?

Perfect your posture Even though walking is something everyone can enjoy, there are still some guidelines you need to follow. You not only need to pay attention to how far and fast you walk, but the way in which you do it. Whether you’re trying to stay fit or just go out for a stroll, walking with the proper form can help you move more efficiently and prevent injuries and stress to the body.

‘Learning to use good walking posture will help you breathe deeper, relax your shoulders and neck, and avoid back and hip pain,’ says marathon coach Wendy Bumgardner.

‘Imagine a string attached to the top of your head. Feel it lift you up from your hips so you are tall and straight,’ explains Bumgardner.

‘Now engage your core muscles by slightly sucking in your stomach. This will help you maintain good posture while walking.’

Buy the proper shoes Walking shoes come in many varieties and it’s important to find a pair that will offer you support, flexibility and

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cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and protected.

While there is no one best shoe for all walkers, there are certain things to look for in your shoes that will ensure your feet are happy wherever they roam.

As you’ll be on your feet for a long period of time, shoes with ample cushioning are essential to prevent foot fatigue. If your walking shoes aren’t flexible enough, your ankle and shin muscles won’t be able to fulfil their natural movements, and you may set yourself up for an injury.

body is England Golf, which can tell you about clubs and courses around the country.

Visit www.englandgolf.org for more information.

If you don’t want to take part in any specific sport but do want to improve your fitness, how about going to the gym? You don’t have to be a member of some gyms based in local sports centres, and private gyms may have special rates for senior citizens.

In contrast, too little flex can lead to injuries such as plantar fasciitis and heel and foot pain caused by over-stretching the foot’s tissue. This is especially true for older walkers, whose feet may be losing their natural flex.

Look in your local telephone directory or opt for an established gym in your own area. Staff are usually very helpful with advice – after all, everyone wants us to be fitter and healthier as we grow older!

Joining a gym

Cycling

Working out at a gym can improve your health. In addition to helping you to burn fat and calories, cardiovascular exercise also helps to strengthen your heart and can even prevent against risky medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Cardio exercise can also help you sleep through the night more soundly, relieve stress, have a more positive attitude and increase energy levels. Gyms offer a wide variety of cardio choices through both machines, like the treadmill, elliptical trainer and stationary bike, and group exercise classes, such as cardio kickboxing, aerobic dance and group indoor cycling. At a gym, you can also enlist the help of a personal trainer, who can guide you on the best methods and techniques in order to reach your fitness goals.

Achy knees, exercise induced asthma or general mobility issues may have brought your cycling career to an early end. But now there’s way to get back out on the open road safely and effortlessly.

Cycling has always been a popular way to enjoy the countryside whilst staying fit.

However, the electric bike has opened it up to a new section of cyclists. Some people may argue that a conventional cycle will keep you fitter.

What do you picture when you think of an electric bike? Up until recent years, the idea of a battery-powered bicycle

was much more appealing than the reality of using one.

Primitive batteries, bulky metal frames, and even weightier price tags made them more of a novelty than something you could use every day.

Technology has come a long way since then, and electric bikes are now more popular than ever. The only difference is, it’s harder to tell them apart from ordinary bikes!

Modern, smart and versatile Thanks to some very clever design and engineering, electric bikes have reached a stage where they look and feel just like ordinary bicycles. The idea is that you can cycle under your own steam as

Many people take up golf in their later years and it is certainly a sport with a strong social life attached as well as the opportunity to play at a variety of courses. It’s not necessarily a cheap sport if you join a club – although worthwhile if you play regularly – but it offers enjoyment in the fresh air in attractive rural surroundings.

Comfortable, lightweight but waterproof clothes and suitable golf footwear are necessary, and if you can’t borrow clubs or hire them, you will need to invest in a decent set of golf clubs. However, it is possible to pick up clubs second-hand on ebay or elsewhere. The sports’ governing

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Walking shoes come in many varieties and it’s important to find a pair that will offer you support, flexibility and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and protected.

HEALTH

EXCLUSIVE

FREE ONE DAY PASS you’re used to, and when the going gets tough, flick the switch and let the electric motor do the work for you!

A recent Australian study shows that on an electric bike a rider maintains a heart rate intensity that is mainly in the target range where cardio vascular benefit is gained, fats are burned in producing energy and no lactic acid build up occurs. Riding a conventional cycle provides the strongest cardio vascular and fitness workout. The intensity, however, is often so high that carbohydrates would be used for energy along with lactic acid build up.

Enjoy full use of our

4 fitness centres GYM

SWIM

CLASS

RELAX

A study of 20 healthy but sedentary subjects (10 male and 10 female) showed improvement to general health condition, stating: “The conclusion remains that the electric assisted bike can help overcome the barrier to physical activity.”

When looking at gyms there are a variety of options out there. If you are new to exercise, apprehensive or feel like you need regular support then make sure you choose an environment that offers support, guidance, a sense of community with a range wide of facilities at no extra cost than the monthly/annual subscription. This way you will get the most from your membership and have support on hand to guide you towards your goal.

Locally, in Rochdale, a venue such as Link4Life, which operates 4 venues at Heywood Sports Village, Littleborough Sports Centre, Middleton Arena and Rochdale Leisure Centres, offers a great value membership including Gym, Swim, Classes and Relaxation areas all for one price. Make sure your new gym includes free inductions, programme reviews and classes before you commit.

To get in touch with Link4Life, please see the advert opposite for your local venue.

Call your local centre and quote ‘50PLUS’ to arrange your free pass today.

01706 924200 @Link4Life

01706 923170

01706 927560

01706 927202

yourlink4life

*T&C’s apply. Correct at time of print.

Link4Life is the trading name of Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust. Registered Charity No: 1118610

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Sir

Rod Stewart

THAT rich raspy voice, the little red rooster haircut and the cheeky grin – you immediately know it’s Rod Stewart. The enduringly popular singer at 71 is still pulling in the crowds, the hits and the accolades.

In fact, he’s just been knighted!

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Sir Rod is in the middle of of a major sellout national tour that starts and finishes at the Liverpool Echo Arena and takes in major venues from Belfast to Birmingham, including London’s O2 Arena. And if you thought that decades of touring had made him jaded, you’d be wrong.

“What a great line-up of venues!” he stated. “These are some of my favourite buildings in my favourite cities. “I give you fair warning – fasten your seat belts.

I’ma pulling out all the stops!”

It’s fair to say, though, that the singer’s career has always involved pulling out all the stops.

He was born in Highgate, London, the youngest of five children of a Scottish father. Young Rod had a happy childhood; there was a household interest in football and it spawned a love of the game, and a love of Scottish football specifically, that has been a hallmark of Rod’s life.

The following year was pivotal in his career. The Faces released their second album, Long Player, which did better than the first, and Rod released his third solo album, Every Picture Tells A Story, which made him a household name.

The track Reason to Believe was taken from the album and became a minor hit in both counties but when DJs started playing the B side, Maggie May, the fun really started. It became No.1 in both the UK and the US. By the time Rod released his fourth solo album, it looked like his time with the Faces was coming to a close and he later moved to America.

In the intervening years since those early heady years, his music has evolved much like the man himself and his hits are equally legends.

As fate would have it, along came the Small Faces and at the same time, Rod signed a solo record contract.

The Faces, as they became, built a solid fan base in the UK and America, releasing an album in 1970. In the meantime, Rod released his second solo album, Gasoline Alley, and supported it with an American tour.

His love life has been almost as famous as his music, and certainly as flamboyant as his appearance. He has been married three times, previously to Alana Stewart and Rachel Hunter, and is currently married to Penny Lancaster. He has eight children.

“I think it’s absolutely marvellous being famous. I love it. I like walking down the street and being recognised. I don’t go out of my way to be recognised.”

Fortunately, music was another love in his life and he was influenced by top soul singers then like Otis Redding and Sam Cook. This was the early ‘60s and pop music was sweeping the nation. Rod joined Birmingham-based rhythm and blues group Jimmy Powell and the Five Dimensions and toured the UK.

Early in 1966, the group disbanded and Rod joined Shotgun Express, before becoming a member of better known the Jeff Back Group. This heralded a rise to stardom and where he honed his style as a dynamic, sexy lead singer. Hit records followed but, sadly, the group began to fall apart.

Rod recognises that people have certain sartorial expectations of him. As he commented: “I don’t think people expect Bruce Springsteen to come out in a pink satin jacket but Rod Stewart they do. And I like doing it, I don’t wear it just because I think I have to. I’m a very flamboyant person.”

He has never shrunk from publicity, but never particularly courted it, either. His philosophy on this is simple: “I don’t know anybody that doesn’t like being famous in the first place.

He was talented in the sport, too, and had trials at Brentford FC, in the Third Division at the time, but he was never signed.

Back in London again, he then joined Long John Baldry’s band, the Hoochie Coochie Men, which later became Steampacket and toured as support for The Rolling Stones and the Walker Brothers.

Mod clothes to the tight tartan trousers and often eye-popping fashions that helped establish his sense of style.

That Scottish heritage also makes him canny about cash. “I don’t mind buying one round of drinks,” he stated, “but I am b****y well not going to buy another.

“I’m a very flamboyant person.”

The days of raw rock like Do Ya Think I’m Sexy? gave way to a smoother, very different repertoire and in the early 2000s he released a series of successful albums interpreting the Great American Songbook.

In spite of changes in musical fashion, Rod has always had his fans and been a major star, probably because he has been able to adapt. And it’s worked - he’s sold more than 200 million records worldwide and is viewed as being able to sing virtually any type of song.

He has always been a snazzy and contemporary dresser, from his early trademark upright hairdo - kept in place by hairspray and determination - and his

“I don’t miss a penny. I get a daily statement about where every penny is going and every investment. I wouldn’t say I worry about money, but you never know what’s around the corner.

“I worry more about my children’s views on money sometimes. They’ve grown up privileged and it’s an ongoing battle they know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

His great, deserved success might have meant a lessening of his enthusiasm for getting onstage. But, as the tickets leap from the box-office for this latest tour, From Gasoline Alley to Another Country – the title of his latest album - Rod is as enthusiastic as ever about performing for the fans, who can expect plenty of his chart-toppers.

Generously, though, while he is always honest about his talent, he insists that he is not the main man.

“Elvis was the king,” he stated. “No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps.”

For more details about Rod Stewart’s latest tour go to www.rodstewart.com/events WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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this provision in place to allow the continued smooth running of the business in the event that you (or they) are temporarily or permanently incapacitated.

There are two types of LPA: - one that deals with property and finances, and one that deals with health and care decisions. By preparing one or indeed both you empower trusted attorneys to make the best decisions on your behalf.

If however a person has not had the foresight or opportunity to prepare an LPA before losing mental capacity then the situation is more problematical, expensive and time consuming as an application will have to be made by an interested third party to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship order.

To complicate matters further, only a fraction of the survey participants said that their chronological age captured how old they feel – I know that feeling.

Daniel Prince | Private Client Partner

What do the Sex Pistols and TS Eliot have to say about old age and why you do not have to be old to have an LPA? Solicitor Daniel Prince recently turned 50, here he looks at the definition of old in our society and what legal preparations you might need to make….

“It was a seminal moment, the big 50, the end of my youth, or so I was told - although I still enjoy following punk bands and have not yet sighted a grey hair - so what does it really mean to be 50?

It’s a fact that people are living longer, we also work longer and hopefully go on to enjoy an active retirement, but that can only happen with forethought, planning for our future, for our finances and for our family.

But what is the definition of old? I googled it and apparently it depends who you ask and how old they are. A recent survey said it was at age 68. However, with the arrogance of youth the under 30s said the typical person becomes old before reaching their 60th birthday - it’ll come to them!! Those currently aged 65 and older say old age begins at age 74. Women, on average, say a person becomes old at age 70, while men say age 66 is old.

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But as a legal professional I know how important it is ‘to get your house in order’ as it were, to have a Will, have retirement and pension planning in place, but also to consider a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

This is not something just for the ‘really’ old, sadly with an increasingly elderly population there will naturally be a greater number of people with dementia, a condition that carries with it a number of debilitating brain disorders.

LPAs should therefore not simply be a consideration for elderly people and there are many other good reasons why younger people should make an LPA. You need to take a minute to consider your own personal circumstances and think about what would happen if you were incapacitated even for a short period of time through an accident or illness: would your spouse or partner be able to access your bank accounts to pay for necessary bills, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, sell a jointly owned house, change mortgage providers, have the standing to question your medical treatment etc?

Also, if you own or have an interest in a business special consideration should be given to preparing an LPA. It is vital that your and or any other business partners have

LPAs are designed to be recognised by financial institutions, care homes and local authorities, as well as tax, benefits and pension authorities. They are legal documents that can be set up alongside your Will.

To protect your interests, an LPA must be signed by a certificate provider, ideally a solicitor who certifies that you understand the LPA and have not been pressurised into signing it. You could choose close friends or relatives (other than your chosen attorneys) who must be formally told that you are setting up an LPA and given the opportunity to raise any concerns.

But essentially aside from being legal documents they make life easier for those around you, they can make decisions on things such as buying and selling your property, dealing with your bills, running your bank accounts and investing your money. If you have a personal health/welfare LPA, they can generally make decisions about where you should live, how you should be treated medically, what you should eat and who you should have contact with.

So as I move onto the next stage in my life shall I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled and measure out my life in coffee spoons as suggested by TS Eliot or should I remember what the Sex Pistols sang about when I was 11 years old, they said there was “no future”, but clearly there was, I am now in it and need to plan for the remainder of it!

Be patient with me I’m training to be an old person…….

What our clients had to say “Pearson’s provided an organised approach to estate administration, clear and intelligent with great client care.”

“The solicitors who visited our house was so kind and very plain speaking in explaining the law to us.”

“Thank you for your excellent attention, it’s made a difficult subject for me into a pleasure. I have been amazed how thorough and quick you are, I would firmly recommend you to anyone.”

Will you or won’t you?

People often turn to solicitors to help make their Will. Will writing is a sensitive area, it’s too easy to put off making one when instead it should be considered prudent planning.

Almost 70% of people do not have a Will, or have not reviewed it due to changing family circumstances for example divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren or changing circumstances and this can have an affect on your estate.

A surviving spouse will not necessarily inherit everything, an unmarried partner has no automatic entitlement, the family home may have to be sold, your children may be unintentionally disinherited.

A Will is an important legal document which takes effect on death and specifies a person or persons (an executor) to immediately sort out your affairs and distribute your estate according to your wishes and to the people you have chosen (the beneficiaries).

If you die and have made a Will your possessions are distributed the way you specified. If you have no Will and die ‘intestate’ your estate is distributed in accordance with the law and the State steps in.

A Will is of course a legal document and it is always recommended that you seek the advice of a solicitor in preparing it – a badly drafted Will can cause problems and unlike Will writers all solicitors are subject to strict regulation - when surveyed 80% of people want a face to face meeting with a trusted adviser, whereas only 4% would be happy to make a Will online.

Whist no one likes to deal with thoughts of mortality you are in essence future-proofing your family and loved ones. At such a difficult time as the loss of a loved one the experience, knowledge and skill of a solicitor can guide you through this often complex area of the law, particularly if unforeseen complications arise.

A few gems from Wills across the Country One lady left £500 to the RSPCA requesting it be used to provide dinners at Christmas for dogs in their care.

One man left his employer one shilling to buy a book on manners.

One Will directed that the estate of £26,000 be placed in trust for 80 years for Jesus Christ should he return within that time.

Quite a number of people came forward to claim the estate which nevertheless passed to the crown after the 80 years was up in 1977.

In 1862 a man left £200,000 in trust for his two sons on the condition that neither grow a moustache.

A lady directed in her will: To my daughter, I leave £1 – for the kindness and love she has never shown me.

One well-meaning will maker gave a legacy to ‘The Royal Society for the Prevention of Birds”.

By bizarre co-incidence another last will and testament included a legacy to the ‘Royal Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals’ One gentleman in his last will and testament wrote: ‘To my first wife Sue, whom I always promised to mention in my will.

Hello Sue!’l

Get in Touch...

Open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5pm and out of hours appointments available.

Call for a FREE chat with one of our friendly professional solicitors on 0161 785 3500.

Whilst we can consult over the telephone we do prefer to meet our clients and gain a true understanding of their needs. We can arrange appointments at your home at a time to suit you, or you can visit us at any of our offices in Oldham, Ashton or Hollinwood.

www.pearsonlegal.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Antonio Carluccio’s PASTA Antonio Carluccio shares his love of Italy’s favourite food, providing innovative and exciting recipes. Here we share three from the ultimate book on pasta from the master of Italian cookery!

Minestrone di Verdure Vegetable and Pasta Soup This version of minestrone is influenced by those served in Lombardy and Liguria, but you will find similar soups – and some surprisingly different kinds – throughout the country. Most minestroni use bits and pieces of vegetables left in the fridge, such as courgette, aubergine, carrot, celery, cabbage, quartered Brussels sprouts, etc.

You could add some potatoes as well, to add thickness.

SERVES 4 4 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 2 litres chicken or beef stock about 1kg vegetables (see above), prepared and cubed 150g dried tubettini pasta 1 x 400g can borlotti beans, drained 3 tbsp fresh pesto salt and pepper, to taste 40g Parmesan, freshly grated

Put the oil in a pan and fry the garlic and onion for a few minutes. Add the stock and prepared vegetables, and cook for about 12 minutes. Add the pasta and drained beans, and cook until tender, about another 6–7 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Mix in the pesto and salt and pepper to taste, and heat very gently. Serve straightaway, sprinkled with Parmesan.

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ALTERNATIVES If you don’t want to have a vegetarian soup, you could add some Parma ham, prosciutto, cooked ham or bacon chunks. You could also use rice instead of pasta, or any other shape of pasta.

FOOD & DRINK Ravioloni Dolci con Marmellata ~ Baked Pastry Squares Stuffed with Jam In our household, when I was a child, this was the best way of using up some of the huge amounts of jam my mother used to make during the season. It was always a delight to come home from school and find these stuffed baked parcels for tea. With six of us to cater for, huge quantities were made each time. The addition of butter to this basic pasta dough (flour and eggs) makes the dough shorter, which makes it more like a pastry and enables it to be baked.

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

MAKES 24 PARCELS PASTRY 300g Italian ‘00’ flour a pinch of salt 3 medium eggs, beaten 75g unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus extra for greasing TO FINISH 400g jam of your choice icing sugar, for sprinkling

To make the pastry, sift the flour into a bowl with the salt, and make a well in the middle. Put the eggs in the middle along with the melted butter, and start to mix the flour from the sides into the liquid ingredients. Mix with your fingers until everything is amalgamated, and you have a smooth pastry. Wrap in cling film, and let the dough rest for an hour in the fridge.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.

With a rolling pin or a pasta machine roll the dough out to sheets 3mm thick and as long as you can. Cut into bands 12cm wide and position a tsp of jam at 5cm intervals (each tsp placed closer to one edge of band than the other). Brush some water around the jam.

Cover the dollops of jam by folding the other long side of the pasta over the filling and press with your hands all round the jam dollops to seal the ravioloni. Cut with a pastry cutter and put the parcels on a greased baking tray.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes. Serve hot, sprinkled with icing sugar, or leave to cool. Either is delicious.

Bury Market, winner of BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards (Best Food Market) really has it all.

With over 350 stalls open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday you will find our friendly traders sell everything you need for making delicious home-cooked meals.

Great quality produce at great value prices, brought fresh to market every day!

Bury Market Tel: 0161 253 6520

: @BuryMarket

Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com

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FOOD & DRINK

Culurgiones ~ Plaited Sardinian Ravioli Every region has some sort of stuffed pasta on the menu, which is often made in order to use up leftovers. Sardinia has a different kind of stuffed pasta, a so-called raviolo whose filling can vary from potato to cheese. Also known as culurzones (and a number of other names), these ravioli even look different from those of other regions. They are delightful anyway, despite the fact that a little more work is involved.

SERVES 4 fresh egg pasta salt and pepper, to taste 60g pecorino cheese, freshly grated FILLING 30g unsalted butter 200g spinach, blanched, squeezed dry and finely chopped 300g fresh ricotta cheese 2 medium eggs, beaten 80g pecorino cheese, freshly grated 1 sachet powdered saffron a pinch of ground cinnamon SAUCE 50ml olive oil 1 small onion, peeled and finely sliced 120g minced beef 120g lean minced pork 50ml dry Vernaccia white wine 500g canned crushed tomatoes 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage leaves

Make the filling by melting the butter in a wide pan, and frying the dry squeezed spinach for a few minutes.

Let it cool, then add the ricotta, beaten eggs, grated pecorino, saffron and the cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and work everything thoroughly together to a well-mixed paste.

the tomatoes, parsley and sage. Cook slowly for 30 minutes, then taste for salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. First of all, heat the oil in a large saucepan and fry the onion for about 5 minutes to soften. Add the two meats and brown a little, about 5 minutes, then add the Vernaccia followed by

Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water for 4 minutes or until al dente. Drain, mix with the sauce and serve sprinkled with pecorino.

Meanwhile, roll the pasta dough out thinly, by hand or machine, to 1mm thickness, and cut into 8cm circles.

Make and fill the culurgiones .

Pasta by Antonio Carluccio (Quadrille ÂŁ10) Photography: Laura Edwards

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Family & Divorce Divorce and separation can be a stressful and traumatic time for all parties and it’s reassuring to know that here at Bromleys you’ll find a sympathetic approach to the breakdown of your relationship or marriage.

Our experts can help you take the difficult step of starting divorce proceedings or advise you when your spouse has issued proceedings against you.

We can advise you on all aspects of the divorce procedure, obtaining a Decree Absolute, and deal with all financial aspects, including what is to happen to the matrimonial home, children and family finances.

We believe that everyone should have the right to access a solicitor and our free weekly legal surgeries are as popular as ever and below are five of the most frequently asked questions we are asked.

Q.1 Can I get a ‘quickie’ divorce?

Although the media will try and tell you differently there is no such thing as a ‘quickie’ divorce. As a guide, and providing that the petition is undefended, the process can take between three and six months. If a financial settlement is involved this timescale will be extended.

Q.2 On what grounds can I get a divorce?

There is only one ground for divorce, which is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. In order to show this, you can rely on one of five facts, which are: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, two-year separation (with consent), five-year separation and desertion.

themselves, then there is no call for legal professionals or the court to be involved.

However, this can be a very sensitive and traumatic time for all concerned. It may be that parents cannot agree and will seek legal help to negotiate. It is a requirement of the court that the parties involved are referred to mediation to ensure that all avenues have been exhausted before a court application is made. If the matter is unsuitable for mediation, or an agreement is not achieved, then either parent may make an application to the court.

Q.4 What happens to the matrimonial home and other assets?

When couples begin divorce proceedings, the assets of both parties should be disclosed. All assets in sole or joint names can be taken into consideration when determining an appropriate financial settlement. Solicitors and the court can advise on this issue only when full and frank financial disclosure has been provided by both parties.

Q.5 How long do you need to live with someone before they can be your common law partner?

There is no such thing as a ‘common law partner’, and caution should be exercised when parties decide to cohabit.

Cohabiting couples do not enjoy the same protection following the breakdown of the relationship as married couples.

If you need advice on any family law issue, you are welcome to attend our free legal surgeries which are held every Monday and Thursday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. No appointment is necessary. Alternatively, please contact our experts on:

Q.3 What happens if there is a dispute over who the children should live with?

0161 330 6821

The children’s welfare should be the most important factor to the parents and, if they can make the arrangements between

Visit www.bromleys.co.uk to find out about our services and how Bromleys can help.

bromleys@bromleys.co.uk

Bromleys Solicitors LLP - clear, concise legal advice A: 50 Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6XL T: 0161 330 6821 F: 0161 343 1719 W: www.bromleys.co.uk The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice.

We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

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Exceptional Kitchens A kitchen is the heart of any home, so why not make it special. We can offer a no obligation consultation that will give you some idea of how you could be living. Our craftsman bring amazing attention to detail, delivering the kinds of kitchen you have always dreamed of. They specialise in exceeding expectations every time.

Our aim is to make your home better, with a service that is tailored to fit your needs. We are friendly, efficient and professional. No task is too big and no inquiry is too small, we are always happy to hear from you.

Outstanding Bedrooms We are also a market leader in bedroom fitting and design. There is nothing more luxurious and relaxing than settling down in your very own professionally designed bedroom.

www.aakitchensandbedrooms.com www.facebook.com/AA.kitchens.and.bedrooms Tel: 0161 303 3211 Mob: 07904 994486 Email: aakitchensandbedrooms@hotmail.com A: Unit E2, Newton Business Park, Talbot Road, Hyde SK14 4UQ

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HOME

How to give your home that contemporary look WHENEVER we see those posh glossy magazines showing upmarket homes and interiors or watch TV programmes featuring fabulous houses most of us wonder “how can I give my home that contemporary look?”

Actually adapting the latest home interior ideas when you’re working on a realistic budget is not as impossible as it might first appear.

And it’s completely possible to create a new look for your home to bring it completely up to date.

As interior designer Allyson Houghton of Ideas Interior explains: “There are always alternative ways and tricks to get the style you want.”

Unusually, though, sometimes buying bespoke rather than opting for readymade chain-store items can work out cheaper. “For example, if you want gorgeous pelmets and drapes for your home, you may well be better off getting them made than buying them off the shelf,” adds Allyson. “They will fit better and last much longer, and you will be getting exactly the design you want.”

The same principle applies to wallpaper. “You don’t need to invest a fortune to get wallpaper for a feature wall,” she says. “But good wallpaper often comes in wider sizes than the average roll which means it will have fewer joins and look better overall.

“The average wallpaper lasts around four years in most homes before you want to replace it but really good wallpaper is still there in 10 years time, and you will probably still like the way it looks.”

Shop around for smaller items of furniture like bedside tables. “You can pick up cheaper copies in high street stores,” she says. The same applies to cut-glass drawer and door handles.

“Often, just changing the handles on furniture or buying new window poles can update the room.

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BEAUTIFUL

BATHROOMS

“Clearance light fittings can be painted or sprayed, and you can add diamantes or beads on lampshades. Also, if you have throws on furniture already, invest in some really smart cushion covers and trim the existing throws with the same material.”

While it’s always possible to get bargains on the internet, Allyson advises that it’s always best “to see and feel” soft furnishing items in particular. “Colours and textures aren’t always right when items arrive in the post,” she concludes.

“Shop local – you can see everything yourself and still get plenty of bargains.”

Sam Ablard from Brand Interiors knows the wisdom of this advice. The company has 10 stores across the North-west of England selling furniture from famous high street names at discounted prices.

This market also allows them to monitor the latest trends and styles, and Sam reports that the key trend developing this season is an uplift in retro styles. “These are from periods like the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘70s,” she states.

“Choosing a statement piece from one of these eras can totally change the look of a room.”

Whether its a main bathroom, en suite or cloakroom our knowledgeable staff can advise you on our vast range of products and we offer a free survey and Virtual Worlds design service which together with our highly skilled installers will transform your dream bathroom into a reality.

FULL DESIGN AND INSTALLATION SERVICE

If you are updating your home interior, Sam suggests one clever way –

“Add an oversized mirror – it creates a statement and enhances the light in your room.”

And she points to one range, Gallery Direct’s, fresh and exciting new range of accent mirrors “that will transform any room into a 1920s dance hall.”

Other bang on trend ideas that can be replicated at home include turning alcoves in your lounge or living room into stylish additions. While made-to-measure bookcases installed either side of a fireplace in a traditional lounge will really enhance it, you could instead group pictures on shelves for an elegant display.

Tuck away the TV, music system and other media in an alcove to add to available space and integrate them with modern cube units or fitted cabinets. And if you have an alcove space in your home-office, they’re a great place for built-in cupboards for your files and stationery.

20 Shaw Road, Oldham, Lancashire OL1 3LS

Tel: 0161 633 2533 www.bradburybathrooms.com

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Kitchens are often the heart of the home so if you’re looking to update yours consider making it into a kitchen-diner.

Providing the space to cook, eat and entertain together as a family or with friends makes for a more relaxing atmosphere. In some homes, taking out a downstairs wall frees up much-needed kitchen space to provide open-plan layouts and a place to socialise all year round.

HOME

WONDERFUL WETROOMS Cover an existing headboard in fabric to match curtains to update the room.

Go for a more streamlined look in the kitchen with handleless kitchen units and stainless steel worktops. Add clever lighting for a touch of drama and colourful chairs to soften a contemporary colours-scheme. Consider deep blues, white and grey in the kitchen and add low-hung pendant lighting over a central island.

Bathrooms can be updated and improved with more efficient use of space. In a small bathroom, use neutral colours that run along the floor, up the walls and even continue onto the bath and toilet to give a feeling of neverending space.

Add depth to a narrow bathroom by creating a feature wall with one block colour or exposed brick. Dark colours can work well in a bathroom and can add an elegant and opulent touch.

Consider adding a skylight to open up your bathroom and create a light and airy space. White furnishings may help to bounce light around this room, allowing you to inject more personality with the addition of interesting accessories.

Lighting is particularly important here, too, especially next to mirrors.

For a retro look in your bathroom, try hanging clever storage areas on walls and add pale pastel hues to bring the bathroom to life. If you prefer a hotel-style bathroom, try a black and white colour-scheme inter-mingled with soft grey for a fresh and modern style. Remember, too, that wet rooms are currently very popular and if you’ve got the space they can be a boon to easier living.

The latest looks in bedrooms include large patterns on the walls, even if you have a small bedroom. Invest in good bed linen in the sales to make your bed look extra-special, and look out for headboards which can really tie a bedroom together. Cover an existing headboard in fabric to match curtains to update the room. * For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk and www.brandinteriors.co.uk

For some people bathing can cause difficulties including standing up whilst showering or getting in and out of the bath. We make it easier with our range of wetrooms, low profile shower trays and vast array of glass panels and doors.

EXTENSIVE RANGE OF PORCELAIN & CERAMIC TILES

20 Shaw Road, Oldham, Lancashire OL1 3LS

Tel: 0161 633 2533 www.bradburybathrooms.com

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Landmark

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Get Financially Organised for 2017 Eating and drinking less and starting a gym membership may all be on your New Year’s resolution list, but how about getting financially organised? For many people the holiday period provides a time for reflection to consider their current financial status and longer term plans. In the current climate this is more important than ever.

Experience tells me that for many people dealing with financial matters is a task that is put off for as long as possible. Today’s world of complex financial products and restraints on time mean that financial planning works its way down the priority list.

Why should you want spend time planning?

I think the two most important benefits are psychological: a feeling of being in control and creating a purpose for your long term aims. Being in control takes the stress out of many situations in regard to investing or spending money, and measuring your financial progress means you have more focus on how your money is working for you.

What is involved in the planning process?

The steps are as follows: 1. Determine your short and long term financial and lifestyle aims.

2. Analyse your existing investments and patterns of income and expenditure.

3. Formulate a financial strategy that will allow you to meet your aims.

4. Implement the strategy.

5. Review aims and progress of your investments to take into account changing personal and legislative circumstances.

Follow these rules and you will be moving to financial independence. Have a great 2017!

Creating a financial plan that works for you

Specialists in retirement planning

Eric Mowinski

At Landmark we are focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients.

Our philosophy is perhaps best summed up by our statement of purpose.

"We help clients make informed decisions about their money through our financial planning and investment management expertise. We give people the financial confidence to enjoy life, reassured by our personal approach and the attentive care we take over managing their financial well-being."

Shelagh Taylor

Call Eric Mowinski or Shelagh Taylor on 01457 870008 or visit our website www.landmarkfs.co.uk to find out more.

Landmark

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Landmark Financial Planning Limited 27 Sam Road, Diggle, Saddleworth OL3 5PU t: 01457 870008 f: 01457 873016 e: landmark@landmarkfs.co.uk w: landmarkfs.co.uk Landmark Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

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CELEBRATING COLOUR IN ACTIVE AGEING Have you ever considered the impact of colour as we age?

Helen Venables, Managing Director of House of Colour does; every day with her clients and 100-person team in fact.

COLOUR - THE POWER OF BEING POSITIVE “Colour is key to every part of our lives and we see every day how what you wear can affect how you feel. For example, the right colours make us feel positive and full of vitality whilst the wrong ones drain us and can alter our moods negatively. This becomes increasingly obvious in how we dress as we age and in my view the more we embrace our true colours, the more we can influence how we feel and how others feel about us.

“Given that, whether we like it or not, we make decisions about someone and the way they look within seconds of meeting them, we need to consider what message we want to give others - perhaps that we are stylish, fun or professional? Many clients come to us because they are on emotional journeys, perhaps they are having a milestone birthday, have lost their style confidence or something significant has happened in their lives such as divorce or retirement.

“Whilst most of us know being active is important to combat heart disease, diabetes, and dementia, how many of us think about the link between positive emotional stimulation and good ageing?

Our levels of dopamine and serotonin naturally increase when we are happy and energised, and cortisol is suppressed. In fact, a positive outlook in life is thought to be able to add up to eight years to a life, so if we know colour affects our moods and outlook, then we know that colour is important as we age.”

So how else do we know colour is important in ageing? Psychologists have documented that colour does more than appeal to the senses. It also boosts memory by helping us to process and store images more efficiently than black and white would. People suffering from dementia may have visuo-perceptual difficulties, for example they may mistake a blue coloured floor as water or may

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have problems telling the difference between blue and purple.

AGEING STYLISHLY Venables argues every decade or so, we change the way we dress because the psychological drivers to keep us feeling attractive and healthy change with age.

“For women in their 50’s in particular, there is often a stark realisation that weight, skin and physical appearance are changing. For those in their 60’s, many will be coming to the end of a career. In our 70’s plus we may feel most positive through the gift of grandchildren.”

Our skin also changes, intrinsically because it may become more dry and atrophied, with loss of elasticity and new fine wrinkling because of hormonal changes and a decline in tissue function; and extrinsically because of exposure to ultraviolet light including altering pigmentation and collagen degeneration. Whilst we don’t change so much as we age that our colour seasons alter, we can apparently shift within our season. “We suggest that clients get re-rated every five to seven years to check that their wow colours haven’t shifted slightly because, as we age, we lose some of the contrast in our natural colouring which fade with time.

The right coloured make-up is a good way of adding the contrast back into natural colouring.

“Essentially wearing the right colours, feeling great about ourselves, and shining rather than becoming increasingly invisible is a vital part of active and positive ageing.”

THE PROCESS OF COLOUR ANALYSIS House of Colour personal stylists use a selection of either yellow or blue based colours to test what suits each client.

Fabric drapes are held against the face to determine the most appropriate range of colours, aptly labelled: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Accessories and make-up are also discussed as part of the programme to assess what really suits the client and what makes them look healthy.

The process consists of wearing a white cloak, facing the mirror with hair tied

back in natural daylight to stop any distractions. Colours are compared with the pigments that sit underneath someone’s skin to determine which colours of clothing and accessories lift the face, and which ones are more unflattering.

HISTORY OF COLOUR ANALYSIS In the 20th century the Swiss artist Johannes Itten, who worked and taught at the Bauhaus School of Art in Germany, is attributed with being the first person to associate colours with four types of people and the twelve point colour wheel which is widely used today on paint charts for home decorators, in dyeing kits and in hairdressers' colour charts.

Itten and others, through their involvement with colour, established that each individual has a basic skin pigment which falls into one of four groupings which are defined by the unique combination of depth, hue and tone; in colour analysis these have become known as Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter because of the pattern of colours found in each group. Two of these groups reflect warm-based colours which complement Spring and Autumn; the other two reflect cool-based colours which enhance Summer and Winter.

Robert Dorr, an artist who knew of Itten's theories of colour groupings, questioned his medical friends who confirmed that the make-up of the skin's layers can be tinged slightly blue or yellow. The base colour or undertone gives the hue while the surface colour is known as the overtone hence someone can be blue-based with yellowish overtones or yellow-based with a bluish look. The 'Image Consultant' was born.

FASHION KNOW YOUR NEUTRALS It is always sensible to ground most of your core investment pieces (suit, skirt, trousers, jacket) in a darker neutral and add your best colours for impact through your tops, jewellery, bags, lipstick, shoes or other accessories.

Don’t be shy. Neutrals are a wonderful foundation for work but colour is likely to make you more memorable than if you were in just black and white.

Psychologists reckon you are up to 10 per cent more memorable if you pick a colour, even in its neutral tone.

If you’re a winter palette, consider silver, charcoal, indigo, navy, mole and stone.

They are a simple but a fun variation to the typical black, white and grey.

If you’re a summer colour theme, pink beige, mushroom, rose brown, winter white, french navy, dark blue grey, light blue grey, airforce blue and burgundy.

Burgundy also works wonders as a bold lipstick or can be blended into a smokyeye for a change to typically bare-faced, work make-up look.

For those with an autumnal palette, pick dark brown, tan, oyster, coffee, camel, beige, khaki, lizard grey, dark olive, bronze and a marine navy. Particularly for accessories like shoes, belts and coats. This will add diversity to a classic work wardrobe and help to make you stand out and increase your confidence at work.

Spring colour themes can be made neutral with choices like chocolate, beige, dove grey, light dove grey, bright navy, oxford blue, tan, honey, oatmeal and cream. Blues work well as flattering skirts or trousers and creams look lovely on top as a blouse, jumper or cardigan.

Don’t be afraid to mix in current colour and fabric trends with traditional business wear as long as they fit within your style. It’s all about adding your own twist to your outfit. Be confident and comfortable and be visible for all the right reasons.

When you want to add colour and make your outfit more memorable, a bright scarf or tie can add a pop of colour to a predominantly neutral outfit.

A great way to inject colour and add impact is to wear your neutral seasonal colours but carry a statement colour tote handbag or bag. See what reaction you get.

At work, perhaps wear a bold colour or pattern in just one item of your outfit.

For example, without being over-the-top or flashy, you could pair a red dress with a neutral cardigan, tights and shoes.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WINTER COAT 1. See a coat as an investment rather than a typical clothing purchase; you will be wearing it more than any other item during the cooler months. Take your time to find exactly the right one.

2. A classic coat in your seasonal neutral colour never goes out of style and you can create different looks with scarves, boots, or an amazing hat and of course a fabulous handbag!

Accessorising is an easy way to change the look of your coat in an instant. If you are a warm coloured person for example, try a pop of the right shade of orange as a scarf with a dark brown coat or lift a grey coat with a splash of red if you are a cool palette!

3. Choose a colour that lights up or adds warmth to your face and do not be afraid of patterned fabrics that include more than one colour. Winter coats do not need necessarily need to be dark. If you can afford it, I recommend having one classic neutral coloured coat from your seasonal palette, perhaps chocolate, camel, grey or dark blue, depending on your season and a second coat in red or another of your brighter wow colours. Match the coat to your mood, outfit and where you are going.

4. Be practical rather than being overly concerned with trends when buying a coat. The weather at this time of year is why you need a coat in the first place so

you need one that can put up with most varied conditions. Will you be swishing around elegantly at Christmas parties or doing the school run and supermarket sweep?

5. What shape suits you? If you have a tall, narrow frame you are likely to be able to pull off a long, tailored coat with button detail. If you’re smaller than average, a knee-length coat will suit you perfectly and is great for showing off your legs too.

6. There are no set rules of course, but if you have a larger frame, opt for smooth, less bulky fabrics that offer lots of movement and hang well.

7. If you find the perfect coat but you don’t like the buttons, simply change them to something that better suits your style.

8. Don’t forget, you could be wearing layers and chunky knitted jumpers under your coat so make sure there is enough room – especially in the sleeves.

9. Colourful winter wear can lift your mood and energise you when its dull and dark outside. To help you find the right colour, do an online search for your favourite coloured coat but make sure you go in to the shop to try it on.

10. Think about how it makes you feel.

If you look fabulous and feel a million dollars when it’s wrapped around your body, then it’s the right coat. Now for a matching handbag…! www.houseofcolour.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT THEATRE LISTINGS

celebrate Christmas with friends and family.

Oldham Coliseum Fairbottom Street Oldham, OL1 3SW Booking number - 0844 815 4873 General enquiries - 0871 230 2203

Palace Theatre, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FT www.manchestertheatres.com

MEAT PIE, SAUSAGE ROLL Friday 3rd to Saturday 25th March 2017 Amada's Dad is a simple man, there are three things Mick really cares about in this world - his family, his mates and mighty Latics. Last season was the best in the club's history; they got to Wembley not once but twice in an incredible cup run. This season it's all about the league.

SPRING & PORT WINE Thursday 13th to Saturday 29th April 2017 A comedy inspired by the great Lancashire comedies like Hobson's Choice and Hindle Wakes... Funny and moving, Spring and Port Wine is as resonant today as when written in 1959.

HARD TIMES

BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Monday 30th January 2017 A brand new show for 2017, Strictly Come Dancing's Brendan Cole hosts another spectacular production featuring his guest dancers, a new leading lady and a 14 piece band and singers live on stage. Stunning lighting, amazing special effects and superb choreography. It's going be a party!

Don't miss it.

THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Tuesday 31st January 2017 Welcome the Johnny Cash Roadshow, a show not to be missed by avid fans or the casual listener. This year prepare for a musical adventure unrivalled by any other that truly celebrates the career of a music legend, Johnny Cash.

Friday 19th May to Saturday 3rd June 2017

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

Hard Times is set in the fictional Northern Coketown. It portrays the decades' long friendship between mill owner Josiah Bounderby and schoolmaster Thomas Gradgrind.

Wednesday 1st February 2017

THE FATHER

Direct from its success in London’s West End, a sold out UK tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50 Anniversary

Friday 16th June to Saturday 1st July 2017

MOTOWN'S GREATEST HITS

Andre is 80 years old. He had a wonderful career as a tap dancer. He lives with his daughter Anne and her husband Antoine in a chic Parisian apartment. Or was he once an engineer whose daughter Anne now lives in London with her new partner, Pierre?

The thing is he can't quite remember, and he can't find his watch...

DICK WHITTINGTON Saturday 11th November 2017 to Wednesday 6th January 2018 Dick Whittington has fabulous costumes, glitz and glamour, silliness and slapstick and hit songs to sing along to. This pantomime appeals to ALL the family, from kids to not-sogrown-up grown-ups. A great way to

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Friday 3rd February 2017 Now in its 13th successive year, this stunning 100% live show combines first class music together with the slickest choreography, and an amazing band, to deliver truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!

Featuring The Formations, this ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back!

SHOWADDYWADDY Saturday 4th February 2017 'The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World' is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title as they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. Formed in the 1970s

in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured the world.

RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Sunday 5th February 2017 Rumours Of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s ultimate homage to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the stage for their landmark Hits to Blues World Tour. Hits to Blues offers a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances.

MOSCOW CITY BALLET SWAN LAKE Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th February 2017 Moscow City Ballet is currently at its outstanding artistic best – winning new invitations to perform internationally.

Orchestra, choreography, interpretation, beauty and outstanding virtuoso performance win repeatedly rave reviews.

FUNNY GIRL THE MUSICAL Saturday 18th to Saturday 25th February 2017 Hot on the heels of a record breaking, critically acclaimed West End run, this ‘utterly irresistible’ (The Sunday Times) new production of Funny Girl stars Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice.

DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS Monday 27th February to Saturday 4th March 2017 Inspired by the 7 smash hit multimillion selling albums of the same name, the West End sell out sensation Dreamboats and Petticoats features some of the greatest hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll era.

GREASE Friday 10th to Saturday 25th March 2017 Don’t miss Grease, the No.1 greatest musical, as the original, electrifying West End production lights up the Palace Theatre, Manchester for just two weeks!

THE COMMITMENTS Monday 27th March to Sat 8th April 2017

The Commitments is a fantastically feel good celebration of soul. Direct from a phenomenally successful, record breaking two year run in London’s West End, The Commitments is based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic.

STAND BY ME Sunday 9th April 2017 Stand By Me is the phenomenal musical history of a group that helped to define Atlantic Records, inspired early rock and roll and was a forerunner to both the black music movement in 1950’s America and even early Motown.

PSYCHIC SALLY Monday 10th April 2017 The nations favourite psychic, Sally Morgan is back and better than ever with her brand new and most jawdropping show yet - Call Me Psychic.

Manchester Opera House, Quay Street, Manchester. M3 3HP www.manchestertheatres.com

BAT OUT OF HELL Friday 17th February to Saturday 29th April 2017 Following Strat, who has fallen in love with the daughter of the despotic Falco, this new musical is a high-octane rock‘n’roll adventure that tears through over 20 of Steinman’s hits, including I’d Do Anything for Love… (But I Won’t Do That), You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night), Dead Ringer For Love, It’s All Coming Back To Me Now, Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad and Bat Out Of Hell.

THE SOLID SILVER 60s SHOW Sunday 7th May 2017 The Solid Silver 60s Show returns to Manchester. More information to follow.

THE CRUCIBLE Monday 8th to Saturday 13th May 2017 Enter the world of the Salem witch trials: a world of sensationalism, hysteria and the power of celebrity, and ask yourself how innocent we can be as we stand by and watch the drama unfold.

THE WEDDING SINGER Monday 15th to Saturday 20th May 2017 Rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart

is dumped by his fiancée and left considering a career on Wall Street with bad boy Glenn (Ray Quinn). Can sweet natured Julia (Cassie Compton), her best friend Hollie (Roxanne Pallett) and Grandma Rosie (Ruth Madoc) get Robbie back into the groove and follow his dreams?

OUT OF ORDER Monday 29th May to Saturday 3rd June 2017 When a Government Junior Minister plans to spend the evening with one of the Opposition’s typists in the Westminster Hotel, things go disastrously wrong. This stellar company includes Shaun Williamson; Sue Holderness; Andrew Hall; Susie Amy; James Holmes.

GANGSTA GRANNY Wednesday 7th to Sunday 11th June 2017

Bury Market has a well deserved reputation for friendly service, fantastic produce and great value.

Located off J2 of the M66 and with over 350 stalls open every Full Market Day it’s easy to find and even easier to enjoy!

Bury Town Centre is also home to the Fusilier Museum, East Lancashire Railway, Bury Transport Museum and Bury Art Gallery.

From the acclaimed producers of HORRIBLE HISTORIES comes this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children.

Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as Ben embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny!

Portland Basin Museum Portland Place, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0QA Portland Basin Museum has always been a great place to visit, but now there are walking and cycling routes starting from the museum, showing you what great countryside and heritage there is to discover on your doorstep.

Portland Basin Museum is housed within the restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse in Ashtonunder-Lyne. The museum combines a lively modern interior with a peaceful canal side setting. It is an exciting family friendly museum, with something for all the family.

Enjoy our temporary exhibition, and step back in time on our 1920s street, as the sights and sounds of bygone Tameside are brought to life. Take a look into our kitchen and parlour to find out how we used to live. Visitors can explore the area's industrial heritage

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays “Winner National Coach Tourism Awards” Coach Friendly Shopping Destination of the Year “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction

Bury Market Management: Tel: 0161 253 6520 Email: burymarkets@bury.gov.uk Web: www.burymarket.com : @BuryMarket

: BuryMarket

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OUT & ABOUT and discover what life was like down the mines, or on the farm. Find out more about local crafts and industries and marvel at our historic machines.

Younger children will love our 'Nuts and Bolts' educational play area, suitable for children under 5.

Morris Minor Show

Planning a Visit

Sunday 26 February 2017 10am to 4.30pm (cars will be on display until around 3pm)

Portland Basin Museum is situated just outside of Manchester, accessible by car, bus and train. There is a free car park with disabled parking spaces. The museum is free to enter and is fully accessible. The car park is laid with cobbles, wheelchair users may require support to transfer from the car to the museum. Please contact the museum for more information. We offer lots of activities suitable for all ages, please see our events calendar at www. tameside.gov.uk/portlandbasin

Museum of Transport, Boyle Street, Cheetham, Manchester M8 8UW 0161 205 2122 (opening hours) email(at)gmts.co.uk

Classic cars from the 1940s to the 1970s on display The Morris Minor was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis (creator of the Mini) and was built by Morris Motors, later by the British Motor Corporation and eventually British Leyland.

The Morris Minor Owners Club promotes the preservation and use of the post war Morris Minor, 1.6 million of which were produced between 1948 and 1971. This event is organised by the Manchester Branch of the Morris Minor Owners' Club.

Walking You can enjoy the tranquillity of the Peak Forest Canal and River Tame on a four mile walk with the chance of a glimpse of a kingfisher. The three mile ‘Three Canals and a River’ takes in parts of the Ashton, Huddersfield Narrow and Peak Forest canals and the River Tame and passes through some hidden gems. The two mile walk in the heart

of Industrial Ashton looks back to the Victorian age and its legacy.

Cycling The two bike rides are ideal for families or new cyclists. The towpaths have been resurfaced, making the four and five mile routes easy to cycle.

Along the Peak Forest Canal, you can see Plantation Farm, with its Dr. Livingstone connection, and the

16th century Old Hall Chapel. Just off the canal is Newton Hall, one of Britain’s oldest medieval cruck-frames buildings.

On the Ashton Canal you can see Victorian mills and even older, the Fairfield Moravian Settlement dating back to 1785 is a haven of peace in the midst of urban Tameside.

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Experienced team of caring professionals Cinema room, hair salon and nail bar on site Beautiful landscaped garden with sun terrace

To find out more

Call 0333 999 8661

The Millbrook, Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, SK15 3ET

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If you’re aged over 60, call now for your free bowel cancer screening kit If you’re aged over 60, call now for your free bowel cancer screening kit

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“Over the 128 years we have carved out a reputation as a company that people can trust, and this milestone is an achievement of which we are very proud.”

Although funerals have changed considerably since Victorian times, we believe their traditional values still hold true.

“We were taught to be honest in our dealings with the public and to help them as much as possible in their hour of need. Integrity is everything. Because people are vulnerable when they lose someone, the funeral profession needs to conduct itself honourably. We are bound by a strict code of conduct, as stipulated by our trades association, The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF)."

The company ethos is to provide a dignified, quality and caring service whilst keeping a competitive edge. “Most of our work comes from repeat business or referrals from our clients. There are families where four or five generations have used our company. Knowing you can turn to someone you know and trust can be a tremendous relief.”

A good Funeral Director needs to be strong, yet sensitive; they need to have excellent organisational skills, be genuinely interested in people and be willing to go that extra mile. With Denise and Cassie's leadership skills we discreetly take control of the situation, relieving the pressure that inevitably accompanies death.

Pre-payment plans for peace of mind “A lot of our clients are now asking about pre-payment plans. With the cost of funerals rising faster than the rate of inflation we are finding people want to freeze the cost by taking out a pre-paid plan. It offers great peace of mind if there are no relatives to make arrangements and if there are relatives, then it takes the burden off them and reduces the stress that comes with losing a loved one.”

If you would like to discuss funeral plans further please give Denise, Cassie or Linny a call.

David was looked after by Denise and we cannot thank her enough for the way she handled everything. Denise and the staff were excellent and made this very difficult time much easier for us. She organised everything for us and rang us daily to check we were ok - a very caring service. Thank you so much.

Lesley & Charly

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Tel/Fax 0161 338 2520

39 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK 96 Stamford Street,

Stalybridge, Cheshire SK15 1LU

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