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OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE DECEMBER 2013 - FEBRUARY 2014 EDITION 43

Gloria Hunniford Talks of the early days, health & more...

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Festive Finances Keeping on top of Christmas

Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that the festive season is just around the corner. Whether you’re getting ready to celebrate, safe in the knowledge that your Christmas shopping is ready and wrapped or, like us, you plan to do it all last minute, keeping one eye on your festive finances can help take the sting out of the New Year. The good news is that you don’t have to be Scrooge to save money in the countdown to Christmas.

16-17

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We spoke to the Financial Ombudsman Service for their “five gold” tips to avoid a money-related mishap this season:

Buy now, pay later: if you’re buying an expensive gift you

might be tempted to take advantage of an interest-free credit deal on a loan or credit card. Interest-free deals can not only help you spread the cost but can offer you extra protection if the item doesn’t show up or wasn’t as described. If you do take advantage of the offer, make sure you know when the interest-free period ends as repayments after this date can be expensive. And, as always, never borrow more than you can afford to repay.

Pricey presents: many people are sticking to a smaller budget

for Christmas this year – buy you may still have a higher-value surprise or two for your loved ones under your tree. If you do, don’t forget to check your contents insurance policy or speak to your insurer. You may find those perfect presents are not fully covered if they are stolen or damaged

White Christmas: are you dreaming of a snowy start to

Christmas day? Chances are it will be cold, so if you’re warming up your car engine before you head out, don’t leave the car unattended with your keys in the ignition. You could find that you’re not covered by your motor insurance policy if a passing opportunist thief pinches it while your back’s turned.

Bank holiday blues: no-one wants to think of money-matters

when you’re having fun over the holidays. But it pays to keep an eye on payment dates for bills and direct debits over the holiday period. Bank holidays are not ‘working days’ for banks so payments may be delayed - or bounced if you don’t have cleared funds in your account early

Get away: are you lucky enough to be escaping the cold

30-31

36-37

inside...

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Robinsons Holidays...

Affordable peace of mind. Win an 8 day holiday for 2. Find out more on page 46.

8-9

Ancient Turkey...

Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia.

12-13 Gloria Hunniford...

talks of the early days, health & more.

16-17 Beautiful Home...

at Christmas.

30-31 Food & Drink...

Low Fat Winter Warmers

Christmas? Check your travel insurance policy in advance so you know what you are – and more importantly are not covered for. Keep your policy documents and contact telephone numbers to hand too, in case you need to make claim

36-37 Make 2014 Your Year...

Tips to revamp your life in the New Year.

The majority of people will have a hassle-free holiday; however, if a problem arises the ombudsman can help you get it sorted.

McGrath Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594

Telephone 0300 123 9 123 or visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk 4

e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

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Mobile moments of madness

There have been moments recently when I have been sorely tempted to launch my mobile telephone into orbit, pre-programmed to crash to earth on Richard Branson’s head.

Since the beginning of the year my signal from the Virgin network had been gradually worsening often to the point where using a carrier pigeon would have been more effective. Of course the first line of defence for all mobile phone companies are the foreign call centres where everyone is called Godfrey or Marion and you know they’ve never been called that in their life. They’re irritatingly polite and heavily scripted on how to deal with awkward customers going ballistic down the phone and threatening to do all manner of unspeakable things.

“Oh we’re very sorry for the inconvenience Mr Graham,” trilled

one after 45 minutes on the helpline which was the cut off, probably because a passing pigeon had blocked the one bar of signal which I was using. They want you to give in and go away don’t they?

“Oh we’ll be giving you another 3,000 texts as compensation Mr Graham, isn’t that wonderful?”

No! I want to speak to someone not write everything in text, I replied, quietly steaming and thinking of what I’d like to do with the operator’s headset.

Many calls later I was allowed permission to speak to the technical department and, amazingly, I actually understood what he was saying. Virgin had decommissioned a mast close to our area and the signal was weakened because of it and there were no plans to recommission it in the future. Oh

Spreading the news A North Shields man loves Marmite so much that he’s changed his surname by deed poll to match the yeast spread.

Mr Marmite, 38, says he easily gets through a jar a week and also collects Marmite paraphernalia including limited edition jars, cufflinks and a recipe book dating back to the Second World War.

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I was in a quandary about who to go to for service, or should I revert back to the two syrup tins and a length of string which had been so effective in my youth? And cheaper. I settled for Talk Talk but for three days that was precisely what I couldn’t do, talk, until numbers had been ported, sims transferred and I had to threaten to separate at least three help line operators from their important bits.

My wife opted for a package with one of those tablet come Kindly wotsit gadgets. It’s amazing the stuff they have now, even a phone that reacts when you look at it. I’m hanging on until they have one which soothes you when you can’t make a phone call, brews tea and makes a bacon sandwich. Sorry, just having another moment of mobile madness!

Tyred of wasted money It seems to me that an incredible amount of money is wasted on rather useless items, many in the name of education.

Saire May - now Marmite - made the leap to show his ‘devotion and passion’ to the dark brown paste.

“I’m not exactly sure how old I was when I first tried Marmite, but I just remember eating it as far back as I can remember,” he said.

“I like the smell, the taste, the texture.

I think I pretty much like everything about it.”

nice, I live high on the Yorkshire moors and Graham Smith would have thought there Twitter Column was plenty of room for a new mast, but no, said the technical man. I was put through to the public relations department and a very polite chap confirmed that my signal would not improve and I was free to leave Virgin without penalty!

Our local school has just unveiled a “tyre park” which has cost a staggering £10,000. Now how many swimming lessons or creative activities could that money have bought instead of dumping a pile of old painted tyres for pupils to clamber across?

“My family think I’m mad. However my mum just shrugged her shoulders, she expects this kind of thing from me,” he added.

It’s the sort of silly idea which could spread.

In my schooldays we were quite happy with a playground area where we fashioned wickets from a dustbin, chalked goalposts on the wall and if anyone had dumped a load of old tyres there we’d have thrown them out.

Progress?

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Patara Ruins

By Mathew Simpson Simpson Travel www.simpsontravel.com

us with a fascinating insight into the burial customs of the inhabitants of this ancient city. The location of the tombs also helps us to understand the way of life in ancient Lycia and Caria, as they believed that a winged creature carried the deceased to the after world, therefore the burial chambers were constructed on a cliff face. Whilst the entire landscape of Lycia is scattered with a selection of

Ancient Turkey:

Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia Turkey is home to numerous ruins

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fascinating funeral monuments, it is these on the Dalyan Delta that are considered the most imposing and awe-inspiring tombs of the ancient region. At night time the tombs are lit up creating a dramatic, atmospheric backdrop to the delta which can be seen for miles.

Caunos itself is another fascinating attraction. The largest ancient city in the Carian era, it was constructed, according to Greek mythology, by Apollo’s grandson. Those who visit these iconic ruins can discover remains of many different parts of the old city which were uncovered during an excavation, from the ancient amphitheatre to the traditional Hellenistic and Roman temples, to name a few.

Further eastwards, Kalkan lies at the heart of some of the most impressive Lycian sites. Xanthos was a site of exceptional importance in antiquity as it is thought to have been a main centre for culture and commerce.

Extensive excavations and research of the area have led to the discovery of a selection of texts in the Lycian

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language and Greek, as well as a considerable amount of artefacts.

Iztuzu Beach

The British Museum now houses two tombs, the Nereid monument and the Tomb of Payava, both of which were discovered at the ruins. Another tomb, known as the Harpy Tomb, is still located at the remains of the city. Only 4kms south of Xanthos, positioned on the banks of the Xanthos River, is one of the most important religious centres in the region – Letoon – where the foundations of temples can be seen. A further remain – the ancient city of Patara – can also be found in this historically rich region. Excavated in the 1980s, a magnificent Roman arch can be admired, as well as an impressive theatre. Once a prosperous

Bozburun Peninsula

commercial city, the ruins are positioned just a short distance from Patara Beach – one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.

There are also a number of other smaller sites and one of the more interesting and unusual ones is nearby Kekova which is home to the semi-sunken city of Simena. Originally a fishing village, a 2nd century earthquake had devastating effects on Simena – however it left behind an exceptional historical site. Half of the ancient houses have become submerged, with staircases leading down underwater, where the foundations of the buildings and an old harbour can be found. In 1990, this region was declared a protected area, prohibiting swimming and diving.

Further north and on its own peninsula lies the unspoilt rural region of Bozburun, yet another area which is home to other interesting historical settlements located in ancient Caria. From here, you can explore the ancient Greek settlement of Knidos, located just a short drive away on the nearby Datça Peninsula, a ruin that is built partly on the mainland and partly on the Island of Triopion which, in antiquity, was connected to the mainland by a bridge.

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Tommyfield Market

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Tommyfield Market is the largest permanent indoor market in Greater Manchester and is located in the bustling Town Centre of Oldham.

The Market has been present in Oldham for over 200 years and is still- after all those years- captivated in history, diversity and culture.

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excellent range of Jigsaws, Crafts and Stationery’.

With the Market home to over 115 businesses you are never short of things to set your eyes on. It offers a huge range of produce and products to suit everyone’s needs including, fresh fruit and veg, make-up, arts and crafts, haberdashery, and even a little fancy dress shop artistically named Mrs Zippy. Mary Catherine Ward- owner of Mrs Zippyspecialises in fancy dress, craft models and has been a member of the market for an astonishing 47 Years.

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INTERVIEW: GLORIA HUNNIFORD

Gloria Hunniford talks of the early days, health & more...

By Angela Kelly

Gloria Hunniford was just enjoying a few weeks near Nice in France with her husband when we chatted.

It marked a particularly busy time when she had been filming more programmes for the TV hit series Ripoff Britain, which had been extended 12

to cover rip-offs on holidays and on food. And Ms Hunniford, now a lovely 73 year-old with the beautiful skin and enduring looks typical of Irish people, always tries to look after herself.

“You need to keep balance, avoid being thrown off kilter,” she explains. “It’s very easy when you’re busy but I do try to take holidays and eat and sleep properly.”

She’s also a great fan of vitamins, which she takes each day, and admits

to “a certain amount of exercise”, usually walking the dogs or using her exercise bike in front of the TV. “I’ve just lost two stone, though,” she states. “It wasn’t a vanity thing – my sister was diagnosed with diabetes and I asked the doctor what I should do to avoid it. Losing weight seemed a sensible idea so I cut out both sugar and carbohydrates and the weight just dropped off.”

It feels like the popular broadcaster has always been with us. Radio and TV audiences love her, and Gloria has the enduring charm that people of all ages and both sexes find attractive and easygoing.

I once stood next to her in an aiport queue as she took a flight to her native Ireland and her fellow travellers were plainly fascinated by the VIP in their

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midst, but also very warm to her.

She was named after the actress Gloria Swanson but early on she became a singer, entertaining at her dad’s concerts. He was a newspaper man by day and a magician by night.

She spent time in Canada, singing on TV and performing listeners’ Irish song requests on the radio, then returned home where she joined ITV’s new Ulster Television as a production assistant. She continued her singing, though, and got a record in the Ulster charts in 1969.

After she was interviewed on BBC radio, the producer asked her to audition as an interviewer, then hired her for Northern Ireland’s equivalent of the Today programme.

She cut her teeth on news and current affairs, moved on to a nightly news programme and finally ended up invited to work in London. Here, her friendly Irish accident and warm manner quickly won over fans. She filled in for Jimmy Young while he was on holiday, and the banter between her and Terry Wogan – whom she already knew – at the end of the programme swiftly enhanced her reputation. People felt she was a familiar friend on the air.

She was given her own show, Gloria Hunniford’s Open House, and was a daily TV fixture for five years. She still makes appearances on The One Show and became a regular once more on our screens with another very popular series Cash in the Attic, which she loves.

“They’ve got about 20 programmes already made but they’ve also now launched an interactive website and an app which is all very exciting because you can go onto the site anytime you want to, anywhere,” she says enthusiastically.

“I love that programme – I’m a great fan of antiques and I’ve collected them myself for years. I collected so many angels and cherubs one of my sons forbade me to bring any more home!

And I’ve also collected teapots and jewellery crosses.”

She loves the surprises that people get when items they discover go to auction, and thoroughly enjoys the celebrity version. “I’m always amazed at how generous the celebrities are in donating items that can be sold for charity,” she adds.

The Rip-off Britain series is another favourite with her. “I think we came along at just the right time with that brand,” she states. “The recession was just beginning and people felt even more aggrieved if they were being ripped off.”

She is proud of the fact that the evening version draws a regular audience of 5.5 million viewers “and the daytime programme has very respectable figures, too,” she asserts.

Work is plainly far from drying up for the evergreen presenter but she’s quick to state that she actually wants to work.

“I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to,” she adds.

She and her second husband, Stephen Way, live in Sevenoaks, Kent, and family life is obviously very important to her. Her presenter daughter, Caron Keating, died from breast cancer after a brave fight in 2004 and any parent can start to imagine the personal devastation that brought.

“I’ve had loss before, but nothing prepares you for the terrible darkness that descends when a child dies,” says Gloria. “It’s like trying to climb out of a big hole by your fingertips and, just when you think you’re at the top, something drags you back.

“I felt like that for a long time, and many of the people who contacted us when Caron died – we had more than 8,000 letters – said it never really goes away.”

But one person’s letter did strike a chord with Gloria, and showed the way ahead for her. It was someone who

“ I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to” pointed out the importance of carrying Caron’s spirit forward, “I just felt then that I knew what I wanted to do,” she recalls.

Gloria founded the Caron Keating Foundation, administered by the family and with all the funds raised being used to help charities concerned with all kinds of cancer.

The result is that, over the past years, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds which have gone to projects at 47 different cancer charities all around the country.

This is obviously a source of some consolation to Gloria and her family, although you suspect that Caron is in her thoughts every day. “Someone said that people never die if they remain on the lips of the living,” she states, “and I believe that.”

* To visit the Cash in the Attic website, go to CashInTheAttic.com

13

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TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

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TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

20/4/11 15:39:57

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Ashton Market People you know selling things that you want

15

A Beautiful Home at

Christmas The Christmas tree is often the main feature of decorating your home for the festive season, so place it in the room you will use the most. Putting the tree by the window gives a vision of warmth and comfort to you and your visitors before you have even come inside, or putting it next to the fireplace gives a fantastically traditional setting for Christmas morning.

16

Alternatively you could have trees in a number of rooms, which can be decorated to suit their environment – for example an edible selection of treats for the kitchen tree, and a tiny tree or just a decorated branch for the children’s rooms with wooden trains, soldiers, drums and fairies.

Alternatively, a theme focusing on metallics could incorporate browns, oranges and golds, as well as amber and bronze to bring warmth to your decor. Find branches of mottled oak leaves and create a display or a wreath using small bronze beads or gold acrylic drops.

If you are using a traditional colour scheme at Christmas of red and green, make one colour more dominant than the other such as lots of red with a splash of green as this will be more pleasing on the eye.

Glass can bring a stunning ice effect to your decorations. Choose a glass sculpture for the entranceway, or place baubles in decorative glass bowls for the table.

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holly and ivy look fabulous with traditional amaryllis and roses. Try creating a spray of lush green over a painting or on a mantle piece, or use a berry-covered branch to display your Christmas cards.

A Jack Frost theme of white, silver and aqua will bring about a wintery charm. Choose a white berry garland that will add sparkle, or icicle lights for the tree. Crystals and clear baubles in floral decorations will glisten nicely try them with a combination of white ranunculus, tulips and hyacinths for a stunning scent.

A more decadent look can be achieved using heavier materials such as velvet.

Mix rich red, purple and blues together for a sumptuous style. A purple feather wreath would welcome the theme warmly and velvet Christmas sacks and velvet skirts for under the tree will look gorgeously effective.

Bringing the outside in is a fundamental part of Christmas decorating, and alongside the tree,

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Christmas wreaths also come in all shapes, textures and colours now, as well as the traditional green. Rings of bells will make a musical front door, or a feather version in unexpected hues such as aubergine, or even lime, will make an original statement. Twig wreaths for the minimalist can be enhanced with sticks of cinnamon, and a ring of eucalyptus or tiny fresh flowers would make a wonderfully scented arrangement.

Candles also glow beautifully through cutwork metal and ceramic.

Outdoor lighting can also have a transformative effect on your home. A well-chosen lantern for the porch will provide a festively warm welcome, or contemporary wall lights that pick out feature stone or house numbers add to the outdoor décor. If you are have them then pick out niches, columns or other architectural features to celebrate the façade of your home, or decorate a choice shrub or tree instead to highlight your good taste.

By Niki Schäfer, MD of Dwell-Being

www.dwell-being.co.uk

Lighting is key at this time of year, and a beautifully lit house is a welcoming sight at the end of the working day.

Fibre optic displays will bounce light around in windows and rope lights look glorious under the tree. For high ceilings, a chandelier will bring the ultimate decadence to your home.

Candles come into their own at Christmas and a show of differing types and sizes look wonderful when combined with interesting vases.

17

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19

Supplying quality furniture since 1974

Arrand & Dyson has been a fixture on Stamford Street since 1974 established by Harry & Maureen Arrand providing quality furniture with brands such as Sherbourne, Cintique and 6-Plan. Steven Arrand, their son, started working in the business in 1991 until eventually taking control in 2005.

in the furniture manufacturing and the retail sector she has worked with Steve to bring the showrooms alive.

Earlier this year Steven was delighted to get the opportunity to work with designer Tris Sedgwick, of TRISTESSA LTD, with a view to redesigning the showrooms and give the shop a fresh new look. With Tris having travelled the world and built considerable experience

The refurbishment is now complete and the shop had its official relaunch on the weekend of September 28th and 29th where customers were welcome to explore the updated showrooms. Steve has already noticed the impact of the changes with more people attracted by

This has included new lighting, fabrics, decor and effective stylised displays which showcase the quality furniture products on offer at Arrand & Dyson.

You’ll find colour coordinated furniture, traditional and contemporary ranges along with craftsman built fabric sofas that you can simply relax in.

the refurbishment into the shop. During the special launch event there were special offers and opportunities to view some of the latest ranges. It was a great success.

With Christmas rapidly approaching you may wish to check out the different options for dining furniture or maybe its something as simple as a new solid cabinet for the television.

For Steve it has certainly been a project that the shop needed for quite some time. Thanks to Tris and her creative talents he feels that her input has given the business a new lease of life and looks forward to welcoming customers old and new to Ashton’s new look Arrand & Dyson!

for more details call us on 0161 344 5837 or email info@arrandanddyson.co.uk www.arrandanddyson.co.uk 148 - 150 stamford street, ashton-under-lyne, lancs ol6 6ad

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21

HEALTH AND WELLBEING any current issues with the help and support of your GP. The screenings can also help you understand your future risk of health problems so you can take action, and make appropriate lifestyle changes.

2. Diet boosts: Boost Your Health by Eating Breakfast.

Skipping breakfast has been consistently associated with various health risks. It’s not just an old wives tale! Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, but why?

Get Empowered with 5 Steps to a Healthier and Happier You Dietitian and health coach Andrew Wilson shares expert advice Andrew Wilson is a Registered Dietitian and Member of the British Dietetic Association. Andrew specialises in weight management and has recently launched a free webinar aimed at addressing some common weight loss mistakes: www.livelighterin50days. com Andrew also writes a blog aimed at helping people understand how some ‘weight loss diets’ can cause health problems: www.dangerousdiets.co.uk Finding the willpower to make positive changes to your lifestyle can be challenging. That’s why Life Line Screening, the UK’s largest provider of mobile preventive health screenings, is now partnering with dietitian and health coach, Andrew Wilson.

Making small and simple lifestyle changes can improve your health, and even have a positive impact on your emotional wellbeing.

Say YES to a healthier life 22

Sticking to a healthy diet and taking regular exercise can be a challenge when we’re busy, so don’t be tempted to set unrealistic goals. The good news is, saying ‘yes’ to a healthier lifestyle can be easy when you take one small step at a time.

“Diet and lifestyle habits play an important part in substantially reducing our risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Making small positive changes to your lifestyle can help you lead a healthier and happier life.” says dietitian, health and weight loss coach Andrew Wilson.

To kick-start your new routine, Andrew Wilson has provided some expert advice to help you develop healthy new habits:

5 Steps to a Healthier You: 1. Get checked: Getting a health screening is a good way to learn more about the status of your health. Understanding your health condition allows you to tackle

Health benefits of eating breakfast: Encourages a Healthy Heart: New research by Harvard University, confirms that eating a healthy breakfast regularly can help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol - factors which can give rise to heart attack and heart disease.

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Eating breakfast in the morning can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and speed up metabolism, essential for regulating appetite and preventing obesity.

This means you’ll feel less hungry mid-morning – helping you to resist unhealthy snacks and allowing you to opt for healthier lunch meals.

Keeps you happy, energized & mentally focused: When we wake up in the morning our muscles and brain need fuel to function efficiently throughout the day. Eating breakfast helps to provide a rush of essential vitamins and nutrients that boosts energy levels, concentration, memory and even mood!

Choosing the right breakfast foods: A healthy breakfast should include a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, dairy and lean protein. On busy mornings, it can be all too easy to skip breakfast. Why

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not try our quick and healthy breakfast tips to help kick-start your day?

include oats, granary bread and brown rice.

of happiness with physical, emotional and mental well being.

10 Quick, Easy and Healthy Breakfast Tips

Enjoy foods high in fat and sugar, but in moderation - foods high in fat and sugar, such as cakes, biscuits, chocolate and fried foods all taste good but in large amounts can raise your cholesterol, put weight on and won’t help your heart health in the long term.

If you like to eat these foods, don’t cut them out altogether as this may make you want them even more. Instead, reduce the quantity and how often you have them, saving them for special occasions.

Some studies have correlated happiness with a stronger immune system, better ability to cope with stress, positive mood, greater pain endurance, longer life-span, and a lower risk of heart disease.

1. Smoothies are a great and yummy way to incorporate more fruit into your breakfast. Try blending strawberries, bananas and low-fat yogurt. Add some skimmed milk or fruit juice if it’s too thick!

2. Serve whole-wheat pancakes topped with bananas, honey and blueberries. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that are great for fighting off disease and signs of ageing in the body.

3. Flavour your morning whole grain bagel with spreads like, low-fat cream cheese or fresh fruit preserves.

4. Add nuts or chopped fruit to your whole-grain cereal or porridge for an energy boosting breakfast!

5. Shave one ounce of dark chocolate onto a cup of low-fat yogurt. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol.

6. Drink unsweetened orange juice.

The vitamin C in this citrus fruit help to strengthen your immune system and enhance collagen production, which is essential for keeping the skin looking plump and young!

Stay hydrated - drinking water is great to keep you hydrated; helping your body remove toxins, aid concentration and stop you feeling tired. Having a glass with a meal can make you feel fuller, helping to stop you from overeating. For extra flavour, try adding slices of your favourite fruit such as berries, lemon slices or fresh mint leaves.

3. Get active: • Use the stairs as often as possible instead of the lift or escalator.

• Get off the bus a stop earlier and walk to your destination.

• Turn housework into exercise dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the bath, washing the car, mowing the lawn and gardening are good ways to burn some extra calories.

7. Make a healthy omelette using organic eggs and fill with your favorite vegetables, e.g. onion, peppers or mushrooms!

• Instead of meeting friends for a coffee, why not meet in the park for a nice stroll?

8. Spread wholenut peanut butter onto slices of apple. Peanuts contain vitamin E which helps to repair damaged skin tissues, while apples provide fibre aiding normal digestive patterns.

Sleep plays an important role in our health. For adults, getting the recommended 7 hours per night has been shown to enhance memory, improve immune response and boost the body’s repair system.

9. Enjoy a cup of green tea with your breakfast - as it’s been found to lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes and arthritis.

10. Try eating within an hour of waking up. The longer you wait to eat breakfast, the hungrier you will become, making you more likely to overeat.

Have your 5 portions of fruits and vegetables which are packed with vitamins, fibre and antioxidants, essential for fighting off disease.

Introduce whole grains into your meals - they’re good sources of fibre and can help regulate blood pressure and improve heart health. Good ideas

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4. Have a good night’s sleep:

5. Relax and unwind: Eliminating stress from your lifestyle can help your mind function better, heal your body faster and aids digestion.

The Formula for a Healthy and Happy Life Don’t worry, be happy!

Good health is something that most of us aspire for in life. Whether this means exercising regularly or eating the right foods – we’re essentially trying to look better or feel better for as long as possible.

But are you making happiness part of your daily health routine? Growing research by physicians, philosophers and economists have linked the science

What’s the secret to happiness?

Defining happiness isn’t a simple task. In an effort to narrow down our understanding, researchers have created the UK’s first ever ‘Feel Good Formula’: (Mx16 + Cx1 + Lx2) + (Tx5 + Nx2 + Bx33) So how do we interpret this equation?

What does it all mean?

Renowned professor, Dr Todd Kashdan who led the study explains: “there is no single secret to feeling good, but when these six ingredients are carefully attended to, in the right doses, you will be on target for a happy life”.

The 6 factors in this ‘Feel Good Formula’ are: Live in the moment (M) – Try to appreciate the sounds, smells and sights around you that you might take for granted in your daily life. It is important to remind yourself every hour that you are awake (average= 16 hours).

Be curious (C): Once a day, be spontaneous enough to explore the unknown and uncertain aspects of your life.

Do something you love (L): An essential part of a happy life is to take part in an activity twice a day that truly gives you pleasure or excites you.

Think of others first (T): While it is important to care for yourself, there is great value in spreading love to others - which can ultimately make you feel good too. Share your appreciation with people around you 5 times a day, by offering compliments, listening intently and doing good deeds.

Nurture relationships (N): Research has found that the happiest people in the world have a close relationship with a significant other. Twice a day, make an effort to devote some quality time to a family member, relative, friend or partner.

Take care of your body (B): This doesn’t have to mean extreme dieting or intense exercising. Embracing your body is about nourishing yourself with healthy food three times a day and incorporating 30 minutes of exercise once a day.

23

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BEAUTY a pleasant smile. Paradoxically, crowns and dentures with teeth that are too white, too straight and too uniform can also make a person look older than their years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A healthy diet is vital for glowing skin and hair, and it’s important to keep your weight within a reasonable level, too. If you’re not sure whether you’re

26

overweight or underweight, ask your doctor and take his or her advice.

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

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

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

Missing teeth, very crooked teeth, poor gum health or very discoloured teeth or fillings will obviously not add up to

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

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

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

Temporary fillers are also an effective and popular way of filling folds and lines, and for defining and augmenting lips.

If injections are complete anathema to you, think about the many treatments that the beauty industry can now offer.

Facial treatments generally, though, tend to work best on a well-cared for skin so it’s important to keep skin well hydrated inside and out.

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

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

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

halfpageVERTICAL_Layout 1 01/11/2013 12:45 Page 1

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

Liftosome Facial – This facial treatment has been specially developed to treat the problems associated with mature skin including lack of skin tone and loss of radiance. With age or fatigue, we notice a slackening and loss of firmness of the skin, especially in the cheeks, chin and neck. This is largely caused by the deterioration of the elastic fibres of the dermis.

The skin loses density and becomes dehydrated, resulting in dryness, wrinkling and slackening.

The treatment consists of three phases: the vitamin-enriched serum, the thermal treatment mask and the firming massage.

The facial finishes with the application of moisturisers to the face, neck and eye area.

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

TOP TIPS FOR STAYING YOUNG FOR LONGER 1. Avoid and reduce stress as much as possible. Stress is one of the most common causes of premature ageing, so take time to relax and have a little humour in your life.

2. Spend as much time with your family and friends. An increase in social connections can help improve the quality of life and can influence life extension.

3. Oxygen is vital for keeping your body healthy. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and ensure you have plenty of plants around you at home and at work.

4. Whilst keeping active can help fight the loss of stamina, muscle strength, balance and bone density associated with ageing. Exercising your mind is equally important to exercising your body. A healthy and active mind will help you feel younger. Try learning something new to keep your brain stimulated.

5. Having the right amount of sleep is essential to staying young. Taking a short nap can make a huge difference to thinking clearly and feeling happy, but make sure it’s just after lunch so that night sleeping is not disrupted.

6. Keep the brain active by doing something new every day – clean your teeth with the other hand or take a new route to work 7. Laughter releases endorphins thus relieving pain, reduces stress hormones and boosts the immunity system. So put on those comedy DVDs and laugh a lot!

8. The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that facial expressions influence our emotions. So smile and feel better.

It’s the greatest facelift in the world!

9. Stand tall. Good posture can make us look 10 years younger and much more confidant.

10. A suntan makes us look healthy and vibrant, but in the long run it’s terribly ageing. A little colour with the protection of sunscreen is the answer.

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Delicious food, fun and friendly service If you’re looking for a great night out with delicious Indian Cuisine served in a fun and friendly atmosphere then the Indian Ocean Restaurant is the perfect venue for you.

EXCLUSIVE DINING As well as the main restaurant which has a variety of both individual booths and tables, we can provide exclusive dining in our private dining room. This area can be set out to suit your party’s needs. If you have a larger group, we can arrange a buffet service in the dining room together with use of the separate bar and lounge area which will accommodate up to 100 people comfortably.

AWARD WINNING CUISINE We are a multiple award winning restaurant having been recognised as the “Best in the North West” by the British Curry Awards 2007, 2008 & 2009, the Best in Britain Awards 2007 & 2008, the English Curry Awards 2011 and the Cobra Good Curry Guide. Our food is a delicious blend of traditional recipes from the Indian sub-continent as well as many much loved British favourites.

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Brandy Sauce 75ml whipping cream 75 ml full fat milk 2 large table spoons of caster sugar white

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2 whole oranges (cut into squares) Brandy 100g unsalted butter Self raising flour

Place the whipping cream, full fat milk, caster sugar and diced oranges into a pan and simmer. Once simmering add the brandy to taste. In a separate pan gently heat the unsalted butter and slowly add self raising flour. Add until you create a loose paste, making a white roux. Then slowly add the strained contents of your of your first pan to this mix. As you add this you must whisk the contents together. Grate the skin of an orange and add to the mix. Then finally add a touch more brandy and sugar (if required). Bespoke brandy sauce from Fresca Italian.

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29

FOOD & DRINK - LOW FAT WINTER WARMERS

Si King and Dave Myers are self-confessed food lovers.

Food isn’t just fuel to them, it’s their life. But like many of us they’ve found that the weight has crept on over the years.

Si and Dave have come up with tasty recipes that are low in calories and big in flavour, and many we have featured in 50 Plus Magazine.

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE STEW

This is real food for real people, not skinny minnies.

They are ideas for family meals.

The cider and bacon add a touch of sweetness and extra flavour to the chicken and veg, making this a lovely supper dish. Keep it low-fat by removing the skin from the chicken legs before cooking and using as little oil as possible for browning the meat and vegetables.

SERVES 4 3 tbsp plain flour 2 tsp dried thyme 4 chicken leg quarters 2 tbsp sunflower oil 4 rashers of rindless smoked back bacon, cut into 1cm-wide strips 2 medium onions, chopped 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced 150g small chestnut mushrooms, wiped and sliced or quartered if large 500ml bottle of dry cider 300ml chicken stock, (made with 1 chicken stock cube) 2 bay leaves 400g Chantenay or other small fat carrots, trimmed and peeled 2 slender leeks, trimmed and cut into 2cm slices flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

METHOD Mix the flour and thyme with a good pinch of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper in a large strong 30

freezer bag. Strip the skin off the chicken legs and put them on a board.

Break the joint of each leg by bending it in the opposite direction. You may hear a small crack. Cut each leg quarter in half with a sturdy knife to give 8 chicken portions. Using a good set of kitchen scissors, trim off any visible fat.

Put the chicken portions in the freezer bag, a few at a time, and shake well until they are evenly coated in the flour.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick fying pan over a medium heat and fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time, until golden brown all over. As they are browned, transfer the chicken pieces to a large flameproof casserole dish.

Preheat the oven to 1800C/Fan 1600C/ Gas 4.

Put the bacon, onions and celery in the pan used for browning the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring often.

Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes more, then tip everything into the casserole dish with the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in any flour remaining in the freezer bag and stir well.

Pour about half the cider into the frying pan and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to lift any sediment from the bottom. Simmer for a few seconds, then pour into the casserole. Add the rest of the cider and the stock, then stir in the carrots and bay leaves and bring to a simmer on the hob.

Cover with a lid and cook in the centre of the over for 1 hour, then remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the leeks. Pop the dish back into the oven for a further 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickened. Serve with some green beans or spring onions.

435 Calories per portion.

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LAMB, SPINACH AND POTATO CURRY This is a low-cal version of Dave’s favourite curry - saag gosht - becuase he couldn’t bear to it give it up. If you are running short of time, cut out the fresh garlic, ginger and chilli - the curry will still taste great. The recipe contains potatoes so there is no need to serve it with extra rice.

SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SMOKED SALMON SERVES 6 600g lamb leg steaks (about 4 steaks) 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 large onions, roughly chopped 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped 25g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 1 plump fresh chilli, (deseeded if you like) 75g medium or mild curry paste (depending on your taste) 400g can of chopped tomatoes 350g potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks 450ml water 2 bay leaves 1 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra for seasoning the meat 1 tsp caster sugar 3 ripe medium tomatoes, quartered 100g young spinach leaves freshly ground black pepper METHOD Trim the lamb of any hard fat and cut the meat into rough chunks of about 3cm. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the lamb in 2 batches until lightly coloured on all sides. Transfer the lamb to a plate as soon as each batch is browned.

Heat the remaining oil in a large flameproof casserole dish and add the onions. Cook over a medium heat for

6-8 minutes until they’re softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly. Turn down the heat, add the garlic, ginger, chilli and curry paste and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.

Remove from the heat and blitz the onion mixture with a stick blender until blended to a purée. Or you can let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then blend it in a food processor before tipping it back into the casserole.

Return the casserole to the hob over a medium heat. Preheat the oven to 1900C/Fan 1700C/Gas 5.

Add the browned lamb to the spiced onion purée in the dish and cook over a gentle heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring.

Add the chopped tomatoes, potatoes, water, bay leaves, teaspoon of salt and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and place the casserole in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened. Check after 1 hour and give the contents of the casserole dish a good stir.

Take the dish out of the oven and remove the lid. Stir in the quartered tomatoes and spinach leaves. Cover once more and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the spinach has wilted.

Serve hot with some spoonfuls of fatfree yoghurt if you fancy.

This is a treat - light but tasty and packed with protein. It takes next to no time to prepare and makes a really special weekend breakfast or brunch. Shows that you can breakfast like a king and still keep the calories under control.

SERVES 2 4 medium eggs 1 tbsp freshly snipped chives, plus a few extra to garnish(optional) 15g butter 4 slices of smoked salmon (about 75g) 1 English muffin, cut in half flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper METHOD Beat the eggs with a pinch of flaked sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Use a metal whisk and make sure you beat the eggs really well. Stir in the chives if you’re using them.

Melt the butter in a medium non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and cook very gently for 2 minutes, stirring slowly until the eggs are softly scrambled.

Remove from the heat and stir for a few seconds more - the eggs will continue to cook for a while.

While the eggs are cooking, toast the muffin and put 1 half on each plate, cut side up. Spoon the scrambled eggs over the muffins, add the slices of smoked salmon and season with a little more black pepper. Garnish with extra chives if you wish. Serve immediately.

293 calories per portion.

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354 calories per portion

Cherry Picker’s Restaurant Lounge Bar Private Meeting & Dining Rooms 24 en suite Bedrooms Stunning Views

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Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, christenings, annual dinners, awards ceremonies to name but a few of the many celebrations hosted at Clough Manor.

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Special packages for weddings with a genuine 25% discount available for 2014 and 2015.

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The hotel with a hospitality complex

Cherry Picker’s Restaurant

at

Clough

Manor

Dine in our contemporary restaurant with terraces and panoramic views of the beautiful Saddleworth countryside.

Open every day from 5.30 pm, and from midday on Sunday.

Full a la carte menu available.

Delicious roasts all day Sunday.

3 course table d’hôte menu £17.95 2 courses for £14.95.

Available Sunday to Thursday

Wednesday night is Steak Night 2 steaks and a bottle of wine for £29.

Come and stay with us...

All bedrooms fully en suite, some with panoramic views, some with patio doors to the gardens, some with four poster beds.

3 nights for the price of 2 Stay 2 nights for £148 Double occupancy of a double en suite room including full breakfast.

Terms & conditions apply

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Look out for our “Wine, Dine & Stay Free”promotions.

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The New Hanging Gate 217 Huddersfield Road, Diggle OL3 5PQ Tel: 01457 876411 COME CELEB AND CHRIS RATE TM WITH AS US The friendly new owners Farah & Carl Benton look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful and traditional local pub. The Hanging Gate serves delicious home cooked food in wonderful surroundings and has regular themed nights and entertainment, truly something for everyone.

Sunday Dining...

What’s happening...

All day service every Sunday

Charity Quiz Night - Every Thursday

3 Courses - £11.95 2 Courses £9.95 1 Course - £7.95

Pizza Night - Thursdays

All functions catered for...

Weddings | Funerals | Anniversaries etc Ask about our outside catering...

Folk Night - Wednesdays Steak Night - Fridays Live Entertainment - Every Saturday ASK ABOUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

Special Offer...

Free food for functions over 60 people.

On production of this voucher

Eat...

Grill restaurant with an American and European influence.

@Smokies • Great New Menu • Daily Specials We are proud to serve a selection of the best quality meats and accompaniments. Our Carvery selection changes each week and we serve a selection of two meat and one fish dish from the below selection:

Served Sunday, 12 noon - 6pm eat...

Why not s?

@Smokie

Norfolk Turkey Garlic and Rosemary Roast Lamb Honey and Mustard Glazed Ham Baked Seabass Fillet with Chef’s Sauce of the Day Roast British Beef Pork Loin Stuffed with Sage and Apricot Stuffing Baked Salmon Supreme with Chef’s Sauce of the Day

All served with a homemade Yorkshire pudding and stuffing, accompanied by your choice of freshly prepared potatoes and seasonal vegetables and topped off with our roast meat gravy

Ashton Rd, Bardsley OL8 3HX | 0161 785 5050 | www.smokies.co.uk/eat 34

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Bury Market A Great Day Out

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.

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

Bury Market Hall open everyday except Sunday “Winner BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards” Best Food Market “Winner NABMA’s” Best Market Attraction Full Markets Open Wednesdays Fridays and Saturdays

As the UK’s leading bathing solutions provider Aquability have been changing the lives of their customers for over 15 years. Their mobility products include walk- in baths, sitdown showers, powered safety seats and more.

With a comprehensive product range that is constantly updated and an expert team on hand to advise you, Aquability can deliver the perfect solution to your mobility needs, on any budget.

Visit www.aquability.com to find out more.

Make 2014 Your Year!

By Angela Kelly

Most of us treat a New Year in the same way – we mentally list all the things we want to change in the next 12 months …. but then do little about it until the next new year!

Well, here’s the chance to make 2014 YOUR year and change all those areas of your life with which you’re unhappy.

And that doesn’t necessarily just apply to your home and your job but also the shape you’re in and many of the things you might like to change about yourself if you just could.

For a start, are you happy with the shape you’re in? Even the most gorgeous celebrities or top models complain about some element of their bodies, so the rest of us are bound to have a list of “improvements”!

Weight is an obvious one. So, if you’ve been promising yourself to drop a few pounds – or a stone or two – join a slimming club now, or put yourself on a good WEIGHT-LOSS programme.

36

Start this journey with a quick visit to your GP, of course, to check that there’s no medical stumbling blocks involved but after that – ready, steady, slim!

Complement your shape as the pounds disappear, too, with a new approach to your FITNESS regime. Gym membership these days is generally very economical, especially if you attend regularly, and you’ve got the added bonus of having expert help on hand and being surrounded by likeminded people.

Make a gym visit part of your regular routine as a way of ensuring you keep happy and healthy – and trimmer – and you’ll keep that hard-won weight-loss off for good.

For those with limited mobility, the risk of falling in a bathroom is high.

As we get older, falls can become a major health problem so maintaining a safe home environment is essential.

Everyday tasks that most people take for granted can become an actual danger for those with limited mobility.

Aquability can help you prevent problems before they occur and enable you to stay independent for longer.

Sometimes a simple solution is all that is needed to improve home safety, such as installing grab bars or using a specially designed inflatable cushion to get in and out of the bath.

Perhaps you want to try out a NEW HAIRSTYLE – a fresh, shorter look or a change of colour. Consult your hairdresser and take his or her advice on cut, condition and just what suits you.

Consider finally getting your dental work sorted out or having your TEETH WHITENED if you’re unhappy with your smile. It is, after all, often the first thing that people notice about you and there are plenty of excellent treatments around. Your dentist can advise here.

It may be that you would like to ditch those specs and improve your EYESIGHT. Laser surgery has come on remarkably in the last few years, so shop around for the best and most trusted treatment.

Certainly, for many of us, our wishlist contains COSMETIC SURGERY for a crooked nose, saggy chin or to get rid of those frown lines. Choose a reputable clinic or salon and give yourself the face or other identified body part you’ve always wanted.

This may be the year that you decide to MOVE HOUSE. The housing market is definitely much more buoyant and all the signs are good for getting the home of your dreams. Local estate agents and mortgage advisors are always happy to help you with your personal home possibilities.

Or, it could be that you like your current address but want to put in an EXTENSION or CONSERVATORY. A local builder can give you a quote without charge for an extension, and it’s certainly worth talking to an

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

architect about making the most of this planned space first. They’re the experts on coming up with clever plans and utilising extensions in the most practical way to suit your family’s lifestyle.

If you go online to see the kinds of extensions and conservatories available, you can mix and match the best of ideas to suit your plans.

Your property may just need the kind of brightening up that a good DECORATOR can provide. Sometimes, changing the colourscheme and furnishings really cheers up rooms and transforms the home.

Of course, it may be that you’ve been promising yourself that special HOLIDAY for several years. So, this could well be the time to consider going to Australia or New Zealand, Macau or Malibu. Consult a reliable travel agent for the kind of personal service you’ll need for the trip of a lifetime.

It may be that you’re at that stage of life when you want to DOWNSIZE, perhaps realise some of the capital in your property. If you’re in those golden years and want tailor-made accommodation, it’s definitely worth considering a retirement village or sheltered accommodation.

It may be that you’ve got a close relative or friend in a far-flung spot that you’d love to visit but never thought you could. Now is just the time to see if this is a possibility, and how it could be achieved.

You may decide that a New Year is just the time to change from struggling

NO WORRIES! Bath out - Shower in

FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY!* NO MESS! NO FUSS! NO RE-TILING!

along with a large and expensive property to something more suitable and economical. There is a wealth of suitable places these days, including comfortable modern apartments needing the minimum of maintenance, and with staff on-site to support you daily. And the bonus is that you’re in a community of older people also determined to enjoy life!

Perhaps you’re determined to finally go to a special SPORTING OCCASION,

like the Winter Olympics in Russia in February, the World Twenty20 cricket in Bangladesh in April or the Masters’ golf in Augusta that month.

Again, your travel can create a personal travel itinerary that will ensure you realise your dream trip, and enjoy the experience every bit as much as you thought you would.

Your New Year Resolutions may be far more modest than any of these, although they may well enhance your life just as much. You may decide that in 2014 you will definitely QUIT SMOKING so take a good look at all the products around to actively help you with this – there’s everything from patches to e-cigarettes these days, hypnotherapists and local health expert support on offer so there’s really no excuse.

Or you may have decided to LEARN a musical instrument or a foreign language. All it takes is that initial decision that you’re not going to leave things for another year. You’re not simply going to say “I wish I could ….”

You’re actually going to do it!

STRUGGLE TO GET IN & OUT OF YOUR OLD BATH? Designed to fit in the same space as your old bath, the Shower Module’s unique construction enables it to be FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY* with NO MESS, NO FUSS and NO RE-TILING either! ● ● ● ● ● ●

Fits in same space as your old bath!

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OVER 20,000

INSTALLATIONS IN THE UK Available with full height sliding doors or half height hinged door and panel

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Postcode Lines open 24 hours 7 days a week. Or return coupon to FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR. Or visit - www.aquability.com Send to: FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

37

01457 829 241

Embarr a ssed By Your Sm ile?

Free Consultations • Cosmetic & General Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Dental Implants • Dentures • Same Day Denture Repairs • Same Day Smile • Dental Hygiene • Interest Free Credit* • Clinical Dental Technicians • On Site Laboratory •

38

1-3 Mossley Road, Grasscroft, Oldham, OL4 4HH

info@watersedgedentalcare.co.uk

01457 829 241

www.watersedgedentalcare.co.uk

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Same Day Smile A “Teeth in One Day” is created by placing just 4-6 dental implants into the jaw and a fixed bridge is attached, so you can leave our surgery with a smile on your face!

With having our dental laboratory on site life couldn’t be made much easier for us to provide our patients with the service they deserve. With dental implants there are many different stages that require the dental technician and dentist to work together with various techniques to get the end result for the patient. We have 19 registered dental technicians on site that can only enhance our service to you.

“I am delighted with my implants. I was unaware that such technology was available. I am no longer the shy person, afraid of going out in public. Instead I am confident and happy with my smile all the time. Implants have changed my life.”

Tony, 63

Dentures At Waters Edge Dental Care, we pride ourselves on creating natural looking and comfortably fitting Dentures. It is our goal to provide our patients with not just mere replacements for teeth, but with the most natural looking and functional Dentures they can be proud to wear.

Whether you wish to improve denture function and/or appearance, our Clinical Dental Technicians (Denturists) combine years of experience with pain free techniques to provide you with dentures that almost perfectly mimic natural teeth and gums.

Dentists: Robert McLelland BDS (Dund), 69775 & Andrew Legg BDS (Man) 79203 Dental Technicians: John Wibberley 116736 & Christian Wibberley 182605

INTERVIEW: ANN Widdecombe and when I was nine or 10 had written two books – if you could call three exercise books bound together a book.”

Unsurprisingly, when she quit politics she turned to writing and has four successful novels under her belt with a fifth underway. This latest one, unlike her other books, is a detective novel – “it’s not full of sex, it’s a straightforward detective story,” she states.

However, it was politics which has claimed much of her life, starting with an election trail that began as a candidate in Burnley in 1979.

She moved on to try in Plymouth Devonport against Dr David Owen in 1983 before she successfully became MP for Maidstone in 1987.

She had a hard-working and stellar rise up the Conservative Parliamentary ranks to become Minister of State for the Department of Employment in 1994, then for the Home Office in 1995.

STRICTLY ANN ANN Widdecombe tucked surprisingly dainty feet under her and sat happily recounting highlights from a career that has taken her from Parliament to “Strictly Come Dancing.”

The former Tory minister was part-way through a hectic book tour to publicise her very entertaining autobiography, “Strictly Ann,” and was taking

40

time out for a quick chat and a welcome cuppa.

She is 66 now, with a big personality belied by her petite stature, but with the same feisty nature that turned her into a scourge of the Opposition and a staunch defender of Catholic values. It also complemented a formidable intellect honed at Oxford University where she was active in the Oxford Union.

“Before I got into politics I always thought I’d be a writer,” she explains. “I’d always loved reading

In opposition, she was Shadow Health Secretary and Shadow Home Secretary. In 2007 she announced her intention of retiring from politics at the next General Election, and in 2010 her considerable and often controversial presence left the House of Commons for good.

Ask her, however, what was one of the most memorable achievements of her political tenure and she won’t point to a major Bill or campaign. “It was getting one of my constituents out of jail in Morocco,” she says simply. “They really didn’t think it could be done.”

Her trenchant views, no-nonsense approach and – as it transpired – sheer likeability meant that she quickly swapped political status for celebrity status. She already had a strong TV curriculum vitae from fronting various documentaries and from discussion programmes, but the public suddenly got to see www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

her in a new light when she agreed to take part in “Strictly Come Dancing.”

“Several of my friends said ‘what do you want to do Strictly for?’ because they still saw me as a politician,” she recalls. “I knew that I was no longer a politician.

“I’d turned down Big Brother because I hate that kind of intrusive programme, and I could never go on ‘I’m A Celebrity ….. Get Me Out Of Here!’ because I couldn’t eat any of those disgusting things they make you eat.

“But I liked the idea of Strictly. Of course , I was very glad to get Anton du Beke as a partner. One of the earliest things he said to me was ‘Ann, it will be much better if we do our best to keep your feet off the floor.’”

Ann, who threw herself into the gruelling daily rehearsals as she does everything else in life, worked hard. “I’m lucky enough to enjoy pretty good health so I was flung about and didn’t come out with more than the odd bruise,” she says, laughing at the memory.

While the judges were unimpressed with Ann’s efforts, however cleverly choreographed by her partner, the public loved her. Game as always, Ann even agreed to “fly” in on a high-wire – “which I absolutely hated as I’ve got height phobia. I kept my eyes closed during rehearsals, but I had to open them for the broadcast.”

The public vote kept the duo in the hit programme for nine weeks before they left. What did Anton have in mind if they’d reached the final?

“Well, he was going to fly in from one side and I was going to fly in from the other, and we were going to dance in the air!” Ann laughs again. “Yes, the public were denied that.”

Her Strictly appearance did, however, not only lead to an enjoyable live national tour of the show but also to panto. This was in tandem with Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood who had proved to be the biggest critic of Ann’s dancing declaring her a “disah-ster.”

While she has been involved in a variety of other TV programmes – including an excellent documentary series “Ann Widdecombe Versus” tackling a variety of contemporary problems – she really enjoyed her most recent, quiz show “Cleverdicks” for Sky Atlantic.

“And I really regret that they didn’t re-commission that series because it was great,” comments Ann.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

There have been, however, some discussions about Ann and Anton du Beke teaming up for a TV sitcom – “it still seems to be out there although nothing has been decided.”

And she readily admits that she would love to have one of her books made into a film – “who wouldn’t?” is her honest comment.

There are many who believe she should have gone into the House of Lords when her career in the House of Commons ended, but perhaps her opposition to both fox hunting and gay marriage has not made her a special favourite of David Cameron’s.

However, Ann refuses to publicly comment on this one and believes the country should give the Coalition a chance to work properly.

As for future plans, she is open to ideas. “I never plan in detail,” she states. “I just see what comes along.”

What is certain, however, is that the word “retirement” means very little about slowing down for this indefatigable lady. “I’m from a long-lived family, and I don’t understand people who complain about being retired,” she asserts. “I don’t think I could ever do absolutely nothing.”

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

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

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

Makes a wonderful gift for loved ones.

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

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

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

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

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Keep your car WARM this winter with the help of a local trusted garage As motorists prepare for chilly early morning starts and freezing weather conditions, nationwide independent garage scheme Trust My Garage is advising drivers in Bristol to keep their cars WARM this winter.

We all know that we should carry out weekly checks on our cars to make sure they are roadworthy – but few of us actually do.

In fact, a survey carried out earlier this year by Trust My Garage found that 84% of motorists do not carry out basic, regular checks on their vehicles. By neglecting simple tasks, such as checking oil levels and engine coolant, motorists are in danger of causing engine damage which is always a costly problem and can result in the inconvenience of having no car at all.

However, by pledging to keep your car WARM this winter, you can be sure that everything is working as it should be when you take to the road over the next few months.

42

What does WARM mean?

WARM is a very simple, easy-to-remember acronym that can act as a checklist for the parts of your car you should check regularly to ensure that, together with regular servicing, you are keeping your vehicle safe and fit for winter weather conditions.

W is for WIPERS...

Windscreens must be kept clear of dirt and debris for obvious reasons.

Check wipers and the windscreen are in good condition by giving them a quick examination every week.

If rain doesn’t clear from the windscreen properly or there are smears when the blades wipe from side to side, then it is time to consider changing them. The blades become worn with time and if they are used frequently, debris can eat away at the edge of the wiper.

Winter weather can also make the rubber on the wipers brittle, which means they are more prone to cracks and splits. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Ashton’s friendliest garage • Car Servicing • Vehicle repairs

• Family Run • MOT’s

0161 339 5354

www.guidebridgemot.co.uk Unit 5 South Street, Guide Bridge, Ashton under Lyne OL7 0HU

Reduced visibility due to badly performing windscreen wipers can jeopardise your safety – and for just a few pounds blades can easily and quickly be replaced.

A is for ANTIFREEZE...

Antifreeze is a component of most but not all engine coolants. Having the right concentration of coolant in the engine is essential if it is to work efficiently.

Check the water coolant reservoir every week to ensure the liquid inside is at maximum level. If it begins to drop there could be a leak in the system, so it is crucial you get it checked out.

If you need to top up your antifreeze, make sure you use the type that is right for your vehicle by checking in the handbook or consulting your local Trust My Garage member.

R is for RUBBER...

Are your types correctly inflated? Do they have the right amount of tread?

Both are important to keep you safe on the roads.

Over-inflation or under-inflation can affect steering and

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01706 375 597 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE r Guru’ • Servicing Specialist Listen out for Paul the ‘Ca week on er oth ry eve • Quality Parts & Suppliers • Professional Service • All Makes & Models Unit 7 Vale Mill, Peel Street, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 9LN. Telephone: 0161 624 4003 | Mobile: 07951 025440

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braking, while tyres that do not have at least 1.6mm tread – the minimum legal requirement for cars and light vans – might struggle on wet or slippery road conditions, especially when braking sharply. Having tyres with sufficient tread will also help to prevent skidding and aquaplaning, which happens in the wet when traction is lost and the car is lifted by water on the road.

M is for MAINTENANCE...

Cars are expensive pieces of equipment that most of us rely on daily, so it doesn’t make sense to neglect their maintenance. A few basic checks every week and a regular service at your trusted dealer means that your car, whether an old banger or a top-of-the-range sports car, can serve you for a good few miles yet.

How else can I keep my car WARM? A simple service from a local Trust My Garage (TMG) member can ensure that your vehicle is safe and fit for driving. TMG members have access to technical information and expertise to ensure that your vehicle remains roadworthy. These garages are experts and can make sure vital components of your car are operating correctly to keep you safe on the road in winter weather conditions.

Where is my local Trust My Garage member?

To locate your nearest Trust My Garage member and take advantage of quality service at an affordable price, simply log on to www.trustmygarage.co.uk and type in your postcode to see a list of Trust My Garage members in your area. Members of Trust My Garage are true professionals – local independent businesses which are part of the community. Trust My Garage is the truly independent scheme for independent garages.

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OUT & ABOUT

Gone Fishing Exhibition

From Saturday 14th December to Saturday 14th June

You’ll be amazed by this fishy collection of objects!

This exhibition explores marine and freshwater environments and the fish that live in them. It includes landscape paintings portraying rivers and maritime scenes, and images of people fishing, by artists such as William Stott, John Constable and local painter John Houghton Hague.

Oldham Choir Christmas Festival

Objects from our exceptional Natural History collection take centre stage, with ancient fossil fish, biologically accurate fish models and trophy mounts donated by Oldham Central Angling Club on display. There are some unexpected objects too.

Friday 6 December 2013 7-9pm The choir celebrate their 50th anniversary and perform festive favourites at Oldham Parish Church.

7pm until 9pm.

As Oldham was the birthplace of fish and chips we are including our splendid 1930s Mallinson’s fish and chip range, and Arthur Dooley’s bronze fish commemorating a strike at the Fisher Bendix factory in 1972.

This event takes place at Oldham Parish Church, Oldham Town Centre, Oldham and is £5 admission.

Many objects are displayed for the first time and some have been conserved specially for this exhibition.

For more information please call 0161 770 4516.

This exhibition takes place at Gallery Oldham, Oldham Town Centre, Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL For more information please call 0161 770 4653.

Santa Specials Saturday 14 & 15 December 2013

Festive fun in Tommyfield Market Saturday 7 December 2013 Come along and enjoy some Festive Fun in the Tommyfield Market. Children’s face painting and balloon modelling throught the day, 11am to 3pm This event takes place at Tommyfield Markets, Oldham Town Centre, Oldham and is a free event.

For more information please call 0161 770 4516.

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A Christmas tradition here at East Lancashire Railway, our hugely popular Santa Specials return every year, offering visitors a truly magical time.

Children will receive a gift from Santa himself and parents can enjoy a mince pie and a festive tipple, while the train steams past scenic vistas. We cannot guarantee snow, but we can promise you a merry old time.

Please note that pre-booking is essential for this event.

This event takes place at East Lancashire Railway, Railway Street, Heywood OL10 1NH For more information please call 0161 764 7790. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

THE NEXT ISSUE OF

OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE IS PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY

Victorian Christmas Weekend Saturday 21st & 22nd December 10am to 5pm

Roll-up, roll up for a vintage Christmas weekend..

Delight in jovial street entertainers and experience two days of magical merrymaking!

For details of advertising CALL 01204 796 494 or email mcgrathartwork@btconnect.com today.

You can find this at Oldham Town Cente, Oldham

Look out for…

• Fairground attractions including a traditional carousel, coconut shy and stalls (all for Free!)

• Free roasted chestnuts, mulled wine (non alcoholic) and prizes!

• Victorian jugglers, tap dancing turkeys and more Dickensian performers • Steampunk songs from the Gaslights comedy band For more information please call 0161 770 4516.

Droylsden Lively Library Club for the over 55s The Lively Library Club offers speakers and workshops as well as the chance to meet new people and try different things. It’s friendly and fun. All the events are free and refreshments are available, so whether you’re on your own or with a friend come along and join in.

For more information visit Droylsden Library Manchester Road, M43 6EP or call 0161 370 1282.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

WIN £50 VOUCHER Answer these three simple questions for your chance to WIN £50 OFF ANY HOLIDAY* How long would you normally have to wait at our central meeting point before your holiday commences?

Where is the hotel located for the Joe Loss weekend?

How much discount do we give to new customers ?

Name:................................................................................

Address:............................................................................ ...........................................................................................

Tel:......................................................................................

Email:.................................................................................

Post your entry to: Ellen Smith Tours Stanley House, Broadgate, Oldham OL9 9XA.

*Voucher valid on new booking only - on any holiday valid until 28th February 2014. Closing date for entries: 31.12.13.

miss having them around? skype the grandkids

question about your savings? talk to the ombudsman (or find us online)

0300 123 9 123

financial-ombudsman.org.uk honest answers – to help you move on

Win an 8 day Robinsons Holiday for 2 people in 2014

Coach Holidays

Win a Robinsons Holiday to either the Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay, the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne or the Ocean View Hotel on the Isle of Wight.

The prize is for an eight day holiday for two people. Prize is valid between February 2014 and 7th December 2014 - excludes Easter 2014. Simply choose one of the dates from our 2014 brochure. Prize includes half board accommodation and coach travel from any pick-up point in our brochure. Holiday itinerary is as per relevant brochure tour for chosen date. Prize is subject to availability and is non-transferrable, non- refundable and has no cash redemption value. Prize can not be auctioned on any web-site or used or offered as a prize for any other competition or as a gift or incentive. Prize is not for re-sale. Multiple entries will be disqualified.

Winner will be notified by email or by post. Closing date for all entries is 31st December 2013.

To enter complete the following: Name______________________________________________________ Address House number/name________________________________ Address street______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Town_______________________________________________________

County_____________________________________________________ Postcode___________________________________________________ Day time telephone number _________________________________ Email address_______________________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION FREEPHONE 0800 0839900

Return to Sales Department, Robinsons Holidays, Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP. 46

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What the clients say...

It really did feel like you were dealing with people that you know and that friendly, personal touch was very welcome at a difficult time.

T Anderton

Thank You for everything you did for my Dad and a big thank you for listening to me and going above and beyond your job.

Victoria

125 YEARS OF SERVICE “It’s a great comfort to my clients to Karen Revell and sister Denise, are the Funeral Directors at H. Revell & Sons, a family-owned and run company based in Stalybridge. The company was formed in 1888 by Karen’s great, great grandfather, Edward Hepworth Revell, and this year marks their 125th anniversary.

“Over the 125 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, Karen believes 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 Association of Funeral Directors.”

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

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Thank You from the bottom of my heart for the dignified and compassionate way that you cared for our Dad. T Ashworth ...We can’t thank you enough for your care, support and excellent funeral arrangements for Iris. You’ve really looked after us through a very difficult time, and we won’t forget it.

Our Mum was a very special person and you treated her as such. Thank you so much.

Thompson Family

know that four generations of my family have preceeded me” 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.”

Karen explains that 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. She is the perfect front person. With her leadership skills she discreetly takes 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 prepayment 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 Karen or Denise a call.

Tel/Fax 0161 338 2520

96 Stamford Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire SK15 1LU

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For respite, a short stay or to make The Millbrook your home, please call Irene Booth on 0161 304 2600 quoting ‘50 Plus’