Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside 46

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OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE

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APRIL - JUNE 2015

EDITION 46

Jane McDonald Still Following Her Dreams

New Looks for your Home this Spring

Waters Edge Dental Care Same Day Smiles

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

10-11

12-13

18-19

33-36

6

Twittering On...

By Graham Smith.

10-11

River Cruising... in Style!

12-13

Robinsons Holidays...

Affordable peace of mind.

14-15

Great British Holiday...

Get the best holidays closer to home!

18-19

Jane McDonald...

Still following her dreams.

22-23

Interior Design...

New looks for your home this Spring.

33-36

The Hairy Dieters...

‘Eat For Life’ recipes.

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

holidays | HEALTH & FITNESS | HOME & GARDEN | CELEBRITIES | FOOD & DRINK & MORE...

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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5

TWITTERING ON She told television stations WFLA and WFTS that after she rapidly gained weight last autumn, doctors confirmed she was pregnant.

Ms Ford said she thought she was having twins at first.

Debbie Moore, a registered nurse at the hospital, said they would "definitely not" have recommended a natural birth if they had known how much Avery weighed, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Graham Smith

Keeping abreast of the times Celebrity culture is big business. To join this band of elite, dysfunctional people you need certain qualities. You should preferably be verbally challenged to the point where you cannot string a sentence together, tattoos over most inches of exposed flesh are a necessity, metal objects inserted in each bodily orifice add to the attraction, oh, and you must be vulgar.

My 2015 award for vulgarity has to go to Leeds lass, I think, Josie Cunningham who hit the headlines after having a boob job on the NHS and then employing an agent of dubious origin to publicise the episode and subsequent miscreant meanderings of a sexual connotation which included offering to have an abortion so she could take part in Big Brother. Worrying isn’t it?

In a “fly on the wall” TV documentary this fearsome looking specimen came over as a complete half wit whose antics are capable of extracting large amounts of money from today’s downmarket tabloid media. Her baseball capped agent was shown ferrying her around in a taxi to various photo shoots and locations in his quest to make a financial killing. He’s an oddball who has a grasp of how to manipulate social media so the femme fatale thinks she is rising to iconic proportions in the popularity stakes while, truth is, he is lining his own pocket.

There’s enough collagen in her lips to keep a small trawler afloat in heavy seas and her so far untended teeth would mean most sane men would need an anaesthetic and several strong men to drag them under the mistletoe with her. Her dulcet Leeds accent makes a Billingsgate fish wife sound like an elocution expert and she uses enough profanities and vernacular to keep Gordon Ramsay going for six months.

Barely a sentence goes by without use

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Avery's father, Allen Denton, told the newspaper: "I got a linebacker now instead of a fullback." of the procreation verb or adjective and coming out of that falsely constructed generous gob it sounds like fingernails down the side of a ship.

In a scene of blissful domesticity she was shown with her mother painting skirting boards at the family home and holding a tasteful discourse about how much they ******* love each other and anyone who doesn’t like it can go forth and multiply.

Their application of the gloss paint was as thick as their awful accents and the result was very similar to their sordid way of life, runny, lacking in finesse and full of drips.

Josie describes herself as a model, for what I’m not quite sure. She sets out to shock and invariably succeeds. If your son brought her home you’d leave it. she is surely an ambassador for the cause of celibacy if ever I saw one.

In one of her outbursts, proudly sticking out her prosthetically enhanced chest, she said fat people did not deserve a gastric band on the NHS. She deserves two. One around her vile, over inflated gob and the other strategically placed and tightened about six inches lower.

Stone me!

A woman in the US has given birth to a baby weighing 14.1 pounds (6.4kg) - and he is already eating double the amount of an average-sized newborn.

Maxxzandra Ford's son Avery is the heaviest ever baby to be born at St Joseph's Women's Hospital in Tampa, Florida.

Avery, who was delivered in a natural birth lasting 18 hours, is one of the largest-ever born in the state.

Ms Ford did not know she was pregnant until about 35 weeks in, according to media reports in the US.

Ms Ford, who already has a one-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter, said she "just melted" when she finally held Avery.

Bear necessity Passengers on the London Underground were stunned to see an eight foot polar bear climb aboard a train.

The giant bear, created by Hollywood special effects experts FX, was spotted at Charing Cross tube station, as well as Hampstead Heath and the South Bank of the Thames.

The huge puppet was made by a team of 19 prop specialists and made from more than 60 different materials including 90 sq ft of white fur.

It was controlled by two puppeteers who spent weeks studying footage of real polar bears in the wild before spending five days rehearsing with the device.

The bear was created to promote new Sky Atlantic drama Fortitude.

Sky Atlantic director Zai Bennett said: "To launch our new Arctic-noir thriller we wanted to bring a realistic polar bear to the streets of London to give people an up close experience of what it must be like to come face to face with one of the biggest, but uncredited stars of our new show."

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

Coach Holidays with a difference.

We all know that often coach holidays get a bad press – waiting in bus stations for the coach to arrive, long arduous pickup routes to an interchange, waiting around there for your holiday coach all before you’re destination bound!

Once you’re there too often poor quality hotels with mass catering, an extra charge for outings and then to top it all off the same gruelling journey home – no chance of the six o’clock news!

If that all sounds too familiar why not give us a try?

We are Manchester based and offer the only true ‘Door to Door’ coach holiday service in the area.

Established as far back as 1900 in Rochdale we have a long and distinguished history as a good quality, value for money coach holiday operator.

What’s so different about us?

Firstly our ‘Door to Door’ service. This is a true door to door service. We pick you up from your home address at a pre-arranged time in a taxi or small minibus and take you straight to one of our two meeting points, Birch Services near Heywood or Poplar Services near Lymm. There you meet up with your driver and coach who will take you on your holiday.

There’s no hanging around, you’re usually on your way within 15 to 20 minutes. We don’t leave anyone behind!

taxi is waiting for you at one of the two service stations and you’re usually home with a cup of tea in time to watch the news!

What else can we tell you?

All our holidays are fully bonded by the Confederation Of Passenger Transport Bonding Scheme, which is a government approved consumer protection scheme ensuring your money is protected. We offer very popular ‘Mature Singles’ holidays where all bedrooms at the hotel are used for sole occupancy – great for the single traveller.

Oh and we offer continental coach holidays, this year Lake Como, Lake Garda, Swiss Chocolate Train & A Taste of the Alpine and Normandy for the D Day landing beaches.

We have a regular news letter the ‘Tiger Talk’, (our logo is a tiger) that offers new tours during the year and several of our popular ‘Mystery Tours’ during each year.

We have a website www.ellensmith.co.uk that has all the details of our holidays – and you can book on-line too.

If you wish to call us our staff are very experienced individuals who know lots about our range of holidays.

Finally we offer Fred Olsen cruises from Liverpool at prices you won’t believe and a variety of Air, Cruise & Worldwide holidays - all with our ‘Door to Door’ service included.

Your Driver is an experienced individual and the coach will be of an executive standard with toilet, air conditioning and reclining seats. On the journey to the hotel we tend to avoid motorway services and visit a village, town, city or other suitable location instead. Because of our timely departure we plan to arrive at our destinations at about 4:30pm giving you plenty of time for a quick snooze prior to dinner.

All the hotels we use are normally 3 or 4 star with the odd family run 2 star hotel, that we have used for many years. We use a range of different hotels to suit a particular tour. Many of our tours are themed – ‘Royal Sandringham & the Sport of Kings’ and ‘An Irish Country House Experience’ to name just two. All our tours include day excursions (no extra charge – ever!), which can include canal journeys, train journeys, castles, country estates and so much more.

The vast majority of our hotels offer a porterage service, so you rarely have to touch your case.

On your return date the reverse of the first day happens. Your

Want to know more?

Call us on 01706 648126

for a copy of our 2015 brochure – you’ll wonder why you ever went away in your car!

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7

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 prearranged 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.

OL14

OL13 Bacup

BB4

Haslingden

BL0

Todmorden

OL12

OL15

Ramsbottom M66

BL8

BL1

OL11

OL16

BURY BL2 BOLTON

Heywood OL10

M26

BL4

Pendlebury M27 M7 M6

M41 Urmston

M32

Partington

M33

STRETFORD

SALE M23

WA14 M56

OL5 Mossley

OL6 OL7

M43

M34

SK15 ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE

SK16 M67

M19

M20

SK14

SK4 SK5 M60

SK3 M22 ALTRINCHAM SK8 WA15 WYTHENSHAWE

POPLAR/LYMM SERVICES

OL8

M35

M18

M21

OL4 OLDHAM

M40

M50 M17

M31

WA13 Lymm

M8

OL1

OL9

M9

M11

M30

M44

M25

M60

M28

OL3

M24 Middleton

M45

Walkden

OL2 Shaw

BIRCH SERVICES

BL3

M6

M62

ROCHDALE

BL9

STOCKPORT SK1 SK2

SK6 Marple

SK7

Included in every tour l

Luxury 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. If we reduce a tour all customers previously booked receive same refund 3. No currency surcharges 4. Any supplement imposed by the hotel will be the exact amount we charge 5. If you find a similar holiday cheaper we’ll refund twice the difference!

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DATE

TOUR

HOTEL

INCLUDES

DAYS

PRICE

20th April Brief Encounters in the Lakes

Headway Hotel

Train journey & lots of entertainment

5

£329

26th April An Irish Jig

Seven Oaks, Carlow

Kilkenny, Kildaire & entertainment

5

£329

27th April Northumbrian Highlights

Copthorne, Newcastle

4 Star Hotel - lots to do & see

5

£329

4th May

Landscapes of Norfolk

BW Brook, Norwich

Boat trip, Stately home & Cromer

5

£349

8th May

Llandudno

Tynedale

Our customers' favourite destination

5

£339

9th May

Swiss Chocolate Train

Central-Residence, Leysin

Too much to mention, please call us

8

£589

10th May Bournemouth

Trouville

Central hotel, includes admissions

5

£339

11th May Heart of England

Abbey, Great Malvern

Boat trip, vineyard tour + more

5

£369

16th May Eastbourne

Haddon Hall

Worthing, Lewes & Beachy Head

8

£479

16th May It's all about the Thames

Legacy Farnham Hogs Back New tour for 2015, boat trip + more

4

£259

18th May Beautiful Argyll and Bute

BW Argyll, Dunoon

5

£309

25th May Titanic Story

Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth Maritime Portsmouth & Isle of Wight

5

£329

Inveraray Castle + Mount Stuart

Please ask about our regular Jersey & Guernsey Saturday flight holidays

2015 BROCHURE OUT NOW! INTERESTED?

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2015 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 (search for ellensmithtours) www.50plusmagazine.co.uk WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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9

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

River cruising in style

By Chrissy Nason from Silver Travel Advisor Following a long travel career, Chrissy Nason brings her experience and eye for stylish detail as an advisor and travel writer for Silver Travel Advisor, the information and review website for mature travellers.

For my first river-cruise experience I was delighted to be invited by Avalon Waterways on their inaugural 3 night sailing of Poetry II, from Cologne to Amsterdam.

First impressions didn’t disappoint: sleek, elegant, with a full-length sky deck, spacious lounge and dining areas, the ship exudes style. The staterooms (cabins) have the benefit of wall-towall panoramic windows to facilitate maximum viewing and create a balcony within the room. Beautifully decorated in contemporary style and furnished

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to a high standard, the staterooms are luxurious and comfortable. Storage in small spaces, always a challenge, was plentiful. The marble tiled bathroom and shower was a decent size, beautifully appointed, with complimentary L’Occitaine toiletries.

Ready to explore, I opted to join a walking tour of the city centre, keen to get a feel for Cologne before sailing later that afternoon. All destination excursions have an expert local guide and individual audio sets to give a personalized experience.

Cologne is home to Eau de Cologne, the fragrance created in 1709 by Johann Maria Fabrina. The original shop has its own little museum and although they now offer a wide range of fragrances, the original cologne is still sold.

The Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural masterpiece and famous as the home of the shrine of The Three Wise Men, whose remains were brought to Cologne in the 12th century. The Cathedral miraculously escaped the WW2 bombing, apparently the spires were used as a navigational landmark to target the main railway

station located immediately next door.

A few minutes walk back to the ship, a short mandatory safety drill and with the sun setting behind the Cathedral’s spires, we set sail.

Relaxation and dining room facilities are plentiful and spacious for the ship’s 128 passenger capacity. After a pre-dinner drink in the lounge we headed down to a delicious dinner: typically, a three or four course a la carte menu, including regional dishes, with complimentary wine or local beer. The food throughout was very good with a choice of hot food to order or a buffet and salad bar.

The next morning we docked at Tiel with a choice of sightseeing: Arnhem or the Kroller-Muller museum (Van Gogh paintings). Most of us opted for Arnhem.

We drove over the famous reconstructed bridge to Oosterbeek and Villa Hartenstein, now an excellent museum.

We also visited the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Surrounded by woods, viewed through mist and rain it was deeply moving.

After lunch we sailed a short distance to Willemstad, a small picturesque town with well-preserved fortifications and a

TRAVEL lovely octagonal church where we were treated to an organ recital. Back to the ship, another memorable supper and a great night’s entertainment from a local group who had everyone tapping and clapping and yours truly on the dance floor.

Overnight we sailed to Dordrecht with a choice of excursions: the worldfamous Keukenhof tulip gardens or the Kinderdijk Dutch windmill heritage site.

I opted for the Keukenhof Gardens, an hour’s drive. Open only 8 weeks each year, the gardens offer a stunning horticultural display: 7 million spring-time flowers within a wooded landscaped park with 700 tulip varieties.

Back on board, I requested a tour of the ship. Erik, the Cruise Director, pointed out some subtle design features: “slightly higher chairs and tables, perfect for those guests who can no longer touch their toes” he said giving me a knowing look. Coffee tables that can be raised to dining table height to allow guests inroom dining, should they prefer. The skydeck, a tremendous space for sunbathing and watching the world go by, with a hot-tub, loungers and a bistro area for lunchtime barbecue grills.

Certainly, for someone like me who suffers from seasickness, one of the joys of this cruise was the gentle, relaxing, motion of the ship. I rarely felt any vibrations and in the superbly comfortable beds (complete with memory foam mattress topper) I slept very well. Soundproofed cabins, Avalon’s state of the art design, quiet engines and generators no doubt helped, though the wine probably played its part too!

A river cruise with Avalon ticks a lot of boxes: inclusive guided on-shore excursions; full-board a la carte dining with complimentary local wines and beers; onboard gratuities; transfers and a private chauffeured taxi from your home to the nearest UK airport or Eurostar station (within a 100 mile radius). How good is that?

We arrived in Amsterdam all too soon.

Most people chose to add an additional hotel night to allow for sightseeing, but my flight home beckoned. After such a wonderful experience I’ve already got my eye on Avalon’s themed Opera cruise next year: on-board performances as you glide down the Danube from Budapest to Prague. I can’t think of a better way to experience Europe’s rich heritage.

Sample Itinerary for 2015 ‘ Tulip Time’ The eight day Tulip Time cruise takes in the tranquil, open landscapes of Holland and Belgium and the Keukenhof’s magnificent spring flowers and the wooden windmills of Kinderdijk on this memorable river cruise. Highlights include an orientation walk in Veere, a canal cruise in cosmopolitan Amsterdam, sights with Local Guides in Antwerp, Ghent and Middelburg and the fascinating city of Maastricht. Cruises run from 31 March until 1 May 2015 and prices include return flights and airport transfers, a door-to-door home pick up service, a seven night full board deluxe cruise with wine and beers served with dinner, on-board gratuities and included excursions.

Avalon Waterways 0800 668 1801 or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk

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

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Holidays from

£169

Robinsons Own Hotels

2015

Sunny Sussex Eastbourne

The Garden Isle Isle of Wight

Delightful Devon Torquay

Eastbourne is an “all year round” holiday destination with one of the best sunshine records in the UK.

The Isle of Wight offers stunning landscapes, award winning beaches, breath taking seascapes and not forgetting its extensive history.

With its mild climate and trademark Palm Trees, Torquay is one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts and has been fashionable since the 19th Century.

The Ocean View Hotel is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evening meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

The Abbey Lawn Hotel is an elegant Georgian hotel, in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, with it’s newly refurbished conservatory / lounge offers the discerning holidaymaker an exceptional standard of comfort throughout.

The Imperial Hotel is an impressive Victorian hotel situated at the seaward end of Devonshire Place, an imposing tree-lined boulevard, less than fifteen minutes walk from the facilities and amenities in the town centre and across the road from the promenade and the bandstand. The hotel offers the guest a good standard of accommodation, spacious lounge areas and a majestic restaurant all in a dignified and tranquil ambience for the discerning holidaymaker.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor heated pool l Indoor bowling green, table tennis and snooker room l Lift serving all floors l Porterage.

Freephone: 0800 083 9900 12 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Many of the bedrooms offer panoramic views of the bay.

Hotel amenities l All rooms have private facilities, telephone, television and complimentary tea/coffee and hairdryers l Traditional English breakfast l Lunch snacks available daily l Table d’hote evening meal with choice of menu, plus tea or coffee l Live entertainment most evenings l Indoor and seasonal outdoor pool l Lift serving all floors l Porterage

Groups: 0800 785 1025

The Robinsons Difference

Includes excursions Friendly staff l Own hotels in great locations l Peace of mind security l Payment in instalments * Robinsons own hotels l

Local joining points l No single supplements* l High standard of accommodation l Great choice of menus l Executive coaches with extra legroom l

l

*NEW Five Day Departures

*price reductions on brochure

5 Day Tours

7 Day Tours

8 Day Tours

4 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

6 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

7 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast

Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 13 Apr* £189 £189 £189 20 Apr* £199 £199 £199 26 Apr* £199 £199 £199 04 May* £219 £219 £219 11 May* £219 £219 £219 18 May* £229 £229 £229 25 May* £239 £239 £239 01 June* £249 £249 £249 08 June* £249 £249 15 June* £249 £249 22 June* £249 £249 29 June* £249 £249 06 July* £249 £249 13 July* £249 £249 20 July* £249 £249 27 July* £249 £249 03 Aug* £249 £249 10 Aug* £249 £249 17 Aug* £249 £249 24 Aug* £249 £249 31 Aug* £249 £249 07 Sept* £249 £249 14 Sept* £249 £249 21 Sept* £249 £249 28 Sept* £249 £249 05 Oct £229 £229 £229 12 Oct £229 £229 £229 19 Oct £219 £219 £219 26 Oct £219 £219 £219 02 Nov £209 £209 £209 09 Nov £209 £209 £209 16 Nov £199 £199 £199 23 Nov £189 £189 £189 30 Nov £179 £179 £179 07 Dec £169 £169 £169 14 Dec £169 £169 £169 * Reduced

Date 12 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr 03 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31 May 07 June 14 June 21 June 28 June 05 July 12 July 19 July 26 July 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Sept 04 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £249 £249 £249 £259 £259 £259 £279 £279 £279 £319 £319 £319 £339 £339 £349 £349 £359 £359 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £379 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £369 £359 £359 £359 £329 £329 £329 £289 £289 £289 £279 £279 £279 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269 £269

Supplements per person 7 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £30 Ocean View: Premier Room £45 -Sea View Room £13 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £40 - Front Facing Room £13

* New Tour

Supplements per person 5 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £20 Ocean View: Premier Room £30 -Sea View Room £10 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £30 - Front Facing Room £10

Loyalty Bonus Here at Robinsons, we are committed to ensuring that our customers are rewarded for their loyalty to us. For 2015, we are pleased to offer all our passengers the opportunity to take advantage.

A voucher will be given to all passengers by the tour driver whilst on holiday. This can either be redeemed on the next holiday booking, or can be saved in multiples towards a future holiday.

We offer you ...

4 4 4 4

Accommodation of dinner, bed & breakfast 2 included excursions Local pick-ups Service of driver/courier

price

Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 02/03 May £369 £369 £369 09/10 May £369 £369 £369 16/17 May £379 £379 £379 23/24 May £389 £389 £389 30/31 May £399 £399 £399 06/07 June £399 £399 £399 13/14 June £399 £399 £399 20/21 June £409 £409 £409 27/28 June £409 £409 £409 04/05 July £409 £409 £409 11/12 July £409 £409 £409 18/19 July £409 £409 £409 25/26 July £409 £409 £409 01/02 Aug £409 £409 £409 08/09 Aug £409 £409 £409 15/16 Aug £409 £409 £409 22/23 Aug £409 £409 £409 29/30 Aug £409 £409 £409 05/06 Sept £399 £399 £399 12/13 Sept £399 £399 £399 19/20 Sept £389 £389 £389 26/27 Sept £359 £359 £359 03/04 Oct £319 £319 £319 10/11 Oct £309 £309 £309 17/18 Oct £299 £299 £299 24/25 Oct £299 £299 £299 Supplements per person 8 Days: Imperial: Premier Room £35 Ocean View: Premier Room £50 -Sea View Room £15 Abbey Lawn: Premier Room £50 - Front Facing Room £15

9 Day Tours 8 Nts dinner, bed & breakfast Date 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 June 13 June 20 June 27 June 04 July 11 July 18 July 25 July 01 Aug 08 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Sept

Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £409 £409 £409 £419 £419 £419 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £439 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £429 £419 £419 £419 £389 £389 £389

9 DAYS ~ ONLY STANDARD ROOMS AVAILABLE

Visit us online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk and book a great deal today!

Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

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| 13

TRAVEL

The Great British Holiday IF there is one thing that the recession has taught us it’s about getting value for money. And it’s not just being pro-British to say that you can now get the best holidays here at home.

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when you’re having a staycation.

They don’t have to endure tiresome flights, hanging around in airports or not liking the food abroad. Children can make themselves understood to everyone, and discover for themselves just how beautiful is their own country.

ABTA – the well-respected Association of British Travel Agents – says that their recent research shows that 20 per cent of people surveyed would be spending more on holidays in 2015.

They also discovered that nearly seven in 10 people, that’s 68 per cent, took at least one UK holiday last year. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive, believes that good weather in the UK in June and July helped. He says that “the research shows there are reasons to be optimistic for 2015.”

All of which is no surprise to the thousands of tourists who flock into Great Britain each year from other countries around the world. They come determined to discover the many attractions here. Perhaps we Brits are simply slower to pick up on noticing the wonders around us, but we are getting better at it.

Andy Kinnaird from Robinsons Coaches knows that the Great British Holiday is very attractive to the homegrown market.

His business, based near Blackburn in Lancashire, was established in 1923 and today has 23 coaches with more than 160 staff kept busy dealing with this burgeoning travel market.

He finds that more people than ever are opting to stay in the UK for their annual holidays, citing “the hassle of going through customs and airports etc” as well as the constant discovery of new places without ever leaving these shores.

Favourite destinations for the many people he takes on their holidays around the country include the Isle of Wight,

Eastbourne and Torquay. More unusual destinations are the Hebrides, the Isle of Man and the Scilly Isles, although he does transport some foreign visitors like the Australian couple who wanted to tour Scotland.

Andy and his family shunned the charms of the Costas and the Balearics last year for the delights of Camarthen in Wales and Loch Lomond in Scotland. “Yes,” he insists, “like everyone, we appreciate going to beautiful places in the UK.” If we can stand back a little from the whole subject of holidays and try to take a dispassionate look at what the UK has to offer, there really is something for every traveller and taste.

A holiday in the UK can turn into the kind of voyage of discovery that used to be reserved for early travellers setting foot in ancient lands for the first time.

The sense of wonder is on offer in cities, towns and in tiny hamlets boasting a village church and a history recorded in the Domesday Book.

You can take the whole family – including the dog – to a luxury cabin in ancient woodland in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, or wake each day on the banks of an ancient millpond in a beautiful dwelling in Deerpark in Cornwall, deep in a peaceful wooded valley.

If you like walking, you can see the ruggedly beautiful hills of Wales or the sleepy villages set in rural Yorkshire. Stay in a YHA hostel in the South-east and take a gentle family chauffeur punt down the river in Cambridge or experience the thrill of the rides at Chessington World of Adventures.

The great thing about holidaying in the UK with your family is the wonderfully broad spread of activities on offer.

Youngsters can run about, take part in planned activity programmes, go swimming or even take their bikes along

Couples can quietly discover the real Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle in Hampshire – where fact meets fiction in fascinating English history. Our country has plenty of history, with stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Bath with its fascinating Roman baths. Visit York, where history leaps out at you around every corner. Travel to the capital and see the magnet of attractions that draw the constant crowds to its major art galleries, packed with masterpieces, the British Museum exhibiting the works of man from historic to modern times or the London Eye where the best views over the city are available to fascinate.

Our coastlines are among some of the world’s most stunning. Just walk along the rugged cliffs of Boscastle in Cornwall and you’ll be treading on rocks first laid down 300 million years ago. Mind you, it’s also got some of the best beaches, too, and the longest: 476 km of luscious coastline.

You can cycle through the wilds of Yorkshire or take a more sedate luxury barge along the Lancaster Canal – or just please yourself and do both!

The Great British Holiday is the one that you like the best. And it’s completely achievable, even with one eye on the weather.

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TEL: 01457 868011 EMAIL: info@glossopcaravans.co.uk

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| 17

Jane

McDonald IT’S amazing to think that it’s 17 years since Jane McDonald first captivated viewers in the BBC documentary-soap “The Cruise.”

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The no-messing Yorkshire lass, a singer on the cruise ship, immediately fascinated everyone with her broad Yorkshire accent, warm heart and undoubtedly powerful singing voice.

Right from the first sight of her, we knew she was a straightforward type of person, and she became the enduring image of that first series. The programme also provided a very useful springboard to success for Ms McDonald. But by then she had more than earned the right to it.

Jane grew up in Wakefield. Her father, Peter, was a miner who doubled as a chimney sweep and Jane’s mother, Jean, and Jane’s grandmother ran a boarding house.

Singing was what Jane was destined for, however, and for 12 years, she sang in the clubs throughout the North, honing her singing skills and learning to handle every kind of audience.

She also entertained on cruise ships and in 1995 she met her future husband, Henrik, onboard The Century. They married in May, 1998, and in January, 1998, the BBC began broadcasting its fly-on-the-wall documentary.

The programme was watched regularly by 14 million viewers and her wedding to Henrik, also televised, was watched by a large audience although the couple later divorced.

Such was her instant fame that in July, 1998, Jane released her first, self-titled album which spent three weeks at No.1 and went platinum.

In November the following year, she released her concert video, followed in 2000 by her second album, “Inspiration.”

TV proved to the nation that here was a girl who could not only sing but who was funny and could present. She became a guest presenter on BBC’s “National Lottery” before being given her own show, “Star for a Night”, which helped launch the career of singer Joss Stone.

Because of the way the public first got to know Jane, it’s always been difficult for her to shake off the image, as she says herself, of “‘er off the cruise ship.”

But, in fact, not only has she carved out a very successful TV career but she has regularly toured all over the country, and all over the world including America, bringing her own brand of glamorous glitz and powerful, entrancing singing to her legions of fans.

And she appreciates those fans. “To me, twenty fans are equally as important as twenty thousand fans,” she states.

“When I look out, I don’t see a sea of people but individual faces.”

She also has very loyal fans. “They travel around the country to see me,” she explains, “write to me, send me things and

are all so supportive. I always make sure when I do a concert or a TV show that I meet the fans afterwards.

“There’s been a time when the signing session after the show has lasted longer than the show itself! But I wouldn’t miss that for the world. Without them …. well … I woudn’t know what to do.”

Jane especially appreciates her fans since she became wellknown and started touring because of her tough years in the clubs. “When I sang before I’d have to compete with the bingo callers and people chatting at the bar,” she says. “I thought I’d gone deaf on this tour because the audience was so quiet. It took a while to realise they were quiet because they were listening to me.”

As well as her touring, Jane became a regular presenter on ITV daytime programme “Loose Women” where her forthright opinions were always loved by viewers. She finally left the series last year after 10 years to concentrate on her music career and toured the country at the same time as her latest album, “Singer of Your Song”, came out.

She’s made numerous guest appearances on mainstream TV - from “Ready, Steady Cook” to “All Star Family Fortunes” and “Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway”. She’s reviewed newspapers and had her own autobiography, “Follow Your Dreams” which was published in 2000.

Her shows are unashamedly showbizzy and fun with eye-catching sets and costumes, and Jane belts out all the favourite standards to please her fans. Indeed, she always seems to enjoy herself as much as her audience does.

She’s 51 now, divorced twice but happy finally with musician Eddie Rothe. They first dated at 18 when he was in the band Liquid Gold, but split up and Jane met him again on the set of “Loose Women”.

Her fans are a cross-section of ages, including her own age-group. “I see the same three rows wherever I go,” she states. “I’ve seen them grow up and go through marriages and losses.” And it’s to these loyal fans that she dedicated last year’s album and tour.

She’s just finished a stint in panto at Birmingham Hippodrome, in “Jack and the Beanstalk” playing The Enchantress, before going off on another series of sell-out appearances around the UK. But to all those fans who were first enchanted by her in “The Cruise” and who have remained keen to follow her career ever since, it’s plain that – while life may not have been all plain-sailing for Jane McDonald – she’s determined to continue putting a smile on other people’s faces.

For details of her latest appearances go to www.jane-mcdonald.com

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Over the years we have transformed many kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms across Manchester, Wigan, Warrington and Bolton.

Based in the North-West, we’re an independent retailer that’s proud to be British. Our business focuses on offering a high quality product and unrivalled service but at affordable prices.

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These days it’s used to live, dine, entertain or just simply enjoy. Our experienced designers are experts at creating kitchens which are not only stunning in looks but are totally functional and will truly reflect your lifestyle.

From timeless classic designs, contemporary to the designer uber chic – we have something in our collection for everyone. Our ranges include beautiful laminates, timber, granite and solid surface worktops combined with a full range of brand named appliances.

At Number One Kitchens we realise that the kitchen is the centre of the home.

These days it’s used to live, dine, entertain or just simply enjoy. Our experienced designers are experts at creating kitchens which are not only stunning in looks but are totally functional and will truly reflect your lifestyle.

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New Looks For Your Home This Spring IF there’s one thing the freshness of Spring brings it’s the chance to take a new look at our homes.

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Winter-time tends to make us close the curtains, keep cosy and just enjoy being indoors, but Springtime is all about renewal – and our homes are at the frontline of these plans.

This may be the year, for example, when you finally add that much-needed EXTENSION, SUNROOM or ORANGERIE to your home. Or you can make your living room and kitchen into a major open-plan space that could quickly become the heart of family living.

You may want to add the light and space

of a CONSERVATORY. The key here is to ensure that it doesn’t look “tacked on” to your property. It’s important to give the appearance of flowing from the main house with the same flooring and décor.

Be careful not to over-extend your property, though, at the expense of your garden. Most of us value that bit of green space especially in the Spring and, if you’ve got the time and the interest, your garden can become a pleasing feature of both your home and your lifestyle.

Converting your garage into an extra bedroom or a kitchen extension works well in many homes. Most of us don’t use our garages properly anyway. They can easily become cluttered and many are never employed for their prime use as somewhere to keep the car, so using what your property already has available makes sense.

HOME Changing your old FRONT-DOOR to a more modern design, preferably with glass to allow in plenty of light, is a simple way to freshen up both the outside and the inside of your home.

This can help update the HALLWAY which, after all, is the first opportunity you have to make an impression on any visitor. Bold wallpaper in bright colours on a white background is a great modernising option here. Hallways need light so look at your lighting and consider updating and add a mirror or two to maximise this.

Before you start buying items or investing in paint and wallpaper, a simple way to brighten up your home and give it a fresh feel is to undertake some serious de-cluttering.

Take an honest look at every room and see what you can take out to allow clearer surfaces, cleaner lines and a general feeling of space. It can be hard breaking the emotional link to many of the items we insist on hoarding but try to be objective about possessions.

Most of us happily take the same items through each house move as though they had a right to be in the new place when, in fact, they’re of no real use to daily life.

Chuck out what you can’t give to the local charity shops. The same applies to dated pieces of furniture – especially those surplus to requirements. Some charities, like the British Heart Foundation and homeless charity Emmaus, sell second-hand furniture to boost their funds and are often glad to collect saleable items in good condition.

Changing your home doesn’t need to be all about costly major changes, though.

light greys and other pleasing shades so that you can eat in a pretty area that makes the whole experience a pleasure.

You don’t need to change everything in your BATHROOM – although if you’ve still got an avocado suite that might prove the exception! The most enduring contemporary look for bathrooms these days is still a white suite.

Brighten up that home office space with a lively blind from Direct Blinds at www.directblinds.co.uk Going for a new COLOUR SCHEME or using WALLPAPER cleverly on a feature wall in an otherwise plain room can transform your property.

Steam-clean your KITCHEN area – you’ll be amazed how this lightens the place and update white electrical sockets with chrome. Kitchens are a central area in most homes these days so it’s worth investing in new cupboard doors or work surfaces for a more modern look.

Go for inexpensive plain tiles in toning colours to highlight smart units and one of the new textured floor coverings or rustic tiles. Even treating yourself to a set of brightly coloured kettle, toaster and coffee-maker can make your kitchen look chic.

Your DINING ROOM or dining area needs to be a place where you enjoy spending time so, even if this is a small space, create something special here.

Buy a lovely chandelier and choose cool

SHOWERS are quite futuristic now, as well as being very lifestyle-friendly, so changing your old shower is a practical improvement that won’t break the family budget. Going for natural colours on the walls, whether in tiles or emulsion, can be off-set by jewel-coloured towels and other accessories that can be picked up relatively cheaply.

If you’re wanting a major change here and want to invest in your home, having a WET ROOM has become popular. Even smaller bathrooms can be adjusted with concealed shower trays that give the appearance of a wet room which can prove very practical.

Get clever with STORAGE in the bathroom in particular. Ditch the laundry basket for a start – you really don’t need to keep laundry here. Replace it instead with a pop-up laundry caddy for each bedroom.

Invest in an over-door towel rail, which is great for hanging up your damp towels. And go through all those lotions and potions that everyone has in their bathroom. They take up a lot of space and it’s a safe bet that you’ll never use most of them!

New BEDDING can alter a tired-looking bedroom, especially if you complement the shades in the rest of the décor.

Jarring colours don’t work well here as this room is all about relaxing and winding down, so go for soothing neutrals with restrained colours.

Now so many people work from home, many of us have a HOME OFFICE but the temptation is just to hive off a space and stick a fitted desk in there. Instead, how about creating a work area that really does promote positive thinking with a fresh lick of white paint and a feature blind on the window with a splash of colour?

Turn your bedroom into a contemporary and relaxing place with Somers bedding from LUMA

Don’t forget the WALLS throughout your home, either. An eye-catching painting, much-loved family photo or just a print that you like can come to life with a beautiful frame that adds interest to your home, and helps promotes the feelgood factor of Spring.

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GARDEN well as clothing those plain brown screens with colour.

The range of climbing plants is enormous and roses are a first choice for many, with a huge range of colours and varieties, from the old fashioned moss rose, to modern patio roses and standards. For the purpose of covering fences and arbors, climbers and rambling roses are the ones to choose.

The climbing rose, the double pink Gertrude Jekyll, has everything.

Deliciously scented and repeat flowering, every garden should have one. For sheer exuberance, the tiny, scented white flowers of Rambling Rector is also top of the favourites and Iceberg is another white rose, repeat flowering, semi double, lightly scented and almost thornless. So good, it achieved the RHS Garden of Merit Award. The difference between climbers and ramblers is simple. Rambling roses bloom spectacularly once a year, and climbers bloom constantly throughout the summer.

IS YOUR GARDEN READY FOR SUMMER? At last, the winter’s almost over and it’s time to drag on the wellies , collect the secateurs and get the garden ready for the coming year.

First, prune shrubs including hardy fuschias, and take back buddleia by at least a third, to encourage plenty of new growth. You can also cut back winter flowering ones such as bush honeysuckle and winter flowering jasmine, once their flowers have dropped. And although a lot has been said about the best time to prune the roses, watch out for the first blooms on the forsythia and you can be sure it’s safe to set to work on them.

Pruning roses encourages new growth and is a good opportunity to shape the bush or climber. Use sharp tools which will allow a clean cut. Prune at a 45 degree angle, about a quarter of an inch above an outward facing bud.

Remove dead wood, weak spindly branches, and any sucker growth.

If you have climbers, tie in long

branches horizontally, to encourage more flowers. Mulch well.

Next some light and careful hoeing to rid the beds of those tiny weed seedlings sprouting between the shoots of perennials such as delphiniums. If you do it now, you’ll save yourself a lot of work later, and at the same time, you’re letting air into the soil and improving drainage. Snails and slugs are re-emerging, so watch your hostas as the first leaves appear, and spread handfuls of sharp grit around them. Do the same if you’ve planted tulips. Slugs love those first leaves.

Is your patio area covered with moss? Clean it off and check your garden furniture to make sure it’s ready for use on the first warm day.

Check out your pots to make sure they’re ready for planting up, and clean up the greenhouse.

Are you making the most of your fences? Gardens get smaller with every new home that’s built, and fences provide more scope for increased flowers and foliage, as

Planting Your Roses If possible, attach trellis to your fences leaving a gap between the fence and trellis work of about three inches. This will allow air circulation and an easy structure for tying in. It also shows off the flowers to their best advantage. Dig a hole at least twelve to eighteen inches away from the fence, add a good amount of well rotted manure or compost to the soil, then plant, making sure the roots are gently spread out, before lightly firming in and watering well.

Another very popular climbing plant is the clematis, and different varieties of this species can be obtained which flower almost every month of the year, and some, such as clematis armandii, are evergreen.

This particular variety is a wonderful plant, keeping your fence covered in winter with its dark green glossy foliage, followed by white flowers in spring.

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Pics as supplied by West Country Nurseries.

Planting Your Clematis All clematis like a cool root run. Dig a decent sized hole about eighteen inches away from the fence, and add plenty of compost. Position the plant, making sure the roots are at least 6 inches below soil level and well supported by a cane until it can twine around your trellis. Water in well, top up the hole, then mulch the surface, and add gravel or small stones to keep the surface cool.

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28 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Other perennial climbers include Golden Hop and sweetly scented summer jasmine. The pink flowered perennial sweet pea is also an old favourite, and for the price of a packet of seeds, annual climbers could include nasturtiums, sweet peas and the delightful yellow canary creeper.

I find that sweet pea seeds are best planted two or three to a pot. This causes less disturbance to the roots when they’re ready for planting out.

Sweet peas need plenty of feeding, but the scent and colour of their flowers are more than reward for their early care with the added bonus of plenty of cut flowers for the house.

The days are getting longer and the birdsong is louder. If you put in the spadework now, you’ll be ready for those long hot days of summer when you can relax and enjoy your perfect garden. Iced drink anyone?

features, ponds with inset specialist lighting and inspirational sculpture areas.

Robert Godfrey, the owner of Avonleigh Homes & Gardens heads the professional landscape team.

Based in Diggle and covering the Oldham borough, Rochdale, Tameside and Stockport, Robert offers his clients practical design advise and recommends choices from materials to planting schedules. With their many years experience they can transform any size or shape of garden from a wild wilderness into a beautiful garden you will be proud of.

They have a full range of modern equipment to ensure that the work is expertly done and completed on time so that your dream garden

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Robert and the team would like to wish all their customers a very healthy and happy 2015.

To contact Avonleigh for a free quotation, ring Robert on Tel: 01457 873799 or mob: 07860 119663.

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| 29

The King and I

WIN A COPY OF TOM JONES' BIOGRAPHY AT

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An extract from Tom Jones’ biography

by Sean Smith - Tom Jones: The Life Courtesy of HarperCollins. Available through all good book stores and online at Amazon.co.uk.

Tom couldn’t believe it when he was told Elvis and his wife Priscilla had been seen in the foyer of the Flamingo.

He thought it was a wind-up but it was true – The King and his entourage, the ‘Memphis Mafia’, had driven from Los Angeles just to see the show. They had been invited by Chris Hutchins, who knew both Colonel Tom Parker and Joe Esposito, Elvis’s road manager, and suggested they come over.

Elvis was curious to see how a performer like Tom would be received in Las Vegas, because he was seriously thinking of making a live comeback there himself.

His recording career was in the middle of a slump and he needed something to reinvigorate his career – a problem Tom would also face at a later date.

The lighting in the audience was quite dark, so Tom had to peer into the gloom to see if Elvis was really there. He had been primed by Chris, so he knew what to say if he caught sight of the man.

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Eventually, he realised The King was in the very front row. Halfway through the show, he introduced Elvis, who stood up to take a bow, and the place erupted.

It went on for ages and ages, until Tom managed to calm everyone down. Elvis eventually sat back down and Tom said, ‘Don’t forget I’m the star here tonight.’

It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, but took some nerve: Tom was just starting his Vegas adventure, whereas Elvis was the biggest star in the world.

After the concert, Elvis and his gang went backstage to congratulate Tom in his dressing room. The ‘Mafia’ usually numbered about half a dozen or so of Elvis’s oldest friends and yes-men. If Elvis told them at breakfast that scarlet was the new colour, they would all have their cars resprayed by lunch.

Linda was at the Flamingo that evening and she sat and chatted with Priscilla.

Tom remembers Elvis saying he wanted to watch him in concert to see how he put together his act. Tom and Elvis talked about music, something they both never tired of doing.

Priscilla Presley believes that Elvis took to Tom because he was a real person – ‘someone who was down to earth that

you could talk to, that was not on an ego trip’. Tom’s show also reminded Elvis how it used to be for him: the adulation of the girls, the applause and the fantastic music. He missed it. He also liked the way Tom didn’t take it too seriously.

For his part,Tom thought the Presleys were ‘a great couple’. He gave Priscilla an autographed photograph for their daughter Lisa-Marie, who was six months old.

The first meeting went so well that Elvis invited Tom to stay at his holiday villa in Hawaii.When he arrived, Priscilla told him that her husband had popped out to buy a couple of guitars so the two of them would have something to goof around with later.After dinner, the two men enjoyed a sing-song, like a couple of enthusiastic schoolboys, belting out ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’, as well as ‘It’s Not Unusual’ and Elvis’s favourite, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’. They jammed together through the night. Tom said simply, ‘I’ll never forget it as long as I live.’

The two men became genuine friends. .

Tom spoke graciously of Elvis to the Daily Express: ‘I never sat at his feet looking up to him, because we regarded each other as equals. He was much too modest to be comfortable with someone who fawned around him and was never afraid to admit his own vulnerability – always the mark of the truly great.’

They were rivals, as well as friends, when Elvis began a season at the newly opened International Hotel in July 1969, which two years later was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton. Both shows were ruthlessly

CELEBRITIES advertised. On one side of the strip the huge billboards read, ‘Elvis Presley is at the International’. On the other side, the hoardings declared,‘Tom Jones is in Town!’

Tom moved briefly to the International too, because its show- room was three times the size of the Flamingo’s. In 1971, he finally settled at Caesars Palace.

Elvis, meanwhile, stayed loyal to the Hilton, where he lived in the impressive penthouse, which became known as ‘Party Central’. The two friends would take it in turns to visit each other’s suites.

Elvis was a reality check for Tom – a stark example of a road he would go down if he didn’t look after himself. Tom tried to keep in shape. At home in the UK, it was relatively easy, thanks to his fitness complex. On the road or in Vegas, it was more difficult, but he swam and took up squash. In the eighteen months before he opened at the Flamingo, he slimmed down from fifteen to eleven and a half stone. He said goodbye to chips for ever.

He never stuffed himself with burgers or other junk food and avoided puddings, preferring a chateaubriand steak for dinner with the finest wines.

Tom didn’t drink before a concert, which was particularly important where the desert air was so dry and put a strain on his voice. His shows were a workout in themselves, because Tom finished dripping with sweat and as much as six pounds lighter. After a show, he took a long, thirty-minute shower and then enjoyed a vodka martini or opened a bottle or two of Dom Pérignon while he socialised. His friend and backing singer Darlene Love became so sick of the constant supply of vintage champagne that she loathes bubbly to this day and only has a glass if it is mixed with orange juice.

Elvis, however, struggled with his weight yo-yoing up and down. Early on, he told Tom that he took pills to stop the pounds piling on. The two men would have many discussions about the merits of drink and drugs.

During one conversation, Elvis told him that he had taken every kind of drug imaginable just to keep his ‘head together’. Elvis asked him what he took to keep sane and Tom replied simply,

‘Nothing, that’s why I feel I am sane.’

Tom’s aversion to drugs is very well known. He told Sylvie Simmons of MOJO magazine a funny story of the evening he went to a party in London thrown by Lulu.

A rock star sidled up to him and said, ‘You want to see what’s going on in the kitchen!’ Tom, being Tom, immediately thought it might be something involving one or hopefully two women. He was disappointed to see that the great excitement was a pile of white powder on the kitchen table.‘See you later,’ he said.

Elvis never took any drugs in front of Tom – he had too much respect for him.

Instead, they would be sitting down, listening to records, when Elvis would suddenly disappear into the bedroom and come out a new man. They would listen to a few more records and then the same thing would happen again.

They may have had differing opinions on drugs, but both Elvis and Tom had similar views on gambling. Although they were the bait to draw thousands of punters into the hotel casinos, they never indulged themselves. That example was not followed by their respective managers, who lost fortunes at the gaming tables. Gordon incurred heavy losses playing blackjack. He was rumoured, in one disastrous night, to have lost the whole of Engelbert’s fee for a year.

Tom just didn’t get the attraction. Why give away so easily what you had worked so hard to earn? One evening at Caesars Palace, Linda came bounding up to him and asked for some money so she and a friend could spend some time at the tables. Tom reached in his pocket and gave her $5. He advised her, ‘Don’t lose it all at once.’

Tom was intrinsically more sociable than Elvis, who preferred quiet evenings in his suite. He loved gospel music and was prepared to stay up even later than Tom, just singing. Tom would say goodnight and be halfway out the door, when Elvis would start something else and Tom would be obliged to go back in and sing another song.

For the most part, they kept their friendship low-key. Elvis would slip into Caesars Palace with a baseball cap over his distinctive black hair and sit at

the back of the room. Disappointingly, Elvis and Tom never sang together in public. Elvis might walk on stage when Tom was performing, but he was under strict contract to another hotel, so he would never join in with a quick chorus of ‘Delilah’. Their duets were private moments and Elvis made it clear that they must never be recorded. His manager, Colonel Parker, had told him that he must ensure there were no bootleg recordings, an instruction he followed religiously. Tom was the same where Gordon was concerned: he never forgot what Gordon said.

When they weren’t singing, they would talk about music. Elvis once suggested they could do a concert together, with The Beatles as their backing group. They could do their own songs, followed by a few duets and the Fab Four could play all the instruments. Elvis asked, ‘Do you think there is a chance we could get them to do it?’ Tom, who still laughs about that conversation, responded:‘It would be fantastic.’

The pair were such good friends, they exchanged rings. Elvis gave Tom a splendid black sapphire ring, which annoyingly disappeared from his hotel bathroom one night on tour – along with the young lady who was using it. Tom, in turn, presented Elvis with a tiger’s eye ring that he knew he liked.

Elvis, for whom death threats were a way of life, was obsessed with firearms and would make sure he was armed even when he used the toilet. He gave Tom a gun with ‘Tom Jones’ engraved on the barrel. Tom has never had to fire his gun, although he made sure he knew how to use it. Perversely, Elvis also gave him a book that he’d enjoyed, entitled The Impersonal Life, a famous text about selfdiscovery and leading a spiritual life. 

Tom Jones: The Life by Sean Smith (HarperCollins)

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Primavera and Pasqua in the hills ….the new Prosecco is nearly ready Most of us have just finished paying for Christmas and, as if by magic, the nights begin to get a little shorter.

Daffs are in the shops (don’t mistake them for spring onions!) and thoughts abound about this year’s holiday and burning seasonal issues; What colour shall we stain the fence? When can we dust off the barbeque?

Thoughts are different in Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, the home of Prosecco.

Time to tend the budding new vines and look towards the most important festival of the year: Easter.

All the 500 or so winemakers in the area are bottling and labelling the first of this year’s Prosecco.

The Glera grapes have given up their sweetness, their alcohol and their bubbles and now, with a little magic from the winemaker , those three components are brought together to produce the very best of Northern Italy’s favourite sparkling wine.

This isn’t just any Prosecco. The cantine (wineries) in this area subscribe to the rules of the governing body - the Consorzio- so that the when finished wine reaches the set superb standard, you get only the best quality.

When you buy your Prosecco, try to look for labels bearing Treviso DOC or Superiore DOCG. The former is Con Gusto’s minimum standard and equates to a level where the cantina is happy to put their family name on the bottle, whereas the latter puts the wine into an altogether higher echelon.

DOCG is the highest classification for Italian wine. It’s the logical next step for Prosecco lovers. A few pounds more but you will not be disappointed. The higher quality grapes used in making DOCG Prosecco Superiore result in a delicate and exemplary taste and finish.

The new Prosecco arrives in time to complement the Easter feast.

Italians are happy to eat out at Easter.

Christmas is about immediate family, but

Easter is about celebrating new life and the new season with friends and family.

In the Veneto, traditional dishes include; young cured meats and salamis, Torte Pasqualine (savoury Easter pies) lasagne, risotto made with very fresh seafood, baby peas or asparagus. These would all be perfect with a robust and fresh Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut.

The main courses will be mainly based around lamb which will be drunk with a quality Merlot, or maybe even a Raboso Desserts are many and varied and chocolate eggs are a favourite. It’s the time of year for a Pane di Pasqua the famous Easter bread that is made all over Italy. Now is the time to serve a slightly sweeter Prosecco DOCG Extra Dry or go for the fully loaded, sweet and sumptuous, DOCG Dry. If you would like to try our special Proseccos, they are available locally from Albion Farm, Muse Bar and Grandpa Greenes in Saddleworth and Peel One in Marsden.

Peter Dushko is the owner and Founder of Con Gusto UK Ltd

Local importers of the finest Prosecco Our 2015 selection includes: DOC, DOCGs, and Rosé ‘Pink Proseccos’

Why not book a Prosecco Tasting Party as a special Easter or Spring treat?

Trade customers...

We offer specialist knowledge, customer sampling and flexible deliveries.

Corporate customers...

Let us handle your Spring and Summer events.

For further details contact Peter Dushko on 07801 055853 or email peter@con-gusto.co.uk

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Con Gusto UK Ltd

www.con-gusto.co.uk

FOOD AND DRINK THE HAIRY DIETERS EAT FOR LIFE "We've cooked the recipes in our first book over and over, and they've become much loved standards in our kitchens, along with our other favourite dishes. We enjoy them so much that, like you, we wanted, more so now we've come up with some new ones that we hope you're going to like just as much."

ALL-IN-ONE SPICY PORK AND RICE 395 calories per portion Lean, tender pork with spicy rice and lots of veggies - what more could you want? This is a scrumptiously simple family supper with big flavours that fulfils all your needs. Only problem is stopping yourself eating too much of it!

Heat the oil in a large, non-stick deep frying pan or sautÊ pan. Fry the onion wedges over a medium heat for 3 minutes until they’re softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly.

Season the pork with salt and black pepper, then add it to the pan and stir-fry with the onion for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Add the chorizo, garlic, peppers and beans and stir-fry together for 2 minutes more. Sprinkle with the spices and stir in the rice, then pour over the stock and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring regularly, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice and pork are both lovely and tender.

Serves 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking time: about 30 minutes 2 tsp olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced into thin wedges 500g pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 1 cm slices 50g chorizo sausage, skinned and cut into 5mm slices 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 red and 1 orange pepper, deseeded and sliced 100g green beans, trimmed and cut into short lengths 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp hot chilli powder 150g easy-cook long-grain rice 750ml chicken stock, made with 1 stock cube flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

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FOOD AND DRINK

THAI BEEF SALAD 239 calories per person (if serving 2); 159 calories per portion (if serving 3) The Kingy and I both love this salad. It’s full of fresh, soaring flavours and plenty of heat, but if you don’t like your food too spicy, leave out the chilli or deseed it before slicing. Make sure you wash your hands really well after handling the chilli! You can make this with chicken or fish too.

Trim off any visible fat from the steak and season it with salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Heat the oil in a small non- stick frying pan and fry the steak over a high heat for 11/2 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Leave it to rest on a board while you prepare the veg.

Use a vegetable peeler to peel the carrots into thin ribbons, turning regularly. Cut the cucumber in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon, then cut the cucumber into slices of about 5mm. Finely slice the shallot. Trim the pepper at both ends and cut it into thin strips. Put all the vegetables in a bowl, then strip the leaves off the herbs, tearing any large leaves in half, and scatter them on top.

To make the dressing, put all the ingredients in a small blow and whisk until well combined. Cut the steak into slices about 4mm thick and add them to the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss lightly and serve.

Serves 2-3 Prep: 20 minutes Cooking time: 3 minutes 1 lean sirloin or rump steak (1.5cm thick) 1 tsp sunflower oil 2 medium carrots, peeled 1/2 small cucumber 1 long shallot or 2 small shallots, trimmed 1 small red pepper, deseeded 25g bunch of fresh coriander 25g bunch of fresh mint flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper Dressing 1 tbsp nam pla (Thai fish sauce) 1 tbsp light brown soft sugar 1 tbsp fresh lime juice 1 red or green bird’s eye chilli, trimmed and very finely sliced.

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FOOD AND DRINK

FRESH FRUIT TRIFLES 239 calories per portion These stunning little puds are a doddle to make and feel like a real treat. No one will guess that they contain under 250 calories per portion - a sensation on the lips but a mere trifle on the hips.

You’ll need 6 glass dessert dishes for this; each one needs to hold about 250ml. You can also make the trifle in a large bowl, but it will take a little longer to set. Break the sponge fingers in half and place them in the base of each dish.

Drizzle with a little sherry if you like.

Your perfect recipe needs top quality ingredients...

Dissolve the jelly crystals in 300ml just-boiled water in a large jug according to the packet instructions. As soon as they have dissolved, stir in the 600ml of cold water.

Hull the strawberries and cut them in half or into quarters if they are very large. Scatter the strawberries over the sponge fingers. Pour the jelly slowly over the broken sponge fingers and strawberries until they are evenly covered. Cover the dishes with cling film and chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until the jellies are set.

Take the dishes out of the fridge and remove the cling film.

Spoon the custard on top of each jelly without taking it right to the sides.

Put the cream in a bowl and whisk with electric beaters until soft peaks form. Try not to overwhip the cream - it’s ready when it looks like soft, billowing clouds. Add a large spoonful of the whipped cream to each trifle, placing it on top of the custard. Decorate the trifles with fresh raspberries, blueberries and a few fresh mint leaves.

These keep well in the fridge so you can make them up to 2 days before serving ideal if you’re planning a party.

Serves 6 Prep: 15 minutes plus setting time 12 sponge fingers (about 75g) 3 tbsp sweet sherry (optional) 2 x sachets (23g) of raspberry flavour sugar-free jelly crystals 300ml just-boiled water 600ml cold water 200g fresh strawberries 300ml low-fat ready-made custard, preferably fresh 125ml double cream 100g fresh raspberries 100g fresh blueberries fresh mint leaves to decorate.

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 AND DRINK

A BIG SOUP 157 calories per portion A big soup to make you smaller, this is a tasty wholesome lunch on a cold day.

Add a tablespoon of half-fat crème fraiche and a sprinkling of paprika for a guilt-free garnish that adds only 25 calories more per portion.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick saucepan or a big flameporof casserole dish.

Add the onion and garlic and fry gently for 5 minutes until softened but not coloured, stirring often. While the onion is frying, peel the carrots and slice them into rough 1.5cm chunks. Trim the green beans and cut them into pieces about 3cm long.

Add the chorizo, paprika and carrots to the pan with the sliced onion and cook over a low heat for 2 minutes, stirring until the chorizo begins to release its fat. Season with salt and lots of black pepper. Tip the tomatoes into the same pan, add the stock and sugar, then turn the heat up to medium.

Bring the liquid to the boil. Reduce the heat slightly and leave the soup to simmer for 12 minutes. Add the canned and fresh beans and the kale and bring it back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes until all the vegetables are just tender, adding a little extra water if the soup is looking too thick. Season the soup with salt and black pepper and serve in deep bowls.

Serves 6 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes 1 tbsp sunflower oil 1 medium onion, finely sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced 3 medium carrots 150g green beans 75g chorizo sausage, skinned and cut into 1cm slices 1 tsp hot smoked paprika 1/2 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra to season 400g can of chopped tomatoes 1.4 litres chicken stock, fresh or made with 1 stock cube 1 tsp caster sugar 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 150g curly kale, thickly shredded freshly ground black pepper.

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FIVE-MINUTE PIZZA 250 calories per pizza Our super-quick pizza is based on a tortilla wrap instead of pizza dough, which makes it lower in calories and fast to prepare - a pizz-a genius! We like to add some pitted olives to our pizza before grilling but don't forget that every 15 grams of olives ups the calorie count by 15.

Preheat the grill to its hottest setting. Place the tortilla on a baking sheet and spread with the passata, leaving a 2cm gap around the edge.

Tear the ham into strips and arrange them on top of the tortilla. Sprinkle with the oregano and then the grated Cheddar. Season with black pepper.

Toss the rocket or salad leaves with olive oil and a dribble of balsamic vinegar if you like. Put to one side.

Place the pizza under the grill and cook for about 11/2 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the pizza are beginning to brown. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn! Slide the pizza on to a board or a warmed plate, top with the salad and serve immediately.

Makes 1 pizza (serves 1) Prep: 31/2 minutes Cooking time: 11/2 minutes 1 large flour tortilla wrap 3 tbsp passata with basil 20g wafer-thin ham (a couple of slices) 2 good pinches of dried oregano 20g half-fat Cheddar cheese, finely grated small handful of rocket or baby salad leaves 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp good balsamic vinegar (optional) olives in brine (optional) freshly ground black pepper.

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

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Mecca Rochdale!

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Mecca Oldham is located directly opposite Oldham King Street Tram station in the heart of Oldham Town Centre. As well as fantastic links to public transport, we also have 2 levels of on site parking for our customers to use.

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A purpose built modern building offering a variety of leisure opportunities, including Bingo, Mecca MAX Electronic Bingo terminals, a large Amusements facility offering some of the latest slots games and freshly cooked food delivered to your table!

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Rochdale, Smith Street, Rochdale, Lancashire, OL161YH

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Membership is instant and free on arrival at the club or by signing up online at www.meccabingo.com.

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Membership is FREE and available to anyone over the age of 18 and once you have signed up, you can use that membership at any club in the country.

Afternoon sessions of Bingo are played at 12:30pm, 1pm and 1:30pm ending at 3pm, or if you prefer evening entertainment, you can join us at 6:30pm, 7pm or 7:30pm to take part.

Oldham, King Square, Oldham, Lancashire, OL81ES Telephone: 0161 626 7224 Email: manager.mecoldham@rank.com

Don’t forget, we pay over £54,000 per week in jackpots, so do you fancy a chance to win a share? Finally, don’t worry about your first visit, if you let us know it’s your first time, we would love to show you around, and explain where everything is.

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OUT & ABOUT

Celebrity Chefs announced for Lowry Outlet’s Third Annual Food Festival The Food Festival at Lowry Outlet, MediaCityUK is back this May with a star-studded line up and extensive programme of entertainment. Taking place from 2nd-4th May, the Food Festival 2015 will deliver the perfect weekend to wannabe chefs, food lovers and families alike.

Household favourite, Gok Wan will make his debut appearance at the Lowry Outlet Food Festival on Saturday 2nd May, and visitors are invited to watch live demonstrations of Gok cooking his favourite healthy Chinese dishes in The Cookery Theatre.

On Sunday 3rd May, Celebrity chef Paul Hollywood will host a series of hands-on cookery demonstrations also in The Cookery Theatre. Visitors can pick up insider tips and recipe ideas to take away with them to try at home. What’s more, fans of Gok Wan and Paul Hollywood will get the opportunity to have books signed by the chefs at set times during the weekend.

Monday 4th May is all about the children, with the free Kids Cookery Zone hosting food-themed activities, giant games and Cbeebies stars Mr Bloom and ‘I can Cook’ presenter Katy Ashworth will be performing live and meeting and greeting fans.

During the three days, the Plaza will be transformed into foodie heaven and will become home to 120 tempting food and drink producers selling everything from artisan cheese to handmade jewellery to entice visitors, with cookery masterclasses and street food vendors boasting the finest regional food and drink, as well as award-winning national and global cuisine, cookware, crafts and accessories. The Lowry Outlet Food

Festival 2015 has something for everyone and offers exclusive products that cannot be found on the high street.

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

Visitors can enjoy family-friendly live-music whilst strolling around the markets, eating, drinking and enjoying the atmosphere. What’s more, The Bus Stop, an authentic 1967 Routemaster bus which has been converted into a double decker bar, will be the perfect watering hole as families relax on the lawn seating.

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

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!

The Lowry Outlet Food Festival 2015 is the perfect place for foodies, for families to enjoy day out, or for those looking to grab a bargain, with stores in the centre offering savings of up to 70% off RRP. There is a huge selection of fashion, gifts and homeware plus an on-site multi-screen Vue Cinema, a food court seating 400, and seven Plaza restaurants!

To find out more visit www.lowryoutlet.co.uk

Dr Kershaw's Hospice Walk

Bury Market Hall: Open every day except Sunday Full Markets Open: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays

This is an enjoyable leisurely 7.25 mile sponsored walk for all the family with no time limit to complete. Entry fee is £7 per person and each walker will receive a medal, sandwich and drink.

The route starts from Dr Kershaw’s Hospice up to Springhill Hospice and back. Details of the route can be found at www.drkershawshospice. org.uk.

“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

For further details please call the fundraising team on 0161 624 9984.

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OUT & ABOUT

Hindle Wakes Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd - Fairbottom Street, Oldham OL1 3SW T: 0161 624 2829 Mill worker Fanny Hawthorn and mill owner’s son Alan Jeffcote return home from an illicit weekend away together. Their trip is kept secret from disapproving parents and of course Alan’s fiancée Beatrice until a dramatic turn of events exposes their affair. Fanny soon finds herself fighting for her independence in the face of pressures to marry and become an ‘honest woman’.

Set during Wakes Week in Lancashire Hindle Wakes is a funny and compelling rejection of archaic attitudes and champions early female independence. Written in 1910, it was a hugely controversial play and one of the first to have a working class female lead.

Tickets Full: £11.00 - £19.50 Concs: £11.00 - £17.50 Under 26: £5.00 - limited tickets available

For more information visit www.coliseum.org.uk

THE NEXT ISSUE OF

Saddleworth Show 2015 The show this year will be on Sunday 28th June 2015 at Well-i-hole Farm Greenfield.

This years Show is going back to its roots as a Country Fair with acts, attractions and activities for children and families which build on that theme. It is going to be a great show.

With plenty of attractions planned including......

Falcons, Chainsaw Carvers, Donkeys, Llamas, a Petting Zoo, Stone Carving, Chinese Boxing, Coconut Shy, Paintball, Dog training, Classic Cars, Dry Stone Walling, a Climbing Wall, Craft and Sport Demonstrations, Archery, Fly Fishing and a Casting Contest, and much more. The very popular Duck Race will take place in the afternoon on the River Tame which flows through the site.

There is a stage so that Bands and our Young Talent Showcase will continue. All that backed up by the usual Craft, Charity and Food stalls. It will as ever be a great afternoon out for all the family.

Well-'i'-hole Farm, Greenfield, Saddleworth Oldham OL3 7HY T: 07764588584

OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE IS PUBLISHED IN JUNE

For details of advertising CALL 01204 860 194 or email artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk today.

Professional writer will undertake ghostwriting and publishing of all kinds from booklets to autobiographies or family histories. traditional and e-book publishing with associated web sites if required. instalment terms available.

Contact Graham smith at grahamsmithpublishing@yahoo.com or call 07866626090. www.grahamsmithmedia.co.uk

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Owning a dog makes older people fitter and healthier; what a great excuse to have dogs in your life! A much-loved dog is also an effective antidote to loneliness and if you are retired or nearing retirement, a dog can be a wonderful way to stay active and connected within your local community.

However, dog ownership comes with emotional, physical and financial ties that some people may find unachievable. In fact, people say the best thing about being a grandparent is handing the children back at the end of the day Well, the canine equivalent for dogs is a company called Digs for Dogs.

Launched 3 years ago in Bury, Greater Manchester, this successful pet services business has expanded into Rochdale, Oldham & Tameside offering customers a professional and caring service accommodating dogs in a loving home environment with select dog loving people whilst they are away from home.

Could you provide a temporary home and a loving environment for a canine companion?

By becoming a home boarder for Digs for Dogs, not only are you joining a wonderful team who's goal it is to provide loving and safe environments for their customers dogs, but also you will reap the benefits that having a dog in your life provides, without the full time commitment of dog ownership.

If you love dogs and feel that you could provide the right loving environment for a dog on a flexible basis, for short periods of time from 2 days to 2 weeks, or would like more information about what it takes to become a home boarder, then please contact Emma Croft on the details below. She would love to meet you and help you discover a wonderful new life filled with the fun, friendship and companionship of home dog boarding.

Call Emma on 01706 822957, or mobile 07944 209437 Alternatively, drop her a mail at emmacroft@digsfordogs.uk.com.

MANCHESTER FOOT &CLINIC ANKLE CLINIC MANCHESTER FOOT & ANKLE www.manchesterfootandankleclinic.com

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We offer a complete and comprehensive spectrum of both We offer complete andspectrum comprehensive We offer a complete and acomprehensive of both diagnosis and operative and non-operative treatment for diagnosis and spectrum operative and non-operative treatment for both diagnosis and operative all foot of and ankle disorders. all foot and ankle anddisorders. non-operative treatment for all foot interests include sports injuries, arthritis, rheumatoid AnandPillai Pillai and Special ankle disorders.

MrMr. Anand 1 or 2 X pics of Active Ol Special interests include sports injuries, arthritis, rheumatoid Pillai MS, disease, deformity and aesthetic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery, MS, MRCS, FRCS 1 or 2 X pics of Active Older MRCS, FRCS people in this space. To disease, deformity and aesthetic surgery.

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44 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

NATURAL LOOKING DENTURES Now You Can Eat & Smile With Confidence The ULTIMATE in denture technology...

Alongside our successful denture systems Gerber and Candulor we are now able to offer you the fantastic BPS Bio functional Prosthetic System by Ivoclar.

High quality standards ensure that BPS dentures meet your individual requirements. The masticatory movements and the sensitivity of the oral mucous membranes are taken into consideration, as well as the wearing comfort during daily use, such as eating or speaking.

The BPS promotes the excellent cooperation between the dentist and the certified dental technician. In this way, your BPS dentures meet even your most exacting requirements.

Regain your self confidence with a unique aesthetic appearance tailored just to you. There are many options so why not reserve a free consultation with Dr Sharon Walsh.

Please get in touch to find out about our denture systems and which one is right for you...

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Dr Sharon Walsh has been in practice for 24 years and brings a holistic approach providing all aspects of dentistry and denture related work. Dentistry@442 are now taking on new patients.

To make a no obligaton appointment call 01706 372 088 today.

HOME VISITS POSSIBLE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

442 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH

www.dentistry442.co.uk

Yo u r L o c a l S p e c i a l i s t S o l i c i t o r s

0161 368 3434 0161 368 1559

Chronnell Hibbert is a well-established practice providing legal services to individuals, families and small businesses from its offices in Hyde and Woodley, local to Denton.

Divorce & Family Law

Conveyancing

Wills & Probate

At Chronnell Hibbert, our dedicated family department consists of a team of understanding and sympathetic solicitors who are highly qualified in all aspects of family law and specialise in divorce. Whether you need to resolve financial disputes or have issues regarding childcare or domestic violence, we can be of assistance.

We at Chronnell Hibbert understand that buying or moving home is a big investment. Oftentimes the process is stressful and time-consuming. Our property conveyancing solicitors are here to help. We are committed to providing all the support and legal advice you need.

We give specialist advice to the elderly in planning their affairs including Powers of Attorney and minimising their exposure to the local authority taking their assets if they have to go into an elderly persons home. Early advice is recommended in these situations which need to be planned for some time ahead.

For further information please call Anna Perry or David Williams on 0161 368 3434 or email anna.perry@hydesolicitors.co.uk or david.williams@hydesolicitors.co.uk or the team at HT Legal on 0161 368 1559 or email mail@harrisontownend.co.uk Chronnell Hibbert | 18 Reynold Street, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 1LY HT Legal | Clarendon Chambers, 5a Market Place, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 2LX

also cover other areas of law, to find out more visit www.chronnells-denton.co.uk 46 | We WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Advertorial feature

Getting to know your elderly care options A guide to help you plan for your needs in later life.

If you’re concerned about the care of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. It’s not always easy to talk about elderly care and you may go through a range of emotions, or feel that you’re on your own.

Aside from the emotional strain, families also have to get to grips with the implications of paying for care, which can be complex. There’s also the decision about which care to choose, which will depend on a number of factors, including the level of care required.

Many care homes provide a range of care types at one location giving the home the ability to meet individuals’ changing care needs within a single setting. This means that residents may not need to relocate to another care home should their care needs change in the future.

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Choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For this reason, it is important that you research and fully understand all the different options available to you, including the likely costs, to ensure you make the right choice.

It’s common for someone needing a care home to feel a burden and for relatives to feel guilty about not being able to provide the care themselves. However, life in a care home can bring great benefits; helping people to stay independent for longer in a safe and homely environment, while ensuring help is at hand when needed.

Care homes can also offer a real community spirit, where people can interact with their fellow residents, families and friends and enjoy a more active social life based on their interests and hobbies.

If you would like advice based on your personal circumstances, or you are just not sure where to start, whether it’s queries about funding, getting help to look after someone at home, or just starting the conversation with a loved one about care, Bupa offers a free advice service run by experts.

To discover what care could mean for you in Oldham, Rochdale and Thameside talk to an expert today. Call 0333 331 7760†

READER OFFER For your free ‘A Guide to Making Choices for the Years Ahead’, send this coupon to: Care Journey Experts, Bupa Care Services, Bridge House, Outwood Lane, Leeds, LS18 4UP Name: ........................................................

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They are there to listen to your circumstances and, by explaining your options, help you to make choices that are right for you and your loved one.

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