Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside issue 56

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018

OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE EDITION 56

Nathan Outlaw

SHARE RECIPES FROM HIS NEW BOOK

Jennie Bond EXPLORES SINGAPORE

Paul Simon HOMEWARD BOUND

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Twittering on With Angela Kelly Commonsense on our NHS is long overdue WE appear to be a nation that is quite comfortable with not bothering to turn up for our hospital appointments.

How else can you explain eight million missed outpatient appointments last year at an average cost of £120 each?

That meant £1 billion lost to our underfire and under-funded NHS. And it’s the patients who have caused that loss!

JENNIE BOND

DISCOVERING SINGAPORE 8-9

It seems crackers to me. Like shooting yourself in the foot several times and then complaining that your foot’s a bit sore.

BRING THE SUNSHINE INTO YOUR HOME 11-12

According to NHS England, that money could have funded almost a million cataract operations or a quarter of a million hip replacements. At a time when people may have to wait ridiculously long times – often in pain and with a severely restricted lifestyle – for these procedures it seems a national scandal.

GARDEN

Asking people to use our health services responsibly, though, seems like a cry in the wilderness. People with coughs and colds rock up at A & E, filling waiting rooms, using resources and generally clogging up a system plainly not meant for such trivial ailments when a quick trip to the local pharmacist could get them sorted in no time.

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A RIOT OF COLOUR 15-16

We’ve also never had more medical help available to us at the end of a phone or online. Advice and guidance is there for all who ring the 111 services and GP surgeries are now far more streamlined to deal with the most serious cases first.

NATHAN OUTLAW'S FISH KITCHEN 18-20

Last year, more than nine million people were sent home from A & E with just guidance and advice. Even doing this takes up important working hours and means the message is still not getting across.

There are regular arguments in favour of charging people for appointments as incentive to turn up but equal counterarguments that this hits the worst off in the population. And it still may not work.

In this 70th year of the NHS, its Chief Nurse Professor Jane Cummings is urging everyone to use the NHS properly. This includes cancelling appointments in good time to free them up for others – and being realistic about our ailments and not going to A & E unless we really do have an accident or an emergency.

Surely the time has come for genuine commonsense on this one?

Sorry but not loving Love Island at all AM I wrong or are reality TV programmes becoming increasingly trivial?

I suppose it’s Love Island that has me all het up about the sort of viewing on our many channels.

It may look wonderful – like a fantasy sunshine holiday for the under-30s consisting of beautiful young women and men - but its message of casual sex and ultra short-term relationships is an unhealthy one to send out to youngsters. Even if nine million viewers don’t agree.

While Masterchef in all its forms is actually informative, Jersey Shore and The Only Way Is Essex are the dross end of entertainment.

Motorway Cops, Police Interceptors, Inside The Ambulance, 24 Hours in A & E and Nothing to Declare can actually shine a light on life as it’s lived by the majority.

But some of the house makeover programmes make you worry about the state of the British design industry today.

Viewers are actually reduced to watching paint dry.

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separate clauses in a complex sentence (sorry about the school marm bit there).

More simply, it’s for when you would normally take a breath in a sentence.

Whatever next? Celebrity Colonscopy?

My Life with Piles? Please ….. let’s get back to proper programmes.

Long live proper punctuation – it still matters!

As a friend once demonstrated beautifully in a Facebook post “My neighbour loves cooking children and dogs but hates commas.” Author Lynn Truss’s book on this subject, entitled “Eats Shoots and Leaves”, has a picture of a panda on the front to amply highlight what happens when commas fall out of favour.

SOME people doze off if you mention the word “punctuation” but I’m sure there are still people around who care about it.

I’m afraid I’m actually quite pedantic about grammar and punctuation while some people go for “the double”, abusing both at the same time.

The other victim of terrible punctuation abuse is the apostrophe. This is meant to indicate a missing letter, like “you’re”, but is the complete outcast of the punctuation world.

Thanks to texting and posting online, “you’re” as an abbreviation for “you are” has now been replaced by the allpurpose “your”.

This is even creeping into emails, which are supposed to be fairly literate, to mean both a possession belonging to you and a quick form of “you are” at the same time.

And don’t get me started on the plight of the comma. The comma is meant to

It crops up in the most unlikely places but refuses to appear when really needed. Examples to set the teeth on edge include a sign in a garden centre “Pansy’s ready” (is she?) and one in a supermarket “Fish Not Just For Friday’s” (Friday’s what?)

Grrrrrrr!

A spot of peace and quiet is just the job LIFE would be a lot easier if we were able to have enforced quiet moments in the day, don’t you think?

It’s so hard to escape noise these days.

The TV seems to have a mind of its own when setting levels for individual programmes and then the loudness of the adverts can be quite a shock.

We have to put up with a certain amount of noise anyway – roadworks, car and lorry engines, motorbikes. People also often walk down the street shouting into their phones. Actually, I don’t care about their private lives or what they’re having for tea. Don’t share.

I’m convinced that people do talk more loudly generally now, having practised on their phones in the street. Normal conversation sounds like a fight and even children talk to each other by shouting.

A quiet time each day – say 3pm for half an hour – would do nicely. Any takers?

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above or email; help@aamail.org Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service Office at the address below.

For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026

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CALL F OR FREE 2 01 BROCH 8 U RE

Do you like the Chase or are you a Pointless fan?

Well, if you travel with Ellen Smith’s you’re normally home to watch when travelling back from a tour, rather than catching the end of Coronation Street!

At Ellen Smith’s we do things a bit differently than our rivals. All our tours are ‘Door to Door’ that means that you are picked up by a taxi or small minibus right from your front door.

No feeders, no interchanges, no changing coaches, no changing drivers and definitely no hassle!

How does it work?

On the morning of travel we pick you up at a pre-arranged time at your front door and take you to our waiting coach, usually at Birch Services. Within 30 minutes we normally have everyone on board and were on our way. We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.

The same happens on the way back too!

Add to this the fact that we are fully Financially Bonded, use some excellent privately owned hotels and all visits and excursions are included in the price. We use modern coaches and mature friendly drivers.

Finally we have a price promise - we never discount therefore everybody on board pays the same price.

Finally if you can find the same or similar holiday for sale cheaper in the UK we’ll refund the difference to the whole coach!

Once you’ve gone the Ellen Smith way you’ll never go back!

A SELECTION OF OUR 2018 COACH TOURS BBC Countryfile Live & Wiltshire BW Plus Blunsdon House Hotel Thursday 2nd August (5 Days) £359

Torquay The Derwent Hotel Sunday 5th August (8 Days) £549

Tour Highlights: 3 Ticket for BBC Countryfile Live Show at Blenheim Palace 3 Historical Market Town of Chippenham 3 Corsham – A hidden gem of Wiltshire 3 Beautiful Marlborough 3 Historic Market Town of Devizes

Tour Highlights: 3 Kingswear Paddle Steamer; Totnes; Dawlish; Topsham; Dartmoor & Plymouth 3 Guided Tour of Powderham Castle and visit to Exeter

Durham’s Living Past Durham Marriott Royal County Hotel Thursday 2nd August (5 Days) £419

Oxford, Morse & Midsomer Murders BW Reading Moat House Hotel Thursday 9th August (5 Days) £379

Tour Highlights: 3 Admission to Beamish 3 Admission to The Bowes Museum 3 City of Durham 3 Market Town of Barnard Castle

Tour Highlights: 3 Filming Locations of ‘Midsomer Murders’ Country 3 Guided Walking Tour of Oxford 3 Henley-on-Thames 3 Old Amersham 3 Hughenden Manor

Fit for a Princess: ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story Holiday Inn London Shepperton Friday 3rd August (5 Days) £379

Quintessential Kent Ashford International Hotel Sunday 12th August (6 Days) £489

Tour Highlights: 3 Entrance to ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ Exhibition at Kensington Palace 3 Free Time in Windsor 3 Admission to Windsor Castle 3 Explore: Kingston-upon-Thames & Richmond-upon-Thames

Tour Highlights: 3 Historic City of Canterbury & the seaside town of Margate 3 Chatham Historic Dockyard 3 City of Rochester 3 Leeds Castle & Maidstone 3 Royal Tunbridge Wells & Tenterden

Visit our Facebook community to find out the latest news Middle England: Castles, Gardens & Manors Kettering Park Hotel Thursday 16th August (5 Days) £369 Tour Highlights: 3 Admission to Lamport Hall & Gardens 3 Admission to Rockingham Castle 3 Admission to Boughton House 3 Visit to the Old Stone Town of Stamford

Beautiful Lake District Skiddaw Hotel Sunday 19th August (5 Days) £419 Tour Highlights: 3 Dalemain House & Gardens 3 Bowness-on-Windermere 3 Ullswater 3 Kendal

Snowdonia & The Llyn Royal Victoria Hotel Monday 20th August (5 Days) £369

Constable Country & East Anglia BW Marks Tey Hotel Sunday 9th September (5 Days) £329

Perthshire & Angus Coastline Salutation Hotel, Perth Monday 17th September (5 Days) £369

Tour Highlights: 3 A visit to the historic town of Conwy 3 Visit to Bodnant Gardens.

3 Journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway 3 Llanberis 3 An excursion which takes us to the beautiful Llyn Peninsula where we have time to explore Abersoch & Pwllheli

Tour Highlights: 3 Constable Country: Flatford Mill & the Vale of Dedham 3 Bury St. Edmunds & Lavenham 3 Aldeburgh & Southwold 3 ‘Essex Sunshine Coast’

Tour Highlights: 3 Admission to Scone Palace & Gardens 3 Attractive Village of Dunkeld 3 Victorian Town of Pitlochry 3 Tour & Tasting at Edradour Distillery 3 Visiting Montrose & Arbroath

North Devon Durrant House Hotel Monday 10th September (5 Days) £299

Blackpool Doric Hotel Monday 17th September (5 Days) £259

Tour Highlights: 3 Visits to Woolacombe & Ilfracombe 3 Hartland Village and Hartland Abbey & Gardens 3 Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre & free time in Bideford

Tour Highlights: 3 Illumination Period: There will be One Full Day Excursion and an Evening Excursion through the lights – again both included in the cost & operated by The Doric Hotel and names need to be registered upon arrival at the hotel.

Norfolk Seals, Coast & City BW Brook Hotel Monday 27th August (5 Days) £379 Tour Highlights: 3 Blakeney & The Seal Colonies Boat Trip 3 Norfolk Broads Paddle Steamer Cruise 3 Great Yarmouth 3 City of Norwich 3 Holt and Wells-next-the-Sea 3 Little Walsingham

Journeys of Northumbria Blackwell Grange Hotel Thursday 30th August (5 Days) £379 Tour Highlights: 3 River Tyne Cruise 3 Newcastle’s Famous Quayside Market 3 Beamish 3 South Tynedale Railway 3 Tanfield Railway 3 Locomotion at Shildon

Cornish Delights Rosemundy House Hotel Saturday 1st September (6 Days) £459 Tour Highlights: 3 Fowey & Charlestown 3 Marazion & Falmouth 3 St. Ives 3 Mevagissey & Truro

North Yorkshire Slendours Parsonage Hotel & Spa Sunday 2nd September (5 Days) £349 Tour Highlights: 3 Full Day in York 3 North Yorkshire Moors & Goathland 3 Seaside Town of Whitby 3 Admission to Castle Howard 3 Yorkshire Lavender

Wye Valley & Poldarks Trenwith Hallmark Gloucester Hotel Monday 3rd September (5 Days) £389 Tour Highlights: 3 Admission to Chavenage ~ ‘Trenwith Manor’ in TV’s Poldark 3 River Wye Cruise 3 Chepstow, Wye Valley & Monmouth 3 Forest of Dean 3 Picturesque Cotswolds 3 Gloucester and Sharpness Canal Cruise

INTERESTED?

Taste of Somerset Best Western Webbington Hotel Monday 10th September (5 Days) £409 Tour Highlights: 3 Beautiful City of Bath 3 Visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain 3 Historic City of Wells 3 Entrance to Cheddar Gorge Cheese Makers 3 Tour & Tasting at Thatcher’s Cider Farm

Trains & Gardens North Wales Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis Monday 10th September (5 Days) £419 Tour Highlights: 3 Journey to Bodnant Gardens 3 join the Tallylln Railway for the journey to Nant Gwernol and on to Abergynbolwyn 3 Enjoy a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway from Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog

Eastbourne Haddon Hall Hotel Saturday 15th September (8 Days) £499 Tour Highlights: 3 Lovely County Town of Lewes 3 Seaside Resort of Worthing 3 Battle & Rye 3 Admission to Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre 3 Tenterden & Royal Tunbridge Wells

Tapestries & Thrones Stormont Hotel, Belfast Sunday 16th September (5 Days) £469 Tour Highlights: 3 Cairnryan – Belfast, return ferry 3 Hillsborough Castle – guided tour and morning tea & scones 3 Admission to Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen 3 Admission to Glenarm Castle Walled GardenCentre 3 Half-Day Guided Coach Tour of Belfast

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2018 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

Bristol, Bath & GWR Aztec Hotel, Nr. Bristol Thursday 20th September (5 Days) £379 Tour Highlights: 3 Full Day in Bristol 3 Admission to SS Great Britain 3 Full day in the city of Bath 3 Journey on Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway 3 Admission to Bowood House & Gardens

Discovering Hampshire Langstone Hotel, Hayling Island Sunday 23rd September (5 Days) £369 Tour Highlights: 3 Visit to the former Tudor Palace – The Vyne 3 England’s Ancient Capital – Winchester 3Picturesque Market Town of Andover 3 Tour & Tasting at Bombay Sapphire Distillery 3 The Ancient & Prosperous Market Town of Romsey 3 Cathedral City of Salisbury

St Anne’s Lindum Hotel Monday 24th September (5 Days) £339 Isle of Anglesey The Bulkeley Hotel Monday 1st October (5 Days) £419 Bournemouth Durley Dean Hotel Monday 1st October (5 Days) £299 Northumberland & The North East Little Haven Hotel Sunday 7th October (5 Days) £359

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50 Plus Travel

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Discovering Singapore

BY JENNIE BOND “Well, this looks interesting!” said my husband as we were driven from the cruise terminal in Singapore to the airport for the flight home.

“ Don’t even think about seeing them all in one day,” said our wonderful guide, Naseem. “Unless you have your hiking shoes on and are feeling really energetic”. In the heat and humidity, we certainly weren’t.

Jim and I had just disembarked from a Cunard voyage and were heading straight back to the UK. We were both struck by the lush greenery and exotic flowers along the route to the airport, a sharp contrast to the dismal trek along the M4 from central London to Heathrow. And the Singapore skyline was dominated by fascinating pieces of modern architecture.

It seemed such a shame to see so little of this small island on the southern tip of Malaysia. All too often, Singapore is viewed as somewhere you pass through on the way to the Far East or Australia.

So we resolved to return and explore.

And that’s how, two years later, we ended up in the lap of luxury at the Shangri-La Hotel in central Singapore.

After the long flight from London, we were greeted in the steamy, pre-dawn heat of a March morning, by a doorman dressed as a Tibetan warrior.

It was slightly surreal, but then the Valley Wing of the Shangri La offers its guests a rather extraordinary experience all round. Even in all my travels with the Royal Family I’ve never come across a hotel offering complimentary champagne, fine wine, cocktails, afternoon tea, dainty sandwiches and canapés throughout your stay.

It’s a place where wine lovers and foodies need to exercise a good deal of self control. We failed!

“Whatever you do,” our friends in the UK had advised us, “you mustn’t miss the Botanical Gardens”.

And so, after a lazy day, a good night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast of

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With limited time, silly shoes and only pensioner- level energy, we focussed our attention on one specific area: the Orchid Garden. And it’s stunning.

Nasi Lemak (coconut rice, with hot chilli sauce, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber and a hard-boiled egg) we set off to see the gardens which are the crowning jewel of Singapore.

The Botanical Gardens date back 150 years and have recently been recognised as an UNESCO world heritage site, and it’s easy to see why. First of all, they are enormous: more than 180 acres.

Jim is quite a dab hand at cultivating orchids. We still have one that was given to me 14 years ago after I was in “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.” But the Singapore gardens take orchid displays to quite another level. And we were treading in the footsteps of the many famous people who have been there- as the orchids named after them proved: The Queen, the Princess of Wales, Charles and Camilla and Barack Obama, to mention but a few.

There are also two gigantic domes in this park. One is rather like a fantastic indoor Chelsea Flower Show, housed in the world’s largest greenhouse. The other creates the impression that you are walking high up in a cloud - and you are, indeed, extremely high on a cleverly designed skywalk which wends its way back down, giving you a bird’s eye view of the exhibits. However, if you have an aversion to heights, like my husband, this particular attraction is probably best avoided.

Safer perhaps, to stay closer to the ground and visit Singapore’s National Museum. I must admit I’ve had a bit of an aversion to museums ever since those tedious school trips standing looking at bits of rock in glass cases.

But, as I soon discovered, things have changed a great deal in this new world of clever technology. Singapore’s Museum is thoroughly absorbing. The nation’s history is graphically relayed through image and film.

TRAVEL

And the Glass Rotunda houses an inspired reproduction of the wildlife pictures of William Farquhar, Sir Stamford Raffles’ right hand man, who became the first British Resident and Commandant of Singapore. As you walk in semi-darkness along a digitally animated mural, birds and antelopes, porcupines and tapirs come to life and seem to follow you.

From that enchanting experience we moved on to a most eerie one: a park dedicated to Chinese mythology. Haw Par Villa is rather a tranquil oasis built for Singaporeans by two brothers who created the famous Tiger Balm herbal remedy. It’s a cross between Disney and the horror chamber at Madame Tussaud’s. Blood-thirsty statues depict the appalling mythological punishments

meted out to robbers, villains and petty thieves.

Throughout our stay, one theme dominated every day: what to eat next.

Singaporeans are a nation of food lovers and standards are extremely high. Even at the many hawker stalls selling satays, noodles and other street food, the hygiene ratings are clearly displayed.

And it’s fun to walk past their smoking barbecues in the warm night air and choose which offerings to sample.

Our most memorable meal was at Red House, a seafood restaurant established more than 40 years ago. There we shared a set menu for one, including Singapore’s famous chilli crab, and found we had more than enough food for us both. It was delicious.

So, if you find yourself en route to somewhere that takes you via Singapore, don’t just pass through, take a few days to explore. Or simply make it your destination, because there really is a lot to see-and we barely scratched the surface of all it has to offer.

For more information about Singapore visit

First Class Holidays offer a 5-night stay at the Shangri-La Singapore in a Garden Wing deluxe room including breakfast, private airport transfers and return flights from Heathrow with Singapore Airlines from £1,499 per person based on two sharing. or call

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Lords Roofing Contractors (N.W.) Limited

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HOME

Bring the Sunshine into

YOUR HOME

Start using more FOLIAGE in the home.

Fresh plants have very definite health benefits around the house and the humble houseplant is fast becoming a must-have buy.

Pop down to the local garden centre and invest in plenty of lovely plants, placing them in every room to bring the garden indoors and freshen up every space. Yes, they need watering and care but the rewards are huge. Put indoor hanging baskets in your conservatory or orangerie for a very definite extension of the garden inside your property.

Pick up the green theme in FURNITURE. You don’t necessarily need to invest in a new sofa or armchairs – just use a brightly coloured throw in Nature’s best shades to bring Winter rooms to life.

They’re cosy as well for any slightly chillier evenings.

Redecorate a lounge or sitting room in Summer’s best shades, or opt for neutrals with splashes of colour.

THIS is definitely the time of year we want to bring the sunshine into our homes.

You don’t always need hot sun and high temperatures to make your home seasonally welcoming. There are plenty of ways to improve your property that makes you FEEL like Summer every day.

Start by taking a practical look at the OUTSIDE of your property. Is it looking tired? Could it do with a coat of fresh paint? Does plasterwork and woodwork need re-doing or replacing?

Summer is full of yellows and bright greens – or go for this year’s ice-cream shades of pale pinks and subdued blues to bathe visitors in gentle light as soon as they come through the door.

If you prefer stronger colours or just an antidote to pastel shades, go for inky blues to break up spaces. This may be in the form of an imposing vase or some coloured glass for your flowers. And vary floral displays to different heights and widths to create an interesting and eyecatching addition to any room.

Take a fresh look at your WINDOWS as an easy way to let light and sunshine in any time but especially during the Summer months. If the double-glazing is blown or misty or if they are just looking old-fashioned or don’t maximise

If your home looks sunny on the outside, it’s a major step to it feeling sunny on the inside. One quick way is, if you have a garage, paint the garage door in a bright and cheerful colour to make you smile every time you see it.

Your FRONT DOOR may be well past its prime, too, so consider buying a new door, perhaps with more glass in to allow light into the hallway. And could your hallway do with redecorating and painting a bright colour?

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HOME

CONSERVATORIES are also worth considering at this time of year when work can be done easily with fewer problems caused by the weather. Again, always try to see a company’s work elsewhere before you buy and go on recommendation.

Another very effective way to bring fresh air and sunshine into your kitchen and living areas is with BI-FOLDING DOORS. These flexible glass doors offer a real opportunity to improve the amount of living space and bring in the outside.

They’re also great for entertaining if you have your barbecue on the patio and the garden spread out before you!

available light, it may well be worth asking for a quote from a recommended company.

One place to start is FENSA, a Government-authorised Competent Person Scheme for the replacement of windows, doors, roof windows and roof lights in England and Wales. They are also aware of the relevant Building Regulations and work with thousands of double-glazing contractors assessed for their abilities. So it may well be worth visiting their website at https://www.fensa.org.uk Opening up roofs with windows can turn a previously gloomy spot into a lovely bright area. ORANGERIES and

Thinking of downsizing?

All that new light may, unfortunately, also make you take a fresh look at your KITCHEN and wish it, too, was much sunnier.

Replacing unit doors is a good way to give a whole new look to this busy “heart of the home”. If you don’t want to spend that amount of money, begin by replacing utensils for any of the bright ranges currently on offer in supermarkets and homes’ stores.

A co-ordinated look among your utensils – and the coffeemaker and microwave as well if you like – breathes new life into tired-looking kitchens and takes advantage of all that extra fresh air and light.

BATHROOMS, too, can benefit from simple ideas like replacing items like tooth mugs, toilet roll holders and even shower curtains with something newer and more colourful.

Complement those with an unusual ornament in the same colour or more of those great, green plants and you freshen up the whole room to look pristine again.

Furnishings in BEDROOMS for Summer 2018 follow an unusual trend – ombre. More recently, this has meant shading colour in hairstyles but here it applies to shading in everything from cushions and rugs to bedding, curtains and lampshades.

Just graduate different shades of the same colours. You can even do this with wallpapers by mixing and matching plain and print patterns in similar colours. The effects really are stunning.

If you want to enjoy your garden more this Summer it’s also worth making it as accessible, comfortable and as pleasing as possible. Installing a WATER FEATURE, for example, is always a relaxing and visually pleasing innovation.

The Royal Horticultural Society’s website is well worth a visit for ideas on everything from hedges and paths to furniture and containers along with planting advice. Go to https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/design

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You might want a more Mediterranean garden with the sort of shrubby vegetation in big pots and gravel between to emulate the hotter conditions of the South of France, Italy and Spain.

Pots in lovely jewel colours will certainly make you think of sundrenched Continental beaches and lush French countryside.

For all enquiries or to arrange a viewing please call 07483167800

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And if your Summer home plan helps you think of holiday enjoyment every day then you’ve succeeded!

Bank of Mum & Dad Safeguard your investment Parents and grandparents are increasingly being called on to step in to help younger family members buy their first home. In 2017 it was predicted that parents would be involved in 25% of all UK property transactions with average lending rising from £17,000 in 2016 to £21,600 in 2017 and this figure expected to rise again for 2018.

As we’ve seen from research, the bank of Mum and Dad is very generous, but what happens if things go wrong? What if your child and their spouse divorce or they are declared bankrupt?

What if there is a family feud?

Prevention is better than cure and simple solutions are available to deal with these problems such as a declaration of trust. We can advise you on all aspects of lending money to help children get on the property ladder.

For information about our free legal surgeries and appointments contact us on: 0161 330 6821 Visit us at www.bromleys.co.uk to find out about our expert legal services

Bromleys Solicitors LLP - Clear, concise legal advice T: 0161 330 6821

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50 Wellington Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6XL Bromleys Solicitors LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

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Katherine St, Ashton under Lyne, Lancashire, OL7 0AG tel: 0161 330 1634

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Paving

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GARDEN Perennials and bulbs provide the perfect opportunity to change the height of your border through the seasons.

Spring bulbs such as Camassias and Tulips can make way for later flowering perennials such as Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Fascination’ and Foxgloves.

Some perennials add real architectural interest during the summer months such as Angelica, large ferns and the tall flowering stems of Acanthus mollis.

Combining plants that create tight mounds, with more relaxed sprawling forms and tall slim structure with plants with a broader habit, introduces interest in the garden and also ensures that plants get the right amount of light they require and don’t compete for space.

Lupins and Geum light up the floral marquee at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.

A riot of colour!

Sarah Plested, a horticulturist and garden designer based in North East Hampshire, discusses the use of colour in the garden and explains the principles behind successful plant combinations.

My favourite take home from RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year was the use of bold, bright colours. Out were the wishy-washy pastels and white gardens of previous years and back with vengeance were golden yellows, bright reds, deep blues, purples and oranges. In the glorious May sunshine, the rainbow of colours was a sight to behold.

In our own gardens, great combinations are often the result of a happy accident, either by a plants self-seeding or the need to fill a gap with a plant donated by a friend or in a sale at the garden centre.

When designing, plant combinations are the key to a successful planting plan with colour, form, texture and flowering time all considerations when selecting plants.

We all have our favourite ‘doers’; quite often plants that work hard with interest over a long period of time, aren’t fussy and behave themselves!

Colour The basics of the colour wheel work for planting too. Opposite or complementary colours work well together such as orange and deep purple or yellow and blue.

Choosing a palette of colours side by side on the colour wheel (analogous colours) creates a harmonious arrangement.

These two rules can be combined, for example a splash of dark purple from Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ in a border of pinks and blues, or the sharp lime green from Euphorbia shillingei, provide a contrast to the pale colours and really set them off.

Quite often my clients express a dislike of yellow flowers and both red and yellow can sometimes jar in the flower border unless they are positioned with a complimentary or analogous colour.

One of my favourite combinations is the bright yellow of Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus and the rich magenta of Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’. My Rosa ‘Evelyn Fison’ is displayed at its best with the large deep bronze leaves of Canna ‘Wyoming’ forming the backdrop behind.

Form I use the term ‘Form’ rather than ‘Shape’ because plants are three dimensional, organic shapes and as such can provide depth, width and height in border. All of these are of equal importance and the right combination provides the structure that will change through the seasons.

Evergreen shrubs are the bones of your garden along with plants with winter interest; displaying colourful or textured bark, interesting twisted bare branches or brightly coloured stems.

Texture This can be visual as well as physical.

Light ephemeral flowers of grasses, Heucheras and Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ contrast against the large leaves of Hostas and Ligularia or the spikey leaves of Acanthus. When putting plants together, the shape of their leaves as well as their flowers should be considered. Many plants have a short flowering period so the foliage is just as key in an attractive planting scheme.

Plants that cry out to be touched (a personal favourite is Pennisetum villosum) can be positioned by paths or terraces and enjoyed in passing, encouraging interaction on the journey through your garden.

Flowering time Making sure your garden provides pleasure throughout the year is probably the most challenging aspect of planting design. If you require a low maintenance planting scheme then focus on evergreen structure, flowering trees and shrubs and foliage colour. Bulbs and semi-evergreen perennials are useful for adding interest through the seasons.

If you enjoy gardening and want to achieve a more active planting scheme that changes throughout the seasons, planning is key. There are useful combinations of early and late flowering perennials such as Aquilega vulgaris and Anemone x hybrida that can be planted side by side, without one drowning out the other. Bulbs are useful too, Alliums can be planted with Verbena bonariensis as their leaves will have died back long before the Verbena is reaching skywards.

A note on Alliums, plant geraniums or other groundcover to hide their leaves which die back before they are in flower.

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GARDEN dominating or shading its neighbours. A good example is a wildflower meadow, where plants with similar requirements have no need to fight for nutrients, light or water. This balance is quite difficult to achieve in our gardens so we can cheat a little!

Cannas, Dahlias and other late flowering nonhardy plants are ideal for filling gaps when the early summer flowers are past their best. I over-winter mine in a small coldframe, or they can be kept in a garage. Their rich, bold shades soak up the late summer sun and my borders are transformed from light and airy in early summer to opulent and rich, stretching right into Autumn.

Annuals also have a role to play in keeping the colour going and filling in gaps. Raise them from seed in early spring or select from the huge array on display in garden centres and nurseries.

Finally, pots are an excellent way of introducing a dash of colour. A cheerful pot of tulips can Colour, texture and form all working in perfect harmony at RHS Chelsea Flower Show be positioned for maximum impact and then replaced with summer bedding or Agapanthus Make sure you know the mature size of the plant you select. later in the summer. Their portability is an Shrubs can be underplanted with perennials until they reach added advantage, pots can be moved to wherever they are maturity, but perennials mature within two years so don’t be needed. tempted to plant them too close together.

True harmony in your garden is achieved when there is the Much research has been carried out into plant communities; right balance of colour, texture, height and form and the plants that live happily side by side without one species pleasure gained from trying to achieve this is perhaps as important as the end result.

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www.burysheds.co.uk

Tel: 0161 764 3789 or 07507 678500 Wash Lane - Bury - BL9 7AJ 16 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Real lives

Give Your Property KERB APPEAL

Are you looking to transform the front of your house with an attractive new driveway?

I

f so, then a resin drive is well-worth considering.

Resin bound surfacing is a porous paving material made from a mixture of aggregate stones and resin. It combines the best attributes of other surfaces – the appearance of loose gravel, the strength of concrete and the flexibility of tarmac – whilst being easier to maintain than all three!

It’s environmentally friendly too – unlike bonded systems, a resin bound surface allows water to drain through just as Mother Nature intended, so you can minimise the impact on the environment and avoid puddles at the same time.

Resin bound surfacing comes in a choice of over 40 unique colours and is suitable for all types of properties and projects including driveways, patios, paths, terraces and roof gardens.

The benefits of a resin driveway

Slip resistant surface Adds value to your property No planning permission required Suitable for listed buildings, urban or rural properties ✔ Completely porous, so no puddles or floods ✔ Weed adverse materials ✔ Strong and durable so it will outlast other driveway options ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Sarah Beeny, property developer and TV presenter, is a big fan of resin drives. “Resin is definitely the perfect drive finish,” she says. “It’s so practical — being totally porous it drains brilliantly and doesn’t create puddles. It’s lovely to walk on, has a long-lasting durable finish and is available in an amazing range of colours.”

“It’s a bit like a little black dress. You can dress it up glitzy glam if you want a real Hollywood look, or it can blend perfectly with a natural rural setting.”

She recommends Resindrives.co.uk for their professional service and high-quality work on her driveway: “They arrived when they said they would, gave us a clear time schedule for the work and were finished early”, she says.

“All the fitters were polite and charming and properly cleaned up after themselves. They did a beautiful job and were complete perfectionists.”

Resindrives.co.uk have been installing resin driveways successfully since 2007. To find out more or get a free quote, call 0800 007 5733 or visit www.resindrives.co.uk.

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FOOD & DRINK

Nathan Outlaw, the owner of the world's only 2 Michelin Stars Fish Restaurant shares his recipes Barbecued grey mullet with garlic, fennel and olives There is something about butterflied fish cooked on a barbecue – somehow it just seems right. Lightly marinating the fish brings out its qualities and adds even more. The charred skin is really there for protection but if you get the temperature of the barbecue just right it will be lovely and crispy – delicious with the fennel, anise and garlic flavours.

Ingredients Serves 4 2 grey mullet, about 1kg each, scaled, gutted, butterflied and pin-boned 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped Olive oil for marinating and cooking 2 medium fennel bulbs 2 red onions, peeled and quartered Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Black olive dressing Handful of black olives, pitted and finely chopped About 150ml olive oil 2 tbsp chopped dill A splash of pastis Salad cream 2 egg yolks 2 tsp English mustard 2 tsp caster sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice 300ml light olive oil 30ml double cream

To marinate the fish, lay the butterflied fillets on a tray, sprinkle over the garlic and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil and carefully rub the flavourings into the fish. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

a bowl, stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill in the fridge.

Half an hour or so before the fish is required, light the barbecue.

To prepare the fennel, remove any tough outer layer, then quarter the bulbs. Thread the fennel and red onion quarters onto skewers, season with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.

For the salad cream, put the egg yolks, mustard, sugar and lemon juice into a blender and blitz briefly to combine.

With the motor running, add the oil in a slow, steady stream. Once it is all incorporated and emulsified, transfer to

For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. When the barbecue coals are ready, cook the fennel and red onion skewers on a medium heat (rather than the hottest part of the

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barbecue) until tender; this should take about 10 minutes.

Once the vegetables are cooked, take them off the barbecue and keep warm. Now lay the butterflied fish skin side down on the hottest part of the barbecue and cook for about 4 minutes.

Turn and cook for 2 minutes on the flesh side (the skin should have lifted, making it easy to turn the fish over).

Lay the fish and vegetable skewers on warm plates and spoon on the olive dressing.

Serve with the salad cream.

Plaice poached in butter with leeks, and parsley and mustard mash Poached on the bone, plaice is great. Poached in butter, it’s even better! This is a fish that is prone to drying, but the butter keeps the flesh deliciously moist. Lemon sole and brill similarly benefit from being cooked this way.

Ingredients Serves 4 2 plaice, about 1kg each, fins trimmed, head removed and split down the centre bone 500g salted butter 2 bay leaves 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 large thyme sprig 8 small leeks, outer leaves removed and cut across in half, or 12 baby leeks, trimmed Cornish sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Parsley and mustard mash 3 large baking potatoes 150ml whole milk 4 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley 1–2 tbsp English mustard, to taste To serve Lemon wedges 30ml double cream

Heat your oven to 220°C/Gas 7. For the mash, put the potatoes on an oven tray and bake for 1 hour or until tender.

When the potatoes are cooked, set aside until cool enough to handle. Lower the oven setting to 180°C/Gas 4.

Put the butter, bay leaves, garlic and thyme in a pan and warm over a low heat until the butter has melted. Add the leeks and cook until the butter starts to turn golden, then remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Once cooled, strain off most of the butter into a roasting tin large enough to hold the plaice.

For the mash, bring the milk to a simmer in a pan and remove from the heat. Cut the potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh and pass through a potato ricer into a bowl, or mash with a potato masher.

Fold in the milk and then add enough of the reserved poaching butter to give a soft mash. Add the chopped parsley and mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the leeks to a tray, ready to warm through to serve. Reserve the rest of the butter.

12 minutes. Meanwhile, warm the mash and leeks.

To check the fish is done, carefully lift a piece out of the butter and insert a small knife at the thickest point, hold it there for 5 seconds and then place it against the back of your wrist; it should feel warm, not cold or hot.

Scoop the mash onto warm plates and add the leeks. Carefully lift the plaice onto the plates, spoon over some of the butter and season with a little salt. Serve at once, with lemon wedges.

To cook the fish, bring the butter in the roasting tin to a simmer. Carefully add the fish and cook in the oven for about

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FOOD & DRINK

Salmon poached in tarragon vinegar with carrots in brown butter There is something about butterflied fish cooked on a barbecue – somehow it just seems right. Lightly marinating the fish brings out its qualities and adds even more. The charred skin is really there for protection but if you get the temperature of the barbecue just right it will be lovely and crispy – delicious with the fennel, anise and garlic flavours.

Ingredients Serves 4 4 portions of salmon fillet, about 200g each, pin-boned 2 carrots, peeled 200ml white wine 200ml white wine vinegar 400ml water 50g caster sugar 10 tarragon sprigs Sea salt Carrots in brown butter 250g salted butter 8 small carrots, peeled and halved lengthways, or 24 baby carrots 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped 2 tsp chopped tarragon

Cut the carrots lengthways into fine ribbons, using a vegetable peeler or mandoline. Pour the wine, wine vinegar and water into a saucepan and add the sugar, a pinch of salt, the carrot ribbons and tarragon sprigs. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

Take off the heat and leave to infuse for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, for the brown butter, heat the butter in a pan over a medium-low heat until melted and starting to bubble. At this stage, lower the heat and continue to cook until the butter turns brown and has a nutty aroma; don’t let it burn.

Immediately remove from the heat and strain through a muslin-lined sieve into a bowl.

Add the halved or whole baby carrots to a pan containing enough cold water to just cover them and add some salt. Bring to the boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the carrots are almost cooked. Drain and return them to the pan. Add 50ml of the brown butter with the chopped garlic and warm through over a low heat. Season with salt to taste and remove from the heat.

Drain the carrot ribbons, reserving the liquor; set aside.

To cook the salmon, bring the reserved liquor to a simmer in a fairly wide pan and add the fish fillets, making sure they are fully submerged.

Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen (Quadrille, £14.99) Photography © David Loftus

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Remove the pan from the heat, cover and leave to stand for 10 minutes; the fish will cook in the residual heat. To check the fish is done, carefully lift out a portion and insert a small knife into the thickest point, hold it there for 5 seconds and then place it against the back of your wrist; it should feel warm, not cold or hot.

Once the fish is ready, for the dressing, combine 75ml of the poaching liquor with 150ml brown butter, warm through and add the chopped tarragon. Place a portion of salmon on each warm plate.

Divide the carrot ribbons and brown butter carrots between the plates and spoon the dressing over the fish and carrots to serve.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Homeward Bound PAUL SIMON SAYS FAREWELL PAUL Simon has a particularly soft spot for England – and England definitely has a soft spot for the veteran American singer.

He is 76 now and in the middle of an extensive tour which takes in Europe and various cities in America but also includes England with gigs at the Manchester Arena and an appearance at the British Summer Time Festival in London’s Hyde Park.

Early in his career – when he and Art Garfunkel had initially broken up as a duo – he came over to England and played the folk circuits. During this time, he made a solo album called Back in America and also wrote songs including the haunting Homeward Bound.

In fact, he wrote it while sitting on the platform at Widnes railway station on Merseyside, waiting for a train to take him back to London and his girlfriend!

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Paul Simon became one of the best known singer/ songwriters of his day. In 1957, he and his high school pal Art Garfunkel wrote and recorded their first single under the name Tom and Jerry.

This wasn’t a hit but it was the start of a remarkably bright musical relationship that burned in a stellar light for several years before sputtering and then fizzling out as the two finally went their separate ways.

Paul attended Queens College and got a BA in English and also studied law for a while but quit in 1964 when the pull of his music proved too great.

He had minor hit singles under the name Jerry Landis and he and Art got back together as Simon & Garfunkel for a while, recording the album Wednesday Morning 3am. This was a failure, though, and the duo broke up which is when Paul came to England.

When he returned to America, the producer of their first album, Tom Wilson, dubbed bass, electric guitar and drums to the all-acoustic song The Sound of Silence. This then propelled the duo up the folk-rock scene. In 1966, the album of the same name featured some of their most famous songs – I am A Rock, Richard Cory and Kathy’s Song. Their next album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme

again had seminal work still popular today including Scarborough Fair, Homeward Bound and The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy).

In 1967, Mike Nichols asked Paul to write a song for his upcoming movie, The Graduate. The song, Mrs Robinson, formed part of their next album, Bookends, which is considered one of the greatest albums of the Sixties. Hits from this number Hazy Shade of Winter, America, At The Zoo, The Boxer and Cecilia.

Simon & Garfunkel split up at the height of their fame in 1970. Garfunkel had been cast in the film Catch-22 and Simon’s character had been dropped. No real explanation has been given for their breakup but Paul immediately emerged as a solo singer, still writing wonderful songs.

The success of his solo albums like Still Crazy After All These Years ultimately proved that he still had a huge musical connection with people all over the world.

However, there were periods – especially in the early 1980s - when Paul’s magic touch seemed to be waning. He became, though, fascinated by the music of South Africa and visited the country. There, he recorded with South African musicians and the album Graceland followed which became a multi-million best-seller.

In 1987, he was the winner of the British Phonographic Industry Award for International Solo Artist following the success of Graceland.

In 2003, the duo received a Lifetime Achievement Award, they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Paul into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was awarded the First Gershwin Prize for Popular Music by the Library of Congress and in 2011, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Of his many concert appearances, Paul is most proud of the two in Central Park in New York and the series of shows he did at the invitation of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. He was the first American artist to perform in post-apartheid South Africa.

Paul’s philanthropic work includes the co-founding of The Children’s Health Fund with Dr Irwin Redlener. This donates and staffs mobile medical vans to bring healthcare to poor and indigent children in urban and rural locations around America.

He has also raised millions of dollars for a large variety of worthy causes.

His fans realised that Paul was prepared to experiment with his music, and they loved it! As he later explained about Graceland: “I did not set out to make a political statement. I was making a cultural statement with political implications.

Paul has been married three times – including to the late actress Carrie Fisher – and has four children. Three of his children are with his current wife, the singersongwriter Edie Brickell.

“I started to build the album around rhythms in response to my frustration with the album that preceded Graceland which was Hearts and Bones.

Plainly a complex man, he once said: “I’m generally enthusiastic when I’m working and when I immediately finish I’m enthusiastic. Shortly after that, I don’t want to hear it.

“With Graceland, I thought I’ll just make tracks that I really like and then I’ll write the songs, the words, and if I don’t like what they sound like set to the music, I’d throw things out and start again. Which on a couple of occasions I did.”

Paul’s career has been littered with awards – Grammys for individual songs and his work with Art Garfunkel and then for his solo albums including Graceland as Artist & Producer of the Record of the Year.

“It’s always been my way. It’s such an intense process for me and the process itself can take so long, and I get into it so completely, that by the time I’ve finished a piece of work I’m really finished with it. I’m done.”

But for the many millions of his fans, the hope is that the huge talent that is Paul Simon will continue for a long time to come.

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A great day out come rain or shine...

Explore the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in Britain on a boat trip, enjoy lunch overlooking the canal in the Watersedge CafĂŠ and let little ones play in the FREE indoor soft play and outdoor adventure areas Visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/Standedge for more information or call 01484 844298 to book your boat trip

@Standedge 22 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

@Standedge

OUT & ABOUT

Out & About

A GUIDE to some amazing events around the region 11th August - 12th August

Yanks are back in Saddleworth 2018

28th July

Yorkshire Three Peaks Get involved in the Yorkshire Three Peak Challenge for the Hospice this year! £40 per person. This is an organised event, there will be a group of people on this event with a leader. Once signed up you will receive advice on training, equipment needed and training days.

Camping is advised for the Friday and Saturday night. **Please note anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A certain level of fitness is required to complete the walk and training is advised.** For more information or to sign up call us now on 0161 624 9984 Turf Lane, Royton Oldham 11th August

Duck Race Duck Race & Family Fun Day, come along on the day for a family fun day and duck race with rides, games, attractions, stalls, entertainment, food and much more!

Chadderton Hall Park Oldham 23rd September - 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Colour Blast Be sure to join us at the most colourful event of the year, walk run or jog the route whilst being blasted with coloured paint. Fun for all the family!

This year there will be limited discounted early sign-up places to the event!

Alexandra Park Oldham

Ton of Love Can you raise just £100 for Willow Wood - any way you can? Ton of Love - a really simple fundraising idea. Raise £100 during 2018 - by doing whatever you want!

Just register with us and then do whatever you want to raise funds. If you already jog daily or swim weekly, just ask family and friends to sponsor you to reach 100 miles, or 100 lengths. If you ask 10 people for £10 each then you've reached your Ton of Love for Willow Wood - easy!

Or you can get a little more creative. How about having your legs waxed like our very own member of staff Dan? Organise a dress down Friday at work and ask everyone to bring in just £1. Or put on a concert at your local. Have a cake sale, a bad hair day or gunge the boss. There's so many ways to help.

And of course, you don't need to stop at £100 - anything over and above would be more than welcome?

Willow Wood Hospice Ashton under Lyne

Chadderton Market Every Wednesday, 9-4pm, Chadderton Precinct A weekly market selling women's and men's clothng, handbags, home furnishings, fresh fruit and veg, and locally sourced meat and fish.

Alexandra Park Oldham

WW2Events.co.uk are very proud to This is a huge event that winds back the clock across the whole area taking you right back to World War Two!!! This very popular annual event was first staged 16 years ago to celebrate the local filming of the Hollywood movie "YANKS" in 1979 starring Richard Gere. Many locations in Uppermill and neighbouring Dobcross were used in the film. Just like the movie set, living history reenactors and vintage military vehicles owners recreate an atmosphere of Wartime Britain.

Saddleworth School Oldham 18th August

Cotton Clouds Festival 2018 Cotton Clouds Festival 2018 Saddleworth Cricket Club - Sister Sledge!

Saturday 18 August - 12noon - 10pm Cotton Clouds Festival returns in 2018 after a stunning sold out debut resulted in being shortlisted for the Best New Festival at the UK Festival Awards.

Situated in the old, industrial wool powerhouse of Saddleworth and set against the picturesque vista of the Peak District National Park, Cotton Clouds is a festival with its feet firmly off the ground.

Hosting an electic line up of artists across three expertly aviated stages, plus an array of activities on site for all ages, Cotton Clouds Festival promises something for everyone.

Lineup - Sister Sledge, StarSailor, TopLoader and Many more!!

Saddleworth Cricket Club Oldham

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12th August - 10.00am - 4.30pm

Moors, Ridges and Reservoirs Join Paul Nethercott on a very strenuous 11 mile walk in the countryside around Carrbrook and Chew Valley. Strong footwear and waterproofs essential No dogs allowed as we will be going on open access land.

Contact phone number: 0161 342 3055 Castle Clough car park, Stalybridge

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

As one of our customers recently said ‘I love Bury Market because the atmosphere is lovely, it’s everything you need in one place, it’s a gorgeous traditional market, full of fun, food, and luxuries!’

13th August - 10.00am - 3.00pm

Conservation Day at Stalybridge Preparation for walling course. No experience is required, just a willingness to join in and learn new skills. Please make sure you bring a packed lunch. Please wear strong footwear and waterproof clothes.

Contact phone number: 0161 342 3055 Quarry Street, Stalybridge 12th August - 11.00am - 3.00pm

Summer Fair and Family Fun Day Stalls, bouncy castle, face painting, tombola, ice cream, refreshments and more.

If you haven't been before, the Grafton Centre is located just behind the bus station next to the Viceroy.

The Grafton Centre, Grafton Street Hyde

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

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

: BuryMarket

Artwork from the borough’s amateur artists fills the walls of the gallery in this annual open exhibition showcasing local talent.

See the web link below for opening times and further information.

Central Art Gallery Old Street, Ashton-under-lyne www.tameside.gov.uk/centralartgallery 22nd September

Rich Hall’s Hoedown Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed new show begins its second leg of touring. There has never been a better time to be an American comedian in the UK. Hall’s precision dismantling of the tenuous relationship between two countries is

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as freewheeling and deadly accurate as ever. His BBC Four documentaries, most recently Rich Hall’s Countrier Than You and Rich Hall’s Presidential Grudge Match and BBC Radio 4 series Rich Hall’s (US Election) Breakdown have built him a new legion of followers, as has appearances on Have I Got News For You and QI. But if you’ve only ever seen Hall on TV, you’ve short-changed yourself.

Oldham Coliseum coliseum.org.uk/plays/rich-hallshoedown/ 29th September

Chris Ramsey Live 2018 Critically acclaimed and award winning Stand Up comedian, host of his own TV entertainment show and Stand Up show on Comedy Central, Celebrity Juice regular and the only person to ever put Katie Hopkins in her place; Chris Ramsey brings his BRAND NEW 2018 live tour to Oldham Coliseum Theatre.

It sold out last time so snap tickets up as soon as you can!

Oldham Coliseum coliseum.org.uk/plays/chris-ramsey/

2nd - 13th October

Dishoom!

Summer 1978, Simon and his friends should be looking forward to leaving school, but the National Front are on the streets, Simon's Bibi is ashamed of him and his Dad spends his life hiding in the pub.

When Simon's cousin Baljit comes to stay, she introduces him to the Bollywood classic, Sholay. Inspired by the film’s dynamic duo, Jai and Veeru, Simon and Baljit find their inner superheroes and set out to change their world forever.

Oldham Coliseum coliseum.org.uk/plays/dishoom/ 16th - 20th October

Withering Looks Withering Looks takes an authentic look at the lives and works of the Brontë sisters, well, two of them actually, Anne’s just popped out for a cup of sugar. Who

OUT & ABOUT is the Brontë’s mysterious neighbour, Mr Moorcock of Ravaged Heath House? Do Lost Souls really wander the wild and heather clad moors? Who should Cathy marry? Heathcliff or David Niven?

Plus, Manchester’s very own Mrs Gaskell drops by for tea and sympathy. Withering Looks won a Manchester Evening News Theatre Award and the Critics’ award for Comedy at the Edinburgh Festival.

Oldham Coliseum coliseum.org.uk/plays/withering-looks/ 23rd - 27th October

Othello An English Touring Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory Production Othello Othello is one of Shakespeare's most startlingly contemporary plays - a masterful depiction of a life torn apart by prejudice.out to change their world forever.

Venice; a western colonial power employs the newly-married Othello, a Muslim general, to lead their army against the impending Turkish invasion. The strain of fitting into a society riven by discrimination and fear soon take their toll. Manipulated by Iago, Othello's life quickly unravels as he turns on everything he holds dear.

Following a critically acclaimed tour and London run, Richard Twyman’s vital production of Othello is brought to the stage by UK Theatre Award winners English Touring Theatre in a coproduction with Oxford Playhouse and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory.

Oldham Coliseum coliseum.org.uk/plays/othello/

THE NORTH WEST’S

....

10th November - 12th January

Cinderella If you're planning the perfect Christmas treat for friends and family - then look no further, the Coliseum has it all!

Oldham Coliseum Theatre is famous for its excellent annual traditional pantomime and Cinderella is one of the nation's favourites, with all the ingredients you need for a magical experience.

Join the Edinburgh Fringe’s favourite housewife Barbara Nice for an evening of proper good fun. Entrance price includes a complimentary raffle ticket!

Barbara Nice was all-conquering in her four-part BBC Radio 2 sitcom broadcast

Bolton market has over 200 stalls including a bustling food court serving food from all over the world, cafés complement our food offer, and we even have a licensed bar.

Each year the Coliseum serves up the perfect panto recipe - excellent actors, singers, and dancers dishing out the very best in festive traditional fun thats great for kids and not-so-grown-up grown-ups!

Add some music and songs and slapstick, plus a sprinkling of fairy dust for the perfect Christmas celebration.

Bolton And not a cheesy celebrityCouncil in sight!

Oldham Coliseum coliseum.org.uk/plays/cinderella-2/ 22nd - 30th September

One For The Road We open our new season with a comedy about social climbing, set in the 1980s, when everyone wanted to escape their working class roots … Everyone, that is, except Dennis Cain, whose life is defined by garden gnomes, John Denver records, Tupperware and poshed-up cottage pie.

You can buy everything from fresh fish, meat and game, locally sourced and exotic fruit and vegetables with speciality stalls selling deli meats and a huge selection of cheeses, plus there is a whole host of traditional stalls selling everything from furniture to flowers, bedding to broomsticks and much more.

Well worth a visit!

Bolton Market has it all.

Opening Times; Open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm.

How To Find Us Bolton Market, Ashburner Street, Bolton BL1 1TQ. Contact: 01204 336825

Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk

29th October

Barbara Nice: Raffle

Bolton’s Award Winning Market

And he thinks he’s the only one who wants to get out! Set on ‘Phase Two’ of a northern housing estate, this hilarious, quick-witted comedy is an early work

by Willy Russell, who went on to write Educating Rita and Blood Brothers.

Lyceum Theatre lyceumtheatre.org.uk/one-for-theroad

Visit our website for a list of special events and activities that we are running at the Market.

www.bolton.gov.uk

NABMA

the voice of markets

WINNER BEST FOOD market 2017

“For Bolton’s Food & Drink Festival

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It’s important. If you’re aged 60-74 and registered with a GP, the kit arrives by post every 2 years.

The free NHS bowel screening kit is quick and easy to do.

The kit takes a few minutes to complete and could reduce the risk of more serious illness. Then you can just get on with life.

www.gmmovement.co.uk

0800 707 6060 (Call free)

Visit our website for tips on how to complete the kit.

Call for any advice, or to request a replacement kit.

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HEALTH

Your Doctor

Snacks – try olives, hummus with celery sticks but avoid the temptation of processed foods such as biscuits and crisps.

Try to lose weight. Losing weight can help to increase your insulin sensitivity again and can reduce your diabetic medication requirements. In some cases, it is possible to get patients off all diabetic medications.

Diabetes increases your risk factors for other health issues so make sure you have regular check-ups with your GP. By keeping a blood-sugar diary and a food diary your GP can help you to manage your medications and encourage good lifestyle choices. Blood tests including an HBA1C (long-term blood sugar marker) should be conducted at least 2-3 times per year.

It is also important for patients with diabetes to consider their cholesterol and blood pressure levels as this has an effect on their heart health. It would be recommended that fasting cholesterol blood tests be carried out at least once a year. A six-monthly review of medications would also be part of the GP process.

How to Manage Diabetes

Try to exercise daily. This can be as little as 10 mins of moderate activity which can even be split in to two sessions of 5 mins.

It is estimated that just under 4 million people have diabetes in the UK. 90% are type 2 diabetics. It is believed that up to a further 1 million people remain undiagnosed.

Include high quality protein and fat such as such as nuts, avocados, Omega 3 fats (Mackerel, Wild salmon and tuna) virgin olive oil and eggs in every meal.

This helps you to feel full and stabilise your blood sugars.

Type 2 diabetes is due to increasing insulin resistance to raised sugar levels.

This means that your insulin hormones become less effective in storing and dealing with raised blood sugar levels.

This is particularly relevant when consuming large amounts of refined carbohydrates or sugary food and drinks.

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY In the UK, 435 people lose their lives to heart disease every single day. More than 110 of these people will be under the age of 75, a very small number might even be children. Heart disease is a condition, which can affect anyone so here are ways you can make your heart healthier: If you’re a smoker take drastic steps to quit to protect yourself from heart disease. Smoking is one of the main causes of coronary heart disease but if you do quit, your risk of having a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

Losing weight and exercising is shown to improve, and in some cases reverse, diabetes by making your insulin more sensitive again.

So what can you do to help deal with your diabetes?

You should do about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every week to reduce your risk of heart disease. This is just 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week. This can be broken down into three episodes of 10 min activities.

Try avoiding fruits that are higher in natural sugars like grapes and mangoes and stick to fruits which have a lower sugar content like apricots, raspberries and strawberries.

Reduce your consumption of refined carbohydrates (rice, pasta and bread) which will help to stabilise your sugars.

Avoid sugary drinks (i.e. squashes, soft fizzy drinks) and stick to water, green tea and coffee/tea without sugar or sweetener.

At your-doctor, we offer a personalised, bespoke service to help support and plan a programme of diabetes management.

By Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director and GP at Your Doctor www.your-doctor.co.uk

Stick to a diet low in fats and sugars. If you’re overweight, then you should take steps to lose weight in order to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you do this gradually, sugar cravings are minimised.

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HEALTH Drink less alcohol. Regular or high alcohol intake can lead to heart disease called cardiomyopathy. Binge drinking can cause irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias. Alcohol contains a lot of calories that can have a big impact on how you manage your weight.

Manage stress in your life. Excessive stress over a long period of time can cause heart attacks so it’s important that you do not overwork or overload yourself in order to protect yourself from developing heart disease.

Manage your cholesterol. We need cholesterol to be healthy but an imbalance of cholesterol in your blood can lead to heart attack or stroke. In order to balance your cholesterol, you should eat healthy fats and reduce the amount of processed food, sugar and flour in your diet.

Oily fish contains huge amounts of omega-3 fats, which is a mineral that helps protect against heart disease.

Salmon, sardines and tuna are all great sources of omega-3. However, pregnant women should not eat more than two portions of oily fish a week.

Start eating more fibre. Experts say that 30g of fibre a day can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. You can get fibre from foods like wholemeal bread, bran, oats, potato skins, fruit and vegetables.

Cut down the salt in your diet (particularly sodium salts) as it can affect your blood pressure which increases your risk of heart disease. The salt we consume is usually already in the foods we buy so it’s important to check the labels of what you’re buying. Microwave meals are notorious for having a huge amount of salt in – it’s always better to cook from scratch so you’re more aware of what’s going into your food.

Eat your 5-a-day (at least)! Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables every day will mean your body is absorbing a good amount of vitamins and minerals which in turn will help your body fight against heart disease. There is a push towards 7-10 portions a day but we would encourage you to build this into your diet gradually.

TIPS FOR FAMILY TRAVEL Unfortunately there can be a lot of stress surrounding a family holiday, so Your Doctor has compiled travel health tips to help your holiday run as smoothly as possible:-

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Vaccinations - Seek advice from your GP at least eight weeks prior to your trip to ensure you know what you need, what the risks are at your holiday destination, and so that you can make an appointment in advance and the vaccinations have time to work. For general travel information try www. fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home.aspx.

The following travel vaccinations are usually available free on the NHS: diphtheria, polio and tetanus (combined vaccine and usually booster as all children will had this as part of primary immunisation programme in UK), typhoid and sometimes hepatitis A as it is a combined vaccine. Cholera is also available. You are likely to have to pay for other vaccinations privately.

Antimalarial medication varies in how long you should take them for and how far in advance you should take them.

Antimalarial pills are also not 100% effective and there is increasing resistance to them and so you should always try and stop yourself being bitten. Mosquitoes carrying the disease often bite after sunset and so it is a good idea to wear strong repellent and long sleeve clothes after sunset. The Advisory Committee for Malaria Prevention (ACMP) strongly recommends DEET-based insect repellents. There are also diseases spread through mosquito’s that bite during the day (such as Dengue fever) so avoidance measures should be used during day.

Sun safety is incredibly important. In hot climates try and be in the shade particularly between 11am and 3pm and make sure you never burn by covering up, wear a wide brimmed hat and using at least factor 15 sunscreen. Remember to reapply after being in water, also to reapply frequently during time exposed Even not having proper eye protection can cause a temporary but painful burn to the surface of the eye, similar to sunburn. If you do get burnt try having a light shower with cool water and apply after-sun or calamine lotion. Ibuprofen could help reduce inflammation caused by sunburn. Seek medical help if you feel unwell. Extra care should be taken if you have paler skin, freckles, red or fair hair, have many moles, or if there is a family history of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia. Skin can burn in just 15 minutes in the summer sun – take extra care.

Travel Diarrhoea - In areas where it is difficult to maintain good hygiene and sanitation, travellers are advised to take precautions with food to ensure

it is uncontaminated and cooked thoroughly and that all water has been purified. Always carry sanitising gel or hand wipes. Ensure that clean dishes, cups and utensils are used; use alcohol wipes to clean them if necessary. Where possible choose food that is freshly cooked to a high temperature and served immediately whilst still hot. Be especially cautious with street vendors selling cheese, ice cream, fish and shellfish, salads and fresh herbs (inc in drinks) and fruit. Boiled and bottled water (with intact seal) are usually safe, as are hot tea and coffee, beer and wine. Do not use ice in drinks unless in an established hotel chain. There is an effective antibiotic used for severe cases of travellers’ diarrhoea called Ciprofloxacin. Most cases of traveller diarrhoea are not in fact due to infection but due to the change in mineral content of the water.

Deep Vein Thrombosis - If any of the family may be at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), seek advice from your GP. Long haul passengers should regularly walk around and stretch their legs on long flights, drink water and preferably avoid alcohol. Wear loose comfortable clothing and antiDVT special socks. If you have a family history of thrombosis or have had a DVT previously, always consult your doctor before travel. Seek medical advice if planning to travel within a month of abdominal or leg surgery Travel Insurance - Make sure you have sufficient travel insurance to cover medical emergencies quickly and efficiently. Take the relevant forms with you.

Managing jetlag for kids - There is no magic solution to avoid jetlag but ensure that you adjust your time to local time and try to keep them active until bedtime. Depending on your age you can use an antihistamine such as Piriton as it has mild sedative properties.

For some it could take a day per hour difference to adjust to time changes.

Managing child vaccination needle phobia - Discuss with a health expert prior to date of vaccination the best way to manage the situation. Choose an environment which is not busy or crowded and where you are not rushed.

Do not take siblings along at same time if possible. Explain to your child beforehand what will be involved. Appear firm and unwavering when proceeding with immunisation. Ensure you child is wearing appropriate clothing which has easy arm exposure for the appointment.

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HEALTH however certain things have been linked to triggering menopausal symptoms.

Cigarettes, caffeine and spicy foods have all been linked to symptoms such as hot flushes. If you’re a smoker, or a big fan of coffee - try and give up, or at least cut down on your habit. You may see a great deal of improvement.

Dress comfortably Women who suffer with regular hot flushes are often advised to dress in layers, so there are no awkward or uncomfortable moments when the situation arises. Investing in cool, breathable clothing may be a good option.

TIPS TO COMBAT MENOPAUSE The menopause is the phase in a woman’s life cycle where her periods stop, and she becomes unable to have children. This starts with the body producing less oestrogen and eggs less regularly. For most people, this occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.

The symptoms can vary from woman to woman with some saying it barely impacted them whilst others experience stronger symptoms. While these symptoms may seem worrying to some, there are effective ways to combat or reduce them so they do not have such a significant impact. Here are some top tips: Get active: Although symptoms of the menopause may make you feel sluggish and low, becoming more physically active is one of the best ways to relieve menopausal symptoms. When exercising, the pituitary gland produces endorphins, feel good chemicals which make us feel happy and reduce pain. As well as helping with menopausal pain and boosting your mood, endorphins can also heighten your sex drive which may have slowed because of menopause. Exercises such as yoga, pilates, swimming or running can help by releasing endorphins and relieving stress at the same time. Think about joining your nearest gym or trying home workout DVDs! Find what you enjoy.

Consume oestrogen boosting foods: Certain foods contain phytoestrogens which are plant based forms of

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oestrogen that mimic the effect that the natural hormones have on the body.

Foods such as dried fruit, sesame seeds, cereal containing bran and soy milk are full of this rich goodness. Eating good proteins such as eggs and fish during the menopause is also beneficial as they can boost the immune system.

Consider therapies such as HRT: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the main therapy available for women going through the menopause. It is known for being able to relieve many of the common symptoms in some women.

It can also help prevent osteoporosis - a bone condition which women going through this phase are more at risk to.

HRT is protective to your heart if taken for less than 10 years and before the age of 60.There are many different forms and treatments, however HRT is not the right treatment for everyone as there can be strong side-effects. The risks of HRT are lower than the risks caused by drinking a glass of wine daily. For more information and to find out if you are eligible, consult your GP. Keep your stress levels low: When oestrogen levels drop, the body may less efficiently regulate levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone produced in the adrenal gland. To combat stress, try making more time for relaxation whether that means new hobbies, exercising or more times with friends and family. Remember, overdoing it at work whilst going through the menopause may cause extra stress, which in turn could make your symptoms feel worse.

Avoid common symptom triggers: It may sound obvious,

Sleep well Sleep can sometimes be disturbed so try to have good sleeping habits such as a bath before going to bed, avoiding gadgets and having a cup of warm milk.

Some women recommend going to bed with a cool flannel over the forehead if you suffer from bad night flushes.

Good sex Your vagina may feel dryer which can make sex painful so look into nonprescription lubricants, or ask your GP about creams or prescription pills for dryness. Having a healthy sex life keeps the blood flowing and can relieve stress.

Talk about mood changes It is likely that you will notice mood changes so talk to your friends, partner and family about this and try to organise as many fun activities with your loved ones as possible.

Listen to your body If you find you have less of an appetite then eat smaller meals more regularly.

Conversely if you feel ravenous often, take care to not put on weight during this time. If you feel tired a lot then take naps if you can. Challenge your brain in new ways to blast through any mental fogginess. Just know that the symptoms will pass.

Although these symptoms may seem daunting, most women going through the menopause and their day to day life as normal. Although women may feel some discomfort from symptoms, it is important to remember, it is not an illness, and is something that all women go through at one stage or another. It is worth addressing as a woman today now spends approximately a third of their life menopausal!

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H.REVELL &

S O N S

L T D

A F A M I L Y B U S I N E S S F O R S I X G E N E R AT I O N S Denise and daughter Cassie are the Funeral Directors at H. Revell & Sons, a familyowned and run company based in Stalybridge. The company was formed in 1888 by Denise's great, great grandfather, Edward Hepworth Revell. With Denise's daughter Cassie Roberts now part of the team, this makes it a family business for six generations!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lesley & Charly

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Tel/Fax 0161 338 2520

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| 31 WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK Stalybridge, Cheshire SK15 1LU

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