50 Plus Magazine, Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside 58

APRIL - JUNE 2019

OLDHAM, ROCHDALE & TAMESIDE EDITION 58

Katherine Jenkins

FROM POPSTAR TO OPERA STAR

Kwoklyn Wan

AMAZING CHINESE FOOD AT HOME

Simpson Furniture

where quality, value & service are never compromised

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OUT NOW - our 2019 ‘Door to Door’ brochure If you’ve not tried coach holidays before why not let Ellen Smith’s take you on your first coach experience. We’ve been established for over 120 years – so we know a bit about coaching holidays!

We do things a bit differently than our rivals

All our tours include our ‘Door to Door’ service. 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 prearranged time and take you to our waiting coach at Birch Services.

OR O D TO R O O urs D o T h Coac

We’re off on holiday then!

The same happens on the way back too, taxi back to your front door!

Within 30 minutes

We normally have everyone on board and we’re on our way.

We often have a second pickup at Stockport, but again this is timed for minimal delay.

We are fully Financially Bonded

And use some excellent privately-owned hotels. All visits and excursions are included in the price. We use modern coaches and mature friendly drivers.

We never discount

o.uk

smith.c n e l l e . www

hip Members 8 No: 1022

We charge the correct price in the first place – 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 2019 COACH TOURS

DOO RT Coa O DOO ch T R o u rs

www .ellen

smith

.co.u

k Membe rship No: 10228

Great Yarmouth - Palm Court Hotel

Exploring Somerset & Wiltshire The Wessex Hotel

Blackpool - Doric Hotel

Overview: A delightful break as we explore parts of Somerset & Wiltshire. Somerset is an enchanting county and has much to offer its visitors. The historic market town of Devizes in Wiltshire is such a delight to visit with more than 500 listed buildings.

Overview: Blackpool is Britain’s most loved holiday destination, which should come as no surprise when you think about the huge range of attractions available all year round, as well as the new seafront, world class events and spectacular lighting shows.Shore.

5th May - 7 Days - £499

13th May - 5 Days - £299

20th May - 5 Days - £249

Wye Valley & The Royal Forest of Dean - Bells Hotel & Forest of Dean Golf Club

Delightful Dingle Bay & Dolphins River Island Hotel

Overview: Discover this magical borderland fought over for centuries, with visits to a historic town, a magnificent Abbey, a relaxing train ride and a scenic river cruise all included.

Overview: A lovely holiday to Co. Kerry which includes nightly entertainment at the main hotel, day tours through some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery and a unique dolphin-watching excursion.

29th July - 5 Days - £379

11th August - 6 Days - £499

Overview: A holiday of many contrasts, from the hustle & bustle of a busy seaside resort, to the relaxing calm of the Broads, to the historic City of Norwich and also the quieter resorts and towns of the region.

Picturesque Pembrokeshire - Ivy Bush Hotel

Overview: The natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire coast and the Gower peninsula are famed all over the world. Glorious sandy beaches and seemingly endless rugged coastline give way to the Preseli Hills, historic towns and little villages.

21st July - 5 Days - £369

Historic Wales & River Tales Holiday Inn Bristol-Filton

English Riviera - Torquay Headland Hotel

Llandudno - The Tynedale Hotel

24th August - 4 Days - £329

9th September - 5 Days - £379

10th September - 5 Days - £389

Overview: Explore the unique history of South Wales and the border region on this short break. From the largest castle in Wales to the abbey which inspired Turner and Wordsworth, South Wales and the Wye Valley make for a truly memorable visit.

Overview: An award-winning resort where elegant Victorian villas, a bustling harbour and palmfringed beaches give the Riviera its well-earned name. Well renowned for being at the heart of the English Riviera, Torquay is a sophisticated and stylish resort with real continental flair.

Overview: Llandudno is Wales’s largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the awardwinning North Shore and the quiet, sand duned West Shore.

INTERESTED?

Call our reservations office on 01706 648126 and request a copy of our 2019 brochure. You’ll be surprised at the variations of tours we operate. Visit our website at www.ellensmith.co.uk

Find us on facebook (search for ellensmithtours) 3

Membership No: 10228

CONTENTS

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50 plus magazine 5 TWITTER

By Angela Kelly

12-13

6-7

Ramblers walking holidays Women’s Activity Week at Hassness House in the Lake District

12-13 KATHERINE JENKINS

From Popstar to Opera Star 17-18 HOME

Bring Spring into your Home 22-23 A RIOT OF COLOUR

The use of colour in the garden 30 STEVE HOWARTH'S TESTDRIVE

KIA Sportage 36-38 food & drink

Cook amazing Chinese at Home

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

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TWITTER

throughout the day for messages, emails, texts, Messenger and What’s App groups etc.

Everyone wants to stay in touch with the people who matter to us, in business, socially and personally.

So, this is somewhere to start with phone justice. There should surely be a way (or research needs to be focused that way) to prevent individuals having the use of their own phones for set periods of time. Our names and profiles would be blocked.

Is phone justice the way forward?

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NFORCING justice in 2019 is always a matter of great discussion and can prompt a generational approach.

Older people, brought up in a tougher and probably more straightforward age, tend to want old-fashioned justice.You know, you do something wrong, you pay the price, whether that’s making reparation to an individual, doing something for the community or just going to jail.

Then, for example, anyone caught using a phone while driving would automatically lose it for, say, 60 days plus a fine. Loss of access to any form of mobile service would massively affect people, especially younger people who live on their phones.

This could also be rolled out as a second line of punishment for plenty of other crimes like drug dealing (where it might be particularly effective), drunk driving or dangerous driving. The potential is endless.

Could it work? Well, in today’s hi-tech world we can’t be that far away from such research findings so let’s give it a go. Thoughts, anyone?

Sorry, our Development Chief is just doing his homework ANYONE who has looked at the jobs’ market recently may be surprised by the sorts of posts that are available.

Sentencing today has to take into account bulging jails, the actual amount of cash available to deal with law-breakers and a court system that is constantly questioned.

Irrespective of personal opinions, though, there appears to be a fascinating trend of relevant justice that could be taken to some interesting logical conclusions.

Well, we have lost whole rafts of jobs, thanks to technology and cheaper imports. Our textile industry was long ago decimated, for example. And when I started out as a journalist in the dark ages of linotype, the newspaper I worked on had 90 compositors who worked with type. That job doesn’t even exist today.

Now, police remove the results of ill-gotten gains and sell them to aid the public purse.

Boats and posh houses have long been on the agenda for convicted criminals to lose to make restitution to society, along with other obvious trophies from criminal “achievements.”

Now there are hundreds of different new jobs, many of them online or in other hi-tech areas. New digital posts abound and many jobs have become digital, demanding fresh and different skills.

More recently, one criminal lost his entire collection of designer trainers which were sold off to raise public funds. He had prized these above all else so that’s got to hurt.

That got me thinking about what other things we could threaten to take off law-breakers - even minor ones-to effectively get the message across that what they did was wrong and there is always a price to pay. And the main answer was mobile phones.

Today, millions of us would be lost without our phones. Those in business check them

Some people now make a living from their hobbies, playing online games to an audience.

Their every move is streamed to others who wait, fascinated, for what happens next.

Then there are the social influencers - individuals who recommend online everything from food to make-up and holidays to other people. They’re paid well for their opinions because their influence is so great; a nod of approval from them can mean a product or service is sold out.

These jobs have nothing to do with age or experience, just their appeal to the very wide

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50 plus magazine

audience out there wanting to know about the next big thing.

Amazingly, even small children can earn a fortune through their “job” online. In America, a seven year-old boy called Ryan earned $22 million (yes, you’re reading that right) in 2018 playing with and reviewing toys on YouTube. The lad even has his own range of toys in Walmart and Target.

As they say, the world is certainly changing.

Marriage CAN last for lucky lads like Harry and Tom IN a throwaway society when little is expected to last any length of time, relationships have become affected.

To many younger people, the idea of a long marriage- just like the idea of staying in one job for 40 years- is generally deemed daft and consigned to the past.

But all that was before Harry Redknapp and his wife Sandra stepped into the public eye. The erstwhile football manager turned I’m A Celebrity …Get Me Out Of Here! winner has been married to his wife for more than 50 years and, as he showed in the Australian jungle, he is still besotted.

He missed her terribly, spoke of her regularly and fondly and generally impressed all ages with their lengthy, loving relationship.

Film star Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have broken the Hollywood mould by remaining married and faithful since they first got together in the 1980s. And, surprisingly, they both still seem affectionate and to actually like each other.

Astonishingly to some, the official average length of marriage in the UK is 30 years, usually ending with the death of a spouse.

Even the number of heterosexual couples getting divorced in England and Wales is at its lowest since 1973. According to the Office for National Statistics, this, though, is also consistent with the decline in the number of marriages and the increase in people living together rather than marrying.

Either way, there may well be a trend towards staying with the same person and promoting longevity in personal relationships.

Whatever happens in the next few years, it’s great to see loving couples like the Redknapps still caring for each other. And long may it last!

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TRAVEL

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50 plus magazine

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by much squealing and laughter. A real bucketlist tick!

We range in age from mid-40s to a fabulously vibrant lady of undisclosed age who could certainly teach the rest of us a thing or two about fitness in advancing years. Everyone does some kind of regular exercise – walking, swimming, tennis – but I’m relieved to find that nobody is dauntingly super-sporty. The thing that clearly bonds us however is attitude. We are all up for exploring this glorious landscape in a safe, guided environment. And whilst we don’t mind how wet we get during the day (and sometimes we do – this is the Lakes in August after all!), we all appreciate a hearty meal and a comfy bed at night.

Women’s Activity Week at Hassness House in the Lake District with Ramblers Walking Holidays As a woman who enjoys mixed company, I’m always slightly wary of gatherings that exclude men. But as the light fades over the Cumbrian fells beyond the window, I find I’m really enjoying meeting my new female companions over dinner.

isn’t one. But I didn’t miss it one bit. Busy days in the fresh air meant for early bedtimes with a book and soothing cuppa. And if – like me – you really must stay in touch, Hassness does have WiFi, though as in many rural areas, it can be a temperamental.

We’re about to spend a week together at Hassness Country House, owned by Ramblers Walking Holidays and the only property on the shores of beautiful Buttermere in the Western Lakes. Beloved by Alfred Wainwright - commemorated in the tiny village church – this is an area of unspoilt natural beauty and tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of Lake District hubs like Windermere and Ambleside.

I’m booked on a Women’s Activity Week that offers a varied taste of what this spectacular landscape has to offer. Hiking of course, but also an introduction to Nordic Walking; taster sessions of Yoga and Pilates; and, new this year, a morning’s kayaking. Plus there’s the promise of delicious home-cooked food at breakfast and dinner; picnic lunches; and the daily post-walk essential of freshly-baked cake!

It’s my second time at Hassness but my first since it reopened in spring this year after an upgrade. Most of the 11 bedrooms are now ensuite and the spacious lounge and cosy dining room have had a makeover too, though I’m pleased to find that none of the atmosphere has been lost. If you can’t live without television, stop reading now. There

This is no boot camp. Everything is optional and if you want to skip an activity, that’s fine. I opt out of 7am exercises by the lake in favour of drawing back the curtains and just admiring the fells through the window as I catch up on a chapter or two in bed. But I can’t resist the chance of my first optional ‘wild swim’, a bracing post-hike dip in Buttermere amidst

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Clare, our walk leader, has been leading for Ramblers Walking Holidays for 20 years, and devised the Women’s Activity Week programme four years ago. On the first evening, we each have a confidential chat with her about any fitness issues we may have – a dodgy knee or ancient shoulder injury, for instance – but every activity can be adapted to suit.

Sunday sees us on a gentle hike from base around neighbouring Crummock Water, a distance of some 10 miles. The path is largely level but stony which keeps casual weekend walkers away, so we can really appreciate the wild fells at leisure. We pass the occasional swimmer, with and without clothes; meet intrepid competitors on a run-and-swim race; and walk through fields of grey Herdwick sheep with their cute black lambs and quizzical faces. I start getting to know the other ladies as we fall into step and I begin an emotional journey which is to give me glimpses into the often-inspiring lives of some lovely fellow walkers.

Monday brings an introduction to Nordic Walking, with much giggling as we learn the movements by the lake shore. We test our skills on the surfaced 4-mile path around Buttermere before that fabulous wild swim and an hour of gentle Yoga from a local instructress. Next morning, we head to Whinlatter Forest by minibus to stride out with our Nordic Walking poles up the broad forest trails to a viewpoint above Keswick.

Wednesday is a free day and those who arrived by public transport mostly take the bus into Keswick for retail therapy and the famed Pencil Museum. With a car of our own, my friend and I drive 90 minutes through Grasmere and Ambleside to Coniston where we visit Brantwood, home of 19th century artist, author and humanitarian John Ruskin; take a stroll around Tarn Hows; and visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead (National Trust). Rest day? No way!

Against a dramatic sky of sunshine and summer showers, we set off for Crummock Water again on Thursday and a short but steep climb up Rannerdale Knotts, where I’m thrilled to capture photos looking down on a rainbow. Back at Hassness, an hour of Pilates stretches out tired muscles and prepares me for the last adventure on Friday, a morning’s kayaking on Derwentwater. It’s my first time in a solo craft and I feel quietly chuffed as I pull the kayak onto the beach of St Hubert’s Island at the centre of the lake. A real Swallows & Amazons moment.

We head back down the eastern shore of Derwentwater on foot, stopping to smile at ‘The Bear in the Window’, a cute teddy looking out from a shed beside the trail and

surrounded by letters from fans, young and old. Then it’s time for the last group dinner, reminiscing over the week and swopping contact details. It’s been a physically and emotionally uplifting week with a sense of camaraderie and openness that I hadn’t anticipated.Sure, I was lucky with the group, but I also think that the magic atmosphere of Buttermere and Hassness Country House can take much of the credit. Priceless.

More information The Women’s Activity Week runs in July, August and September, and costs from £585 per person, including accommodation, meals and activities, but there are themed weeks at Hassness all year round from Navigation and Hill Skills to Mindfulness in the Mountains, and the leisurely Lakeland Explorer.

Visit www.ramblersholidays. co.uk for more details.

Enjoy safe and stress-free senior living at Ashwood Park, Cheshire Begin your new lifestyle in a brand-new home within a secure and friendly community.

CALL TO BOOK YOUR PARK VISIT 01933 427 800

www.tingdene-parks.net

MODERN RETIREMENT LIVING

WIDE RANGE OF PLOTS AVAILABLE 7

TRAVEL

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50 plus magazine

Glossop Caravans Having the freedom of the road and the convenience of your own surroundings is a holiday ideal for many. Motorhome vacations are increasing year on year as holidaymakers step up to a new level of luxury in travel holidays.

Over their 40 year history Glossop Caravans have been at the forefront of the industry and rightly hold a strong place in the market. Having brought a Special Edition range of motorhomes to the market for the first time last year, Glossop Caravans have expanded its range to include campervans and compact motorhomes.

The very popular Chatsworth motorhome brings together the standards of the Elddis manufacturer with the style and attention to detail that Glossop Caravans is famous for.

The exclusive Chatsworth is based on the Elddis Autoquest.

The stylish and reliable Chatsworth offers outstanding drive performance; a Peugeot Boxer 2.0 130bhp BlueHDi Turbo Diesel vehicle has terrific fuel efficiency and the new Euro 6 engine reduces emissions.

The second established Special Edition motorhome, the Celebration, is based on Swifts best-selling single coachbuilt

8

motorhome range, the Escape. The motorhome is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis with turbo diesel engine and comes in either 6 speed manual or as option you can have an auto gearbox. The Celebration is a modern fresh contemporary motorhome range which has been born out of the success of the Glossop Caravans Special Edition Caravan Ranges.

New to the range this year are the Chatsworth CV20 and CV 40; the 2 and 3 berth campervans from Elddis are packed with features and as always, being Glossop Caravans Special Editions, they come not only with a stylish finish but with a host of extra specification adding extra value to the motorhome whilst keeping keen prices. For those looking for a smaller vehicle without the loss of comfort these new vehicles could be just the thing to get the holidays started.

As well as offering their own Special Editions, Glossop Caravans are main dealers for

a full range of Swift, Bessacarr and Elddis motorhomes. The Glossop Caravans website is a great place to start your journey; you can view over 60 new and used motorhomes and each vehicle can be viewed inside and out allowing you to do your research form the comfort of your own home or on the go with your mobile devices. When you spot the perfect vehicle, you can reserve it online ahead of a visit to site.

As we approach the holiday season Glossop Caravans have some spectacular deals on all their vehicles; there’s no better time to take that first step to motoring holidays or upgrade your current vehicle for extra specification and comfort.

Call the Glossop team on 01457 868011 or visit glossopcaravans.co.uk – expert staff are waiting to help you.

Tel: 01457 868011 glossopcaravans.co.uk E N D

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Where will 2019 take you?

From Borneo to Brighton, discover our range of holiday destinations across the UK, Europe & beyond All year round, you’ll find charming coastal escapes; special events including sports tournaments and festivals; premium escorted tours; relaxing river cruises and worldwide escapes to far-flung destinations. So join us and find relaxation amid stunning scenery, an exciting holiday adventure, or the chance to indulge your personal passions.

This is your perfect Shearings holiday for 2019...

Why choose Shearings?

The UK’s largest escorted tour company

SHEARINGS

Over 100 years of experience

Award-winning holidays

Low deposits, from £65pp∆

Up to 20kg luggage included in price†

Over 600 pick up points nationwide

Trusted hotels in excellent locations

Over 200 destinations worldwide

Flexible travel options by coach, car, air and rail

S INK D DR LUDE C IN

9 DAYS FROM

£526

S INK D DR LUDE C IN

PER PERSON

9 DAYS

5 DAYS

FROM

FROM

£509

£270

PER PERSON

PER PERSON

Croatian coast - All Inclusive

Lake Como - All Inclusive

Michael Ball & Blackpool

Staying at the Hotel Narcis, Rabac

Staying at the Britannia Excelsior

Staying at the Libertys Hotel

Staying on Croatia’s beautiful Istrian Peninsula, we explore the hidden delights, historic towns and scenic shores of this wonderful region, as well as enjoying a great value inclusive package during our stay. We’ll make the most of our time away as well, travelling overnight to reach our destination.

Summer is an ideal time to visit beautiful Lake Como with dramatic lake scenery during the hot Italian summer days on an all inclusive holiday. We’ll explore Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta, villages around Lake Como and Como market.

Enjoy an evening at the Winter Gardens to see sensational Michael Ball! The multi-platinum recording artist and will be performing in Blackpool, as part of his brand new UK solo tour! With critically acclaimed performances in the West End, million selling albums and tours across the world this promises to be an evening full of entertainment!

9 DAYS • APRIL - OCT 2019

10 DAYS

HALF PRICE CABIN UPGRADES

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£999

9 DAYS • APRIL - SEPT 2019

HTS D FLIGLUDE INC

PER PERSON

16 DAYS FROM

£1,889

5 DAYS • 20TH MAY 2019

HTS D FLIGLUDE C IN

Wilds of Sri Lanka

Sailing on the MS Serenade 2

Touring Itinerary

A majestic cruise through the valleys, vineyards and scenery that make the Danube so special. From the elegance of Vienna to the ancient splendour of Bratislava and Budapest, immerse yourself in some of the heartland of Europe’s most magical capitals.

From the wilds of the national parks to the colonial history, tea plantations and spice gardens through to the culture of ancient temples and caves, this tour of Sri Lanka will immerse you in island life both current and ancient.

FROM

£2,842 PER PERSON

PER PERSON

The Danube’s Great Cities

17 DAYS

Indochina’s Rivers & Treasures Touring Itinerary From the bays of Vietnam to the Rivers of Cambodia, this tour immerses you in the colour of daily life of these two vibrant countries to the culture and history of times gone by. See Monasteries and Palaces through to The Killing Fields and Angkor Wat.

Also available by air and rail

10 DAYS • JUNE - SEPT 2019 • SAVING £495pp

16 DAYS • JUNE 19 - NOV 2020

17 DAYS • SEPT 2019 - SEPT 2020

For more information or to book, call 01942 416157 or visit shearings.com using code NFP914. Request a brochure at shearings.com/brochure Terms and conditions apply. All prices are ‘from’ prices and are based on 2 people sharing a standard twin/double room/cabin, and joining at an interchange, (coach holidays only). Single/room/cabin/flight supplements may apply. Advertised prices already include any relevant saving. ∆£65 deposit is based on UK coach holidays of 2-5 days only. †On UK and European coach holidays only. Prices correct as of 29/03/19. E&OE.

CELEBRITY interview

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50 plus magazine

KATHERINE JENKINS POPSTAR TO OPERA STAR – operatic arias, popular songs, musical theatre and hymns. As she recalled: “I’ve only ever wanted to be a singer. I never wanted to be famous.”

The mezzo soprano from Neath in South Wales has become a firm national favourite over the past 18 years

Katherine and her sister Laura were raised in a loving home. Bright and hard-working, she received A grades in her GCSEs and A levels and took part in college musical productions. She passed her Grade 8 exams in both singing and playing the piano with distinction.

Just by way of starting her professional career, in 2004, she was given a rare six-album deal by Universal. This was the most lucrative in the UK’s classical recording history and reportedly worth £1 million. Six out of seven of these albums have reached No.1 in the UK classical charts. She also became the first female artist to win two consecutive Classical Brit Awards.

Blessed with a beautiful voice, Katherine has always impressed because she moves effortlessly between all kinds of music 12

Katherine was a member of the Royal School of Church Music Cathedral Singers and gained its highest award for female choristers. She was also a member of the National Youth Choir of Wales and won the BBC Radio 2 Choirgirl of the Year contest twice.

“

I have such happy memories of performing in a choir and I don’t think I’d have got where I am today without all that experience

“

BRIDGING the gap between classical and mainstream music is especially difficult – but Katherine Jenkins has managed it beautifully.

“So my advice to young singers is to either join your school or church’s choir or find one in your local area. Choral music at any level teaches you so much about musicianship and blending your voice.”

Katherine was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with honours and receiving a music teacher’s diploma. She worked as a freelance voice coach, a tour guide on the London Eye and as a model. In fact, she

entered a modelling competition in 2000 and became The Face of Wales.

Andrea Bocelli and friends

Her pure tones were first properly heard when she sang in Westminster Cathedral in honour of Pope John Paul II’s silver jubilee in 2003. Then followed that amazing album deal.

On the advice of the original Forces’ Sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, in December, 2005 and 2006, she travelled to Iraq to sing to the soldiers for Christmas On her first visit, when travelling to Shaibah, the largest British base in Southern Iraq, the helicopter she was travelling in was targeted by missiles.

Anti-missile flares were deployed and the group landed safely – with true professional Katherine going on to perform for her appreciative audience.

Since those early appearances, she has toured extensively and successfully, becoming an all-round entertainer and appearing in prime-time TV hits like Strictly Come Dancing. She has sung at major sporting events, on TV shows and in support of many charities – and even appeared in “Dr Who”.

She plainly doesn’t limit herself and is always up for a challenge.

While chatting with TV presenter and magician Stephen Mulhern at a post-awards party in 2010, she happened to mention that she had always wanted to be sawn in half by a magician.

The result was that Mulhern invited her to appear on his Saturday Night phone-in game show Magic Numbers. Here, she acted as his assistant and Mulhern and singer Olly Murs sawed her in half inside a see-through box!

That same year, she was a mentor to the celebrity contestants as well as a judge on ITV’s “Popstar to Operastar”. In 2012, she competed on the American TV show “Dancing with the Stars” and finished second.

Katherine seems unaffected by fame. “I really see myself as a homegirl,” she stated. “Wales is my first home. London is my second home. I love coming back to Neath – this is home and always will be.”

Far from being a diva, she has a down-to-earth niceness that appeals to audiences. “Although I’m not shy when I’m singing,” she explained. “I am whenever I hear applause.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I giggle a lot on-stage. That’s shyness. And the stage manager is always telling me to take a longer bow whenever I come off-stage. I still haven’t learnt to do that

properly. I see other artistes milking the applause but I can’t quite do it.”

Katherine has always said she wanted to get married and have a family and in September, 2014, she married New York artist Andrew Levitas. Their first child, daughter Aaliyah Reign, was born in September, 2015, and their son Xander arrived in April this year.

Now, when Katherine performs, she has the tough challenge of balancing work and motherhood. She told Fabulous Magazine recently that she breastfed Xander while backstage at the Classical Brit Awards.

Last year, she turned her talents to acting when she starred in the English National Opera’s revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s wonderful musical “Carousel.”

Next year, she undertakes a 22-venue tour across the UK through April and May, finishing in Belfast. which will no doubt please her many fans.

Katherine has always been interested in charity work – in 2014, she was awarded an OBE by the Queen for her charity work and services to music.

Whatever the future brings for Katherine Jenkins, it will be decided very much by her. As she once explained: “I have to believe that I know what’s best for me. For instance, I choose all my songs.

I never record anything I don’t want to record. No-one tells me what concerts to do.”

And, as long as Katherine Jenkins keeps singing and keeps pleasing her many fans, that will be good enough for them.

*For more details of Katherine Jenkins’ 2019 tour go to www.katherinejenkins.co.uk/live/ 13

FINANCE

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50 plus magazine

A secure future with EQUITY RELEASE? THESE days we have to look at a variety of ways to raise cash and ensure that our future will be secure and one popular way for anyone over 55 to do just that is via equity release, which offers the chance to access the cash – the equity – tied up in your home. It can be as a lump sum or in several small amounts, or a combination of both.

There are two equity release options: lifetime mortgage and home reversion.

The Money Advice Service explains that a LIFETIME MORTGAGE means that you take out a mortgage secured on your property, provided it is your main residence, while retaining ownership.

You can choose to ring-fence some of the value of your property as an inheritance for your family or you can choose to make repayments or let the interest roll-up. The

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loan amount and any accrued interest is paid back when you die or when you move into long-term care.

Most people who take out equity release use a lifetime mortgage. Usually you don’t have to make any repayments while you’re alive and interest “rolls up” (unpaid interest is added to the loan), meaning the debt can increase quite quickly over a period of time. However, some lifetime mortgages do now offer the option to pay all or some of the interest. Some will let you pay off the interest and the capital.

In the same way ordinary mortgages vary from lender to lender, so do lifetime mortgages, and if you’re looking at this option it’s worth knowing that the minimum age for this is usually 55. As we’re now all living longer, the earlier you start the more this is likely to cost in the long run.

The average borrower in their late 60s can usually borrow around 35% of the value of their home, but how much can be released is dependent on your age and the value of your property. The percentage typically increases according to your age when you take out the lifetime mortgage, while some providers might offer larger sums to those with certain past or present medical conditions. Many lenders offer interest rates which are fixed or, if they are variable, have a “cap” or upper limit which is fixed for the loan’s duration.

Check whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee” This means that, when your property is sold and agents’ and solicitors’ fees have been paid, even if the amount left is not enough to repay the outstanding loan to your provider neither you nor your estate will be liable to pay any more.

It’s also worth finding out if you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan, as different lifetime mortgage providers might have slightly different thresholds.

Consider whether you can pay none, some or all of the interest. If you can make repayments, the mortgage will be less costly. However, with a lifetime mortgage where you can make monthly payments, the amount you can repay might be based on your income. Providers will have to check you can afford these regular payments.

Look at whether you can withdraw the equity you’re releasing in small amounts, as and when you need it, or whether you have to take it as one lump sum. The advantage of being able to take money out in smaller amounts is you only pay the interest on the amount you’ve withdrawn. If you can take smaller lump sums, check if there is a minimum amount.

A HOME REVERSION involves you selling part or all of your home to a home reversion provider in return for a lump sum or regular payments.You have the right to continue

living in the property until you die, rentfree, but you have to agree to maintain and insure it.

You can ring-fence a percentage of your property for later use, possibly for inheritance - the percentage you retain will always remain the same, regardless of the change in property values, unless you decide to take further cash releases. At the end of the plan, your property is sold and the sale proceeds are shared according to the remaining proportions of ownership.You will get a lump sum or regular payments – normally between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of the market value of your home, or the part you sell.

With home reversions, it’s worth checking whether or not you can release equity in several payments or in one lump sum and the minimum age at which you can take out a home reversion plan. Some providers insist you’re at least 60 or 65 before you can apply.

Keep in mind the percentage of the market value you will receive. This will increase the older you are when you take out the plan but might vary from provider to provider.

Also check whether you have the right to remain in your property for life or until you

Empowering you with the retirement you deserve

need to move to long-term care, provided the property remains your main residence and you abide by the terms and conditions of your contract.

Again, check whether you have the right to move to another property, subject to the new property being acceptable to your product provider as continuing security for your equity release loan and whether the product has a “no negative equity guarantee”.You will also need to know what level of maintenance you’ll be expected to carry out and how often your property will be inspected – this could be every few years.

Overall, equity release might seem like a good option if you want some extra money and don’t want to move house, but it’s worth bearing in mind that equity release can be more expensive in comparison to an ordinary mortgage. It’s also worth considering any additional changes taking out equity release could make to existing arrangements, with the potential to lose means-tested benefits being key among them. It’s also worth considering involving your family throughout the process, as any equity taken out of the home will impact their inheritance later down the line.

Retirement

• Lifetime mortgages are helping more and more over 55s finance their retirement • To see if it could be the right option for you, contact an independent financial adviser www.pureretirement.co.uk

#PureEmpowerment

Company registered in England and Wales No. 7240896. Pure Retirement Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registered No.582621.

15

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BRING SPRING INTO YOUR HOME and tired? Should you opt for something brighter and cheerier?

You know your own taste best so do choose colours that you like. Home experts Ikea suggest yellow as a way of welcoming in the new Spring season and brightening up our lives.

Look for cushions, bedding or vintage crockery with delicate or exuberant floral designs to offset a pale backdrop. Wider expanses on wallpapers and fabrics will create more impact.

Small-scale blooms, trailing botanicals, classic gingham checks and ticking stripes, whether in subtle neutrals or brighter shades, will introduce decorative detail to any room. Animal and bird motifs can also do this vital job, especially with a seasonal theme like hares and chicks.

WHEN Spring is just around the corner we tend to have a sense of optimism and change that extends to our homes.

People start to have a clear-out and head for their nearest charity shop with boxes of unwanted household ornaments, curtains and even the odd small item of furniture.

It’s natural that the feeling of re-birth after the Winter “hibernation” should make us want to improve our own “habitat”.

But, how do you begin changing and improving your home without (a) spending a fortune and (b) finding a new style you’re happy to live with?

Perhaps the best way is to be completely objective about the state of your home currently. Pretend that you are a potential buyer and are viewing your property for the first time. What would be your impression and what would need to change?

While textiles, curtains and rugs introduce subtle colour tones into different rooms to create an impact, you might prefer a bolder statement piece of furniture. These can be in the living room or the kitchen.

Brighter lighting – especially a modern pendant lamp or unusual upright lamp – not only brings light and an airy feeling into the smallest rooms but makes them look more modern.

Are your WINDOWS looking a bit worse for wear? New windows not only give a real facelift to your home but dramatically improve insulation while giving it a contemporary atmosphere. Look in local showrooms or go online for clever ideas to shed new light on your home.

This may also be just the time to plan that CONSERVATORY or ORANGERIE, giving you not only more space in your home but a lighter, up-to-date style to enhance daily living.

FURNITURE can reflect the family years like nothing else in a home. And, while we may love our battered old sofa, who is not to say that a new, smarter sofa won’t be equally comfortable?

By re-arranging furniture in a room you can quickly create a very different living space, one that reflects exactly your own lifestyle. Add some unusual cushions – either something with natural, earthy tones, in an unusual fabric or that complements curtains and carpets – and you have already brightened up your life.

CARPETS also tell the tale of family life and – be honest – it may be time you replaced them at home. There are now so many different carpets and styles you will be spoiled for choice, or you may prefer a wooden floor for those clean contemporary lines.

Spring is also often the time that people invest in a new KITCHEN and there are certainly plenty of fabulous kitchens to enhance your home.

If your budget isn’t up to that, how about just changing your unit doors for a fresh look? The cost is less and the effect comprehensively different.

Try seasonal blooms to uplift the atmosphere

COLOUR is vital to our lives and I’m afraid we can get stale about home décor, just accepting those paint and wallpaper shades around us without really examining them.

So, be honest about the state of your home decor. Have those vibrant colours become drab

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While it would be lovely to have a new living room SUITE, if you can’t afford a brand new one, consider having new covers for your old one. This gives old furniture a real facelift.

Many charities like the British Heart Foundation and Emmaus collect second-hand furniture to sell and you can pick up bargains there or in other local charity shops. Or, consider renovating an item yourself.

Complement your new colour scheme with toning utensils, tea-towels and an eyecatching ornament or two. Or, find some really colourful artificial flowers and create a lovely display.

Try seasonal blooms to uplift the atmosphere – a bunch of early tulips arranged in a large jug or emerging narcissus and hyacinth bulbs potted into a trug, old wine crate or terracotta pots.

These instantly signal Spring like nothing else.

Search out old MIRRORS from charity shops and re-paint the frame to suit your

new colour scheme. Ensuring that your signature colours are echoed throughout can keep that lovely sense of a change of seasons wherever you are in your home.

Look for quirky coat-hooks for the HALLWAY or an unusual painting or new mirror that will brighten up this vital area.

After all, this is often the first impression that any visitor gets so let’s make it a positive one.

Use spotlights and clever lighting to keep this an extra light area and try and hide away items like shoe cupboards to improve the space available.

A new BED is something we don’t always think about but a good night’s sleep is priceless. Add new bedding, especially with matching curtains and soft furnishings, and you’ve got a whole new-look bedroom.

Even a standard white BATHROOM can be made to look fresh with a new colour scheme in accessories, a toning jug of flowers or a trailing plant.

And if you want to extend that Spring renovation to the garden, now is a great time to plan changes.

You may be thinking of a minimalist Oriental approach or something more Mediterranean. The Royal Horticultural Society’s website has plenty of ideas so go to https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/design and see how the experts can help.

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50 plus magazine

The straight talking law firm

The straight talking Offering services in: law firm

Conveyancing • Commercial Property • Company Law • Landlord and Tenant • Employment Law • Divorce •

We offer a Family comprehensive, accessible, Separation and Law • Disputes and Litigation • andWills friendly service• to • Estateadvice Administration individuals businesses the Lasting Powersand of Attorney • Courtacross of Protection North West www.odonnellsolicitors.co.uk

Helping you stay in control Of your future O’Donnell Solicitors provide a range of Private client services, helping you stay in control of your future.

In today’s society mental health is of growing concern. Dementia alone affects 850,000 people within the UK and statistics show that one in three people born in the past year will suffer from dementia in their lifetime .Without capacity we are unable to manage our own affairs and will naturally rely on our loved ones to assist us at such a stage. However, unless you have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, no-one has the legal right to make decisions on your behalf.

An LPA is a legal document which enables you to appoint someone to deal with your affairs on your behalf should you become unable to do so yourself. Unfortunately, our capacity can be affected at any stage of our lives, through ill health or as a result of an accident, and it is at this stage that an LPA is invaluable.

There are two types of LPA; ‘Property and Finance’ and ‘Health and Welfare and you can choose to have both or just one, many people choose to have both to ensure that both areas of their lives can be legally managed by someone they have appointed as an Attorney.

You have the option to choose who you would like to appoint as an Attorney on each LPA and

this does not have to be just one person.You may also add guidance and preferences so that your Attorneys are aware of what your thoughts and beliefs are in terms of how you would like your affairs to be carried out.This allows you to retain control of your future as much as possible and can make what may be a difficult time, a little easier for your loved ones.

Head office at: Appleby's Business Centre, Oldham Road, Grasscroft, OL4 4HH. 01457 761320 Also visit us at: First Floor, 91-93 High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6BD. 01457 761320

Offering Services in:

You are only able to enter into an LPA if you have full mental capacity, and therefore it is important that you consider your options early.

In the event that you lose capacity without having entered into an LPA, your loved ones can apply for a Deputyship Order, however this is a lengthy and costly process and can present unnecessary stress and delay.

Conveyancing • Commercial Property

We also offer a professional will writing service, enabling you to benefit your loved ones when you are no longer here.Without a will your estate will be distributed under the Intestacy Rules, which do not provide for unmarried couples or step children.

Attorney • Court of Protection

Quote the 50 Plus Magazine to receive a 10% reduction from our legal fees for having a lasting power of attorney or will drawn. For more information or to book an appointment with Rebecca O’Donnell, please contact us on 01457 761 320 or email Rebecca O’Donnell at rebecca@odonnellsolicitors.co.uk

• Company Law • Landlord and Tenant • Employment Law • Divorce • Separation and Family Law • Disputes and litigation • Wills • Estate Administration • Lasting Powers of

www.odonnellsolicitors.co.uk Head office at: Appleby’s Business Centre, Oldham Road, Grasscroft, OL4 4HH Tel : 01457 761320 Also visit us at: First Floor, 91-93 High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6BD Tel: 01457 761320

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Garden

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50 plus magazine

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.

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.

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 selfseeding 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!

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COLOUR

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.

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.

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.

Striking combination of Anchusa azurea 'Dropmore', Acanthus mollis and field poppies.

Much research has been carried out into plant communities; plants that live happily side by side without one species 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 be positioned for maximum impact and then replaced with summer bedding or Agapanthus later in the summer. Their portability is an added advantage, pots can be moved to wherever they are needed.

Colour, texture and form all working in perfect harmony at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 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.

with perennials until they reach maturity, but perennials mature within two years so don’t be tempted to plant them too close together.

True harmony in your garden is achieved when there is the right balance of colour, texture, height and form and the pleasure gained from trying to achieve this is perhaps as important as the end result.

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 semievergreen 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.

Make sure you know the mature size of the plant you select. Shrubs can be underplanted

The small lemon flowers of Tellima grandiflora contrast well with the Rhododendron behind, picking out the yellow in the centre of the white flowers.

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Rochdale Council is looking for more foster carers just like Brian and Beverley

can you give childhood a chance?

Brian Mumford, 58, and Beverley Mumford, 52, who have been fostering with Rochdale Borough Council for 3 years!

How long have you been fostering?

We have been fostering for 3 years.

What made you want to be foster carers?

Fostering was something we had spoken about for many years, but only had room for when our youngest daughter moved out.

We wanted to foster for many reasons; to be able to give a child somewhere to feel safe and secure, to offer an everyday home without the distractions of the life the child might well have come from, to give some order and stability with proper boundaries and to set examples of right and wrong. Basically, just to be there to help a child, and feel like we are putting back into the system and contributing to society to steer young people down the correct paths in life.

What do you enjoy most about fostering?

Having a young person who we feel is like an extension to our family, seeing them grow and change in their attitude as they feel they are wanted in our family. Helping them progress in education even if they have already started in their further education by just giving support to their choices and making sure they look at other options if we feel there could be different options more suitable for them.

We have recently moved to emergency care as well as having a permanent placement. It is different than normal fostering as it is only short term for a couple of days whilst a permanent placement is found, we were able to do this as we have a room that is only used at weekend and the family member is ok with the room being used for emergencies.

What is a typical day like?

A typical day for us is no different to how it was before we started fostering as the young person in placement is in the upper age bracket fitting in with the running of the family and is able

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to get to and from education on his own. The only difference we have is with emergency care and that is just escorting to and from school.

What support do you get?

There are lots of places for support, we have our own little group of friends and family for moral support and who, in an emergency, could pick children up for us and watch them for a short period. We get plenty of encouragement from our social worker, the young person’s social worker and the fostering team at Rochdale Council in general. There are plenty of training opportunities for help and advice to help you in your care of placements.

Any advice to those who are thinking about fostering?

The best advice we could give to anyone who has ever thought of fostering but didn’t because of doubts over their history, age or any other reason just phone the Rochdale Council’s fostering team who will be able to give you advise and answer any queries you might have.

Can you sum up fostering with Rochdale Council in 3 words?

Enjoyable, Rewarding, Satisfying.

Our cared for children need you We need more foster carers to fulfil the dreams of our children and provide a loving and supportive home

Foster with us today rochdale.gov.uk/fostering 0300 303 1000 enquire@fosteringforrochdale.co.uk

LEISURE

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50 plus magazine

Friday 19th April – 8pm All Hands On Deck

A love story between the Royal Navy and their loyal ‘Jenny Wrens’

WHAT'S ON

A Guide to what's happening in your region ...

Thursday 11th – Saturday 13th April Approaching Empty

Thursday 18th April – Saturday 4th may Visitors

Set in Northern England in the aftermath of Margaret Thatcher’s death, 'Approaching Empty' is a razor sharp new drama which lays bare the everyday struggles of a post-industrial generation of British men.

In a rural farmhouse, a family is falling apart.

Stephen can’t afford to put his mother Edie into care and her husband Arthur can’t afford to stop working and look after her.

Tender, acute and wryly funny, 'Visitors' is a story about ageing, care and families, but most of all an ode to life-long love.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre W: www.coliseum.org.uk

Oldham Coliseum Theatre W: www.coliseum.org.uk

New WRNS recruits Ginger and Lily, are looking for wartime adventure. Lily wants to serve on dry land but Ginger is desperate to serve at sea – and the sailors can’t believe their luck!

The first of 2019's Mikron Theatre Company's new shows pays tribute to The Wrens and all those wartime women who pushed the door to opportunity firmly open.

Full of dots, dashes, semaphore and song, Ginger and Lily find themselves in uncharted waters on an adventure they’ll never forget.

Millgate Arts Centre Stoneswood Road, Saddleworth, OL3 5DY T: 01457 874644

Meet Lisa and Shabana They listen, they’re kind and they’re patient. Both are experienced Care Assistants who have recently started delivering Care across the whole community. We are delighted they have joined our team.

If you have the right qualities and would like a rewarding career in Home Care…

…We would love to hear from you!

Bluebird Care Rochdale Call us: 01706 759933 Email us: rochdale@bluebirdcare.co.uk

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Wednesday 8th May The Cavern Beatles

A magical history tour through the works of the greatest ever pop music phenomenon. 'The Cavern Beatles' are as close to the real thing as you are likely to see.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre W: www.coliseum.org.uk

THE NORTH WEST’S

friday 10th May – 8pm ABBA SENSATION

Mamma Mia! First time at Playhouse 2 for the premier Abba Tribute act in the UK and Europe.

Playhouse 2 37 Market St, Shaw T: 01706 840400

....

1st June - 2nd June Manchester's King Street Festival

A glorious weekend on Manchester’s most iconic, historic street. With: talks and tastings, alfresco dining, live music, prosecco pop-ups, lawn games, VIP shopping experiences and the return of the Manchester Flower Show – plus events and offers from over 50 of the biggest names in shopping, food and drink.

King Street, Manchester W: www. visitmanchester.com

Bolton’s Award Winning Market 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.

Saturday 11th May – 8pm Court and Spark THE JONI MITCHELL SONGBOOK

Court and Spark – The Joni Mitchell Songbook, brings together five of the North West’s most experienced musicians to celebrate the kaleidoscopic musical world of Joni Mitchell.

Playhouse 2 37 Market St, Shaw T: 01706 840400

Tuesday 4th June Hello Again: The Story of Neil Diamond Bolton

With evocative imagery, video Council and narration to enhance the magic, this show takes you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50 year career.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre W: www.coliseum.org.uk

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.

Friday 17th May – 8pm THE FAVOURITE

That morsel of historical arcana is the basis of “The Favourite,” a wildly entertaining, bracingly cynical comedy of royal manners directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

Playhouse 2 37 Market St, Shaw T: 01706 840400

Thursday 6th June Big Girls Don’t Cry

Come and experience the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons authentically recreated by a phenomenal cast and live band.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre W: www.coliseum.org.uk

Contact: 01204 336825

Email: bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk

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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LEISURE

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50 plus magazine

13th June - 16th June Tour of Tameside

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

As one of our customers recently said ‘Traditional market with great atmosphere and great product choices. Fish, meat and veg is second to none. You can be sure of a bargain. I recommend it to - family and friends. Too good to keep to myself'

The Tour of Tameside is a four day festival of running which takes in the best sights and sounds that Tameside has to offer.

A variety of running routes and terrains challenged participants both physically and mentally, with all stages having been carefully chosen to be achievable for runners of all abilities.

Multiple locations, Oldham / Stalybridge / Hadfield / Hyde T: 0161 703 5816

Thursday 20th June – Saturday 6th July The Hired Man

The best British musical in 40 years. An epic and heroic tale of love, betrayal and loyalty, set against a backdrop of English country traditions being swept away as a new century faces the gathering storm of war. Based on the stirring novel by Melvyn Bragg.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre W: www.coliseum.org.uk

An Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Wiltshire Creative and York Theatre Royal Production

uR. O f T n.

A A W Te A Td A s bAg d n hA diReCTed bY jO neWmAn 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 coliseum.org.uk 0161 624 2829 Open from 10am Mon - Sat

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Tuesday 14 May Saturday 1 June

Friday 21st June – 8pm THE SWING COMMANDERS

The Swing Commanders are a stunningly vibrant and versatile group that performs an exciting mix of 1940s classics, boogiewoogie, western swing, 50’s jump jazz and more!

Saturday 6th July Oldham Music Centre Summer Music Festival

August 10th-11th Yanks are back in Saddleworth

There will be 50+ performances given throughout the day by Music Centre bands, choirs and other ensembles across 2 outdoor stages in Parliament Square along with other performances in the Music Centre and Egyptian Room, with a non-stop feast of music running from 10am through to 7pm. The performers themselves will range from our youngest musicians who are only 7 or 8 years old, to some of our more mature members of the community ensembles, some of whom are in their 7th or 8th decade!

the annual military show & vehicle parade returns to the villages of Uppermill in Saddleworth. The event brings a wide selection of fabulous 1940’s entertainment, historical displays and much much more… An unforgettable day out and fantastic experience for the everyone as the “Yanks” set up camp in the grounds of Saddleworth School in Uppermill, Saddleworth. This is a huge event that winds back the clock across the whole area taking you right back to World War Two!!!

The Lyceum Building and Parliament Square, off Union Street T: 0161 770 5660

The Lyceum Building and Parliament Square, off Union Street T: 0161 770 5660

Every member of the Swing Commanders sings and plays at least one instrument, sometimes three:Yet what makes them stand out even above their incredible music ability and performing skills is their joie-de-vivre.

Playhouse 2 37 Market St, Shaw T: 01706 840400

Saturday 22nd June – 8pm RICKY COOL AND THE IN CROWD present 'A NIGHT AT THE FLAMINGO'

Ricky Cool and the In Crowd return to Playhouse 2 to present their acclaimed stage show ‘A Night at the Flamingo.’

They will take you on a trip back in time to Soho’s most iconic music venue of the early 1960’s and recreate the atmosphere of a typical Flamingo ‘All Nighter.’

Red Hot Rhythm and Blues! Scintillating Ska and Blue beat! Sensational Soul!

Playhouse 2 37 Market St, Shaw T: 01706 840400

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MOTORING

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50 plus magazine

STEVE HOWARTH'S TESTDRIVE There’s also a 2.0-litre diesel with 184bhp that comes as standard with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. If you want petrol power, there’s a choice of two 1.6-litre engines. The cheapest comes exclusively with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, but it doesn't get turbocharging The turbocharged 1.6 T-GDi petrol is better but still needs revving harder than the diesels.You can have this engine with the standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel-drive as standard.

kia Sportage Kia’s tag line on its advertising is ‘The Power to Surprise’ - which I would suggest is no longer true!

That’s because the Korean car maker has been turning out such good cars in recent years that I, for one, am no longer surprised when I get behind the wheel.

That is because I now expect a Kia to be good and the new Sportage did not let me down.

At just £22,405 on the road our 1.6 GDi 2 model looked good, went well and had all the essential kit you could need.

That all-new 1591cc diesel four pot gives a 0 to 60 time of 11.1 seconds and a top speed of 113 while being capable of a claimed 44.1mpg on a run (in 130bhp form).

The kit list on this family SUV includes things like smart 17” alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto lights and wipers while inside there’s cruise control, dual auto air con, six speaker audio, 7” touchscreen with sat-nav, reversing camera and parking sensors.

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Then there are the numerous safety systems - so numerous I don’t have space to mention them all here but top of the list are lane assist, driver attention warning, tyre pressure monitoring and hill start assist. Add to all that Kia’s famous 7 years/100,000 mile warranty and you have a pretty impressive package.

So what’s new for 2019? The whole car has had a makeover improving what was already an attractive design. Infotainment and active driver aids are upgraded, there is a new 1.6, 130 to 174bhp diesel engine (as fitted to our test model), GT-Line versions have been added for a sportier touch, there is a special ‘Edition 25’ to mark 25 years of Sportage production and 21 variants with five engine choices, three gearboxes and six trim levels means even more choice.

Family SUVs don’t need to handle like a hatchback but the Sportage keeps body lean controlled through bends and stays more upright than rivals plus it grips well too.

All versions get a rear-view camera as standard, with rear parking sensors added on 2 trim. If you want front parking sensors, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4 model which also adds safety features like blind spot monitoring.

Even the most basic Sportage in 1 trim gets a 7.0in infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, a DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you really must have built-in sat-nav, you’ll need to upgrade to 2. Moving up to 4 or GT-Line S brings an eight inch touchscreen and a USB port for those in the back to charge their phones.

The Sportage has a big boot, with a floor that’s flush with the rear seats when they’re folded down.

The 1.6 diesel in 2 trim is keenly priced, undercutting the equivalent Nissan Qashqai and has a spacious interior. Prices are from £20,305 for the base ‘1’ trim model with 1.6 diesel power (114bhp) up to £35,140 for the GT-Line S 2.0-litre CRDi 182bhp AWD auto.

More info at www.kia.co.uk

By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth

Health

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50 plus magazine

'Let us put a smile on your face' THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTURES The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process.

It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

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DIFFICULTIES IN CONSTRUCTING A GOOD SET OF DENTURES Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry. We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone. In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally.

We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

CHOICE OF DENTURES There are three main quality standards in denture materials: Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, high impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic.

Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and cheap, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking.

However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person.

Losing teeth can mean you are unable to chew food properly, your face and cheeks may look different due to the loss of support and structure your natural teeth provided and you may feel unhappy about your appearance.

Manchester Dental Lab can help you.

We offer a bespoke service to provide you with dentures which fit well, are comfortable and will look natural. Whilst we cannot replace your own teeth, you will feel confident and happy wearing our dentures.

No-one but you should know you are wearing dentures.

If you still have some of your own teeth, we will need a prescription from a dentist, which you can bring with you when you come for your first consultation. Alternatively, we can provide a check up and prescription for you using our dedicated referral dentist who will also be able to provide you with any treatment you may need. We also offer home visits.

Our Dentures Each denture made by Manchester Dental Lab uses quality materials and we take our time time to ensure the most comfortable fit possible. We will consult with you carefully at each appointment selecting tooth shades,

type of denture and trying the fit. Only when you are completely satisfied will we finish your denture.

2) Clear palate 3) Gum and tooth staining for a natural look 4) Various tooth sizes and shades Prices from only £550

Each denture we produce is unique and tailored to the patient’s requirements and your first consultation is free

Simple Dentures These dentures still have a natural appearance, are functional but do not offer the option of contouring, staining or characterisation These dentures are are: 1) A basic acrylic denture 2) Functional 3) Hard wearing

Cosmetic Dentures These dentures are probably the next best thing to having your own teeth. They are extremely technical, use superior craftsmanship and will provide: 1) Facial and lip support to re-establish a natural facial appearance 2) Tooth characterisation such as anatomical irregularities to produce an enhanced natural look 3) Gum contouring to provide ‘plumpness’ in appropriate areas

Prices from only £250 Suction Dentures This is a a relatively new product. Please contact us for more information.

Emergency Dentures We can provide dentures within 24 hours should you have a mishap with yours. We also work with local hospitals to provide replacement dentures quickly when these have been lost on a ward. In these cases we usually liaise with the hospital for payment.

4) Palatal contouring for better speech and speech definition Prices from only £800 Private Dentures These dentures are made using The Enigma System. They are hard wearing and provide: 1) Facial and lip support to re-establish a natural facial appearance

Repairs We can carry out a denture repair in around an hour.

New Dentures Let us put a smile on your face...

Cosmetic • Private • Hand Crafted - Complete Natural Looking Dentures

- Denture Cleaning - Home Visits

- Copy Dentures - 24 Hour Service - Replacement Dentures - Appointments to suit

- Soft Lining for Comfort - Emergency Denture Repairs In Just 30 Minutes

Manchester Dental Lab [MDL] Established since 1989 115 Manchester Rd, Droylsden, Manchester M43 6EG Tel: 0161 371 9575 C.D Humphreys, Clinical Dental Technician, DipHE

- Personalised, Friendly Service

Find us

enquiries@manchesterdentallab.co.uk www.manchesterdentallab.co.uk www.facebook.com/manchesterdental @McrDentalLab

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Health

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50 plus magazine

You’ll notice that they’ll become increasingly frail at this point, showing difficulty in walking and eventually they’ll be confined to a bed or wheelchair.

Other symptoms are: • Difficulty in eating and swallowing • Considerable difference in weight, some people may lose weight and others may eat too much • Loss of their bladder control and sometimes their bowels • Loss of speech, repeating a few words or crying out from time to time

Learning about Dementia Each person experiences dementia differently so it’s helpful to sort the condition into stages to help detect the symptoms earlier.This will let you know whether you need to look for care and support for a loved one. Dementia is a progressive illness affecting a person’s mental capacity, their memory and communication will gradually decline and will require support to carry out daily living routines.

Stages of Dementia Early stage The early stages of dementia are very minor changes in a person’s behaviour and can often be mistaken for normal ageing attributes. Loss of memory for most recent events is an early sign that someone may have dementia. Be on the lookout for these signs: • The person becomes slower at understanding new ideas • They repeat themselves • They lose interest in other people and activities • They blame others for taking their misplaced stuff • They’re forgetful about recent events or conversations • They find it hard to make decisions • They’re unwilling to try out new things In these situations it’s tempting to support them to help them cope, but in order to retain their independence and self-esteem, they should have the chance to do activities for themselves,

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with a little support if necessary They’re likely to become agitated and distressed in this condition, so be ready to provide emotional support and reassurance to boost their confidence.

Middle stage As dementia progresses, the changes in the person become more noticeable.They need support to help manage their daily living, with frequent reminders to eat, use the toilet, wash and dress. Being forgetful of people’s names and repeating the same phrase several times are signs of decline in their memory.

During the Middle stage they may lose their confidence and become clingy.

You may also notice some other signs, be careful of: •

•

•

•

Confusion about where they are and becoming lost after walking off Waking up at night because they’re mixing up night and day Putting themselves and others at risk - by forgetting to light the gas on the cooker for example Hallucinations and difficulty in perceiving events

Late stage During this time, they’ll be totally dependent on others to help care for them.Their loss of memory will become paramount, being unable to recognise objects, surroundings and their closest friends and family members.

Support to stay in your own home If you want to live as independently as possible, you may need support to stay in your own home.The health and social care trust in your area can provide services to help you.

Health and social care assessments A range of support is available. For example, you might need help with cleaning, or you may find it useful if you had a bath rail fitted.You may be entitled to financial help to maintain your own home.To find out what sort of help you could get, your local trust will assess your health and social care needs. It is important to tell the health and social care trust what will make your everyday life easier.

You may also be entitled to ‘direct payments’.

These are trust payments available for anyone who has been assessed as needing social care, and who would like to buy services instead of receiving the trust’s services. For example, direct payments could be used to pay a home help.

Care in your own home Care in your own home is offered to people who require help with personal care like washing or dressing, or help with other daily domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or help in managing finances.

Direct payments - arranging your own care and services Direct payments are local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local trust.

A person must be able to give their consent to receiving direct payments and be able to manage them even if they need help to do this on a day-to-day basis.

Who is eligible?

If you already receive social services Your local trust is obliged to offer you the option of direct payments in place of the services you currently receive.There are some limited circumstances where you are not given this choice and your local trust will be able to tell you about these.

If you’re not receiving social services To get direct payments you’ll need to contact your local trust to ask them to assess your needs. Direct payments are normally available if you: • have a disability and are aged 16 or over • are a carer aged 16 or over, including people with parental responsibility for a child with disabilities • are an older person HELPING CARERS & THE FAMILY • Understand that caring for a

person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs.

• The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle.

Offer support, information and a listening ear.

• Becoming well informed is really important.

• Help them develop their own coping strategy with a strong network of family and friends When you need extra support for continuous care, you may not want the added stress of having to leave your home. Bluebird Care gives you the option of high quality care without moving to a care home. Our care visits service offer the reassurance of care and support in the comfort of your own home.

We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to care, our customers’ unique needs are considered every step of the way, meaning you stay in control of your care and support at all times. A member of our team will ask what is important to you so we can provide the care you want, the way you want it.

Choosing Bluebird Care means: • No need to move to a care home

• A personal service where your unique needs are considered every step of the way, available as and when you need it.

• Fully trained, compassionate staff who respect your home and your privacy • A flexible service, where every day can be different • A wide range of care and support– personal care, housework, social activities – you choose • A proper introduction to make sure we have found the right person for you • Regular follow up from a Bluebird Care manager to check you are happy with our service As a nationwide provider, Bluebird Care work to accredited training and induction standards and are able to provide full support and supervision in person with the management team on hand to oversee any issues and to offer a fully supported care service. Bluebird Care completes all the necessary employment checks, such as with the police or criminal records authorities and care worker references.

Each care worker receives on-going training and support while they are looking after you at home.

CARE VISITS AT HOME We care passionately Bluebird Care (Rochdale)

Tramway Offices, Mellor Street, Rochdale, OL12 6AA

Telephone: 01706 759 933 What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits.

In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care.

With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

Our staff Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

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50 plus magazine

KWOKLYN WAN MAKES IT EASY TO COOK AMAZING CHINESE FOOD AT HOME

SWEET CHILLI CRISPY WINGS Double-fried, super-crunchy, spicy and juicy wings… This recipe does take a little longer to cook, but to get the crispy coating on the wing you have to double-fry. I guarantee that once you try this dish, it will become the one you pull out of the bag to wow your friends and family – it really is that good!

INGREDIENTS Serves 4 people 1.6kg (3lb 8oz) chicken wings ½ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 125g (1 cup) cornflour (cornstarch) vegetable oil for frying 4 garlic cloves, crushed 3 large, dried red chillies, deseeded and cut into quarters 60ml (¼ cup) light soy sauce 120ml (½ cup) runny honey 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp palm sugar 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted

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Pat the chicken wings with kitchen paper to make sure they are absolutely dry. Cut the tips off each wing and then cut each wing in half.

Put the chicken into a large bowl and mix with the salt, pepper and ginger. Add the cornflour to a separate large bowl, then thoroughly coat each chicken wing, gently squeezing to make sure the flour is sticking. Put the coated wings on a plate and set aside.

Heat a large non-stick wok over a medium to high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil, then fry the garlic and chillies for 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Add the soy sauce, honey and vinegar, mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes.

Add the palm sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Put enough vegetable oil in a large saucepan to be deep enough to deep-fry the wings, and heat to 170°C (340°F).

Gently fry the wings in batches of five, cooking for 8–10 minutes depending on the thickness of each wing piece. Turn the wings frequently to ensure even cooking.

Remove wings and drain on a wire rack.

Continue until all the wings are fried.

Once all the wings are cooked and slightly cooled, reheat the oil (to the same temperature) and fry the wings again for another 12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy, remembering to turn the wings frequently. Remove and drain on a wire rack and repeat with the rest of the wings.

When all the chicken has been doublefried, reheat the sauce in the wok, add the wings and mix well to coat. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve straightaway.

INGREDIENTS Serves 4-6 people 4 spring onions (scallions), halved a thumb-sized piece of fresh unpeeled ginger, sliced 1 litre (4¼ cups) chicken stock 120ml (½ cup) rice wine 120ml (½ cup) dark soy sauce 100g (½ cup) demerara sugar 1½ tbsp Chinese five spice 2 star anise 1 tsp cloves 3 cinnamon sticks

CRISPY AROMATIC DUCK WITH HOISIN SAUCE AND PANCAKES Everyone, and I do mean everyone, LOVES this dish; it’s the perfect sharing plate to be enjoyed with friends and family.

Put the spring onions, ginger, stock, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, spices and salt into a large, lidded saucepan and stir well to combine. Add the duck legs and massage the marinade into the skin.

Pop the lid on, put the pan in the fridge and leave to marinate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. At the end of the marinating time, take the lid off

½ tbsp salt 4 duck legs (or you can use a whole duck cut into quarters) To assemble 1 pack of Chinese pancakes (average 10 pancakes per pack) 2 spring onions (scallions), cut into matchsticks 1 cucumber, cut into matchsticks 60ml (¼ cup) hoisin sauce

the pan and set it over a high heat, bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer.

Cover and cook for 1–2 hours, keeping an eye on the liquid to ensure it doesn’t boil dry – add water if needed. Remove the duck legs from the liquid and place on a wire rack to cool.

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the duck legs on a baking tray and cook in the oven for around 15–20 minutes, or until the skin has turned lovely and crispy.

Towards the end of the duck’s cooking time, steam the pancakes for 6 minutes (or according to the packet instructions).

Remove the duck from the oven and shred the meat from the bones using two forks. Serve straight away with the warm pancakes, spring onions, cucumber and hoisin sauce and let everyone fill and roll their own pancakes.

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 37

FOOD & DRINK

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50 plus magazine

BLACK PEPPER BEEF WITH GREEN PEPPERS AND ONIONS

This dish was always served on a sizzling platter in the restaurant.We had ox-shaped, heavy cast-iron platters that we’d heat until they nearly glowed red.They were then placed onto their wooden serving boards and billows of smoke would fill the kitchen.We’d pour the beef covered with its rich sauce onto the platter and it would sizzle and spit, filling the air with an aromatic cloud of smoke that smelled simply amazing.

Coarsely grind the peppercorns in a pestle and mortar – not too fine but you don’t want any whole corns. Put the beef strips, threequarters of the ground pepper, the oyster sauce, rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil and the 2 teaspoons of cornflour into a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and leave to tenderise and marinate for 2 hours or overnight. (This isn’t essential but it does make a huge difference).

When you’re ready to cook, heat your wok over a high heat. As soon as the wok starts to

smoke add the oil and the marinated beef, leaving any marinade in the bowl for later.

Stir-fry until the outside of the beef has browned, then add the garlic, green pepper and onion and continue stir-frying for 2 minutes.

Add the remaining marinade and the stock. Once boiling, drizzle the cornflour mixed with water into the sauce, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens.

Transfer immediately to a plate, sprinkle over the remaining ground black pepper and serve.

The Chinese Takeaway Cookbook by Kwoklyn Wan (Quadrille £15) Photography: Sam Folan

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INGREDIENTS Serves 4 people 2 tsp whole black peppercorns 450g (1lb) beef fillet, sliced into bite-sized pieces 2 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine 2 tsp light soy sauce a splash of sesame oil 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch), plus 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp water 1½ tbsp groundnut oil 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 small green (bell) pepper, de-seeded and diced 1 small onion, diced 120ml (½ cup) chicken or vegetable stock

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