Preston & The Fylde Coast 38

FREE

Please t

ake on

PRESTON & THE FYLDE COAST MAY - AUGUST 2013 EDITION 38

David Hasselhoff THE HOFF’S GOT TALENT

The Hairy Bikers DELICIOUS SUMMER DISHES

Dental Holiday in Budapest READER OFFER INSIDE

What’s on...

AT THE GUILD HALL, FROM SUGGS TO SLEEPING BEAUTY!

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE LOCAL MAGAZINE

FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

e

Rise, lift, tilt, swivel, massage – yes they’re all types of recliners but do you know the differences and what to look for when buying one?

No longer just the domain of retirement villages or the offices of stressed executives, the recliner has become a top buy in recent years by a wide range of users and especially popular with older people and those with limited mobility. Why? Well it’s down to the superior comfort and functionality they offer over regular chairs and sofas and why should we compromise on comfort and quality when we can opt for a recliner!

So what’s the difference?

A recliner chair or sofa is in essence a chair or sofa with a recline function that enables you to put your feet up, tilt back and relax. Some recliners only bring up a foot support; others have backrests that recline too. There are lots of different options, materials, finishes and designs and beyond the more familiar reclining sofas and chairs there are some speciality chairs that really should be given more attention.

Swivel Recliners A chair that rotates through 360 degrees as well as offering a backrest recline and sometime a foot rest recline option; others have a matching footstool so that you can use the chair for multi purposes giving a relaxed position for computer work or all out recline with the Sunday paper.

Riser recliners Perfect for those with mobility issues and find it hard to get in and out of a standard chair. Giving all the comfort of a standard recliner but with the added benefit of a seat rising function, bringing you comfortably to a standing position; precision controlled with an electric handset.

Massage recliners The ultimate in luxury, the massage recliner gives you just about everything! Not only can you enjoy the comfort of a full reclining chair but you get the ultimate in relaxation with a body massage. With varying modes and controllable intensities you’ll find other family members vying for time on the chair.

Buying As with most things the more you spend, generally the better quality you get and this is true for recliners too, but you really must try them out first. Every recliner is different and offers differing levels of support, tension and function and you want to get the best fit for your needs and your budget and not just throw money at one you’ve seen online. Here’s a few buying tips from the Lefton’s resident expert on recliners: Make a checklist of functions you want from your recliner and deciding in advance will enable you to really focus in on specific models to better compare products when you visit your local independent retailer.

Leather or fabric, this is a personal preference and what works well in your living space and with so many choices of colours, leathers and fabrics this could be the toughest element of your decision!

Do consider your room space and measure up. Stretching out takes more space than a standard chair or sofa. There are varying sizes and ‘wall savers’ options.

Electric or manual, this is down to choice and budget but upgrading to electric gives you much more control over functions and thus greater comfort and at Lefton’s they come with a five year guarantee!

The motors are an important factor too; one motor will adjust both the back and foot at the same time whilst two motors allow you to independent adjust them.

Support, do consider what you are using the chair for and how much use it will get. So focus on types of fillings, support options, seat depth and width and adjustable features such as headrests.

To buy or not to buy brand names?

The quality of recliners is generally very high even in less well known brand names so you don’t always need to opt for the familiar big names. Some of the smaller specialist designers and brands that Lefton’s stock may be ones you’ve not heard of but might well deliver the best in comfort and quality that’s you’re looking for, so go beyond the label and try them all our for size, quality and comfort.

Independent retailers will always stock a good selection of chairs and brands for you to try out and speaking with an in-store advisor, rather than sales people of chain retailer will enable you to find out the differences each brand and chair type can offer.

Try www.leftonsgroup.com today and find your perfect chair.

inside...

TRAVEL & LEISURE 5

Graham Smith...

Twittering On.

6-7

Travels around Tuscany...

By Maria Meredith.

INTERVIEWS 10-11 David Hasselhoff ...

The Hoff’s got talent.

22-23 Suggs ...

Talks about his new show ‘My Life Story’.

FOOD & DRINK 26-27 The Hairy Dieters...

Delicious Summer dishes.

FINANCIAL 33

Berry Financial Planning...

Maximise your retirement income.

To receive your 15% discount please call us quoting the discount code 50PLUS 15 Avanti Travel Insurance specialises in travel insurance for people over the age of 50.

We have no upper age limit on our policies and cover pre-existing medical conditions.

6-7

10-11

22-23

26-27

For further information and to obtain an instant quote call us FREE or visit our website.

McGrath Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com *Terms and conditions apply. This discount is available on Annual Multi-trip policies only. The offer is not transferable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This discount will run from March 2013 to March 2014. This offer is not available for bookings made online. Avanti Travel Insurance reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Graham Smith...

TWITTERING ON Twittering Pope I could of course make some very irreverent remark about the fact that the Pope has opened a Twitter account. But he’s got something going for him for he picked up over 300,000 followers in the first 24 hours of tweeting putting Stephen Fry and others in the shade.

I have a sneaking admiration for any 85-year-old who takes up social media but note that he has a new media department who will doubtless be handling his tweets before publication. It remains to be seen if congregations dwindle in the light of this innovation or whether many turn over in bed on Sunday morning and reach for their lap top!

The self-titled “bacontrepreneur” has also come up with other pork inspired products such as bacon roses, bacon lip balm and bacon baby formula.

And, for those “who love bacon to death”, he has created a £2,000 bacon-wrapped coffin.

Mr Esch added: “Bacon is delicious, people get excited when they smell it. When you walk into a room don’t you want people to be excited to see you?”

I told you they weren’t all locked up.

Coffin therapy Next time you fancy a lie down try a little coffin therapy!

A Ukrainian man is encouraging people to lie down for 15 minutes in one of his coffins to “prepare for the afterlife”.

Now why would I want to do that?

The coffin maker has been in business for ten years and says the feeling is just like being in a bed. It’s the same sheets and pillows with its own special aura. You can choose from one of ten coffins in a special room with birdsong, falling water and he says you go home in a completely different mood.

Err, no thanks

Little lit up donkey!

Hundreds of donkeys are to be fitted with glow-in-the-dark ear tags in Botswana to stop accidents on rural roads at night.

About 500 of the animals will be fitted with the reflective tags in the north of the country where one in ten crashes is donkey-related.

I think it’s a wonderful idea and also recommend the tags for those barmy joggers who tear around in pitch blackness.

The UK-based Society For The Protection Of Animals Abroad is paying for the Maun Animal Welfare Society, in Botswana, to carry out the project.

Is your man a pig?

A US company has created a gift for the man who has everything - bacon flavoured shaving scream.

J&D’s new product is described as “high end, luxurious bacon-scented shaving cream” and is on sale for about £9.

Inventor Justin Esch said: “There is nothing more powerful than the smell of bacon, nothing. Bacon is the smell of champions.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and bacon is the best part of breakfast. Why not smell like it and be the best?”

Laura Higham, outreach veterinary advisor for SPANA, said: “The people that own working donkeys are some of the very poorest in Botswana’s society and often have no choice other than to let their animals roam freely in search of food in the sparse desert environment.

“This practice is essential, but obviously makes the donkeys vulnerable to accidents and we hope that this simple solution will help reduce the number of collisions caused by the animals every year.”

The charities hope the project will be adopted in other parts of the country, and will be the first step towards making reflective tags a legal requirement for freely roaming livestock.

Isn’t science wonderful?

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

5

y n a c s u T

Travels around

veladvisor.com)

ver Travel Advisor (silvertra

By Maria Meredith from Sil

Italy is one of my favourite places not only because I have family there (Parma) but also I love the many different areas- the Puglian trullis, the fabulous scenery and breath taking drives around the Amalfi coast, the Sicilian culture- not forgetting the fabulous food and wine! We had never been to Tuscany and decided it was time to go and see what all the fuss was about!

My Week in Tuscany Our Easyjet plane landed on time at Pisa, it’s much cheaper to fly here than to Florence and we picked up our hire car from Budget, which was a bargain £99 for the week. The car hire collection point is accessed via a 2 minute free bus ride and was one of the easiest car hire pick up/returns 6

we have had along with the bonus of being given a free upgrade. This was a very positive start.

Il Castelle, Certaldo Alta We set out for our first stop, La Fonte in Certaldo, where we were staying for four nights. Our first visit was to San Gimignano, which we did like but we found it very touristy and much preferred the old town of Certaldo. Here we were lucky enough to witness an Italian wedding which provided a great opportunity to experience a true Italian event and watch all the characters enjoy themselves. Sadly, we did not discover the relevance of the various metal life-sized men placed around the town, one of which was perched on top of a high tower, an art installation perhaps?

Certaldo Alto was accessed via a funicular railway which stays open until late (costs 1 euro each way).

It was far less touristy than San Gimignano and therefore was not as crowded. We enjoyed two excellent meals in Certaldo Alto– at Il Castello

and L’Antica Fonte - both with lovely views.

The owner of La Fonte strongly recommended taking the train to Florence (about 10 euros for a return ticket, the journey takes just under an hour to Santa Maria station, where you get off). It’s vital to check and double check train times as these can change at the last minute somewhat unpredictably.

Siena Siena was next on the agenda and this was the only place where we hadn’t pre-booked accommodation.

We found a brilliant hotel within 10 minutes’ walking distance of the Duomo, main square, restaurants & bars etc. It is the Hotel Villa Liberty and cost only 133 euros for B&B in a very good location. The only downside of our stay in Siena was that minutes after getting seated “al fresco” in our chosen restaurant that evening, the heavens opened!

En route to Lucca the following day we decided to take a detour to

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Volterra which I had read about in the tour guide. Volterra is another walled city and most definitely worth the journey. The countryside views en route were stunning and sadly I conceded that many were better than in the UK! And it wasn’t raining……

Our arrival at Albergo Villa Casanova was far later than we planned so we did not really have that much time to relax – this 5 star boutique hotel certainly had the “Wow” factor but at a price! Leaving the luxury of Casanova behind we set out for a morning sightseeing in Lucca before making our way to our last destination of Pisa.

We wished we had allowed more time for Lucca - we noticed many people cycling around the city walls and would have liked to have done the same. We did manage to get lost in the maze of streets but fortunately the lady I asked understood my Italian…. and more importantly. I understood her directions!

We had decided to return the car a day early as the cost of parking the car in the hotel garage was around the same price as taxis to/from the airport. We also felt it would be less stressful than the usual car hire return palaver, but I must say it was one of the easiest car hire returns ever!

The Royal Victoria Hotel in Pisa cost only £99 for B&B. Described as a very old antique hotel we appreciated it was going to be vastly different to the luxury we had experienced at Casanova but it was perfect for a short stay.

The Fields of Miracles was within 1015 minutes walking distance from our hotel with many bars & restaurants en route - obviously the closer to The Tower the more you pay. We chose a bar on the corner directly opposite the Tower and were pleasantly surprised to receive four delicious mini paninis along with our Peronis!

Leaning Tower of Pisa I had wanted to see the Leaning Tower for as long as I could remember and l was not disappointed. It has benefited from a “wash & brush up” and looked

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

marvellous. We could not believe the extent that tourists were going to get wacky photos - what a laugh! And … yes…we got a few of our own too-it must be infectious. We will definitely return …in Spring or Autumn maybe.

That evening we chose La Buca restaurant near the Tower – the meal was nice but sadly the service did not match the quality of the food.

After a few more hours in The Fields of Miracles the following morning we returned to our hotel for the taxi to the airport to catch our late afternoon flight.

Our only regret is that we hadn’t booked a further two or three days in this beautiful part of the world with the ever present scent of Jasmine.

We returned feeling like we could do with another more relaxing holiday to totally “chill out”! We hardly had time to read more than a few pages of our books as the sightseeing, travelling and staying at four different accommodations was quite wearing - not to mention that I was suffering from “photography fatigue” after taking over 800 photos! In future I will bear this in mind or make a point of sightseeing only until mid pm returning to our accommodation for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and to read a few chapters.

Maria Meredith

writes for the over 50’s travel review and information website silvertraveladvisor. com. Maria is an active Silver Traveller; when her husband retired two years ago, she decided to join him at the age of 54 (one benefit of marrying an older man!). She has worked in banking, catering and for the last 28 years for M&S at a variety of stores.

She has many hobbies, entering competitions and photography being two of them. Travel has always been a big part of her life - visiting many places in Europe and also destinations further afield such as New Zealand, India & Mauritius. Her first ever cruise was last year to see the Northern Lights. She particularly enjoys reading about different customs and traditions and has many funny stories to share, hence Maria is delighted to be able to contribute to Silver Travel Advisor.

For more details please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com

7

Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS 2013 l

All tours include half board accommodation with 2 excursions l Local Joining Points l Complimentary Insurance The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3H Stylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey.

Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Lounge, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage.

The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3H An impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard.

Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include: Two Residents’ Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage.

2013

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

8 DAYS

9 DAYS

Departures 04 May

-

05 May

- £339 £359

06 May

-

£219 -

-

11 May

-

12 May

- £349 £369

13 May 18 May

£229 - -

The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3H An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops.

Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

FREEPHONE 0800 083 9900

-

£359 £395

BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

-

-

£369 £405

-

-

£379 £415

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

2013

-

19 May

8 DAYS

£359

£379

£229 -

20 May

-

25 May

-

26 May

- £365

£389

-

-

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

2013

9 DAYS

24 August

-

-

25 August

- £369 £399 -

31 August

-

-

01 Sept

- £369 £399 -

-

07 Sept

-

08 Sept

- £369 £399 -

14 Sept

-

01 June

-

£399 £429

02 June

- £369 £399 -

-

8 DAYS

-

£389 £425

£239 -

27 May

-

9 DAYS

- - -

£399 £439 £399 £439 £399 £439 £399 £439

08 June

-

15 Sept

- £369 £399 -

09 June

- £369 £399 -

21 Sept

-

15 June

-

22 Sept

- £369 £399 -

16 June

- £369 £399 -

28 Sept

-

- -

£399 £439 £399 £439

- -

£399 £439 £399 £439

£369 £399 -

22 June

-

29 Sept

-

23 June

- £369 £399 -

05 Oct

-

29 June

-

06 Oct

- £289 £339 -

30 June

- £369 £399 -

- -

£399 £439 £399 £439

-

£215 £269

13 Oct

£339 £359 -

-

06 July

-

20 Oct

£209 £255

-

-

07 July

- £369 £399 -

27 Oct

£205 £245

-

-

13 July

-

03 Nov

£219 £249

-

-

14 July

- £369 £399 -

10 Nov

£215 £245

-

-

- -

£399 £439 £399 £439

20 July

-

17 Nov

£209 £239

-

-

21 July

- £369 £399 -

24 Nov

£205 £235

-

-

27 July

-

01 Dec

£199 £229

-

-

28 July

- £369 £399 -

08 Dec

£195 £225

-

-

- -

£399 £439 £399 £439

03 August

-

15 Dec

£189 £219

-

-

04 August

- £369 £399 -

23 Dec

£399 -

-

-

10 August

-

29 Dec

£389 -

-

-

11 August

- £369 £399 -

17 August

-

18 August

- £369 £399 -

- - -

£399 £439 £399 £439

Turkey & Tinsel

£399 £439

Supplements per person:

Abbey Lawn Hotel: Front View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 9 days £17, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 & 9 days £50, 5 days £30.

Ocean View Hotel: Sea View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 9 days £17, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 & 9 days £50, 5 days £30.

Imperial Hotel: Premier Room 7 days £30, 8 & 9 days £35, 5 days £20.

WHY NOT JOIN OUR TRAVEL CLUB and benefit from some of the best offers ever available l

l

l

l

FREE Robinsons Holidays travel bag Exclusive discounted member holidays l Regular Newsletter

FREE prize draws Exclusive late availability offers l £10 discount voucher

FOR JUS T

£10

per pe per rson yea r

FREEPHONE 0800 083 9900 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

The Hoff ’s GOT TALENT For a man who hit 60 not long ago David Hasselhoff – better known as simply The Hoff – has continued the swashbuckling ways he began as a young actor.

Known to millions across the world as good guy Michael Knight, the man with the talking car in iconic science fiction series “Knight Rider” which was the most watched TV show in history, the actor became a hero.

He compounded the image with another blockbuster of the small screen, “Baywatch”, where he played lifeguard Mitch Buchannon and saved even more lives.

The pirate with the interesting hand ornament and overdose of self-confidence, however, is a million miles from the young David Hasselhoff.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, David first got the theatrical bug at the age of seven and took acting, singing and dancing lessons. He was, however, very shy off stage in front of girls because he was tall and thin. On stage, though, he was in his element.

Unsurprisingly, acting became his career and, while in California, he became successful on the hugely popular US TV series “The Young and the Restless” in 1973 as Dr William “Snapper” Foster Jr. By then, he’d developed heartthrob looks and a physique to match.

In 1982 he moved from daytime soap to prime time programming with “Knight Rider” which captured the public’s imagination not only in the States but across the world.

His swashbuckling action is on the side of the baddies rather than the goodies as he became the notorious Captain Hook in perennial panto favourite “Peter Pan” for an extended run at Manchester’s Opera House.

When that show ended, Hasselhoff launched a successful recording career in Europe. In 1989 “Looking for Freedom” remained in the No.1 spot in the German charts for eight consecutive weeks. He has continued to perform regularly in concert ever since and has released nine albums to date, scoring a UK single hit in 2006 with “Jump In My Car”.

He returned to episodic TV in 1989 in “Baywatch” – the series about California lifeguards which launched Pamela Anderson to superstardom and made red one-piece swimming costumes the coolest beachwear on the planet.

Although the programme enjoyed good ratings, the network cancelled it after only one series. Undeterred, Hasselhoff and his partners acquired the rights to the

INTERVIEW

show and, based on his popularity overseas, secured funding and revived “Baywatch” in 1991.

The programme is still running and is now a piece of American culture, seen in 140 countries by more than one billon viewers each week.

David Hasselhoff has always been prepared to try new challenges and his lengthy acting career has included film and stage roles. He made his Broadway debut in 2000 in the title role of “Jekyll and Hyde” and played the lead role in London performances of “Chicago.”

He’s sufficiently down-to-earth to parody himself – even taking a major role in the children’s blockbuster film “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” in 2004 where he meets SpongeBob and Patrick very much in his “Baywatch” persona.

He had a short appearance in the movie “DodgeBall”, was in “EuroTrip” and played Adam Sandler’s despicable boss in the 2006 film “Click”.

The same year, he portrayed Roger DeBris in the Las Vegas production of Mel Brooks’ famous show “The Producers”.

His star was certainly in the ascendancy during this time as he also became a judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, taking a judging role in the second, third and fourth seasons alongside Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan.

Hasselhoff also has an uncanny knack of spotting trends and opportunities. In 2008, “The Hoff” became the first celebrity downloadable character for the PlayStation Network’s video game “Pain”.

And the following year, he began a TV love affair with the British public through two-part special “The Hoff: When Scott Came To Stay” which chronicled how radio presenter Scott Mills lived for four days with Hasselhoff at his Californian mansion.

The star and his two daughters, Taylor and Hayley, took part in another British TV reality show when they went ghost-hunting at Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire.

And in 2011, The Hoff – always a big favourite in the UK - returned to British TV as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent”.

He’s been a contestant on America’s “Dancing with the Stars” and, to demonstrate his theatrical diversity, in 2011 took on the dastardly pirate role in “Peter Pan” for the first time.

Hasselhoff is a true Anglophile, has often brought his daughters here and his 32 year-old girlfriend, Hayley Roberts, is Welsh. At 6ft 4ins and with one of the most recognisable faces in the world that appears to be defeating the ravages of time, he’s still hugely popular wherever he goes.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

He’s a big fan of Manchester, and has been reported as saying he wants to enjoy shopping in the city and see a play during his stay. “I love the Manchester accent and I can’t believe how beautiful and hip the city is,” he said.

“When I was in town for ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, Louis Walsh said to me ‘you’ll love Manchester’ and I did. The city is very, very cool and European.”

As for where his career takes him next, David Hasselhoff appears to be accepting of where the theatrical fates send him. Likeable and larger than life, he is pragmatic about his work and was once reported as saying: “I may not be a big movie star who gets to be James Bond, but who cares? I am happy. I’ll leave it in God’s hands.”

Photos: Shutterstock.com

11

Discover a new way to experience quality dental care When something is free, we sometimes don’t value it – even when it’s totally unique and utterly priceless. At the Douglas Lee Dental Practice we appreciate the value of something that is often taken for granted, a healthy, happy smile.

Just as importantly we understand exactly what it takes to make your smile shine and how to keep it shining – regular dental examinations and good habits of daily oral hygiene combined with quality, modern treatment in relaxed friendly environment.

Dougie has received advanced training in techniques such as dental implants, gentle-force and ‘invisible’ orthodontics, sedation and cosmetic dentistry. This allows the practice to offer a wide range of treatments that would normally require a referral elsewhere. It also means that several different techniques can be used to a patient’s advantage which can result in improved outcomes and shorter treatment times.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care with special attention to your individual needs in a timely and affordable way.

We want to make your visits with us comfortable and pleasant, while providing you and your family with the finest dental care available.

Tooth Whitening l Cleansing and polishing l Comprehensive Dental Exams l Fillings l Sealants l Crowns l Cosmetic Dentistry l Porcelain Veneers l Periodontal Treatment l Dental Implants l Bridges l Partial Dentures and Dentures l Root Canals l Occlusal Splints or Night Guards l Athletic Mouth Guards l Sedation l Emergency Services l

BEFORE AFTER

1. TOOTH WHITENING This can be done in the surgery in an hour, or at home, taking a few applications. Once you have done the initial whitening treatment, why not top-up using a home kit with whitening gel while you are getting ready to go out...for that extra glow!

The Gentle Practice!

Fast and Fixed - a new approach to tooth loss People who have lost or are likely to lose all their teeth have been faced with little choice but to have removable dentures “false teeth”; that is until now.

ability to offer custom made, fixed, implant supported bridgework in a single day. And because there is only one surgical visit there is never a need for removable dentures at all! After three months, when the tissues are completely settled a definitive bridge is then constructed that should last for many years.

Douglas Lee (Dougie) a Lancashire dentist, is the UK pioneer for a technique that replaces a full set of teeth fixed onto dental implants in a single day.

How the Fast and Fixed system is different from traditional techniques:

Dougie says “The disadvantages of removable false teeth are well known to anyone unfortunate enough to need them.

They rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place, they cause embarrassment to the wearer and they alter peoples’ speech and ability to eat well. At best they offer little over 10% of the strength and stability of healthy natural teeth.

Dental extractions: Instead of waiting for sockets to heal after extraction like normal, any infection is highlighted with a dye and destroyed painlessly with a laser so the site is fit for implants immediately.

Angled implants: Bone grafting and sinus lifts are avoided by angling the implants at the back of the mouth so they attach into strong bone further forwards.

For the last thirty years dental implants have been available. These are metal posts that are fitted in place of tooth roots. They can then be used to stabilise a denture with press-stud type attachments. Better still, with enough implants a full set of teeth can be replaced with a “fixed bridge”.

Fewer implants: Because the bridge is custom made and a perfect fit, as few as six upper implants and four lower implants are required to do the job predictably.

For most of us the latter would be our preferred option. However, the traditional way to achieve this has several problems.

Polymer science: Bridges usually are cast out of metal and porcelain and take days or weeks to make.

With Fast and Fixed, the dental technician can make a beautiful custom bridge in an afternoon.

It is normal to wait months after extractions before fitting implants. In the meantime a full denture would be required anyway.

There is often not enough bone for regular implants. This means having to have uncomfortable bone graft surgery first, whereby bone is taken from the chin, hip or skull and placed where it is required.

In surgery CT Scanning: With his Cone Beam CT scanner Dougie can study and design the perfect, minimally invasive surgery for his patients before the treatment starts.

The costs can be truly eye-watering. It is commonly considered that between seven and ten implants in the upper jaw and six in the lower jaw are required for success. Add to that the cost of separate appointments for bone grafts, extractions and temporary dentures and we are looking at upwards of £25,000 for a single jaw to £35,000 for a whole mouth.

Dougie continued “All this is established, predictable treatment and eventually achieves the desired result, but it takes time and costs a lot of money. It can easily take over twelve months start to finish. It may not even be possible to wear the temporary false teeth in the days after surgery – a situation that my patients found completely unacceptable.”

With only one surgical visit, no need for temporary removable dentures, fewer implants and no separate bone grafts the Fast and Fixed method means patients have less pain, shorter treatment times and lower surgery costs.

Unsurprisingly, most of us are put off from going ahead with dental implants and either resign ourselves to full removable dentures or hobble along with our remaining, unsightly and untreatable teeth.

The Fast and Fixed system was designed to address the above problems head on. It combines advances in surgical technique and dental engineering to give dentists the

Dougie charges £9800.00 for the fast and fixed implants and bridge including consultation, the scan, all extractions and follow-up. The definitive bridge costs £3500.00 and is fitted within twelve months of surgery.

“It’s still a lot of money but the improved quality of life it has brought my patients is immeasurable” They often tell me that choosing Fast and Fixed was the best decision they have ever made.

Call us on 01254 237517 Douglas Lee Dental Practice

Douglas A. Lee Associaties Ltd. 115 Whalley Road, Accrington, BB5 1BX. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk www.douglasleedental.co.uk

13

GDC 69445

CHANGING ROOMS

IN THE HOME IS SOMETHING MANY OF US LONG TO DO BUT ARE HAMPERED BY THOSE TWIN PROBLEMS: LACK OF MONEY AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

BEFORE

Writes Angela Kelly We may know what we DON’T want around us, but probably have only a vague idea of what we do. The way we proceed next tends to relate either to the structure of the house – knocking through to give bigger rooms, adding a conservatory or building an extension – or the interior décor which includes everything from light fittings and wallpaper to furniture and paintings.

For the first, often more sweeping, approach, architectural consultant Gary Willis from Novensus says always remember the importance of light. “Daylight directly affects our wellbeing and living in dark conditions can add to our lethargy,” he states.

Deep rooms can appear dark as natural daylight can’t penetrate to the furthest reaches, so Gary suggests perhaps adding more windows. If privacy is an issue, consider use opaque window film, opaque glass or even glass blocks. “High level strip windows can also be used to provide natural light without sacrificing privacy,” he adds.

A pitched roof with a flat internal ceiling could be opened up to a more interesting space, enhanced by exposed roof structure and effective roof lights.

“Remove a wall to create an open plan dining/kitchen and a more adaptable space,” says Gary. “Even the removal of a load-bearing wall – one that has a structural purpose – is a relatively straightforward task to a competent builder.”

For bigger projects, consider a garage or loft conversion.

“Only around half of us really utilise our garage,” insists Gary. “Put this space to good use. Rather than just turning the garage into a room, how about thinking more laterally? Could you use part of the garage to extend an adjacent room to create a larger kitchen, whilst still reserving part of the garage for garden storage, a utility area or a study?”

A conservatory can add both light and space to a home, “but a sun room or orangery is a much better option. It 14

BEFORE will be insulated to current standards that will provide a usable room in all seasons and ultimately add more value to your home.

“Another alternative is a pre-built garden room which can be brought onto site in one piece, or built quickly in a modular format with limited disturbance.”

Maximise garden views “and minimise rubbish ones!” advises Gary. “Create a cosy oasis of space with a smaller patio. Dress it up with flower boxes and a beautiful chair or swing to provide visual interest throughout all seasons.”

Indoors, bring in the light with brighter, lighter colours on walls, floors and ceilings to maximise available light.

Gloss and satin finishes will reflect more light than dull, dark colours and mirrors can be used imaginatively to bring much-needed light into a room or brighten a dark hallway also giving the illusion of space.

When cash is short, home stylist and project manager Jill Brimley from Changing Spaces advises looking carefully at what you’ve already got and adapting where you can.

“Dark walls can be painted a light, neutral shade like Dulux Natural Calico,” she says.

Take a close look at doors as these can give a dated feel to a room, and invest in new, white ones to add to light. For the Living Room makeover (pictured), Jill also had new panelled cupboard doors made for the meter cupboard.

The electrical socket was removed and re-sited to get rid of ugly trailing wires and storage added within the cupboard.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

JILL’S TIPS FOR UPDATING

ANY EXISTING KITCHEN ARE:

AFTER

AFTER A “gorgeous little chair” was bought from TK Maxx, the dark legs painted in white satin wood. The original curtains were dry cleaned and a new complimentary fabric panel was added to lengthen them to the floor.

“Additional fabric was bought to cover existing cushion pads to co-ordinate the look,” says Jill.

She recycled accessories from around the home - “We also decluttered, removed the old carpet and put in new oak wood-style laminate flooring and painted the dark mahogany fireplace, mirror and cupboard in white satin wood to provide a brighter and nicer co-ordinated room.”

For this Kitchen makeover on a budget, Jill kept the original units, unifying them to a cream satin wood and then adding freestanding furniture with doors almost identical to the existing units and bought at a clearance shop to add to the fitted look.

•

declutter work surfaces, tops of cupboards and walls

•

Steam clean kitchen area

•

Update white electrical sockets with chrome

•

Replace worktops with new, more modern items and/or change cupboard doors

•

Inexpensive plain tiles can make the look fresher and more modern

•

Chrome tile trims give a more upmarket look

•

Emulsion the walls to compliment the décor

•

Invest in new floor covering

•

Change the colour of your kettle, toaster etc for instant impact

“For a contemporary look, change the door handle and light switch to chrome,” adds Jill. “Inset halogen lights in the front and inside of the wardrobe, and upgrade the radiator and radiator cabinet.”

Use old pillows that have flattened as cushion pads or cut up old duvets, and plump up curtains with crumpled tissue paper.

The Bathroom can improve if you knock through an old bathroom and separate toilet into one modern area. Add a heated towel radiator to save on space and for a more stylish look.

It’s worth investing in a combi boiler which gets rid of the old water tank and is more efficient. Try bricking up the original toilet widow externally and reduced it in size internally to give a useful shelf/recess.

Investment in a white modern suite is really worthwhile.

Use floor and wall tiles in the same neutral colour but different sizes - bigger tiles with smaller grout lines also give the illusion of space.

And if you struggle to see new potential in your home – call in the experts!

Modern inexpensive cream brick tiles were used around the necessary areas, the walls were painted lighter with Dulux’s Javan Dawn, and the original back door was replaced with small French windows to bring in extra light and a view of the garden. Jill also replaced the original work top with a solid oak butcher’s block.

Meet the

In the Bedroom, use relaxing light neutral colours. If space is limited, go for sliding wardrobe mirror doors to reflect light back into the room. Shop carefully for complementary bargain soft furnishings – go online, visit mill and clearance shops or use sale curtains to make Roman blinds or a bed throw.

GARY WILLIS Architectural Consultant Novensus

For more details visit www.changingspaces.org.uk and www.novensus.co.uk

EXPERTS JILL BRIMLEY Home Stylist Changing Spaces

o

what’s SAT 4 MAY

FRI 14 JUNE

Popular folk music, humour and audience participation.

GAGGING ORDER Brand new show, brand new jokes, same old Jimmy. It promises to be a hilarious night out...let’s see shall we.

WED 8 to SAT 11 MAY

SAT 15 JUNE

JIMMY CARR

THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS

The Charity Players present

RUN FOR YOUR WIFE

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PARADISE

TUE 14 MAY

WED 19 to SAT 22 JUNE

For most men one wife is enough but taxi driver John Smith has two, leading to double trouble!

A spectacular rock ‘n’ roll show where the music plays the leading role!

ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Nogal Productions present

OLIVER

A fantastic family show that will have you asking for more!

Enigma Variations

THUR 16 MAY

SAT 7 SEPT

AND HIS RYHTHM AND BLUES ORCHESTRA with GILSON LAVIS & vocalists Ruby Turner & Louise Marshall

Deacon Blue return in 2013 to embark on their biggest tour in over a decade with Real Gone Kid, Dignity, Chocolate Girl, and also songs from their new repertoire

DEACON BLUE

JOOLS HOLLAND

THE PERFECT FAMILY TREAT

How the cat purred and how the witch grinned As they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind

Join the witch and her cat as they fly happily along on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows the witch’s hat, bow and wand away into the night. With the help of a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog, her belongings are retrieved.

But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK! – it snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?

Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

AN EVENING WITH

ROOM ON THE BROOM “Simple good fun in a bouncy spirited production” ★★★★ TIME OUT “Perfect… a lovely piece of storytelling” ★★★★ SUNDAY EXPRESS

How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind

Live

On Stage

“One of the best children’s theatre productions I’ve seen.

We brought a class… who all loved it – as did the teachers. True Magic!”

IN CONVERSATION WITH MARK RADCLIFFE

SAT 25 MAY

Illustration: Copyright Axel Scheffler and Macmillan Children’s Books Photos: copyright © Simon Turtle

TUE 10 to THUR 12 SEPT

Based on the best-selling book by

SAT 18 MAY

NODDY HOLDER

KW & NB LTD PRESENT A TALL STORIES PRODUCTION OF

OLIVIER AWARD 2013 NOMINATED

ST CHRISTOPHER’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

GUILD HALL AND CHARTER THEATRE, LANCASTER ROAD, PRESTON, PR1 1HT

TUES 10 - THURS 12 SEPTEMBER “Tall Stories sets the benchmark for children’s theatre” The Sunday Times

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

BOX OFFICE: 0844 844 7714

TUES 10 - THURS 12 SEPT BOX OFFICE: 0844 844 7714 www.prestonguildhall.com

Songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom Of The Opera, Chess, Mamma Mia and many more

Tue 1.30pm, Wed and Thu 10.30am & 1.30pm TICKETS: £11 SCHOOLS/GROUPS: £8.50

SAT 28 SEPT

MAGIC A KIND OF QUEEN www.prestonguildhall.com

tallstories.org.uk

tallstories.org.uk

watch a sneak preview online at www.roomonthebroomlive.co.uk

All of Queen’s greatest hits plus some you may not have heard for a while, in their latest show for 2013

FRI 31 MAY

SAT 5 OCT

MY LIFE STORY IN WORDS AND MUSIC

This concert is sure to have audiences young and old up on their feet dancing and singing…. capture the sheer brilliance of ‘ABBA’

SUGGS

WED 5 to SAT 8 JUNE

VOULEZ VOUS

PRESTON COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS PRESENT

FLASHDANCE

Box Office: 0844 844 7718

MON 7 & TUE 8 OCT

JASON MANFORD

A wealth of comedy anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and audience banter delivered with Jason’s likeable charm and teasingly intelligent wit.

www.prestonguildhall.com

on

SAT 26 OCT

THUR 10 OCT

ESSENCE OF IRELAND

THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK

Set against the backdrop of Ireland, England and America in the 20th century and inspired by true events, Essence of Ireland tells a story of love, joy, happiness and heartache

Dripping with diamante and sizzling on stage with new songs and side splitting comedy.

THUR 17 OCT

TUE 29 OCT

BILL BAILEY

BRIT FLOYD UK TOUR

QUALMPEDDLAR

Musically perfect and visually awesome, the new show will recreate the legendary, enigmatic Pink Floyd in its many forms

Bill had Doubts about the modern world, but these have now grown into QualmsCome savour this Broth of Anxiety

FRI 15 NOV

SAT 19 OCT

BILL WYMAN’S RHYTHM KINGS

ILLEGAL EAGLES

All the classic songs - Hotel California, The Last Resort, Life in the Fast Lane,Tequila Sunrise and many more

featuring Special Guest Maria Muldaur

SUN 24 NOV

SUN 20 OCT

THE SENSATIONAL 60’S EXPERIENCE

SLEEPING BEAUTY

Moscow Ballet La Classique return to the Charter Theatre with their spectacular production of Sleeping Beauty

The Marmalade, Hermans Hermits, Chris Farlowe, Steve Ellis’ Love Affair Hosted by Alan Mosca from Freddie & The Dreamers

MON 21 OCT

READY STEADY COOK LIVE!

Fronted by Chef Lesley Waters, and featuring some top TV chefs – plus a Celebrity Host

TUE 3 to TUE 31 DEC

CINDERELLA

TED ROBBINS

Guild Hall Productions return with another fantastic family panto starring TED ROBBINS and a host of famous faces

TUE 22 OCT

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)

FRI 24 JAN

MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS HOW SWEET IT IS 10th Anniversary Tour & Celebrating Over 50 Years Of The Sweet Sound Of Motown

THUR 24 OCT

GARETH WED 29 & THUR 30 JAN DAVID-LLOYD

It’s elementary! It’s also downright hilarious as comedy national treasure Joe Pasquale takes on the role of Sherlock Holmes.

Come and join Peppa and her friends for another all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

HA HA HOLMES

FRI 25 OCT

THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXY RADIO SHOW LIVE!

Box Office: 0844 844 7718

PEPPA PIGS BIG SPLASH

WED 19 FEB

SARAH MILLICAN

HOMEBIRD The British Comedy Award’s Queen of Comedy Sarah Millican is giving up the party scene, and is settling down.

www.prestonguildhall.com

OUT & ABOUT

Jump in your car!

Whether you drive a KIT car, a Corsa or a 4x4 it’s at this time of year when we most appreciate the freedom and comfort of being able to jump in our car. But there’s no denying that running a car can be expensive.

LYTHAM 1940s FESTIVAL

The Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service set up by law to sort out problems between consumers and banks or insurers – dealt with over 3,500 complaints about motor insurance between April and September 2012. They have the power to look at a range of issues from the misselling of motor insurance policies through to claim being rejected.

17th & 18th August Lytham Green (FY8 5LD)

The 1940s brought to life with a bang! From the dark days of Dunkirk, through the blitz and hard times on the home front to D-Day and victory in Europe and Asia, come join in the atmosphere and immerse yourself in a brilliant weekend of entertainment, re-enactment and have-a-go fun!

We spoke to the ombudsman for some top tips on how to deal with a complaint and the steps that you can take to avoid a problem cropping up in the first place.

1. Keys in the car: On a frosty winter morning, there’s nothing better than getting into a nice warm car. But be careful not to leave the keys in the ignition and the car unattended as you could find you’re not covered by your motor insurance policy if it gets stolen.

2. Ensure you insure: Shopping around for car insurance can help you get the best deal but be careful if you’re buying a policy through a comparison website. The questions asked may be different to those on the insurer’s website and your answer may be different as a result.

For example, the way you list your occupation on a comparison site may be different to how the insurer would define it. It always pays to ring the insurer you end up choosing and confirming the information they require.

​ Historic Vehicles, music and dance, memorabilia, thrilling battles, educational talks and demonstrations plus living history camp! ​ ‘The Arena’ - Witness a mock WW2 battle scene using authentic uniforms and equipment. The re-enactments and battle display area will be cordoned off for simulated gun fire/bomb blasts. The shows will have a commentator and will explain the action taking place within the arena.

3. Valuables in the car: Take care not to leave valuables or shopping bags on display in your car. They could entice a passing opportunist thief and you may not be able to make a valid claim if item were left on show. Keep them out of sight in your glove box or boot.

4. Valuations: No-one wants to think of being in an accident that causes serious damage to their car - but if you are, your insurer will probably give you a valuation of what they are willing to pay for your car. It pays to consult a price guide like Glasses or Parkers to know what kind of value you can expect. Remember, you don’t have to accept the insurance valuation if you think it’s too low.

5. Dealing with a problem: If you are unhappy with your car insurer and can’t sort it out with them directly, the ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk.

18

​​ Family Fun as children are put through an obstacle course or learn a home guard drill. Listen to the sounds of the 40’s stage as performers sing favourite tunes of that time. ​ Persons dressed in ​Allgemeine SS uniforms are not welcome at this event.

For more information please visit www.lytham1940s.co.uk For further information on Lytham St Annes & The Fylde Countryside and for details of accommodation booking: www.visitlythamstannes.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Join us...

For our 2013 events at The Farmers Market & Craft Centre

Pamper Weekend 4th, 5th & 6th May 2013 Taster beauty treatments & and lovely stalls including jewellery, hadbags & more...free entry.

Fathers Day June 16th 2013

Treat dad to a day out, lunch with a glass of beer or wine, plus gifts galore especially from The Loft on the 1st floor in the centre.

Funtime at Heskin July – August 2013

Come to the Ladybird Lounge for lots of childrens entertainment, with craft classes to make your own toys and gifts.

Catwalk and Cocktails Fashion Show

Thursday 26th September 2013– 6pm – 9pm With free glass of bubbly on arrival.

ALSO FEATURING BRIDES GALLERY!

Opening Times Tues - Sat: 10am - 5pm | Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm & Bank Holidays Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website

www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

THE 7TH NORTH LANCS SOUL FESTIVAL 17th, 18th & 19th May 2013 Morecambe

The North Lancs Soul Festival is a celebration of Soul Music in all its genres, brought to you by a feast of over 30 top national soul DJ’s and featuring the most delicious flavours of the cool 60s to the hot modern soul vibes of the current day and beyond.

This unique and entirely FREE 3 day music festival is only possible due to the support of it’s sponsors and supporters including a collection of passionate and comrnitted soul DJ’s from radio and soul clubs throughout the UK who give their time, energy and quality music to make this event happen.

MORECAMBE BAY SPONSORED WALK

The event takes place in the seaside resort of Morecambe in North Lancashire across a number of venues but primarily at “The Temple of Soul” a premier triple-decker roomed venue, Smokey O’Connor’s.

So come along to the coast and enjoy one of the friendliest, and most feel good music festivals on the annual calendar. It’s where the quality music, clear air and the stunning sunsets fill the soul.

1st June 2013, Arnside Shore Join us for a breathtaking walk across the famous Morecambe Bay, led by Cedric Robinson, the Queen’s Guide to the sands, who this year celebrates his 50th year as the guide.

The event promises to be a truly memorable experience for everyone taking part.

For more information, please call 01925 850856 or go to www.visitlancashire.com/whats-on

For more information, please visit www.northlancssoulfestival.co.uk

Luxury Coach holidays in Britain & Europe 2013 Up Doo r to Doo r Pick g s uti n O rg a n is ed G rou p O Private Hire Ca ll fo r u p - to -d ate ex cu rs io n li st s 01772 460748 www.cosgroveafton.co.uk 133 Woodplumpton Rd, Fulwood Preston, Lancashire PR2 3LF

Here at Cosgrove's Tours we have carefully compiled a selection of holidays & short breaks to suit all ages and tastes. All our tours go direct from the Preston & Blackpool/ Poulton area and return direct.

DATE

TOUR

DAYS

PRICE

20th May

Torquay / ALL INCLUSIVE

5 Days

£299

27th May

Llandudno

5 Days

£319

6th June

Tiverton / Devon

6 Days

£425

23rd June

Jersey BY AIR

8 Days

£599

6th July

NORMANDY COAST incl: Bayeux Tapestry & Monet’s Garden

7 Days

£699

4th Aug

Bournemouth

7 Days

£425

12th Aug

Edinburgh Tattoo

3 Days

£285

15th Aug

London

3 Days

£199

22nd Aug

The Black Forest and Alsace

8 Days

£729

2nd Sept

Durham & Beamish

5 Days

£375

26th Sept

Bruges,Ghent and Ostend - Mini Cruise

5 Days

£319

13th Oct

Legends of The Lochs/Scotland/ All inclusive

5 Days

£345

Please call for our complete brochure of short breaks and holidays.

COSGROVE’S TOURS 01772 460748

~ we love to entertain E FRE G IN K R PA

coming soon…

Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra 17 May Tickets £15

The authentic sounds of the big bands of the ‘40s from an orchestra originally formed to appear in the film Memphis Belle. With a very wide and varied music program, this is a refreshing alternative to the more common 1940’s interpretations of swing music.

The Searchers

2 August Tickets £17.50 – £19

The Searchers are bringing their UK wide tour to Marine Hall along with all their classic hits such as Sweets for My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Sugar and Spice and When You Walk in the Room.

Book early for this year’s panto…

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 12 – 15 December Tickets £8

Mirror Mirror on the wall, which is the best panto of all?

It has to be Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Marine Hall Fleetwood, of course!

Following the huge success of “Aladdin” last Christmas, Trio Entertainment are set to return with this year’s magical family pantomime. Back by popular demand ”Hollyoaks” Laura Handley returns with an all-star cast to be announced. Group bookings available.

For a full list of shows or to book your tickets now call our box office on

01253 887693

marinehall.co.uk

SUGGS - MY LIFE STORY I’VE JUST TURNED 50, THE KIDS HAVE LEFT HOME, AND MY CAT JUST DIED Suggs – still best known as the legendary frontman of feelgood band Madness – was 50 last January.

He was lying in the bath on his birthday, nursing an epic hangover from the celebrations the night before when there was the most almighty crash.

‘I jumped out of the water,’ he says, ‘and there, lying amid shards of broken glass, was our four-year-old cat, a British blue called Mamba. I’d put up the glass shelf

myself and it must have given way. I knew he was dead from the strange angle of his body. I couldn’t believe it.

I loved that cat.

‘I was 50. My kids had recently left home and now the cat was dead. I was really upset. It triggered a deluge of emotion, an event that somehow tipped me over the edge. I began to consider my own mortality and, out of that, the idea for exploring my own past somehow crystallised.’

The result, soon to be seen at a venue not far from you, is a new stage show. ‘It’s a memoir,’ says Suggs.

‘It’s not stand-up. It’s not An Evening With… I toyed with calling it Mad-Life Crisis. In the end, though, having gone all round the houses, I’ve called it My Life Story which won’t win any prizes for originality but does at least tell you what you can expect, the good bits and the darker moments.’

It turns out there have been plenty of both.

Born Graham McPherson in Hastings, he’s the only child of a jazz singer called Edith and a father, William – but everyone called him Mac – who worked for a photographic developers but whose life was increasingly overtaken by drugs.

‘Dad left home when I was about three. I have no recollection of him and he never featured in my life. My mum later told me she’d come home and found him with needles sticking out of his hands. Heroin was his drug of choice and it’s a one-way street that takes you further and further away from real life. In the end, it did for the marriage.’

Mother and son then moved to Liverpool where Edith sang in the clubs, winning the accolade of Melody Maker’s Jazz Newcomer of the Year in the mid-60s. She performed regularly at the Blue Angel to where The Beatles and Cilla Black would repair after sessions at The Cavern.

Moving south to London, Suggs’ life was unstructured, to say the least. Soho was his mother’s stomping ground where she both sang and worked in bars for extra money.

They lived in a succession of rented rooms, the young lad trailing around after her when she went drinking in famous watering holes like the Colony. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW

‘I’ll never forget it,’ says Suggs. ‘You’d walk up this rickety green staircase and enter a room full of artists and actors and various hangers-on, all drinking and smoking. But, amid all the booze, it was a creative hotbed. Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, George Melly, Jeffrey Bernard – they were all regulars.

‘Was it an unsuitable place for a young child?

Absolutely. I clearly remember staring up through the thick fog of tobacco smoke, the occasional hand ruffling my hair or giving me a florin, sometimes even a ten bob note. I couldn’t really understand what was going on at an adult level which was probably all for the best. But there was a feeling of community and I was never in any danger.’

Even so, in time Edith decided that her son would do better living out of London in Pembrokeshire with her sister, Diana, and her three children. ‘It was nice to have other kids around but I missed Mum. She was doing what she thought was the right thing. She was finding it difficult to find the two of us somewhere stable to live so she thought I’d be better off in Haverfordwest.’

Three years later, Suggs was back in London, living with Edith, and about to go to secondary in Swiss Cottage. It’s where he acquired his nickname. ‘The other kids used to call me Gray or Mac and I wanted something a bit more distinctive. I was looking through a book of my mum’s about jazz musicians.

‘I took a pin and, eyes closed, stuck it into the middle of a page. It went through the name Peter which didn’t seem especially memorable and then I noticed his second name was Suggs which somehow resonated with me. He was the drummer in an obscure jazz band in Kentucky. Graffiti was becoming popular and people had these amazing names – or tags, as they were called. Now I had mine.’

Had he known it, this was the moment when his estranged father was on the point of bowing it. ‘I didn’t find this out until many years later when I was researching the new show. It’s a tragic story. My father started injecting himself with paraffin and was then sectioned under the Mental Health Act. ‘When he was eventually released, he moved to Birmingham where he married again. He died aged 40 from a whole variety of drug-related conditions, his wife following him, probably from a drug overdose, a year later. So just as I was getting together with the band that became Madness, my father’s time was up.

I’ve always found that rather poignant.’

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

These revelations prompted him recently to ask his mother about his father. ‘She told me he was a very nice man. “Just like you,” she said. That was the most shocking thing she could have said in many ways. I’d had him down in my mind as some sort of wayward old wastrel who’d just pushed off. The fact that he was really nice upset me. But then heroin is an unforgiving mistress.’

Given his colourful upbringing, it is perhaps not too surprising that Suggs married young. By 21, he had a wife, a baby daughter and a mews house in Camden bought with the money he’d made from Madness’s regular appearances in the Top 10. ‘To some extent, I think it’s true to say that I deliberately created Fortress Suggs to give my life a bit of structure. Having said that, I’d fallen in love with Anne. I wanted to be married to her.’

A professional singer who works under the name Bette Bright, the two are still together three decades later.

They have two daughters – Scarlett, 29 and Viva, 25 – who now sing as a duo under their own names. ‘My mother, my wife, my daughters – I’m surrounded by women who sing,’ says Suggs.

Nor has he hung up his own microphone. ‘2012 was an extraordinary year for us. You wouldn’t have anticipated the Queen was going to invite us on her roof to play or that we were going to play at the Olympic closing ceremony. Like any human being we were insecure but we realise now we’re pretty good.’

The band have just release their tenth album Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da and are planning a series of gigs in the UK this summer.

‘Madness have always been about accentuating the positive,’ says Suggs. ‘It’s no accident our songs are still played, still enjoyed 30 years down the line.

They’re upbeat, timeless, a clear-eyed celebration of life as it’s lived. And we’re still together, still making music. For me, the band has always been a bit like a surrogate family. We’re all a bit dysfunctional, all a bit stronger for being together.’

The only problem now for Suggs is shoehorning his less-than-conventional first half-century into his new show. ‘When we were rehearsing,’ he says, ‘my keyboard player would stop every so often and say: “Was that bit really true?” And it was, all of it. Amazing, really.’

Suggs: My Life Story opened on at Southsea Kings Theatre on 2nd April and tours all over the UK. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.suggslive.com or call 0844 875 8758

23

PUZZLE PAGE Word Ladder Move from the word at the top of the box to the word at the bottom using the exact number of rungs provided by changing one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter).

F O O T

1

2

3

4

O E N D O

I S O P I I

K G I N G E

E R A N W

1

R F U U D L E

T C O N R

R S E C T

C OO O M U N S

4

L D D E A Y

L E R D A I D

D I S N V A L

K E T H R AM I

7

T E A E N D OO

P E L I L L E Y

C O N D M O

L O C N R I G

10

5

8

10

7

11

12

13

14

16

15

17

18

23

24

19

20 21

22

25

26

17 Slender reddish‑brown antelope of South and East Africa (6) 19 Comic‑book hero whose real name is Bruce Wayne (6) 20 Golf score of two under par (5) 22 Racing probability (4) 24 Five hundred sheets of paper (4)

Sudoku

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

2 3

6

2

8 4

5 1 5 6 7 2 4 1 7 8 4 7 3 5 2 7 8 7 8 3 1 5 6

5 6

8 9

11 12

4 Make disappear 5 Giving for a limited time 6 Low area between hills 7 Less warm

6 9

With the help of the Across clues only, can you fit the pieces into their correct positions in the grid?

ACROSS 1 Pendant containing a picture 2 Sixtieth part of a minute 3 Japanese paper‑folding art 24

ACROSS 8 Geographical group including Yell and Unst (9) 9 World’s second‑largest bird (3) 10 US city associated with Al Capone (7) 11 Aircraft location system (5) 12 Main division of geological time (3) 14 Engineer Brunel’s first name (8) 16 Car’s starting mechanism (8) 18 Outward motion of the tide (3) 21 Famous 1836 battle in Texas (5) 23 White‑faced clown (7) 25 Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 26 Spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism (5,4)

DOWN 1 Mind, as distinguished from 5 Old Russian emperor (4) 6 French police officer (8) the body (6) 2 Legendary creature of the 7 Liquid measure of two Himalayas (4) pints (5) 3 Horse Bob Champion 13 Sprinkled with cheese and rode to win the Grand browned (2,6) National (8) 4 Variety of wool from a goat 15 Britain’s highest or a rabbit (6) mountain (3,5)

Y A R D

Pieceword

Try our general knowledge crossword

8 9 10 11 12

High female voice Not talked about About to weep Church officer Scribble aimlessly

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd ‑ www.puzzler.com

Solutions on page 38

PRO M O T I O N A L FE AT U RE

J O I N T H E N E W G E N E R AT I O N …

What are the housing options as we get older? It’s not something that many of us think about until it becomes a necessity and not a choice, but there are exciting opportunities for a new generation of retired people.

Although you have a lovely home, the upkeep of the house and garden can be time consuming and costly when instead you could be relaxing with old friends, making new ones and taking up activities that you have always wanted to do.

Maybe you are concerned about your relatives who, although still active and healthy, need someone to keep a friendly eye on them. They insist they are coping, but you worry, and they know you worry, and it worries them that you worry!! However they are nowhere near ready “to go into a home”.

So why not take a look at Larmenier Village on the edge of the beautiful Ribble Valley? Research carried out by the University of York found retirement villages enhance older people’s quality of life, health, sense of social wellbeing and security. This is evident from the experiences of our own residents. One couple spent three years researching their options before finding that our facilities and lifestyle exactly matched their requirements. Another believes his move to Larmenier Village saved his life when he had a heart attack in the night, and our staff got him to hospital without delay.

Larmenier Village feels like a friendly, country house hotel situated in beautiful wooded grounds. You can be as sociable or as private as you wish, but you will never feel isolated, and help is always at hand. There is plenty to do in the village including bridge, coffee mornings and craft afternoons. The wonderful surroundings of the Ribble Valley are regularly explored by the village’s minibus with outings to the coast, garden centres,

Apartment Bedroom

shops and canal trips. But close your front door and you have your own home, self-contained, surrounded by your personal possessions together with any special modifications you may need.

The success of the first phase of Larmenier Village has led to the building of a second phase with larger apartments and bungalows. We can now offer two and three bedroom properties designed with ease of use and mobility in mind.

Fewer than one per cent of over 65s live in retirement villages, but with one in six people of pensionable age that figure is likely to rise significantly.

So, why not come and see us and be one of the first of this new generation!

It could save you three years of research!! And your relatives will stop worrying about you…..!

A stunning retirement community set on the edge of the Ribble Valley The next phase of this success story is well underway – SHOW HOME NOW OPEN

Located at Beardwood in Lancashire, these elegant one and two-bedroom apartments and bungalows are situated in the delightful wooded grounds of the former Nazareth House.

Available support services include: handyman, domestic cleaning, laundry, 24-hour emergency response and personal care.

Larmenier Village leisure facilities include: lounge, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, hairdressing salon, games room, activities room, library, minibus, cinema, chapel, therapy room and visiting doctor’s surgery.

One month trial period and ‘Try before you buy’ schemes are also offered.

Prices from: £150,000 •

Selected properties are available for purchase or rent.

Please telephone to arrange your Village tour today.

Telephone: 01254 677926 • www.nazarethretirementvillages.co.uk

Nazareth Retirement Villages

Larmenier Village

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

delicious summer dishes

MUSHROOM, FETA AND TOMATO BAKED PEPPERS It’s always important for food to look good, whether you’re dieting or not, and these peppers are a delight to the eye as well as the tastebuds. A great vegetarian recipe, this has lots of strong flavours that come together in a beautifully colouful and well-balanced dish.

SERVES 2 4 sun-dried tomato pieces in oil, drained well 2 tsp sunflower oil 175g chestnut mushrooms, wiped and diced 20g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 50g dry white breadcrumbs 1/2 small bunch of parsley, leaves finely chopped 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 100g feta or soft goat’s cheese, drained 2 smallish peppers, red or yellow freshly ground black pepper 401 calories per portion Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and stir-fry the mushrooms over a high heat for 4 minutes.

Add the roughly chopped hazelnuts and fry for a further minute until the nuts are lightly toasted. Season with a good grind of black pepper and remove from the heat.

Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley and chilli flakes until thoroughly combined. Break the cheese into small chunks and toss them through the stuffing lightly. Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom and carefully remove the seeds and membrane.

Place the peppers in a small foil-lined roasting tin, cut side up, and fill each half with the mushroom and feta stuffing. Cover the surface of the stuffing with a small piece of foil. Bake for 35 minutes until tender, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time. Serve warm with a lightly dressed mixed salad.

26

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

MAKES 8 KEBABS 700g lean lamb leg (or leg steaks) 2 small yellow peppers 2 small red peppers 2 small red onions 150m1 low-fat natural yoghurt 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp mint sauce 6 pitta breads 1 romaine lettuce heart, shredded 1 medium carrot, finely grated 3 ripe vine tomatoes, sliced 15cm piece of cucumber, thinly sliced flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges and hot chilli sauce, to serve Marinade 2 tsp cumin seeds 203 calories per portion 381 calories per portion (with pitta)

LEMONY LAMB KEBABS There’s nothing better than the scent of lemony, herby lamb cooking on the barbecue. It’s a healthy way of cooking too, as much of the fat drips away. We like to eat these kebabs tucked into warm pitta bread, but you can also enjoy them with just a side salad or some vegetables.

2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp fine sea salt freshly ground black pepper

To make the marinade, put the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar and pound to a coarse powder. You can use 11/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander if you prefer, but the flavour won’t be quite as good as freshly ground spices. Add the thyme leaves and crush them into the spices for a few seconds.

Tip the spices and thyme into a large non-metallic bowl and stir in the lemon zest and juice, garlic, oil, salt and lots of black pepper.

Trim as much fat as possible off the lamb, then cut the meat into rough 3cm chunks — you should have about 40 chunks. Add the lamb to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables for the kebabs. Deseed the peppers and cut them into 3cm chunks. Cut each onion into 8 wedges with the root intact.

Remove the lamb from the fridge and thread the meat on to 8 metal skewers — these should be about 25cm long — alternating with the pieces of pepper and onion. Season with a little more salt and pepper.

Cook over a hot barbecue or under a preheated hot grill (close to the element) for 6-8 minutes. Turn once or twice until the lamb and vegetables are lightly charred — the meat should be pink in the middle. Mix the yoghurt, garlic and chopped mint or mint sauce together in a small bowl to make the yoghurt sauce.

Warm the pitta bread on the barbecue, in the toaster or under a grill and carefully cut down one side with a sharp knife. Pull the bread open and stuff with shredded lettuce leaves, grated carrot, tomatoes and cucumber. Slide the meat and vegetables off the skewers and into the pittas using a fork. Drizzle a little of the minty yoghurt sauce and serve with some chilli sauce and lemon wedges too if you fancy. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

27

Your Local Award Winning Market

Bury Market Hall open everyday except Sunday “Winner BBCcan’t Radio 4’sget it on Bury “If you Food and Farming Awards” Market, you don’t need it,” Best Food Market

...as the saying goes.

“Winner Bury Market,NABMA’s” is located in the heart ofMarket the town centre next to Best Attraction

With all these independent, local businesses in one handy location, visitors know they are dealing with knowledgeable traders who care about customers and understand personal service — something which can be found lacking at retail giants.

the Millgate Shopping Centre. The Market is a shoppers’ mecca which Full offers Markets a huge range ofOpen goods at great value-for-money Wednesdays prices. It’s a large, traditional market full of Fridays charisma butand housed in a modern If the Market hasn’t got enough setting, or as Stuart Saturdays Maconie said in retailers to satisfy your appetite for his book Pies and Prejudice, “a retail shopping you should also visit the nirvana rich with exotic bargains, a neighbouring MillGate Shopping fabled bazaar, a veritable souk of the Centre or make the short walk to the  Over‘Rock’ 350with stalls open of every its multitude shops. Full Market Day! North”.

So why not join & a coach trip, jump food on From exotic indulgences and special  Where healthy nutritious doesn’t cost the earth! a bus, Metrolink tram, East Lancashire treats to day-to-day necessities, the Railway steam train, and make Bury choice and variety, all in one place, is fantastic produce & always Market yourservice destination? unique in the region. Bury MarkethasFor friendly great value! in fact been a phenomenon for more than 500 years. It has been at its current Full Market Days are Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and the Market site since 1971, but the original Charter Hall is open every day apart from to hold a weekly market dates back to Sunday.

1440 when it was granted to Sir John Pilkington by King Henry VI. Whilst in Bury you can also visit its other attractions like the Fusilier These days it has 370 stalls spread over Museum, Art Gallery, East Lancs 200,000 sq ft of well laid-out space. So Steam Railway or Burrs Country Park. it’s no wonder thousands of satisfied shoppers flock here every week to soak up the atmosphere and snap up the bargains. A visit really makes for a unique shopping experience and a great day out for all.

- @BuryMarket

Thousands of satisfied shoppers every year...

• Over 250 stalls indoor and outdoor • 80% under cover • 3 heated halls • Facilities for disabled people • Car and coach parking

NOW OPEN 4 DAYS A WEEK ALL YEAR ROUND

• Dogs allowed on lead

Plus all Bank Holiday Mondays.

TUESDAY / THURSDAY/ FRIDAY/ SATURDAY

Fleetwood Market, Victoria Street, Adelaide Street, Fleetwood FY7 6AB

Telephone: 01253 887651 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

29

Animal Care has existed in various forms for over 34 years but as a registered charity since 1978.

In 1987 Blea Tarn Kennels were brought and since then the many vol-unteers involved in the charity have helped improve the site so it is able to provide the best home until a forever home can be found for each and every animal.

At any one time there can be up to 40 dogs/puppies, 70 cats/ kittens, 50 rabbits, rodents, ferrets and other species at the centre while permanent homes are found for them.

The centre also has a brand new Wildlife Centre to look after wildlife that may need the interim care before it goes on to be released back into the wild.

The charitable aims of the organisation are to help unwanted, stray and unloved animals and then to find them permanent homes with suitable owners.

This in itself is becoming harder and harder as each year we have more and more abandoned and unwanted animals needing our help. At present we have 30+ dogs on either the waiting list or stuck at local dog pounds waiting to come in.

Animal Care

(Lancaster, Morecambe and District) Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 ORD Telephone: 01524 65495 Fax: 01524 841819 Email: rehoming@animalcare-lancaster.co.uk www.animalcare-lancaster.co.uk Registered Charity No. 508819

What will your legacy be?

ANIMAL CARE OPEN DAY at The Sanctuary, Scotforth n for the fu f o ll fu y a d A

LY WHOLE FAMI

For more information about the open day visit www.animalcare-lancaster.co.uk

Sunday 19th May 2013 10am to 3pm Dog show starting at 1pm 30

Leaving a gift in your Will ensures we can continue our work giving shelter to over 1,000 animals each year.

We depend totally on the generosity of our supporters.

ANIMAL CARE has a long history in the Lancaster & Morecambe area so by remembering us in your Will you are supporting a local charity in a lasting way.

ANIMAL CARE is a small rehoming centre helping stray, unwanted and ill treated animals until caring new homes can be found for them. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

St Vincent’s 60 Plus Apartments

Make the Most of Your Retirement Years St Vincent's has 60 Plus retirement appartments in the Longridge area, get in touch to find out more...

We offer: • Self contained apartments, but with an on-site warden • 24 hour emergency call out • Secure door entry system • Communal gardens, and laundry • Free repairs and maintenance service • Links with health professionals • A lift • A communal lounge to meet up with friends • Full and varied social life if you want it, although some of our residents choose to enjoy a quieter life - it's entirely up to you!

Our Handyman Service We offer a free handyperson service to all our customers who live in our sheltered housing schemes, get those little jobs, such as hanging a door, or fitting a grab rail, done for free.

St Vincent's has over 40 years experience in providing retirement schemes for senior members of the community

Give Jane a call on 0845 606 6565 if you would like more information or to discuss your circumstances. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Visit our website at www.svha.co.uk

31

A Summer Holiday to Remember!

SUPERSTAR ROCKER CLIFF RICHARD RETURNS TO THE UK IN 2013 WITH MIDSUMMER NIGHTS He’s Britain’s most successful artist with over 250 million record sales worldwide and over 120 top 40 hits. He’s a star of the screen with films like The Young Ones and Summer Holiday. He’s gained millions of loyal fans, and has a place in the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music.

Win! Tickets to see Cliff Richard and The Military Wives perform live in the UK in 2013 Superstar rocker Cliff Richard returns to the UK this June with his Midsummer Night’s series of shows and here is your chance to see him rocking and reeling live, supported by The Military Wives Choirs 50 Plus Magazine are giving away 10 pairs of tickets to see Sir Cliff perform. To win a pair of tickets simply answer the following question:

What was Cliff Richards 1st UK number one single?

1.) Living Doll 2.) Summer Holiday And now, Sir Cliff Richard O.B.E. is returning to the UK in June 2013 for a spectacular Midsummer Nights series of shows, Still Reelin’ and A-Rockin’, in the most stunning venues in England:

Saturday June 1

Harewood House (West Yorkshire)

Sunday June 2

Old Trafford Cricket Ground (Lancashire)

Thursday June 6

Blickling Estate (East Anglia)

Saturday June 8

Warwick Castle (Warwickshire)

Sunday June 9

Hatfield House (Hertfordshire)

Saturday June 15

The County Ground, Hove (Sussex)

Sunday June 16

3.) Congratulations Name:...........................................................................................

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

Postcode:......................................................................................

ANSWER:...................................................................................... ......................................................................................................

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

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

Please send form to Unit 6 Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG. Tickets are also available to purchase via see tickets and a charitable donation made by the promoter of the concert will go to the Military Wives Choirs Foundation which brings women in the military community closer together through singing.

Powderham Castle (Devon)

Terms and conditions

Knighted in 1995 – the first rock and roll superstar to be honoured with the title – Cliff has always been a firm favourite with his fans. Incredibly, his 2011 calendar pipped JLS, Justin Bieber and Michael Bublé’s efforts to the post, going on to win the Best Celebrity Retail Calendar award.

And his wine, produced in his own Portuguese vineyard, holds Tesco’s record of being the fastest-selling bottle in the supermarket’s history.

Any entries made after the closing date or through a different method will not be counted. Winners will be selected and notified via 50 Plus Magazine.

The prize offering is 10 Pairs of tickets to Sir Cliff Richard’s 2013 ‘’Midsummer Night’s – Still Reelin’ and a-Rockin’’ series of outdoor concerts, for the venue closest to the winners local area.

With a career spanning six decades and a legion of dedicated admirers, Cliff says he can’t wait to put on the show of a lifetime.

32

Competition runs from 22/4//13 to 24/5/13 Entries have to be made by completing (1) step: (i) Answering the following question correctly ‘What was Cliff Richards 1st UK number one single?’

The prize is not exchangeable for cash or any other item. This competition is not open to any persons directly or indirectly involved with the running of the competition, or their direct family members. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering this competition.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Maximise your retirement income Look back to 1948, and you will see a dramatic rise in the birth rate and this baby boom means that this year some 2,200 people each day will turn 65. It is vital that these people maximise their retirement income.

If these people have saved into a pension, either via a work pension scheme or on their own via a personal pension plan they will get an offer from their current provider just before the provider anticipates that they are due to retire and this quote will show an income which they guarantee to pay in exchange for the money that the individual has saved.

Matthew Berry, Chartered Financial Planner of Berry Financial Planning in Bispham Village urges Lancashire

Looking to retire in

2013?

Contact us on: advice@berryfinancialplanning.co.uk

01253 59 49 39

residents not to simply accept this offer but to exercise their legal right to shop around known as the ‘open market option’ as recent research has highlighted that by not doing so UK Pensioners are losing £1 billion in income each year.

Matthew advises “Over 1500 different medical conditions can be taken into account when assessing pension income and each one can qualify a client for an enhanced annuity, basically more income in retirement.

A recent client was offered £5,229 annual income from his existing provider but by taking into account his high blood pressure and high cholesterol we have boosted this annual income to £6,827, over 30%.”

Latest analysis shows 70% of people of retiring age would be entitled to enhanced annuities but only 2% actually apply for them.

Matthew highlights that many factors affect annuity rates, not just life expectancy and health “People need to be aware that from 21st December 2012 new EU gender discrimination rules have come into force that mean men and women are now offered unisex annuity rates and this has caused a drop in male annuity rates and thus it is vital that people get independent advice about their retirement options so that they can maximise their income”

As you approach retirement, your pension provider will contact you with details of your retirement income. But you don’t have to accept this offer.

Berry Financial Planning may get you more income by helping you shop around using the ‘open market option’ with the highest rates for smokers and people with health conditions and on medication.

We are Independent and compare annuity rates from the whole of the market.

We are local advisers who will talk you through all your options.

We will provide a personalised quote taking into account your health and even take care of all the paperwork.

Why not see if you could qualify for more income in retirement?

Bispham Village Chambers, 335 Red Bank Road, Bispham FY2 OHJ Berry Financial Planning is a trading style of PFPtime (IFA) Ltd which is an appointed representative of PFPtime Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

PLANNING FOR

THE FUTURE Everyone should consider some basic legal planning to make sure that their families and loved ones are protected in case of future events which can affect anyone. Here we consider the “essentials” of making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Gift of Property into Trust.

REASONS TO MAKE A WILL Making a Will is important, particularly when you realise that without a Will the Government will decide who will receive your money and possessions after you die. Unfortunately this can cause many difficulties for your surviving family and relatives at an already distressing time. By making a Will you can help alleviate additional pressures on your family.

The myth that ‘my wife will receive everything anyway’ is not true. Your estate would be shared out in accordance with the ‘Statutory Legacy’ rules and your wife would receive the first £250,000 with the rest going into trust. This might not be enough to enable your wife to keep the matrimonial home. When it comes to ‘common law husband or wife’, there is no such thing. Only people who are legally married or have formed a civil partnership will be classed as husband, wife or civil partner and only they can enjoy the benefits of automatically inheriting part of their spouse’s estate. You would have to go to Court to claim part of the estate which will come with the usual costs and expenses.

Children are another reason why it is important to make a Will. If something was to happen to you and your children were still minors or disabled, you can appoint Guardians to look after them. It is also important if you are married for a second time and have children from a previous relationship. If you were to die first and your estate was below the ‘Statutory Legacy’ your whole estate would pass to your second spouse and your children would have no absolute right to anything. If you are legally separated the ‘Statutory Legacy’ will still apply until the divorce is finalised so if you want your estate to pass to someone else then you must make a Will.

34

You should have your Will prepared by an experienced Lawyer who will make sure all the relevant points are covered especially if your Will is complicated and Tax Planning Advice may be required.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY Most people know they should have a Will, but have you considered what would happen if you were to become unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime? Who would make difficult financial and personal decisions on your behalf? You can protect yourself by making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

The LPA is a legal document in which you can appoint another person or persons as Attorney(s) to act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs and/or personal welfare if you become unable to do so for yourself. The LPA was introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Court of Protection before it can be used. It is useful if you are ill or in hospital or residential care when it is difficult for you to look after your personal finances or welfare. There is one type of LPA dealing with your financial affairs i.e. managing your Bank Accounts and Investments and also selling your property if required.

There is also an LPA dealing with your personal welfare i.e. issues relating to your personal care and where you should live and also giving or refusing consent to certain medical treatment.

It is important to note that you can only make an LPA if you have sufficient mental capacity and this has to be confirmed by a Certificate Provider. In some cases it may be necessary to obtain a Doctor’s opinion if there is any doubt. It is also important to note that it does not take away your independence as one of the main principles of the Act is that capacity is decision specific and Attorneys should assist people to make their own decisions wherever possible. If you should lose capacity without having an LPA in place then it will be necessary for someone to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to deal with your affairs which can be a very slow and expensive process.

An LPA is an important legal document which should be properly prepared and explained to you by an experienced Lawyer. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

GIFT OF PROPERTY INTO TRUST Most people are concerned about the costs of long term residential care. Currently if your assets exceed £23,250 including the value of your property then you will be self funding and have to pay for the cost of your care yourself.

The biggest concern for most people is that you may have to sell your property to pay for the care. However it is possible to avoid this by giving your property away during your lifetime, usually to your children.

The gift however must be made in good time and not simply with the intention of avoiding future care fees otherwise it may be caught by the Local Authority’s anti-avoidance measures.

You could simply make an outright gift to your children but as you will probably wish to continue to live in your property this could cause problems if you were to fall out with them or if they were to experience matrimonial problems or bankruptcy it could lead to someone else making a claim against their share of your property. Additionally, it could also cause problems for your children in owning a share of a second property and could give rise to possible Capital Gains Tax implications on the eventual sale of the property.

We would therefore always recommend that a gift of property should be a gift into Trust which would protect you and your children from most of these potential difficulties. The Trust would provide for you to remain living in the property for as long as you wish on the basis that you continue to be responsible for all the outgoings as at present. The Trust can also provide for the property to be sold and a replacement property purchased for you to live in if you so wished.

When you no longer live in the property for whatever reason, the trust would come to an end and the property could be sold with the proceeds divided between your children.

In this way you would no longer be treated as the legal owner of the property if you were to be assessed for long-term care fees and also as you are occupying the property which is held in trust, this usually means that main residence exemption from Capital Gains Tax can be claimed although this is decided by the Revenue on a case by case basis.

Established 1937 We have been advising elderly clients and those approaching retirement for over 70 years.

For advice on: • • • • • •

Wills Lasting Powers of Attorney Deputies/Court of Protection Inheritance Tax Planning Probate/Letters of Administration Divorce, Children & Family Accidents

as well as Property Sales and Purchases; Contact one of our offices at: FLEETWOOD Mr Peter J Isaacs 32-38 North Albert Street, Fleetwood FY7 6AW Tel: 01253 873481 | Fax: 01253 772322 Email: p.j.isaacs@inghams-law.co.uk

CLEVELEYS

Mr Nick Williams

8 The Crescent, Cleveleys FY5 3LW Tel: 01253 824111 | Fax: 01253 827747 Email: nwilliams@inghams-law.co.uk

BISPHAM

Mr Richard J Statham

37 Red Bank Road, Bispham, BLACKPOOL FY2 9HX Tel: 01253 353308 | Fax: 01253 356380 Email: richard.statham@inghams-law.co.uk

BLACKPOOL

Mr Edward Statham

4-8 Leopold Grove, Blackpool FY1 4JR Tel: 01253 626642 | Fax: 01253 295590 Email: edward.statham@inghams-law.co.uk

POULTON

Mrs Helen Jackson

12 Queens Square, Poulton-le-Fylde FY6 7BN Tel: 01253 890545 | Fax: 01253 893171 Email: hjackson@inghams-law.co.uk

Obviously giving away your property is a major irrevocable decision which requires specialist legal advice.

Make sure you carry out your legal planning in good time with the benefit of specialist legal advice from a Lawyer who is experienced in such matters. www.inghams-law.co.uk

Bolton Denture Centre Also with a practice in Leyland Bolton Denture Centre is an existing clinic focusing on providing dentures directly to the public. As a result they are able to concentrate on providing exceptional quality of private dentures to their patients. Their success is attributed to the investments that they have made in terms of latest technology laboratory equipment, using the best materials and the most natural, life like and realistic denture teeth that are available. Not to mention their biggest investment; in there own training and qualifications as Clinical Dental Technicians.

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

A Clinical Dental Technician (CDT) is a qualified dental technician that has under gone further Education and Training in areas such as Medical Emergencies Cross Infection Control and Oral Pathology (cancers and anomalies) to name just a few sections that make up the Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology as Awarded by the Royal Collage of Surgeons (RCS).

It is this qualification that allows the clinicians at Bolton Denture Centure to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance. It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted to supply dentures direst to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified.

If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT. Dentures, like most things, have a limited lifespan; usually around 5-7 years. After this period of time the denture can start to offer inadequate facial support, which can leave cheeks looking sunken and withered as well as lips appearing excessively wrinkled. New dentures can reduce these age related features by

Meet the Clinicians: Jonathan and Colin Dean supporting the facial tissues without making the teeth looking large and protruded.

Bolton Denture Centre offer FREE consultation so that they can assess what services or treatment you might require as well as showing you the various standards of dentures that they can produce. After this free consultation you are under no obligation to go ahead and have new dentures made, the door is open for you to go away and reflect upon the information that you have been presented.

They also offer an intensive denture cleaning service.

This denture cleaning machine uses strong detergents and mild chemicals to breakdown the plaque and debris that builds up on a denture over prolonged periods of time. Despite the best efforts of a denture wearer to clean their dentures thoroughly, plaque can still build up and impair the functionality of the denture and produce an unpleasant taste or odour.

One thing that many patients are amazed at is the amount of time that the clinician spends with the patient to ensure that the dentures are just how that patient wants them to look. As well as the after service, because as many dentures wearers know, getting used to new dentures can take a little bit of time and perseverance as well as having someone to help ease the little sore spots that comes with having new dentures.

Advances in technology now means that there are new ways to hold a denture in place. The most significant one of these is though the use of implants. There any many different types of implants but on whole the main idea of implants is something that is able to offer the lower denture stability and support to stop it from moving around the mouth. Although these are not a cheap solution they are by far the most effective, offering total lower denture security in any environment.

Bolton Denture Centre only offers Private denture treatment, however, they are able to construct a good quality private denture for less than most people would imagine because of their position within the industry as they are able to source materials and teeth, as well as using efficient clinical and technical techniques.

Other services that are offer by Bolton Denture Centre are; denture naming service, denture refurbishment, relines and soft relines as well as advice and tips for cleaning and maintaining your dentures. Â

If you are interested in a FREE, no obligation consultation then call 01772 623 623 36

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

DENTURES BEFORE CLEANING

PREVIOUS DENTURES

DENTURES AFTER CLEANING

NEW DENTURES MADE AT THE CLINIC

www.thedenturepeople.com AT BOLTON DENTURE CENTRE

for your next quality denture

• Qualified Clinical Dental Technicians • New Dentures and Relines • Dental Repairs • Home Visits Catered For • Free Consultations

Contact us at: BOLTON: 01204 382244 | LEYLAND: 01772 623623 44 Higher Bridge Street Bolton BL1 2HA.

Registered with the GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Independence House, Golden Hill Lane, Leyland

www.thedenturepeople.com 37

PUZZLE PAGE SOLUTI0NS LUTI0NS LUTI0NS SOLUTIONS SOLUTI0NS SOLUTI0NS

TO ADVERTISE WITH 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

PLEASE CALL 01204 796 494 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Crossword P Y A A T G Q Crossword S H E T L AND S EMU P Y S C Y H C E H E E A E G A L G E L E

Y A T D H T A L H EI C T D N H AI C AI R U N T RI G A N II U T R NO I LI G AM R T D L A E I MO D T D N S E I D N S

A G AO ND G G R G SO AM R S T AI M O M T PI O I M A P A L AI A A A L A A

Sudoku Sudoku 9 3 2 7 1 6 5 9 4 5 3 4 8 3 7 8 6 7 2 6 1 2 1

38

6 3 8 6 5 8 2 5 1 2 9 1 7 9 4 7 4

1 2 7 1 6 7 4 6 9 4 3 9 5 3 8 5 8

8 7 2 8 9 2 6 9 3 6 4 3 1 4 5 1 5

4 1 3 4 7 3 5 7 8 5 2 8 9 2 6 9 6

9 6 5 9 2 5 1 2 4 1 7 4 8 7 3 8 3

T A S R A R B E B N E N N E N V EI V S I S

G N Q A EM AD AU R N A A T AR DD AR A A M T AR E D BB M A E BB RRO T A E M R R O T L AMA E M M N L AMA M N

8 3 8 1 3 4 1 9 4 2 9 5 2 6 5 7 6 7

4 2 4 6 2 8 6 7 8 5 7 1 5 3 1 9 3 9

5 7 5 9 7 1 9 3 1 6 3 8 6 4 8 2 4 2

Word Ladder Word Ladder One answer is: Foot, Food, Word Ladder One answer is: Foot, Food,

Fold, Cold, Cord, Card, Yard One answer is: Foot, Food, Fold, Cold, Cord, Card, Yard Fold, Cold, Cord, Card, Yard

Crossword Crossword P Y A A T G Q Crossword S E T A L AA ND S EMQ U P H Y T G

Missing Link Missing Link The words in order are Life, Main, Missing Link The words in order are Life, Main,

Y P S C S Y H Y C E C H H E E E A E G E A L A G E G L L E E

Pieceword Pieceword R C L OCK E T Pieceword S R E CO NCH CND L O K E R T

Sudoku Sudoku 9 3 2 7 1 6 Sudoku 9 6 3 1 2 8 7 4 1 9 6 5

Even, Slow, Date, Form, Pool, Suit, The words orderForm, are Life, Main, Even, Slow,inspelling Date, Pool, Suit, Loss, Beer, FIELDMOUSE Even, Slow, Date, Form, Pool, Suit, Loss, Beer, spelling FIELDMOUSE Loss, Beer, spelling FIELDMOUSE

S D S D V D VI SI V SI TI S E TI D T E E D D

T R E E TI N TI A NI N A O A O E O E O E O O

CNO CM O D SM P N EO L C O D L SM PI E O L L P LI E Y S L L L L E LI E Y P L R L A E N Y E EW PI R AN A F U PI R W A N N U I RW A F U O L E AD RU F U N NDU O L E OD L E

R L R E R E C E O C U C O L O U D U L L D D

O C NI G O NI G NI G D O O NO D O NO D O O OM O NM S O O D NM S E A N S D Y D E A E A Y Y

A K H K H A I A K K I LI L A L A C A C C

M E R TI RI MG NG M I G E G NG EG R N E D E E R D EI R D TI D D O N TI D R T N O O RN R

9 5 4 5 4 3 4 3 8 3 8 7 8 7 6 7 6 2 6 2 1 2 1 1

H H H H R H R RI I LI L E L E E

T T D Y A E L A E T D L TI C N TI C D A AI C N AI U TI A N G A N TII U R N TI U G A G NO I RM TMO D R A D A TI M O D N S TI D I D N S N S

3 6 8 6 8 5 8 5 2 5 2 1 2 1 9 1 9 7 9 7 4 7 4 4

2 1 7 1 7 6 7 6 4 6 4 9 4 9 3 9 3 5 3 5 8 5 8 8

A AG ND G O AG ND R GG O S A GO RM RM S A T AI M O S M T I O PI O I TM A M P I AA L AI P A AA L A AA L A A

7 8 2 8 2 9 2 9 6 9 6 3 6 3 4 3 4 1 4 1 5 1 5 5

1 4 3 4 3 7 3 7 5 7 5 8 5 8 2 8 2 9 2 9 6 9 6 6

6 9 5 9 5 2 5 2 1 2 1 4 1 4 7 4 7 8 7 8 3 8 3 3

A T S R S A A R B R E B N B E N E N E N V N E EI V SI V SI S

A A A A A A R R L R L L

8 8 3 8 3 1 3 1 4 1 4 9 4 9 2 9 2 5 2 5 6 5 6 7 6 7 7

N A G EMQ U D AA R EM U N A T N DAA R R DD AR A T M AD T R E B B RD M M E BA B R T EO BA B EOM A R T A A R OM T EM M N E MM A A AMA M N M N

4 4 2 4 2 6 2 6 8 6 8 7 8 7 5 7 5 1 5 1 3 1 3 9 3 9 9

5 5 7 5 7 9 7 9 1 9 1 3 1 3 6 3 6 8 6 8 4 8 4 2 4 2 2

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Smile! Get your Smile! yourteeth teethfixed xedinin in xed Budapest and Budapest and save save£1000s £1000s £1000s

InIn2013 the dental tourism industry is set 2013 thethe dental tourism industry is is In 2013 dental tourism industry continue to grow with more and more totocontinue to grow with more and more set to continue to grow with more and people traveling toBudapest Budapest in Hungary Hungary people traveling to in more people travelling to Budapest in have their teeth  xed. totohave their teeth  xed.

Hungary to have their teeth fixed.

In 2012 Treatment Abroad Medical 2012 thethe Treatment Abroad Medical InIn2012 the Treatment Abroad Medical Tourism Survey revealed that 20,000 Tourism Survey revealed that 20,000 Tourism Survey revealed that 20,000 people from UK travelled overseas people from thethe UK travelled overseas people from the UK travelled overseas for dental treatment. fordental dentaltreatment. treatment. for Budapest has long been established as Budapest has longbeen been established as Budapest has long established as the most popular destination in Europe thebecause mostpopular popular dental destination in the most dental destination in of the high standards of dental Europe because ofthe the high standards standards Europe of high care,because the rigorous training and education dental care, the rigorous training and ofofdental care, the rigorous training and of Hungarian dentists, and the huge education of Hungarian dentists, and the the education dentists, savingsof onHungarian offer to UK patients.and hugesavings savingson onoffer offerto to UK UK patients. patients. huge Direct flights are available from Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh Direct ightsare are available from Direct ights available from and London for asBristol, little asEdinburgh £60 return.

Manchester, Leeds, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh

and London as little littleisas as £60 return. for as £60 return.

Kreativ Dental Clinic the most advanced dental clinic in Hungary, Dental Clinic the most Kreativ Clinic is isits thepatients most with dedicated to providing dental clinic in Hungary, advanced clinic in Hungary, the highest quality of care at prices that to providing patients with dedicated providing its patients with are on average 50% toits 70% cheaper the highest quality of care care at at prices pricesthat that than in thequality UK. of are on average 50% 50% to to 70% 70% cheaper cheaperthan than UK. Dental Team are specialists inThe theKreativ in Dental Implants, Artificial Bone Replacement, Sinus Lifting, Porcelain The Kreativ The Kreativ Dental Dental Team Team are are specialists specialists Crowns, Bridgework, Veneers, Root in Dental Dental Implants, in Implants, Arti Articial cial Bone Bone Canal Treatment and Periodontal Replacement, Sinus Replacement, Sinus Lifting, Lifting, Porcelain Porcelain Surgery.Bridgework, Veneers, Root Crowns, Crowns, Bridgework, Veneers, Root Canal Treatment and Canal Treatment and Periodontal Periodontal UK aftercare is provided for all patients Surgery.

Surgery. and their guarantee is the strongest available in Budapest.

UK aftercare aftercare is UK is provided provided for for all allpatients patients and their guarantee is the strongest and their guarantee is the strongest available in available in Budapest.

Budapest.

How much can Howmuch muchcan canI Isave?

Isave? save?

How This 32 year old male saved more than £9000

Thispatient patient saved more than £9000 This saved more than £9000

Faced with unaffordable quotes in in thethe UKUK or or Faced with unaffordable quotes Th e same treatment in the UK can cost over the prospect of wearing unwanted dentures, this the prospect of wearing unwanted dentures, £16,000.

The patient received multiple high this patient travelled to Kreativ Dental and received patientdental travelled to Kreativ Dental andand received quality implants, and full upper lower multiple quality dental implants, and fullfull multiplehigh high quality dental implants, porcelain crown and bridge work at the and Kreativ upper and lower porcelain crown andand bridge upper and lower porcelain crown bridge Dental Clinic in Budapest. work. work.

Reader Offer Offer:: Consultation, Consultation, Hotel Reader Hotel & & Flight Flight Package Package

• FREE Two night stay at a 4 Star Hotel • FREE Two night stay at a 4 Star Hotel • FREE Consultation and Treatment Plan • FREE Consultation and Treatment Plan • Flight Ticket reimbursed* • Flight Ticket reimbursed*

Quote: 50sw Quote: 50PH

• FREE OPG X-ray • FREE OPG X-ray • FREE Airport Transfers for Two • FREE Airport Transfers for Two • FREE Budapest Travel Pass for Two • FREE Budapest Travel Pass for Two

* See website for flight ticket conditions * See website for flight ticket conditions

Kreativ Dental Clinic Kreativ Dental Tel: 0203 2879Clinic 331 Tel: 0203 2879 331 www.kreativdentalclinic.co.uk

www.kreativdentalclinic.co.uk

something for everyone ... at The Farmers Market & Craft Centre

at Heskin Hall

over 30 shops...

High class Butchers, fresh Fruit & Veg, Gifts for all the family, Crafts, Clothing, Tea Room, Florist & Plant Centre, Wine Hampers, Art Gallery, Hair & Beauty, Kitchenware, Furniture & more.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES AND EVENT NEWS

Opening Times Tues - Sat: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10.30am - 4.30pm

& Bank Holidays

UNITS FOR RENT CALL FOR MORE DETAILS...

FREE PARKING & ENTRY

Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website

www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk