Preston & Fylde Issue 70

Refreshments available whilst travelling on our coaches, our door to door service makes it a relaxing holiday from start to end, two staff are with you on the journey, to ensure that we are….”Taking you There, with Staff that Really Care”

In the Gardens of England

Monday 22nd  April to Friday 26th April 2024  £548.00 pp... SRS £94.00

Based At: The Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel, Folkestone

A grand Victorian 4 Star Hotel set in tranquil surroundings in Folkestone’s West End, overlooking the famous Leas Promenade & the English Channel. 2 minutes walk from the central shopping area.

What’s included:

l 4 night’s hotel accommodation with Half-Board (breakfasts & evening meals)

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Canterbury l Walmer Castle & Gardens

l Samphire Hoe l Kent & East Sussex Railway

l Great Dixter House & Gardens

A Pearl on an Isle

Monday 29th April to Friday 3rd May 2024  £478.00 pp... SRS £72.00

Based At: The Channel View Hotel, Shanklin

The Channel View Hotel, Shanklin, on the Isle of Wight, hotel boasts an Indoor Swimming Pool, Evening Entertainment & 2 mins walk from beach, free WIFI.

What’s included:

l 4 night’s hotel accommodation with half-board (breakfasts and evening meals)

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Godshill Model Village l Isle of Wight Pearl

l The Needles

l Hovercraft Experience-return trip to Southsea

l Ventnor Botanic Gardens

Reeves Coach Holidays Limited, Unit 9, Stancliffe Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 2QR

Monday 3rd  June  to Friday 7th June 2024  £462.00 pp... SRS £91.00

Based At: The Old Barn Hotel, Grantham

Some original features remain but very modern, also boasts on site leisure facilities that include a 15 metre pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room & gymnasium. Hotel has lift access to most floors, plenty of ground floor rooms –subject to availability.

What’s included:

l 4 night’s hotel accommodation with half-board (breakfasts and evening meals)

l All coach transportation

l Porterage

l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Barnsdale Gardens

l International Bomber Command Centre

l Burghley House l City of Lincoln

l Rutland Water Cruise.

Monday 10th June to Friday 14th June 2024   £439.00 pp... SRS £25.00

Based At: The Rob Roy Hotel, Aberfoyle, Set in idyllic countryside at the gateway to the Trossochs, set in it’s own grounds, this lovely hotel has many ground floor rooms, only 2 steps to reception area, kindly note there is a short covered walkway between the hotel bedrooms and the main/dining/bar/reception areas.  Ground Floor Rooms, Lift to Upper Floors, hotel no longer provides porterage but our own staff will assist with our guests luggage.  Book early for single room – limited number available.

What’s included:

l 4 night’s hotel accommodation with Half-Board (breakfasts & evening meals)

l All coach transportation

l Porterage l Door-to-door service

Entrance and excursions to:

l Aberfoyle, Boat Cruise on Loch Katrine

l Boat cruise on Loch Lomond l Glengoyne Distillery

l Glenturret Distillery l Crieff l Dobbies.

Other holidays available, kindly contact our office for our new 2024 brochure.

Door-to-door collections service please note that restrictions may apply, please check your postcode with our office to ensure you are within our free collection area.

For bookings call 01254 830545 or complete the reservation page at www.reevescoachholidays.co.uk

THOMPSON PARK

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks, we have the ideal holiday for you...

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break for two, a family holiday or getting away with friends, Daish’s Holidays offers 12 hotels in 10 of the most popular UK destinations. Our fleet of 35 luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your pick up point and will take you directly to your hotel, aiming to arrive between 3 – 5pm.

If you’d like to get out and about to explore the local area on your holiday, then all of our breaks can also be booked on a self-drive basis so you’ve got the freedom of having your own car.

Every break includes:

Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice

We are proud to announce that six of our group – County, Devonshire, Abbey Lawn, Bournemouth Sands, Daish’s, Imperial – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award for 2023.

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

Price includes return coach travel from:

Poulton Le Fylde, Fleetwood, Cleveleys, Bispham, Blackpool, St Annes, Lytham, Freckleton, Preston, Bamber Bridge, Charnock Richard Services.

All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s). 10 fabulous locations

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2024. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown. Offer ends 31st March 2024

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

- because x’ing on doesn’t sound quite the same

Debate over weighing air passengers and luggage

I SUPPOSE it had to happen eventually but now one airline is weighing passengers as well as their carry-on luggage.

Finnish carrier Finnair, which runs budget flights between Finland and the UK, wants to better estimate the plane’s weight before takeoff.

Apparently, airlines work out the weight of the plane, its interior and passengers to balance the flight and make the journey safer. They may use average weights provided by aviation authorities or collect data themselves.

The weigh-ins are voluntary and they’re not the first airline to do this. Last year, Korea’s largest airline, Korean Air, said it was planning to weigh passengers on international flights for a short time.

This was to reduce wasted fuel and for that more accurate overall weight estimateto, which must be a difficult “sum” to get right.

Not long before Korean Air’s move, EasyJet asked 19 passengers on a flight from Lanzarote to Liverpool to get off the plane because they said it was “too heavy to take off.”

The whole subject of the weight of both passengers and their luggage has sparked an outcry and I don’t know why we’re so surprised.

Not only are there plenty of overweight people around but the increasing cost of hold luggage – and the reduction of what weight airlines allow in a suitcase – has prompted some people to now cram items into carry-on luggage.

You’ve only got to look at what the overhead lockers are holding on the average flight to see where passengers have packed in the most possessions. Just trying to find a space for your own, probably quite modest, bag or backpack can be almost impossible.

The whole subject of passengers and weight is a regular minefield. In 2017, a poll by jetcost.co.uk showed almost 90 per cent of Britons

questioned believed that overweight passengers should pay more to fly.

And nearly 80 per cent said they thought “plus-sized zones” should be introduced on flights.

While there are currently no limits for larger passengers flying on commercial American flights there are some requirements.

They must be able to sit with both armrests down, be able to buckle their seatbelts and they don’t block the aisle.

If they can’t comply, they may be asked to pay for a second seat on the flight, unless there are two empty seats together somewhere on the plane.

Either way, now that the subject of weight generally on planes has been broached, it won’t just go away.

House too chavvy? Just not your choice

YOU lay your lifestyle on the line when you put your home on the market these days.

Photos of your currently decorated rooms and décor choices are there for all to see and pick over. And, believe you me, people do like to criticise the decorating style of others.

Take the case of poor Henry Reilly, for example, He is trying to sell a three bedroomed, semi-detached house in Prescot on Merseyside but has found himself caught in an online trolling storm.

Chanel logo rug, black velvet chairs and glitterball-style vase with gold pink roses is “chavvy” and are highly critical of his general style tastes.

OK, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it seems to me quite snooty to take this high moral tone over what is actually just one man’s choice of the décor he wants to live with.

His neighbours say Henry and his wife are a “lovely couple” and that it’s up to them what they do with the house they live in. As one pointed out: who is anyone to tell someone else how to decorate their home?

The reality is that most people when they move into a new home change the style anyway. You may have just painted the hall, stairs and landing, put in a new kitchen or newly tiled the bathroom before putting it up for sale but if it’s not to the new buyer’s taste, it’s all change.

To unleash a storm of criticism on a homeowner who has simply surrounded himself with the style he enjoys strikes me as rude and snobby.

Few us share the same sense of homestyle and one man’s favourite is another man’s no-go area. We’re individuals and it really doesn’t matter.

Ever been wellied or squiffed?

HOW do you describe yourself when you’ve had one drink too many?

Wasted? Out of it or just plain drunk?

Well, linguistic researchers have discovered that virtually any noun can be transformed into a “drunkonym” – a synonym for intoxicated – simply by adding “ed” at the end.

In fact, they found 546 words that can mean drunk including “trolleyed”, “hammered,” “wellied” and “steampigged.” Then there is “gazeboed”, “carparked” or simply “cabbaged.”

This confirms a suggestion by comedian Michael McIntyre that Britons could understand any word meaning drunk if it is preceded by “I got completely ……”

Researcher Professor Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer of Chemnitz University in Germany believes that this could be down to Britain’s deeply-rooted culture of social drinking and its absurdist Monty Python-style humour.

She also pointed out other types of playful language around being drunk including Cockney rhyming slang like the drunkonyms “Brahms” and “Schindler’s” – short for “Brahms and Liszt” both of which rhyme with pi**ed.

Britain’s favourite drunkonyms, however, also include bladdered, langered, legless, mashed, mullered, pickled, trashed, bevvied, fuddled, hammered, paralytic, ossified, sozzled, well-oiled, leathered, spannered and squiffed.

But perhaps you’ve got you’ve got your own favourites!

Olivia is a star!

Olivia Hughes is studying for a degree while opening her own restaurant in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.

Personally, I think a round of applause and huge envy for her energy and commitment are due but, apparently, some customers look down on her and older staff don’t respect her because of her age. Ignore all this, Olivia. You’re doing a great job, are a terrific role model for other youngsters - and I bet your parents are as proud as punch.

or email: help@aamail.org

Wonderful Copenhagen

By Rebecca Underwood, BA Hons | Travel Journalist

Danny Kaye once sang ‘wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen, friendly old girl of a town’, and it sure is! Copenhagen, located on Sealand, the largest island in Denmark, offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into a colourful tapestry of history and culture. In the 10th century, Copenhagen was a Viking fishing village and became the capital of Denmark in the 15th century.

To learn more about the fearsome Vikings I visited the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, located by the fjord in Roskilde; 35 kilometres from Copenhagen. The Viking Ship Hall features five spectacular Viking ships, which were discovered in 1962 at Skuldelev, 32 kilometres from where they are now displayed. These magnificent vessels were excavated from the sea bed in thousands of pieces and reconstructed with spectacular results. Visitors are also welcome to view the collection of traditional Nordic wooden boats berthed at the Museum Harbour and, as I am a committed seafarer, I was simply mesmerised.

Copenhagen attracts millions of visitors keen to explore this wonderful city and its many attractions including Amalienborg. Built in the 1750’s, the site is made up of four identical Danish Rococco style buildings; the palace of Christian VII, husband

to Caroline Mathilde of Great Britain, the palace of Christian VIII, the palace of Frederik VIII, great, great grandfather of the reigning Danish monarch King Frederik X, and the palace of Christian IX, the first monarch of the House of Glücksburg.

Eager to know more, I made my way to the the Amalienborg Museum, located within Christian VIII’s Palace, which displays a wide range of exhibits associated with the Danish monarchy dating back 150 years to Christian IX and Queen Louise.

I decided to mingle with the crowds at 12 noon sharp and I watched the changing of the royal guard marching from their barracks through the streets towards Amalienborg.

My next port of call was the National Museum, housed in the Prince’s Palace on Ny Vestergade. The Danish national treasures include archaeological finds from the Viking Age and the permanent displays include an extensive coin and medal collection, classical antiquities and a toy museum which attracts hordes of ‘grown up’ children!

During the reign of King Christian IV in the 17th century, Copenhagen became the capital of both Denmark and Norway and following the widespread devastation of the plague and subsequent fires in the 18th century the city embarked on a period of restoration and redevelopment, which included the founding of the Royal Danish Theatre, in 1748 and the Royal Danish Academy of Portraiture, Sculpture and Architecture, in 1754.

In the late 1700’s, during the French Revolution, the Russian Tsar Paul I, son of Catherine the Great and Peter III, founded the League of Armed Neutrality to facilitate free trade with France for Russia, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The British Government deemed this to be a hostile act, which threatened the Royal Navy’s supremacy over the French fleet. On 02 April 1801, under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson led the Royal Navy’s main attack on

The National Museum of Denmark courtesy Daniel Rasmussen

Amalienborg courtesy Marc Skafte-Vaabengaard

the Danish-Norwegian fleet. Many of the Danish-Norwegian vessels were destroyed before a truce was reached.

Six years later, during the Napoleonic Wars, the British Government was anxious that Denmark might close the Baltic Sea to British vessels with the possibility of French troops arriving in Sealand. In 1807, the Bombardment of Copenhagen began when the British fleet attacked the Danish/Norwegian fleet and the city was evacuated. Over a thousand buildings were destroyed by fire and the city suffered greatly. The Danes duly surrendered and the British retreated from Copenhagen.

The Danish Golden Age began in the 19th century and Copenhagen was transformed with new buildings reflecting the Neoclassical style and the arts flourished.

German Romanticism emerged and the works of Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg led the way. To view examples of Eckersberg’s works, including the magnificent 1841 masterpiece ‘A nude woman doing her hair before a mirror’ I hurried along to the Hirschsprung Museum on Stockolmsgade. The collection also features works by P.S. Kroyer and the enchanting ‘Summer day at the South Beach of Skagen’, completed in 1884, demands admiring glances from those in the room.

Later in the afternoon I felt the urge to embark on some retail therapy and ‘bag a bargain’. I headed for Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets crammed with international brands including Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Prada and I browsed around the department store Magasin du Nord. For special gifts to take home I was persuaded to purchase a wide array of goodies from the Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store, founded in 1775 and purveyor to the royal Danish court. Located on Amagertorv, the property is a charming three storey Renaissance house, which dates back to 1616. Displays of the

finest porcelain figurines, gifts and dinnerware should entice even the most resistant to part with more than a few Krona!

Weighed down with shopping bags and in need of some pampering I checked into the D’Angleterre hotel, which provides the highest level of comfort and service. Located on Kongens Nytorv, one of the city’s classic squares, this imposing hotel, established in 1755, is an historic landmark, which oozes with charm and sophistication.

I was escorted to a spacious and comfortable deluxe one-bedroom suite, which features elegant furnishings, plump sofas, luxurious drapes and a very grand bathroom. Hotel facilities include an urban spa, a fitness room and a swimming pool, which is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.

Later that evening I headed for the hotel’s Balthazar champagne bar and whilst sipping on a glass brimming with bubbles I decided to dine ‘in house’ and made my reservation at Marchal, the hotel’s impressive restaurant, recipient of a Michelin star.

I sampled the delicious winter truffle ravioli with Jerusalem artichoke, gruyére and creamy truffle sauce and accompanied by the 2015 Moët and Chandon, it was, quite simply, unforgettable.

After a deep slumber, a long lie-in followed by a rejuvenating shower and a first class breakfast, I decided to take a leisurely stroll along the Langelinie promenade, the site of the Little Mermaid bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen. Based on the fairy tale by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, the Little Mermaid statue was unveiled in 1913 and has become an icon and a major tourist attraction, recognised worldwide.

As I took a breather beside the Little Mermaid the sea air filled my nostrils and I reflected on my explorations and suddenly the voice of Danny Kaye sang in my head ‘wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen, salty old queen of the sea’.

EASY TAPAS RECIPES

Grazing Board

l Prep: 5 minutes l Serves 4

50g rocket

280g pack mini mozzarella balls, drained

25g mini bread sticks

3 Cooks & Co Red and Yellow Pepper, sliced

16 small Cooks & Co Sun Dried Tomatoes

16 Cooks & Co Frenk Chillies

50g Cooks & Co Sweety Drop Peppers

Method

Arrange the rocket in a large circle on a large platter. Arrange the remaining ingredients evenly on top and serve.

Cook tip

Great for serving with drinks for Christmas gatherings. Try adding thinly sliced ham rolled into rosettes for a meaty version.

Whipped Feta & Sun Dried Tomato Dip

l Prep: 10 minutes l Cook: 5 minutes

l Serves 6

150g feta, crumbled

165g tub cream cheese

150g Cooks & Co Sun Dried Tomatoes

100ml double cream

1 Cooks & Co Red & Yellow Peppers (1/2 of each), finely chopped

3 bagels

25g Cooks & Co Sweety Drop Peppers

Method

Whisk the feta, cream cheese and ½ the sun dried tomatoes with 2 tbsp of the tomato oil, whisk in the cream until slightly thickened.

Season and stir in the remaining sun dried tomatoes, chopped and the peppers.

Slice each of the bagels horizontally into 4 circles and place on a large baking tray, grill until golden on both sides.

Sprinkle the sweety drop peppers over the dip and serve with the bagel chips.

Cook tip

Also great spooned onto jacket potatoes or toasted bread.

CREAMY PORCINI CROSTINI

l Prep: 10 minutes l Cook: 15 minutes

l Makes 12

12 x 2cm slices French bread

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

50g Cooks & Co Dried Porcini Mushrooms

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

2 Cooks & Co Roasted Red Peppers, thinly sliced

50g cream cheese

2 tbsp chopped chives

Method

Preheat the oven to 200oC, gas mark 6.

Brush the bread slices with 1 tbsp oil, season and place on a large baking tray, bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.

Soak the mushrooms in 300ml boiling water and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid and roughly chop.

Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and fry the garlic for a few seconds, then add the mushrooms and red peppers and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the cream cheese and 3 tbsp reserved mushroom liquid and bring just to the boil. Stir in half the chives and season.

Spoon over the crostini and sprinkle with the remaining chives to serve.

Cook tip

Try ciabatta bread or whole slices of toast for a quick lunch.

“It’s my way of giving back, for all they did for my husband”

The transformation from Age Concern Central Lancashire to Regenerage has revitalised volunteers Elsie and Carole, who share their personal experiences with the charity, and prove that giving back can be the greatest reward of all.

Having a purpose can be lifesaving. For Elsie and Carole, working with the older-people’s charity Regenerage has acted as a lifeline through the twists and turns in their life. As Regenerage is rebranded from Age Concern Central Lancashire in March 2024, these two volunteers reflect on their purpose within Regenerage - and share their stories and reflections with us.

Elsie’s Story

Elsie Wilson, aged 76, has devoted five years of her time to volunteering with Regenerage. She recalls how her retirement at 67, following the closure of her workplace, left her days devoid of structure and routine. But, when her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Elsie’s life took a challenging turn.

As Elsie grappled with the demands of caregiving for her husband, a mental health nurse recommended Regenerage as a resource for support, through their carer’s support services and dementia support at the Regenerage activity centres.

Initially anxious and constantly anticipating calls from the centre, Elsie gradually realised the staff had everything under control as they took care of her husband, providing her with much-needed time for herself. This newfound reassurance allowed her to relax and trust that her husband was in good hands during his time with Regenerage.

“It gave me some time, even if just meant a day’s cleaning without getting interrupted, go out shopping, meet a friend for lunch, that sort of thing” says Elsie, “That was a big thing for me.”

As her husband’s condition deteriorated, Elsie faced the difficult decision of placing him in a nursing home. It was through the support, patience, kindness, and understanding extended to her and her husband by the Regenerage staff throughout their challenging journey, that she was able to make this step. “Volunteering at Regenerage,” she says, “feels like my way of giving back for all they did for my husband.”

Today, Elsie hopes to help other people in her position through her volunteer role, supporting the important phone-service in Leyland, where many people first turn to Regenerage for help. She views it as an opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s mission to give personalised, quality support, while honouring the compassionate care they provided for her family.

Carole’s

United by similar experiences Carole Pilling-Aspinall, shares her journey into volunteering with Regenerage at the age of 81. Born during wartime and raised by her resilient mother, Carole’s explains her career path was always centred around people, from roles as a credit controller to a buyer. However, the trajectory of her life took a poignant turn seven years ago when she tragically lost her beloved husband, Alan, after 57 years of being together.

Amidst pain and grief, Carole re-found her sense of purpose through volunteering with Regenerage, splitting her time between the Leyland Charity shop and assisting in the Regenerage head office. For Carole, volunteering at Regenerage is not just a reflection of her deeply held values, but ‘a reason to get up in the morning’.

Reflecting on her experience, Carole expressed profound gratitude for the sense of appreciation she receives within Regenerage. She noted the unwavering dedication and passion of the staff toward improving the lives of the elderly. She believes that it is the people at Regenerage that set the charity apart – having observed a genuine commitment to making a positive difference.

United by Regenerage

During the interview, both Elsie and Carole emphasized the significant impact Regenerage has on local communities through its services. Elsie stressed the importance of providing older individuals with a space for social interaction, and as someone who benefits from Regenerage herself, she appreciates feeling heard and valued by Regenerage staff. She emphasized the crucial role and power of conversation for older people, particularly for those who may experience months of social of isolation.

Carole highlights the reliability of Regenerage in tackling the diverse challenges encountered by older individuals. From the prompt assistance provided by staff to the assurance of trustworthy referrals, she muses, “Even down to recommending a plumber that is guaranteed to do the job, so that you will feel safe.”

As a shop volunteer, Carole also highlights the crucial role of charity’s shops in fostering community engagement, as they act as hubs for giving back, whilst offering affordable products, and thus benefiting the entire community. She further commented on the welcoming atmosphere of the shop spaces, often causing visitors to marvel at their quality, cleanliness and organisation. She emphasised, “It’s only the prices that reveal it’s a charity shop,”.

A part of Regenerage’s newest evolution

Carole and Elsie are both a huge part of Regenerage’s newest evolution, as it rebrands from Age Concern

Central Lancashire. Carole states; “I think the rebrand is absolutely marvellous because nothing is going to be lost; things are just going to be gained. The charity can spread its wings now.”

Carole passionately advocates that the charity will stay the same, expressing that “It’s only the name that’s changed, nothing else.” She sees it as a chance for the charity to grow and help more people, as she explains, “I truly believe the good work the charity does now in its current area, will now been translated into other areas.” She goes on to emphasise that “the essence of Regenerage comes from its people and staff, which more people will now get access to.”

Elsie shares in the excitement for the rebrand, noting that the new name will bring a sense of freshness, warmth and clarity. Elsie firmly believes in the importance of progress, stating that “it’s important to keep moving forward,” and thus wholeheartedly supports the rebranding initiative.

Both Elsie and Carole conveyed their commitment to continue volunteering at Regenerage, as it has become a fundamental aspect and purpose in their lives. They emphasized the power of kindness and giving back, both agreeing that, ‘If everyone could just contribute a bit of goodness, a bit of kindness and a bit of understanding, the world would be a better place.’

If

CLOSER TO NATURE

Biomimetic materials that literally mimic nature, are revolutionising dentistry and here in the Ribble Valley, one forward-thinking practice is one of the leading pioneers of this technique

Always keeping ahead of the industry, leading private dental practice Renovo is one of the first practices in the UK that has fully adapted the very latest techniques that can successfully restore teeth by using materials that mimic nature and the natural tooth.

Biomimetic dentistry is revolutionising the way dentists can restore and repair teeth as

Dr Usman Riaz of Ribble Valley-based Renovo explains: “This is micro-invasive dentistry. We can preserve as much of the tooth structure as possible by using scientifically developed, bio-compatible metal-free materials that act, feel and look just like our natural teeth.”

AVOIDING ROOT CANALS

“Biomimetic dentistry can help reduce your need for root canal therapy by up to 90 per cent. With immediate dentin sealing and resin coating, biomimetic dentistry gives pulps a vital chance to heal, helping maintain their natural resilience and extend their life. This is at the forefront of our core values,” adds Dr Riaz.

These latest advances in dental technology are set to change the way we view restorative dentistry. For teeth that have been damaged, porcelain crowns and veneers have, in the past, been the solution. However, more recent developments in bonding technology and the bio-materials used, have given dentists a new alternative, usually with no tooth removal.

PREDICTABLE OUTCOMES AND PAIN-FREE LONGERLASTING TEETH

Biomimetic restorations treat the causes of symptoms (cracks or caries near the pulp) so they do not result in sensitivity or pain after restoration: “Biomimetic techniques also restore the tooth in a way that mimics a tooth’s natural structure, preventing cracks around the restoration. Finally, the advanced adhesive techniques used in a biomimetic restoration have been shown to keep a restoration bonded for over 20 years, and counting, so the days of crowns or fillings falling out can be a thing of the past!”

These restorative materials that mimic nature, are not only perfect for aesthetically restoring teeth but they also help preserve and strengthen the natural tooth structure.

SCIENCE-BACKED DENTAL TREATMENT

Biomimetic dentistry is more technique sensitive and requires more detailed steps than traditional restorative practices. With Renovo’s approach, the dentists and the whole clinical team understand the science, or what we call the ‘why’ behind each step in their biomimetic restoration. The systematic steps

take the guesswork out of treatment planning, leaving clinicians and patients feeling confident in every restoration.

IMPROVED AESTHETICS

“Biomimetic dentistry is general dentistry and can be applied to every case we see at Renovo. The concepts of conserving tooth structure, saving pulps and superior adhesion will serve as a more predictable foundation of our work,” explains Dr Riaz.

“We can change, reshape and enhance teeth with these new materials. The biomimetic materials are also reinforcing teeth – it is a totally different concept to what we have seen previously.”

Adopting the latest biomimetic philosophies and having all the specialist techniques and materials available to them, the dentists at Renovo are pioneering in

their unique approach.

“Specialist techniques are used in biomimetic dentistry and the whole team have had advanced training,” says Dr Riaz. “For us, using non-invasive techniques and preserving teeth has always been something

WE GET OPTIMAL RESULTS WITH ZERO TOOTH REMOVAL AND THAT’S WHY THE BIOMIMETIC APPROACH IS SO POPULAR

we routinely believe in and practice, so biomimetic dentistry sits really well with that belief.

“It’s the way dentistry should be done –to save and conserve teeth has always been our gold standard.”

ZERO TOOTH LOSS MAXIMUM AESTHETICS

For nervous patients the biomimetic approach revolutionises the way they view a dental appointment: “For those people, this is an amazing development as the approach is to conserve tooth tissue using minimally invasive techniques. No anaesthetic is needed as there is zero tooth removal.”

While biomimetic dentistry can help to naturally strengthen and restore damaged teeth, it is also perfect for cosmetic procedures: “From a cosmetic point of view we can improve without having to compromise, which is a very powerful concept.

“With the latest biomimetic materials, we get incredible results and in many cases, it is much quicker too, as it often involves just one visit to the dentist.

“These treatment concepts and philosophy are popular in the US and Europe, but it has taken time to develop in the UK. We have had to understand the materials and perfect new techniques so we can carry out dentistry at a different level.”

HEALTHIER TEETH HEALTHIER YOU

By removing all toxicity and inflammation from the mouth, biological dentistry helps restore vitality, balance and systemic health.

“What we put in our mouth and more importantly, the teeth themselves, has a crucial role to play in our overall health. Gut health begins in the mouth. It’s more than just a gateway – it’s a mirror reflecting our overall health.” n

Renovo Dental

Pendle House

Clitheroe Road

Chatburn BB7 4JY 01200 441000

hello@renovodental.co.uk

renovodental.co.uk @renovodental

HUGH GRANT star of choice

IN the 1990s and 2000s if ever a handsome but vulnerable lead man was needed in casting a potential hit romantic comedy the call went out: get Hugh Grant.

He really was the star of choice for some of the best British and American-made films of that era.

All of which is no surprise when you consider that the likeable, archetypal upper-crust Englishman has had a very special relationship with the public since he first burst onto the scene in 1994 with Four Weddings and a Funeral. fact, it’s hard to believe that the perennially youthful Grant is 64 this year and has developed into an actor who has embraced challenging, non-romantic roles with such panache.

Hugh John Mungo Grant was born into a distinguished military family. His father was Captain James Murray Grant and his grandfather Colonel James Murray Grant DSO was decorated for bravery and leadership during World War 2.

He went to an independent prep school in Notting Hill and gained a scholarship to Latymer Upper School, where he played on the school’s first XV in rugby and cricket.

In 1979, he won the Galsworthy scholarship to New College, Oxford, where he studied English literature. At the time, he viewed acting as nothing more than a creative outlet, joining the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

He made his screen debut in the Oxford University Film Foundation sponsored film Privileged but then took up a variety of jobs including working as an assistant groundsman at Fulham Football Club, tutoring and writing comedy sketches for TV shows.

He was approached by a talent agent but needed to gain his Equity card by acting in regional theatre first. So he joined the Nottingham Playhouse and had small roles in various productions including Lady Windermere’s Fan, Hamlet and Coriolanus.

He created a sketch comedy group called The Jockeys of Norfolk with friends Chris Lang and Andy Taylor which toured London’s pub comedy circuit.

After a sketch on the Nativity as an Ealing comedy at the Edinburgh Festival Fring, they were invited on to Russell Harty’s BBC2 TV show.

With increased profile, Grant played in An Inspector Calls at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre to positive reviews. Minor roles in TV productions followed but his first leading film role came in Merchant-Ivory’s Edwardian drama Maurice in 1987.

He and co-star James Wilby shared the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival – the first of many accolades.

Grant had both TV and film work during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s and in 1993 had a supporting role in the Merchant-Ivory hit film drama The Remains of the Day.

At the age of 32 in 1994 - and just as he was on the verge of giving up acting - he was sent the script of Four Weddings and a Funeral. He loved it and accepted the lead role of Charlie, kickstarting his romantic onscreen reputation.

The floppy hair and the charming smile dazzled cinema-going audiences; Grant’s future appeared set. This hugely successful and high-grossing British film did have its downside, though.

As he said later: “Although I owe whatever success I’ve had to Four Weddings and a Funeral, it did become frustrating after a bit that people made two assumptions.

“One was that I was that character – when in fact nothing could be further from the truth, as I’m sure Richard (Curtis the film’s writer) would tell you.

“The other frustrating thing was that they thought that’s all I could do. I suppose because those films happened to be successful noone, perhaps understandably, bothered to rent all the other films I’d done.”

After a couple of less impressive films - The Englishman Who Went Up A Hill But Came Down a Mountain and Nine Months – what became classic Grant arrived via the much-acclaimed 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility as Emma Thompson’s suitor.

After a three-year break, when he successfully made his debut as a film producer in the 1996 thriller Extreme Measures, he was back to box-office winning ways with Notting Hill opposite Julia Roberts.

This funny and heartwarming story about a travel bookshop owner and a Hollywood superstar featured another sharply funny Richard Curtis script and proved an immediate and enduring hit. His next role that year, in Mickey Blue Eyes, didn’t capture the public’s imagination in the same way but in 2001 he was back on hit form as bad boy Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones’s Diary.

He was also a womanizer the following year in the film adaptation of Nick Hornby’s best-selling novel About a Boy, at 41, a more complex and interesting character. This role earned Grant his third Golden Globe nomination while the London Film Critics Circle named him Best British Actor.

He went back to romantic comedy in 2002 with Two Weeks Notice opposite Sandra Bullock in a blockbuster that made $199 million internationally but brought poor reviews.

It was the 2003 comedy Love Actually, featuring Grant as the British Prime Minister, that made fans fall in love with him all over again.

In 2004, he reprised his role as Daniel Cleaver in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, but by now he was starting to move into darker areas and in 2006 starred in the black comedy American Dreamz.

In 2007, he starred opposite Drew Barrymore in pop culture parody Music and Lyrics and brought his sense of fun in 2015 to Guy Ritchie’s crime thriller The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

He won over both critics and audiences once more, however, in 2016 playing opposite Meryl Streep in Florence Foster Jenkins.

He was an enjoyable villain in Paddington 2 but then surprised many with his believable performance in 2018 as disgraced politician Jeremy Thorpe for TV miniseries A Very English Scandal.

Since then, he has played several roles against his original type, both in the UK and the US and last year, proving he is always up for a challenge, turned up as an Oompa-Loompa in Wonka!

Anyone dismissing him as a one-trick pony during the romantic comedy years has had to revise opinions and acknowledge his skills. Now, his many fans eagerly await what Hugh Grant does next.

Hugh Grant at the New York Premiere of Notting Hill, 13th May 1999

Hugh Grant & Sandra Bullock at the Premiere of Two Weeks Notice

SPRING CLEAN YOUR LIFESTYLE

SPRING is a time of new beginnings for Nature and a time of Spring-cleaning and a new assessment of your home and lifestyle.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last couple of years thanks to lockdown, it’s focusing on what is important to us in life and trying to achieve it.

Even given tough financial times, lifestyles can easily change for the better for many people. The emphasis on work/life balance, budgeting to concentrate on the importance of basic vital elements and making life choices that enhance our lives are all welcome.

Contemporary homes reflect this more and more so Spring is a good time to decide how you want to improve your life and daily living –and take action.

ENERGY consumption is top of everyone’s budgeting list today so perhaps it’s time for realistic advice from your local heating engineer about making the most of your energy supply.

There are many different schools of thought on the best way to heat your home so getting plenty of individual information about your property’s needs is best.

For example, solar panels (with a storage battery) have come into their own now, with many people making use of the stored energy via electric cars in joined-up thinking that makes sense.

One mantra is insulation: ensure your loft is fully insulated. You may be able to get free insulation or support. For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/ apply-great-british-insulation-scheme

There are also simple ploys around the house. For example, ensure back and front DOORS fit properly and don’t lose valuable heat in cold weather.

The same for windows, especially if they’re double-glazed. Check that they all fit properly and don’t let in a draught. If they do, it’s worth considering replacing what you can afford to.

Lined CURTAINS can help your heating work better and feel cosier all year round. Many people are now going for a blinds/ curtains combination that looks attractive on windows and helps with better insulation.

Move furniture away from heat sources. This sounds like a nobrainer but a couch or a bed left in front or very near a radiator or other heat source can just block warm air from circulating around the room.

RECYCLING matters far more to people now that we are all trying to take a more responsible stance on the planet’s resources. The UK produces 26 million tonnes of waste a year but recycling doesn’t just mean separating your rubbish and wasting less food.

It also means not necessarily buying new items like clothes, furniture and electrical goods. We lower our environmental impact if we buy second-hand and the first three places worth looking at are local businesses, online marketplaces and charity shops.

For the last, check out your local area but if you want to save time, download the app from the Charity Retail Association. This is the UK trade association for charity shops and you can find out more about them at https://www.charityretail.org.uk/

Flea markets and car boot sales are also ideal for searching out those bargains and there are plenty of online marketplaces like Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. For books try World of Books or Oxfam and for clothes download the Vinted and Depop apps.

Look for FURNITURE bargains and support local charities at the same time. The British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk and homeless charity Emmaus https://emmaus.org.uk offer cheaper second-hand and often new furniture so find out your nearest centre and have a look.

You can also sell pre-loved items on Vinted, eBay, Gumtree and many other online marketplaces to create a valuable sidehustle and keep those useful items circulating. In fact, it’s called the Circular Economy.

Repair your own GADGETS to save money and prevent them having to go to landfill.

The Repair Café, an international movement, is particularly interesting here as experts and others offer to help you repair items free. Look out for one in your local area or visit the website https://repaircafe.org.en

Can you turn a ROOM into somewhere you can enjoy a pleasing hobby like sewing, model-making or even into a small gym?

Having the facility for home-workouts can save you money and help all those other New Year resolutions about health and fitness.

This need not cost a fortune, either. If you need structural changes, get a good local BUILDER on referral and check out their work beforehand.

Do you need extra space? Having a CONSERVATORY or ORANGERIE not only adds more room to your home but can offer a healthier lifestyle, too. Again, go on a personal recommendation and see what a local builder has done already before you commit to a project.

We all need good, relaxing deep sleep but your BED or BEDROOM may be sabotaging this. Sleep experts say we should change our beds every eight years for healthy living.

Make your bedroom as relaxing as possible to aid the right kind of sleep. Blackout curtains filter out light and restful décor in neutral shades like beige and lavender all help; add a dimmer switch to your lights to enhance these pleasing tones.

Is your home helping your WELLBEING? Is the ventilation good, promoting air quality flow throughout?

It’s an old but true adage that fresh air is good for you, even while we keep in valuable heat during the colder months. Looking forward to the months when we can open doors and windows to get more air circulating, though, it’s worth checking that useful flow through.

Generally, DECLUTTER your home to promote that positive feeling of wellbeing and order. Go through boxes of possessions and see what is worth keeping, recycling or giving to charity.

Clear entrances like hallways and the upstairs landing to promote a feeling of space throughout and take an objective look at your living areas.

Is your living room overcrowded with unnecessary furniture? Do you need some pleasing pictures to enhance walls or how about a grouping of photographs of loved ones?

Whatever enhances your enjoyment of life is worth trying now in your home.

Gardening for Spring

Planning is the key to success in the spring garden says garden writer Julia Heaton.

Sunshine days of summer may seem an age away but spring certainly isn’t. So now is the ideal time to get some basic jobs out of the way in preparation for the new season and the pruning, planting and seed sowing ahead. Here are some of my essential tips to give you that all important headstart.

If you didn’t clean your hand tools (rakes, spades, trowels) properly on their last outing go ahead and remove any remnants of soil from the heads using a bristle brush. Leave them to soak in a mix of water and 10 per cent bleach for around half an hour, then dry them off and wipe down with an oily rag before storing.

As well as cleaning in water and detergent any bladed tools – like pruning knives, secateurs and garden shears – will benefit from sharpening and oiling so they provide nice clean cuts and stop the risk of spreading disease between plants. This will also make your tools easier to use and ensure they last, saving you money in the long term.

There’s also garden machinery, like the lawnmower, to check over. The latter needs to be in good working order and safe so make sure electric cables aren’t worn or chafed and that blades are clean and sharp. If you have a petrol mower it’s a good idea to drain any fuel off as it will have deteriorated during the cold winter weather. Don’t wait for pests to make a meal of your perennials. As temperatures in the ground start to rise hunt down slugs and snails emerging from hibernation and eggs preparing to hatch. Look for groups of tiny yellow and white eggs in sheltered places like underneath stones, shrubs or in the crown of perennial plants. Then leave them unprotected in the sunlight so that other wildlife can feed on them.

Beer traps are one of the many options for dealing with the adults. You could also create some dark, damp, places where they’ll love to hide out during the day – then all you need do is collect them. There are also deterrents like crushed egg shells, copper tape and coffee grounds. Consider also introducing plants that slugs avoid like agapanthus and Dicentra spectabilis.

Test the soil: Once you’ve done a soil test you’ll know which plants will and won’t flourish in your garden. Tests from garden centres will tell you the pH level of the soil (whether alkaline, neutral or acid) so you can adjust it accordingly and make a more informed decision about what to grow.

Annual weeds, like meadow grass and groundsel, are easy enough to pull-up but perennial weeds, such as couch grass, bindweed and dandelions, need careful handling. There are different types of weedkiller that you can call upon, depending on the area you want to treat. In densely planted borders though it’s probably better to do the job by hand. Just ensure that you remove as much of the root as possible, so there’s no chance of them re-sprouting.

Add some nutrients, by way of a general fertiliser, to mixed borders of trees, perennials, bulbs and shrubs. General fertilisers come in various forms including granular. This just requires sprinkling evenly throughout the border, according to the instructions on the box, and forking in. The latter is important as concentrations of fertiliser lying against plants can burn them.

Once you’ve weeded and fed borders add a mulch. This is a layer of well-rotted garden compost, mushroom compost, bark or bagged soil improver and is one of the best things you can do for your plants. When spread an inch or more thick on the soil surface it acts like a barrier, depriving weeds of the light they need to germinate and trapping moisture so that plants have plenty to call upon when temperatures rise. All you need to do is leave nature to take its course as it rots down, improving structure and providing nutrients.

Container plants can’t always be repotted. If you’ve got a shrub, fruit tree or perennial growing in compost that’s a year old or more then a layer of fresh compost will be beneficial. Scrape away an inch or so of the old compost from the surface and replace with fresh. Plant roots will soon feel the benefit as creatures and microbes gradually integrate old with new.

Sweep down floors and surfaces. Tools in the shed should be hung so that you can get to them easily. The less clutter on the floor the better.

Wash down greenhouse windows inside and out with disinfectant. This will ensure that plants get enough light and also destroy any potential homes for pests and diseases to lurk in. Make sure all pots and seed trays from last year are clean too. Then leave the door and windows open to help the space dry off. Remember also to check glass for any damage and replace panes if necessary.

If your patio or paths are regularly in the shade then it can lead to a build-up of moss and green algae during winter, making it slippery and unsightly. If it’s not too bad then soapy water and a brush should do the job. Otherwise use a patio, path cleaner or pressure washer to despatch it. There are also specialist cleaners for wooden decking.

Check out fencing and other wooden structures like gates and pergolas and deal with any rot or winter damage. A power washer will help remove any dirt, moss or mildew and when completely dry freshen up with a couple of coats of wood preservative or paint.

If you haven’t already got a water butt it’s worth installing one in the long run. Use a diverter kit to siphon off rainwater from a downpipe on the side of your house. Harvesting rainfall is environmentally friendly and rain water is the better than tap water for plants. Ericaceous types, like camellias, particularly benefit as tap water is often more alkaline. Just as importantly, installing a few butts is good for your water bill too.

Finally, take a quick inventory of what’s already in the shed and what you’ll be needing. Everything from compost and seeds down to pots and feed. This is also an ideal time to plan the summer-flowering bulbs you’ll want to plant in early spring. Having a proper shopping list will help you focus on exactly what you want to accomplish this year.

Here’s a few more ideas to give your outdoor space a lift in 2024.

Is there a view or attractive feature beyond your garden that you could focus the eye on to make your plot feel bigger than it actually is? It could be a church spire, a group of trees or perhaps some hills on the horizon. Trimming an opening in a hedge will frame the scene and draw the eye to what lies outside as will creating a ‘window’ in a boundary wall. Some rustic screening or trellising with an archway in it can have the same effect. Alternatively, use a simple pair of trees in pots or two attractive tall urns either side of a feature to direct attention to it.

Many modern flowers offer wildlife little or no nectar or have such large and intricate flower heads that insects can’t find a way inside to reach it. Provide a helping hand by planting a native wildflower patch that will offer food, in the form of pollen, seeds, fruits, nectar and foliage to feast on, as well as shelter and nesting sites.

A beautiful traditional market... there is something for everyone and lots to see and do “ ”

Award winning Victorian market with 250 stalls

· VISIT

·

Recently undergone a £3.94 million refurbishment to secure its future as one of Wyre's key attractions

A day out for everyone to enjoy!

With its distinctive facade and Victorian architecture, the market hosts a diverse array of stalls, offering everything from fresh produce and local delicacies to handmade crafts and vintage treasures. Discover unique items and engage with friendly vendorsyou'll find it all and more at Fleetwood Market.

·

Open · 9am to 4.30pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Free coach parking

Cash machine on site

· Fully accessible and dementia friendly · Easy to find by tram, bus, coach or car!

Hot and cold food available

Victoria Street / Adelaide Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6AB

Follow us at FleetwoodMarket

fleetwood_market

www.fleetwoodmarket.co.uk

STEVE HOWARTH’S TEST DRIVE

NISSAN LEAF SHIRO

ELECTRIC cars have made great strides in terms of performance and practicality in the few years since they first appeared on our roads.

I can recall testing one of the very first well over a decade ago which could only manage 14 miles on a full charge and had reliability issues – it suddenly discharged itself with no way to open the recharge flap meaning a call to those helpful breakdown people!

Fast forward to 2024 and my latest test vehicle was the 2024 Nissan Leaf – 150 miles plus range, 0 to 60 in a shade under 8 seconds and lots of standard kit.

Plus if you want to go even further there’s the Nissan Leaf e+ with a bigger battery, which gives a range of up to 239 miles with 214bhp compared to the standard car’s 148bhp.

Our test Leaf was in entry level Shiro trim and came with two charging leads meaning powering up via a 7kW wall box three pin home charger will take 7.5 hours. The e+ takes 11 hours while a 50kW fast charger will get the standard car’s battery from 20 to 80 per cent charge in an hour.

If you keep the battery topped up every time you park then range anxiety shouldn’t be an issue so you can enjoy the Leaf’s quiet, refined and comfortable ride and the many driving aids.

One of which is Nissan’s e-Pedal system which uses resistance from the electric motor to allow you to drive with just one pedal - without

having to press the brake unless in an emergency. Once you get the hang of it the system can boost your range but if you just can’t live with it the e-pedal can be switched off for normal driving.

The Leaf also has Nissan’s ProPilot driver assistance which includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist and traffic jam assist, which can control the car in slow-moving traffic.

The standard Leaf has that 148bhp electric motor which gets its energy from a 40kWh battery while the longer range e+ has a 62kWh battery.

Every Leaf also comes with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection as standard along with blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Other standard kit on our Shiro version includes smart 17” alloy wheels, power fold mirrors, LED running lights at the front and tail lights, rear privacy glass, heated seats all round and a heated steering wheel, front and rear USB ports, adaptive cruise control, an 8” central touch screen infotainment system and 360 degree cameras plus auto lights and wipers.

After a week with the Leaf I found that regular overnight charging kept it topped up and ready to go - I even got used to the e-pedal system, completing several journeys without even touching the brake pedal.

First introduced by Nissan in 2010 the Leaf was the world’s bestselling electric car until Tesla took that title a few years later but the recently refreshed Leaf remains one of the front runners in the electric vehicle market.

Our Shiro version with optional Artic While special paintwork is £28,790 on the road while a range-topping Tekna will cost you £31,995.

More info at www.nissan.co.uk

TOYOTA C-HR

IF you want to stand out from the small SUV crowd then here is the car for you!

Toyota have always been cutting edge with their designs but the 2024 C-HR really nails that stealthy something different look.

The first generation C-HR was introduced here in 2016 and has sold very well but for this second incarnation a complete makeover means more kit, even sharper styling and impressive performance.

Power train wise there are two full hybrid choices starting with a 138bhp 1.8 petrol engine then a 194bhp 2.0. Both come with a CVT automatic gearbox and our test 1.8 has a claimed mpg of up to 57.6.

All C-HRs are well-equipped. In entry-level Icon trim you get 17inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, reversing camera, LED headlights and seven-inch infotainment display. Toyota Safety Sense also comes as standard which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist plus road sign recognition.

Mid-range Design adds front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloys, heated front seats with power lumbar adjustment, wireless phone charging, rear-cross traffic alert, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The top Excel trim (our test car) gets 19-inch alloys, LED adaptive headlights, part artificial leather and suede upholstery, memory power driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof, 360-degree camera system, driver monitoring system and front cross-traffic alert.

Toyota C-HR is comfortable, easy to drive, super-frugal and should prove very reliable being a Toyota plus the styling really sets it apart from boxier competition.

There are four drive modes from Eco to Sport and our 1.8 can hit 62 in a respectable 10.2 seconds while the bigger engine version can do it in 8.4.

The C-HR has relatively soft suspension giving a comfortable ride at both motorway speeds and around town. Although it is an SUV the driving position is much more sports car like being lower and more enveloping – including a high center console which has the wireless phone charging pad and handy storage.

There are physical controls for air-conditioning and all versions have a reversing camera to help get around rear view issues with that striking coupe styling.

Parking sensors are an option on entry-level Icon trim while Design and above get front and rear sensors as standard. Icon trim has an 8in touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring and Cloud-based navigation.

All other trims have an upgraded 12.3in touchscreen high up on the dashboard and angled towards the driver for ease of use. Versions with the bigger screen also have built-in sat-nav and voice recognition.

You get a six-speaker stereo on most trim levels with a more powerful nine-speaker JBL sound system on our Excel model.

The C-HR feels reasonably plush inside and well screwed together with soft-touch plastics and suede-effect trim on the doors. Icon and Design models have seats trimmed in a fabric made from recycled bottles while that part suede-effect upholstery on our Excel model is made from 45 per cent old bottles.

You won’t have any issues with space in the front of the C-HR unless you’re well over six feet and thanks to its fairly wide interior you also won’t feel as though you’re rubbing shoulders with your front seat passenger.

Toyota says the fixed glass roof (on Excel and optional for Design) actually raises the height of the ceiling by 3cm plus it makes the interior feel more open and airy.

All C-HRs come with lots of safety kit including automatic emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring and road-sign assist plus lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlight assist.

While it is not the cheapest SUV Hybrid out there the C-HR does have lots of kit and style plus impressive frugality. The range starts from £31,290 up to our top spec Excel which is £38,150 on the road.

For more info see www.toyota.co.uk

For all the latest car tests see the motoring section of our website at www.50plusmagazine.co.uk/motors/

Established in 2016 we offer fantastic holidays in the UK and across Europe.

With fabulous excursions, quality hotel accommodation, executive coaches and top class tour drivers, a trip with AVA Travel is one to remember!

We also have a huge selection of UK day trips to suit every traveller.

AVA are committed to making the whole process of taking a holiday with us as easy and pain free as possible.

OVER 200 HOLIDAYS AND SHORT BREAKS TO CHOOSE FROM!

SCOTLAND’S FAR NORTH & PERTH

Embark on a journey through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and rich history on our Scotland’s Far North and Perth tour!

Tour Details:

SEVEN DAYS FROM£885

Explore the remote Castle of Mey, once home to the Queen Mother, and step back in time at Laidhay Croft Museum.

Experience the iconic John O’Groats and the breathtaking Orkney Islands. Finally, enjoy leisure time in historic Perth.

Book Now:

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of Scotland's far north!

Single Room Supplement

NORWEGIAN EXPLORER

Join us for a wonderful Norwegian adventure of Fjords, lakes, glaciers, and mountains on our magnificent Norwegian explorer tour!

Tour Details:

From the stunning Telemark region to the iconic Kviknes Hotel Balestrand on the Sognefjord, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes of fjords, lakes, glaciers, and mountains. Stay in historic hotels and create lasting memories on this magical journey.

Book Now:

Call the team on 01772 622222

DAYSTWELVEFROM

£1,999

DEPARTS 27.06.24

Single Room Supplement

CREAM OF THE COTSWOLDS THE KINGDOM OF KYNREN

Join us as we head to the 4-star Whitehouse Hotel in Worcester for our Cream of the Cotswold’s

Tour Details:

FIVE DAYS FROM£582 DEPARTS 08.07.24

Cruise the River Avon, indulge in a charming 1940s afternoon tea, and meander through the picturesque Cotswolds, known for its golden stone villages and lush countryside. Hop aboard a steam train for a nostalgic ride, visit Sudeley Castle's majestic grounds, and explore the National Memorial Arboretum and World of Wedgwood.

Book Now: Call the team on 01772 622222

Single Room Supplement £100pp

FROM £67

FROM £31 DEPARTS 23.06.24

FROM £32

Join us on an unforgettable journey to County Durham for a spectacular display of legends coming to life in the epic Kingdom of Kynren!

Witness 2,000 years of history, myth, and legend unfold before your eyes in a breathtaking outdoor theatre performance

Tour Details:

Experience the thrill of King Arthur's quest and immerse yourself in tales from history. This 5-star adventure will leave you spellbound! Plus, don't miss a visit to Beamish, the open-air museum showcasing life through the ages in Northeast England DEPARTS 02.08.24

Single Room Supplement £130pp

DAYSTHREEFROM £382

FROM £54

£199pp

£130pp

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.

About  Paddy...

Greyhound, Male, 4 years 3 months old

Paddy has come to us as a retired racing greyhound. He had been used for racing for about 6 months but due to a small injury on his pad he was retired. He has since had a small operation and is now fully recovered. He is a very happy, friendly boy who is always ready to go on adventures. He has quickly become a favourite with most of our dog walking volunteers and is always very excited to see them all. He has a high prey drive and can initially be quite strong on the lead but soon settles and after 5 minutes walks very well, He would not be suitable in a home with small animals due to his racing history. We don’t think Paddy has ever been around young children but is walked by volunteers with young children and has always been fine. We would advise children over 10 years who have lived with dogs before. Paddy has never lived with another dog before; we do mix with other lurchers, and he enjoys chasing them but he always has his muzzle on so he can be protective over his toys and food so he would be best as the only dog in his new home. Paddy is a happy bouncy boy who loves tennis balls, squeaky balls, treats and cuddles. He can’t wait to find a new home.

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

BREAST SCREENING

Saves lives through detecting cancer early

The National Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 – 70 every 3 years for a mammogram. Each GP Practice is screened in turn and all women registered with a GP will receive an invitation.

What happens when I reach 71?

Women over the age of 71 will not be sent an appointment automatically but they can self-refer for a mammogram every 3 years by contacting us.

What is breast screening?

Breast screening (or mammography) is an x-ray of the breast that is used to find any changes in the breast tissue that could be cancer, so they can be investigated early.

South Lancashire Breast Screening is your local service, covering Wigan, West Lancs and Chorley and South Ribble

01942 774713

bsuappointments@wwl.nhs.uk

www.wwl.nhs.uk/specialities/breast_screening

South Lancashire Breast Screening Unit

Why do I need to be screened?

1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their lives. Breast cancer is now the most common cause of cancer in women in this country.

Early detection saves lives

Most breast changes will not be cancer, but if cancer is found, the treatment needed will often be less intense and the chance of making a full recovery is much higher

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of survival