Wigan, Warrington & St Helens

WIGAN, WARRINGTON & ST HELENS AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012

| EDITION 36

Bernie

Nolan

BOUNCES BACK IN TRUE CHICAGO STYLE

Inside WELSH WONDERS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY THE BRINDLEY THEATRE CHESHIRE’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING VENUE THE HAIRY BIKERS TAKE A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO FOOD

Rick Stein SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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Outstanding care in a magnificent setting Vibrant village centre - Belong villages offer a range of amenities including bistro, hair and beauty salon, exercise studio, internet café and function rooms.

Expert nursing and dementia care - 24 hour care is delivered in

Visit your nearest Belong village to experience a radically different model of both housing and care.

family sized households by trained and qualified staff.

Actively chosen by older people who want the best for their lives, Belong’s award winning villages enable an active and independent lifestyle, while also being designed to support the needs of the most frail.

An award winning model • UK’s Healthcare Design Champion Building Better Healthcare Awards 2011

Modern apartments for independent living - One or two bedroom apartments are available for rent or purchase.

• Dementia Carer of the Year National Care Awards 2011

• Best Elderly Care Design Award Design & Health International Awards 2010

• Lifetime Achievement Award in Dementia Care UK Dementia Congress 2010

• Sunday Times Top 100 Best Places to Work 2010 • Bronze in Elderly Accommodation Council Awards 2010

Locations in Crewe, Macclesfield, Atherton and Wigan.

Supporting you in your own home - Belong also has a registered domiciliary care service, providing flexible, expert support to people in the community.

Your life, your pace, your way.

Call 0800 032 2266 to find out more or visit www.belong.org.uk

Belong sets the standard in dementia care Belong villages are operated by the CLS Care Services Group – a not-for-profit organisation with over thirty years’ experience in delivering outstanding care.

Its villages offer a purpose-built environment based on leading edge design to meet the needs of older people, particularly those with dementia. Belong villages are attracting national attention for their success in delivering a radically different model of both housing and care. For one, they have been designed around the needs of the very frail, typically 85 plus, sector of the population.

Embracing the community

From independent living to complex nursing care

Moreover, Belong’s support services are not restricted to those living within the village. Members of the community can be supported in their own home through the organisation’s registered domiciliary service, Belong at Home, or invited into the village to take advantage of Belong ‘Experience Days’ – a refreshing alternative to traditional day care.

Chief Executive, Nick Dykes, explains: “There are plenty of retirement villages out there for people over 55 who are able to lead reasonably active lives, but far fewer services designed for the growing population of frail older people.

“We had successfully pioneered a new ‘household’ model of care in our traditional care homes, but could not take this as far as we wanted because of the limitations of older buildings. In Belong, we were given a blank sheet of paper and were able to create mixed village communities that, for the first time, are able to accommodate the full spectrum of people’s needs.”

Residents can choose to live independently in village apartments, or enjoy a high level of support in the households. Even then, the level of support varies according to residents’ needs, from residential, through nursing to high dependency dementia care. The idea behind this is that villages should offer a home for life, with flexibility for residents to access different services should their needs change.

Leading edge design The design of the villages takes the lead from the needs of older people who live in them. Smaller households of around a dozen residents mean a family atmosphere can be created, and that residents are well understood and known to their carers.

Beyond this, strong links to other organisations have seen the village bring together a wide cross-section of the community, from toddler and baby groups through school teachers to memory clinics, creating a true sense of village life and, with it, opportunities for interaction with people of different ages and backgrounds.

Nick Dykes affirms the importance of this aspect. “One of the criticisms commonly levelled at retirement village type communities is that they are very insular. What we have been able to achieve in Belong is a more outward looking facility that has succeeded in bringing people in from the local community, whether just for a coffee or to join in activities on offer. Residents are equally flexible in the extent they choose to join in village life. Indeed, privacy and dignity are frequently cited amongst the best aspects of life in one of our villages.”

Responsible finances Behind the scenes, the CLS Group runs its operation on a financially sound but also ethical business model, generating the surplus that is required to ensure stability and security for residents. As a not for profit organisation, any surplus is reinvested into its services, people and facilities rather than benefiting private shareholders.

In particular, the open plan layout of these households supports easy orientation and ensures support workers are always visible to offer assistance in an unobtrusive way.

Residents have secure access to the outdoors from each household and can move freely in and out. At the same time, security is maintained between the households and village centre to ensure privacy within people’s own ‘homes’.

Village locations - Crewe • Macclesfield • Atherton • Wigan

GRAHAM SMITH TWITTERING ON WAITING FOR A PRINCESS! Joining a small crowd waiting to see the Princess Royal in Keighley I had to laugh at some of the comments as time ticked by and she did not emerge from the Civic Centre she was opening.

“I suppose she’s had her dinner, I’m on the wrong side of mine,” growled one elderly lady.

“Who does she think she is being so late, royalty?”, from one man.

5-7 10-11

22-23

inside...

TRAVEL & LEISURE 5-7 Welsh Wonders Outstanding natural beauty.

I was curious to see this much travelled, often criticised member of the Royal Family whose dog has a penchant for eating geese and who can be a bit nippy behind a steering wheel.

Security was tight for the only royal to have been close to being kidnapped some years ago. On the centre door were two local security people who collectively must have weighed 50 stone but when Anne’s exit was signalled they

12-13 The Brindley Theatre Cheshire’s multi-award winning venue.

INTERVIEW 10-11 Bernie Nolan talks to 50 Plus Magazine

FOOD & DRINK 16-17 The Hairy Bikers... ...Take a scientific approach to food.

22-23 Rick Stein Rick Stein shares his favourite dishes with us.

HEALTH

were dwarfed by her own security men, and women, one of whom could have been seven feet tall with a tell-tale bulge under his immaculately tailored suit jacket.

28-29 Sight Tests All you need to know.

Then there she was, initially wearing that so serious look she is known for but she kindly broke into a half grin and her eyes lit up as a lady beside me made a light hearted comment about how long she had been inside before leaping nimbly into the back of a Range Rover.

31 DK1 Dental Lab Express Denture Service.

She certainly has the “royal” look and for a woman slightly older than me, in her early 60s, she is still youthful.

McGrath Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594

“I’ve immensely enjoyed my trip to Yorkshire,” she said to us all.

We enjoyed having you Ma’am, but next time could you save us a sandwich if we have to wait so long?

e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com 4

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WELSH WONDERS The Gower

In 1956 The Gower (a peninsula in south Wales jutting from the coast into the Bristol Channel) was named the very first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in the UK by the Countryside Agency and it’s not hard to see why.

Its rugged coastline boasts some of the cleanest water in Europe and with the Gulf Stream keeping the water warm the Gower is a tempting place to take a dip. The

spectacular landscape also makes the Gower perfect for rambling walks, country cycling or even horse riding along the golden sands. Despite all this, the Gower has remained one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and is all the better for it.

GORGEOUS GOWER

Rhossili Visitors to the area should head straight for Rhossili, which has been described on numerous occasions as one of the best beaches in the UK, and even the world!

Rhossili is located at the most Western part of the Gower Peninsula.

The most photographed part of Gower, The Worms Head, stretches out to sea and becomes an island when the tide comes in. History buffs can investigate the wreck of the Helvetica, which ran aground in 1887. For the best panoramic views, walkers should head for the top of the Downs where they will be able to see for miles in each direction.The breathtaking view is completed by the long sandy beach and the towering cliffs and this makes it a popular destination throughout the year with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. However, Rhossili still manages to maintain its tranquillity and unspoilt beauty.

Back To Nature For those wanting to get back to nature, there are a number of companies that can get you on the right track. Dryad Bushcraft offers a range of courses in the art of bushcraft (learning to live in a wilderness environment). Courses include Wilderness Gourmet, www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Prehistoric Gower, Introduction to Bushcraft and Family Bushcraft. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

Village Life Amongst the Gower’s many other charms are its tiny fishing villages, from Llangennith to Horton. Perhaps the most well-known is The Mumbles, a delightful Victorian village with lovely views over Swansea Bay, boasting little boutique shops and a plethora of pubs and restaurants. Up on a hill overlooking the town is Oystermouth Castle, a picturesque and atmospheric 12th century castle that used to be the chief residence of the Lords of Gower and merges perfectly with the dramatic landscape. In fact, the area is so picturesque that Catherine Zeta Jones chose to build a house there not so long ago.

Bright Lights Nearby Swansea offers a vibrant nightlife, with the Wind Street area turning from a modern café quarter during the day to a party zone at night. The city is also home to Wales’s must see largest indoor market which is a huge and buzzing expanse selling cockles, lava bread and fresh Welsh cakes. Swansea city is also the birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas, (for information about his house then visit www.5cwmdonkindrive.com).

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T R AV E L

Eating and Drinking The Gower is spoilt for choice for quality when it comes to eating out locally but the Gower itself is limited to the number of establishments that it could viably sustain; however, Swansea certainly offers everything that you could hope for and all within driving distance.

Sleeping The rugged nature of the landscape is offset by The Gower’s many attractive places to stay ranging from one or two rooms in a family home to self-contained en-suite rooms with dining and sitting room facilities reserved especially for guests.

The Gower may only be 70 square miles but it seems vast. With its huge deserted beaches, isolated landscapes and tiny, pretty villages, the peninsula will envelop you – and you won’t want it to let go.

Snowdonia Lakes, castles and waterfalls create a surreal experience which could be right out of Lord of the Rings as you enter Snowdonia National Park. Located in north-western Wales, the national park was established in 1951, which made it the first national park in Wales - it covers 840 square miles! www. snowdonia.org.uk Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts are still to be found. The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, amongst other outdoor pursuits. It also features the magnificent Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft).

narrow gauge railway designed for use with steam locomotives. It was built to serve the slate industry but also carried passengers almost from the outset. The quarry closed in 1946, but the railway’s owner pledged to keep the line open for as long as he lived. He died in 1950, but the line was saved from closure by a group of enthusiasts who formed a preservation society (the world’s first) dedicated to safeguarding its future.

Riding The Footplate Whilst on the Talyllyn Railway and if you are very lucky, you can ride part of the way on the locomotive footplate - a sensational experience! Not wanting to disappoint, the Railway also offers members of the public the opportunity to drive one of its historic steam locomotives. For information see either: www.talyllyn.co.uk or www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

Picture Perfect The picturesque town of Barmouth rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia National Park.

Barmouth’s location lying between a mountain range and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages set on the side of a mountain. The harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river which can be an ideal spot for an evening stroll.

The beach is large and perfect for sunbathing; surfers can often be seen here depending on the swells and time of year. It also has a large range of shops, pubs, hotels and other accommodations including caravan parks. A funfair and amusement arcades are open from March to October.

Talyllyn Railway The Talyllyn Railway is one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, a group of Welsh narrow gauge railways which offers bargain travel through its Discount Card scheme.

The Talyllyn operates over 7 miles of 2ft 3in gauge track along the Fathew Valley from Tywyn Wharf near the coast of Cardigan Bay, to Nant Gwernol, three miles from the lake which gives the railway its name.

Much of the route is within the Snowdonia National Park, and leaflets are available detailing scenic walks from many of the stations.

The line opened in 1865 and still uses two of the original locomotives and coaching stock, in fact three of the locomotives are over a century old!

The Victorian train runs on Saturdays and offers the unique experience of travelling in the original coaches behind a Victorian locomotive. The line was the first 6

BEAUTIFUL BARMOUTH www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Eating and Drinking

Sleeping

The foodie scene in this area has come a long way in the last 20 years or so. The Snowdonia mountains and coast are bursting with quality local produce, from Welsh lamb and black beef to farmhouse cheeses and Dyfi salmon, not to mention the sensational seafood from the rich waters of Cardigan Bay. This freshly sourced and home-grown produce has helped transform bistros and fine dining restaurants, cafés and country inns throughout the region.

Snowdonia has a wide-range of hotels, B&B’s traditional or fashionable boutique, country houses or even campsites to satisfy even the most discriminating visitor, whether you choose to stay in Llanberis, Betwsy-Coed, Beddgelert, Abersoch, Harlech, or any of the other pretty towns and villages.

DON’T LEAVE WALES WITHOUT ...

hangs all ten toes over the nose of the board – easier said than done! For people fortunate enough to have their own equipment popular surfing spots include: Sumpters near Overton, Boilers Reef near Port Eynon or Pete’s Reef not far from Pilton, but for those who don’t or would like a ‘taster’ session, there are a number of companies who can hire boards and wetsuits, or provide you with more information

Hanging Ten On The Gower!

The Gower lends itself to a large range of water sports, such as surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Most of the beaches do NOT have a lifeguard, so don’t forget to stay safe and check the tides. Surfing is very popular in this area so whether you’re a novice or more advanced, try ‘hanging ten’ on the Gower - Hanging Ten is a difficult surfing maneuver when the surfer walks to the front of the board and

Try these websites:

www.samssurfshack.com or gowersurfing.com

GETTING AROUND...

By Rail As previously mentioned, there are a large number of local steam railways, rescued by railway enthusiasts during the Beeching era, known collectively as The Great Little Trains of Wales. Passport tickets are available, giving access to all the railways for the whole season (email addresses supplied above).

By Road Many of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather.

The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales www.traffic-wales.com

Climate Wales has a temperate climate, which means, like the rest of the UK, it never really gets very hot and never gets really cold. The best times to visit is during the summer months. May, June, July and August are generally the sunniest and driest months. During the winter it can rain frequently, but temperatures rarely drop below zero. They’re normally between five and seven degrees. A raincoat and a thick jumper will usually cope with the worst that the Welsh weather has to offer!

WHY NOT TRY SOME SURFING?

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H O L I D AY S

& T R AV E L

2012 2nd EDITION BROCHURE OUT NOW INCLUDING EARLY 2013 TOURS

Memory Lane is a well established coach company offering a high level of service. Our tour programme offers a wide range of UK and Continental Tours to many destinations and represent good value for money. All our Tour coaches are air conditioned for your comfort and most tours include admission with hot and cold drinks available.

Our Diner Coaches offer extra leg room as they are full size vehicles. The on board hostess will offer Morning Coffee and Lunch on touring days. All service and coaches are of the highest quality.

British & Continental Holidays & Short Breaks Date 05 Aug 20 Aug 26 Aug 01 Sep 02 Sep 06 Sep 09 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep 28 Sep 01 Oct 01 Oct 05 Oct 05 Oct 07 Oct 08 Oct 08 Oct 12 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 21 Oct 26 Oct 28 Oct 29 Oct 05 Nov 08 Nov 09 Nov

Destination Jersey By Air - Battle of the Flowers Cornwall St Agnes Dunoon Eastbourne Torquay Angers - The Accroche- Coeurs Fest’ Bournemouth Isle Of Wight Dordogne, France Northumberland Blackpool Llandudno Somerset Blairgowrie Jersey By Air Blackpool Bude Torbay Madeira by Air Cumbria - Gilsland Line Dance Criccieth Bowness on Windermere Looe Torquay Tenby Minehead Bournemouth Paignton Cumbria

Days 8HB 6HB 6HB 8HB 6HB 3BB 6HB 8HB 8HB 6HB 5HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 6HB 4HB 6HB 7HB 8HB 3FB 5HB 5HB 6HB 4HB 5FB 5HB 5HB 5HB 4HB

Hotel Jersey by Air, Mayfair Rosemundy House Esplanade Hotel Haddon Hall Hotel Corbyn Head Hotel Mercure Anges Centre Fuch Hinton Firs Hotel Burlington Hotel Royal Vezere, Le Bugue Victoria Hotel Park House Hotel Queens Hotel Cricket St Thomas Angus Hotel Mayfair Hotel Park House Hotel Hartland Hotel Seabury Hotel Baia Azul Hotel Gilsland Spa Lion, Rolling Back Yrs Burnside Hotel Hannafore Point Kistor Belgrave All inclusive Beach Hotel Hinton Turkey/Tinsel Marine Gilsland

Price £599 £376 £395 £399 £419 £299 £379 £399 £685 £415 £249 £119 £395 £279 £445 £189 £399 £298 £769 £155 £259 £329 £395 £119 £269 £235 £279 £269 £199

Single NIL 25 40 NIL NIL 117 NIL NIL 180 NIL NIL 10 NIL 40 NIL NIL NIL NIL TBA 10 NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL 15

Diner Door to Door NO YES NO YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES NO YES NO YES YES YES NO YES NO NO NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES YES YES NO NO NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES

HEATH STREET, GOLBORNE, WARRINGTON WA3 3AD.

Date 09 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 23 Nov 30 Nov 30 Nov 03 Dec 04 Dec 10 Dec 10 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 24 Dec 30 Dec 30 Dec

Destination London Torquay Cumbria Norwich Thursford Llandudno Edinburgh Xmas Mkt Rochester Xmas Mkt Norwich Thursford Folkestone Ostend Xmas Markets Christmas in Dumfries Christmas In Cumbria Christmas in Llandudno New Year in Cumbria New Year in Dumfries

Early Breaks 2013 07 Jan Llandudno 14 Jan Bournemouth 21 Jan Torquay 08 Feb Gilsland Spa- Cumbria 11 Feb Gilsland Spa- Cumbria 11 Feb Folkestone 18 Feb Torquay 22 Feb Blackpool 03 Mar Paignton 15 Mar Blackpool 18 Mar Torquay 24 Mar Bournemouth 30 Mar Paris 15 Apr Minehead

Days 3HB 5HB 5HB 3HB 4HB 3HB 5HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 5HB 4SMA 5FB 4SMA 4SMA

Hotel Ramada Encore London West Kistor Gilsland Spa Hotel Thursford Spectacular Queens Festive Sparkle BW Kings Manor Incl a day in LONDON Thursford Spectacular Grand Burstin 99p Bar Royal Astor Hotel Cairndale Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel Queens Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel Cairndale Hotel

Price £199 £214 £269 £199 £199 £149 £299 £199 £185 £284 £359 £399 £540 £359 £385

5HB 5HB 5HB 3HB 5HB 5HB 5HB 3HB 5HB 4HB 5HB 5HB 5HB 5HB

Queens Hotel Hinton Firs Hotel Kistor Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel Gilsland Spa Hotel Grand Burstin Hotel Kistor Hotel Park House Hotel Marine Hotel Park House Hotel Kistor Hotel Hinton Firs Hotel CroisiEuropes Floating Hotel Beach Hotel

£159 £179 £119 £145 £179 £159 £148 £109 £179 £149 £155 £228 £399 £209

Single 85 NIL 20 50 10 40 75 50 NIL 25 60 15 15 25 60

Diner Door to Door NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES NO YES

NIL NO NIL NO NIL NO NIL NO 20 NO NIL NO NIL NO NIL NO NIL NO NIL NO NIL NO DAY NEW EX NIL L EA CURNO SION T NOW FLENO 125 OUNO T NIL

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

Summer Day Excursion Leaflet OUT NOW! visit our website our call into the office for your copy

EXTRA TOURS

RHINE VALLEY, BOPPARD and the Winefest 23rd-28th Sept 6 day tour By Coach and North Sea Ferries Great value for money at £390.00 Single Room & cabin is £75 BOPPARD is known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ and lives up to its name.

There is a busy shopping area, where most of the shopkeepers speak English. There are the remains of the Roman City of Bordabrica which stood here before modern Boppard. Also the famous Sessel lift which takes you to the top of the Gorge and magnificent VierBlick Scene, with the river and its boat traffic, or sit in on the waterfront terrace with a leisurely drink.

Tour Price Includes: l All Coach Travel and excursions l Three nights dinner B & B at The Rhinelust Hotel, located on The Banks of THE RHINE l All rooms are ensuite l Most meals are Buffet Style l Two nights dinner Bed & Breakfast l Services of Professional Driver & Courier

Spend Christmas at the fabulous 3 star Cairndale Hotel in the centre of Dumfries, 23rd December 5 days/4 nights With entertainment and day excursions, great value at just £359, door to door, SRS £59.

( 01942 728960 www.memorylanetravel.co.uk

I N T E RV I E W

Bernie bounces back in true Chicago style

B

ernie Nolan has taken on the pivotal role of Mama Morton in multi awardwinning musical ‘Chicago’ this year.

In 2009, the singer and actress played the fairy godmother at Manchester Opera House, following on The Nolans’ reunion tour which proved a spectacular success and filled arenas around the UK. But between then and now, Bernie, aged 51, has fought a dramatic battle against breast cancer which saw her having to have a mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

In true showbiz style, Bernie has bounced back from this traumatic time to entertain us once more. All of which is no surprise when you consider her strong family background, and the way she has lived much of her life in the spotlight.

Bernadette Therese Nolan came from an Irish family, the second youngest of eight children, and was brought up in Blackpool. Showbiz was in her blood and her sisters, brothers and parents would often perform in clubs and pubs around the resort.

It was when Bernie teamed up with four of her sisters, however, as The Nolans that fame and success finally came their way. The pretty, harmonious pop group sold millions of records worldwide in the ‘80s and ‘90s including more than nine million albums.

They had chart hits like ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’ and were regular guests on some of the top TV shows of the time. Their appeal – apart from singable, danceable hits – was their wholesome niceness and visual charm, which proved a pleasant antidote to the extreme vagaries of the pop scene.

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Bernie had one of the strongest voices in the group, but when she first tried her hand at acting she showed that she also had talent in this direction. She became a presenter on BBC Saturday morning children’s show ‘On The Waterfront’ , and pleasantly surprised critics by her gift for comedy and the ability to laugh at herself.

In 1993, she appeared in the stage play ‘The Devil Rides Out’, and left The Nolans in 1994 to pursue a solo career, scoring solo hits and an album ‘All By Myself.’ She also had noteable success in the Willy Russell musical ‘Blood Brothers’ which brought her to the attention of TV bosses, and in 2000 she joined the cast of popular Liverpool soap ‘Brookside’ as Diane Murray.

Bernie played this role successfully for two years before leaving to play Sheelagh Murphy in ITV’s iconic police drama series ‘The Bill’ where she was given several strong storylines. Her character proved popular and, although she left in 2005, the door was left open for her character’s return.

In 2006, she took part in the Channel 4 series ‘The Games, raising funds for Alzheimer’s and children’s charities, and the following year starred in the play ‘Mum’s The Word’. During the summer, she appeared at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre in ‘Soap Queens’ , enhancing her reputation as a reliable stage star when she went on to play Hannah Owens in ‘Flashdance The Musical.’

The Nolan family had already been affected by cancer previously: sister Anne had breast cancer in 2000 and Linda suffered from the disease in 2006. However, little could really have prepared Bernie for her own breast cancer diagnosis in April, 2010.

As she recalls: “The day I found out, I cried my eyes out for about two or three minutes with my husband, Steve.

After that, I didn’t cry again the whole way through my treatment.

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“ At the very beginning, though, it’s important to let out every feeling you’ve got. Cry, scream, shout, do whatever you want because it’s one of the biggest things that will ever happen to you.”

As a strong woman, however, Bernie very quickly adopted a positive attitude. “I thought ‘ there’s no way I’m going to die from this’. Once you make that decision, you can get on BY PRESENTED BYARLENE ARLENE PHILLIPS with&beating it. From thePRESENTED start, it’s a case of taking PHILLIPS things DBERG LDBERG & AND ADAM SPIEGEL AND ADAM SPIEGEL one day at a time.

AINMENT

TAINMENT

NT

NG G

Don’t worry about what’s coming up in two weeks’ time.

Deal with today, you’ve got enough on your plate.”

Inevitably, though, there were terrible times. One of the ©© worst for Bernie was telling her children. “I was diagnosed a week before my daughter Erin’s 11th birthday and we didn’t want to tell her until that was over. But kids aren’t daft – she knew something wasn’t quite right,” she recalls.

ALI BASTIAN TUPELE DORGU

STEFAN STEFAN BOOTH BOOTH BERNIE BERNIE NOLAN NOLAN

‘So we just sat her down and told her the truth. She knew about cancer because of Anne’s and Linda’s experience and she knew they were OK, which helped. Erin asked if I was going to die. I told her no and then she asked me if the lump was big. Again, I said no, and explained they’d found it early. One little tear ran down her cheek and she accepted it.’

Bernie had great support from her large family, and especially from her husband Steve in spite of the understandable initial shock and fears for the future. Much of the optimism surrounding Bernie, however, emanated from herself. When her hair fell out from the treatment, she didn’t hide but spoke out publicly about the problem and campaigned for early diagnosis and better understanding of the disease.

BLACK LACK STARKE STARKE

She believes in check-ups and self-awareness in the battle against cancer, and has a practical approach to the disease itself. “You’ve got to take every bit of support you’re offered, whether that’s from the doctors, your family or friends,” STARRING she insists. “And, take it from me, none of it is as scary as it STARRING sounds. I wouldn’t lie.”

VINCENT SIMONE VINCENT SIMONE FLAVIA CACACE Given that strength and determination, it’s logical that & &FLAVIA CACACE she has now returned to the stage and performing, and

SAT 2 JUN MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN is reportedly “excited” about her role in one of the most AT 2 JUN MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN enduringly successful hit musicals of recent times.

‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST ‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST SHOW ON THE BLOCK’ SHOW ON THE BLOCK’ THE TIMES THE TIMES

MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL

T

Book Tickets

In fact, Bernie has followed the advice 0844 871 7627 of one of The Nolans’ biggest hits * * Check the website for other dates and venues “Gotta Pull Myself Together”. And in www.chicagothemusical.co.uk 2012 she *BOOKING FEES APPLY (MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM) is certainly one together lady!

*BOOKING FEES APPLY (MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM)

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/live atgtickets.com/live 0844 871 3017 Angela Kelly www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1BG www.thebrindley.org.uk BOX OFFICE 0151 907 8360

Cheshire’s multi-award winning venue Tues 25 – Thurs 27 Sept | 2pm Tues & Thurs, 2pm & 7pm Wed | Theatre | £9 Timeless presents

Rolling Back The Years Another sensational show from the producers of 'Memory Lane'' and ‘All our Yesterdays’. Featuring tributes to Glen Miller, Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and more plus some of the greatest movies and musical numbers.

Along with stunning costumes and the brilliant ‘Memory Lane’ dancers.

Wed 3 Oct | 8pm | Theatre | £22

Joe Brown Joe, with his five piece band including his son and record producer Pete Brown, will be playing timeless classics, rockabilly, gospel, country, folk, and rock ‘n’ roll, all interwoven with Joe’s effervescent delivery and humorous reminiscences this sensational show is a musical journey. www.joebrown.co.uk Thurs 4 Oct | 8pm | Theatre | £17

Ralph McTell One of music’s great storytellers. Ralph is now celebrating 30 years on the road. Known for his virtuoso guitar style, he is primarily a prolific and gifted songwriter known for such classics as Street of London’ which earned him an Ivor Novello Award. www.ralphmctell.co.uk Fri 5 Oct | 8pm | Theatre | £18, £16

Heart to Heart: An Evening of Classic Love Songs Hosted by and featuring current member of The Drifters Michael Williams. Some of the most classic love songs of all time, delivered by a phenomenal vocalist. Features Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and You Can’t Hurry Love through to ballads such as All Out Of Love, and I Can’tMake You Love Me. Sat 6 Oct | 8pm | Theatre | £17, group discount:: 1 in 10 free

Solid Gold Country Legends Two hours of the greatest country music. Form the 12 classics of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and

Tammy Wynette to the present day stars including Garth Brooks, Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift to name a few.

Join us for a hand clapping, foot stompin’ night of great entertainment.

Tues 30 Oct | 7.30pm | Theatre | £16

An Evening with Ann Widdecombe The former Shadow Home Secretary will reveal what life is really like as an MP, a judge and former contestant in ITV's Celebrity Fit Club and Strictly Come Dancing. She will also be taking questions from the audience. She will be joined by political journalist and author Iain Campbell Dale.

Wed 31 Oct | 8pm | Theatre | £15

Paul Zerdin – Puppet Master With more than three million hits on YouTube, the internationally acclaimed ventriloquist returns to the live arena with Puppet Master, an exhilarating new show, jam-packed with surprises, twists and turns. Audiences will soon realise that it’s not just the puppets he’s controlling and will begin to wonder just who’s pulling their strings!

Fri 2 Nov | 7.30pm | Theatre | £17.50

Katy Setterfield as Dusty Springfield Winner of BBC TV’s prime-time show The One And Only, Katy performs her Dusty Springfield solo show featuring You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, Son Of A Preacher Man and I Only Want To Be With You. She will also perform tracks from her ew album Katy with her exceptional band and singers.

Sat 3 Nov | 7.30pm | Theatre | £16

Cannon & Ball with special guest Stu Francis One of Britain’s funniest and most successful double acts. In a career spanning over 45 years they have achieved a string of honours that includes them alongside the all time greats of show business. They are still enjoying every minute and are looking forward to entertaining for many years to www.50plusmagazine.co.uk come!

URN: 001013AAC

Tues 13 Nov | 7.30pm | Theatre | £18

Celtic Dream The show takes audiences on a breath taking journey of music, song and dance with a mixture of traditional and modern songs. Astoundingly choreographed dance routines and a touch of the old Irish ‘Craic’, will leave you mesmerised and wanting more and more of the ultimate Irish experience.

Fri 16 Nov | 8pm | Theatre | £19.50

Abbamania Widely regarded as one of Europe’s Premier ABBA tribute Bands. Re-Live the memories of ABBA, the wonderful catchy melodies and lyrics, that have sold Millions of records Worldwide. They and will have you dancing in the aisles with two hours of pure…. ABBA Wed 21 Nov | 7.30pm | Theatre | £21

Max Boyce and Special Guests Max Boyce is a Welsh icon. His albums have sold in their millions and subsequently he has been awarded six gold discs and an MBE. His album Doctors Papers is the first and only comedy album ever to get to number one.

Don’t miss this concert so you can say “I Was There!”

Fri 30 Nov | 7.30pm | Theatre | £14 Ballet Theatre UK presents

A Christmas Carol The perfect way to get you into the Christmas spirit. This beautiful production of Dickens classic combines traditional ballet with captivating theatre, a glorious classical score and beautiful hand crafted costumes and sets. Ideal for fans of dance and those experiencing it for the first time.

Fri 14 Dec 2012 – Sun 8 Jan 2013 Principal Productions present

Jack and the Beanstalk Starring Bruno Langley from Coronation Street as Jack Ticket Prices Children £11.50 Adult £17.50 Adult Conc £16.50 Groups 20 plus: One adult in 20 free Schools £8 (One teacher per 20 students goes free) Show Schedule: DECEMBER Fri 14 Sat 15 Mon 17 – Thurs 20 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Thurs 27 & Fri 28 Sat 29 Sun 30 Mon 31 JANUARY Wed 2 – Fri 4 Sat 5 Tues 8 – Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun 13

1.30pm & 7pm 2pm & 7pm 10am & 1.30pm 1pm & 5pm 2pm 1pm 2pm & 7pm 1pm & 5pm 2pm 1pm 2pm & 7pm 1pm & 5pm 10am & 1.30pm 2pm & 7pm 1pm & 5pm

Fri 28 Dec 7pm - Captioned performance Sat 5 Jan 5pm & Tues 8 Jan 1.30pm - Audio Described Performances

We are fully accessible including Wheelchair spaces, Audio described and Captioned performances

13 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Only 25 mins from Chester, 20 mins from Liverpool, 30 mins from Manchester. Good Road and Rail links. FREE PARKING

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THE

HAIRY BIKERS

take a scientific approach to food

Dave Myers and Simon King alias The Hairy Bikers were in the middle of a regime of diet and exercise when we chatted, recalls Angela Kelly Yes, sorry, I know you’ll probably have to read that sentence again. Those two well-covered foodies? Diet?

Exercise?

Fear not. It’s all in the cause of a new cookery book about dieting and Dave and Simon had thrown themselves into both food and exercise regimes with the kind of enthusiasm they normally reserve for a piece of garlic-dripping Italian foccaccia bread or a couple of their favourite beers.

“Yes, I know,” explains Simon, the blonde Geordie member of the famous chef duo. “It doesn’t sound like us, but obesity is a real problem in this country at the moment, hen, and we’re just trying to help.”

As a result, Simon, aged 45, had been hitting the gym regularly – “and it’s working. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve lost because I’ve got some dodgy scales that say 20 stone 5lb one minute and 14 stone 8lb the next, but I know I can get into some jeans I couldn’t before. Mind you, I’m still a fat lad!” he roars familiarly.

Dave, at 55, sounds like he’s taken a more scientific 16

approach to the subject. He’s lost a stone and a half, has taken up boxing but still manages to sound incredulous when he says :”Do y’know, I’m actually enjoying the sessions.”

You might be forgiven for not putting “weight-loss” and “The Hairy Bikers” in the same sentence because the likeable lads have spent the past eight years showing us what fun food can be – both making it and eating it.

They’ve travelled around the UK and across the globe gathering culinary experiences and footage for their TV series, astride some seriously large motorbikes.

Their trademark has been making new friends via food, cooking in people’s homes and generally acting as brilliant ambassadors for the best dishes that people can make for themselves.

“The new cookery book will still be about food, though,” states Dave, the darker, bespectacled one.

“It’s just that we’ll be showing good food that you can easily make with fewer calories in it so it won’t put too much weight on.”

The two are speaking ahead of their new country-wide tour that starts in September and takes in 41 venues over the next three months, from Barrow in Furness to Bolton and Lowestoft to Liverpool. It’s their first live tour since their last sell-out tour two years ago, and it sounds like their usual eclectic mix of fun, socialising and, er, some cooking.

“It’s definitely not going to be two blokes on a sofa

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

INTERVIEW talking about food,” laughs Dave. “There’s loads going on. We’re having strip tombola and an escapologist – oh, and we’ll be doing the tango. We’ll also have a couple of people from the audience having a meal with wine and beer on the stage with us. We love that, and so do they!”

In fact, Dave and Simon love most things about their lives currently, although it wasn’t always as easy or straightforward. Both grew up with ailing parents: Dave’s mum had Multiple Sclerosis and Simon’s Dad was on kidney dialysis.

For Dave, who was born when his father was 55, his earliest memory of cooking is when he was around eight helping his mum bake bread, simple fruit scones and a Victoria sponge.

As an older dad, his father was able to spend plenty of time with Dave, although from around the age of 13 it was Dave who did the bulk of the cooking at home. He later went to art school “but I was a better cook than an artist,” he recalls.

It was when he became a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and was working on the set of a Catherine Cookson TV drama that he met Simon, then a first assistant director and locations’ manager. The two shared a love of bikes and food, began cooking together – and a legend was born.

Simon’s first foodie memory is of making sandwiches, strangely enough “with the crusts taken off and cut into little triangles”, when he was about six and helping in the kitchen. “But most of the time I was just off out scrambling about, no time to cook!” he says, with that gentle rumbling roar of laughter bubbling up.

Their first programmes for the BBC eight years ago were more travelogue than cookery show, but the emphasis gradually changed to the enjoyable format that has attracted so many viewers today.

They’ve also sold millions of cookery books linked to the series, and now earned themselves a BAFTA nomination for their Meals on Wheels programmes.

These highlighted the vital visiting service to the elderly, and they also tried – successfully - to put the emphasis back on regular freshly-cooked meals for them.

They’re both delighted about the nomination and, Simon insists, they hope the subject will continue to catch the public imagination because it’s an important one. “In the series, it wasn’t Dave and I who were the stars of the show but all these marvellous older people,” he insists.

“They’ve got the most wonderful cookery knowledge themselves. It’s so important for older people to keep on cooking good food like they always did, and share their skills with their grandchildren to keep these going and become a real legacy.”

The two Northerners and their easygoing style has already been credited with tickling taste-buds at home and abroad, whether that’s sampling breads in Poland or guzzling nougat in the French town of Montelimar.

But it’s plain they are genuinely passionate about all that’s best in food and sharing the enthusiasm to create it. Although the new cookery book has a dietary theme, food enjoyment as always comes first. “We’ll be doing dishes like a really tasty cassoulet and a great Masala Spatchcock Chicken,” states Dave.

As for the problematic weight-loss, they’re both confident they can lead this new campaign trimly from the front. “Well,” adds Simon, “If God is good and he keeps me off the brown ale!”

For details of tour dates and venues go to www.hairybikers.com

Fitness YOUR WAY Why Keep Physically Active?

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something for everyone ...

With over 30 shops and businesses including gift shops, traditional sweet shops, florists and jewellers, The Farmer's Market and Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate is a unique retail and leisure destination with something for everyone.

Located in the picturesque village of Heskin, off the B5250, and just five minutes from junction 27 of the M6 close to Camelot Theme Park there is easy access for everyone.

With free parking and free entry it's your perfect destination for a fabulous day out, The Two Birds licensed Tea Room provides an excellent opportunity for refreshments, offering a range of home made food, soups and daily specials, made from the finest locally sourced produce from within the centre. So why not grab a bite to eat and enjoy a special coffee or hot chocolate with brandy by the cosy wood-burner?

Opening Times Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm & Bank Holidays

FREE PARKING & ENTRY Finalist for Business Woman of the Year & Most Inspiring Business of the Year 2012

Farmers Market & Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate, Heskin, Chorley PR7 5PA

Now Open - Arts & Crafts Studio with various classes available and a drop your children off while you shop facility

Rolex, high class diamonds, plus various costume jewellery to suit all We now have: Stressless Beauty salon Hair by Adele - hairdressers Four shops of various styles of ladies clothing Purses, handbags, gloves.

Gents clothing and gifts for men - The Loft Global Interiors - large selection of hand made oak furniture Equestrian clothing Local farmed fruit and vegetables Local farmed meat - water buffalo - low cholesterol, venison when available and lots of great cuts and ready prepared meals Deli Vernal at Heskin - new deli all local products

The butcher’s shop presents a daily supply of locallyfarmed meat, grass fed and reared on our own estate for true freshness. We offer the best joints and fillets, a hand -made range of traditional and a variety of sausages and burgers including the virtually fat-free Buffalo Burger a signature special plus daily prepared stir-fries and meal ideas.

We have a delectable deli with an excellent range of cheeses, cold meats, Mediterranean accompaniments, and home cooked take home meals. You will also find a fantastic variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables and a fabulous florist.

Your shopping and leisure experience is enhanced by a full range of retailers, craft businesses, beauty therapies and the regionally renowned Hepplestone Fine Art Gallery.

Angela and Sarah Look Forward To Welcoming You! Blackpool M55

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Situated only five minutes from junction 27 off the M6 and very close to Bygone Times, Camelot, Park Hall and Heskin Hall, the Farmers Market & Craft Centre hold regular events throughout the year.

Limited units available.

Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: info@heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk 21 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Various events throughout the year check our website: www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

FO O D

&

D RI NK

Rick Stein's French Odyssey Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that.

I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

SERVES 4

French Onion Soup

60 g butter

Heat the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the onions, garlic and sugar and cook over a medium heat, stirring regularly, for 2530 minutes until the onions are really soft and well caramelized.

1 kg onions, halved and thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 teaspoons caster sugar 300 ml dry white wine 1.5 litres Beef stock, browned Bouquest garni of bay leaves, thyme and parsley stalks 4 x 2.5-cm-thick slices French bread 225 g Gruyére or Comté cheese, coarsely grated Salt and freshly ground black pepper 22

Add the wine and leave to simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half.

Add the beef stock and bouquet garni, cover and leave the soup to simmer for at least another 30 minutes. Then remove and discard the bouquet garni, and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the over to 150oC/Gas Mark 2. Place the slices of bread onto a baking tray and leave them for 30 minutes to dry out but not get at all brown. Then remove the tray and increase the oven temperature to 220oC/Gas Mark 7.

To serve, place a slice of bread into the bottom of each of 4 deep ovenproof soup bowls and ladle the soup on top, making sure the onions and stock are distributed evenly. Cover the top of the soup thickly with the grated cheese, place the bowls onto a sturdy baking tray and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. You can also place them under a hot grill for 5 minutes if you prefer or are short of time. This soup should be served scalding hot.

SERVES 4 4 trout, each weighing about 300g 40g butter 60g rindless streaky bacon, chopped 175g fresh ceps, trimmed and cut into 4-mm-thick slices 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley 25g plain flour 2 tablespoons sunflower oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE BEURRE NOISETTE: 75g unsalted butter 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 heaped tablespoon chopped parsley

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon First you need to remove the bones from the fish. To do this, remove the head of each one, and then, working with one fish at a time, start to cut the top fillet away from the bones until you can get the whole blade underneath the fillet. Then rest a hand on top of the fish and cut the rest of the fillet away from the bones until you are about 2.5cm away from the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. Then pull back the top fillet and snip out the backbone, close to the tail, with scissors. The fillets will still be attached at the tail. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Melt the butter in a large frying pan and as soon as it is foaming, add the bacon and fry briefly until lightly coloured. Add the sliced ceps and the garlic and toss over a medium-high heat for 1 minute until lightly cooked. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

Lay the prepared trout on a chopping board and pull back the top fillet of each one.

Season the outside of each fish with a little more salt and pepper, then dredge with the flour and pat off the excess. Heat the sunflower oil in one very large or 2 slightly smaller frying pans over a moderate heat. Add the fish and fry for 21/2 minutes without moving them until nicely golden. Carefully turn the fish over and cook for another 21/2 minutes, until golden brown on the second side and cooked through. Lift the fish onto warmed plates.

Discard the frying oil (from one of the pans if using two) and wipe the pan clean. Add the butter for the beurre noisette and allow it to melt over a moderate heat. As soon as the butter starts to smell nutty and turns light brown, add the lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Pour some of the butter over each fish and serve.

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Changes To NHS Funded Care Primary Care Trusts (PCT) currently have responsibility

With recent surveys indicating the average length of

for assessment and decision making for NHS

stay for residents in care at 4 years, at an average cost

Continuing Health Care (CHC) provision. Subject to

of care at ÂŁ540 a week, it means those requiring care

the passage of the Health and Social Care Bill, the

will pay in the region of ÂŁ112,000 in fees. Very often

statutory responsibility for CHC will transfer to clinical

the cost of care means savings quickly reduce and the

commissioning groups (CCGs). This is being used as

family home has to be sold in order to meet costs.

an opportunity to close down retrospective claims for care which was wrongly charged.

CHC funding is a complex area of law and requires specialist advice. Dawn Joughin and her team at

As of 30th September this year, it will no longer be

Merseyside law firm, Canter Levin & Berg work with

possible to claim for care provided prior to 31st March

families to review their situation, and if there is a case

2011.

for funding by the NHS take forward their claim on a

Is your loved one paying for care that should be funded by the NHS?

no win no fee basis. They can also assist with funding going forward, and reclaim fees that by right should not have been paid out. In many cases recovering monies for families, after the resident in care has

Individuals with a primary health care need are entitled

passed away. Claims may be brought on behalf of

to receive Continuing Health Care Funding by the NHS.

a resident by an attorney, close family member, or

Whilst there is no legal definition of a healthcare need

executor of an estate.

in the context of NHS continuing healthcare, in general terms it can be said that such a need is one related to the treatment, control or prevention of a disease, illness, injury or disability, and the care or aftercare of a person with these needs (whether or not the tasks involved have to be carried out by a healthcare

If you believe a member of your family is entitled to NHS funding they are not receiving, contact Dawn Joughin or her colleague Krystal Lewis at Canter Levin & Berg on 0844 335 2905. There is only a limited time to make claims for CHC funding claims.

professional).

26

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CARE HOME NHS REFUNDS! It is estimated that about two thirds of the 150,000 in nursing homes who pay for their own care should be funded by the NHS that's around 100,000 paying unnecessarily

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We can also help you save on inheritance tax by guiding you through the most tax efficient methods of estate planning and the writing of a will which ensures that your estate passes to those you intend to receive it.

pay for care. Others included a refund of £130,000 because the NHS deemed the problems ‘social’ rather than ‘health’ related.

If you feel that you have been incorrectly charged, speak to one of our specialists on:

0844 875 6200

You could claim a refund for fees paid for care that should have been provided free!

Our experience makes yours better www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

27

Q&A About Sight Tests 1. I can see fine, why do I need a sight test?

Many eye conditions do not have symptoms in their early stages. If detected early enough, many can be treated and blindness can be avoided.

It is easy to think that your eyesight is fine, because you have nothing to compare it against. A sight test does not just assess how well you can see, it also looks for diseases that can be diagnosed through a sight test. Some eye conditions resulting in sight loss are symptomless. Glaucoma has no symptoms until it is very advanced, so without a sight test you could have lost part of the visual field in one eye but not have noticed. Diabetic retinopathy is also symptomless in the initial stages, but can lead to total vision loss. Equally, the first time some people know they have a brain tumour or high blood pressure is through a sight test.

Optometrists are health professionals who can improve your quality of life by prescribing spectacles or by detecting the early signs of an eye condition that could lead to sight loss. Through early detection, the condition can be treatable.

Your optometrist will give you individual advice on how often to visit.

4. How much does a sight test cost?

Many people qualify for a free sight test and help with the cost of spectacles/lenses on the NHS. An average sight test costs in the region of £25 but shop around, as the cost varies greatly.

5. Could I (or my children) be exempt from paying for sight tests?

In England, Northern Ireland & Wales you qualify for a free NHS sight test if you are:

2. Which diseases can be detected through a sight test?

Regular sight tests can diagnose more serious problems.

Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and in some cases brain tumours and high blood pressure can be detected through a sight test. Sometimes, the first time people are aware they have a brain tumour is when it is detected through a sight test. However, if a sight test doesn’t pick up a condition, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have it.

3. How often should I have a sight test?

Regular sight tests are still important even if you don’t wear spectacles or lenses. They are a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s health routine. Adults should see an optometrist every two years. Some people may need to go more frequently.

These include: • Those over 70 • People with a history of eye conditions in their family • People over 40 of Afro-Carribean or Asian origin • Those who wear contact lenses should go every six months so the surfaces of the eyes can be checked.

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• Aged under 16 • Aged up to 18 in full-time education • Aged over 60 • Aged over 40 with a relative with glaucoma • A diabetes or glaucoma sufferer • Claiming benefit (i.e. Income Support, Income- based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit) • Receiving Tax Credits (in some cases) • On a low income and named on a valid HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate If you are entitled to an NHS sight test and are unable to get to a high street opticians unaided, you are entitled to a free sight test at home.

6. How long does a standard sight test take and what does it involve?

20 – 25 minutes but it can take longer if further tests are needed. A standard sight test would include: • Checking if spectacles or contact lenses are needed • Checking the health of both the inside and the outside of the eye

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• Measuring the pressure of the fluid in the eye and examining the structures at the back of the eye • Plotting the visual field of the eyes (checking if there are any blind areas) • Optometrists also have a responsibility to report any non- ocular conditions they might see.

7. How often do I need to get my spectacles/ contact lenses prescription checked?

Adults should get their spectacles prescription checked by an optometrist every two years. People who wear contact lenses should go to the optometrist every six months so the surface of the eye can be checked. Your optometrist or dispensing optician might give you individual advice on how often to visit.

8. How does a home (domiciliary) sight test differ from a sight test at an optician?

A home sight test uses portable versions of the equipment that would be used at the optician’s practice. With domiciliary visits, the tests may be more adapted to personal circumstances, for example, the optometrist may take into account how far away your chair is from the television and adjust your prescription accordingly. They may also give advice about lighting.

9. What are the possible side effects of wearing the wrong prescription contact lenses / spectacles?

You will not be seeing at the optimum level. You may also get headaches and eye strain. If you adapt to the wrong prescription it may then be hard for an optometrist to get

you to adapt to the right prescription for you. For example, this can happen with readymade reading glasses as few people have the same prescription in both eyes.

10. What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases where the pressure of the fluid inside the eye is too high and damages the delicate structures at the back of the eye. The most common form of glaucoma has few or no symptoms in the early stages and can be quite advanced and have done a lot of damage before the sufferer is aware of it. Early detection through regular sight tests can prevent this.

11. What is macular degeneration?

The macula is the very sensitive area at the centre of the back of the eye that we use for our fine vision, reading, recognising faces etc. In some people, particularly with age, this area deteriorates causing a loss of central vision, this is called macular degeneration (AMD). There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. The wet type can cause damage very quickly, but there is treatment available if it is detected early.

The more common dry type progresses more slowly but there is no treatment available for this other than possible prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle.

At Richard Shaw Opticians in Warrington using the cutting edge technology obtained by the Zeiss i.Profiler equipment we can, in combination of your classic spectacle prescription and the iProfiler data, calculate and manufacture individualised i.Scription lenses leading to better vision. · Better night vision · Sharper contrast · Enhanced visual comfort · Reduced eye fatigue · Bright and richer colour vision

Neglected vision

Are you overlooking a chance for better vision?

An international study undertaken by Carl Zeiss in 5 countries with 5046 consumers showed that between 55 and 75% of people in Europe have their vision screened every 3+ years.

Thus, numerous spectacle wearers are and we invite you to make an appointment and visit our practice. Take wearing spectacles that do not have an advantage of this opportunity and up-to-date prescription and some people experience a "better vision" moment for who really need spectacles are not yourself. wearing them at all. For many patients this means that they are neglecting their vision, and they are not using their eyes efficiently. But better vision is possible.

Carl Zeiss has made the motto "Better Vision" its own. Today as in the past. In 1912 Carl Zeiss brought the first ZEISS precision spectacle lens, PUNKTAL®, to the market. The newly founded department "Opto" was established on its many years of experience in the optic and opto-electronics industries. Carl Zeiss itself was founded in 1846. And that's not all: with point-focal imagery ZEISS revolutionised the spectacle lens market.

Today we are pleased to be celebrating Better vision is possible. Get the most out of your vision with the right spectacle lenses.

"100 years of better vision" with ZEISS

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HEALTH

Complete Denture Service

Summary 1. Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream.

2. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultrasonically cleaned.

3. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible.

The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality. Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

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

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

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

5. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable.

This article was written by 50 Plus journalist Sheila Alcock.

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Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures

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

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement. At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional.

Denture construction is more art than science.

Choice of Dentures

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

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

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

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