Merseyside, Southport & Ormskirk issue 63

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EDITION 63 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2023

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s FREE TO PICK UP OR Theo Randall Harrison Ford TO READ ONLINE SHARES HIS PANTRY STAPLES A CREDIBLE HERO Lord of the www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Higlands Breast Screening TRAVEL THE LOCKS AND LOCHS

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SAVES LIVES

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks

229

from

GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS £

per person

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: Return coach travel (self-drive option available)

Comfy en suite accommodation

Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Request your brochure now!

Live nightly entertainment

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.

Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth Llandudno

Newquay

Blackpool

Lake District Scarborough Eastbourne

Weymouth

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

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

Price includes return coach travel from:

MS1 Pick-up:

Southport, Ainsdale, Formby, Crosby, Bootle, South Liverpool, Allerton, Woolton, Hunts Cross, Lymm Services.

MS2 Pick-up: Burscough, Ormskirk, St Helens, Widnes, Runcorn, Northwich, Middlewich, Sandbach Services.

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

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS ROUTE

PRICE

Call 01202 638 840

OCTOBER 20

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

MS1

£244

NOVEMBER 02

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

MS1

£259

06

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

MS2

£259

07

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

MS1

£254

11

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

MS2

£254

16

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

MS2

£249

17

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

MS1

£259

18

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

MS1

£229

21

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

MS1

£254

22

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

MS2

£229

23

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

MS1

£244

24

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

MS1

£269

26

Abbey Lawn Hotel – Torquay

5

MS2

£254

27

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

MS1

£239

27

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

MS2

£244

29

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

MS2

£249

Book online at www.daishs.com Quote

50PlusMS 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 2023/24.

If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Offer ends 30th November 2023

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 01202 638 840 or visit daishs.com

facebook.com/daishs

CONTENTS | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

WHEELCHAIRS LTD regain your independence

Established over 35 years

Your Local Mobility Store OPENING TIMES:

Monday till Friday 9.00am till 4.00pm Saturday - 10.00am till 1.00pm Sunday - CLOSED

Celebrity Feature HARRISON FORD - A CREDIBLE HERO

LLG Wheelchairs Ltd have been in the mobility business since 1983, offering a high quality service to our customers throughout the UK. We carry one of the largest stocks of new and used mobility scooters, powered wheelchairs and mobility accessories in the North West.

We don’t just sell wheelchairs and mobility scooters in Leigh – we can also supply small household mobility aids to stair lifts and everything in-between throughout the North West and the UK. Our after-sales customer care is second to none.

If you have a disability or mobility problem our aim is to help you to find the best solution, so why not contact us or call into our showroom. Our experienced staff are always happy to offer friendly and useful advice on the best mobility solution for your needs.

Twittering On

BY ANGELA KELLY

IN THIS ISSUE

FINANCE AVAILABLE along with free HOME DEMONSTRATION on request.

6-7

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

8-9

TRAVEL Lord of the Highlands

14-15

CELEBRITY FEATURE Harrison Ford tackles a tough adventure role at the age of 81

16-17

ENTERTAINMENT Jack and the Beanstalk at the Atkinson

21-22

HOME Buying just one thing can make a difference

23-25

FOOD Theo Randall showcases the best of Italian cooking

3 MONTHS FREE INSURANCE IS INCLUDED WITH EVERY POWERED WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY SCOOTER PURCHASED HEAD OFFICE (LEIGH BRANCH) PARSONAGE GARAGE, KIRKHALL LANE LEIGH WN7 5RP TEL: 01942 606668 sales@llgwheelchairs.co.uk www.llgwheelchairs.co.uk

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

HESKIN HALL PHOTOS.pdf 1 26/01/2018 11:15

Christmas Shopping Evening

COACHES WELCOME

Thursday 9th November 5pm-9pm

Come and get into the festive spirit at our annual Late Night Christmas Shopping Evening

A great chance to get organised for Christmas • Bucks Fizz Upon Arrival • Gifts Galore • Autumn/ Winter Fashion • Festive Tasters • Special Offers • Live Entertainment • Festive cakes, drinks & hot turkey & stuffing barms available from our tea room • Christmas Cake Decorating Demo • Free Entry

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd 10am-5pm Christmas Eve 10am-3pm Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th, 28th CLOSED 29th, 30th 10am-5pm

New Years Eve 10am-3pm Monday 1st Jan CLOSED Tuesday 2nd- Open As Usual

FREE PARKING & FREE ENTRY

We look forward to seeing you!

Wood Lane

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Heskin

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Chorley

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PR7 5PA | T: 01257 451464

www.heskinhallshoppingvillage.co.uk

TWITTERING ON | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Let’s hope Lewis can rest now and eventually return to his performances with all his usual impressive commitment. We need to hear that beautiful voice – and see Lewis back on form.

How can we condone competitive eating in 2023?

I CAN’T be the only person who feels that competitive eating events are completely at odds with life in a country where so many struggle just to pay for enough daily food.

Lewis’s fans step in for their hero THE moment that singer Lewis Capaldi’s Tourette’s Syndrome symptoms prevented him from singing at Glastonbury made heartbreaking viewing.

Even for TV viewers not privy to that live moment at Worthy Farm, seeing the talented Lewis unable to carry on was very upsetting.

He had just had a three week mental health break in order to fulfil this appearance but, sadly, Tourette’s (the neurological condition which causes unwanted, involuntary muscle movements and sounds).is a cruel curse, striking sufferers randomly.

In the middle of all this, the audience came to the rescue, taking over the singing of his haunting hit Someone You Love.

Unsurprisingly, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house - in my house, either.

Lewis also wrote the song and it’s opening line “I’m going under and this time there’s no one to save me” was particularly poignant.

Genuine affection between performer and audience is the staple of huge popularity, especially among today’s headliners. But the deal can still mean a “them and us” situation which puts our heroes on pedestals.

To see and hear the real empathy of an audience prepared to offer unconditional support was very touching. All of them knew that Lewis was in anguish, physical and mental, over his inability to perform as he wanted to, in spite of having already delivered some fabulous songs.

Their answer was simply to sing it for him.

Although Glastonbury like any major festival, is built on practical affection for enduring musical heroes, it was rare to see it in action in quite such a deliberate way when it was needed.

Reading about eating champion John Dawes’ ability to eat 20 sausages and a kilo of mash in five minutes offers an uncomfortable reality.

The fact that he wants his 18 year-old daughter to continue his legacy with rigorous “training sessions” seems an odd sort of suggested career path for anyone.

Consuming huge amounts of food in mere minutes feels wrong on so many levels when we still urgently need food banks and thousands of children attend school breakfast clubs just to give them a decent start to the day.

Surely promoting gluttony as entertainment - or, worse, as a genuine “sport” - is crazily out of kilter with Britain in 2023?

Cheesy chat-up lines still working CHAT-up lines are always fascinating, don’t you think?

They are probably a great indication of the social trends of the time but most have one thing in common: they are relentlessly cheesy.

So it was reassuring to see the results of a poll of single Brits and what their current chat-up lines are.

Roughly a quarter of those aged between 16 and 29 (categorized as Gen Z) say they have used corny one liners on someone else compared to just 11 per cent of singles aged from 30 to 49.

The youngsters also prefer to deliver their chat-up lines via online dating rather than face-to-face.

According to them, the best flirty phrase was “ Is your name WiFi? Because I’m feeling a connection.”

Another ranking highly was “Is your name Google? ‘Cause you’re what I’ve been searching for.” Or “Are you a parking ticket? ‘Cause you’ve got fine written all over you” and “Should we get coffee?

‘Cause I like you a latte.”

When you’ve finished groaning, it is rather interesting that today’s youngsters still value this kind of preliminary social action. And quite touching that they believe it will work.

I think I still prefer the old classics like “You dancin’?”You askin’?”

“I’m askin’.” “I’m dancin’“. How could that fail?!

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She retired from sport in 2020 and it was then that she felt the urge to trace her roots. Now, in a new ITV documentary Ellie Simmonds, Finding My Secret Family, Ellie, aged 28, refuses to judge her birth mother, who already had a daughter without dwarfism.

Her birth mother had separated from Ellie’s father before she found out she was pregnant. She felt guilty about her daughter’s disability and wished she’d had an abortion or that her baby had died.

Ellie explains: “It sounds like she had a fear of not just me but of living with dwarfism.”

Ellie’s heartwarming story of her roots YOU really have to admire the attitude of Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds to her birth mother.

Ellie was born with dwarfism but has never let this define her.

At 10 days old, she went into foster care and was later adopted by a plainly remarkable couple who have done everything possible to encourage her and allow her to develop as an individual and as a champion, Ellie became the youngest of five children, growing up with adoptive parents Val and Steve in Walsall in the West Midlands.

From an early age, she loved swimming and was just 13 when she won two golds for Britain at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

Ellie also realized that not enough was known or understood about dwarfism (achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism) then.

When Ellie ultimately discovered her mother, they met up and, critically, she told Ellie that she had suffered with guilt and selfhatred ever since.

She did, though, feel happy that Ellie’s adoptive parents and siblings had provided her with such a loving environment.

On that first meeting, they spoke for over five hours “and were howling with laughter as we’ve got the same sense of humour.”

Not every adoption story has such a happy ending and not every child has the courage and understanding of Ellie Simmonds. This proved a really heartwarming story all round.

or email: help@aamail.org

7

TRAVEL | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

50 Plus Travel

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LORD OF THE HIGHLANDS Alan Fairfax travels the locks and lochs surrounded by magnificent scenery, on water and land.

Tonight, is the first Gala Night where we are welcomed to a Champagne Reception by our Captain.

Wednesday, we continue along the canal berthing at Cullochy Lower. An area of flowering bushes, red and white in various stages of bloom are a delight, trees so tall they seem to touch the sky. We meet a group of canoeists having to take their canoes and drag/carry them as they are not allowed to paddle them through the lock. Back aboard we progress through locks, passing small villages, watching birds diving for fish, fields of sheep and a swan sitting with her young, fish causing ripples in the mirror smooth water can be seen.

Lord of the Highlands Snow-capped mountains, azure blue skies, history, sea and inland waterways yet less than 90 minutes flying time from London, yes, Scotland, the Highlands and Western Isles, some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

From Inverness airport it’s a short coach journey to Hebridean Islands Cruise ship, Lord of the Highlands, moored on the Caledonian Canal, my home for the next seven days.

My cabin on Richard Hannay deck is impressive, large picture window, single beds with stowage and drawer space under each, UK style electrical sockets, two usb ports by the beds, individual flexible reading lamps, wardrobe, drawers and shelves provide more than enough storage for the seven day voyage. Air conditioning, hair dryer, flat screen tv, kettle with tea/coffee/milk sachets, iron and little extras other ships don’t provide, shoe horn, shoe polish pad, clothes brush and dressing gowns. The bathroom boasts a large walk in shower, toilet, wash basin, extending magnifying mirror, large soft towels, complemented by toiletries of shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shower cap, soap and much more, all bearing the Molton Brown name. Finally, a small decanter of Whisky and glasses await ready for that night cap and if Whisky is not your tipple, it can be changed for Gin or Brandy.

The following day, Tuesday, I wake to a clear sky and sunshine. After breakfast some depart on a visit to Culloden and Clava Cairns. I stay on board and take in what a beautiful vessel Lord of the Highlands is.

Everything of the highest quality, woodwork, panelling, chairs, glass topped tables with inset marquetry, cutlery and glass ware. Lunch over, our transit of the canal begins. Gliding peacefully past the vast Inverness Tomnahurich Cemetery, banks of bright yellow gorse, moored canal boats and houses on the water’s edge. Onwards through swing bridges and locks to arrive at our overnight berth of Fort Augustus.

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Following lunch, we moor at the head of Neptune’s Staircase. A set of 8 locks that lower the ship from the Caledonian Canal to sea level 64 feet below at Fort William. We have a choice, stay on board and go through the locks or to take the excursion, I decide on the excursion visiting the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1814 in memory of the Highlanders who fought in the Jacobite rising of 1745. There is a small gift shop and museum taking you through the area’s history. From this point can be seen the Glenfinnan Viaduct, Harry Potter fans would recognise this as the viaduct the Hogwarts Express passes over.

Now to visit Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe, ithe largest town in the Highlands, and see the sights of this old Scottish town which during the 2nd World War was home to HMS St. Christopher, a British Navy training unit. Fort William is popular with tourists as Glen Coe is nearby as is Ben Nevis, a favourite with climbers and hill walkers. Arriving back to the ship berthed at Corpath the ‘Hogwarts Express’ steams through the station to the delight of Harry Potter fans. Our mooring has views of Ben Nevis, the snow still visible to let us know that for this area winter is not long gone.

Thursday, we enter our 22nd and final lock, the ‘Sea Lock’ as we travel Loch Linnhe on route to Oban. On arrival the sun is

Locks on the Caledonian Canal

shining from a clear blue sky, a great time to go ashore and visit one of my favourite towns in Scotland but not before the Whisky Vault Experience on board from a representative of the Oban Distillery.

Oban’s a busy town with tourist and fishing boats plus the Caledonian MacBrayne ferries that travel between the islands. We sail as the sun is beginning to set for our overnight berth at Craignure on the Isle of Mull.

Friday begins with a coach trip to Duart Castle ancestral home to the Clan Maclean since the 14th Century. However, due to Clan Wars, the castle changed hands several times and became almost a ruin before being purchased in 1910 by Sir Fitzroy MacLean, 26th Clan Chief. Situated on a peninsular overlooking the Sound of Mull and the entrances to Lochs Linnie and Etive it affords breath taking vistas.

In the grounds are a tea shop selling wonderful homemade scones, fruit cake etc and a small but well stocked gift shop. Driving back to the ship, a bright sun shines from a cloudless blue sky, the fields have become alive with sheep and lambs, their white coats contrast with the rich yellow Set amongst gorse hedgerows and green grass, Highland cattle with their long horns and woolly coats ignore us as we pass.

Back on board it’s time to set sail again, this time for my all time favourite, Tobermory a small town on the Isle of Mull featuring brightly coloured houses, cafes, restaurants and shops, its busy small harbour making it a popular location for visitors to Western Scotland and used as the location for the children’s television programme ‘Balamory’. It’s a beautiful warm day and the small sand beach is busy with families. Another interesting visit is the Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. We remain here overnight allowing passengers to explore the town in the evening.

Saturday, first port is the Isle of Eigg, an amazing island that the 90+ residents have taken into private ownership. Eigg truly has ‘picture postcard’ scenery, hills rolling down to silver sand beaches and inlets, fields that are home to over 1,400 sheep. Unfortunately, we were only here for a short time before crossing to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

The excursion this afternoon is to Armadale Castle and Gardens now cared for by the Clan Donald Land Trust. The castle is now a ruin but you can imagine what a magnificent structure it used to be looking out over lawns to the sea.

A late afternoon departure as we head for our final berth of the journey, Kyle of Lochalsh arriving early evening.

Sunday, our last day, takes us on tours to Eilean Donan Castle believed to be named after the Irish saint, Bishop Doran and in the afternoon to Plockton often said to be the prettiest village in Scotland, and yes, it is beautiful with stunning views. The evening is the final Gala Night and in true Scottish tradition the Haggis is piped aboard and the ancient address made by the hotel manager. A fabulous ending to a great cruise.

Find out more Alan travelled as a guest of Hebridean Island Cruises.

Contact our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 to discover more about their Scottish voyages on Lord of the Highlands and Hebridean Princess.

Specialist Day Care with a difference

Belong Experience Days are our way of inviting you to use the facilities at Belong Atherton

The specialist day care service offers meaningful occupation and the chance to get involved in our community.

Book a FREE ‘taster’ session

Join in with a full programme of varied events Available weekdays from 10am - 4pm Enjoy lunch in The Bistro, drinks and snacks, and a session in our specialist gym (one per week, subject to availability) Get in touch to ask about a free ‘taster’ session

T: 01942 898 410 | E: enquiries@belong.org.uk Belong Atherton, 55 Mealhouse Lane, Atherton M46 0EU www.belong.org.uk Your life, your pace, your way

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We are NOW taking bookings for: 25/01/24 Norton Grange From £329.00 25/03/24 Little Cote Manor From £527.00 29/04/24 Sinah Warren From £552.00 06/05/24 Norton Grange From £482.00 27/05/24 Norton Grange From £510.00 19/08/24 Studley Castle From £695.00 09/09/24 Nidd Hall From £632.00 21/10/24 Holme Lacy From £566.00 18/11/24 Cricket St Thomas From £565.00 For more details Visit www.avatravel.co.uk

TRAVEL | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

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TOBAGO – UNSPOILT, UNTOUCHED, UNDISCOVERED Jennie Carr explores this small and glorious island.

And then we snorkel over Buccoo Reef, carefully watched by Captain Markus and Tanja, sighting multi-coloured fish large and small, including my favourites, parrotfish. As ever, life under the water is a delight, reminding me that there is a whole other world surrounding us on land. And as a treat Markus takes us to the ultimate deserted beach, no name is given, for a true Robinson Crusoe moment.

Pigeon Point

‘Run your hand through the water and see it glitter’, says our guide, Brett. I do and it does. We’re on a night kayaking trip from Pigeon Point Beach to Bon Accord Lagoon in search of bioluminescence – glowing plankton. I’m captivated, we all are. I dip my paddle in the water, raise it and watch the sparkles trickle through the air. Some of our group swim amid the silvery glowing light. My co-paddler and I share a meditative moment or two, alternately gazing upwards to the starry sky and then down to what look like liquid fairy lights.

Watersports Bioluminescence safaris are the brainchild of Radical Sports here on Tobago’s Pigeon Point: you’ve got to pick the correct time for this, a fortnight each month when the moon is just right. I’m no expert kayaker and the 2.5 hour round trip sounds a bit daunting, but it’s not. Brett paces us perfectly and there’s plenty to see, from flocks of fish-eating bats skimming the dark waters off the lagoon, to sea cucumbers and glow worms. Plus the water is warm and I’m fascinated to visit the mangroves on the edge of the lagoon.

If kayaking is a tad tame for you, there’s stand up paddleboarding, wind surfing, kite-surfing and the latest impressive water wonder, wing foiling, where you rise above the sea on hydrofoil fin. It looks totally amazing and I suspect it’s probably not for me in this lifetime.

But I could watch the antics of the wind and water circus for hours.

Pigeon Point Heritage Park hits the spot for every beach lover, a sandy playground and it’s ideal for the perfect wedding photo too.

Sailing A morning spent aboard the comfortable, sleeps four, catamaran Picante takes us to Nylon Pool, so named by Princess Margaret on her honeymoon here, for calm shallow water and safe swimming.

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Birding in Tobago And this is the absolute joy of Tobago: stunning surprises at every turn on land and at sea. It’s only 25 miles long and just over six miles wide, with a population of around 61,000. For its relative size it is certainly punching above its weight in terms of natural attractions.

The Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the backbone of the island, is the oldest legally protected forest reserve geared specifically towards conservation. Created in 1776 at the behest of British MP Soame Jenyns, whose belief in the correlation between trees and rainfall was prescient, the Reserve is a shining example of ecotourism and sustainability, with many endemic species of birds and animals. Birders really do flock (!) here and there are exceptional guides to take you on tour to track down the 260 species the island boasts.

We have the slightly cheating version by visiting Shurland’s Adventures on the edge of the rainforest, looking down a valley.

It’s a simple place, devoted to the birds. Ms Shurland has created a magnet for hummingbirds through dozens of feeders, and the air is quite literally buzzing with the vibrations of their wings as birds swoop to feast on the sugar water. Are they jewelled-coloured mice with wings and long beaks? Whatever the case, they are mesmerising and in this particular spot, pretty tame. We take a seat with a front row view, eat lunch with an outstanding dessert of soursop and guava ice cream, surrounded by the hummingbirds, hovering inches from our faces.

On the west coast Yes, we visit more beaches. Worthy of note, although frankly my jaw keeps dropping on the entire drive from Arnos Vale and Bloody Bay, is Castara Bay. Viewed below from the cliff, it’s a picturepostcard stretch of sand with the clearest blue water. My instinct is to run into the sea immediately. Fishermen land their catch here, so you can get a slice of local life early morning. High in the hill is Castara Retreats, where timber built eco-cottages exude barefoot luxury: this is undoubtedly my place and I will return.

Further on at Parlatuvier Bay, we have an unexpected marine

experience. Standing on the jetty, watching fishermen clean their catch and lob the unwanted bits into the sea, we see a large dark flat shape emerge in the shallows. And another, followed by half a dozen more. These sting rays are keen to avail themselves of an easy meal, one almost beaching itself in its hurry. It’s a bizarre thing to watch, almost other worldly, ghostly somehow. And, we are told, not at all uncommon.

Of family importance to me is Little Englishman’s Bay where Swiss Family Robinson (1958) was filmed. I feel as if I know every tree and rock personally as I watched it so many times with my kids.

Tobago’s capital Scarborough, the capital, sits on the Atlantic coast and is in the south of the island, where many of the tourist hotels are. We overnight at the new Comfort Inn & Suites, which is far more than we expect with Tobagonian touches, like a rooftop pool, cool outdoor cocktail bar and shuttle bus to the beach. It’s a hybrid business and holiday for a few days’ property.

We are hit with history at Fort King George run by the local National Trust. The island has changed hands an astonishing 33 times and this building is the result of both English and French occupations. However, the real story, and it’s movingly told by our guide, is that of the enslaved people brought here. Hideously small spaces where people were crammed in, walls with execution bullet marks still visible and brutal barracks buildings instil a sense of horror and shame in us.

The museum beside the preserved fort and its associated buildings is illuminating and eclectic. Maps, weapons, artifacts and images show the diverse races who have lived here, what they left behind and what they have contributed to Tobago today. We leave thoughtful.

Food We eat well. Goat rotis at a Store Bay food stall; Z’s Grill Shack offers a choice of lobster, fish, chicken or steak all grilled by the dancing chef/owner and absolutely outstanding, and from a food van, we sample doubles, made with two baras (flat fried dough) and filled with curry channa (curried chickpeas). Beyond delicious all of it! And of course, there are more formal restaurants, with local and international cuisine, which we enjoy in hotels. I really like the Seahorse Inn & Restaurant: there’s great atmosphere sitting in an outdoor courtyard surrounded by fairy lights. Fine dining or fried chicken always tastes better outside, especially when you can hear the sea.

To sum up Tobago has a soul: it’s warm and relaxed, aware of its natural attributes and keen to share them with visitors. There are smart hotels, Coco Reef Spa Resort for example, yoga eco retreats such as Kariwak Village and Holistic Haven, and the absolute full neverneed-to-leave complex at Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort as well as top quality holiday properties to rent at Stone Haven Villas and family-friendly Plantation Beach Villas.

What glitters in Tobago, for me at least, apart from the bioluminescence, is that it’s thoroughly genuine, well-priced and has exceptional, unspoilt natural beauty. Go quickly before everyone finds out about it! Tobago will go beyond your expectations.

Find out more Go to Tobago for information. Our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678 can offer information, quotes and make bookings for holidays in Tobago.

Jennie travelled as a guest of Tobago.

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CELEBRITY FEATURE | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

HARRISON FORD A CREDIBLE HERO Harrison Ford & Calista Flockhart attending the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Award

attention to the soft-voiced young star with the charismatic personality.

Four years further on and Harrison was cast as swashbuckling archaeologist Indiana Jones in the first film Raiders of the Lost Ark. Industry insiders and audiences of all ages loved his winning combination of understated emotion, light comedy touch and willingness to be an energetic part of the impressive action. Harrison’s film stock rode high.

He won more fans in the 1982 classic Blade Runner and then reprised his Han Solo role in 1983 with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.

HOW many actors could happily tackle a tough adventure role at the age of 81 and make a credible hero? Well, Harrison Ford can.

And he is still wowing audiences with his latest film – predictably as enduring favourite Indiana Jones.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is now delighting fans and box-offices around the world - the first of the highly successful series without Steven Spielberg behind the camera.

Scroll back the takes to the 1940 Chicago childhood of young Harrison, though, and it’s hard to spot the superstar potential.

An ordinary student who failed to excel at sports, he dropped out of Wisconsin’s Ripon College where he had done some acting and later Summer stock.

Harrison’s next move, however, was more noteworthy. He signed a Hollywood contract with Columbia and then later Universal, enjoying roles in some – admittedly, fairly unremarkable - films and TV series including Ironside and The Virginian.

In fact, he was so discouraged that he turned to a career in professional carpentry before the silver screen called him back in 1973 for the surprise film hit American Graffiti.

Four years after that came that pivotal role as Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope where people worldwide paid

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Roll on 1985 and he received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for his sensitive handling of the role of undercover cop John Book in the Amish community in another hit film Witness.

Further success beckoned with subsequent Indiana Jones’ sequels Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).

By the time the last film was released, the brand was perhaps looking in need of a refresh and adding popular British star Phoebe Waller-Bridge into the mix for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as the college professor turned adventurer hero-s goddaughter certainly seems to be helping revive its fortunes.

The public’s love of Harrison Ford, though, has never wavered.

And it has never seemed to matter what role or what genre was involved.

In the 1988 film Working Girl he impressed audiences in a contemporary romantic comedy alongside Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver. The role seemed effortless for him and played a large part in the film’s enduring success.

He played thriller writer Tom Clancy’s engaging hero Jack Ryan in the excellent Patriot Games in 1992, following up the role two years later with another hit movie Clear and Present Danger.

The following year, he earned a Golden Globe nomination for the part of Dr Richard Kimble in compelling thriller The Fugitive.

Away from films, twice-divorced Harrison married Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart in 2010. They have a son of their own and he has four other children from previous marriages.

He owns an 800-acre ranch in Wyoming, around half of which he has donated as a nature reserve.

Harrison is known for his quiet and charming personality – a world away from the action-first heroes he has long played onscreen.

Although it’s reported that Dial of Destiny is his last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Harrison isn’t sad. He told film website Decider:

Then in 1997 was promoted to President – be it an actionpacked version – for the political thriller Air Force One. Harrison is nothing if not flexible with his talents and in 1998, played the down-on-his luck pilot to Anne Heche’s stroppy New York magazine editor marooned together after a plane crash in Six Days Seven Nights.

More diversity came from the 2002 blockbuster K-19: The Widowmaker in which he played an inspirational leader in the historical submarine film charting the maiden voyage of a Soviet nuclear sub.

Part of Harrison Ford’s understandable popularity comes not just from an effortless acting style that offers relaxing viewing for audiences but also in his willingness to throw himself into the action, whatever it is.

“I’ve been able to deliver amazing films developed by Steven (Speilberg) and George (Lucas) over a 40-year period and to end it not with a whimper but a bang has been my greatest ambition for this excursion.”

Nor does this particular “ending” signal his screen retirement.

Harrison can still be seen in the Paramount series 1923 alongside Helen Mirren.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

He holds a private pilot’s licence and owns both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, providing emergency helicopter services on several occasions.

On set, his concern for his own safety seems equally cavalier.

He scared director Steven Spielberg and the crew during the making of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom when, without warning, he ran out across the rope bridge used in the film’s climax to test its safety.

Spielberg is later reported stating: “What can I say? Harrison really IS Indiana Jones.”

Nor is he an actor without his own ideas on the films in which he stars.

He is reported to have said: “It’s a little-known fact but I wanted Han Solo to die at the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I thought it would give more weight and resonance.

But George Lucas wasn’t sympathetic. He didn’t want me killed by those teddy bear guys.”

Harrison was also apparently initially against casting Sean Connery as his father in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade because Connery was only 12 years older than him.

He later changed his mind and found he enioyed working with the former Bond star immensely. Certainly, the screen chemistry underlines that result.

Come and fill your senses with colour... on a wetland nature adventure.

Discover the very best of our wonderful wetlands this autumn, with illustrated seasonal trails, art activities and much, much more.

Search WWT Martin Mere

© WWT 2023. Registered charity no. 1030884 England and Wales, SC039410 Scotland. Images © Quentin Blake 2023. All rights reserved.

15

ENTERTAINMENT | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

BROOKSIDE LEGEND DEAN SULLIVAN TO STAR IN JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT THE ATKINSON Dean said: “I’m excited to be heading back to panto land once again. Being from Merseyside makes this extra special for me as I grew up coming to Southport for days out, walking past this very building. It has been great to meet all of the other cast members and spend time getting to know them and it’s very clear that we’re going to have a fun few months getting ready for Christmas in Southport.

KD Theatre Productions and The Atkinson have announced Dean Sullivan as the star of this year’s festive pantomime. Dean, best known for playing Jimmy Corkhill in Brookside for 17 years will star in the role of Fleshcreep alongside a brilliantly talented cast between December 7th and the 31st.

Jack and the Beanstalk is a family favourite which tells the story of Jack, a poor country boy who sells the beloved family cow in exchange for a handful of magic beans. The beans grow into a towering beanstalk which reaches high above the clouds. Jack climbs the beanstalk where he meets an unfriendly giant who lives in a castle at the top.

While up there, Jack finds many of the family’s goods that have previously been stolen and despite the giant trying to stop him from leaving, he cuts down the beanstalk and returns to his family who live happily ever after!

“Pantos give people the chance to truly enjoy themselves for a couple of hours, shout out, sing - whatever it is that makes you feel the festive spirit.

They are often the first chance for many children to see live theatre too.

We want people to watch us and have a really great time.”

Dean will be joined by an impressive cast of actors from around the country, including Southport’s very own Lucy Brindle in the fantastically festive performance, which has been created by KD Theatre Productions.

The show promises to have everything that audiences love about a panto, from singing along to songs, slapstick comedy, stunning set designs and plenty of sparkling costumes.

Marie Kenny, Programme Manager at The Atkinson, said: “Everyone here loves the fact that panto season is upon us as it really is such a wonderful time of year at the theatre. Many months of work go into these productions, and we are always pleased when launch day arrives and we can tell everyone what they will be able to see at The Atkinson this Christmas.

A pantomime wouldn’t be complete without a baddie though, and this is where Fleshcreep comes in! He is guaranteed to get the crowd booing and hissing and enjoying the audience participation that pantos are loved for.

“We want people of all ages to come to the show and have a brilliant time and having seen the cast together, we are certain that everyone is in for a fantastic show.”

Dean is no stranger to pantomimes and has topped the bill in classic fairytales at many locations but this is his first time at The Atkinson.

Jack’s journey up the beanstalk will take the audience on an adventure filled with plenty of festive Fee-fi-fo-FUN! theatkinson.co.uk | 01704 533 333

16

KD Theatre Productions Ltd in association with The Atkinson present

A GIANT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

THU 7 – SUN 31 DEC 2023 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1DB

www.theatkinson.co.uk | 01704 533 333

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR AUTUMN SEASON

BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETERS

Wednesday 18 October

THE NUTCRACKER

Tuesday 24 October

Friday 10 November

FRANCIS ROSSI - TUNES & CHAT

Wednesday 22 November

A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN

THE GREATEST MAGICIAN

Saturday 21 October

Wednesday 1 November

Monday 23 October

SANCTUM SANCTORIUM – THE DARK SIDE OF THE 80’S

Saturday 4 November

PAULINE DANIELS: GET ME BEFORE THE CREMATORIUM DOES

AN EVENING WITH PAUL RILEY

Thursday 23 November

Wednesday 7 December – Sunday 7 January

Friday 10 November

Tuesday 21 November

PANTOMIME

CHESHIRE’S MULTI-AWARD WINNING VENUE

Tel: 0151 907 8360 www.thebrindley.org.uk The Brindley, High St, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1BG

G O O S T R E Y, C H E S H I R E

IT’S TIME

TO FOCUS ON LIFE NOT THE COST OF LIVING

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Moving to Mount Pleasant Park could help you free up cash and save on your bills. So, not only will you be super-comfortable in a brand new home in a like-minded community, you’ll also have more to spend on the good things in life and could be closer to friends and family. Whether you’re retiring or winding your work down, it’s time to give yourself the opportunity to make the most of every day.

High-quality, low-maintenance, single-storey homes Safe, secure community of like-minded residents Private garden and parking No stamp duty Part exchange and assisted move options available

Get in touch to find out more or arrange a park visit:

www.tingdene-parks.net | 01933 427800 | info@tingdene.net

HOME | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

BUYING JUST ONE THING can usually throw up useful reviews and sites like Mybuilder.com can give a good overview of local builders.

The same care in choice applies to new WINDOWS. We take the effects of doubleglazing for granted these days but now that we are so conscious of our energy bills having good, double-glazed windows makes real sense.

Dougle-glazed windows come in all shapes and sizes and not only make your home more energy efficient but also add to the value of your property. New frames also look much smarter than old, decaying frames to give your home a real face-lift.

MAKING a house into a home in 2023 has become more complicated financially thanks to higher interest rates, soaring energy costs and general inflation.

We may have had to put major improvement plans on hold until the situation looks more positive but it’s still possible to improve your lifestyle on a budget right now.

So, the key this year may be to opt for just one change that will make your home-life more enjoyable, comfortable and simply better.

Since lockdown, we have all spent more time at home and our lives are definitely more involved with our property than ever. We socialize more there, spend more family time there and enjoy more home-based activities.

So, we deserve to have the best surroundings we can afford.

Whether this year that means a big project or just a small change, it’s a great time to invest in your lifestyle.

Big projects can include an EXTENSION OR CONSERVATORY to give you more much-needed space and which can be as big or small as you feel financially able.

The good news is that conservatories and extensions fall under the same building rules and are classed as permitted developments.

This means that most of them will not need planning permission but this is subject to some specific rules so it’s best to check with your local planning authority first.

Like any big project, it’s best to see your preferred builder’s work beforehand and get an idea of what previous customers’ experiences have been. Fortunately, these days just going online

Another big project that can really alter your home is new FLOORING throughout. This can be new carpets or you may prefer floor tiles or wooden flooring.

Experts say the trend for carpets in 2023 is for bright colours and bold patterns, checked carpets and gold shades. Woodgrain remains a contemporary favourite but any real change will brighten up your home.

If your KITCHEN is in need of updating it’s definitely worth investing in new units. Modern kitchens tend to be minimalist and clutter-free so go for simple, clean looks that fit your lifestyle.

Monochrome colour schemes with large windows to allow plenty of natural light form a main kitchen image currently but a local kitchen expert can help you make the most of what space you have available.

A way to cut costs, however, is to just opt for new unit doors or worktops in a useful makeover. There are plenty of firms around offering this kind of new kitchen look. Again, checking out previous reviews will help you make the best choice.

A new FRIDGE OR FREEZER is a more modest buy that can really alter how your kitchen style and storage. Big American fridges fulfill both functions and can add a special cachet to a kitchen. Shop around online and in-store for the best bargains.

For the LIVING ROOM, investing in a new SOFA and/or COMFY CHAIRS is an expense you can justify every time you sit watching the TV or have a cosy evening in with your partner or friends.

This can prove an expensive buy but you can cut costs considerably by going for second-hand furniture instead. Charities like Emmaus and the British Heart Foundation have their own furniture premises so find out if there is one near you at emmaus.org.uk orbhf.org.uk.

21

Another cost-cutter is to go for tailormade new covers for your existing sofa and chairs - which really brings them back to life!

Buying new CURTAINS is another investment which can really change the look of a room. This, though, needn’t be a major project. There’s plenty of choice around or buy the material yourself from a mill or discount outlet and find a good seamstress or sewing firm to make them up.

Natural wood effect wallpaper is rustic and charming and bringing Nature indoors very much on trend.

Alternately, vivid colours and designs can say much about your personality and personalize your background.

One buy that can really transform a room is a new FIREPLACE. Heat output used to be the most important thing as people didn’t necessarily have central heating but now it’s the decorative style that matters more.

Some fabric companies actually make them free if you buy the material from them so it’s worth investigating.

Energy efficiency may be paramount but equally important is the visual appeal that adds to home décor.

Investing in RE-DECORATING is also never wasted. Traditional neutrals like grey, taupe and timber brown can add a calm feel to any room although warmer, richer tones are still popular.

The trend towards open-plan homes means that fireplaces are more important than ever as a central feature.

Get creative with an accent wall, too.

Now that so many of us work from home, having an attractive background for Zoom calls is important – and no-one believes you’ve read all those books behind you, anyway!

Our greater emphasis on enjoying life outdoors has also meant that outdoor fires, including fire pits, are also proving very popular.

Quality support in a caring community Belong villages offer all the benefits of being part of a vibrant community, while living in small, homely households with specialist 24-hour support, including nursing, dementia and end-of-life care.

Specialist nursing and dementia care Small households create a homely setting Free Admiral Nurse service Vibrant facilities including bistro and salon Gyms with specialist equipment Extensive programme of activities Apartments available to buy or rent

Please get in touch for further information.

Belong Warrington

01925 593800 22

Belong Wigan

01942 855600

enquiries@belong.org.uk www.belong.org.uk

FOOD | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE World-renowned chef Theo Randall shares his 10 pantry staples and reveals his favourite ways to cook with them showcasing the best of Italian home cooking.

POTATO AND PORCINI SOUP WITH WILD GARLIC CREAM This creamy and comforting soup is a lovely way to use wild garlic, which is always in abundance in the UK around early springtime. If you want to make it when wild garlic is not in season, you can substitute the wild garlic for baby leaf spinach and add a garlic clove (crushed with salt) to the cream. Alternatively, pick wild garlic in season and freeze it so you can enjoy it year-round.

Serves 4 as a starter Ingredients l

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

l

2 leeks, finely chopped

l

1 teaspoon chopped thyme leaves

l

200g (7oz) Désirée or Cyprus potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm (½in) pieces

l

30g (1oz) dried porcini mushrooms, just covered in boiling water and left to soak, drained and finely chopped

l

500ml (17fl oz) chicken or vegetable stock

l

200ml (7fl oz) double (heavy) cream

l

75g (2½oz) wild garlic leaves, roughly chopped

l

Method Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks, thyme, potatoes, chopped rehydrated porcini and a good seasoning of sea salt. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the chicken or vegetable stock and simmer very gently for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and tender. Add half the cream, then use a stick blender to blitz the soup to a purée. The

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

soup should coat the back of a spoon, but if you think it’s too thick then you can add some hot water. Pour the remaining cream into a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the wild garlic and cook gently, until it is wilted, then use the stick blender to blitz until just smooth.

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste, then spoon it into warmed bowls. Top each portion with a dollop of creamed wild garlic and serve.

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FOOD | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

CIME DI RAPA WITH LAMB ‘SCOTTADITO’ CHOPS AND ANCHOVY SAUCE I love cime di rapa. When it first comes into season, I tend to make either this recipe or orecchiette con cime di rapa. The combination of the greens and anchovy is a classic from Puglia, and with the addition of grilled lamb chops (or a grilled, marinated leg of lamb, if you prefer) you just can’t go wrong. The cime di rapa takes longer to cook than you would think, so blanch it for the same amount of time you would cabbage.

Serves 4 Ingredients l

1 rack of lamb, fat peeled off and discarded

l

1kg (2lb 4oz) cime di rapa or 500g (1lb 2oz) Tenderstem broccoli

l

105ml (3¾fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil

l

1 garlic clove, sliced

l

pinch of fennel seeds, crushed in a pestle and mortar

l

½ teaspoon chopped rosemary leaves

l

1 x 50g (1¾oz) can of anchovies in olive oil juice of 1 lemon

l

Method Using a sharp knife, cut between each bone in the rack of lamb to give 8 chops. Place 1 lamb chop into a freezer bag with a few drops of water. Place the chop in the bag on a chopping board so that the eye of the meat is flat and facing upwards. Using the base of a small saucepan, bash the lamb using short, sharp bashes to evenly flatten the chop and increase its size. Repeat for the remaining chops. Wash the cime di rapa and rip off the outer leaves. Keep the tender young leaves on the stem. Bring a pan of salted water to a boil over a high heat. Add the greens, bring the water back to a boil and boil them for 5 minutes. Drain the greens in a colander then roughly chop them. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add half the garlic and all the crushed fennel

24

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

seeds and cook for 30 seconds, then add the chopped greens and cook gently for 3 minutes. Check the seasoning and keep warm. In a pestle and mortar, crush the remaining sliced garlic with the chopped rosemary and a pinch of sea salt to form a paste. Add the anchovy fillets and work everything together until smooth. Add the lemon juice and slowly add all but 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil, so the sauce is emulsified. Keep to one side. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat so that it starts to smoke. Season the lamb chops with salt and pepper and the last tablespoon of olive oil. Place the chops on the griddle and cook them for 2 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other. Transfer the chops to a warm plate to rest for 1 minute. To serve, place the cooked cime di rapa in the middle of each plate with 4 scottadito chops on top, then drizzle over the anchovy sauce.

AMALFI LEMON CHEESECAKE This has to be one of the easiest and tastiest cheesecakes around. Ricotta is used in place of cream cheese, making for a much lighter mouthful, however this means that it’s important to allow enough time for the cheesecake to set fully – ideally you’d make it a day in advance.

The best ricotta to use for this is sheep’s milk ricotta, but you will only find this in Italian delis or in a farm shop that sells local cheese.

Ricotta is in fact the by-product of cheese making – it’s made by reheating the whey that has separated from the curds, then draining the coagulated top into a fine sieve. The solids are sold as ricotta and any remaining liquid is traditionally fed to pigs.

Serves 8 Ingredients l

200g (7oz) cantuccini biscuits

l

75g (2¾oz) unsalted butter

l

50g (2oz) light brown soft sugar

l

500g (1lb 2oz) ricotta, drained

l

100g (3½oz) mascarpone

l

l

zest and juice of 2 Amalfi lemons, plus extra zest to serve 125g (4½oz icing (confectioner’s) sugar, sifted

Method Tip the cantuccini into a food processor and blitz them to a fine crumb. Alternatively, place them in a Ziplock bag and bash them with a rolling pin or saucepan. Set aside. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat, then add the blitzed cantuccini biscuits and the sugar. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then take the pan off the heat. Tip the mixture into a 22cm (8½in) non-stick springform cake tin, pressing the buttery crumbled biscuits over the base to create a biscuit base. Transfer the tin to the fridge while you make the ricotta filling.

Using a hand-held electric whisk or a wooden spoon, beat together the ricotta, mascarpone, lemon zest and juice and icing (confectioner’s) sugar in a large mixing bowl for 4 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and light. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the springform tin and spread it out into an even layer over the base. Refrigerate to set for a minimum of 3 hours, but preferably overnight, before releasing the cheesecake from the tin. Transfer it to a serving plate and top with extra lemon zest before slicing.

Credit: The Italian Pantry by Theo Randall (Quadrille, £28), Photography © Lizzie Mayson

WIGAN MARKET

more than just a market!

There's something for everyone at Wigan Market. Great value, fresh produce, local and friendly.

1 Mesnes St, Wigan WN1 1AR

www.wigan.market

WEYMOUTH

The perfect spot for your sunny getaway

During the Summer months I took a five day coach holiday with Daish’s Holidays staying at The Russell Hotel, situated on the glorious seafront esplanade of Weymouth.

The sandy beach is sprinkled with deck chairs and has many food & drink stalls and a vast range of attractions including donkey rides, a large funfair and even a traditional punch and Judy.

The esplanade is wide and flat and very well kept, making it perfect for a long stroll in the sunshine, you can walk for miles along the coastal path lined with brightly coloured beach huts.

My favourite part of Weymouth is the traditional fishing harbour with lift bridge.

The hotel occupies a beautiful building and has 87 bedrooms with many offering sea views. Facilities include a coffee shop, bar, restaurant and dance floor. The hotel hosts a programme of live entertainment every evening which includes dancing, bingo and quizzes. There is also the option to book excursions and day trips via the hotel.

What’s included in a Daish’s Holiday package: • Luxury coach travel with comfort stops on route • Convenient pickup and drop-off along popular routes • Breakfast and three-course evening meal every day • On-site entertainment Seated on a beautiful bay Weymouth boasts one of the finest beaches in Dorset. The seafront is lined with Georgian buildings, restaurants and a vast range of eateries from fish and chips to ice cream parlours.

26

Watch the boats come and go from luxury yachts to working fishing boats.

Either side of the harbour is lined with pastelpainted houses and many restaurants and bars, too many to mention them all.

Two of my favourites were the Kings Arms, a 16th Century Inn where King George III is said to have stayed with its low ceilings and doorways and decorated in a traditional fashion.

The second is the George, more of a modern style with restaurant over 2 floors serving top

quality drinks and meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients. It also has a good outdoor space to sit and watch the world go by.

During the Summer months there is a large firework display every Monday at 9pm which adds to the holiday experience.

Weymouth is a family friendly beautiful resort which I would visit time and time again.

During our visit we took an optional excursion organised by the hotel out to Bournemouth and Poole. It was well organised, leaving the hotel after breakfast and

returning in plenty of time to get ready for our evening meal.

Bournemouth has the perfect beach front with sandy beach, Ferris wheel, many little cafés, restaurants and a large pier. For those with mobility problems there is a cliff lift to help you down. Highlight of our visit was the botanical gardens, a vast outdoor space with water, music and plenty of plants to admire.

Poole was in a different class, gorgeous pubs, restaurants and a harbour full of luxury yachts, well worth the visit.

By Helen Gergus.

Daish’s Holidays is a family-owned and operated business that has 12 hotels, located in 10 popular tourist destinations across England and Wales including Newquay and Weymouth. The company also has its own fleet of luxury coaches to transport guests in comfort from a number of pick-up points across the UK, stretching from west Yorkshire to Cornwall. Customers have the choice between coach or self-drive options across England and Wales.

m ro s f 00* ice ,0 Pr 94 £

Affordable Living apartments for over 55s One and two bedroom apartments • Café

• Hair Salon

• Communal Lounge

• Guest Suite

• Landscaped Gardens • Wellbeing Services

Call 01942 314203 to book a tour The Standard, High Street, Standish, WN6 0HD the-standard.org.uk Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday – 10:30pm- 3:30pm *Prices subject to change. Price advertised at 50% share

27

Self-drive & coach inclusive breaks

209

from

GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS £

per person

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: Return coach travel (self-drive option available)

Comfy en suite accommodation

Breakfast & 3-course evening meal

Request your brochure now!

Live nightly entertainment

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.

Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth Llandudno

Newquay

Blackpool

Lake District Scarborough Eastbourne

Weymouth

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

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

Price includes return coach travel from:

Leyland, Chorley, Coppull, Standish, Wigan, Ashton in Makerfield, Newton le Willows, Warrington, Lymm Services.

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

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

Call 01202 638 840

NOVEMBER 02

Somerset Hotel – Llandudno

5

£259

07

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£254

17

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£259

18

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£229

21

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

£254

23

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

£244

24

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

5

£269

27

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

£239

DECEMBER 05

Imperial Hotel – Eastbourne

5

£239

07

Esplanade Hotel – Scarborough

5

£229

08

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

£209

Book online at www.daishs.com Quote

50PlusWW 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 2023/24.

If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Offer ends 30th November 2023

10 fabulous locations, 12 great hotels.

Bournemouth

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

Weymouth

Eastbourne

Bournemouth Sands

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Imperial Hotel

Isle of Wight

Scarborough

Torquay

Torquay

Blackpool

Lake District

Daish’s Hotel

Esplanade Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Abbey Lawn Hotel

Daish’s Blackpool Hotel

County Hotel

Call 01202 638 840 or visit daishs.com

facebook.com/daishs

We’ll get you smiling ...

Many denture wearers suffer with poor fitting, worn out or artificial (false) looking dentures that cause the wearer to feel a lack of confidence in their dentures. This can present itself when chewing or even by just worrying about the denture dropping during a conversation. All these are issues that Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street specialise in correcting.

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

to supply dentures direct to the public. A dental technician is not qualified to supply a denture directly to the public. However, despite this being an act of Mal practice many technicians will still practice illegally without informing the patient that they are not qualified. If you are unsure if your denture provider is qualified; ask them for their GDC registration number, then contact the GDC to see if they are registered not just as a dental technician but as a CDT.

It is this qualification that allows the clinicians to be able to be registered and regulated with the General Dental Council (the official body for protecting the public with regards to dentistry) and carry indemnity insurance.

It is this qualification, which means that only Dentists and Clinical Dental Technicians are the only Dental Professionals permitted

Over recent years there have been many improvements in both the way we construct dentures and in the materials and denture teeth that we use. This means that the end result looks more natural than ever before.

Why not call for a FREE Consultation to find out more about these new innovations in denture design and manufacture?

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DENTURES NEED REGULAR SERVICING Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE

Have your dentures inspected by a Clinical Dental Technician at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

YOUR DENTURES NEED ATTENTION 1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

MY DENTURES HAVE BECOME LOOSE! This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

DENTURES ON IMPLANTS This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures.

The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

SHOULD I HAVE A SPARE SET OF DENTURES MADE? Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

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.

Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street can offer all aspects of denture care including;

Are your dentures old, worn out or loose?

Or do you just want a new smile?

For a FREE consultation contact: Dental Arts @ 23 Lord Street

01704 542818 New Dentures l Repairs l Relines l Copy Dentures l Mouth Guards l

Appointments by arrangement Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm Friday, 9am - 1pm

Free Consultations Denture cleaning and polishing service l Repair of broken or cracked dentures l Relining existing dentures to improve fit l New full dentures l New partial dentures (following treatment plan from dentist) * l Sports mouth guards *Dentist treatment plan can be arranged. l l

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12 months interest free

Family run business, successfully run for over 25 years Quality jobs by professionals When you choose Advanced Home Improvements you can expect to meet a team of friendly, trained professionals, architects and builders that’ll be with you every step of the way, so that our high quality design and build plans exceed all your expectations.

So call us for a free no obligation quote!

Buy now pay in 2024

What we offer • Modern single storey buildings • Bifold doors • Orangeries • Conservatories • Garden rooms • Double & triple glazing • aluminium windows in all colours • composite doors

Contact us today about one of our offers or other bespoke 2023 deals! e: hello@advancedhomeimprovements.co.uk

Registered Company No. 36136

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Southport: 01704 627103

www.advancedhomeimprovements.co.uk