Local Choice - Bay Edition

In this issue, there are lots of places to visit for all the family, as well as some great places to eat over the Easter weekend and the school holidays. Happy Easter everyone.

Kind regards, Mark Prada (Editor)

behalf of the entire team Westmorland Homecare Lancaster. It is a huge team effort, we have a very special team our office and community. wonderful to recognise the of our whole team who around the clock to look and support the community which we live.” Founder Dr Macaulay said, “we set up service over five years ago to a difference to the lives of people across our community. It’s amazing see the team pick award in recognition for dedication and hard work.”

Bay Business Award, Best Care Business of the Year

Westmorland Homecare, Lancaster and Morecambe has also recently been awarded a prestigious Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission for the exceptionally high-quality care we provide and we able to support more clients within our very special community. If you would like to know more about our outstanding services and how we could support you or your loved ones, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01524 956240 or simply nip into our beautiful office near Dalton Square for a chat and cup of tea.

High-quality home care services have arrived in Lancaster and Morecambe with the launch of Home Instead Lancaster. The company provides innovative, companionshipled home care services for elderly people across North Lancashire. providing companionship-led care in

the local area

Home Instead services are tailored to the needs of individual clients and range from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, shopping and errands. The service is totally flexible to meet client needs and is available from a few hours to seven days a week.

Ex-Royal Navy engineer and owner Sam Hayhurst comments: “I am proud that my caring team and I are able to keep people safe in the comfort of their own homes. We can provide a variety of vital services including medication reminders, escorting to medical appointments, household chores and shopping.

Quality award winning care in the comfort of your own home.

Our care is most importantly companionshipled, which has proven to be key during these times. Care visits can range from a chat and a cup of tea, to taking a walk in the park, or taking a trip to a client’s favourite place”

Home Instead know that quality care cannot be delivered in short, rushed visits so care calls are a minimum of one hour. Time is taken to carefully match CAREGivers to their clients so that they share common areas of interest and can form long and trusting relationships.

CAREGivers are fully trained in the ethos and values of the company, offering only the highest standards of care services.

HOLIDAYS

DAY TRIPS

EXCURSIONS

FOR EXCURSION/HOLIDAY BROCHURE PHONE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.TRAVELLERSCHOICE.CO.UK

EXCURSIONS

PRIVATE HIRE

Every person counts so please don’t leave it until the last minute to book or you risk the excursion getting cancelled

MANCHESTER OR TRAFFORD CENTRE

Adult £19.00 Child £12.70

Sun - 7th Apr

Fri - 26th Apr

LIVERPOOL

Adult £19.00 Child £12.70

Sat - 20th Apr

CHESTER/CHESHIRE OAKS OR BOTH

Adult £20.50 Child £13.70

Sat - 13th Apr

BLACKPOOL OR FLEETWOOD FREEPORT & BLACKPOOL

Adult £16.00 Child £10.70

Mon - 1st Apr

Fri - 12th Apr

BURY OR BOLTON

Adult £18.50 Child £12.40

Wed - 17th Apr

CARLISLE OR GRETNA

Adult £18.50 Child £12.40

Sat - 6th Apr

HARROGATE

Adult £19.50 Child £13.00 OR YORK

Adult £23.00 Child £15.40

Fri - 5th Apr

SKIPTON & BOUNDARY MILL

Adult £18.00 Child £12.00

Wed - 10th Apr

BEAMISH*

Adult £23.00 Child £15.40

Sun - 28th April

50P REDUCTION FOR OVER 65’S TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY MANY MORE EXCURSIONS IN OUR NEW BROCHURE

HOLIDAYS

EDINBURGH TATTOO

21st Aug - 2 Nights - 1 x DBB 1 x BB

Quality Tickets for the Tattoo

£359 Single Supplement £108

GLASGOW CHRISTMAS SHOPPER

6th Dec - 2 Nights - B&B

£228 Single Supplement £101

TURKEY & TINSEL - DRYMEN

13th Dec - 4 Nights

Full Board, Entertainment etc

£359 Single Supplement £140

CHRISTMAS IN STRATFORD

23rd Dec - 4 Nights

Full Christmas Package

£555 Single Supplement £160

SCOTTISH HOGMANAY

30th Dec - 3 Nights

Full Hogmanay Package

£450 Single Supplement £70

Deposit £35pp - Terms & Conditions apply FOR FULL HOLIDAY DETAILS RING FOR A BROCHURE

SCENIC DAYS & SPECIALS

SOUTHERN SCOTTISH TOUR

Adult £25.00 Child £16.70

Mon 1st Apr

SCENIC LAKES TOUR

Adult £16.00 Child £10.70

Sun 21st Apr

HARROGATE

Adult £19.50 Child £13.00

Thu 25th Apr & Sat 27th Apr

FLOWER SHOW

HARROGATE SPRING SHOW

Adult £19.50 Child £13.00

Thu 25th Apr & Sat 27th Apr

MORE IN OUR BROCHURE

*Admission Extra TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

NEW BROCHURE OUT SOON RING & RESERVE YOUR COPY

Welcome to THE MAYFAIR RESIDENTIAL HOME

The Mayfair is a family-run home situated on the seafront at Morecambe, enjoying spectacular views across to the Lake District.

At The Mayfair we provide an environment where residents can enjoy the independence they want while always having the support and care they need.

We have a caring philosophy throughout our experienced and well-trained management and staff, which puts our residents at the heart of everything we do.

We ensure residents are treated with respect as individuals, and we work to provide them with the very best quality of life possible in a warm, friendly, clean and homely environment.

We offer :-

•Residential Care – long & short term

•Respite Care •Holiday Breaks

Features at a glance:-

•Stunning Views across Morecambe Bay from our Sun Lounge

•Plus a spacious TV lounge and a tranquil lounge

•Light, airey and welcoming dining room

•Wi-Fi throughout•Hair Salon

•Friendly caring staff

•A varied program of engaging activities

We offer a varied and deliciously nutritious menu, all home cooked & prepared by our in-house chefs

•Cooked breakfast or continental available

•Lunch is a varied choice of three-course meals with special diets catered for

•A light tea is served early evening

GOLD & SILVER ROADSHOW

FOR 2 DAYS ONLY

WED 24TH & THU 25TH APRIL from 10.30 to 4.00pm

JEWELLERY AND COIN ROADSHOW

A very lucky couple called at one of our recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver British coins. We paid them over £1600.00 just for the coins alone. They turned out to be pre 1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected. We asked them for their permission to pass on this story to help other people realise what they may be sitting on and they were only too pleased to allow us to let everyone know that they might be sitting on a goldmine and not even know it! Like most people, who can only dream of winning the pools or the lottery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objects d’art. Why not get a free valuation from our expert at our roadshow at: THE ROYAL KINGS ARMS HOTEL, 75 MARKET STREET, LANCASTER LA1 1JG and THE BELLFLOWER RESTAURANT, PARKSIDE LN, GARSTANG, PRESTON PR3 0JA.

There is no queuing and our expert will give you a one on one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area, where there are no prying eyes, watching the process evolve. If you like the valuation our expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself. The whole process of valuation is free of charge and very private, so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

WANTED NOW

Krugerrand, Maples and Sovereigns are urgently wanted for top prices.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED

Many people are totally unaware of the value of unusual and old items that they own and are just hidden away in drawers around the house. Dealers are now paying record high prices for old jewellery, gold, silver objects and collectables. Most unusual gold and silver items are no longer fashionable but there are still collectors who we deal with that will pay record high prices for your old gold and silver jewellery, and items. Wristwatches and old fashioned pocket watches can surprise you with their values and you will be amazed by the amount that is currently being offered for such items. Get looking NOW in your old drawers, cupboards, and jewellery boxes. Look in the attic and the cellar, even old broken or squashed item of jewellery and silver are valuable and worth having appraised at these free roadshows. Bullion Investments & Acquisitions are having such a roadshow at THE ROYAL KINGS ARMS HOTEL, 75 MARKET STREET, LANCASTER LA1 1JG and THE BELLFLOWER RESTAURANT, PARKSIDE LN, GARSTANG, PRESTON PR3 0JA.

They will be offering a free valuation service and they will make you an instant CASH offer to buy your old jewellery, gold and silver or any old silver or coins that you may have. Things that you should look for and bring to our roadshows are absolutely anything that looks like jewellery, whether it is yellow gold, silver or platinum. Any old British or foreign coins. Any old wrist watches or pocket watches. All chains, bracelets, rings and bangles broken or not and in any condition. If you think it is a diamond ring, bring it along and we will confirm it to be genuine. If you have an old trophy or tankard or any silver coloured items, let us value them for you.

COINS & MEDALS URGENTLY WANTED

Old war medals and old Masonic medals can be very valuable. You will be surprised to hear that we have paid THOUSANDS of pounds for certain war medals and even the General Service Medal group is worth bringing especially if you have the original box and letters to accompany them. Also of great interest are old military uniforms, tunics, hats and any army, navy or RAF field gear.

OF PARTICULAR INTEREST

Gold and silver cigarette cases, Vesta Cases, thimbles, Candle sticks, trays and all things silver are needed. Pocket watches in gold and silver and all wristwatches by: Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Longine, IWC are particularly collected.

There are rarely any queues at our events and we can normally attend to every caller within a few minutes. We will give you a free valuation which we back up with a cash offer, there and then. You can accept or decline our offer, so come along and see what we can offer for your old gold or silver jewellery, coins and collectable.

Do you...

Live in the Lancaster District?

Have a disability?

Struggle to get around your home?

Make life easier with a grant for home adaptations.

For more info. call our Home Improvement Agency on 01524 582610, or visit lancaster.gov.uk/hia y.

29th March - 15th April

Want to join our trail?

Find all 10 bunnies in Lancaster City Centre to be in with a chance of winning your own cuddly bunny and a £20 voucher to spend in St Nics

Pick up a trail leaflet in St Nics, Marketgate, and participating businesses in Lancaster, or scan the QR code to download your form.

Prize winners announced on the 17th April 2024.

Free Auction Valuations

Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm -o0o -

Free Saturday Valuations 10am - 1pm

(Appointment only)

All types of jewellery including gold, silver and even costume jewellery. Coin collections especially gold and silver presentation sets. Antiques & collectables.

We are o en asked ‘what is selling at the moment?’

So please nd below some interesting sales results from our recent auction.

Lot 444 sold £4000 THE HOBBIT, rst paperback edition, signed by the author

Lot 1174 sold £2850

ALFRED DUBUCAND bronze sculpture

Lot 2070 sold £2550 A ‘Rolling Drum’ inclined plane mystery clock

Lot 2074 sold £1350 Victorian brass skeleton clock

Lot 1639a sold £1150 Flintlock duelling pistols

Lot 1501 sold £520 Group of 6 war medals

Lot 282 sold £4200 PETER MAX (American, born 1937); oil on canvas, ‘Central Park’

Lot 532 sold £1950 Rolex stainless steel

Lot 940 sold £3400 Ladies 9ct gold Rolex

Lot 401 sold £2550 Chinese carved jade

Lot 680 sold £1570 Set of 5 gold coins

Lot 378 sold £1750 Chinese Famille Verte jardinière

Why replace your windows or doors when we can restore them for a fraction of the cost? For any door or window problem, call your local Faulty Locks? Cloudy Windows?

“To clear out your gutters and remove the green. Call the professionals - ConserVclean!”

“To clear out your gutters and remove the green. Call the professionals - ConserVclean!”

The process, operating safely from the ground,* is captured by video so that you the customer can actually see the work has been professionally completed.**

* Gutters and fascias only ** Gutter cleaning only

Before After ConserVclean offers a professional cleaning service using state of the art equipment for: Specialist Conservatory Cleaning Cleaning UPVC Gutters & Fascias Clearing Gutters For a quote please contact ConserVclean on: 01900 871808 or 07821 909 772 www.conservclean.co.uk ConserVclean offers a professional cleaning service using state of the art equipment for: Specialist Conservatory Cleaning Cleaning UPVC Gutters & Fascias Clearing Gutters

Before After

Before After

Before After ConserVclean offers a professional cleaning service using state of the art equipment for: Specialist Conservatory Cleaning Cleaning UPVC Gutters & Fascias Clearing Gutters

ConserVclean offers a professional cleaning service using state of the art equipment for:

Specialist Conservatory Cleaning Cleaning UPVC Gutters & Fascias Clearing Gutters

“To clear out your gutters and remove the green. Call the professionals - ConserVclean!”

The process, operating safely from the ground,* is captured by video so that you the customer can actually see the work has been professionally completed.**

The process involves the use of specialist equipment to clean difficult to reach areas that are often not accessible when using ladders.

The process, operating safely from the ground,* is captured by video so that you the customer can actually see the work has been professionally completed.**

* Gutters and fascias only ** Gutter cleaning only

* Gutters and fascias only ** Gutter cleaning only

Before After

Before After

COMPOSITE DOORS

WE USE OUR OWN INSTALLERS WHO ARE CERTASS VETTED TO ENSURE YOU RECEIVE A FIRST CLASS INSTALLATION EVERY TIME AND WE BACK UP ALL OUR WORK WITH A TEN YEAR INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEE

✓Friendly in-home service ✓ Options for every budget ✓ Price includes measuring & fitting Lancaster

• Flexible appointment times

• Blinds & curtains tailor-made here in the UK

• Ask me about multi-blind discounts

• I won’t be beaten on price*

• Electric blinds available

100’S OF SOFAS & BEDS IN STOCK

ALL AVAILABLE FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY

TOP GRADE ARTIFICIAL GRASS IN STOCK

Forbes Roofing Ltd

WE ARE ONE OF LANCASTER & SOUTH CUMBRIA’S LEADING ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Compare our prices to other roofing companies

Written guarantees with all work - Storm damage & insurance work

Free estimates & free advice - Leave the paperwork to us

• From a single slate to complete new roof •

• Slate / tiling / flat roofs • UPVC fascias & soffits

• Chimney stacks repaired & dismantled

Guttering repaired & replaced

WHY USE US?

We only use own employees

• No money taken upfront

Pay when you are 100% satisfied

Top quality materials

• We only use the best References available

• Which means top quality workmanship

One of Lancashire’s most trusted roofing service. FREE estimates FREE advice FREE roof checks 24 hour emergency call outs

• No money taken up front

• Guarantees given with all work

• Local and reliable ALL TYPES OF ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN

• Full roof replacements

• Slating/Tiling

• Flat roofs • Chimney Work

• uPVC fascias and soffits

• Guttering • Roof repairs

• Roof cleaning/sealing

• Storm damage Please dial full area code

Heating your home the natural way

Site inspections

Building work

Installation and fitting Advice and guidance

A fabulous range of stoves

A qualified stove engineer

Fully compliant Free, no obligation site visit. We can help you to choose the right stove for your home.

Greenlands Farm Village, Tewitfield, Carnforth LA6 1JH 01524 805806 07920 803 197

hello@lakewoodstoves.co.uk www.lakewoodstoves.co.uk

There are many reasons why you should consider installing natural turf instead of artificial. Not only is it better for the environment but it adds value to your property, looks fantastic and is great at absorbing water.

Quality turf from only £2.70 per m2

• Bags of hardwood logs - £120 • Softwood - £100 • Ash logs - £120 per bag • Kindling - £5.50 per net

• Pick up load of softwood (approx 6 bags) - £570

HELP YOUR LAWN TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE

Over the last 35 years our love for lawns has continued to grow. We combine our passion and enthusiasm with innovative technology and dedicated customer service as we continue to revolutionise UK Lawn Care. Our groundbreaking Lawn Treatment Programmes keep your grass looking its best all year round, ensuring your lawn receives the love and attention it deserves.

Email: lancaster@greenthumb.co.uk

Call: 01524 952222

Visit: greenthumb.co.uk

Save Money With Cloudy2Clear. Your Local Glazing Experts!

As the foremost domestic glass replacement company in the UK for more than 18 years, Cloudy2Clear Windows are the leading name in the industry. There is now no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 340,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit it may not provide you with the protection you need, or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Why not take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear Darren Thomas it became evident that the value of saving their customers money

has been held dear for a number of years. In addition since starting the business in 2005, Cloudy2Clear have committed to supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public both time and money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. Darren commented “By doing this we make the customer considerable savings and there is much less upheaval in the family home. Also, whether communities find themselves in a financial crisis or not, saving money when you don’t need to waste it is always the sensible option, and our service does just that”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.

“I really liked the fact that they were a

Janet Beard

5* Review: Professional service from a company with all the right equipment. Not the usual amateur with a wet vac! Highly recommended and thanks again John.

C. Holden - Jan 2024

We are local - We are based in south Lancaster. We offer carpet and upholstery cleaning in Lancaster, Morecambe, Heysham, Garstang and all surrounding areas.

We are the only members of the National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) in this area. Our cleaners have undergone some of the best training available in this country.

We use the latest equipment for hot water extraction, bonnet cleaning (low moisture), encapsulation cleaning (low moisture), dry compound cleaning (very low moisture), dry solvent cleaning (water free) & leather cleaning.

5* Review: Thank you John for a wonderful job on my sofa. John was very helpful in rescheduling at short notice and his arrival he had even brought indoor shoes! Such attention to detail and a very thorough job done... Would definitely use again and highly recommend.

L. Jones - Nov 2023

We like our customers to feel confident that we can be trusted 100% whilst working in their home. We invite you to take a moment to read our reviews on Google, Facebook and our website as these speak for themselves. With

Contact John on 01524 935184 or 07425 259346 info@refreshcarpetsandupholstery.co.uk

www.refreshcarpetsandupholstery.co.uk

5* Review: I can’t praise this guy enough from start to finish everything was absolutely spot on his attention to detail is very impressive would highly recommend and will definitely be using him again.

A. Love - July 2023

See all our local reviews on Facebook

@carpetcleanerlancaster.co.uk

We can strip off and remove from site any type of existing garage/shed roofing materials.

• Metal • Slate • Asbestos • Felt Depending on structure we could also over clad most existing garage roofs/walls. These roofs can be replaced with either single skin/ single skin with anti condensation material or fully insulated composite panel’s depending on your requirements with all weathering flashings to match.

We will make the best possible use of your space at the best possible price.

WWW.LANCASHIREBEDROOMS.CO.UK

To arrange a design consultation at your home contact our friendly, professional team today on 01772 882 087 or 0800 731 0267 All Tree Work

• Fully Qualified

To see examples of our work & for more information please visit our website

• 07969 087653

Email info@rwatson-treesurgery.co.uk

Website www.rwatson-treesurgery.co.uk

Mason’s is a specialist provider of resin bound driveways.

Our experienced team has previously laid and finished many resin driveways across the region and will be delighted to assist you. With over 16 years’ experience and all work completed with a 3-year guarantee, we’re sure to be able to fulfil your needs.

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Block Paving Resin Patio

Picture Frame Tarmac

Indian Paving Resin Double Driveway

Block Paving

Failed windows not only look terrible, but they allow cold air and moisture in to your home and that means you are going to pay more than you should, to heat your house each and every month.

Let Back to Brilliant Windows fix your foggy windows, and you can start saving money on those heating bills. Don’t forget all our windows are backed by a tenyear manufacturer’s guarantee, not just a flimsy certificate which isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

Our fully trained window experts can repair your windows quickly and economically, bringing them back to show house quality.

Don’t just accept foggy windows, after all no one wants windows that allow moisture, cold and mould into your home.

Let Back to Brilliant windows explain how you can save money, compared to the cost of replacing complete windows.

We have over 35 years experience in the building industry providing loft conversions to properties. We have a comprehensive portfolio of work and would be delighted to arrange a visit for you to see it or speak with any of our past clients.

If you’d like to have chat about a project and receive a free no obligation quote, please do not hesitate to call. We pride ourselves on taking no deposit or any upfront payments. Your satisfaction is our main priority!

We are registered with FENSA a government authorised Competent Persons Scheme for the replacement of windows, doors and roof lights in England and Wales. We operate with an insurance backed guarantee supplied by Home Improvements Protection for your extra peace of mind. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE EXPERT CONSULTATION IN

QUEAKING? SQUEALING? QUEALING? YOU MIGHT NEED A BRAKE CHECK It’s always best to get any noises checked out before they become an issue or cause more problems with your vehicle. CALL TO BOOK YOUR FREE BRAKE CHECK

14-16 YEAR OLD FULL DAY DRIVING EXPERIENCES

14-16 Driving Experience Days include a full day of theory and practical sessions at Morecambe FC Mazuma Stadium - giving under 17's a great start to becoming a safe driver and passenger. A Fun day of sessions with qualified and insured ADI's in a safe environment - with dates throughout the year.

Qualify and Rob Wilkinson Going the extra mile with a smile

MOCK TESTS ARE YOU TEST READY?

With our experienced ex-examiner we can test your readiness, give areas to work on and help you achieve your goals

WHY WAIT TO BE 17 TO START LEARNING TO DRIVE?

THEORY WORKSHOPS & MAINTENANCE SESSIONS

REFRESH YOUR KNOWLEDGE, GAIN CONFIDENCE & LEARN

Either evening or afternoon sessions in small groups or on a one to one, with any age welcome- let us know what you’d prefer and anything in particular that you want to cover.

EACH WORKSHOP IS 90 MINUTES (ALLOW 2 HOURS)

Visit us in our Muscular Pain & Sports Injury Clinic on Victoria Street in Morecambe.

With one of the highest qualifications along with over 18 year’s experience working in a League

Two Professional Football League Club and with sports professionals.

• Remedial Massage

Do you want to take better care of your feet?

Do you have a specific foot health concern?

I can offer a professional dependable service.

Treating:

• Corns • Callus

• Verruca

• Ingrown Toenail

• Fungal Nail

• Thickened Nails

• Nail Trimming • and much more

07706 718 787

• ellenmars_rfhp@outlook.com

Covering Lancaster, Morecambe & surrounding areas

• Sports Therapy

• Myofascial Massage Trigger Point Massage

Tissue

“Anne has been a massive help to me over the years. She is extremely thorough and her knowledge and expertise is fantastic!”

- Barry Roche, Morecambe FC Goalkeeper FULLY QUALIFIED IN Advanced Clinical Massage

• Corns & Callus

• Cracked Heels

• Fungal & Thickened Nails

• Verrucas

• Athletes Foot

• Nail Cutting

• Diabetic Foot Care

Join in. Be part of it again! Hear, but it's not clear? Lose the conversation when there are other sounds?

Hearing aids from Lakeland Hearing will allow you to hear well - even when you’re in a busy environment. Join in and be part of it again with hearing aids from Lakeland Hearing.

TO CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF CAROLINE’S LASHES AT TOP TO TOE HAIR AND BEAUTY I BRING YOU

FEATHERLIGHT MEGA WISPIES…

A beautiful strip lash look without the “cant open my eyes” feeling. Perfect for holidays, special occasions or a glam night out for just £60

For those who prefer a more subtle natural look there are always classic lashes for just £45

Clare House

015395 33026

www.clarehousehotel.co.uk

Remember us? It’s been a while, but we are back on the road this month. And… ”BREAKING NEWS” Miss Daisy has a new car! Yes folks, and you wont be surprised to hear it’s another Honda Jazz! It’s slightly snazzier (or should that be jazzier) than her last one, with a bigger accelerator pedal that hopefully she’ll learn to use a bit more than the last one.

So, off we tootled to Grange over Sands and headed to Clare House. You just follow your nose along the rather pretty Esplanade (the main road through Grange) and onto Park Road and Clare House is on your left, a lovely building with gorgeous gardens and amazing views over Morecambe Bay.

The hotel opens for brunch/lunch and drinks from 9.30am until 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and Sunday lunch is served 12.30 to 1.30 (on a Sunday obviously) Afternoon Tea between 12 and 4pm is also a popular choice.

The Reads (it’s been in the same family for 55 years) are currently upgrading the outdoor area with a lovely new terrace and outdoor seating – the perfect place for drinks and/or dining when the weather warms up. They also have

their own generous car park which thankfully made it easy for Miss D to manoeuvre her beast of a car into!

We enjoyed a drink in the ‘green’ lounge overlooking the gardens whilst we perused the lunch menu. And true to form, I had a glass of Pinot Grigio, whilst Miss D had a proper brew.

The menu has a great selection, so as well as the usual Full English there are dishes including poached eggs, smashed avocado, bacon and feta on toast; Cranberry & apple Cumberland sausage, spring onion mash and a Yorkshire pudding; American pancakes with fruit, yoghurt and maple I was again tempted by the pancakes, but a small, sensible part of my brain screams at me not to, and on this occasion I listen. Sandwiches are also available, with not just your average fillings but honey baked ham & pineapple pickle; butter roast chicken with vanilla & apple chutney. All with salad and crisps. And of course you could “Go large” and add a cup of soup.

Miss Daisy opted for smoked haddock on a spring onion risotto with fresh parmesan & poached egg, and I went for the New Yorker

- a hot sourdough sandwich filled with pastrami, onion & dill pickle, Gruyere, Dijon mustards and remoulade. And it would have been rude not to try the loaded skinny fries (bacon, cheese, spring onion & mayo were delicious),although having eyed them Miss D then decided she wanted to share.

Now to desserts (thank goodness for spell check or you’d be eating dry sand!) We asked opinions some of the other diners, many of who were regulars, and the pud that won that day’s popular vote was the apple and berry crumble with custard, with the home baked fruit scone coming in a close second. Miss Daisy crumbled (sorry) at the mere mention of the fruity pud and wolfed it down, with lashings of custard of course. I meanwhile was allowed just one spoonful, and only for quality assurance purposes. So we highly recommend. The ambience is lovely, the staff friendly, and Clare House really is worth taking a run out to. It’s a nice drive, and only about half an hour from Lancaster & Morecambe (unless of course you’re driving with Miss Daisy…)

Review by Louise Hodgson

Food served 9.30am - 3.30pm Wide selection of homemade cakes, puddings and savoury snacks.

Now stocked with nursery grown perennials & bedding plants. Also stockists of Melcourt peat free composts.