Southport Flower Show 2012

LEN GOODMAN & ARLENE PHILLIPSCelebrity faces of Your Personal Best Campaign inspiring millions to live and achieve a more active lifestyle

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW 2012

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TOM’S TOP TIPSTO REDUCE YOUR GARDENING WORKLOAD

RICK STEIN SHARES HIS FAVOURITE RECIPES

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CONTENTS

Inside this issue ...

TRAVEL & LEISURE6 Wirral Food Festival Bank Holiday fun for the whole family

8-9 Coach Tours 2012 Robinsons own hotels.

12 Cruise for the fi rst time Experience the Celebrity difference on board

20 Bury Markets A great day out.

FOOD & DRINK21-23 Rick Steins' Recipe Pages Rick's favourite recipes.

HEALTH42-43 TIA or Mini Stroke What to look for.

46-47 Should you be paying your care home fees? Act now before it’s too late.

McGrath Regional Media.Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops | Gladys StreetBolton | BL3 2QG.T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594e: [email protected]

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‘Take it Easy’Tom’s top tips to reduce your gardening workload.As lawns are time-consuming, reduce the size of it by creating a perimeter pathway in either paving or gravel. This can often reduce the size to your lawn by 50% or more without it looking small.

Create a fl at edging round the lawn to act as a mowing strip – this reduces lawn edging time.

A pathway between the lawn and borders allows access even in wet conditions without damage to the lawn and no muddy feet! This makes pruning,

picking and dead heading much easier.

If the borders are wide, create stepping stone pathways amongst the plants. This again makes easy access even in wet weather. Seating areas can be created within the borders to give purpose to the pathways.

Regularly mulch all soil areas with bark or wood chippings. Do not use a membrane as this prevents the mulch decomposing into the soil. This should reduce weeding.

Where it is possible, create raised beds. These are easier maintained when bending to ground level is not as easy as it used to be!

Relax on the patio on a Summer’s evening with your favourite tipple! Study the size of your permanent planting – trees, shrubs, perennials etc. and try to recall what size they were last year. This enables you to anticipate what will happen next year and you can decide if you need to prune or remove certain plants to stop overgrowth which can spoil appearances and, eventually, lead to complete removal and replacement which is both costly and time-consuming.

‘Take it Easy’

gardening workload.As lawns are time-consuming, reduce the size of it by creating a perimeter pathway in either paving or gravel. This can often reduce the size to your lawn by 50% or more without it looking small.

Create a fl at edging round the lawn to act as a mowing strip – this reduces lawn edging time.

A pathway between the lawn and borders allows access even in wet conditions without damage to the lawn and no muddy feet! This makes pruning,

Best tip – Have HOMESCAPES design and reconstruct your gardento suit your personal tastes and future needs! 3

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ROAD RAGEI always pull aside for a bus in the middle of the road, it’s bad for your health not to. But recently the lady driving too close behind me took exception and threw a dippy fi t.

You know the stuff, waving fi ngers in the air, casting aspersions on your parentage, veering from side to side and threatening the lives of passing pedestrians.

I could see all this in my mirror and the bus driver had a look of horror on his face that a woman by herself was behaving like that. I drove on after giving her a return wave, well it was similar to a wave, but the barmy person still kept pursuing me like a frustrated Lewis Hamilton.

After half a mile I turned smartly left and parked outside our local police contact point. I waved and invited her to join me to discuss her obvious affl iction. She declined and proceeded to wave both hands in the old wartime salute leaving the car to steer itself.

Scary stuff. I must make sure my rear machine gun is working in future, I can’t stand road rage.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?You couldn’t make it up. There are moves afoot to change the name of the picture postcard Austrian village whose name is equivalent to an English profanity.

The village of F***ing, north of Salzburg, has lived with the name since the 18th century. Its German meaning came originally from a Bavarian nobleman, Focko, who founded the settlement in the 6th century. The current spelling was spotted by English soldiers after the last war and since then British tourists have fl ocked there to have their pictures taken by road signs. So popular did the village become that they eventually had to concrete the signs in place to deter thieves.

Couples have been spotted romping naked in front of the signs and local entrepreneurs cashed in by selling F***ing postcards, F***ing Christmas cards and even F***ing beer!

F***ing Mayor Franz Meindl said the last straw was the number of telephone calls to residents from English people asking in English, “Is that F***ing?”

“It’s all become too much,” he said, “The only problem is we need all the F***ing residents to agree to the name change.”

I couldn’t possibly comment!

GRAHAM SMITH TWITTERING ON

THE DRAIN BRAINI should probably be grateful to have a house with a water feature but I don’t think mine is going to make the Sunday newspaper Ideal Home pages.

For some years now, when it rains, we have a beautiful fountain which cascades up from the pavement outside and then gushes musically down the grate. Trouble is half of it then gushes into our cellar before being chucked out again by the pump we had to install.

Bradford Council are perplexed. They once sent along a very senior offi cer for land drainage who produced form his pocket two modern, state of the art divining rods. After walking up and down the street like a demented American witch doctor he proudly announced that the water turned left at our house. We knew that!

They put coloured dye down the drains outside the chip shop 100 yards away and convinced us that the pavement fountain would turn yellow within the day. This would prove that the water was coming off the nearby moor’s water course. Four years later we’re still waiting for the dye to come through and plan to keep piranhas in the cellar before calling the offi cial back.

Recently our water feature became perfumed. A defi nite scent of eau de canal pervaded the living room at various times of day. Even the dog looked at us suspiciously from behind her gas mask so we decided it was time for the council again.

They sent a very pleasant man who thought next door’s waste pipe could be leaking into our cellar. Well why not, everything else was?

He introduced himself to the neighbours and put yellow dye down their loo and then red dye down ours. There was a fi rm promise that we would see the dye come up via the cellar pump within 24 hours. If it was yellow it was their smell, red and it was ours. Of course none appeared. The smell comes and goes now and the highly qualifi ed offi cials have decided it must be “ingressing” through the walls.

If you’re in Bradford and see a man walking down the street covered in yellow and red dye with a divining rod sticking out of his head you know the problem is ongoing.

LAST TWEETA quick return to Twitter and my great favourite Jimmy Cricket just showed why it can be worthwhile.

His tweet? “ No wonder the pandas in Edinburgh Zoo aren’t mating. They’re fi ghting. Take another look at them. They’ve both got two black eyes.”

A quick return to Twitter and my great favourite Jimmy

Find us on

Over 140 Producers & Stalls

Live Chef Demonstrationsincluding Nisha Katona, Wirral’s

own “Curry Evangelist”

Beer and Cider Tent

Wirral Farmers’ Market Marquee

Award Winning Mini Sheep Show

Children’s Big Top Village

NEW Good Life Marquee

Liverpool ONE Style Bus

& much more

Bank Holiday Family FestivalSunday 26th August 10am - 5pmMonday 27th August 10am - 4pmClaremont Farm, Junction 4 M53PARKING FREEAdults £4 / Children £1.50Family £10

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Find us on

Find us on Find us on

Free shuttle bus to & from Spital train station

www.wirralfoodfestival.co.uk

WIRRAL FOOD FESTIVAL.indd 1 09/08/2012 11:28

7www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The Azorean Garden at the Hampton Court Palace Flower ShowThis July, The Royal Horticultural Society introduced a new idea - the World of Gardens - for the fi rst time at its Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. There were four gardens entered, from very diverse destinations: Switzerland, Jordan, St. Petersburg and The Azores.

It is very diffi cult to explain, to those who do not understand the British passion for gardens and gardening, that each day some 30,000 people visit the show - which is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday inclusive - and that the Hampton Court Flower Show is the largest gardening event in the world. It covers a huge area of some 30 acres or so. It took me six months to persuade the Azoreans to enter a garden. Understandably, they found it hard to comprehend the concept and the fact that the show garden created would have to be world class because the RHS is the leading horticultural organisation in the world and it sets the highest of standards.

However, once they understood what a perfect opportunity this was to raise awareness of their islands to an audience whose main interest was, after all, gardens, then there was no stopping the fl ow of ideas. The islands of the Azores are, effectively, one big garden. This is a lush landscape of fertile volcanic soil, set in a temperate climate within the Gulf Stream, where seemingly anything grows in profusion. Flowers abound and, in June, hedgerows of hydrangeas twist like ribbons through the hills and valleys where half a million contented cows produce what I think is the best cheese in Portugal.

Though the plants typically found in the Azores were sourced in the UK for The Azorean Garden at Hampton Court, the volcanic rocks, scree and basalt were shipped from the various islands and formed a stunning backdrop to the plants. The Azores, being volcanic, are blessed in being able to derive most of their energy from geothermal sources. Fumaroles abound, especially on the main island of Sao Miguel, and the garden designer and the builders were tasked to reproduce a smoking, bubbling pool, fringed with, white, volcanic rocks, so typical of the village of Furnas, which is built in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Nothing was going to put gardeners off from visiting Hampton Court, let alone a little rain! Such was the interest in the garden and in the islands themselves, that we had 15 staff there daily - from Sunvil, from other specialist operators and from the Azorean tourist board - manning the garden and the information tent. Three and a half thousand visitors entered the Sunvil prize draw for a week’s free holiday. Cheese from the island of Sao Jorge was on offer, plus a fortifi ed wine from the island of Pico. Many thousands of information leafl ets and brochures were handed out.

What were the most frequently asked questions? Probably “Where are the Azores?” was number one. I lost count of the times I said, in response: “One third of the way across the Atlantic from Lisbon to New York”. Another regular query was: “What is the best time of the year to go?”. Most people were surprised to learn that there’s a direct fl ight from Gatwick operating between April and October and that summer temperatures range between 18 and 24 degrees Centigrade, while winter temperatures do not fall below 14 degrees Centigrade. The islands of the Azores offer an

unsophisticated and unspoilt destination with spectacular scenery, very reminiscent of New Zealand in its variety, and wonderful for walking, cycling, whale watching and island hopping by air – perfect for garden lovers and those who enjoy the great outdoors.

The garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal at the show, and in the region of 180,000 visitors walked past – what more could one ask for in terms of creating awareness about this unique destination? Monty Don and Rachel de Thame recorded the opening shots of the Hampton Court Special for Gardeners’ World on BBC 2 from the Azorean Garden, pulling in a huge number of people along with the TV cameras, and Jo Swift, also of Gardeners’ Word, talked animatedly from the Azorean Garden about the vast array of plants that could be found on the Azores and about the fumaroles, used by the islanders as nature’s own slow cooker for their national dish, Cozido.

My favourite plants from the Azores are probably the tree ferns (Dicksonia Antarctica) and agapanthus, both of which self-seed on the islands. I confess that I bought a couple of tree ferns from the Azorean Garden. I can’t wait for them to be planted in my small Twickenham garden – they will be a wonderful reminder of the exotic fl ora to be found in the Azores every time I look out of the window.

By Noel JospehidesManaging Director of Sunvil www.sunvil.co.uk

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3MStylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey.Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include:Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Solarium, Sauna, Steam Room, Lounge, Gym, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage.

The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3MAn impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard.Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include:Two Residents’ Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage.

The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3MAn elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops.Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include:Indoor Heated Pool, Spa, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

*For 7 day departures in October November and December 2012, to Eastbourne the Battle and Rye excursion will be replaced by a day trip to France and a passport is required.

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Coach Holidays

Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels -Sea view rooms available*- 5 Days £10, 7 Days £13. Premier Rooms 7 Days £45, 5 Days £20.

5 Days/ 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

7 Days/ 6 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

01-Oct £225* £225 £225* £199

08-Oct £215* £215 £215* £189

15-Oct £209* £209 £209* £185

22-Oct £205* £205 £205* £179

29-Oct £199* £199 £199* £175


08-Oct £279* £279 £279* £249

15-Oct £269* £269 £269* £245

22-Oct £259* £259 £259* £235

29-Oct £249* £249 £249* £225

FREEPHONE 0800 0839086 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.ukPark Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

l All tours include half board accommodation with 2 excursions l Local Joining Points l Free Insurance

ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS

COACH TOURS 2012

&TurkeyTinselR obinsons own Hotels

All R obinsons own hotels to Torquay, Shanklin and E astbour ne

include the following itinerar y with ‘Chr istmas Day’ and

‘New Years E ve’ style celebrations .

Chr istmas Day

• Sher r y and Canapé R eception ser ved 15 minutes pr ior to

your dinner s itting

• Traditional 5 course dinner.

• E vening of Music and Dancing with our res ident enter tainer.

• B ingo and Hot Mince Pies , ser ved dur ing the evening.

New Years E ve

• New Years E ve Dinner.

• E vening of Music and Dancing with our res ident enter tainer.

• Par ty Games with Spot Pr izes to be won.

• B ingo and Hot Sausage R olls , ser ved dur ing the evening.

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All Robinsons own hotel to Torquay, Shanklin and Eastbourne include the following

itinerary with ‘Christmas Day’ and ‘New Years Eve’ style celebrations.

Christmas Dayl Sherry and canapé reception served 15 minutes prior to your dinner sitting

l Traditional 5 course dinner l Evening of music and dancing with our resident

entertainer l Bingo and hot mince pies, served during the evening.

New Years Evel New Years Eve dinner l Evening of music and dancing with our resident

entertainer l Party games with spot prizes to be won l Bingo and hot sausage rolls,

served during the evening.

5 Days/ 4 Nights accomodation includes 2 excursions


05 Nov £199 £199 £199 £179

12 Nov £195 £195 £195 £175

19 Nov £189 £189 £189 £169

26 Nov £185 £185 £185 £165

03 Dec £179 £179 £179 £165

10 Dec £175 £175 £175 £165

17 Dec £169 £169 £169 £165

23 Dec £395 £395 £395 £355

29 Dec £375 £375 £375 £355

7 Days/ 6 Nights accomodation includes 2 excursions


05 Nov £249 £249 £249 £225

12 Nov £245 £245 £245 £219

19 Nov £239 £239 £239 £215

26 Nov £235 £235 £235 £209

03 Dec £229 £229 £229 £205

10 Dec £225 £225 £225 £199

23rd and 29th December tours include 1 excursion

FREEPHONE 0800 0839086 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.ukPark Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

Your stay will also include: l Guess the Weight of the Cake

l Big Prize Crossword (Terms and Conditions apply)

l One afternoon Cream Tea with background music,

served in the Ballroom between 3 and 4pm

l Two Movie Matinee’s at 2pm, see the

hotel information board

for more details

Est.1923

Coach Holidays

10 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

VISIT THE NEW FOREST

The New Forest is undoubtedly one of the treasures of Southern England. This unique area, with picturesque villages, bustling market towns and winding country lanes, is a perfect and relaxing environment for a short break. William the Conqueror created the New Forest as a deer hunting area in 1079 and today the 219 square miles of National Park is made up of a well cared for mixture of forest, pasture and heathland.

The environmental impact of tourism has to be carefully balanced and the whole forest has a 40 mph speed limit with lots of designated car parking areas. Subsequently a car journey through the New Forest becomes a delightful, stress-free, animal spotting drive with plenty of opportunities to see the famous ponies at close quarters and perhaps a few deer. As you would imagine, the New Forest is a paradise for walkers and cyclists alike with miles of splendid walks and traffi c free cycle routes. This area has many attractions including award-winning gardens, museums and historic houses. More information on things to see and do here is available at www.thenewforest.co.uk

BeaulieuNot only is Beaulieu a charming village, it is of course home to the famous National Motor Museum founded by the present Lord Montagu. It had been far too long since I last visited and I was looking forward to spending the day at one of the UK’s leading tourist attractions

where over 350,000 visitors pass through the gates every year. The Beaulieu Estate includes the Palace House and Gardens and Beaulieu Abbey. The Palace House has magnifi cent rooms and history comes alive with Victorian costumed guides giving an insight into the workings of a Victorian household.

After a trip on the high level Monorail around the grounds and a ride on the replica 1912 London bus, I was keen to view the treasures of the National Motor Museum. There are over 250 cars on show, from the early vintage models, family cars of the 30’s and 40’s, through to classic cars of the 70’s and 80’s. Historic F1 and rally cars and Donald Campbell’s Bluebird are all on show. All the vehicles are in a fabulous condition, even down to Del Boy’s faithful 3 wheeler and the fl ying Ford Anglia seen in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I was amazed to come across a couple of ‘bubble cars’ and even an orange on wheels! There’s now also two great exhibitions - James Bond, with genuine cars from some of the fi lms and World of Top Gear, not to be missed!

Exbury Gardens and Steam RailwayExbury and Lepe are situated on the south-east fringe of the New Forest and Exbury is dominated by the world famous gardens created in the 1920’s by Lionel de Rothschild. My visit to Exbury Gardens started with the beautiful 2 mile drive called Summer Lane and I was able to pull in a couple of times to look at the ponies and admire the views.

Exbury is a spectacular woodland garden with a famous collection of rhododendron’s, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and plants. Also on site is a plant centre, gift shop

By David Powell, Travel Journalist

and tea rooms with plenty of free parking. I must say, for me the steam train was the highlight of my visit. A fantastic ride through the gardens in immaculate carriages pulled by a wonderfully preserved locomotive - great fun!

Little PaddockMy short break was made complete with a stay at an exclusive, luxurious getaway at the edge of the New Forest near Ringwood. Owned and run by Brett and Sue Jones, Little Paddock is a perfect location for a well earned break or special occasion. Brett and Sue’s attention to detail and customer service is amazing. Sue told me that they have many guests returning year after year and after experiencing a short break here myself I could easily appreciate why.

Little Paddock is essentially made up of three accommodation components. There’s the award winning 4 star bed and breakfast, the 4 star luxury self-catering

woodland lodges and the entirely separate Caravan CL site. Near the lodges and main house there’s a heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and short tennis court available.

Woodland LodgesThe stunning woodland lodges are uniquely hidden within their own little glen. They are exclusively for adults and sleep two. Each lodge has been carefully designed internally by Brett and Sue to a high standard and have been given lovely names such as ‘Forget Me Not’, ‘Mistletoe Mansion’, ‘Bramble Lodge’ and the ever popular ‘Love In The Mist’. Lodges have all mod-cons including WiFi, wet rooms, comfortable bedrooms, lounge/diners and a fully equipped kitchen. With adequate heating provided they can also be booked during the winter months for a romantic break away. I found the private Village Green tucked away to the rear of ‘Honeysuckle Lodge’ provided with a BBQ and garden seating. I also came across a small deer who looked at me for a brief moment before heading off into the nearby woodland, wonderful!

Bed and BreakfastThe B&B accommodation consists of 3 luxurious bedrooms available for guests with each room having a seasonal theme to the décor. My room was called Autumn - peaceful, relaxing with en-suite, bedroom and comfortable separate lounge area. I had seen the Visit England Breakfast Award plaque near the newly refurbished lounge area and couldn’t wait to try a full English! I wasn’t disappointed, with Sue’s homemade bread on the side, the breakfast was in a class of its own!The New Forest’s picturesque villages and wonderful scenery left me with memories of a special atmosphere and a sense of timelessness ... not to mention of course Brett’s breakfast!

INFORMATIONLittle Paddock Call 01425 470889 or visit www.little-paddock.com

Exbury Gardens www.exbury.co.uk

Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Palace, Gardens & Abbey www.beaulieu.co.uk

A fantastic ride through the gardens in immaculate carriages pulled by a wonderfully preserved locomotive - great fun!

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email [email protected]. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.


If you're new to cruising, looking for cruise tips or cruise advice then read on. A cruise holiday is a unique way to escape from the rigours of everyday life and to explore many different destinations in one of the most relaxing ways imaginable. It offers you an extraordinary variety of activities and entertainment, plus an exceptional quality of dining. And of course, if you simply want to escape, there’s plenty of opportunity to do absolutely nothing at all.

Booking a cruise can be like ordering a salad in the States, lot's of choices to make, from dining time to bed configuration, to choice of table size. But by far the most important choice of all is getting the right ship and cruise for your requirements.

When booking your first cruise the choices can be daunting and getting it wrong could lead to a disastrous holiday.

Make sure you seek out a cruise professional for the best advice!

What type of people go on cruises?The great myth about cruise holidays is that it's just for the older generation. More and more families, couples singles are setting sail on ships that offer a holiday for everyone. Cruising appeals to a wide range of people so there’s a good mix of age groups, families, couples and singles on board. Once again the best advice from the outset is imperative. There are adult only ships, family orientated ships, different classes of ships and the size of ship can matter!

How much luggage can I take?On cruises sailing from and returning to Southampton you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.

What do I wear?During the day casual wear is ideal with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening. There are three types of evening

Cruise For the First Time

Cruise holidays continue to be in great demand. An estimated 2m people will take a cruise holiday from the UK this year.

wear; smart casual, semi-formal and formal, however it greatly depends on the cruise line you travel with, the dress codes are usually relative to the type of meal arrangements on board, for example NCL Cruises are Freestyle and have no formal evenings and provide buffet meals.

Is the port at the main destination?Usually yes, but in some countries the ships dock in alternative locations. In these cases, the itinerary lists the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g Rome (from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.

How long do I get at each port?Again this can vary by Cruise line and ship.

However, in the majority of destinations you will be able to enjoy a full day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7am and 10 am, departing between 4pm and 6.30pm.

A cruise line such as Hurtigruten, operates as a working ship taking Norwegians from port to port thus spends less time at each port. However as the ships are smaller you get the best possible access and cruise to see the wonderful Norwegian Fjords.

Will I be sea sick?For those who haven't cruised before this seems to be the biggest single fear. The vast majority of those customers on their return state most of the time they couldn't even tell they were on a ship. Sea sickness is rare. The shear size of many of these ships makes them stable in all weather conditions. However if you are worried, you can buy tablets that will help. Additionally, ships also contain well-equipped Medical Centres staffed by qualified doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.

So what you waiting for set sail now!


P0136info@cruiseo� ers.comwww.cruiseo� ers.com

Tel: 01524 771 701Fax: 01524 771 702

Willow Mill, Fell ViewCaton, Lancaster LA2 9RA

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Experience the Celebrity di� erence on board Celebrity In� nity®

Organised by Cruise Connections, ABTA Y4752, and Omega Holidays Plc, ABTA V4782, all part of the Omega Holidays Group Plc.Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. * The prices stated include an early booking discount of £100pp which is applicable to all bookings received by 5pm, Friday 31st August 2012.◊Staterooms for single person occupancy are o� ered, subject to availability, at a supplement. Prices were correct as of Monday 30th July 2012, and can be withdrawn or increased without notice.

At Celebrity, everything is designed for the discerning cruiser! It’s what elevates style to high design. Food to haute cuisine. Service to new heights. Mere luxury into something special. Or days a� oat or ashore into

life-a� rming experiences and adventures. This is the ideal opportunity to experience theCelebrity di� erence with the convenience of departure from an English port! Enjoy the unique experience of being

on board Celebrity In� nity’s® maiden sailings into and out of the 2008 European Capital of Culture, Liverpool.

A Taste of Scotland from Liverpool to Harwich5 nights, departing Sunday 1 September 2013

Liverpool / Glasgow / At Sea / Inverness / At Sea / Harwich

France, Guernsey & The Emerald Isle from Harwich to Liverpool6 nights, departing Monday 26 August 2013

Harwich / Paris (Le Havre), France / St Peter Port, Guernsey / Cork, Eire / Waterford, Eire / Dublin, Eire / Liverpool

All prices are per person and include:• Coach travel from selected local departure

points to Harwich or Liverpool and back to your original departure point

• On board accommodation in a shared Stateroom◊

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Cocktail Party• Fully escorted

BALCONY STATEROOM from £849pp*

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMfrom £739pp*

INTERIOR STATEROOM from £699pp*

BALCONY STATEROOM from £979pp*

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMfrom £849pp*

INTERIOR STATEROOM from £799pp*

A Taste of Scotland includes:A tour of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond visiting the villages of Luss and Arrochar,

and also free time in Helensburgh.A tour of the Cairngorms National Park visiting Carrbridge, Tomintoul and Braemar. A guided tour of the

Glenlivet Distillery is also included

MAIDEN SAILING INTO & OUT OF LIVERPOOL

INCLUDESGRATUITES

FREE COACHINGTO & FROM PORT

INCLUDES £100 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

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

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

H O L I D A Y S & T R AV E L

2012 TOURSDate Destination Days Hotel Price Single Diner Door to Door 06 Sep Angers - The Accroche- Coeurs Fest’ 3BB Mercure Anges Centre Fuch £299 117 NO YES 09 Sep Bournemouth 6HB Hinton Firs Hotel £379 NIL YES YES 15 Sep Isle Of Wight 8HB Burlington Hotel £399 NIL NO YES 16 Sep Dordogne, France 8HB Royal Vezere, Le Bugue £685 180 NO YES 23 Sep Northumberland 6HB Victoria Hotel £415 NIL YES YES 24 Sep Blackpool 5HB Park House Hotel £249 NIL NO YES 28 Sep Llandudno 3HB Queens Hotel £119 10 NO NO 01 Oct Somerset 5HB Cricket St Thomas £395 NIL NO YES 01 Oct Blairgowrie 5HB Angus Hotel £279 40 NO YES 05 Oct Jersey By Air 6HB Mayfair Hotel £445 NIL NO YES 05 Oct Blackpool 4HB Park House Hotel £189 NIL NO YES 08 Oct Torbay 7HB Seabury Hotel £298 NIL NO YES 08 Oct Madeira by Air 8HB Baia Azul Hotel £769 TBA NO YES 12 Oct Cumbria - Gilsland Line Dance 3FB Gilsland Spa £155 10 NO YES 15 Oct Bowness on Windermere 5HB Burnside Hotel £329 NIL NO YES 21 Oct Looe 6HB Hannafore Point £395 NIL YES YES 26 Oct Torquay 4HB Kistor £119 NIL NO NO 28 Oct Tenby 5FB Belgrave All inclusive £269 NIL NO YES 29 Oct Minehead 5HB Beach Hotel £235 NIL NO YES 05 Nov Bournemouth 5HB Hinton Turkey/Tinsel £279 NIL NO YES 08 Nov Paignton 5HB Marine £269 NIL NO YES 09 Nov Cumbria 4HB Gilsland £199 15 NO YES 09 Nov London 3HB Ramada Encore London West £199 85 NO YES 12 Nov Torquay 5HB Kistor £214 NIL NO YES 19 Nov Cumbria 5HB Gilsland Spa Hotel £269 20 NO YES 23 Nov Norwich Thursford 3HB Thursford Spectacular £199 50 NO YES 30 Nov Llandudno 4HB Queens Festive Sparkle £199 10 NO YES 30 Nov Edinburgh Xmas Mkt 3HB BW Kings Manor £149 40 NO YES 03 Dec Rochester Xmas Mkt 5HB Incl a day in LONDON £299 75 NO YES 04 Dec Norwich Thursford 3HB Thursford Spectacular £199 50 NO YES 10 Dec Folkestone 5HB Grand Burstin 99p Bar £185 NIL NO YES 10 Dec Ostend Xmas Markets 5HB Royal Astor Hotel £284 25 NO YES 23 Dec Christmas in Dumfries 5HB Cairndale Hotel £359 60 NO YES 24 Dec Christmas In Cumbria 4SMA Gilsland Spa Hotel £399 15 NO YES 24 Dec Christmas in Llandudno 5FB Queens Hotel £540 15 NO YES 30 Dec New Year in Cumbria 4SMA Gilsland Spa Hotel £359 25 NO YES 30 Dec New Year in Dumfries 4SMA Cairndale Hotel £385 60 NO YES

www.memorylanetravel.co.ukBooking Hotline 01942 728960

British & Continental Holidays & Short Breaks

Our Winter/Spring Day Excursion Leafl et out end of Augustring for your copy or visit our website for details


NEW DAY EXCURSION LEAFLETNOW OUT

20122nd EDITION

BROCHURE OUT NOW INCLUDING EARLY 2013 TOURS

HEATH STREET, GOLBORNE, WARRINGTON WA3 3AD.

Gilsland Spa ~ Cumbria 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Cumbria - the eastern part of the county is moorland and with some great walks, and is close to the border with Northumbria. To the north of both counties is Hadrian’s Wall built by The Roman Emperor Hadrian. The whole area is very scenic and a pleasure to drive through.

What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Afternoon tea dailyl Nightly entertainment.

GILSLAND SPA HOTEL11 FEB 2013 ....................£179 SS £20

Llandudno ~ 5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Llandudno - the pretty town is set in an attractive bay with a wide and level promenade which gives you a level walk and has all the best shops just a few steps away in Mostyn Street. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Afternoon tea daily l Drinks promotion l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver.

QUEENS HOTEL7 JAN 2013 ......................£159 SS NIL

Bournemouth ~5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Bournemouth is one of the south coast’s most popular resorts with a traffi c free sea front. Maybe have a stroll on The Overcliffe Drive which is just 100 yards from the Hinton Firs Hotel which itself is in a garden setting. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Entertainment on 3 nights.

HINTON FIRS HOTEL14 JAN 2013 ....................£179 SS NIL 24 MAR 2013 ...................£228 SS NIL

Minehead ~5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Minehead is an attractive and modern little resort on the southern shore of the Bristol Channel. It owed much of its early growth to the GWR (Great Western Railway).

What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l 3 nights entertainment l All meals are buffet style l Luxury coach travel l Services of experienced tour driver l Day excursion.

THE BEACH HOTEL15 APR 2013 ............... £209 ... .. SS NIL

Torquay ~5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Torquay is the stylish resort at the heart of the English Riviera with a real continental atmosphere. The harbour town is the birthplace of Dame Agatha Christie. In keeping with its name, the English Riviera enjoys a mild climate with sandy beaches and coves around every corner.What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Two day excursions.

KISTOR HOTEL21 JAN 2013 ........£119 18 FEB .... . £14818 MAR 2013 .......£155 .... .... .... ..SS NIL

Folkestone ~ Valentines Day5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Folkestone is the principal town in the Shepway District of Kent, England. Its original site was in a valley in the sea cliffs.The coming of the railways, the building of a ferry port, and its growing importance as a seaside resort all contributed to its growth. What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast with nightly entertainment and 4 free drinks voucher per person per evening l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l Day excursions (including Day Trip to Ostend).

GRAND BURSTIN HOTEL11 FEB 2013 ............ £159 . .... .. SS NIL

Blackpool ~ 3 & 4 DAYS HALF BOARD

Blackpool, often head of the table as the most popular resort in the UK, has many attractions along the sea front including the famous Tower that still offers dances every afternoon for a small charge. What’s included: l 3 days / 2 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast plus Sunday Lunch before departing or 4 days / 3 nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfastl Nightly entertainment l Luxury coach travel, services of our experienced tour driver l A day excursion.

PARK HOUSE HOTEL22 FEB 2013 .......... £109.. .... .. SS NIL 15 MAR 2013 Cabaret Break £149 .. SS NIL

Paignton ~5 DAYS HALF BOARD

Paignton - one of the most popular resorts on the English Riviera, almost every where around the town centre is a level walk, with a great selection of shops and a pretty harbour with thatched cottages.

What’s included: l 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast with nightly entertainment l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l 2 day excursions.

MARINE HOTEL 3 MAR 2013 ............. £179. .... .. SS NIL

Gilsland Spa ~ Line Dance Weekend

3 DAYS FULL BOARD

Cumbria - the eastern part of the county is moorland and with some great walks, and is close to the border with Northumbria. To the north of both counties is Hadrian’s Wall built by The Roman Emperor Hadrian. The whole area is very scenic and a pleasure to drive through.

What’s included: l 2 nights full board l Luxury Coach Travel l Services of an experienced tour driver l All instruction and dancing l Visit to Hexham.

GILSLAND SPA HOTEL8 FEB 2013 ......................£145 SS £20

DOOR2 DOOR

DOOR2 DOOR

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2013 Early Tours with Super Low Prices & including Door 2 Door

NEW DAY EXCURSION LEAFLETNOW OUT


Relax and enjoy Alderney’s laid-back atmosphere.

Cliff walks with breathtaking views, uncrowded golden beaches and an abundance of wildlife.

Genuine hospitality, fine food and wine.

Short, regular flights from Southampton airport or via Guernsey.

Tel: 01481 822333 Email: [email protected]

www.visitalderney.com/retired

the timeless island of

RetiredLiving FullPage12.indd 1 05/07/2012 15:52


Alderney, Channel Islandsrelax on the friendly island The friendly, laid-back, island of Alderney has plenty to offer with its genuine hospitality, cliff walks with stunning scenery and many beautiful, uncrowded, sandy beaches for swimming or just relaxing.

Only one and a half miles wide and three and a half miles long, Alderney, the most northern of the Channel Islands, is situated just off the Normandy Coast in the English Channel. The Island has just over two thousand inhabitants and enjoys a mild climate with a peaceful, natural and totally relaxing atmosphere.

The town of St. Anne, with its quaint cobbled streets, is lined by small shops and offers a great choice of friendly pubs, bars and restaurants. Alderney is renowned for its fresh, local seafood, such as lobster and crab, and its excellent cuisine.

discover the natural island The island boasts a rich and varied wildlife and the Alderney Wildlife Trust actively protects and promotes this valuable heritage. The Island has become a true magnet for birdwatchers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts who can explore some 70 miles of tracks and walks around the Island.

The Alderney Wildlife Trust organises many interesting guided walks, ranging from town walks, history, heritage, birdwatching and nocturnal bat walks. There are also round island boat trips where you can discover Alderney’s marine wildlife and abundant sea bird habitats.

explore the historic island The Island has a fascinating history and a visit to The Alderney Museum provides a thorough account of Alderney’s past. Most noticeable on the island must be the Victorian military architecture, namely the breakwater and the numerous forts along the coastline. Also Nazi gun emplacements and bunkers can still be found, remnants of WWII.

Alderney also has the only running railway in the Channel Islands, another reminder of the Victorian times and one of the oldest lines in the British Isles. The railway was constructed in the 1840s by the British government to convey stone from the eastern end of the island to build the breakwater and the forts. The railway now operates on bank holidays and weekends through the summer season along a scenic coastal route from Braye Station near the harbour to Mannez Station on the north-east coast.

join in our social island With a number of clubs and associations, including a challenging golf course, scenic tennis courts and a busy diary of events, there’s always something going on and visitors are always very welcome to join in.

Where to stay: there is a good selection of privately-owned hotels, guesthouses and self catering units as well as a pretty campsite.

Getting there is easy: the island has its own airport and harbour providing excellent sea and air links. There are frequent scheduled direct flights from Southampton airport, giving a relatively stress free experience of a smaller airport in comparison to the busier airports of London. You can also fly to Alderney from most major British and International airports, via Guernsey or, Jersey (via Guernsey).

TIPS The currency is sterling and therefore there are no exchange rate issues!

Shopping in Alderney is VAT-free and the island‘s duty-free outlets offer excellent savings on tobacco and alcohol

For more information visit www.visitalderney.com

RetiredLiving FullPageAdvertorial12.indd 1 05/07/2012 15:48

Natural looking dentures designed and created just for you.

Find us on,104 Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3HL

Get in touch,T: 01704 578 209 E: [email protected]: www.denturesolutionsuk.com

• New dentures direct to the public• Emergency repairs and relines• Implant dentures and fl exible dentures• Free consultation with discreet care• Home visits by appointment

Fully qualifi ed, registered and insured clinical dental technician with 20 years experience.

Here at Denture Solutions we fully understand the daily problems that wearing a denture can create. Our clinical technician (Andrew Corlett CDT RCS (eng)) and his team of highly skilled technicians and nurses aim to provide a complete professional denture service, with discreet care and understanding of what your needs and expectations are.

Our new clinic is modern, clean and comfortable. Using our onsite laboratory enables the team to combine clinical and technical skills together to design and create beautifully handcrafted dentures focusing on comfort, fit and appearance. Andrews’s passion and enthusiasm for natural lifelike dentures has helped him created a denture clinic where the finest detail and care are delivered in a friendly family relaxed atmosphere.

Andrew has been a dental technician for over twenty years. In 2002 he qualified in Dental Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University. He then studied for three years at the George Brown College a course based in both England and Canada, graduating with his diploma in Denturism. In 2011 he received a diploma in Clinical Dental Technology from the Royal College of Surgeons.

At your free initial consultation we will take time to discuss your individual needs and the choices that are available to you, be it complete or partial dentures, flexible dentures, implant dentures as well as denture repairs, adjustments and relines.

Our friendly professional staff will guide you through the whole process making your experience a relaxing and enjoyable one.We are based in Ainsdale in Southport and parking is available outside the clinic. Ainsdale Train Station is only a very short walk and the Arriva bus service number 49 and 49a will take you to station road and the bus stop is opposite Denture Solutions.

Call now to book your free no obligation consultation

01704 578209

An Award Winning MarketBury Market’s huge selection of fresh food and produce has

been praised the world over…but the only compliments we reallywant are from our customers!

At Bury Market you’ll discover over 350 stalls selling everythingfrom fresh food to the latest fashions – and a whole lot more!

Bury Market’s traders are here every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for fantastic products,

friendly service and always for great value.

For something different why not visit our Food and Craft Market on the third Sunday of each month?

Bury Market Hallopen everydayexcept Sunday“Winner BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards”Best Food Market

“Winner NABMA’s”Best Market AttractionFull Markets OpenWednesdaysFridays andSaturdays

“Winner UK Coach Awards” Most Coach Friendly Shopping Attraction


An Award Winning MarketBury Market’s huge selection of fresh food and produce has

been praised the world over…but the only compliments we reallywant are from our customers!

At Bury Market you’ll discover over 350 stalls selling everythingfrom fresh food to the latest fashions – and a whole lot more!

Bury Market’s traders are here every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for fantastic products,

friendly service and always for great value.

For something different why not visit our Food and Craft Market on the third Sunday of each month?

Bury Market Hallopen everydayexcept Sunday“Winner BBC Radio 4’s Food and Farming Awards”Best Food Market

“Winner NABMA’s”Best Market AttractionFull Markets OpenWednesdaysFridays andSaturdays

“Winner UK Coach Awards” Most Coach Friendly Shopping Attraction

F O O D & D R I N K

Rick Stein's French Odyssey

Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnifi cent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been fi nding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of fl avour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffi ng around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe”

Taken from his book ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by fl avours from France.

350g small waxy potatoes, such as rattes, pink

fi r apple or Anya

750g medium-sized mussels

50g prepared frisée (curly endive)

50g wild rocket1/4 lemon, for squeezing

FOR THE PISTOU:

50g fresh basil leaves

3 fat garlic cloves, peeled

1 x 75g vine-ripened tomato, skinned, seeded

and chopped

75g Parmesan cheese, fi nely grated

150ml olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

SERVES 4

Peel the potatoes and put them into a pan of cold salted water (1 teaspoon per 600 ml). Bring to the boil and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain, return to the pan, cover and keep warm.

For the pistou, put the basil, garlic, tomato and Parmesan cheese into a food processor and blend. Then, with the machine still running, gradually add the oil to make to make a mayonnaise-like mixture. Season to taste with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper.

Put the mussels and 2 tablepoons of water into a medium-sized pan, cover and place over a high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until the mussels have just opened. Tip into a colander set over a bowl to collect the juices, and when they are cool enough to handle, remove all but a few of them from the shells. Cover and keep warm. Return the mussel-cooking liquor to the pan and boil rapidly until reduced and well fl avoured.

Put 4 tablespoons of the pistou into a small bowl and stir in 2 teaspoons of the reduced mussel cooking liquor to loosen it slightly.

Mix the frisée with the rocket and divide between 4 plates. Slice the potatoes and arrange them in among the leaves with the mussels. Drizzle over the pistou, squeeze over a little lemon juice and serve straight away, while the potatoes are still warm.

Warm mussel and potato salad with pistou

21


Peel the langoustines if using. Cut the squid pouches across into thin rings and separate the tentacles into pairs. Set aside. Bring a large pan of well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml) to the boil.

Heat a medium-sized pan over a high heat, add the mussels and the wine, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan every now and then, until the mussels have just opened. Tip them into a colander set over a bowl to collect the cooking juices, and, when cool enough to handle, remove the meats from the shells, cover and set aside.

Pour all but the last tablespoon or two of the mussel cooking liquor (as it might be a bit gritty) into a small pan, add the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly until reduced to 180ml, then turn off the heat and keep warm.

Drop the pasta into the pan of boiling water and cook for 8-9 minutes or until al dente. Drain well, return to the pan with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, toss, cover and keep warm.

Season the prepared squid, toss with the flour and shake off the excess. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the squid and a few flakes of the dried chillies and fry over a high heat for about 1 minute until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with another tablespoon of oil, and the rest of the squid and chillies.

Now pour the mussel liquor and chicken stock reduction into the frying pan in which the squid was cooked and add the butter and the last tablespoon of olive oil. It will immediately boil. Add the tomato, garlic, fines herbes, langoustines or prawns and lemon juice and toss together very briefly until the prawns have heated through. Add the cooked mussels and squid, and toss together once more for about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat so that the fish doesn't cook any further.

Divide the ragoût between 4 small, warmed soup plates and twist some of the pasta into a pile in the centre of each bowl.

Serve straight away.

A little ragoût of seafoodwith fines herbes, white wine and linguine

12-16 cooked langoustines or 100g large freshly cooked peeled prawns2 medium-sized squid, cleaned, to yield about 250g450g small mussels, cleaned 2 tablespoons dry white wine300ml Chicken stock150g dried linguine4 tablespoons olive oil25g plain flourSmall pinch crushed dried chillies25g butter2 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and diced1 garlic clove, finely chopped20g fine herbes leaves parsley, tarragon, chervil and chives, finely chopped1 teaspoon lemon juiceSalt and freshly ground black pepper

SERVES 4


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

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

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

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

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

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon

4 trout, each weighing about 300g 40g butter60g rindless streaky bacon, chopped175g fresh ceps, trimmed and cut into 4-mm-thick slices2 garlic cloves, finely chopped1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley25g plain flour2 tablespoons sunflower oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper

FOR THE BEURRE NOISETTE:75g unsalted butter2 teaspoons lemon juice1 heaped tablespoon chopped parsley

SERVES 4

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

Finalist for Business Woman of the Year & Most Inspiring Business of the Year 2012

something for everyone ...

With over 30 shops and businesses including gift shops, traditional sweet shops, fl orists and jewellers, The Farmer's Market and Craft Centre, Heskin Hall Estate is a unique retail and leisure destination with something for everyone.Located in the picturesque village of Heskin, off the B5250, and just fi ve minutes from junction 27 of the M6 close to Camelot Theme Park there is easy access for everyone.

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

Opening TimesTues - Sat 10am - 5pm

Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm& Bank Holidays

FREE PARKING & ENTRY


Telephone: 07599 831907 Email: [email protected] events throughout the year check our website: www.heskinfarmersmarket.co.uk

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

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

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

Blackpool

Preston

Southport

Warrington

Liverpool

Wigan

Chorley

BurnleyBlackburn

Bolton

Manchester

M55

M58

M66

A59

M67M62

M5

M6M61

M60

M65

M60

M62

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

Owners, Sarah and Angela look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Rolex, high class diamonds, plus various

costume jewellery to suit all

Now Open - The Ladybird Lounge Arts & Crafts Studio with various classes available for all ages and a drop your children while you shop facility.

We now have:

Stressless Beauty salonHair by Adele - hairdressersFour shops of various styles of ladies clothingPurses, handbags, gloves.Gents clothing and gifts for men - The LoftGlobal Interiors - large selection of hand made oak furnitureEquestrian clothingLocal farmed fruit and vegetablesLocal farmed meat - water buffalo - low cholesterol, venison when available and lots of great cuts and ready prepared mealsDeli Vernal at Heskin - new deli all local products

Events - Get the girls together and join us for our ladies evening -

‘Catwalk & Cocktails’.Lots of lovely stalls & catwalk by shops within the centre. Thursday 27th September 6pm until 9pm’ Free Entry’

Psychic EveningHave your cards read or how about an Angel Reading, lots of lovely stalls to browse too - Thursday 25th October 6pm until9pm.

People you know selling things that you want

Tameside Markets

For further information call 0161 342 3268www.tameside.gov.uk/markets or www.shopatashton.com

Hyde MarketMarket Hall & Market Ground

open Monday to Saturdayinside and outside

The Clarendon Centre

Selling local produce

Farmers’ MarketAshton

Last Sunday ofevery month

Ashton MarketMarket Hall

9am - 5.30pm Monday to SaturdayMarket Ground

Open 7 days a weekwith over 150 stalls

TuesdayThe biggest Flea Market in the region

SundayGiant Table -Top Sale and Market


Farmers’ MarketStalybridge

2nd Sunday ofevery month

People you know selling things that you want

Tameside Markets

For further information call 0161 342 3268/9www.tameside.gov.uk/markets or www.shopatashton.com


Farmers’ MarketAshton

Last Sunday of every monthSunday 27th September

‘British Food Fortnights’including Chef Demonstrations

Hyde Market

Ashton Market

Market Hall and Market Groundopen Monday to Saturday

inside and outsideThe Clarendon Centre

Market Hallopen Monday to Saturday

Market Groundopen 7 days a weekwith over 150 stalls

TuesdayThe biggest Flea Market in the region

SundayGiant Table-Top Sale and Market


Farmers’ MarketMossley

2nd Sunday of every month

3 Shires Farmers’ MarketCheshire - Lancashire - Yorkshire

Multi Award Winning

Multi

Award

Winning

It has hugely popular indoor and outdoor markets along with covered shopping areas in the shape of the famous Arcades and Ladysmith Shopping Centres. These modern retail outlets also complement the intimate attraction of Ashton’s ‘Old Town’ area where a myriad of small independent retailers offer a huge range of authentic gift ideas and tailored services.

The outdoor market is open seven days a week with a flea market on Tuesdays and a table top sale every Sunday except for the last Sunday in the month – when Ashton hosts the North West’s biggest and best ‘Farmers and Producers’ market.

If you are just sightseeing then don’t miss the opportunity to visit ‘Setanti’ located in the Town Hall. It’s a wonderful visitor attraction telling the history of the town and the borough. Then there’s the military Museum of The Manchester Regiment also in the Town Hall, or try the new Waterworks where you will be able to witness first hand through realistic sights, sounds and smells what life was like to live in Tameside in the early 1800’s and you can try our award winning museum at the idyllic canalside location of Portland Basin – plus there is no charge to visit these superb attractions!

Ashton

TOWN CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE

Portland BasinArcades

ShoppingCentre

LadysmithShopping

Centre

OldTown

OutdoorMarket

and IndoorMarket Hall

SetantiiMuseum of the

Manchester Regiment

Ashton



ShoppingCentre

LadysmithShopping

Centre

OldTown

OutdoorMarket



Manchester Regiment

Ashton-under-Lyne is a real shopper’s dream.

STOCKPORT ISSUE 33.indd 30-31 20/4/11 15:39:57

It has hugely popular indoor and outdoor markets along with covered shopping areas in the shape of the famous Arcades and Ladysmith Shopping Centres. These modern retail outlets also complement the intimate attraction of Ashton’s ‘Old Town’ area where a myriad of small independent retailers offer a huge range of authentic gift ideas and tailored services.

The outdoor market is open seven days a week with a flea market on Tuesdays and a table top sale every Sunday except for the last Sunday in the month – when Ashton hosts the North West’s biggest and best ‘Farmers and Producers’ market.

If you are just sightseeing then don’t miss the opportunity to visit ‘Setanti’ located in the Town Hall. It’s a wonderful visitor attraction telling the history of the town and the borough. Then there’s the military Museum of The Manchester Regiment also in the Town Hall, or try the new Waterworks where you will be able to witness first hand through realistic sights, sounds and smells what life was like to live in Tameside in the early 1800’s and you can try our award winning museum at the idyllic canalside location of Portland Basin – plus there is no charge to visit these superb attractions!

Ashton



ShoppingCentre

LadysmithShopping

Centre

OldTown

OutdoorMarket



Manchester Regiment

Ashton



ShoppingCentre

LadysmithShopping

Centre

OldTown

OutdoorMarket



Manchester Regiment

Ashton-under-Lyne is a real shopper’s dream.

STOCKPORT ISSUE 33.indd 30-31 20/4/11 15:39:57

, Chiquitos, HarvesterDayAshton Moss and Eat Inn Chinese

Buffet

• Award winning Farmers Market held on the last Sunday of each month

Portland BasinMuseum of the

Manchester Regiment

Hyde Town Centre & Markets


Solar energy has become big business and looks like going through the roof for many more years to come.

Solar Panels transform daylight into electricity, which homeowners can then turn in to earnings and energy savings thanks to Feed-In Tariffs (FITs).

The sun’s energy is absorbed by solar cells in photovoltaic (PV) panels before being converted into electricity. This can then be used in the home or fed back into the national grid.

Daylight causes an electric field across layers of silicon in the cells, creating an electric current.

Within seconds of reaching the earth’s surface, photons from the sun have become electrons and they are then powering devices in homes across the country.

Home Solar panel systems are hooked up to the national grid so that any extra electricity created by a Solar panel system can be passed through to the national grid. A fee is then paid by the electricity company for every unit of electricity exported.

In the UK, an increasing number of households are switching on to the advantages of Renewable Energy and investing in their own Solar photovoltaic panels.

Buoyed by financial incentives set up by the Government and supported by energy suppliers, many see an investment in Solar Energy in the UK as a great way to cut bills and make money.

Once a reputable company has installed solar panels, a small device called an inverter will convert the DC into AC power.

Solar PV Feed In Tariff Summary Available to anyone generating electricity.

Payments for 25 years after system installation.

Earn from Generating, Exporting and Saving

9% to 11% Return on your Investment.

A 2kWp system can earn over £500 per year.

Your home will also be fitted with a monitoring device to keep track of the total amount of electricity generated by your PV panel Solar system.

Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to function and, even on a cloudy day, will generate some electricity. And so, as the daylight hours pass, your earnings will increase.The FITs scheme allows households with solar PV panels to earn money in three ways. Firstly there is the generation tariff, which pays up to 21p for every unit of electricity produced, regardless of whether it is used or exported.

Then there is the export tariff – an additional 3.1p paid for every unit exported to the national grid.

Finally there is the added bonus of cheaper electricity bills because you will be using power at the source. In addition to the Feed in Tariff payments, an average household using half of the electricity produced can expect to save over £121 per year on their bills.

Solar PV panels can be installed without planning permission, except for homeowners in conservation areas or in listed buildings. In which case, advice should be sought from local councils before going any further.

Properties will need at least 8m2 of South, South East or South West facing roof space to fit Solar panels, it is also possible to fit Solar to East or West facing roofs with only a small percentage loss in production.

Once connected to the grid, systems need very little maintenance.

FITs are paid for by the energy companies and are driven by the Government’s desire to create a sustainable energy mix and reduce climate change effects.

The ultimate goal is to increase the total percentage of energy that comes from renewable sources from 2% (in 2009) to at least 15% by 2020.

There’s money up on the roof!


It’s little wonder that Governments all over the world have placed their faith in Solar power to create a sustainable future.

Power from PV panels is emission-free, renewable and easy and cheap to generate. In fact, it’s just about the perfect energy source. But even better for homeowners and families in the UK – it can make money and deliver huge returns on investment.

Thanks to the UK’s drive to cut carbon emissions and move away from using dwindling fossil fuels, long-term financial incentives have been put in place for those who invest in solar.

The Government must meet targets set out by the Kyoto Protocol and are willing to reward those who help deliver the environmental promises the nation has made to the world.

By aiding the country in its bid to reduce carbon emissions, you could make money for years to come and also significantly cut your energy bills.

Don’t just take the Government’s word for it that investing in PV panels is a wise decision. Take a look at the numbers for yourself and you’ll see exactly how you can cash in on PV Solar power.

Installing PV panels on your roof will cost around £6,000 for a typical (8 panel) 2kWp system whilst a 4kWp system consisting of 16 panels will cost around £8,000.

Taking into account the three ways to earn money from PV Feed-in Tariffs (FITs), this initial sum is likely to pay for itself within a decade of the installation of your photovoltaic Solar system.

Given that FITs payments are guaranteed for 25 years, there can be few investments which offer such risk-free, rewarding long-term stability.

With almost every sector facing economic uncertainty, even the shrewdest market investor would struggle to find an investment matching this level of security.

These figures will likely increase over time as the Feed in Tariff rates are linked to inflation which typically goes up each year, leading to significant savings on energy bills. Larger systems will also produce much bigger returns.

Then there is the value a PV Solar system adds to your property. Panels are built to last beyond the 25 year FIT period, meaning the PV panels cost and reward should be factored into the value of your home when you come to sell it on in the future.

Other benefits include the fact that Solar panels are noise-free, need little maintenance and can be attached to almost any type of roof surface or can even be ground mounted if you have the space.

You may have read in the press that there are free Solar Panels available that allow you to enjoy some of the benefits of Solar for free. However, they work in favour of the installers rather than households and their financial rewards are limited.

By allowing a company to put Solar Panels on your property for free, you are effectively depriving yourself of the financial advantages of Solar Energy, namely the Feed-in Tariff.

While Solar companies take the payments from the power you have generated, you will only make savings on your electricity bills of anything up to 50%.

Northern Solar has been a fully certified installer since 2006 and together with over 20 years experience in the electrical field. We belong to the Real Assurance Scheme and BRE and are an associate installer of one of the biggest PV companies in the UK, Solar Century. Our Experience over the years have included private (domestic) and commercial installations across the UK.

CASE STUDIESHere what their customers said:

Mr C HigginbothanDear ShaunI should like to thank you for the excellent service that we have had from your company in supplying and fitting solar panels. At every stage in the process we have been very impressed by your expertise and professionalism and that of all your staff. We are pleased with the product and would like to commend the installation team and electrician who were friendly and polite, worked well as a team and were clean and efficient. We have had several enquiries about the installation and have no hesitation in recommending your company to them.

Yours sincerelyMr C Higginbotham.

Jim and Bev RileyThanks very much for a speedy job with minimal disruption performed by a friendly installation crew. We’d be more than happy if you wished to use this letter as a satisfied testimonial. All the best for the greener future.

Yours sincerelyJim and Bev Riley.

(Bev is a deputy head and also had a large PV system installed at the school where she works).

30

Northern Solar is an experienced Photovoltaic Installation Company in Liverpool, having been established since 2006. We install small and large scale installations ranging from 1KWp domestic to 31KWp commercial. We can design, install and commission a system that is tailored to individual needs throughout Merseyside and all of northwest England and most of Wales.

The Photovoltaic (PV) systems that we supply are a completely renewable energy source using only the energy of the sun. A PV system allows you to earn money from FITs, as well as lower your energy consumption from un-renewable sources and so lower your impact on the environment and increase the value of your home.

Rising Energy costs and growing environmental concern have highlighted the need for alternative energy forms. Forward thinking people are now choosing to have their energy supplied by Renewable Technology Systems.

In just one hour the sun delivers more energy to earth than the whole world uses in one year, lets harness it.

Why Go Solar?Whether you’re buying selling or just improving your home, it pays to know how simple changes can affect the value of a property in the long term. New research reveals that many buyers are prepared to pay up to £10,000 more for an environmentally friendly home.

Though buyers may be initially swayed by a lick of paint or a mowed lawn most look past cosmetic improvements to more important factors, such as the condition of the boiler or the quality of the windows. Rising fuel prices and greater environmental awareness are encouraging buyers to pay closer attention to a home’s running costs its impact on the planet.

Government and Legislation - The government is starting to take notice and there is a fundamental shift in attitude which has resulted in the availability of Feed In Tariffs (FITs). At the moment you will be paid 21p. This tariff is index linked so will rise over the 25 year period for every unit of electricity produced. A 4Kwp system can earn you over £780 a year and may save you over £520 in energy bills plus £58 earned from the export of unused electricity giving a total earning of £1358

Energy Cost Rises - Any system will provide you with inflation free electricity for at least 25 years. If more electricity is produced from your system than you use you can sell back the excess to your electricity provider.

Your Carbon footprint - A typical (4KW) system would save 2.4 tonnes of carbon polluting the atmosphere. Even if you only have a 1 KW system installed your system will still prevent 568kg of carbon being emitted per annum.

Why Go Northern Solar?• Liaise directly with an approved installer• Very competitive prices • Past customers can be contacted for references and possible installation visits• We pride ourselves in having a proven track record of happy customers• We were the first accredited installer in the Merseyside area• We have an established track record with over 500 installations to date• We have a wealth of experience from a variety of installations• High standard of health & safety implemented• We have excellent standards of customer care• Approachability / Friendliness with a real sense of pride in our work• High standards of quality and service• We do not use any subcontractors on our installations• We are purely a P.V. installation company, not an electrical, building or double glazing company that also install PV as a side line!

As well as making an impact on the

environment by lowering your emissions you can also

make money on your system with the introduction of the Feed In Tariffs (FITs). Introduced in April 2010, FITs are index linked and government guaranteed for the next 25 years.

CONSERVATION...THROUGH INNOVATION

Costs of PV

How much does Solar PV cost, and how much electricity does it generate?Installing solar PV costs between £5,000 and £9,000 depending on the size of system and your choice ofPanels. A typical domestic installation can be anywhere between 1.5 - 4 KWp. An unshaded, south facing4 Kilowatt system roof can generate up to 3,818Kwp per year.

The cost of PV and the installations payback period is dependent on the size (Kwp) of the system youchoose. The bigger the system, the quicker the payback period. See table below.

At present (April 2012).

System Size Earns May Save (on energy bills) Export

1 Kwp £195 £130 £14

2 Kwp £390 £260 £29

3 Kwp £585 £390 £42

4 Kwp £780 £520 £58

The savings above are based on the government SAP calculations.

Feed in Tariffs

System Size Amount Earned per Kwh Number of Panels

0-4Kw 21p 0-16

4-10Kw 16.8p 16-40

10-100Kw 15.2p 40-400

Tariffs correct on 1st April 2012.

FREE SITE SURVEY & NATIONWIDE INSTALLATION

ACT NOW AND GIVE US A CALL TODAYTel. 0151 523 1133Email: [email protected] Solar, Unit 11 Brookfi eld Business Park, Muir Road, Aintree, Liverpool L9 7AR.

Or visit our website www.northernsolar.co.uk

FINANCEALSO

AVAILABLE

At TheRetirementCentre.com, we understand that retirement can be a complicated time. With so much to think about, wouldn’t it be great if you could fi nd all of the help you need in one place?

To fi nd out more visitwww.TheRetirementCentre.com

TheRetirementCentre.com specialises in helping people over the age of 50 through the challenging process of retirement for free.We are able to offer market leading products and services across the market. From maximising your retirement income through our free annuity service, to getting the best deal on your broadband or utility bills, we have it covered. So whether you are thinking about retiring or are already enjoying your retirement, TheRetirementCentre.com is here to help you save £££’s on everything you’ll need in retirement.

To start you off we have prepared this quick 5 step guide to help you through the key points...

Money Household Insurance Travel More...

Planning to retire?

Step 1 - Set out a budgetOne of the most important things is to make sure you have enough money to live on comfortably. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to work out all of your monthly out-goings and record these against your forecast retirement income.

Step 2 - Claim your state pensionYou will receive, a letter from The Pension Service outlining details of your state pension, if you haven’t received this letter a month before you reach state pension age contact The Pension Service on 08456 060 265.

Step 3 - Notify Her Majesty’s Revenue and CustomsThis is an important step as HMRC need to be able to make a few adjustments so that in most cases you stop paying National Insurance, pay the right level of tax and receive the tax free allowances that you are entitled to.

Step 4 - Complete the Pension Coding formThe HMRC will send you a Pension Coding form (P161) one month before you reach state pension age. You will need to complete it and send it back. If you don’t do this you may not be considered for increased age associated tax-free allowances. If you haven’t received this form - or have misplaced it contact HMRC on 0845 300 0627.

Step 5 - Shop around for your Pension IncomeAn Annuity turns your pension into income for the rest of your life. The amount you will receive depends on a large range of factors for example your age, health and where you live. It is very important that before accepting your pension company’s offer that you shop around. By shopping around you could fi nd that you increase your income by up to 40%. TheRetirementCentre.com can help you shop around through our Annuity Service we can compare quotes from the whole market for free. To fi nd out more visit www.TheRetirementCentre.com or call 0800 652 7696 (Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm).

“Without doubt the best property decision we have made!”

0800 525 184

www.girlings.co.uk

55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Tenancy which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish, with service charges and maintenance included in the rent?

Peace of Mind

Independence

Flexibility

Choice

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring

THE GARDEN BY THE SEAHailed ‘the garden by the sea’, Southport’s jewel in the crown has to be its annual Flower Show.The show is a particular highlight in the calendar of ‘things to do’ for not only residents in the area, but everyone with an interest in the latest ideas and designs for home, gardens and lifestyle.

The Show takes place from 16th – 19th August 2012 and is held in 34 acres of Victoria Park. Events include birds of prey displays and food and book festivals as well as a whole host of talks and lectures held in the Grand Floral Marquee.

Southport has a reputation as a great place to retire. The town bills itself as England’s ‘classic resort’. While it’s not far from the benefi ts of a city like Liverpool, Southport residents can enjoy its quiet charm by the coast. With parks, gardens and a wonderful twenty-two miles of sandy coastline, Southport is perfect for nature lovers. Whether you’d like to visit the protected sand dunes or admire the fantastic birdlife, Southport is sure to have something to please everyone.

Girlings Retirement Rentals, the market leader in retirement renting, has a range of properties available in the Southport area and is offering people a greater choice on how they can secure their perfect retirement home by offering a range of new living options designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s older generation.

These include:• Renting on an Assured (Lifelong) Tenancy –

Girlings’ most popular option: renting with all the security of ownership without the capital outlay.

• Renting on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy – available at a lower rent for a shorter period, with no commitment beyond the initial term.

• ‘Try before you buy’ - rent for six months with the option to purchase at the end of this period or switch to an assured tenancy.

• Purchase – most properties are now available to buy (through a third party estate agent) as well as rent, and there are one and two bedroom properties available in the region.

Peter Girling, Chairman of Girlings Retirement Rentals comments: “We know that deciding where and how to live in your retirement years is a big decision, which is why we are always looking at new ways to help as many people as possible fi nd peace of mind in a property ‘suitable for their needs’ in later life. The alternative to owning your own home is of course renting and for many people, this option provides fl exibility as well as convenience. We offer attractive and fl exible solutions that suit different peoples’ needs and budgets in retirement. We welcome the chance to discuss the choices with our existing and future customers.”

For more information please visit www.girlings.co.uk or contact the lettings team on 0800 525 184.


They provide care and support for everything from personal care, to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Their whole approach is very person centred. Your care plan will be tailor made for you. They will listen to you and establish your needs whilst always respecting your wishes throughout.

A Care Worker can visit you at a given time of day, for as long and as often, as is required.

The Services They Offer : They provide support with everything needed to stay in the comfort of your own home. Here are just a few examples of their tasks their carers carry out on a regular basis:

Getting up and going to bed - older people who need some help with getting up in the morning, or going to bed.

Household chores– cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, our carers can completely spring clean your house, or simply help with those hard to reach places.

Physical disabilities - People who are physically disabled and who need assistance with the things that their disability prevents them from doing entirely by themselves.

Meal Preparation – whether it be a light lunch or a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, their carers will take care of it for you.

Pampering session - Sometimes a weekly pampering session appeals to both young and old alike - with the chance to de-stress and increase wellbeing.

Trips out - Many people prefer some time out from home and would like someone to take them out for a couple of hours for a walk along the prom or a day’s shopping.

Personal care - Their dedicated and professional carers will assist with all aspects of personal care.

Live-in Care - People who have fairly constant care needs but do not wish to go into residential care frequently choose their Live-in Care Service.

After hospital discharge - Sometimes when someone has been discharged from hospital after illness or an operation, they will contact them for short term help until they are feeling fit enough to regain their old lifestyle.

Respite care - a service for people who rely on a relative or friend for most of their care but would like to give that person a break from time to time.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE SANDWICH GENERATION?In 1957, Harold McMillan told the British public ‘we’d never had it so good’ and it was true we were enjoying better health and prosperity. Inevitably, this led to longer life spans, and the phenomena of the sandwich generation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, around 6% of people in their sixties still had one parent living. Today the figure is around 50%. At the same time, in 2000, 52% of young adults were living with their parents, and this figure is still rising. This has led to a situation where couples coming up to retirement are caring for ageing parents, while still supporting their adult children. This is the sandwich generation, worrying about financing their own retirement, their parents and their children. While many 80 year olds are still healthy and hearty, there are many who need constant care and attention, resulting in huge stress levels for those responsible for them. If you’re one of these, it’s time to take stock and explore all avenues which could help.

CARE IN THE HOMEIt may be that care in the home is the preferred option, and this is where you need to spend time making sure that all available help from your local council is fully explored, and a correct assessment of necessary care is arrived at.

Check out the Care Quality Commission. This is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers care services that meet standards and make constant inspections to check that these standards are kept and take action if standards fall.

Direct Payments are a Government initiative designed to give people the freedom to purchase their own care and support, so since 2002 all Social Services departments offer the option of a Direct Payment to people who receive a social care and support service.

Following an assessment by their local Social Services the person receiving the direct payments can use the money for different types of services.

These include:• Personalcareandsupport• Daycare(includingdomestichelp)• ‘Mixed’packagesofsupport• Short-termrespitecare• Live-inCare• Itemsofequipment

Direct Payments can also be used for employing a ‘personal assistant’ or arranging care from a private care company. There are many benefits to Direct Payments – they allow a greater level of flexibility and freedom for the person who needs the care and support. By employing a care and support worker

directly, there is greater choice as to whom the person has looking after them; what times they come and what tasks they perform. People who are eligible to receive a Direct Payment, instead of their ‘usual’ support include:

• OlderPeoplewhoneedsocialcare services• Peoplewithphysicaldisabilitywhoare over 16• Peoplewithalearningdisabilitywho are over 16 People who require Live-in Care• DisabledParentswouldreceive payments for the needs of their children (non educational)• Carersover16

How can Bluebird Care help? Direct Payments allow such a variety of choice that in some cases the chosen personal assistant or Live-in Carer may even be someone that the person already knows. Greater choice, however, may come with greater employment responsibility. Social Services departments typically provide advocates or support brokers to help someone recruit a personal assistant. Bluebird Care can assist people who receive a Direct Payment, either by using it to purchase your care and support directly from Bluebird Care or by employing a personal assistant on your behalf.

GOOD OLD FASHIONED SERVICEBluebird Care Sefton is a local provider of care in the home. They specialise in working with customers and their families that require social care in their own homes.

They support and care for people in their own homes providing a realistic and cost effective alternative to residential care.


Companionship – sometimes loneliness can be devastating. They provide a companionship service for those who just need a little company. In addition to this they have our Friendship Groups, where people of similar age and interests meet up socially on a regular basis.

CARE STAFFNatural Carers - I can honestly say that their care staff are the best in the industry. All are recruited and selected by the Director and the Care Manager primarily for their attitude; they are natural carers, always going the extra mile for someone; it is their career choice, they want to do well and provide the best service. This is not ‘just a job’ to them.

Highly trained - Carers are also selected for their aptitude for learning. They are highly trained, going well beyond minimum standards, and highly motivated in continuing to improve their training through their partnerships with NVQ Diploma colleges throughout the region.

Police Checked – all staff are background checked with the police (CRB) and fully referenced to ensure reliability and trustworthiness.

Plenty of time for travel - At the end of the day, the quality of service that your loved one receives is all down to the member of staff that visits on that particular day. Some companies have carers arriving 10 minutes late for a care visit and leaving 10 minutes early, because they have back to back bookings, one at 9am for 1 hour then another visit 7 miles away at 10am, leaving no time for travel. This results in a rushed and stressed carer and a very dissatisfi ed customer. How can any company taking shortcuts and operating like this be providing a proper, fair and reliable service? The answer is they can’t.

That’s why, at Bluebird Care they do not do this. They allow their staff enough time to travel between each care visit. If a customer requires 1 hour of care, they get 1 hour of care. It’s a simple point, but one that many companies don’t seem to understand.

What the Carer Workers do - Their Care Workers provide assistance with all aspects of personal care such as bathing and toileting. Daily living tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, cleaning etc. Their Care Workers can take customers out

into the community, shopping or whatever the customer requires. In addition to this they are also fully trained in Administering Medication and Moving and Handling of People for anyone who has diffi culty walking or moving about.

Continuity of care – They realise how important it is for their customers to feel comfortable with a carer coming into their own home. Trust in someone you feel you know is essential. They will fi rst introduce you to your carer, and if you are happy with them, they will be you main carer, with support from 1 or 2 others to cover time off and sickness. You will always be fi rst introduced to any carers and you always have the right to ask for someone else if you are not satisfi ed.

NEXT STEPSOnce you have considered the sort of care you need, call 01704 832199 and a member of the Bluebird Care team will be able to discuss your individual requirements in more detail.

If preferred you can email them at [email protected] and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Call our professional team

Our staffOur staff are caring, trained to give medication andpolice checked.

What we offerWe offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care Sefton, Formby Business Centre, 42 Duke Street, Formby, Merseyside L37 4AT. Telephone: 01704 832199. Email: [email protected]

Good Old Fashioned Service

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Central Membership: 01923 830 477www.costco.co.uk

Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selectionof top quality brand namemerchandise at lowwarehouse prices.

Speciality departments include Fresh Deli and Produce, In-HouseBakery andButchery, ServiceDeli, Cafe, TyreCentre, Opticians, FineWines,BeersandSpirits,ElectricalAppliancesandmuchmuchmore!

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You qualify for Individual Membership if you belong tospeci�c employment groups – please see below fordetails of qualifying categories. To join Costco and start

saving please provide your employee ID card or current pay slip toprove your employer, PLUS a current utility bill (electricity, gas,telephone,water) or a bank statement addressed to your home.

The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is£25 (plusVAT),which includesacomplimentarycard for your spouseor domestic partner.

IndividualMembers Eligibility CriteriaRetired employee of:Banking/Finance, Civil Servant, Education, Fire/Rescue, Insurance,Local Government, Medical/Health Service, Police Force, PostOf�ce, Airline.

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For membership queries, or for furtherinformation about Costco please contact theMembership Team at Costco Haydock:

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Retired Employeeyou may qualify for Costco Membership?Costco is a membership warehouse club that sells a wide selectionof top quality brand name merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Speciality departments include Fresh Deli and Produce, In-House Bakery and Butchery, Service Deli, Cafe, Tyre Centre, Opticians, Fine Wines, Beers and Spirits, Electrical Appliances and much much more!

Individual Membership

You qualify for Individual Membership if you belong to specific employment groups - please see below for details of qualifying categories. To join Costco and start saving please provide your employee ID CARD or

current pay slip to prove your employer, PLUS a current utility bill (electricity, gas, telephone, water) or a bank statement addressed to your home.

The annual membership fee for Standard Individual Membership is £25 (plus VAT), which includes a complimentary card for your spouse or domestic partner.

Individual Members Eligibility CriteriaRetired employee of:Banking/Finance, Civil Servant, Education, Fire/Rescue, Insurance, Local Government, Medical/Health Service, Police Force, Post Office, Airline.

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JOIN THE CLUB: LIVERPOOLJoin more than 58 MILLION PEOPLE who are already saving!

Costco is a membership warehouse club thatsells a wide selection of top quality brandname merchandise at low warehouse prices.

Trade MembershipIf you are a bona fidebusiness owner ormanager or are selfemployed you qualify forTrade Membership. You

need to provide evidence of trading in theform of a current business utility bill(electricity, gas, water) plus either a VATRegistration Certificate or two other pieces ofbusiness stationery (cheque, letterhead,invoice).

The annual Standard Trade Membership feeis £20 (plus VAT), which includes a freespouse card. The annual Executive TradeMembership fee is £50 (plus VAT) which alsoincludes a free spouse card.

Individual MembershipYou qualify for IndividualMembership if you belongto specific employmentgroups – please call fordetails of qualifying

categories. To join Costco and start savingplease provide your employee ID card orcurrent payslip, PLUS a current utility bill(gas, telephone, electricity) or a bankstatement addressed to your home.

The annual membership fee for StandardIndividual Membership is £25 (plus VAT),which includes a free spouse or partner card.The annual Executive Individual Membershipfee is £55 (plus VAT) which also includes acomplimentary card for your spouse orpartner.

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Do you have the time and dedication to care?With 10,000 new foster families needed for children who require stability, Alpha Plus Fostering facilitate the process...With more and more children needing foster placements and a chronic shortage of foster families, now is the time to care for those who need it most.

There is a current shortfall of over 10,000 foster care families in the UK and Alpha Plus Fostering is looking to recruit more people from all walks of life to help to tackle this issue.

Alpha Plus is an established fostering agency which has been providing carers for over 11 years. Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED for the past 6 years, Alpha Plus is committed to providing high quality placements and improving the outcomes of ‘looked after children’.

Natalie Beswick is the carer recruitment offi cer for Alpha Plus. She said: “Here at Alpha we pride ourselves on providing local children with the opportunity to be looked after in a safe, caring and stable family environment.

We have an amazing team of foster carers and I just know that there are other families in our communities just waiting to be found - families who can be part of making the difference to the lives of ‘looked after children”.

Am I suitable?Many people believe that they are not eligible to foster for various reasons, from age and marital status to sexual orientation. In fact, if you drive, have a spare room and the time and dedication to invest in a child’s life and their future then you could be just what the team at Alpha Plus is looking for.

How to get involvedFor further information or advice on becoming a foster carer, call Natalie on 0753 011 3170 or the recruitment line on 0808 178 4747. All Alpha Plus foster carers receive full training, which is offered up to diploma level, 24-hour support from qualifi ed social workers, free membership to FosterTalk and generous tax free allowances of up to £460 per week.**Subject to Status.

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Celebrating over 11 years as a fostering agency Rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

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Alpha Plus has a positive approach to fostercarers of all ages.

We are currently recruiting foster carers across Lancashire. We will provide:

■ Generous tax free allowances up to £460 per child per week*■ 24/7 support■ Excellent training up to Diploma level■ Membership to Foster Talk *Subject to Status.

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and you have a spare bedroom and the time to commit to a childs life and their future then please contact us on: 0808 178 4747or visit www.alphaplusfostering.co.uk

We don’t need glasses at all now and our only regret is that we should have had this treatment years ago.Stephanie & Bill Yemc, IOL Treatment

We don’t need glasses at all now and our only regret is that we should have

Stephanie & Bill Yemc, IOL Treatment Enjoy lifewithout glasses,contacts or cataracts

“ “

Book your FREE consultation now, call08705 14 33 14 or visit optimax.co.uk/iol

2012

treated

50+_quarterad_0712.indd 1 31/07/2012 10:41:35

If your vision has declined or become blurry in recent years, don’t assume that a stronger prescription is all you need for a quick fi x.Cataract is one of the most common causes of sight loss in the UK, but it needn’t be. Leading sight loss charity RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) warns that 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided and that people should be more aware of what to look out for. A cataract is a clouding of the part of the eye called the lens. It causes vision to become blurred because the cataract is like frosted glass, interfering with a person’s sight. The lens is a clear tissue found behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye. The lens helps to focus light on the back of the eye – the retina – forming an image.

What to look out for:If you experience any of the following symptoms make an appointment for an eye examination:-

Blurry Sight: This is very common. You may notice that your sight has become blurred or misty, or that your glasses seem dirty or appear scratched.

Dazzled By Light: You may be dazzled by lights, such as a car headlamps, and sunlight.

Change of Colour Vision: Your colours may become washed out or faded.

If your doctor or optician has told you that you have a cataract, don’t be alarmed. Cataracts are very common with one in three people over 65 being diagnosed in the UK. Many people over 60 have some cataract and the vast majority can be treated successfully. Cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed during

CATARACTKnow the warning signs

50 Plus Health

an operation, is one of the most successful eye operations.

If you or someone you know has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.

Optimax is one of the UK’s leading Laser Eye Surgery specialists. Founded in 1991, it has carried out more than 350, 000 treatments. We offer a range of treatments suitable for those over 40, which can restore natural vision and give you freedom from glasses.These include Intra - Ocular Lens procedures. These Intra-Ocular Lenses replace the natural lens, which may eliminate the need for glasses and restore natural vision at the same time.

What all Optimax treatments have in common is helping people to see the world more clearly.

Choose Optimax for unbeatable results, affordable prices and outstanding patient care.

sponsored by

Your Personal Best website is a national awareness campaign developed and funded by GSK, official laboratory services provider for London 2012, in association with NHS London. It aims to inspire the 7.78 million people over 55 with long term health conditions in the UK to lead a more active lifestyle.

Keeping active can be a challenge if you have a long term health condition, but it can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing and may also ease your symptoms.

If you feel like your condition is holding you back from leading a more active lifestyle and you are over 55 years old, then the Your Personal Best campaign, inspired by the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, is here to help you with simple advice on how to become more active.

Did you know that keeping active can help manage your condition?

Keeping active can be a challenge if you have a long term health condition, but it can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing and may also ease your symptoms.

Even relatively small increases in physical activity are associated with some protection against chronic diseases and an improved quality of life for everyone but in particular for older adults.

Regular physical activity helps to prevent and treat many diseases and conditions, including coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.

The Your Personal Best campaign asks you to consider your current levels of activity and incorporate more into your daily routine wherever possible. We are not expecting people to become Olympic athletes - just to do what they can. Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist about the right activity levels for you.Physical activity can mean different things to different people. As well as exercise, everyday activities that require a degree of physical exertion such as walking, gardening and housework can be classed as physical activity.

TV personality and dance coach Len Goodman and TV presenter Arlene Phillips are the celebrity faces of Your Personal Best.

Supported by ten patient and healthcare professional groups across the UK, the campaign encourages everyone aged over 55 with long term health conditions to set personal and realistic activity goals in order to lead a more active lifestyle and help you to achieve your personal best.

About Len Goodman

Len Goodman is known to millions as the head judge from Strictly Come Dancing and the USA version of the show, Dancing with the Stars. His vast knowledge of Ballroom and Latin American dancing - gained over a lifetime of competing, judging and teaching all over the world - has made him one of the most respected characters in the dance fraternity.

Born in Bethnal Green in the East End of London, Len started his career relatively late in life. He actually wanted to be a footballer and it wasn’t until the age of 20 that the ex-docker started dancing. Having retired after a successful competitive dancing career, which included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, The British Exhibition Championships (four times) and the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970’s it was a natural progression for him to start up his own dance school in Kent.

Are you aged 55 or over and living with a long term health condition?

Find out how to improve your quality of life and get involved:

www.yourpersonalbestcampaign.co.uk

Diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson’s, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease or depression?

40

41www.50plusmagazine.co.uk 41www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Parkinson’s, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease or depression?

Len has received various awards in the UK, including a Life Achievement Award for his work in dance and a Carl Allen Award (the equivalent of the Oscars of the dance world). His work on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With the Stars has ensured nominations and awards aplenty and in 2006-07 he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

About Arlene Phillips

Arlene first came to the attention of the British public as choreographer of dance group Hot Gossip in the 1970’s. Arlene has choreographed numerous West End, Broadway and worldwide musical theatre productions. Arlene choreographed the 1982 film, Annie, and the Duran Duran song The Wild Boys which was named Best British Video at the 1985 BRIT Awards.

From 2004-2009, she was a judge on the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing and commented on the acts in Eurovision: Your Country Needs You for the BBC in 2009. In 2008, she created, produced and choreographed a new British television serial Britannia High. She was also the creative mind behind hit BBC shows DanceX and Strictly Dance Fever.

Internationally, Phillips is most noted as a jazz and musical theatre choreographer, having worked on some of the biggest selling musicals in West End and Broadway theatre and a number of successful films. Most notably, Phillips is a multiple Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee. In the 2002 New Year’s Honours List Arlene was awarded an OBE for Services to

Len says“I know from personal experience that once you are over the age of 55 it is harder to stay active, especially if you have a long term health condition. Your Personal Best aims to inspire people to do simple lifestyle activities in order to stay more active. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to get involved!”

Arlene says“I’m really passionate about encouraging people aged over 55 to stay more active. My first love is obviously dancing but it doesn’t have to be dancing, it could be gardening, playing with your grand-children or doing house work. Just as long as you are staying active in some way, that is the key thing.”

Medal-winning Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson comments “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are the perfect opportunity to inspire people to be more active than they ever thought possible. My sporting achievements prove that perceived limitations need not hold you back from being active. Even increasing your everyday activity by a small amount can make a big difference to your health so good luck in going for Your Personal Best.”

Len and Arlene’s Top Tips1. There are plenty of things that you can do to stay active in and around the home such as DIY, housework or simple stretching

2. Why not get together with other people in your local community and organise group walks to explore the area

3. Play active video games using a Wii or other console as a great alternative to a gym

4. Take up a new activity such as dance classes in your local area. Don’t be worried about having a partner; there are plenty of solo dance classes on offer in the UK, as well as dance groups with partners that you can pair up with. It is also a great way to meet new people!

5. If you have nephews, nieces and grandchildren, playing with them is a fun way to stay active – there are plenty of activities that you can all do together such as gardening which is not only fun but can be educational too!


What is TIA?TIA, otherwise known as mini-stroke, presents with symptoms similar to a stroke but resolves within 24 hours. In the majority of patients it lasts between half an hour to an hour.

The symptoms vary but the most common presentations are:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face or arm

• Sudden confusion, diffi culty in speaking or understanding

• Sudden diffi culty seeing in one or both eyes

• Sudden diffi culty in walking, dizziness, loss of balance or co-ordination

• Sudden unusual or severe headache

TIA is a medical emergency and medical help is needed straightaway as early diagnosis and treatment is important to reduce the risk of stroke. In many patients the symptoms only last for a few minutes and can be dismissed as being trivial or insignifi cant.

At a One Stop TIA Clinic a full history is taken from the patient and certain investigations are performed. One of the common causes of stroke is blockage of the main arteries in the neck supplying blood to the brain.

A scan of the neck arteries is carried out to assess for any blockages and a brain scan is performed. If there is signifi cant blockage in the neck arteries then an urgent operation is required to clear them (carotid endarterectomy) to greatly reduce the risk of stroke. The operation can be performed whilst the patient is awake or under full anesthetic. Patients undergoing surgery are usually discharged from the hospital 48 hours later. Patients’ medication may be altered as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of blood clots in the arteries and to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Life style changes are important which include diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and exercise.

By Mr Sameh DimitriConsultant Vascular SurgeonNuffi eld Health, The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester

TIA (TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACK) or Mini Stroke – what to look out for!

Nuffi eld Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester, One Stop TIA / Mini Stroke ClinicThe one stop clinic is designed to give instant diagnosis and treatment plan in one go by Mr S Dimitri, consultant specialist in Vascular Surgery.

Mr Dimitri, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, has over 12 years experience of running this service in the NHS, and has expertise and experience in evaluating and treating people who have had strokes and other brain and blood vessel conditions.

What to expect during the TIA Clinic?At your appointment you will receive specialist clinical advice. Mr Dimitri will take a comprehensive medical and surgical history and perform an examination. A consultation and scan (Doppler Ultrasound) will be carried out to assess your neck (carotid arteries) even if you have not experienced any symptoms.

The Doppler ultrasound tests the arteries of your neck supplying blood to your brain, which uses refl ective sound waves to see how blood fl ows through a blood vessel. This helps to evaluate blood fl ow and can detect blocked or reduced blood fl ow. A handheld instrument will be passed over the skin above the vessel.

* There might possibly be some alteration to some of your medication.

Treatment OptionsFollowing your examination, Mr Dimitri will then discuss the treatment options with you as well as explaining the possible benefi ts and risks.

*Further tests may be required and quoted for separately (such as a brain scan)

How Much Does the test cost?• Self funding patients - £250 which includes

Consultation, Doppler Scan, and Baseline Observations

• Medical Insured patients will need to speak to their insurance provider

For further information, please contact Nuffi eld Health on 01244 457479. A GP letter of referral is required.

Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester TIA / Mini Stroke Clinic.

Chester, The Grosvenor HospitalWrexham Road, ChesterCH4 7QP

01244 457479 nuffieldhealth.com/chesterhospital

The TIA / Mini Stroke clinic has been introduced for people who may feel concerned about TIA’s and/or strokes. The one stop clinic is designed to give instant diagnosis and treatment plan in one go by Mr S Dimitri, our consultant specialist in Vascular Surgery.

What to Expect –

This service is for insured and self pay patients, a GP referral will be required.For further information on the TIA / Mini Stroke Clinic please contact 01244 457479.

• Consultation• Baseline Observations

• Doppler Scan which uses reflective sound waves to see how blood flows through a blood vessel

chester_210x297_TIA-mini-stroke.indd 1 8/3/2012 3:22:13 PM

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

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

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

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

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

Choice of DenturesThere are three main quality standards in denture materials:

Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, ultra impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic.

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

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

Your Dentures need Attention1. When they become loose.2. When teeth or denture base discolours.3. When tooth surfaces become fl at.4. When denture base does not fi t 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.

CompleteDenture Service

Summary1. Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream.

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

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

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

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

This article was written by 50 Plus journalist Sheila Alcock.


46

With care home fees rising families can fi nd themselves paying on average a costly £36,000 a year for individual care.Residents are currently funding their own care with many not aware that the NHS could help. If you or a relative are in a care home because of physical or mental health needs you may be paying fees that should have been funded by the NHS. This is the case even if the individual has sadly passed away.

KG Solicitors are experts in recovery of wrongly paid care home fees.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?The NHS is responsible for meeting the full cost of care home fees for individuals whose primary need for being in the care home is because of their health. This is called NHS Continuing Healthcare and is often described as ‘fully funded care’.

Every person should be properly assessed for NHS Continuing Healthcare. Initially this should look at the medical and health needs only and not the individual’s ability to pay.

l continuing healthcare should be provided free of charge by the NHS to people whose primary need for care is because of their health - regardless of their means or care - setting.

l but - far too often incorrect assessments are made, or reviews not undertaken, leading to unnecessary and very costly fees being paid (which can be many tens of thousands of ££s and over long periods of time) with own homes being sold.

l local authorities/primary care trusts often appear to simply carry out a “tick-box” exercise, without really considering the overall needs and circumstances of a person.

l challenging decisions about eligibility for NHS continuing healthcare can be complex and lengthy, you can obviously make any claim yourself, but ...

Should the NHS be paying your care home fees?

... we can help you and your family ensure that a correct review and assessment is carried out, and that you are not one of the vulnerable people who are missing out. A claim in respect of a deceased relative can be made. Claims going back to 2004 are possible.

l You do not have to pay any legal costs upfront - we will assess and advise as to whether there is a claim - our costs are only paid if and when we successfully recover money on your behalf.

ACT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!The decision to impose time limits has come out of the blue. It has no statutory or case law basis. The Government states that the reasons for doing so is in line with normal NHS, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Complaints processes, and to have identifi ed and quantifi ed cases by the time of the “handover” from the NHS PCTs to the new GP Clinical Commissioning Groups under the Health and Social Care Bill. The onus is on Strategic Health Authorities and PCTs to notify the public of this - but the advice on how they should go about the communication process is still being worked on! In other words - the general public will not get to hear about this radical development for some time yet - shortening even further the period available to submit claims in accordance with the deadlines.

The whole issue of care and its funding, at a time of a growing elderly population and economic diffi culties, is already a grave concern to many people, without the Government arbitrarily acting in this unfair way.

Many people with legitimate claims, involving many £000’s will miss out.

Caring for the elderly ....

NEW TIME LIMITS FOR SUBMITTING CARE FEES CLAIMS• The Government has controversially introduced

“time limits” for the submission of claims for possible recovery of Care Fees that may have been paid incorrectly.

• On the 15th March 2012 the Chief Executive of the NHS announced the introduction of a “close down” procedure for the assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.

• This applies to care provided between 1st April 2004 and 31st March 2012.

Unless there are “exceptional circumstances” claims will be rejected if not submitted in time

The deadlines are:

• 30th September 2012 for care provided between 1st April 2004 and 31st March 2011.

• 31st March 2013 for care provided between 1st April 2011 and 31st March 2012.

• For current cases from 1st April 2012, there will be a 6 month time limit for seeking a review from the date of notifi cation of the decision about eligibility.

■ Have you or a relative/next of kin paid care fees?

■ Should you be paying?

■ You may be entitled to reclaim £000’s!

FREE advice/assessment onreclaiming Care Fees.

Call us on: 01254 685 127or email us [email protected]

www.kgsolicitors.com

Lex House, Capricorn Park, Blakewater Road, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 5QR.KG Solicitors Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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Southport Flower Show 2012