Southport & West Lancs 33

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012

RICK STEINShares his favourite dishesinspired by Flavours of the Med

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ITIO

N 3

3Retired

FREEPlease take one

Inside ...

MICHAEL ASPELOn how he stepped up to the mike

& living in Southport & West Lancs

Retirement Living in Ormskirk

Everything you need to enjoy a happy and secure retirement

Come and see for youself and have a look round our two show apartments and marketing suite- open every Friday 10am - 3pm - access �om Aughton Street is via Park Avenue

Retirement living at Brookside really does o�er you thebest of both worlds. You've got all the freedom to livelife to the full. At the same time there is a core teamavailable 24/7 to respond to the emergency call system.�ere will also be extra care or support available to suityour individual needs (subject to assessment). And ofcourse you're living in a close knit community withexcellent on-site facilities.

Perhaps you’re thinking of down-sizing or maybe you'vereached a stage in your life where you feel the need for alittle extra support. Whatever the reason, retirement livingat Brookside has a whole host of advantages.

Each self-contained apartment (both one bed and twobedroom options are available) is �nished to the veryhighest standards and can be purchased on either a sharedownership or on an outright sale basis.

Ormskirk town centre is a short walk away.�ere you'll�nd shops, restaurants and bars.�ere's a retail park and'Two Saints' shopping development. For those that enjoy amore traditional shopping experience, the town has anindoor market with a wide variety of traders.

Away from the shops, the town is home to an 18-holegolf course. And the surrounding countryside o�ersopportunities for walking. Brookside is just half a mileaway fromOrmskirk Station and 1 mile from Aughton ParkStation, both have frequent services to Liverpool.

Southport is only 9 miles to the north west of Ormskirk, mostfamous perhaps for Royal Birkdale Golf Course, home to theOpen Championship.�is elegant seaside resort is alwaysworth a visit at any time of the year.

Brookside is aimed at people aged 55& over.If you haven't already expressed your interestthen don't miss out on the opportunity to do so!

Brookside_DPS_2:Layout 1 28/11/11 10:10 Page 1

Retirement Living in Ormskirk

Everything you need to enjoy a happy and secure retirement

Come and see for youself and have a look round our two show apartments and marketing suite- open every Friday 10am - 3pm - access �om Aughton Street is via Park Avenue

Retirement living at Brookside really does o�er you thebest of both worlds. You've got all the freedom to livelife to the full. At the same time there is a core teamavailable 24/7 to respond to the emergency call system.�ere will also be extra care or support available to suityour individual needs (subject to assessment). And ofcourse you're living in a close knit community withexcellent on-site facilities.

Perhaps you’re thinking of down-sizing or maybe you'vereached a stage in your life where you feel the need for alittle extra support. Whatever the reason, retirement livingat Brookside has a whole host of advantages.

Each self-contained apartment (both one bed and twobedroom options are available) is �nished to the veryhighest standards and can be purchased on either a sharedownership or on an outright sale basis.

Ormskirk town centre is a short walk away.�ere you'll�nd shops, restaurants and bars.�ere's a retail park and'Two Saints' shopping development. For those that enjoy amore traditional shopping experience, the town has anindoor market with a wide variety of traders.

Away from the shops, the town is home to an 18-holegolf course. And the surrounding countryside o�ersopportunities for walking. Brookside is just half a mileaway fromOrmskirk Station and 1 mile from Aughton ParkStation, both have frequent services to Liverpool.

Southport is only 9 miles to the north west of Ormskirk, mostfamous perhaps for Royal Birkdale Golf Course, home to theOpen Championship.�is elegant seaside resort is alwaysworth a visit at any time of the year.

Brookside is aimed at people aged 55& over.If you haven't already expressed your interestthen don't miss out on the opportunity to do so!


Ormskirk andDistrict General

Hospital

OrmskirkRail

Wigan RoadA577

B5319

Burscoughst

Aughto

n St

B5319

B5197

Prescot Road

Knowsley

RdA570

Derby St A577

St Helen’s Road

A570

A570

A577

Park Road

Southport Road

Coun

tyRo

ad

A59

CountyRo

ad

A59

Holbo

rnHill

Ormskirk

Southport

Liverpool

Preston

Wigan

St Helens

Each apartment benefitsfrom the following:• Fitted kitchen with integrated

Bosch hob and oven

• Euro sink andmixer tap

• Flooring provided throughoutwith slip resistant vinyl flooringto kitchen and bathroom

• Bathroom incorporateswetfloor shower system

• Thermostaticallycontrolled shower

• Twyfords sink and levertapsby Sola

• Shaver point over mirror• Electric and gas combined

central heating

• Telephone points inliving-room&main bedroom

• Blinds to all windows

• Fire and smoke alarm• Warden call and entry phone

communication

• 24 hour emergency call system

• Secure by Design

General Amenities• Fitness salon• Hairdressing salon• Launderette• Greenhouse• Bistro

Inclusive design features

Email: [email protected] visit ourWebsite:www.brooksideliving.co.uk

01744 622 078

FINDUS ATL393BP

BUYINGATBROOKSIDEPrices from £145,000 for a 1 bed apartmentand £165,000 for a 2 bed apartment25% share options are availablePrices correct at time of print - subject to change

Location

For information please contact OPENFRIDAYS10am - 3pm


4 www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

26-27

The Blue Mallard restaurant, locatedin Burscough Wharf in the heart ofBurscough Village, is passionate aboutgreat food and top rate dining.

With a menu boasting a whole host ofregional foods and traditional dishes,refined to the highest standards andgiven a contemporary finish, The BlueMallard sets itself apart from anyrestaurant in the area.

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TRAVEL & LEISURE6-7 Under The Tuscan Sun

8-9 Robinsons Holidays Affordable peace of mind

16-19 Age Concern What's going on...

FOOD & DRINK22-23 Rick Stein Mediterranean Escapes Recipes

24 The Blue Mallard Relaxed canalside dining.

HOME25 Southport Windows The local company for the local people.

26-27 What is an Interior Designer?

Inside...

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

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the latest local Retired magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and lifestyle tips and ideas.

We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life!

If you know of an event which would benefit from free publicity please feel free to let us know and we can consider including it in our next issue.

6 -7

Alsley

Lodge

Luxurious accommodation, beautiful surroundings and quality care in a superb location!

� Full activities programme � Beautiful en-suite rooms � Landscaped garden � Excellent facilities � Modern building � Gourmet meals � Respite care � Hotel style

01704 821 [email protected] Road • Rufford • Ormskirk • Lancashire • L40 1 TB

www.retiredmagazines.co.uk 5

Health and Safety and Hot Air!Reading the entire collection of Health and Safety rules which dictate our lives today would be a suitable prison sentence for murder. New ones are added daily by some overpaid barmpot in Whitehall and two I came across recently are worthy of mention.

In the beautiful Bronte village of Haworth there is an annual event in June to celebrate the 1940s. Everyone and their granny descends on the village, some villagers have been known to move out for the weekend to avoid the crush, and many dress in period costume singing “We’ll Meet Again” increasingly loudly as the local brew takes effect.

Until three years ago part of the spectacle was a fly past by retired World War Two aeroplanes, usually a Spitfire, a Hurricane or a Lancaster Bomber. Now these planes are still air worthy after seventy years but some clown in Bradford Council’s Health and Safety asylum decided there was a problem.

The Spitfire won the Battle of Britain. Hitler and his army eventually chucked the towel in because they couldn’t down enough of the planes to win. It’s a good job Bradford Council wasn’t on his side or he’d have won.

The organisers of the Forties Weekend had to conduct a Health and Safety and feasibility study and here was one of the questions:-

“What was the likelihood of one of the planes crashing onto the village during the flypast?”

Now we don’t see many Fokkers or Messerschmitts over Haworth these days and the Home Guard was disbanded some years ago. The only aerial threat we have is from rooks and the occasional duck with a dicky tummy, which might necessitate wearing a tin helmet on windy days.

I think we had the greatest confidence that the pilots would have successfully cleared the village without a mass slaughter of the population, but, no, we couldn’t have a fly past.

10,000 people squeezed onto our tiny cobbled streets that weekend. Traffic management had a pink fit as the hordes parked their cars anywhere and everywhere. Hermann Goerring was spotted having a pint in The Fleece but we couldn’t have aeroplanes using the only empty space in the valley…the sky.

Were all flights from Leeds-Bradford airport suspended for the day in case the lunch time Ireland plane crashed in Central Park? They were not.

There was a famous wartime phrase which said, “Your country needs you”. I suggest the same does not apply to the Health and Safety nitwits of today.

There’s a hole in your bench

Amazingly the same village got a double dose of daftness when the local council decided to recobble and landscape the bottom of Main Street.

A lovely 12-month old wrought iron bench was removed to facilitate the work and it hasn’t come back.For years locals and visitors have enjoyed relaxing on the bench and no injuries have ever been reported apart from the odd drunk slipping off the edge and nearly falling under the Oakworth bus.

The locals of yesteryear would have sat there and watched horses and carts go up and down the steep cobbled street posing some hazard if one set off at the gallop going downhill.

But we can’t have the bench back because a health and safety executive decision said a child might get their finger stuck in the wrought iron!

Oh, do me a favour. There are still stocks at the top of the street, what if someone gets trapped in them while having their picture taken? I’ve seen women in stiletto heels pirouetting like Margot Fonteyn trying to walk down the street and not get trapped in the cobbled setts. But we cannot have our bench back. In fact some half wit has now decided it is so dangerous that it is to be repainted and auctioned off.

I suppose we can’t have a wooden on either in case a splinter develops and punctures some old dear’s derriere.

Graham Smith has a TwitterBut is he right or wrong?

Strung along 18km of serrated cliffs between Levanto and La Spezia, the Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s treasures. These five higgledy-piggledy

villages Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore are cut off by mountains, choked with olive groves and dry-stone-walled vineyards, where farmers have eked out a living over the centuries. The Cinque Terre became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1997, which includes a protected marine area, and became a national park (Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre) in 1999. Wine growers still use monorail mechanisms to ferry themselves up and the grapes down these unique lands, and in some cases have to harvest by boat as access is restricted. If the terraced hillsides are not worked, they will quite literally slide into the sea.

National park status has spared the area from a propagation of tourism and the tacky souvenir stands that come with it and saved it from environmental destruction. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the villages, instead they are connected by train. In the villages, electric buses scale the sheer streets. Park authorities close walking paths when numbers become too great, so it�s best to arrive in the cool and relative calm of the early morning.

EATING/DRINKINGGrapevines and olive trees cover the hillsides, so wine and oil are a must on the restaurant tables. They prove excellent companions for the salted anchovies of Monterosso served in olive oil as well as the many specialty fish dishes and authentic gastronomic delights.

The cuisine of the Cinque Terre almost perfectly conserves the characteristics of yesteryear; the respect for the flavours and fragrances of the primary ingredients. Trofie is a kind of pasta made from chestnut or wheat flour, It’s condiment is still pesto sauce, an original Ligurian sauce made from basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, grated parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Torte di verdura - vegetable pies -are prepared with a stuffing containing parsley, marjoram, wild local herbs, artichokes, zucchini, potatoes and leeks, combined with egg and ricotta cheese or with stale bread soaked in milk or béchamel sauce and parmesan cheese. The pie crust is very thin, because flour was a very precious commodity. Torta di riso - rice pie - is a specialty of every Italian grandma in the region. Frittate - flat omelettes - are popular today as the ‘frittata’ has been rediscovered as a tasty antipasto. Another important dish on the tables of the Cinque Terre population was cotoletta di acciuga, anchovies stuffed with a breadcrumb based filling and then fried. The fritelle di bianchetti, fritters made from tiny newborn anchovies or sardines, were also highly appreciated. Following the seamen’s gastronomic traditions, other dishes included stewed cuttlefish, stuffed calamari and spiced octopus.

SLEEPINGNumerous villagers have rooms to rent: look for signs reading camere (rooms) or affittacamere (rooms for rent). Accommodation booking offices in Riomaggiore are really helpful and can help you organise a room ahead of time. The town of Levanto is bigger and has a lot of accommodation including hotels, bed & breakfasts

Under the Tuscan Sun


and even camping areas where you can rent a tent with two beds and linens for very low prices!

Note: Breakfast in an Italian hotel or B&B will be some slices of bread and a croissant, butter, jam and coffee with orange juice if you are lucky. This is a typical Italian breakfast so if you can get a room without breakfast and head down to the nearest cafe where there is a larger choice.

GETTING AROUNDTake the train to La Spezia and change onto the regional (“Regionale”) train that makes all the local stops in the Cinque Terre mostly through tunnels. All the Cinque Terre towns have their own train station. Almost all the trains from La Spezia stop in Levanto. The train represents the best way to visit all the villages of the Cinque Terre. Until the end of the 19th Century these towns were completely isolated and reachable just on foot or by sea. In 1860 (works ended in 1874) the first tunnel of this track was built connecting Genoa with La Spezia and crossing almost entirely all this territory through tunnels (32 tunnels were built here!). This means of transportation gives you the possibility to visit the villages in a discreet and easy way and as the train emerges from another tunnel you are treated to another stunning view of one of the best secrets in Italy.

DONT LEAVE WITHOUT The Cinque Terre boasts some of the best coastline hiking trails in the world. The path from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell’Amore - or �Lovers Walk. The beautiful trail along the shore is very easy to hike.

Along the way, you’ll witness where lovers have written their names on the rocks and trees surrounding the walk. In the middle of Riomaggiore and Manarola you will come across ‘The Lover’s Lock’ which is a place to seal your eternal love. At this point there is a concrete throne in the shape of a male and female locked in a kiss, where many people duplicate this creating a lovely photographic opportunity.

The next hike from Manarola to Corniglia is also easy. However, there is an up hill hike and a large zigzag shaped staircase with 385 steps which can be quite a mission in the midday sun! The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza offers incredible views of shore and is only steep at certain places.

The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is the steepest (you need a reasonably good level of fitness - there is over 250m of climbing over very uneven rocks, totalling approx. 750 ‘steps’ - not easy!), winding through olive orchards and vineyards and offering dramatic ocean views. The paths are narrow, with a very real danger of falling 12 to 15 feet if you lose your footing. If you attempt this hike, take some water, and be prepared to build up a sweat.

The walk between all the villages takes the better part of a day. For those that would rather not walk (or not walk the entire trail), a pedestrian ferry service runs seasonally to all five villages, plus Lerici. The price is reasonable, and gives a nice view of the villages from the water. The milk train that connect all the villages is also a quick way to hop among towns.

It is advised that you attempt the walk as early as possible to avoid the hottest part of the day during the summer period. Sneakers or suitable walking shoes are essential. You must purchase a pass for the hike. It is also possible to purchase a hiking and train pass in one if you wish to catch a train to the next town.

Hiking Times around the Cinque Terre:Monterosso - Vernazza: 90 minutes.Vernazza - Corniglia: 90 minutes.Corniglia - Manarola: 45 minutes.Manarola - Riomaggiore: 20 minutes.Manarola also has its own beautiful vineyard walk.

Language:Italian and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.Currency: Euro (EUR) Time zone: GMT + 2

T R AV E L

Monarola at Sunset

7www.retiredmagazines.co.uk


Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

Est.1923

COACH TOURS 2012

1501

Freephone : 0800 0839086

Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AAHHHTorquay is most certainly one of the UK’s Finest resorts and the heart of the English Riviera.

If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne Robinsons HHHEastbourne is an ideal holiday destination, it has one of the top sunshine records in the UK and has been awarded the Seaside Award for its clean safe beaches for the past eight years.

An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin Robinsons HHHTake a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south coast of the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages.

An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, ISLE OF WIGHT

LOCAL PICK UP POINTS

www.robinsons-holidays.co.ukPark Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

FULL 2012 BROCHUREOUT NOW

9www.retiredmagazines.co.ukFreephone: 0800 0839086 Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

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

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

Sat/Sun 28/29 Apr £345 £345 £345 £299 05/06 May £355 £355 £355 £31512/13 May £365 £365 £365 £32519/20 May £375 £375 £375 £33526/27 May £385 £385 £385 £34502/03 Jun £389 £389 £389 £34909/10 Jun £399 £399 £399 £35916/17 Jun £399 £399 £399 £35923/24 Jun £399 £399 £399 £35930 Jun/01 Jul £399 £399 £399 £35907/08 Jul £399 £399 £399 £35914/15 Jul £399 £399 £399 £35921/22 Jul £399 £399 £399 £35928/29 Jul £399 £399 £399 £35904/05 Aug £399 £399 £399 £35911/12 Aug £399 £399 £399 £35918/19 Aug £399 £399 £399 £35925/26 Aug £399 £399 £399 £35901/02 Sept £399 £399 £399 £35908/09 Sept £389 £389 £389 £34915/16 Sept £379 £379 £379 £33922/23 Sept £359 £359 £359 £31929/30 Sept £339 £339 £339 £299

7 Days/ 6 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

Monday05-Mar £219 £219 £219 £19512-Mar £229 £229 £229 £20519-Mar £239 £239 £239 £21526-Mar £249 £249 £249 £22516-Apr £275 £275 £275 £24923-Apr £285 £285 £285 £25508-Oct £279 £279 £279 £24915-Oct £269 £269 £269 £24522-Oct £259 £259 £259 £23529-Oct £249 £249 £249 £225

Turkey and Tinsel05-Nov £249 £249 £249 £225 12-Nov £245 £245 £245 £21919-Nov £239 £239 £239 £21526-Nov £235 £235 £235 £20903-Dec £229 £229 £229 £20510-Dec £225 £225 £225 £199

Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels - Front facing/seaview supplements -

7 Days £13 per person. 8 Days £15 per person.5 Days £10 per person

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

Monday06-Feb £139 £139 £139 £12913-Feb £145 £145 £145 £13320-Feb £149 £149 £149 £13527-Feb £155 £155 £155 £13905-Mar £159 £159 £159 £14512-Mar £165 £165 £165 £14919-Mar £169 £169 £169 £15526-Mar £175 £175 £175 £15902-Apr £175 £175 £175 £15506-Apr £185 £185 £185 £16511-Apr £185 £185 £185 £16516-Apr £189 £189 £189 £16923-Apr £195 £195 £195 £17530-Apr - £199 £199 £17907-May - £209 £209 £18914-May - £215 £215 £19521-May - £219 £219 £19928-May - £225 £225 £20504-Jun - £229 £229 £20911-Jun - £239 £239 £21518-Jun - £249 £249 £22525-Jun - £249 £249 £22502-Jul - £249 £249 £22509-Jul - £249 £249 £22516-Jul - £249 £249 £22523-Jul - £249 £249 £22530-Jul - £249 £249 £22506-Aug - £249 £249 £22513-Aug - £249 £249 £22520-Aug - £249 £249 £22527-Aug - £249 £249 £22503-Sept - £249 £249 £22510-Sept - £245 £245 £21917-Sept - £239 £239 £21524-Sept - £235 £235 £20901-Oct £225 £225 £225 £19908-Oct £215 £215 £215 £18915-Oct £209 £209 £209 £18522-Oct £205 £205 £205 £17929-Oct £199 £199 £199 £175

Turkey and Tinsel05-Nov £199 £199 £199 £179 12-Nov £195 £195 £195 £17519-Nov £189 £189 £189 £16926-Nov £185 £185 £185 £16503-Dec £179 £179 £179 £16510-Dec £175* £175* £175* £165*17-Dec £169* £169* £169* £165*23-Dec £395 £395 £395 £35529-Dec £375 £375 £375 £335

* Unlimited Singles

5 Days/ 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

FULL 2012 BROCHUREOUT NOW

Personalised Legal Services (a Tesco Law Caution!)

While reading your daily papers recently, you may have come across reports of changes to the provision of legal services which have been dubbed “Tesco Law” as apparently it is meant to make buying legal services as easy as buying a tin of beans. The changes in the law will allow non lawyer companies, such as supermarket chains, to provide legal services. This begs the question. Do you really want to buy legal advice in the same place as you buy your tin of beans?

Take Probate work for example.

There are already several firms linked to banks, and firms of undertakers, sending sales people into your homes, in the guise of providing you with some “free advice”. These people are rarely qualified lawyers able to provide you with legal advice. You do not need pressure sales tactics when you are vulnerable and have lost a loved one.

What happens at the moment, when you instruct one of these large organisations is that you are unlikely to meet the fee earner dealing with your matter, as often the work is undertaken at distance. When you call their office for advice, you talk to a call centre, and rarely the same person twice!

How about DIY? It is entirely possible to apply for probate and deal with an estate, without seeing a lawyer, but it’s not without risks. Many professionally drafted wills contain trusts to save tax, to avoid

those who inherit paying care fees and to reduce the likelihood of potential disputes. All too often people come to seek advice when they have made a mistake or find the paperwork too tricky. For example, Mrs X’s will had included a tax saving trust, but when her husband administered the estate, he paid the whole estate to himself, effectively undoing the beneficial effects of the trust drafted into the Will. In Mr A’s case, he sold some shares that had made a gain during the administration of his late sister’s estate and had to pay tax. If he had transferred the shares to himself first, before selling them, he could have avoided the tax.

In all but the most straightforward cases, it is important to seek timely specialist legal advice, as that can actually save you money and worry.

At Canter Levin & Berg, we ensure personal contact with the fee earner dealing with your matter. Our Dawn Joughin and Robert Lee, are members of Solicitors for the Elderly, and work in partnership with the deceased’s family to help and support them with the legal and technical work. As elder law specialists, they can even add value to their work, for example by identifying cases where money is owed to the estate for care funding, which should have been met by the NHS and assist you in making a no win no fee claim.

Call us for a personal service. You may be surprised to find our costs are often lower than many would have you believe!


Our experience makes yours better

0844 875 6200

Recent cases include backdated payments of up to

£165,000 where the family home was sold to help

pay for care. Others included a refund of £130,000

because the NHS deemed the problems ‘social’

rather than ‘health’ related.

If you feel that you have been incorrectly charged,

speak to one of our specialists on:

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

Claims backdated to 2004Review current assessment Save £1000’s on care home feesWe fight your case for youStress free consultationSpecialists in care home refunds

CARE HOME NHS REFUNDS!

It is estimated that about two thirds of the 150,000 in nursing homes who pay for their own care should be funded by the NHS -

that's around 100,000 paying unnecessarily

We can also help you save on inheritance tax by

guiding you through the most tax efficient methods

of estate planning and the writing of a will which

ensures that your estate passes to those you intend

to receive it.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

CLB CARE AD ARTWORK.pdf 10/11/10 15:10:22

Who would expect a highly experienced broadcaster like Michael Aspel to be dogged by moments of doubt?

“For some years I was very cocky and full of myself, yet I’ve always been very nervous,” he tells Retired. “Luckily I was able to handle awkward situations, but you get less and less confident as you grow older.”

Such feelings are not helped by television’s fondness for young faces, and Michael is now a well-preserved 78. But when the 100 Years of Us series earlier this year highlighted changes in society during the first century of the National Census, he was “well qualified to be the front man, having been around for most of that time”. Indeed, for many of us, Michael has always been on the airwaves, but he was a teaboy for a London publisher before National Service in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in the early 1950s.

“When I came out of the Army, I wanted to be an actor,” he recalls. “My father was very sympathetic. He said: “Get a job or get out’. I took a job with a bedding firm that had contacts in Cardiff with a big store there. I went down there ostensibly to learn the bedding trade and the sales business, but that wasn’t my intention at all. I auditioned for radio drama at the BBC in Cardiff, and they gave me occasional work while I waited for a place to come up on the BBC drama repertory company. I did all sorts of jobs – including drainpipe-layer and gardener – that I could drop at a moment’s notice when they required me for a freelance broadcast. I would rush straight from the building site and be in things like the Children’s Hour serial.

“I intended to pursue acting and in the mid-50s I was on the radio in London, but then someone told me they were looking for continuity announcers at the BBC TV’s Lime Grove Studios.

“There was just this one gigantic dinner suit between all of us. We wore whatever we liked below – it could be tennis shorts or whatever, because the picture never cut below the waist.

Lime Grove was the BBC TV’s main London base, but the news department was at Alexandra Palace. When Richard Baker was indisposed, Michael was drafted in to read one weekend’s bulletins and ended up staying for eight years.

“That was a wonderfully happy time. It was quite different from Lime Grove or the later Television Centre – partly because it was news only and partly because it was such a historic place, where television began, and physically

cut off from the rest of the BBC, and you could not get a better bunch of workmates.”

Michael remembers a time he made news himself. “I went on one night with a black eye. I’d been playing in a charity cricket match the day before and got the ball in my eye. The response was incredible – it was even in the papers in France and America.”

Michael never did become an actor – except that “occasionally theatres let people from the telly do plays, to put bums on seats, and I’ve done a few”. He hosted Ask Aspel, Crackerjack, Aspel and Company, Miss World, Come Dancing, Give Us a Clue, The Six o’Clock Show, This is Your Life and Antiques Roadshow and his mellow tones were also heard on the radio.

On the Light Programme’s Family Favourites sound engineers were at the controls, but Michael learnt to self-operate a studio as part of the launch team of London commercial station Capital Radio.

“When I did something for the BBC after that, they asked if I’d like to self-op and I said I would – but their controls worked the other way round and I said

How Michael stepped up to the mikeWhen the young Michael Aspel headed for Cardiff, his father thought it was to develop his career with a bedding company, but Michael had other ideas, as James Pringle discovered

Michael joins Lance England in the studio of community station Brooklands Radio


‘Good morning’ and switched myself off.

“Capital was exciting and I did things I never dreamt I would do. There was a brilliant young producer called Simon Booker and the station’s chairman was Richard Attenborough, who would get us tremendous guests with his contacts.

“That kept going with the television chat show, although, to be honest, that was a great disappointment to me. It didn’t compare with the shows I did on Capital, because there were various restrictions and I wasn’t as confident.

“At the radio station my researcher – a woman who had a PhD in mediaeval French – provided me with information on people and I would then prepare the interview. When I started the chat show on Thames, I found there was an agreement between representatives of the guest and our people as to what line the interview would take.”

Who were the most difficult people to interview? “Actors like Elliott Gould – he was utterly impossible – and others just weren’t very good at it.

“Tony Curtis was every interviewer’s gift most of the time, but occasionally he would lose interest and he did that on one of my shows. When I said: ‘Did this make you the happy man you are today?’ his reply was: “Who said I was happy?’ Then he said: ‘And with that, I bid you goodnight’ when we’d only had about three minutes. He walked off and we had to fill in.”

Another live show guest was an inebriated Oliver Reed. “I wasn’t as horrified as I was reported to be,” Michael points out. Always at the back of your mind, in a situation like that, is that ‘This is good telly’.

“The worst experience was the very last chat show we did. It was taken over by Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, who’d put money into opening a restaurant in the West End. The whole thing became an advert for that and it was just ghastly. I lost control of it and felt very low by the end.”

When Michael hosted Crackerjack and This is Your Life, his laid-back style contrasted the anxious manner of his predecessor, Eamonn Andrews.

“For a big burly man and an ex-boxer, he was amazingly sensitive and easily embarrassed,” says Michael. “When This Your Life and guests wandered from the point, I tried to laugh it off. But it was the most silly, unnatural arrangement. Someone would originally come in with a good anecdote and tell it

I N T E RV I E W

to the researcher, who would type it out and give it back to the person as a script.

“They would then try to learn it, and come stumbling on, trying to remember the script of their own story. That didn’t always work, so you would have to gently nudge them, hopefully without giving away the joke.”

Michael lives near Weybridge, Surrey, with his partner Irene Clark. Retirement has never figured in his plans. He will be among the stars at this year’s Parkinson’s UK charity Christmas Concert at Central Hall, Westminster.

Recent years have seen him guest hosting Have I Got News for You and making a documentary about his wartime evacuee experiences. He has taken to the stage in a Rocky Horror Show tour, as well as appearing in several pantomimes.

“Because of some kind of imaginary gravitas that you bring to the stage, the thing works and you can still have the time of your life while being this old codger.”

Subscription FormTo receive the next two issues of Retired Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Manchester Road, Bolton BL3 2QG.

Name: ........................................................................Address: ........................................................................................................................................................Postcode: ...................................................................Title: Retired & Living in ................................................................................................................................Issue Numbers: .........................................................

Magazine

13www.retiredmagazines.co.uk

MondaysLine Dancing 10 – 12pm

Yoga 2 – 3.30pm

Zumba 6.30 – 7.30pm

Tuesdays Keep fit 9.45 – 10.45am

Chair-based exercise 11 – 12pm

Coffee morning 11am – 12pm

Lunch club, two course lunch 12 – 1pm

Information & Advice service 12 – 3pm

Bowling 1.30 – 3.30pm

Bridge 7.30 – 10.30pm

Activities at The Wellbeing Centre in Ormskirk

Age UK Lancashire – a new name but the same services – provides information, practical services and support to older people across the county. Our aim is to ensure that later life is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience and to provide support whenever help is needed.

We provide a range of services, which are flexible and responsive to needs. We ensure that older people can get the right information, access help to maintain their independence, lead active and healthy lives and stay involved in their local communities.

We recognise that growing older can be difficult at times and that families and carers also need support. We do all we can to help by providing:

• community-based services (e.g. befriending) and social, leisure and educational activities

• short-term services (e.g. practical help in the home, assistance with shopping and cleaning when coming out of hospital)

• specialist services (e.g. foot care, help for people with memory problems or whose first language isn’t English)

• day support services for people who are bereaved or vulnerable

• information service at each office.

For more information, please contact your nearest Age UK office or call our new number on 0300 303 1234, which will cost you no more than a normal local call.

Age UK Lancashire Offices Ormskirk The Wellbeing Centre Moorgate Ormskirk L39 4RY

Southport 571 Lord Street Southport PR9 0BB

Age Concern Lancashire is now Age UK LancashireWe are now part of the Age UK family.

IDBB315 12/11

Wednesdays German group 9.30am – 3.30pm

Alzeimer’s drop-in 10am – 12pm

Footcare service 9am – 1pm

Tea dance 1.30pm – 4pm

Bridge 7.30 – 10.30pm

Thursdays Day care 9.30am – 3.30pm


Lunch club, two course lunch 12pm – 1pm

Line dancing 6.30 – 8.30pm

Zumba 8.45am – 9.45pm

Fridays Crafts (1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month) 10am – 12pm

U3A French/Spanish (2nd and 4th Friday of the month) 9.45am – 2pm

Tape and tone 2 – 3pm

Ormskirk school of dance 4 – 7pm

West lancashire Big Band 7.30 – 10pm

Saturdays Line dancing 10am – 12pm

On tap performers 2 – 4pm

Whist 7.15 – 9.30pm

Prices for activities vary. For more information please call 0300 303 1234 or visit the Wellbeing Centre.

IDBB315 Lancashire 4pp Ad Insert.indd 1-2 30/11/2011 10:27

MondaysLine Dancing 10 – 12pm

Yoga 2 – 3.30pm

Zumba 6.30 – 7.30pm

Tuesdays Keep fit 9.45 – 10.45am

Chair-based exercise 11 – 12pm


Lunch club, two course lunch 12 – 1pm

Information & Advice service 12 – 3pm

Bowling 1.30 – 3.30pm

Bridge 7.30 – 10.30pm

Activities at The Wellbeing Centre in Ormskirk

Age UK Lancashire – a new name but the same services – provides information, practical services and support to older people across the county. Our aim is to ensure that later life is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience and to provide support whenever help is needed.

We provide a range of services, which are flexible and responsive to needs. We ensure that older people can get the right information, access help to maintain their independence, lead active and healthy lives and stay involved in their local communities.

We recognise that growing older can be difficult at times and that families and carers also need support. We do all we can to help by providing:

• community-based services (e.g. befriending) and social, leisure and educational activities

• short-term services (e.g. practical help in the home, assistance with shopping and cleaning when coming out of hospital)

• specialist services (e.g. foot care, help for people with memory problems or whose first language isn’t English)

• day support services for people who are bereaved or vulnerable

• information service at each office.

For more information, please contact your nearest Age UK office or call our new number on 0300 303 1234, which will cost you no more than a normal local call.

Age UK Lancashire Offices Ormskirk The Wellbeing Centre Moorgate Ormskirk L39 4RY

Southport 571 Lord Street Southport PR9 0BB

Age Concern Lancashire is now Age UK LancashireWe are now part of the Age UK family.

IDBB315 12/11

Wednesdays German group 9.30am – 3.30pm

Alzeimer’s drop-in 10am – 12pm

Footcare service 9am – 1pm

Tea dance 1.30pm – 4pm

Bridge 7.30 – 10.30pm

Thursdays Day care 9.30am – 3.30pm


Lunch club, two course lunch 12pm – 1pm

Line dancing 6.30 – 8.30pm

Zumba 8.45am – 9.45pm

Fridays Crafts (1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of the month) 10am – 12pm

U3A French/Spanish (2nd and 4th Friday of the month) 9.45am – 2pm

Tape and tone 2 – 3pm

Ormskirk school of dance 4 – 7pm

West lancashire Big Band 7.30 – 10pm

Saturdays Line dancing 10am – 12pm

On tap performers 2 – 4pm

Whist 7.15 – 9.30pm

Prices for activities vary. For more information please call 0300 303 1234 or visit the Wellbeing Centre.


Rural lunch clubs

Mondays (third of the month)Skelmersdale senior citizens association meeting 10.30am Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Tuesdays Lunch club 12pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Chair-based exercise 1 – 2pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Line Dancing 2 – 3pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

WednesdaysLunch club 12 noon Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Lunch club and quiz 12 noon The Fold Centre, Abbey Stead, Little Digmoor

Thursdays Lunch club 12 noon Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Thursdays (first and third of the month)Local short health walks 10.30am Various locations

Thursdays (every other)Lunch club 12.30pm The Dell, Upholland

FridaysLunch club 12pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Keep fit 12.30 – 1.30pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Lunch club 1.30 – 3.30pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Fridays (first of the month)Games afternoon 2 – 4pm The Dell, Upholland

New events and services are planned for the Skelmersdale area in the New Year, including healthy eating sessions, Wii Fit and computer lessons – please call us for more information. We also offer a Caring Neighbourhood service for isolated older people.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit our Ormskirk or Southport offices, call 0300 303 1234 or visit our website at www.ageuklancs.org.uk

VolunteeringVolunteering your time is very valuable and we always need volunteers.

We have more than 900 volunteers working in our various projects. Perhaps you would like to consider becoming a volunteer or finding out more about what it entails? If you are interested, please contact your local office and ask for the Divisional Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Supporting usMoney raised by Age UK Lancashire goes back into the local community to provide services for older people.

Everyone can make a difference and there are a variety of ways you can help: • donations – in cash or unwanted clothes,

books and bric-a-brac • legacies – by remembering us in your will • donations in lieu of flowers in memory of

a loved one – donate securely online at www.justgiving.com

• trading products – profits are returned to the charity to help provide services.


Skelmersdale services

Tuesday (first of the month) 11.45am – 2pm Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Road, Hesketh Bank

Tuesdays (second and fourth of the month) 11.45 – 2pm Sheltered Housing Community Room, Hillock Close, Scarisbrook

Wednesdays 11.45 – 2pm Old people’s club, Lord Street, Burscough

Alternate Thursdays 11.45 – 2pm WI, Parbold

11.45 – 2pm Community Hall, Appley Lane, Appley Bridge

Fridays (second and fourth of the month) 11.45 – 2pm Haskayne Village Hall, School Lane, Haskayne

Help Direct has winter all wrapped up.

Last year heavy snow caused chaos for many.Are you prepared for this winter? Are you getting the entitlements you need?

We have the information you need to keep wrapped up this winter.

• Benefit Checks • Eligibility for Heating/Insulation Grants• Safe Trader Scheme• Cold Weather Payments Info • Flu Jab Promotion• FREE Fire Safety Checks

‘Local Area’ info - Shops that will deliver in bad weather conditionsGritting information etc.

0303 333 1111 (Local Rate)

www.helpdirect.org.uk

Is Funded By:


Rural lunch clubs

Mondays (third of the month)Skelmersdale senior citizens association meeting 10.30am Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Tuesdays Lunch club 12pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Chair-based exercise 1 – 2pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Line Dancing 2 – 3pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

WednesdaysLunch club 12 noon Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Lunch club and quiz 12 noon The Fold Centre, Abbey Stead, Little Digmoor

Thursdays Lunch club 12 noon Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Thursdays (first and third of the month)Local short health walks 10.30am Various locations

Thursdays (every other)Lunch club 12.30pm The Dell, Upholland

FridaysLunch club 12pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Keep fit 12.30 – 1.30pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Lunch club 1.30 – 3.30pm Ecumenical Centre, North Way, Skelmersdale

Fridays (first of the month)Games afternoon 2 – 4pm The Dell, Upholland

New events and services are planned for the Skelmersdale area in the New Year, including healthy eating sessions, Wii Fit and computer lessons – please call us for more information. We also offer a Caring Neighbourhood service for isolated older people.


VolunteeringVolunteering your time is very valuable and we always need volunteers.

We have more than 900 volunteers working in our various projects. Perhaps you would like to consider becoming a volunteer or finding out more about what it entails? If you are interested, please contact your local office and ask for the Divisional Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Supporting usMoney raised by Age UK Lancashire goes back into the local community to provide services for older people.

Everyone can make a difference and there are a variety of ways you can help: • donations – in cash or unwanted clothes,

books and bric-a-brac • legacies – by remembering us in your will • donations in lieu of flowers in memory of

a loved one – donate securely online at www.justgiving.com

• trading products – profits are returned to the charity to help provide services.


Skelmersdale services

Tuesday (first of the month) 11.45am – 2pm Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Road, Hesketh Bank

Tuesdays (second and fourth of the month) 11.45 – 2pm Sheltered Housing Community Room, Hillock Close, Scarisbrook

Wednesdays 11.45 – 2pm Old people’s club, Lord Street, Burscough

Alternate Thursdays 11.45 – 2pm WI, Parbold

11.45 – 2pm Community Hall, Appley Lane, Appley Bridge

Fridays (second and fourth of the month) 11.45 – 2pm Haskayne Village Hall, School Lane, Haskayne

Help Direct has winter all wrapped up.

Last year heavy snow caused chaos for many.Are you prepared for this winter? Are you getting the entitlements you need?

We have the information you need to keep wrapped up this winter.

• Benefit Checks • Eligibility for Heating/Insulation Grants• Safe Trader Scheme• Cold Weather Payments Info • Flu Jab Promotion• FREE Fire Safety Checks

‘Local Area’ info - Shops that will deliver in bad weather conditionsGritting information etc.

0303 333 1111 (Local Rate)

www.helpdirect.org.uk

Is Funded By:


Whether it is low interest rates, inflation, the economic problems facing the Eurozone or perhaps you have all your eggs in the stockmarket basket - more and more people are looking for an alternative home for some of their capital. Others simply want greater control or ECO friendly investments perhaps.

We offer access to a range of alternative investment options including defined returns of either 65%* or 80%* over 5 years payable annually. The fundamental difference is that you select your preferred option. All options are totally transparent as disclosed in the brochure.*includes final bonus payment

Mr & Mrs F. of Burscough in Lancashire wrote 'We feel alternative assets are the way forward to bring new life to our investments and give us the comfort of some fixed returns. They should, wherever possible, become part of every portfolio'.

Alternative Asset Solutions Limitedfor non stockmarket investing

For a free brochure that provides full details, please e mail [email protected] remembering to include your name, address and either your e mail address or daytime telephone number. If you prefer simply

call the office on 01704 232387 or 07875 030946www.alternative-assets.co.uk

The purpose of this advertisement is to provide generic information on our range of products and should not be interpreted as advice.The products are not classed as regulated investments and therefore the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and the Financial Ombudsman Service arrangements do not apply.

Sweets, toys, or save for a more secure financial future for your grandchildren...Now that the Government has announced final details for its new Junior ISA scheme, what does this mean for grandparents who’d previously put away lump sums and contributed to Child Trust Funds (CTFs)? And what impact, if any, will the new initiative have on their grand-children’s financial future? David Dawson, Sales and Marketing Director at www.thechildrensisa.com, explains CTFs, a Government savings and investment scheme that started in 2002, was abolished on 2 January. Recently, the Treasury amended the existing ISA guidelines to enable the establishment of Junior ISAs, which provides a more clear and simple way of saving for a child’s financial future.

Effective from November 1, it is estimated that around six million children are eligible, with a further 800,000 becoming eligible each year. The Government has raised the limit of annual investment into the Junior ISA to £3,600 from £3,000. A move that grandparents will welcome as it means, potentially, they could help their grandchildren save an additional £19,000.

With the main benefit of the new saving scheme being that it is tax free, paying-in up to £3600 per tax year in a Junior ISA could achieve a pot of almost £115,000 by the time the child is 18 (based on growth of 5% net per annum). This enormous figure will be a hefty sum that grown-up grand children are sure to appreciate given the rising cost of higher education and the difficulty of homeownership.

Unlike CTFs, there is no Government contribution to Junior ISAs and each child is limited to one cash ISA and stocks and shares ISA. Any UK resident child under 18, who is not eligible for a CTF, is eligible for a Children’s ISA. This includes children who were born before the CTF eligibility in September 2002. A child born between September 1, 2002 and January 2, 2011 was eligible for the CTF, at this time, if a child has a CTF they cannot have a Junior ISA.

Any parent or guardian can open an account and anyone can make contributions to it. The management of the ISA passes to the child when they reach 16 and they can only access funds when they turn 18 when it becomes an adult ISA.

At that time, it is anticipated that any responsible ISA provider will advise on alternative saving options available to encourage grandchildren to continue saving.

Soon, many high street banks and building societies will market products. www.thechildrensisa.com in particular is offering Cautious, Balanced and Adventurous options which will include low cost, actively managed, ethical and sharia funds, which can be opened with a minimum investment of £10 The ISA is operated by Avalon Investment Services who administer £300m invested primarily through Independent Financial Advisers.

Grandparents can now confidently look to start saving for their grand-children’s future when it comes to gifting, instead of, perhaps, previously giving them lump sums over their lifetime.

What will happen to your home and possessions when you die?You take care of your family all of your life, so make sure you look after them when you are gone. Preparing a Will is essential for your family’s continued financial security and, without one, you risk leaving your loved ones with less than you might want!

We can advise and help you with the following matters:

• Drawing up your last Will and Testament• Obtaining a grant of probate• Inheritance Tax• Dealing with the administration of an estate when someone has died

We also have a fixed price probate service

Call us FREE on 0800 118 5171 & ask for Carole or Karen

Specialists in Wills & Probate Davies & Gribbin SolicitorsLeyland House,

16 Derby Street, Ormskirk,West Lancashire L39 2BY

Telephone: 01695 573433Fax: 01695 573933

www.daviesgribbin.co.uk

Getting Your Affairs in OrderMake Sure Your Will is Prepared CorrectlyAccording to the Law Society, a badly prepared will (or a will that's out of date) is often worse than having no will at all.

It's important to remember that, even with simple provision in your will, there are many rules and regulations that you may not have taken into account and that can open up a whole raft of legal problems for your family.

Common mistakes when making a will:• when and where to sign the document • not including all the assets of your estate, causing a

partial intestacy • failure to substitute beneficiaries • failure to take into account dependants, for whom a

claim can arise after your death

When you consider the consequences of not making a will or making mistakes in preparing your will, it's easy to see the value of taking proper advice and having a Solicitor draft your will correctly for you.

Lasting Powers of AttorneyYou should, of course, make a will to ensure that your loved ones are provided for when you die. But what if you are unable to make sound decisions before then, due to an accident or illness?

If you want someone to be able to continue looking after your finances and affairs in the event that you lose mental capacity, then you should consider a Lasting Power of Attorney. Without this authority, even your husband or wife will be unable to deal with many financial matters on your behalf.

If you have not yet arranged for a Power of Attorney to look after your affairs in the event of your incapacity, please be aware that your loved ones will have to go through the Court of Protection to do so. This can be a very long-winded and expensive process and, in the meantime, your affairs may not be dealt with.

Personal & Professional ServiceYou have your own particular requirements and, at Davies & Gribbin Solicitors, we place great emphasis on ensuring you receive a personal, prompt and effective service.

When you contact us to make a will or to appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney, we will discuss your needs in detail before preparing the necessary documents. Originals may be placed with us in safe storage and we provide copies for your own personal records.

For more information about Lasting Powers of Attorney or to review your will, contact Davies & Gribbin Solicitors.

LEGAL & FINANCE

WELCOME TO....DOVEHAVEN CARE HOMES

CALL US TODAY 01704 546177

We are a family run Care Group providing quality residential and nursing care for the elderly. We have been providing quality care for our residents for over 25 years and pride ourselves on the happy welcoming atmosphere of our homes.

Types of CareAcross our homes we provide care for a full range of residential and nursing care needs for both long term and respite care.

Our portfolio of homes includes all four categories of Care Home (Rest Home, EMI Rest Home, Nursing Home and EMI Nursing Home) and we can accommodate all of our residents care needs for the full length of their stay in care. Should a residents needs change whilst in care, we can accommodate this under the Dovehaven umbrella with minimal disruption.

Southport Care HomesWe always aim to provide the highest possible standard of care. The priority of our staff is to preserve the independence, dignity and privacy of our residents and to ensure that their needs are dealt with in a professional and caring way.

We have an “Open Visiting Policy” and encourage friends and relatives to visit at anytime. Our professional, well trained staff respect our residents as individuals and are focussed on ensuring that their differing needs are continually met.

The accommodation and facilities in our homes are of the highest standard, all our rooms are individually decorated and we encourage our residents to bring their personal belongings or furniture to ensure their room feels like home. It is the additional services we provide that set us apart from other homes. There is a weekly programme of activities for residents to enjoy as well as regular outings using our specially adapted minibus.

DOVEHAVEN CARE HOMES

O U R H O M E S

WESTCLIFFE MANOR CARE HOME21 Westcliffe Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2BLTel: 01704 562630

BEAUFORT CARE HOMEHigh Lane, Burscough, Lancashire L40 7SNTel: 01704 897766

DOVECOTE MANOR CARE HOME & SPA13-15 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 0NBTel: 01704 500412

DOVEHAVEN NURSING HOME9-11 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 0NBTel: 01704 530121

DOVEHAVEN RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME22 Albert Road, Southport PR9 0LGTel: 01704 548880

ABBENDON EMI NURSING HOME45 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport PR8 6PETel: 01704 538663

DOVEHAVEN HOUSE EMI RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME 58 Moss Road, Southport PR8 4JQTel: 01704 564 259

MILLBROOK EMI NURSING HOME39-41 Birch Street, Southport PR8 5EUTel: 01704 539410

www.dovehavencarehomes.co.uk

F O O D & D R I N K

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

Taken from his book ‘Mediterranean Escapes’ (BBC Books, £20) here are two of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.

Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes

Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoon salt. Meanwhile, put the oil and garlic into a deep sauté or frying pan and place it over a medium heat. As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle round the edges, add the crushed chillies, green chilli and sliced porcini and cook briskly for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute or two. Set to one side and keep hot.

Add the pasta to the pan of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Heat another large pan over a high heat. Add the clams and the wine, cover and cook over a high heat for 2-3 minutes until they have all just opened. (Discard any that stay closed.) Tip them into a colander set over a bowl to collect the clam juices.

Add all but the last tablespoon or two of the clam cooking liquor (which might be gritty) to the porcini sauce, return to the heat and simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half to a well-flavoured sauce.

Drain the pasta and return to the pan with the cooked clams, the porcini sauce and parsley and toss together well. Serve immediately.

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried chillies1 mild green chilli, stalk removed and thinly sliced225g fresh porcini mushrooms, cleaned and thickly sliced2 large, ripe vine tomatoes, skinned, seeded and sliced400 g dried spaghetti1 kg small clams, such as carpet-shell, washed60 ml dry white wineA large handful flat-leaf parsley, leaves finely choppedSalt

SERVES 4Vittorio’s Pastawith Clams and Porcini

SERVES 8-10

500 g tubular pasta, such as rigatoni, tubetti or tortiglioni2 eggs, lightly beaten50 g finely grated Greek kefalotiricheese or parmesan cheese2 tablespoons melted butter 10 g fresh white breadcrumbs

For the white sauce115 g butter115 g plain flour1.2 litres full-cream milk, plus a little extra1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

For the meat sauce4 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion, finely chopped4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, finely chopped1kg lean minced beef200 ml red wine400-g can chopped tomatoes2 tablespoons tomato purée10-cm piece cinnamon stick1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible2 tablespoons fresh copped oregano3 fresh bay leavesSalt and freshly ground black pepper

Pastitsio: Beef and Macaroni Piewith Cinnamon, Red Wine and Kefalotiri Cheese

For the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pan, add the onion, garlic and celery and fry until just beginning to brown. Add the minced beef and fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps with the wooden spoon as it browns. Add the red wine, tomatoes, tomato purée, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, dried cloves, dried and fresh oregano, bay leaves, 100ml water, 11/2 teaspoons salt and some black pepper, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened but is still nicely moist. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.

Bring 4.5 litres water to boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the pasta and cook until a al dente - about 13 mins, but take care not to overcook as it will cook a little further in the oven. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl and leave to cool slightly.

For the white sauce, melt the butter in a medium-sized non-stick saucepan, add the flour and cook, stirring, over a medium heat, for 1 minute. Gradually beat in the milk, then bring to the boil, stirring, lower the heat and leave to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with the nutmeg and some salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the over to 1800C/Gas Mark 4. Stir 250ml (about one-fifth) of the white sauce into the warm pasta with the beaten eggs and half the grated cheese. Keep the remaining sauce warm over a low heat, stirring now and then and adding more milk if it begins to get a little thick.

Use the melted butter to grease a large, shallow ovenproof dish that measures about 23 x 33 cm across and 7cm deep. Spread one-third of the pasta over the base of the dish and cover with half the meat sauce. Add another third of the pasta and then the rest of the meat sauce, then cover with a final layer of pasta. Spoon over the remaining white sauce. Mix the remaining grated cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the top. Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

The Blue Mallard at Burscough Wharf is the place to go for relaxed canalside dining. Owned and run by chef-patrons – Chris and Matthew - this is a unique new opening in the heart of Burscough town centre.

Locally Sourced Fresh ProduceLancashire and the surrounding area plays host to an abundance of fine food producers and suppliers. With environmental concerns over food production and imports growing, The Blue Mallard aims to utilise local farmers, growers and suppliers as much as possible.

We're passionate about our local food and dishes and try to develop our menus with these at the forefront.

Monday Night Steak NightEvery Monday we have our steak menu, rump steak from £9.95, 'surf and turf' with king prawns and tuna steaks, cooked how you like them with your choice of sauces and traditional garnishes!

Whether its a light bite, lazy lunch or something special The Blue Mallard looks forward to welcoming you with fine dining in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Opening TimesMonday - Saturday 12pm - 2.30pmMonday - Thursday 5pm - 9pmFriday - Saturday 5pm - 9.30pmSunday 12pm - 8pm

The Lounge and Terrace are open all day everyday for drinks and coffees

Burscough Wharf | Liverpool Road North | Burscough | Lancashire | England | L40 5RZ

Bookings 01704 893954 www.thebluemallard.co.uk&You can also follow us on

facebook.com/thebluemallard twitter.com/thebluemallard

Curry EveningLast Wednesday of every monthAfter the success of our first curry evening we will be running one on the last wednesday of every month. Enjoy fantastic curries from across the globe, with favourites you'll know and something different for you to try!

Senior Citizens MenuEvery Tuesday & Thursday 12pm - 2.30pmFor just £6.50 you can enjoy a meal from our Senior Citizens Menu including favourites such as Fish, Chips & Mushy Peas; Ham, Egg, Chips & Peas; a selection of sandwiches and more all accompanied with a free cup of tea or coffee.

GIVING BACK Even in these financially challenging times, owner Mr Graeme Halsall feels it is important that local businesses should support and invest in community projects and be socially responsible.

This is emphasised in the Southport Windows ethos of helping the elderly by ensuring a special discount for senior citizens. Mr Halsall jokes that he employs the oldest salesman in the North West – Mr Harold Goldring – who declined to comment on his age but admitted he is well into his 70’s and has no plans to retire.

In addition, he sponsors a local football team, Southport Juniors Yellow and provides them with new football kit. He feels it is important to invest in children and encourage them to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle.

10b Station Road, Ainsdale, Southport PR8 3HSTel: 01704 571010 Fax: 01704 571010VAT Registered No. 907 2452 35 | Registered in England and Wales No. 6179147 | Director: G. Halsall

The local company for the local people...Invest in your home, your biggest asset.Southport Windows is a family run company with traditional values that offers value for money without compromising on quality or service. We supply windows, doors, patio and french doors, conservatories and all Roofline products. A new conservatory not only gives you additional space but allows the outside in.

We use Planitherm energy efficient glass as standard, this has one of the highest energy saving ratings available.

Our frames manufacturer was voted best in the country and they pride themselves on producing an energy efficient product. All doors are fitted with 5 lever security locks and hold the Police Secured by Design specification.

We are FENSA approved and offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee through the GGF.

RETIRED DISCOUNTTo receive a special RETIRED discount on any order please quote ref:SWR1

Sometimes, it’s a raw new house which needs a designer touch. Or a beautiful old home which needs interior remodelling and modernising. Sometimes, a change of lifestyle has created the need for a new look for your home, or maybe your home is looking tired and old fashioned and could do with a serious update. But you have a busy lifestyle, and very little time. The thought of sourcing builders, plumbers and decorators is overwhelming. So where do you start? Simple. Bring in an expert. Bring in an Interior Designer/Project Manager who can lead you through the intricacies of finding reliable tradesmen, and leave you free to consider ways in which your home can reflect your personality and lifestyle.

Not Just About Cushions and CurtainsThe title Interior Designer can be misleading, and in fact, anyone can give themselves the title of Interior Designer by taking a six week study course on how to build a samples board. This does not cover the skills

acquired from undergoing a degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. Louise Putman BA (Hons), MCSD, is a graduate from Middlesex University, having completed a four year degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. This covers the full design process from concept to completion, and she also provides project management, which includes liaison with electricians, builders, furniture manufacturers/suppliers, fabric and lighting. This is followed by costings, quote comparisons, a programme detailing time scales and completion dates. After graduating, Louise worked on a number of large corporate Headquarters and hospitality projects, including hospitality areas for All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon, and Executive areas at the London Headquarters of Royal Bank of Scotland. In 2009 Louise set up her own design consultancy, Recreate Interiors.

W H A T I S A N

I N T E R I O R DESIGNER?

By Sheila Alcock

Electric ReclinersStockists of riser/recliners by Sherborne & Vale plus more

Tel: 01695 573295 25-27 Railway Road, ORMSKIRK L39 2DN

C SMITH & CO UPHOLSTERERS & FURNISHERS

Eureka Moment“My first priority is to understand my client’s taste and vision for the style they want to achieve. Recently, I had a client who wasn’t sure of the sort of interior she wanted,” Louise told me. “The Eureka moment arrived when she studied my mood boards, beamed, and said, “ I didn’t know what I wanted, until you showed me.” That was the moment when I could really focus on the work in hand, and establish rough guidelines on general style, budget and timescale.

My work begins with the creation of a mood board, which shows a variety of interiors of different styles and colour schemes. This is accompanied by samples boards showing fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, carpets, finishes and options. These are discussed, the client makes a choice and at that point, I can set up a detailed summary of costings for each room to be treated by providing a detailed schedule of works to obtain ‘like for like’ quotes from tradesmen, followed

by a cost plan including furniture, window treatments, finishes, fixtures and fittings, and my designer’s fees.”

“So there’s a lot more to interior design than sourcing fabrics and carpets,” I said. Louise smiled.

“We’re the ones who plod across the site with the builders. We produce detailed space plans to indicate now the space can be better utilised. We’re the ones to sort any problems with decorators and plumbers or the electricians. We discuss their problems and resolve them quickly, so that everyone knows exactly where they are, and completion dates are as stipulated.”We’ve all heard horror stories of missed completion dates, shoddy workmanship and nerves at screaming point over incorrect fittings and soaring costs. A qualified Interior Designer will ensure this never happens. From the update of a single room, to the remodelling of a complete house, an Interior Designer will take the drudgery out of your project, inject flair and creativity to produce the wow factor you’re looking for, and ensure that it’s completed on time, on budget, and exactly how you imagined it.

MY WORK BEGINS WITH THE

CREATION OF A MOOD BOARD,

WHICH SHOWS A VARIETY OF

INTERIORS OF DIFFERENT STYLES

AND COLOUR SCHEMES. THIS

IS ACCOMPANIED BY SAMPLES

BOARDS SHOWING FABRIC

SWATCHES, WALLPAPER SAMPLES,

CARPETS, FINISHES AND OPTIONS.

HOME

Mood and sample boards

It's The Only Place To Go For

Multi Fuel Stoves!Please contact us for a FREE SURVEY

Free Expert Advice. Stockists of: Aarrow Stoves, Casttec, Valor, Dimplex, Burley, Crystal, Firestorm Stoves, Boru Stoves and many more

Mon-Fri 9am-5.30 Sat 9am-4.30pmSun 11am-4pm

FREE PARKING

Over 40 displays on show

44/46 Shakespeare Street, Southport 01704 514225

www.hearthtohome.co.uk

H & J BATHROOMSWELCOME TO THE MOST LUXURIOUS BUT

INEXPENSIVE BATHROOM SHOWROOM IN SOUTHPORT

THE ANCHORAGE BUILDING, KINGSWAY (OFF LORD STREET) SOUTHPORT PR8 1RR

H & J Bathrooms have been established on Merseyside for over 35 years. The large luxurious showroom is ideally situated between Morrisons supermarket and B & M discount store with plenty of parking.

Mr Jay offers a very personal service and is always on hand to meet and greet clients. The store offers free home visits and design with very competitive estimates. Every aspect of bathroom installation is covered including tiling, plastering, ceiling, floors etc.

With Southport being a retirement community they also offer a variety of shower solutions for the elderly or disabled. So all in all it is well worth a visit.

Opening hours:Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm.

H & J Bathrooms are happy to match or beat any like-for-like quote.

WHAT DO WE OFFER THAT OTHERS DON'T?

• Personal service backed by 35 years know-how in the business.

• We can just supply, or you take advantage of our free home planning service and expert installation.

• We can do a small job or a complete service which includes everything from design to laying tiles or other flooring.

One look is worth a thousand words

TEL: 01704 514216

H & J Bathrooms are proud to be stockists of...

• Get Involved and Have Fun

• Meet New Friends

• Try New Sports, Have New Experiences

• Be a Part of the London 2012 Legacy

Register today at:

www.sportmakers.co.ukor call Merseyside Sports Partnership on 0151 427 3889

YOUR COMMUNITY

NEEDS YOU! BECOME A SPORT MAKER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!• FREE Inspirational Workshop

(visit the website for dates)• FREE Adidas kit*• FREE 3 months membership of Lifestyles Gyms*

*Adidas kit supplied at workshop and 3 months membership voucher supplied on completion of 10 hours as a Sport Maker

Gordon Galley & SonsTel: 01704 562953 Fax: 01704 567188

MAIN OFFICE - TRADE/DIY WINDOWCARE NORTHWEST LTD29a Bedford Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4HU

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 55s WWW.RETIREDMAGAZINES.CO.UK

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2012

RICK STEINShares his favourite dishes

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Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG.

9am - 6pm Monday - Friday, 9am - 1pm Saturday

34 George Street, St Helens WA10 1BU.

Express Denture Repair Service

Emergency Denture RepairsOver 15 years Experience

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DK1

Have your DenturesProfessionally Cleaned

The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

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

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

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

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

Choice of 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 flat.4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures).5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

Where do I go to have a good set of Dentures made?Every dentist can make dentures, but not all of them will specialise in denture making.

In recent years, new denture specialists have been trained,

CompleteDenture Service

called clinical dental technicians or denturists. Many of them have successfully completed training based on a Canadian system, where denturists have been practising for many years. Unfortunately in this country we are still waiting for their recognition. Denturists will take the greatest care to make your dentures look natural and fit properly.

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.

FluFlu usually comes on much more quickly than a cold, and symptoms include sudden fever of 38-40°C (100-104°F), muscle aches and pains, sweating, feeling exhausted and needing to lie down, dry & chesty cough and sneezing.

Flu symptoms appear one to three days after infection and most people recover within a week, although you may feel tired for longer. A severe cold can also cause muscle aches and fever, so it can be hard to tell the difference.

Whether it’s a cold or flu, get medical help if you have a chronic condition (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), or if you have a very high fever as well as an unusually severe headache or abdominal or chest pain.

Stop the viruses spreadingCold and flu viruses are spread by droplets that are sneezed or coughed out by an infected person. Other people can breathe in these droplets or transfer the droplets to their eyes or nose on their fingers.

Again protect yourself and others against colds and flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, throwing a used tissue away as soon as possible, washing your hands as soon as possible and having a flu jab every year if you’re in an at-risk group.

Cold or Flu?Colds and flu share some of the same symptoms (sneezing, coughing, sore throat), but are caused by different viruses. Flu can be much more serious than a cold.If you’re generally fit and healthy, you can usually manage the symptoms of a cold or flu yourself without seeing a doctor. Look after yourself by resting, drinking non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve aches and pains.

Some people need to take extra care as they’re more at risk of serious chest complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People over 65 are more at risk of complications. People under 65, including children, are more at risk of complications if they have serious heart or chest complaints, including asthma, serious kidney disease or liver disease, diabetes, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment or have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Everyone in an at-risk group is eligible for a free flu vaccination. This is the best protection against the virus.

SymptomsThere are around 200 viruses that cause colds and three that cause flu. There are many strains of these flu viruses, and the vaccine changes every year to protect against the most common ones.

ColdsSymptoms of a cold include a runny nose, beginning with clear mucus that develops into thicker, green mucus as the cold progresses, blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing and a cough.

People with a cold may also suffer with a mild fever, earache, tiredness and headache. Symptoms develop over one or two days and gradually get better after a few days. Some colds can last for up to two weeks.

Help prevent colds and flu from spreading by sneezing or coughing into a tissue, throwing the tissue away, washing your hands and getting the flu jab if you’re eligible.According to the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, a cold is most contagious during the early stages when the person has a runny nose and sore throat.

Coping with the Winter Months

Information provided courtesy of Please visit www.nhs.uk for further details.

Five Ways To Stay Healthy This WinterIt may be cold outside but winter needn't be the unhealthiest time of year for you and your family.Here are five ways to make sure that even when your body is telling you to hibernate you can keep healthy and fit, no matter what the weather's like:

Eliminate your sleep debt"On average we sleep six-and-a-half hours a night, much less than the seven to nine hours recommended," says Jessica Alexander, spokesperson at the Sleep Council, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of a good night's sleep to health and wellbeing. But in winter, we naturally sleep more, due to the longer nights. "It’s perfectly natural to adopt hibernating habits when the weather turns cold," says Jessica. "Use the time to catch up."

Drink more milkYou are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12. They're also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones strong. Try to go for semi-skimmed or skimmed milk, rather than full fat, and low-fat yoghurts.

Eat more fruit and vegetablesWhen it’s cold and dark outside it can be tempting to fill up on unhealthy comfort food, but it’s important to ensure that you still keep your diet healthy and include five portions of fruit and veg a day. If you find yourself craving a sugary treat, try a juicy clementine or satsuma instead, or sweet dried fruits such as dates or raisins. Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips can be roasted, mashed or made into soup for a comforting winter meal for the whole family.

Try new activities for the whole familyDon’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity, maybe ice-skating or taking a bracing winter walk on the beach. Regular exercise helps to control your weight, boost your immune system and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house.

Have a hearty breakfast Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps you to boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre, which give you energy and help you to feel fuller for longer, stopping the temptation to snack mid-morning. Oats also contain lots of vital vitamins and minerals.

Asthma In The ColdCold weather can have a serious impact on the 5.4 million people with asthma in the UK. According to Asthma UK, three quarters of people with asthma say that cold air is a trigger for their symptoms and 90% reckon that having a cold or flu makes their asthma considerably worse.

Cher Piddock, a nurse for Asthma UK says: “Hospital admissions for asthma traditionally peak during periods of particularly cold weather. This can be due to breathing cold air into the lungs which can in turn trigger asthma, as well as picking up colds and flu.

“People whose asthma is well-controlled are more likely to be able to withstand the risks of winter months and you can help keep your asthma under control by making sure you have a regular asthma review with your doctor or asthma nurse and that you have a personal asthma action plan.”

Five tips for preventing cold weather asthma symptoms...

Asthma UK has this advice on how to control your asthma symptoms during the cold weather: 1. Keep taking your regular preventer medicines as

prescribed by your doctor.

2. If you know that cold air triggers your asthma, take one or two puffs of your reliever inhaler before going outside.

3. Keep your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times.

4. Wrap up well and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth – this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in.

5. Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10–15 minutes and take one or two puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start.

Asthma attacksWith the onset of very cold weather, it’s a good idea to make sure you and your friends and family know what to do if you have an asthma attack.

The key signs are - coughing more than usual, getting short of breath, wheezing, feeling a tightness in your chest and having difficulty speaking in full sentences.You can find more information by visiting www.nhs.uk/livewell or calling Asthma UK on 0800 121 6244.

HEALTH

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 flexible dentures• Free consultation with discreet care• Home visits by appointment

Fully qualified, 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

GIBB'SIndependent Family Funeral Directors• Establishedover85years

• 24hourpersonalservice

• LuxuryChapelsofRest

• RepatriationService

Clarence Mews, 6a Clarence Road,

Birkdale, Southport PR8 4BH

• MemberofSAIF(SocietyofAlliedand

IndependentFuneralDirectors)

• GoldenCharterPre-paidFuneralPlansavailable

• AllmajorCredit/DebitCardsaccepted

Managing Director Mr. Joe GibbClarence Mews, 6a Clarence Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 4BHTel: 01704 551666 (24 Hours)

Personal attention and service guaranteed

Is old age getting the better of you or a loved one? Do you want assistance from experienced professionals? Then look no further than Castletown Homecare.Your mobility matters to them and they can help!Founded over 18 years ago, the business based in Southport twon centre has gone from strength to strength. Castletown are specialists in the mobility industry and offer a second to none advice/ supply service for a whole range of mobility and nursing equipment. Their services include sales and delivery of mobility and continence products, from a £1.50 walking stick tip to a £2000 scooter, rentals of wheelchairs / high seat chairs / walking equipment are available, free home demonstrations, free at home trial periods. Free professional advice and home visits. Castletown will endeavour to deliver your item on the same day with no delivery charge. Their staff offer a confidential continence advisory service and have over 35 years experience in the healthcare industry.

Owned and managed by Caroline Rodwell, Castletown Homecare offers the customer a personal caring service that bigger stores and catalogues can't offer.

Caroline said "Our customers are going to get personal attention, they are going to get experienced advice and all our products are competitively priced. We are also starting to offer some homecare services to our regular customers who need a little help with the shopping and daily chores"

Castletown Homecare really is Southport's leader when it comes to personal service and experienced advice to help you with your independence!

We stock a wide range of:• Scooters • Wheelchairs • Rise/Recline Chairs• Stairlifts • Bathlifters • Adjustable Beds• Daily Living Aids• Healthcare Products

• Quality Customer Service

• Experienced Friendly Advice

• Free Home Demo/Trial

• Full Warranty

15 Union Street, Southport PR9 0QF Tel: 01704 532567www.castletownhomecare.co.uk

C a r e H o m eAsmall Hall“Excellence Comes as Standard”

Inspection invited without obligation where you are assured of a warm welcome. Some of our devoted staff have worked at the home since its opening in 1991 and still pride themselves in the delivery of high quality, Person Centered Care.

Asmall Hall provides that special desired individualised care in a secure, homely and comfortable environment whilst promoting independence to enjoy the quality of life you are able.

A Quality Service is the only acceptable one!Proprietors and Managers are Mrs. Jennifer and Mr. Allen Chapman with Unit Manager Mrs. Tracey Farrington. Asmall Hall offers Long and Short Term, Residential, Nursing and Day Care to individuals from all walks of life, who come to continue to enjoy a varied and independent life whilst receiving care and support appropriate to their needs and disabilities. We pride ourselves in also delivering 'End of life Care' to those who require more

We Provide Nursing and Personal Care For the Elderly and Physically Disabled with a Separate Unit for Dementia Care.

Standing majestically in acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, dating back to the 17th Century, our prestigious building was originally built as a family home hence previous name, Asmall House. Since opening as a care home more than 20 years ago, its purpose built extension has been designed to compliment its original homely comforts. Situated within 2 miles of Ormskirk centre, only half a mile from the bus stop makes us within reach of many other community activities by mini-bus or taxi.

Tel: 01695 579548 Asmall Hall Care Home, Asmall Lane, Scarisbrick,

Ormskirk, Lancashire L40 8JL.www.asmallhallcarehome.co.uk

Fax: 01695 579978 email: [email protected]

QUALITY GUILD

Intensive care that family and friends are unable to provide in their own homes. To achieve and enhance this care on a continual basis we are working towards the National 'Gold Standard Framework' for end of life care.

• Open Visiting• On Site Chapel/Prayer Room• Own Minibus• Full social calendar (by our activities co-ordinators)• Own Hairdresser• Complimentary Therapies

Residents are invited to enjoy all that Asmall Hall has to offer including cosy lounges, welcoming dining rooms and beautiful gardens. Individuals are welcome to bring personal effects from home with which to furnish or decorate their room, so ensuring they are able to relax in a familiar and private space.

The majority of bedrooms are single although there are a small number of double rooms, if this is desired. Each room has a washbasin and most rooms are en-suite or facilities are very close by. All bedrooms are fitted with lockable doors and have a lockable space within the room. Televisions are available in most bedrooms upon request or residents may use their own TV set. To encourage that "Home from Home" feeling, residents are encouraged to personalise their rooms with treasured possessions.

Asmall Hall prides itself in offering home cooked food wherever possible and choice of menu is available including special medical diets as medically prescribed.

Short term care may be required when someone is recovering after surgery or hospital stay and requires extra support in the time afterwards whilst they recover enough to live independently.

Registered and caring for both male and female clients we offer a relaxed but staff competent environment including Qualified Nurses on duty for each 24 hour period with the majority of Care Staff having N.V.Q. qualifications or equivalent.

Registered and inspected regularly for the Quality Standard BS EN ISO 9001:2002, Asmall Hall Management are continually looking to improve the delivery of care standards to ‘Best Practice’ levels.

19 Eastbank Street, SOUTHPORT. Tel 01704 501944

9 Church Street, ORMSKIRK. Tel 01695 587920

3 The Cloisters, Halsall Road, FORMBY. Tel 01704 832311

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