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BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL & WOLVERHAMPTON NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY 2013 EDITION 33

The

Hairy

Dieters

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

Jean Christophe -

Novelli

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE FRENCH CHEF

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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Don’t turn your back on it.

Just a mole - or something more? You owe it to yourself to get it checked out, particularly if it’s changed in shape, size or colour. Luckily, peace of mind is just a phone call away. Here at Spire Parkway Hospital, our specialist Mole Sense team will provide you with a non-invasive, rapid and painless melanoma screening service using the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

Our leading Consultant Dermatologists* also offer expert advice, diagnosis and treatment for a range of skin problems including: • Eczema • Psoriasis • Mole check • Mole, wart, cyst and skin tag removal • General dermatology • Melanoma and pigmented lesions • Contact allergy • Vulval disease

To make an appointment please call 0121 704 5541 or visit www.spireparkway.com for more information. *

Please note a GP referral may be required.

SP I R E P AR KWAY H O S PI TA L

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1 DAMSON PARKWAY

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Skin Cancer Dr Zaki, BMedSci(Hons), BMBS, FRCP, Consultant Dermatologist with a specialist interest in the management of skin cancer. He is the Clinical Director at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest Dermatology Units in the country. He provides a regional service for frozen section Mohs’ micrographic surgery, a technique used for management of difficult and recurrent skin cancers. He holds memberships of several societies including the American Society for Mohs’ Micrographic Surgery and the British Society for Dermatological Surgery, of which he is also a board member.

Dr Zaki consults and operates weekly at Spire Parkway Hospital, Solihull.

Is skin cancer dangerous?

Although there are many different types of skin cancer, there are three common ones. By far the most common is Basal Cell Carcinoma and in excess of 100,000 people are affected by this in the UK every year. Fortunately, it is also the least dangerous type and very rarely spreads to other organs.

The second most common is Squamous Cell Carcinoma which affects approximately 25,000 people every year?

This can be slightly more dangerous and the majority appear on sun exposed parts of the body such as the face, backs of hands and lower legs.

Malignant melanoma, which is one of the more potentially sinister ones, is much less common and affects less than 10,000 people per year. This can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the legs in women and the back in men. It is vital that this form of skin cancer is recognised as early as possible as rapid treatment will reduce the risk of this spreading to other organs.

How can I recognise skin cancer?

If you have a mole which has changed in size, shape or colour, always seek advice as early as possible. In the majority of cases, these changes are entirely harmless but if a mole has become cancerous, the earlier the treatment the better. It is also worth remembering that not all melanomas arise from previous moles and if you develop a new skin lesion of any type, do not ignore it.

Some types of skin cancer can be less easy to recognise.

Basal Cell Carcinomas often appear as small “pearly” lumps on the skin which gradually get bigger. Growth can be very slow and some lesions may take months or years to develop. If left, these will eventually become ulcers but are better treated before this stage as treatment is often simpler if they are caught early. The same also applies with Squamous Cell Carcinomas which tend to grow faster and some can grow rapidly, sometimes within weeks.

What is the treatment for skin cancer?

This depends on many factors including the type of cancer, which part of the body is affected and so on. In the majority of the cases, surgery is the best option and this can sometimes (leave it as usually, general anaesthetic is rarely needed) be undertaken under a local anaesthetic.

Radiotherapy is also effective for some types of skin cancers.

There are also several new treatments which provide a higher cure rate than was previously possible. Mohs’ micrographic surgery is often the best choice for Basal Cell Carcinoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma at a difficult site, or following reoccurrence after other treatments.

Photodynamic therapy is excellent (change excellent to successful) at treating pre-cancerous skin lesions or superficial basal cell carcinomas. This requires application of a cream which is absorbed just by damaged skin cells.

These are subsequently destroyed by shining a light to the affected area and this often takes away the need for surgery.

Is skin cancer always dangerous?

The majority of skin cancers can be cured. However, the earlier they are diagnosed, the better the outlook and this particularly applies to malignant melanomas (all skin cancers – including the majority of melanomas).

Should I avoid the sun?

The principle of everything in moderation applies as much to sun exposure as anything else in life. Whilst a small amount of sun exposure is not likely to be harmful, if you have fair skin or a lot of moles then you need to be particularly careful in the sun. As the general rule, avoid the mid day sun (between the hours of 11.00am and 3.00pm), and use high factor sun blocks and appropriate clothing, such as a hat and long sleeve shirt if you are going to be out in the sun for any length of time. It is worth remembering that a sun tan is a marker of damage to your skin cells. The most important thing is to avoid burning in the sun as this increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

I am worried that I have a skin cancer, where can I seek help?

Your own GP is usually the best person to initially assess your concerns. If needed, your GP will refer you to a Dermatologist to assess the problem in detail. He or she may also wish to take a biopsy to analyse the skin lesion prior to planning any treatment, if required. It is worth remembering that early diagnosis of skin cancer improves the chances of successful treatment.

The content of this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other health care professional.

Spire Parkway Hospital, 1 Damson Parkway, Solihull, West Midlands B91 2PP. www.spireparkway.com

Tel: 0845 850 1451

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inside...

INTERVIEW 8-9

Russell Grant... the comeback kid

FOOD & DRINK 12-13

14-15

The Hairy Dieters...

How to love food and lose weight The Nation’s Favourite French Chef... two recipes from Jean-Christophe Novelli

TRAVEL & LEISURE 16-17 Robinsons Holidays...

Affordable Peace of Mind 18-19 Malta...

Travel to a touch of England in the Med

CARE 26-27 How to choose the right home care agency McGrath Media.

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HAVING A TWITTER with Graham Smith Things ain’t what they used to be

You must be joking

The size of Waggon Wheels says a lot about the state of this country in my opinion. I was chatting, tweeting even, to a friend the other day and he set me thinking because he was dreadfully upset about his Penguin bar, almost in tears he was.

What passes for humour today often leaves me cold.

Winner of the top joke at the Edinburgh Fringe was Stewart Francis with the offering, “Know who gives kids a bad name? Posh and Becks.”

They’re just not the same any more, and when I mentioned Waggon Wheels he almost had apoplexy.

“They’re like tiddlywinks compared to when I was a lad,” he sobbed. I had to agree.

I don’t have a sweet tooth often but I have noticed that since we joined the Common Market, or whatever we’re supposed to call it now, things have not been the same.

Jelly babies have become positively embryonic, wine gums have become a third of the size they were when I was at school and when did you last see a whopping great tomato in a supermarket? You won’t, because the supermarkets now employ people to make sure all fruit and veg is of virtual uniformity and colour. The tomatoes have to stand to attention every morning while some sergeant major of an attendant inspects them and anything over a centimetre bigger than its neighbour is probably splatted with a swagger stick.

Oh come on you can do better than that! What happened to the golden age which produced real comics such as Morecambe and Wise, Les Dawson and Dave Allen? They could not only deliver the stuff with immaculate timing but write it as well. Their actions and expressions were funny and they didn’t have to resort to the vernacular vulgarity so often seen at televised fringe events where the laughter is canned and the comic probably should be.

Stewart Francis by the way is Canadian, which, if you’ve had a drink or two, sounds like comedian.

If a banana curves at more than the prescribed EU definition it is fed to the local zoo, gooseberries have been ordered to the barbers if they are too hairy, the list is endless.

I recall that Rileys toffee rolls were twice their size in my youth. We bought them in loose “quarters” then, that was sensible measurement, but now they’re shrunk wrapped in at least three layers of cellophane which is more designed to keep the flavour out than in. Mars bars are in serious danger of extinction if they get any smaller and gobstoppers simply can’t compete.

So why are we a nation of increasingly obese people if everything is getting smaller? That’s easy. Every café now seems to be serving “mega all day breakfasts” with enormous helpings of greasy spoon material, pizzas are getting bigger and it seems to be the norm now to walk down the street eating large pastries, spitting crumbs everywhere and heeding no one because there is a piece of electrical equipment plugged into every bodily orifice. Give it five years and some of these kids won’t know what birdsong and traffic sound like.

There is one saving grace to it all though, if they are run over by a Waggon Wheel it won’t do much damage.

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The Swansea tribe I have a fondness for quirky people and had to smile at the Swansea man who lives as an Apache Indian and was almost prosecuted for wanting to turn badger paws and eagle wings into a headress.

Mangas Colaradas, 60, was due to stand trial for keeping protected wild animal parts but the Crown Prosecution dropped the case. He brought the bits back from Spain, where he lived in a tepee, to his three-bed semi in Swansea.

He refused to reveal his real name and appeared in court wearing a ceremonial headdress, tassled suede jacket, moccasins and a snake’s head necklace.

He said, “I wear this all the time, I’m not just some weekend Indian. I don’t put it on to show off, I put it on because I want to wear it.”

Geronimo! You tell ‘em Mangas.

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Domestic d e s a B d n Grou & s f o o lat R

F

Commercial

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(in optimal conditions) optimal conditions) (in (in optimal conditions)

Although the Feed-in-Tariff for generating your own electricity has reduced to 16p per unit the overall cost of installing Solar Panels has come down by over 50%. The benefits are still dramatic and a clear winner for anyone wishing to safeguard against future electricity prices while generating themselves a predictable income stream over the next 20 years.

The average age of a typical domestic solar-panel customer is 60 plus, which may not be so surprising when one considers this as one of the highest disposable income groups.

With mortgages paid off any retirement savings are earning a pittance in ISAs and other traditional forms of investments. The advent of Solar PV and the Government Feed-inTariff scheme has offered a safe investment vehicle that now yields far more than can be currently earned elsewhere, as well as a way of making fuel savings and doing your bit for the environment.

Of course the basic premise is that those looking for the benefits from generating their own electricity have capital to invest. The cost of installing SolarPV panels will vary according to the size of system but an optimum domestic size of 4kW (16 panels) will now cost around £6500; half of what it was a year ago. Investing in SolarPV should be considered a medium term investment as once on the roof the money is tied to the value of your property rather like buying a new kitchen or a conservatory. But unlike other home improvements SolarPV will earn you money from the outset; generating electricity and a tax free income day after day, year after year.

In the right conditions an installation can net savings and income of around £1000 per year, effectively paying off the initial cost in around six to seven years, which stacks up to a very attractive 15% return on investment. Even if your roof is not perfectly south facing or you only have a flat roof or an available roof on a garage or barn at the bottom of the garden then the sums still stack up. If a pension topup scheme seems less relevant then consider this as a holiday or Christmas fund.

They come round every year and they don’t get any cheaper; how about £1000 tax free every year for the next 20 years to pay for them, while offsetting your carbon footprint?

Invest now, generate and save .... Christmas is coming!

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7

RUSSELL GRANT: THE COMEBACK KID When Russell Grant first danced into the hearts of the viewing millions on “Strictly Come Dancing” last year his stars might well have predicted great success and a comeback of cosmic proportions.

For arguably Britain’s favourite astrologer may not have won the series – well, let’s face it, his dancing was more entertainment than excellence – but the live audiences and those at home loved him. And for Russell this TV appearance provided a passport back to fame.

Born in Middlesex, Russell was brought up in a council house by his set designer father Frank and secretary mother Joan who both worked at Pinewood Studios. His parents separated when he was 11 and he moved in with his maternal grandmother but, in spite of the upheaval, Russell has always said he had a happy childhood.

He worked as a Butlins’ Redcoat and trained as an actor, appearing in a variety of shows. While working in Blackpool, Russell met his partner Doug Beaumont and the two have been together for almost 40 years.

Although Russell first came to prominence in 1978 after he held an astrological reading for the Queen Mother which led to him being dubbed “Astrologer Royal”, his theatre, TV and film career was surprisingly comprehensive and successful.

It spanned more than 30 musicals and comedies, including work as varied as touring with “The King and I” to TV’s “On 8

The Buses”, “Please Sir!” and “The Fenn Street Gang”. He’s been in “Tom Brown’s Schooldays” in the West End and was an effective panto dame in shows all over the country.

However, TV beckoned and it was Russell’s fascination with astrology and his exuberant personality that brought him before the nation, first on Yorkshire TV and then on Granada TV where he was a regular onscreen explaining the daily horoscopes. From there he moved to breakfast TV with BBC’s “Breakfast Time” and later to TV-am as resident astrologer on “Good Morning.”

A broadcasting natural and popular presenter, this role soon broadened to presenting other shows including celebrity quiz “Star Choice”. He later had his own six-episode series “Russell Grant’s All Star Show.” He worked for Channel 5 just after it was launched and directed and starred in “Russell Grant’s Postcards”, a collection of more than 100 five-minute travelogues produced by his own company Russell Grant World Productions.

Russell worked solidly on a number of TV projects, with his astrology skills ever present, and he wrote a number of popular newspaper columns and horoscopes in regional newspapers throughout the country as well as in various magazines.

Like many TV personalities, however, his star waned for a while. In 2006, he took part in the fourth series of “Celebrity Fit Club” and lost over three stone, but he later suffered from depression and his weight rocketed, this time to 26 stone.

He became something of a recluse at the 30-acre Snowdonia estate that he shares with Doug but, being Russell Grant and

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INTERVIEW a trouper, determined that the show must go on, he began losing weight – around 10 stone in two and a half years by disco dancing each day for half an hour!

In 2011, an online group called “Get Russell on Strictly” finally persuaded TV executives to have him as a contestant on the show. In September last year, he burst onto our screens with his lovely professional dancing partner Flavia Cacace. Surprisingly light on his feet and with genuine rhythm, Russell sported a number of colourful and outrageous costumes and certainly won the day with viewers.

highly successful run followed which enhanced and revived Russell’s theatrical reputation once more.

The production also brought him under the dancing wing of choreographer and dance teacher Arlene Phillips – “She even had me dancing the Charleston”, said Russell.

Following his memorable appearance in the hit musical, Russell has been brought in as a guest star for a new tour of the show “Grease”, taking the role of Teen Angel at various venues including Newcastle, Llandudno, Southseas, Wimbledon, Dartford and for a one-week run in Manchester in October.

In fact, they kept him in the knock-out programme until late November – in spite of much criticism from the judges, in particular the often acerbic Craig Revel Horwood. The abiding memory of Russell from the series, however, is of him being shot from a cannon as part of one particularly fun number!

He’s back working with Arlene Phillips, whom Russell insists is his “dance sister.” “Arlene brought out the very best in me working on ‘The Wizard of Oz’,” he stated. “So when she said I was right for Teen Angel and, if I took the part, she’d create the choreography, how could I resist!”

This great revival by the “comeback kid” caught the attention of the famous musical writer and producer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He invited Russell to return to the West End stage – and the Palladium Theatre where he’d last performed 34 years before – and take part in a three-month stint replacing Michael Crawford as the “Wizard of Oz” in a new production.

The sparkly suit and no doubt mesmerising performances are bound to leave the audience hopelessly devoted to Mr Grant’s special charms again. And it’s one more dancing role which he now loves, as he explained: “Teen Angel has a Strictly twist and shimmy which captures the joy of dance I’ve been lucky enough to have discovered.”

“I was worried as I was due to have an operation on my knee,” commented Russell. “I’m 61 now. At this age you know your limitations. But you also sense your mortality.

So there was a two-way thing going on. I was trying to talk myself out of it, thinking ‘Can’t I just go back to Wales?’”

As for the future, who knows? Russell hasn’t set himself any special showbiz boundaries and his fans are never surprised – just happy to see their favourite star once more ascending.

Fortunately, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Russell’s close friend Lulu convinced him the part was right for him, and a

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9

Getting your finances into shape Did you know that according to recent studies the average 50 year old is now often fitter and healthier than the average 25 year old? Whether you keep in shape by cycling, walking the dog or running around after the grandkids – it pays to take the time to get your finances fit too.

50 Plus Magazine asked the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service with the power to sort out financial problems – for some handy tips to help you get your finances healthy.

Five steps to getting financially fit 1. Check your account regularly so you know exactly how much money you have coming in and going out. Keep a date of when payments are due to make sure you have funds available. Some payments, for example to catalogue companies debit your account every 28 days so your payment date will change each month. If you spot a payment that you don’t recognise talk to your bank - if you don’t need it, cancel it!

2. Shopping around can ensure you get the best rate for your car, home or travel insurance. But be careful to read the small print and check any exclusions that apply. Remember the cheaper policy may not be the best one for your needs. Check that you have given the business all the relevant details – like a list of vehicle modifications for your motor insurance or information on any pre-existing medical conditions for travel insurance.

3. Interest free deals on credit cards or loan agreements can be a great way to spread the cost if you’re thinking of treating yourself to a new three piece suit or car. But make sure you know when the interest free period ends as repayments after this date can be expensive. Remember – the interest free period may be conditional on you maintaining the minimum repayments so keep a date of how much you need to pay and when.

Do you need a

STAIRLIFT? Look through your Yellow pages these days and you will find a wealth of stairlift companies vying for your business, but which lift?

And which company?

All stairlift suppliers will offer a free home assessment and you should certainly take advantage of this by seeing at least three. They should asses you and your stairs and advise accordingly, it shouldn’t be a lengthy process and needn’t take any longer than 30 minutes for a straight staircase. You should receive a quotation which includes installation cost and 12 months warranty, you should also check that the price will include any emergency call outs.

New or Reconditioned?

It all depends on your staircase type? The cost of buying a new straight stairlift has fallen considerably in recent years but for curved or more complicated staircases a reconditioned stairlift could be a way of saving a substantial amount of money. If possible get a quotation for both.

How long does it take to fit a stairlift?

A more complex installation could be fitted in just one working day and a straightforward install could be fitted in just a few hours so a fast next day fitting is easily possible.

Don’t pay extra for quick installs!

Where to go from here?

4. If you’re considering putting your money into some investments, take some time to think about how much risk you’re willing to take. While riskier investments could bring bigger rewards, these aren’t guaranteed. Don’t take a chance if you can’t afford to risk your capital.

Local company Magbility based on Alcester Road, Birmingham gives you the opportunity to ‘Try before you Buy’ giving you peace of mind on your choice. It has one of the largest stairlift service centres in the Midlands so why not give them a call now and get your free home survey.

5. Most importantly, don’t bury your head in the sand!

If you have a money related problem let your bank or insurer know as soon as possible – they should be able to help. If you’re still unhappy, contact the ombudsman on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Magbility

10

Becketts Farm, Alcester Road, Birmingham B47 6AJ. A435 to B’ham from Junction 3 M42 Tel: 01564 829541 ALSO AT Fairfield Court, Bromsgrove, B61 9NJ Tel: 01527 837076

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MATINEE

THE HAIRY DIETERS HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT THE HAIRY DIETERS

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

by Dave Myers and Si King Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on 2 August 2012 in trade paperback at £14.99, eBook £7.99 The Hairy Bikers are back this summer with a new book to accompany an exciting new 4 x 60 minute food odyssey on BBC Two starting on Thursday 2 August. Si King and Dave Myers have made their names cooking real food for real people, creating mouth-watering dishes big on flavour and calories - and it’s taken its toll on their bodies. Now all of that has to stop, as they return to our screens with The Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight. The problem is they’re not prepared to live on salads and compromise on taste.

Loving the food they eat is a cornerstone of Si and Dave’s lives and they know they won’t succeed in shedding the pounds if the food they eat is dull and repetitive. The Hairy plan: to create some delicious healthy recipes to help them on their way and so persuade Britain to lose weight with them.

On their journey the boys join forces with the men and women of Britain to find ways of creating food that satisfies their lust for tasty cooking and answers the demands of the doctors and nutritionists who want them to make less of themselves. The boys hope that what starts with a mighty weigh-in will end in triumph, lessons learned and trousers taken in.

The Bikers set out to discover how to enjoy the best great British food at home, creating new dishes and adapting some culinary treasures to make them and us fitter for life.

THE HAIRY DIETERS: How to Love Food and Lose Weight includes a healthy eating plan with mouth-watering recipes for eating at home, eating out, and of course, entertaining.

It is filled with all of the dishes that have made Si King and Dave Myers two of the nation’s favourite cooks. From perfect pies, curries, roast dinners and delicious desserts, the Hairy Dieters prove that cooking without the calories doesn’t have to compromise on taste.

Now for an excerpt from their best selling book.

FOOD ISN’T JUST FUEL FOR US — IT’S OUR LIFE. WE SPEND MOST OF EVERY DAY COOKING, THINKING ABOUT FOOD AND COMING UP WITH RECIPE IDEAS, NOT TO MENTION EATING! GREAT-TASTING FOOD IS OUR PASSION AND WE’RE NOT ABOUT TO GIVE THAT UP. But we have to admit that we’ve overdone it a bit. Years of enjoying endless gorgeous meals has taken its toll and we’ve piled on the pounds. Like many middle-aged blokes — and ladies — we found that we’d got too hefty and our health was suffering. It was time to face facts and take a good hard look at ourselves so we took a deep breath and got on the scales.

Ouch! It was a long time since we’d weighed anything except

THE HAIRY BIKERS’ BIG BOOK OF BAKING, published in March 2012 is currently this year’s biggest selling hardback non-fiction book. Other cookery books by the Hairy Bikers include: THE HAIRY BIKERS’ FOOD TOUR OF BRITAIN, MUMS KNOW BEST, THE HAIRY BIKERS’ 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, MUMS STILL KNOW BEST, THE HAIRY BIKERS’ PERFECT PIES

ingredients and it was a shock. We were both a couple of stone or more overweight and over 40% of our body mass was fat. It was time to diet.

Now we have to be honest, we’re never going to be skinny minnies and we don’t want to be. It’s just not us. But we’ve made the effort to lose weight to stay healthy and enjoy life to the full. We want to be walking up hills and down dales without getting out of breath, and to be riding our big bikes when we’re 70 so we need to keep mobile and trim. And that means every now and again watching what we eat and reining it in a bit.

Okay, we’re not going to diet for ever — we’re still greedy and we’ll always love our pies and curries — but our weighin was a wake-up call to act before we got dangerously big.

Losing weight has been quite a journey for us but we’ve done it and we’re proud of ourselves. Now we know we can drop the pounds when we need to and this will help us keep a check on things in the future. If we can do it so can you.

Look at losing weight as an investment in yourself and the people you love. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifices.

SO THIS IS WHAT WE DID...

We didn’t want to sacrifice the pleasure of cooking and feel deprived or hungry so we knew we had to come up with meals that we would enjoy making and eating if we were to stick with the diet.

With the advice of healthy eating experts, we discovered that by making small changes in our cooking habits we could still enjoy big flavours and the food we loved while dropping the pounds. And it’s true. We’ve shed weight and we feel the better for it. Our blood pressure and cholesterol levels are down, our waistlines have shrunk, we have more energy and we look HOT — but not as sweaty as we used to!

And even more importantly, we’ve done all this while still eating some of our favourite, great-tasting dishes that we now cook with less fat and sugar, but bags of flavour. We think our recipes are fantastic. Yes, they’re lower in fat and sugar but they still taste amazing and we’re still just as enthusiastic and creative about our cooking as ever.

COUNTING THE CALORIES

IT’S WORKED FOR US AND IT CAN WORK FOR YOU We’ve found a way of eating ourselves slimmer and we want to share our discoveries with you. The secret is to make better choices and use little tricks to reduce your daily calorie count. Calorie counting might have fallen out of favour somewhat over recent years, replaced by all sorts of wacky dieting ideas, but it does work. We’re the living proof. We’ve lost pounds and inches!

We’ve made all the recipes in this book as low in calories as possible while not compromising on the taste. And we’ve had a nutritionist check them out and do calorie counts for each one so you know exactly where you are. If you eat these, without cheating, you will lose weight — and you’ll love us for it.

We have to confess we’ve never really thought too much about calories and the amount of food we were taking in but we know a lot more now. As many as a quarter of us Brits are obese and it’s not good for us, so it seems that many of us are taking in much more than we’re putting out.

Our experts explained to us that in order to lose weight, you have to take in fewer calories so the body has to use its stores — makes sense so far doesn’t it?

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE FRENCH CHEF Jean-Christophe Novelli is a 5 out of 5 AA Rosette and Michelin award winning chef and he has been dubbed the “the nation’s favourite French chef ”.

Exclusively for Port Salut, Jean-Christophe has created two French themed recipes and a series of tips for creating the perfect cheeseboard.

“Port Salut is a classic French cheese which I have always enjoyed, so I was delighted to be asked to work with the brand. For the recipes I have used Port Salut to give traditional French dishes a new twist and I hope my cheeseboard tips will give your cheese course a whole new lease of life.”

CHAR GRILLED CHICKEN, LEEK, PORT SALUT AND BUTTON MUSHROOM FRICASSEE, WHOLE MEAL CROUTON INGREDIENTS 4 x skinned and boneless chicken supreme’s (cut into thin strips) 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and cut into thin slices 2 x spring onions (trimmed and chopped into thin roundels) 1 clove of garlic (peeled and crushed) 100g chestnut or button mushrooms (sliced) 100g grated Port Salut 50g breadcrumbs 50g grated Port Salut 75ml double cream 25g butter 1 bunch of chives (chopped) 4 slices of wholemeal bread (cut into fingers) 25ml olive oil 1/2 tsp dried herbs 1/2 glass white wine

METHOD 1. Heat a char grill skillet until very hot, brush the chicken strips with some of the oil and season with salt and pepper and your favourite spice, paprika is good as is cumin or garam marsala.

2. Quickly char grill the chicken pieces until well coloured and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

3. In a large saucepan melt the butter over a low heat.

4. Add the leek and spring onion and sweat until tender.

5. Add the garlic and the mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms are tender and softened.

6. Add the white wine and the cream and allow to boil 7. Add the 100g of Port Salut and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. Add the chives.

8. Add the strips of chicken and stir in to coat with the sauce.

9. Place in an oven proof serving dish.

10. In a small mixing bowl combine the 50g of Port Salut with the breadcrumbs and scatter this over the top.

11. Bake in a pre heated oven until the crumbs are crisp and golden and the cheese has melted.

FOR THE WHOLEMEAL CROUTONS METHOD 1. Place the bread fingers on a baking tray.

2. Brush with olive oil & dried herbs and season with cracked pepper 3. Bake in a hot oven until crisp and golden brown.

Serve on a side plate with the chicken and leek fricassee.

Jean-Christophe Novelli has produced these tips exclusively for Port Salut. Visit www.portsalut.co.uk for more info.

CRISPY GRANARY BRUSCHETTA, POACHED EGG, SPINACH AND A PORT SALUT GLAZE. INGREDIENTS 4 eggs (free range, large) 2-3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar 4 thick slices of ciabattas bread 25ml olive oil 1/2 tsp dried herbs 400g washed baby spinach leaves 100ml double cream 4 egg yolks 100g Port Salut (grated) 50g butter (optional) Sprinkle of ground nutmeg

METHOD 1. Place the slices of ciabattas on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil and season with dried herbs, salt and pepper.

2. Place in a hot oven and bake until crisp and golden brown.

3. Place on four plates or a serving dish.

4. In a large sauce pan heat plenty of water to boiling point.

5. Add a couple of tablespoons of white wine vinegar and season to taste with salt.

6. Once boiling stir with a whisk to start a circular motion in the water and crack in the eggs one at a time, bring to the boil and immediately turn down to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes if a soft egg is required, a little longer for a firmer egg and 5-7 minutes for a hard poached egg.

7. Keep the eggs warm in the water until needed.

8. In a sauce pan bring the cheese to the boil, reduce for a few minutes to thicken. Remove from the heat.

9. Stir in the Port Salut and the eggs, allow the cheese to melt 10. In a frying pan add half the butter if used and add the spinach cover with a tight fitting lid and bring to the boil allow the water from the spinach to cook the leaves and when soft and wilted strain to remove any excess water remaining.

11. Season with salt and pepper and spoon an equal amount onto each ciabatta bruschetta.

12. Top with an egg and mask with the cheese and cream mix.

13. Place under a hot grill until bubbling and golden brown.

14. Garnish with some snipped chives and serve.

CHEESEBOARD THEATRE TIPS 1. Add some flavoured texture to your cheeseboard by dropping plain bread in favour of a fruit & nut bread such as apricot & walnut or prune & hazelnut and serve it slightly stale, cut into thin wafer slices 2. Fruit and cheese are a classic combination but give your grapes some extra character by serving them frozen – simply wash a bunch of grapes and shake off any excess water, place on a plate and pop in the freezer, serve directly once frozen onto the cheeseboard giving a more interesting texture with extra bite 3. Add a simple twist on the traditional by pairing your cheese with fruit that has a sharp acidity such as: cherries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, nectarines and tangy plums – these work well frozen too 4. Turn your cheeseboard into a visual feast by serving long celery stems in a vase of ice water. Team with a small bowl of rock salt too for dipping 5. Radishes are a tasty substitute to celery providing a peppery bite, leave a little stem on each on to hold on to and these can also be dipped in the rock salt 6. A fashionable alternative to the classic chutney is quince jelly – its sweet flavour will add a different dimension to your cheeseboard 7. Spice up your cheeseboard with a handful of sliced chillies or jalapenos, to give a flavoursome punch.

This works particularly well with hard cheeses – these will complement the quince jelly too 8. Tantalise tastebuds with a rollercoaster ride of textures and flavours by adding olives and nuts to your cheeseboard 9. For an unexpected flavour, add some ground coffee beans to your board. A little sprinkle will give your cheeseboard a delicious edge 10. Use dried vine leaves, herb sprigs and edible flowers to add more drama, aroma and taste to your cheeseboard

15

Est.1923

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

ADVANCE REGISTER NOW AND PAY NO DEPOSIT UNTIL 1ST DECEMBER 2012

ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS 2013 l

All tours include half board accommodation with 2 excursions l Home to Hotel Pick Up Service l Free Insurance 5 DAYS 7 DAYS

8 DAYS

9 DAYS

The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3M

2013

Stylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey.

03 Feb

£169 -

-

-

Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Solarium, Sauna, Steam Room, Lounge, Gym, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage.

10 Feb

£179 -

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-

17 Feb

£189 -

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24 Feb

£194 -

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03 Mar

£199 £259

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10 Mar

£209 £269

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17 Mar

£214 £279

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24 Mar

£219 £294

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29 Mar

£229 -

-

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The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3M An impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard.

Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include: Two Residents’ Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage.

The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3M An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops.

Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool, Spa, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

Departures

31 Mar

-

£309 - -

03 Apr

£225 -

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-

07 Apr

£229 £319

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-

14 Apr

£229 £319

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21 Apr

£235 £329

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28 Apr

£239 £349

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-

04 May

-

05 May

- £369 £389

06 May

-

£249 -

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11 May

-

12 May

- £379 £399

13 May 18 May

-

£389 £425

£259 - -

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£399 £435 -

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£409 £445

FREEPHONE 0808 115 2233 BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

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All holidays on these pages are inclusive of a pick up from your home. You will be taken to an appropriate point to join your main tour coach. Tour coaches will depart late morning and you will be advised of the pick up time one week prior to the date of travel.

On the homeward journey, you will arrive back in the West Midlands early afternoon with transport provided to your home.

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

2013

-

19 May

£389

£259 -

20 May 25 May

-

26 May

-

- £395

£269 -

27 May

-

8 DAYS

9 DAYS

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

2013

9 DAYS

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24 August

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25 August

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£419 £455

31 August

-

£419

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01 Sept

- £399 £429 -

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07 Sept

-

08 Sept

- £399 £429 -

£409 -

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- -

£429 £469 £429 £469 £429 £469

01 June

-

02 June

- £399 £429 -

14 Sept

-

08 June

-

15 Sept

- £399 £429 -

09 June

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21 Sept

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22 Sept

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£429 £459

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8 DAYS

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£429 £469 £429 £469

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16 June

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28 Sept

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22 June

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29 Sept

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23 June

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05 Oct

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29 June

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06 Oct

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30 June

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13 Oct

£245 £299

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06 July

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20 Oct

£239 £285

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07 July

- £399 £429 -

27 Oct

£235 £275

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£249 £279

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£429 £469

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£429 £469 £429 £469 £429 £469

£429 £469

£399 £429 -

£369 £389

13 July

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14 July

- £399 £429 -

10 Nov

£245 £275

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20 July

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17 Nov

£239 £269

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21 July

- £399 £429 -

24 Nov

£235 £265

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27 July

-

01 Dec

£229 £259

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28 July

- £399 £429 -

08 Dec

£225 £255

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03 August

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15 Dec

£219 £249

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- £399 £429 -

23 Dec

£429 -

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£419 -

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£429 £469

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10 August

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11 August

- £399 £429 -

17 August

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18 August

- £399 £429 -

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£429 £469

Turkey & Tinsel

£429 £469

Supplements per person:

Abbey Lawn Hotel: Front View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 days £50, 5 days £30.

Ocean View Hotel: *Sea View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 days £50, 5 days £30.

Imperial Hotel: Premier Room 7 days £30, 8 days £35, 5 days £20.

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

MALTA Travel to a touch of England in the Med

By Peter Lynch Journalist, rail and wildlife specialist, contributor to Great Train Journeys of the World and Silver Travel Advisor

Malta is a fabulous Mediterranean destination especially if you dislike the hassle of foreign languages. Everyone speaks good to perfect English yet Malta retains all the charm of the Mediterranean.

The universality of English is down to Malta being part of the British Empire from 1814 until 1964 but strangely it was not one of the Empires conquests. In the Napoleonic era Malta was between a rock and a hard place - at risk of being invaded by the French and the Russians. It opted for the protection of the British Empire and subsequently played a crucial role in defeating Rommel’s Afrika Korps in North Africa during WWII. It’s a tiny place, significantly smaller than the Isle of Wight, with a familiar yet foreign ambience. They have the highest density of catholic priests outside the Vatican City, produce and explode more fireworks per head than anywhere else on earth and eat an unbelievable number of rabbits.

Of course, they drive on the left and something I love is how it’s kept some of the classic images from my

childhood – old red telephone boxes, red post boxes and blue lights outside police stations. Sadly EU bureaucrats have forced the withdrawal of the famous orange vintage Leyland and Bedford buses.

The World Heritage listed capital of Valletta is Europe’s first planned city, laid out in a grid system of streets and alleyways. The Knights of St John built it on a peninsula as a defence against the Turks during the sixteenth century.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens provide a must-see harbour and city view and the Grand Master’s palace and armoury is a must. Don’t be put off by the plain exterior of St John cathedral; it belies a fabulous Baroque interior and a famous painting by Caravaggio.

Valletta’s real charm is its ambience, so it’s important to sit in an outdoor cafe and soak up the palpable sense of history rather than just rushing around the sites –the perfect excuse for loafing.

But all this is just recent history; Malta’s prehistoric megalithic temples are older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids. It’s a dream destination for historians and reads

Find Romance & Friendship with UK property owners in Spain Mature Send flirts Ask Questions Free replies Meet Genuine People 18

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Valletta’s real charm is its ambience, so it’s important to sit in an outdoor cafe and soak up the palpable sense of history... on his journey back from Troy to Ithaca in Greece.

Then there are the Phoenicians from the Biblical cities of Tyre and Sidon who traded and settled Malta until ousted by the Roman’s. St Paul was also shipwrecked on Malta en-route to Rome and his indelible legacy of Christianity is still evident in the islands 360 churches.

The marks of Norman and Arab conflicts are everywhere on the island, culminating with the spectacular city of Valletta built by the Knights of St John in 1566. Malta’s history rolls on involving the Spanish Empire; Napoleon predictably turned up and of course the British.

But its not history that makes Malta one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations - it’s the glorious weather, the friendly people, the Mediterranean lifestyle and the convenience of English speakers.

When Malta’s history, shopping and nightlife pall the 20-minute ferry across to Gozo is like moving to another country. It is Malta’s exclusive hideaway island with a pastoral ambience compared to Malta’s brasher tourist developments. Everything runs at a slower pace on Gozo.

like a textbook of western civilisation, probably with more human history packed into its122 sq miles than anywhere else on earth.

There are 23 prehistoric sites dating back 6,000 years including the impressive megalithic temples of Taraxien and Hagar Qim but the subterranean hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is perhaps the most breathtaking. It is the only known underground pre-historic temple.

Not much is known about these ancient temple builders or their mysterious parallel ‘cart tracts’ gouged into the limestone. They’ve been likened to a complex railway junction (Clapham Junction) because they criss-cross the landscape and some even disappear off the edge of the cliff - creating an endless source of myths and legends.

Homer’s Odyssey tells of Ulysses being shipwrecked on the nearby island of Gozo where Calypso captivated him

The islands capital of Rabat was renamed Victoria in 1897 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond jubilee but its still the beautiful quant town of alleyways, cafes and little shops it always was. The imposing walled citadel sheltered people from the marauding corsairs who plagued island communities throughout the Mediterranean.

Gozo has its share of prehistoric monuments such as the Ggantija temple - supposedly built by giantesses and more mysterious ‘cart ruts’.

The impressive Romanesque Basilica of Ta Pinu dominates the Gozitan skyline and has become a local shrine with a Lourdes-like status for miracle cures. Inside the walls are adorned with artificial limbs and other relics left by grateful pilgrims.

So don’t bother with a history book in Malta, just stroll around and let it all seep in, and between momentous historical events you’ll be able to find a perfect pasta and a decent pint of beer.

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

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

19

Age Wolverhampton WeUK aim to promote the wellbeing of older people inlife the city and help laterpeople life Making better formake older a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

We asked Chief Executive Rosie Paskins how the charity supports How we can helpolder youpeople in Wolverhampton…

How you can help us • Become a volunteer • Information & Advice Many older people remain independent and • Visiting and telephone support • Support our restaurant have no need of Age UK Wolverhampton until something happens that haslunch a major impact • Buy Insurance Products • Friendship and clubs on their lives. We are there to help them get and Services Safety support through• this difficult period, and our support ranges from information and advice through to • Supportive hospital discharge • Make a donation more personalised help.

• Leave a legacy • In Touch computer • Full of Life activities • Insurance Products and Services Our volunteers provide a weekly telephone We aim to promote the wellbeing of older call to potentially vulnerable older people, • Tax advice and Wills people in the city and help make later life

offering reassurance and the opportunity to have a friendly chat. We offer weekly home visits to older clients; having someone visiting them makes them feel less isolated and lonely and more independent.

a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

How you can help us Call 01902 572060 • Become a volunteer Support our restaurant email mail@••ageukwolves.org.uk Buy Insurance Products and Services Our or visit www.ageukwolves.org • Make a donation

How we can help you • Information & Advice • Visiting and telephone support • Friendship and lunch clubs • Safety support • Supportive hospital discharge • In Touch computer • Full of Life activities • Insurance Products and Services • Tax advice and Wills

Friendship Club caters for those would like to talk to like-minded people and socialise. The Club meets every Thursday in our restaurant for a cup of tea and a chat.

• Leave a legacy

Our Luncheon Clubs are situated around the City and are available to all older people.

Activities are available at most of the venues, such as gentle exercise, quizzes and reminiscence sessions.

Call 01902 572060 email mail@ageukwolves.org.uk or visit www.ageukwolves.org

Each year, some volunteers take a small group of frail elderly people, who would not otherwise be able to go away, on holiday.

Registered charity number 1051232. ACOWAL1853V1APR12. IDBB1044 07/12

Registered charity number 1051232. ACOWAL1853V1APR12. IDBB1044 07/12

20

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20/07/2012 09:40

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20/07/2012 09:40

Margaret* is a 91 year old woman who lives by herself. Having felt very lonely and lacking confidence, unable to go out by herself, she now attends luncheon clubs twice a week.

As a consequence of supporting her discharge from hospital, she made contact with our visiting service. She was very low because she wanted to go out and had no one to go out with - she felt so alone. We encouraged her to try a trip to a luncheon club, explaining that she could be picked up from - and returned to - her home. And she is now a regular attendee.

For example, we help people stay safe at home, through the supply and fitting of safety and security items such as key safes, door chains, and window locks. Staying active in later life helps people remain physically independent. We run Keep Active sessions, including Yoga, and Line Dancing.

Older people are often unaware of what they are entitled to, and even when they do know, they are afraid to speak up for their rights.

We offer a free, independent and confidential Information and Advice service.

*Not her real name.

We offer a “take you home” service from New Cross Hospital for older people who don’t have complex support needs. We settle them safely in their home and follow up with a home visit or telephone call to ensure that all AGE CONCERN INSURANCE BACKGROUND.pdf 1 30/08/2012 11:43 is well.

AGE CONCERN INSURANCE BACKGROUND.pdf 1 30/08/2012 11:43 AGE CONCERN INSURANCE BACKGROUND.pdf 1 30/08/2012 11:43

We also offer practical help to active, independent people over 50 which provides peace of mind as well as the opportunity to try something new.

If necessary, we visit people at home to discuss their needs.

We could not undertake all the work we do without the magnificent support of our volunteers. They cover a range of activities, from ironing to insurance and IT. It’s great to know that our volunteers tell us that Age UK Wolverhampton is an excellent place to volunteer.

Tailor-made products and services for the over 50s AGE CONCERN INSURANCE BACKGROUND.pdf 1 30/08/2012 11:43

Age UK* understands that when choosing products or services, you want quality and reliability.

With this in mind, Age UK offers a variety of products and services designed for the needs of the over 50s. These range from Home, Car and Travel Insurance, to Gas and Electricity,† Funeral Plans and Personal Alarms - all of which are available through For a no obligation quote, For a no obligation quote, visit: visit: over 200 UK-wide sales offices providing a friendly AgeBlackburn UKface-to-face Blackburn with Darwen Trading Age UK withservice.

Darwen Trading Ltd Ltd

4 King Street, Blackburn BB2 2DH 4 King Street, Blackburn BB2partner 2DH Age UK’s product Ageas, has won Tel: 01254 266620 customer service awards including winning ‘The Tel: 01254 266620 Customer Care Award’,10am-3.30pm at the The Post Magazine Open: Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri Open: Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 10am-3.30pm Claims Awards 2011 and ‘General Insurer of the Thursday 10am to 1pm Thursday 10am to 1pm Year’ award at the British Insurance Awards 2011 - if a claim needs to be made it will be dealt with or call or call

To find out more visit your local Age UK/Age Concern at: Age UK Wolverhampton Hupton House 93 Darlington Street Wolverhampton, WV1 4EX. Tel: 01902 572060 They’re open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.00pm.

You can also call: 0800 085 3741.

Or go online at www.ageuk.org.uk/products

quickly and efficiently.

0800 085 3741 0800 085 3741 or visit As part of Age UK’s ongoing dedication to

or visit improving later life, net profits generated from www.ageuk.org.uk/products selling these products and services go directly to www.ageuk.org.uk/products

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support Age UK’s charitable activities both locally and nationally.

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Ageas Insurance Limited. Gas and Electricity provided E.ON Energy Solutions s provided by E.ON Energy Solutions Limited.

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a licence agreement between Age UK and Age UK Enterprises Limited, its commercial services arm. Net profits are donated to CY licence agreement between Age UKLimited. and AgeTavis UK Enterprises itsSquare, commercial services Net profits are donated to Age UK. Age UK Enterprises House, 1–6Limited, Tavistock London WC1Harm.

9NA. ID200457 03/12 Age UK. Age UK Enterprises Limited.

Tavis 1–6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. ID200457 03/12 CMY the name and logo ‘Age UK’ is done *Age UK is House, a registered trademark.

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Home, Travel and Car Insurance are provided by Ageas Insurance Limited.

For a no obligation quote, visit:

For a no obligation quote, visit: Age UK Blackburn with Darwen Trading Ltd 4 KingMP2603V2MAR12-KEO42296_12 Street, BlackburnLtd BB2 2DH Age UK Blackburn with Darwen Trading Tel: 01254 266620 4 King Street, Blackburn Open: BB2 2DH Mon/Tues/Wed/Fri 10am-3.30pm

so under a licence agreement between Age UK and Age UK Enterprises Limited.

Age UK Enterprises Limited is a commercial services arm of Age UK (registered charity number 1128267) and donates its net profits to Age UK. Promoter: Age UK Enterprises Limited, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. †Age UK Energy is not available in Northern Ireland of Isle of Man. ID200457 03/12 K

Thursday 10am to 1pm

Solihull Trading Standards Service is committed to achieving a fair and safe trading environment to benefit local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

Rogue Doorstep Caller It is a sad fact that there are many rogue traders around who will offer to do fencing, roofing, driveways, home maintenance and so on for what seems to be a reasonable amount. However the quality of the work, if any is done at all, will be extremely poor and it will end up costing a great deal more than you were first told.

These people appear trustworthy and genuine but they do their homework and target elderly people, often living alone. Often the householder is panicked into having the work done immediately, or are persuaded that having the work done will reduce heating costs or help with global warming.

The truth is once they have your money you may not see them again and they could well be impossible to trace. Any trader who gives just a mobile number should be regarded with caution because a mobile number can easily be discarded, and then there’s no way of getting in touch if the repairs are faulty, or badly done.

Trading Standards has dealt with cases where residents have lost thousands of pounds because they have agreed to have work done by someone who turned up on the doorstep.

REMEMBER, reputable traders don’t need to go cold calling.

The advice from Trading Standards, supported by the police, is that you should never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up at your doorstep no matter how good a deal it looks. Only use traders that you know or who have been recommended to you.

Reputable, professional traders do not go door to door.

Another scam to watch out for is known as distraction burglary. This is when you get a knock at the door and a complete stranger distracts you whilst an accomplice gets into your house to look for money or valuable.

The caller could be a couple saying that they have seen some loose tiles on your roof, and while one of them keeps you occupied by showing you the problem the other one gets into your house.

It could be someone claiming to be from the council or a legitimate company doing some routine checks.

Once they have your attention someone else might be getting into your home.

Every one of us is vulnerable to scams.

We need to take note of warnings from the police and trading standards and refuse to deal with doorstep callers.

Use your chain on your front door, don’t deal with strangers, don’t let them into your home and remember, it’s okay to say “no”.

Doorstep trading is the hunting ground for opportunists and scammers.

Any Doubt? Keep them out!

How to Beat the Rogue Step Caller • Keep front and back doors locked • Use a door viewer or window to see who your caller is • Put your chain or bar on before you open the door • Never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up on your doorstep • Don’t trust ID offered by the caller, it can easily be faked.

• Never let uninvited callers into your home • Never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash Rogue doorstep callers appear trustworthy and genuine; if you let them in they’ll expect a sale and won’t give up easily.

If you require any further information or advice about doorstep callers contact Trading Standards.

sure the website address begins with an https prefix.

Help stamp out scams - that’s the message from the Solihull Trading Standards officers.

“Research shows that one person in 12 is scammed when trying to buy tickets on-line so it is vital to take precautions before using your debit or credit card on a website you haven’t used before.”

Staying safe on-line that’s the ticket!

Solihull Trading Standards officers are warning residents to beware of scam websites when buying tickets for concerts, shows and sporting events.

Recent news that scammers were offering tickets for the 2012 London Olympics, when genuine tickets hadn’t even gone on sale yet, highlights the hazards that internet users face when looking for tickets for that ‘must see’ event.

Cllr Phill Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “If the concert

Trading Standards have the following tips:

or match that you want to go to has sold out then it’s highly likely that any website offering tickets for it is a scam.

“Always check out new websites by entering their details into a search engine or social network site and only use your debit or credit card on sites which have a padlock symbol or make

Are you looking for a reliable Are you looking trader? for a reliable Use the Shipshape register trader?

• use your credit card for tickets costing over £100 each as your credit card company is responsible if there’s a problem with the website.

• only use websites which have the geographical address of the business behind it, not just a PO box number, along with a UK landline telephone number. UK businesses should also show their VAT number somewhere on the site.

Gas Safe Register replaces CORGI Gas Registration Scheme

Solihull Council runs its own approved trader scheme The Shipshape register now SHIPSHAPE and copies can be obtained by calling our over 100 advice line ‘Citzens has Advice’ 08454 04 members.

05 06 or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/tradingstandards/shipshape.htm Shipshape is the register of Solihull Home Improvement Professionals. It is operated by Shipshape is a Trading Standards Scheme for Home Solihull Council Trading Standards. The aim of the Improvement Professionals to demonstrate their commitment register is to give consumers a list of traders they to fair, professional and honest trade. can rely on. It also gives reliable and legitimate

businesses the opportunity show they are Solihull Council’s Trading Standards Serviceto operates the to providingaa list good register. The aim of the register is committed to give consumers of service to their customers. traders they can rely on. It also gives legitimate businesses the opportunity to show they are committed to providing a good So if you need a plumber, a roofer, a builder service to their customers. or an electrician give Solihull Council

Are you for a r trad

The Ship has ov Gas Safe Register™ is the new hallmark for gas safety in Great Britain. From April 1st 2009, Gas Safe Register replaces the CORGI gas registration scheme as the official gas safety body.

Shipsha Improvem So, from 1st April, by law, only Gas Safe Solihull Council registered engineers should carry out work on gas appliances or installations in youris to gi register home. rely on.

It’s all about safety. To make surecan that gas appliances such as boilers, fires, ovens businesse and hobs are installed, maintained and

To join the scheme, businesses must agreeato meet minimum Trading Standards call and ask for the standards, these are assessed by Trading Standards.

Please “Shipshape” list on: note that inclusion on the register does not mean the business is ‘approved’ by the Council, neither is the Council responsible for work carried out by scheme members.

serviced safely, you should employ a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out the work. If someone other than a Gas Safe registered engineer does the gas work in your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property.

negotiation with the web site, ‘No Rogue Traders Here.com 0800 233 5000’ about a possible partnership.....watch this space ....... more news to follow soon ...STOP PRESS......

Finding a Gas Safe registered engineer is easy. All registered engineers are listed on the Gas Safe website. Visit www. gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500 and a Gas Safe adviser will be pleased to help you find a local engineer who is on the Gas Safe Register.

08454 04 05 06

Don’t use rogue traders; use “Shipshape” from Solihull Trading Solihull’s SHIPSHAPE list is currently in Standards.

BIRMINGHAM ISSUE 29.indd 50

24/1/11 13:48:05

So if you or Tradin

For further information telephone 08454 04 05 06 or write to Solihull Trading Standards, Places Directorate, Council House, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3PX. If you see any suspicious characters going door to door phone the police nonemergency number 08458 505 505. For advice on any other consumer issues you www.50plusmagazine.co.uk can contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or by e-mail via their website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

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A Guide to Dentures ....

The Importance of Dentures

Removal Partial Dentures

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

It was long thought that removable partial dentures had to be rigid to be effective. The innovation of the Valpast flexible partial denture allows the appliance to adapt to the constant movement and flexibility in your mouth.

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

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional. Denture construction is more art than science.

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

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

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

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The preparation is relatively simple as your natural teeth don’t need to be altered. The Valpast flexible partial denture is virtually invisible, no telltale metal clasps and the material itself blends with the tissue in your mouth so that the only thing that shows is your beautiful smile.

How Long Should Dentures Last?

The question we should ask is, how long will my dentures be functional for? Dentures can last twenty or more years, but will lose their function (chewing ability, proper fit etc.) probably after two years. This will depend on many factors: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Quality of dentures.

Age of Patient.

General health of patient.

Any drastic change in weight.

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

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

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

Have your dentures inspected by a dentist or denturist at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

Your Dentures need Attention 1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

4.

5.

6.

7.

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

When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

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

When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

Loose Dentures Can be re-lined by adding a thin layer of the new acrylic to fit the surface of the dentures, making them fit better (takes one or two days).

Dentures with worn down teeth Teeth can be replaced with a new set.

Major improvements in Facial Features Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.

Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?

Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

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.

Summary 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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

Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultra-sonically cleaned.

Have a new set made every 5 years if possible.

Keep a spare set for emergencies.

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

With a new set of dentures, you should receive a written guarantee, a detailed prescription of the materials used in your dentures, cleaning and servicing instructions, and a cleaning kit.

Dentures so life-like you’d think they were real.

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

Professional Clinical Dental Technicians are members of the Dental Health Care Team. They have undergone specific training and education in the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a removable appliance service directly to the community.

Equipped with solid technical training as a Dental Technician - plus post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills, and interpersonal skills - the Clinical Dental Technician can design, create, construct and modify (repair and rebase) removable appliances to ensure optimal fit, maximum comfort and general well-being of patients.

These skills enable the Clinical Dental Technician, whilst remaining a member of the Dental Health Care Team, to work independently of other Dental Health Care providers.

Ask your Dental Technician for recommendations of suitable Dentist.

... A Natural Smile

Can your dentures pass the CLOSE-UP TEST? Our quality made dentures are guaranteed to pass the closeup test because we only use the most-up-to-date materials and techniques to created natural looking dentures that

“MAKE YOU FEEL AND LOOK GREAT�

It is very important to seek professional advice before you choose the denture that will suit your lifestyle. State-of-the-art dentures must be able to restore the natural movements of the jaw and phonetics.

In addition, they must be compatible with the sensitive tissues in the mouth.

Dentures should be comfortable to wear, so that they are taken for granted during eating and speaking.

Most importantly, the correct denture will restore a carefree smile to your face.

Kings Heath Denture Centre 4d Heathfield Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7DB. 0121 444 8080 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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How to choose the right Home Care Agency Whether you’re choosing a home care agency for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way.

Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care agency • Can the agency provide the care needed, and have they provided care before for someone with similar needs?

• Are you confident the agency and staff will respect your privacy and dignity?

• Have they taken the time to understand your personal likes and dislikes?

• How do they match the most suitable care workers to your needs? Will you always have the same carers, and what happens if they are sick or go on holiday?

• What charges will you be expected to pay (Is there a minimum charge)? And how you will be invoiced?

• Is the agency insured to protect your safety and interests?

Your right to quality home care

• Do all care workers undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being employed? And what ongoing training do they receive?

Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you.

It should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence. That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy. If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible. Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.

• Does the agency have a copy of its latest inspection report available for you to look at?

Home care agency standards All agencies have a ‘Statement of Purpose’ that sets out their aims and objectives and the type of the services they offer. If you’re employing an agency, they should give you a contract explaining all terms and conditions. This will include things such as their confidentiality policy – for example, how they will hold and use personal data. All home care agency employees should also have clear written guidelines and follow robust procedures on how to administer and assist with any medication needs.

Before your home care starts It’s important to always make sure that the home care agency you choose visits you at home, before care starts. This will

• Can your agency be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?

• Will the agency give you a copy of the agency’s standard contract to read before signing?

• How will they ensure your safety?

give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider. A good home care agency will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the agency the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care agency visits.

So you’re thinking about using an agency to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?

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Initial home visit by a home care agency During the initial home visit by the home care agency, they will carry out a detailed risk assessment of your home, as well as a manual handling assessment. This is important, as it will identify how the agency staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required.

All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.

Keeping you safe and secure in your own home It’s the job of the home care agency staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care agency must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home.

Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the agency’s name and agency contact details.

Home care agencies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.

Keeping records of home care Home care agency staff will keep a written record of the care that has been given to you, with notes made about any changes in your health, as well as any incidents that have happened.

Paying for a home care agency

care agency services. In most cases, agencies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends. There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays.

Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about.

Direct Payments can also be used for employing a ‘personal assistant’ or arranging care from a private agency. Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further. There are many benefits to Direct Payments – they allow a greater level of flexibility and freedom for the person who needs the care and support.

How can Bluebird Care Help? Direct Payments allow such a variety of choice that in some cases the chosen personal assistant may even be someone that the person already knows, or a relative who does not live with them. Greater choice, however, may come with greater employment responsibility. Social Services departments provide care managers or advocates to help someone recruit a personal assistant. Bluebird Care can assist people who receive a Direct Payment, either by using it to purchase your care and support directly from Bluebird Care.

Check what you are being charged All costs should be written into the contract between you and the agency and you should be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service. In most cases, the home care agency will keep timesheets that you will need to sign.

Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits. It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.

It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home

Call our professional team on 0121 711 7435 Our staff

Contact us

Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

Visit us online at www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Call our professional team on 0121 711 7435

Alternative

What we offer

Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’

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

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Bluebird Care (Solihull) PMJ House, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 4ND

CFU010_- 09/12/2011 13:25 Page 1

LATER LIFE

Adding Life to Years Retirement isn’t known as the ‘golden years’ without cause: at Abbeyfield we value caring, comfort and quality of life With nearly 12,000 centenarians and more people aged 60 and above than there are under the age of 18 in the UK, we are living in world where later life is very different to that of our forebears. In some sense, howeverm the most important things don’t change: ageing well is still about having good relationships, comfort, support, companionship and fun. While ill health and bereavement may come along at times, if the basics are in place, life can still be good.

The Abbeyfield Society is a charity that understand the experience of getting older and provides facilities and services to help people live well in later life. With more than 700 supported living houses and 80 care homes in the UK, Abbeyfield’s priorty is quality of life with dignity, independence and choice for older people.

Times have changed since Abbeyfield’s inception in 1956, and the aspirations of today’s seniors and those of future generations are different. With the emphasis on independence, Abbeyfield’s new developments encourage older people to stay as self-sufficient as possible with support available for those who need it.

Welcoming and spacious, these communities offer homes for life with mixed tenures, where the style and function means that residents enjoy home comforts with access to different levels of support as their needs change. Throw in great facilities and

‘Abbeyfield’s priority is quality of life with dignity, independence and choice for older people’ 28

services, experienced staff and a safe environment, and you have a wonderful place to live.

Introducing Abbeyfield Hampton Lane: Independent LIvIng wIth support Abbeyfield Solihill in Hampton Lane is an exciting new project offering people aged 55+ a vibrant community, quality apartments and great amenities and services. It boasts 32 spacious apartments for rent and shared ownership, all fully fitted with kitchens, wetrooms and telecare call services to make sure independence is top of mind for residents. There will also be a communal lounge which will sometimes house activities but also be a quiet space for those who want to simply sit and read the paper. Extra facilities are also provided such as a hairdressing salon, a laundry room, a mobility buggy store and lifts to all floors.

Key Facts Total of 32 apartments: • 6 x 2bed shared ownership • 2 x 1bed shared ownership • 24 x 1bed for rent • On-site manager • Dining facilities • Landscaped gardents • Minibus service • Hairdressing salon • Treatment room • On-site care office • Wheelchair/buggy store • Laundry facilities shared ownershIp Shared ownership offers older people the chance to buy a home at a lower price, releasing capital which they may need to pay for increasing care needs over time. Being able to move into a new home, in a community designed to offer discreet support at a time when you are still fairly independent, makes good sense. It means security, the ability to plan ahead in your later years and most importantly, peace of mind.

how does It work?

You can pay between 25% and 75% of the full purchase price, and Abbeyfield will own the value of the rest of the apartment. You then pay rent on the non-owned proportion, usually up to around 3% (unless you buy at 75% where you will pay no top-up rent at all).

This means you have rights and responsibilities just like any other owner. Any time after buying your first share, you can purchase more up to the full 75% - the cost of the share will change depending on the fluctuation of house prices. So if the house prices in your area have gone up or down, the value of your share will follow.

If at any point, you decide to sell you apartment, you write to Abbeyfield and notify them. If you own a proportion of the property, Abbeyfield can buy that proportion back at market value.

Other Abbeyfield properties in Solihull Ashleigh Road One size rarely fits all and Abbeyfield offer a choice of homes and care packages for older people. Our Ashleigh Road house is one of our more traditional supported living houses with 17 bedsits, with en-suite wet-rooms, set in a wonderful traditional house and with a great house team. Ashleigh Road offers excellent value, with all-inclusive rents and none of the responsibility of running your own home.

If you would like to find out more about the Abbeyfield Hampton Lane project, or any of our other houses, including Ashleigh Road, please go to www.abbeyfield.com, ring us on 01727 857536 or email us at communications@abbeyfield.com.Abbeyfiel d offers a range of care and support solutions which reflect the changing expectations of older people; that we all deserve to enjoy our later years and get the most out of life whatever your individual circumstances.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

O SH P E OW N IN FL G AT JU LY www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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50 Plus Health

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CATARACT Know the warning signs

Cataract is one of the most common causes of sight loss in the UK, but it needn’t be. Leading sight loss charity RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) warns that 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided and that people should be more aware of what to look out for. A cataract is a clouding of the part of the eye called the lens.

It causes vision to become blurred because the cataract is like frosted glass, interfering with a person’s sight.

The lens is a clear tissue found behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye.

The lens helps to focus light on the back of the eye – the retina – forming an image.

What to look out for: If you experience any of the following symptoms make an appointment for an eye examination:Blurry Sight: This is very common.

You may notice that your sight has become blurred or misty, or that your glasses seem dirty or appear scratched.

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

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

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

“

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

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

Optimax is one of the UK’s leading Laser Eye Surgery specialists. Founded in 1991, it has carried out more than 350, 000 treatments. We offer a range of treatments suitable for those over 40, which can restore natural vision and give you freedom from glasses.

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The Word is Out:

Greyhounds make great pets You may have heard the latest news that greyhounds make great pets, but what is all the fuss about? Can the fastest dog breed alive fit in with the lifestyle of Britain’s families? We’ve answered a few of the most common questions from those thinking about adopting a retired greyhound.

Q. Are greyhounds highly strung?

A. No. They are naturally calm and rather self-possessed. As a breed they have been around for a very long time and they are genuine thoroughbreds.

Q. Are greyhounds good with children?

A. They are as good as any dog and better than most, because of their characteristic gentleness. Most greyhounds never get their fill of fuss and are happy to be hugged and loved by children.

Q. Are there character differences between males and females?

A. The differences between greyhound genders tends to be less pronounced than in many other breeds. Spaying or castrating can normally relieve most behavioural problems and is recommended.

Q. How much exercise do they need?

A. Surprisingly, they need very little. Twenty minutes, twice a day is usually more than enough. While greyhounds are sprinters, they use up their energy in short bursts so short, slower walks are preferred.

Q. Will I need a special bed for the dog?

A. No. An old quilt folded in two is perfect. But they are used to sleeping off the ground and will need no encouragement to take over your bed as well as your settee. They do like to stretch out and get into all sorts of unique sleeping positions.

Q. How do greyhounds get on with other dogs?

A. They are normally ok. There will be an initial wariness, but familiarity and common sense is the order of the day.

Q. I have a cat, so can I have a greyhound?

A. Just like any breed of dogs, some greyhounds get along great with small animals and cats. When enquiring about a greyhound, make sure you mention that your house has a cat, so you can be matched up with the ideal greyhound.

Q. Are greyhounds easy to train and do they come back when you call?

A. Yes, but it needs patience and understanding. Like any dog, a greyhound loves to please and tasty rewards are highly appreciated after the racing regime.

Do you want to find out more? Visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.

Find Your Perfect Pet

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The Retired Greyhound Trust has just made is easier to search their 72 branch network for your closest greyhound contact. Simply visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/Branch-Locations/ to use the interactive mapping service.

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