Cardiff & Newport 24 by 50 Plus Magazine

CARDIFF, NEWPORT & BRIDGEND MAY - JULY 2012

EDITION 24

Ruth

Madoc

TALKS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GLADYS PUGH

Inside LEISURE DISCOVER DUBROVNIK A TIMELESS BEAUTY

Rick Stein

SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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24 hour monitoring centre providing personal reassurance instantly at the touch of a button.

The alarm can be used around the home day or night to summon help for a variety of reasons: • • • • • •

Accidents in the home Medical emergency Harassment Domestic violence Bogus callers Anti social behaviour

What can the Community Alarm Operator do? What is Community Alarm? At a touch of a button you will be connected to our Call Centre whenever you need assistance day or night seven days a week.

Who can apply for the service? The service is available to anyone living within Cardiff and surrounding areas who may consider themselves vulnerable and/or in need of reassurance and security.

Why have an alarm? It provides peace of mind, not only for you but also to your family and friends.

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Peace of mind, for you, your family & friends How does it work? The alarm unit is connected to your existing telephone line. • The unit has a powerful Microphone and speaker that will enable the operator to talk with, and listen, to you no matter where you are in your home. • You will have a choice of pendant that can either be worn around the neck or on your wrist.

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Cardiff

Community Alarm Service • No additional charge for visits following an emergency • Community Alarm is part of the Cardiff Council Housing & Neighbourhood renewal section • No charge for service call or maintenance • Our Community Alarm Operator will even call you on your birthday. For only £1.94 for contact only, or £3.56 for Mobile Response, you can join the thousands of people throughout Cardiff who already live happier, more secure lives thanks to the Community Alarm Service. Cardiff Community Alarm and the Warden Service may be free of charge if you are in receipt of certain benefits.

vehicle, they are first aid trained and carry first aid equipment, defibrillator, lifting cushion and portable hoist, and are also trained on Manual Handling. Mobile Wardens provide a 24-hour emergency response service to calls for assistance via the Community Alarm unit. They go to the aid of people who have fallen or are in need of help through illness or distress. For more information about Community Alarm or the Mobile Response Service please contact Alun Davies or Annette Walsh on 029 2061 4852

Telecare We can also provide discreet sensors which can be tailored to meet your personal needs, and help you live more safely and independently in your own home. These could include sensors that detect • • • •

if you have had a fall flood carbon monoxide or gas emissions medication dispensers.

The cost of this service is available on request, or it may be available through a Social Worker and unified assessment process. If you think you would benefit from this service please ask your Social Worker or alternatively, ring Community Alarm on 029 2061 4852 for more information.

Mobile Warden Service Mobile Wardens cover the whole of Cardiff, they are uniformed, and are in a liveried www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Sheltered Housing Cardiff Council provides safe, secure accommodation for people who need a little support to live independently. Each Sheltered Housing Scheme is linked to the Community Alarm Service and has the services of Scheme Managers on a regular basis. They can also assist in organising social events within the scheme. Additional support is provided to residents 24-hours a day by our Mobile Warden Service. For further information on sheltered accommodation please contact Maria Spear on 029 2061 4852 3

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Graham Smith has a Tweet But what is he twittering about? There was the Swansea lady who decked out her living room ceiling with 1,700 Christmas baubles. She starts decorating at the end of September and doesn’t usually finish until Christmas Day! You couldn’t make it up could you? Our beleaguered country can always throw up a laugh. Did you see the one about the internet dating sight which was auctioning a date with a busty Virgin Mary or a hunky Joseph! Dogs are always good for a laugh too. A Chinese man, whose name I cannot possibly spell and you couldn’t say it if I did, has a four-year-old Pekingese dog which walks backwards on its hind legs for two kilometres a day. What is the point of that I ask and what does it do when it wants to spend a penny? The mind boggles.

When is it Christmas? If it’s June when you read this don’t worry Christmas isn’t coming any time soon. Astronomers have calculated that Christmas should be in June by charting the “Christmas Star” which the Bible says led the Three Wise Men to Jesus. The have decided that the bright star pinpoints Jesus’ birthday as June 17th rather than December 25th. Well that’s just going to upset a few turkey farmers and artificial snow manufacturers isn’t it?

Lost pussy causes a headache! Those of us of a certain age will remember Mrs Slocombe of the BBC sitcom “Are You Being Served” having various problems with her pussy. They were nothing compared to those of a small village where residents spent the best part of three days digging to rescue a cat whose meowing could be heard clearly. Everyone turned out to help and eventually the animal was found. A large orange plastic moggy with a tape recorded cry which was permanently switched on! Stories like this warm my heart in troubled times. Half the population can’t afford a can of cat food but they will dig for three days to rescue what they thought was a genuine animal in distress.

He should have ducked! An American duck hunter had to be taken to hospital after being shot in the buttocks by his dog!

And what a mess they’ve made of the carol service. How can “snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”, and what about the poor old beggar bringing in his winter fuel? There’s no holly and ivy, the shepherds can’t be watching their flocks because it’s still day light and I just cannot listen to Bing Crosby in June! Which silly old goat with a white beard and a red suit is going to traipse reindeer and a sleigh about in 20 degrees of heat? I don’t eat sprouts in December so I’m surely not about to in June. “All is calm, all is bright”, well it will be in June, new legislation could mean it’s daylight until four in the morning so the poor little beggar will be throwing his swaddling clothes off and tipping the sheepdog out of the manger.

Why can’t they leave things as they are? I’m dreaming of a White Easter. 6

The hunter was climbing out of his boat to place decoys in nearby marsh when his “excited” dog trod on a shotgun firing 27 pellets into his backside from ten feet. The man managed to walk to a nearby road and call an ambulance and was not seriously injured. He should have ducked. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Dubrovnik

Timeless

Beauty

Sitting proudly on the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent fortified cities. Today a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy seafaring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the world. Dubrovnik is clearly special. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Magnificent curtains of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end. Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition. As the sun rises over the terracotta roofs the square awakens to the sound of barrow loads of fruit and vegetables bouncing over the stone cobbles. The ‘green market‘, as the locals call it, offers freshly picked produce as well as jars of homemade jams, pickles and spices. However, Dubrovnik shows her true magnificent colours during the winter months as well as the city looks wonderful “out of season.” True beauty is ageless and timeless. Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands. Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace. It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. The original palace was modelled after the Roman imperial palace, with some influences from Venetian palaces. In 1435 there was a gunpowder explosion that demolished the structure. It was rebuilt in a late-gothic style. There was another explosion in 1463, and a an earthquake in 1667 that severally damaged the city. What you see now is the final redo that took place at the 8

end of the 17 century. The central portico features beautiful archways and a second story mezzanine. Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. Some great shots are to be had with your camera from Pile Gate. War Photo Limited: Dubrovnik’s sturdy fortifications have been put to the test several times during the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. This modern gallery is dedicated to stunning photojournalism from war zones around the world, and attempts to offer unbiased reporting with a human element. Antuninska 6. www.warphotoltd.com. Daily 9am-9pm (JunSep); Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm (May and Oct); closed (Nov-Apr). Entry is 30Kn. Dubrovnik Cable Car: The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are seen from the top of the Srd Hill where the Dubrovnik Cable Car was built back in 1969 and boasts the most beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles)! For this reason the neighbouring Fort Imperial was strategically built on this privileged spot way back in the early 19th century. http://dubrovnikcablecar.com. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (www.dubrovnik-festival.hr) runs from mid-Jul to mid-Aug, staging concerts, theatre and opera at various open-air venues in the old town. Pat line-ups have included the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra, Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas, and Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams. Nearby places worth visiting include the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno arboretum, the vineyards of Peljeac peninsular, the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free Elafiti islands ,

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T R AV E L the island of Mljet (one-third of which is a national park), and neighbouring Montenegro. EATING/DRINKING There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh. Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap haunts, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious too! Note that in the off peak season of November to March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and best of all, discounts can be negotiated. Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), pasticada and the famous delicacy dubrovacka rozata. The most popular alcohol in Croatia is homemade rakija. This is a very strong distilled tipple made from a variety of fruits. Examples include sljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers as it can sometimes be of low quality! SLEEPING Hotels in Dubrovnik include two, three, four and five-star hotels. Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget; the downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure to check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little. DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING… Cafe Buza: This place is little known but definitely the find in Dubrovnik. Indeed, you will have to wander down an alleyway along the main western wall where you’ll find a nondescript door. Enter it to find the most amazing bar you might ever enjoy a beer in. The cafe is built on the side of the rocky cliffs, hiding inside the Dubrovnik wall. Relax and enjoy the view as the dramatic wall rises above your head; or, as you are so near the small beach why not dip your toes in the water! Fact file: Dubrovnik has an international airport, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Dubrovnik city centre. There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976; however, buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik old main bus station in Gruž and Croatia Airlines even operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (takes approx. 45 minutes), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 220 kn. The bus passes close to the Old Town en-route to the airport; you can board the bus at the stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop!

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The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman Bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves the Old Town. On buses you pay a separate fee of 10 Kn to the driver for luggage, so keep some change handy. Taxis in Dubrovnik are available around the clock and you can easily pick one up at one of the many taxi stops. The good news is that a taxi service will never cost you more than 100 Kn (approx. £11) in any direction within Dubrovnik city limits! If you are planning to drive a car in Dubrovnik, be aware that lots of streets are one way. If in doubt, passersby will gladly direct you. Dubrovnik is easy to cover on foot; in fact it will take the averagely fit person less than 1.5 hours to walk from the historical centre to the very end of Lapad peninsula. Climate: The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, it is perhaps distinct from other Mediterranean climates because of the unusual winds and frequency of thunderstorms. The Bura wind blows cold gusts down the Adriatic coast between October and April. The air temperatures can slightly vary, depending on the area or region. Typically, in July and August daytime maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), and at night drop to around 21°C (70°F). More comfortable perhaps, is the climate in Spring and Autumn when maximum temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F). Language: Croatian is the official language spoken in Dubrovnik. English is taught as a second language in schools however, and other international languages are also fluently spoken. Currency: Kuna (Kn.) £1 British pound is worth approx. 8 Kuna. The word “Kuna” means “marten” in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.

Cardiff – history, culture and shopping within easy reach Head to Cardiff for a great day out whether you want to explore the city’s many attractions or indulge in some retail therapy. Take the stress out of your journey by using the city’s Park & Ride services which run throughout the year. Park and Ride is simple to use and a convenient way of getting into the city centre. Avoid queuing in traffic and congestion as well as saving money. The city is so compact that nothing is more than 15 minutes away, which means you can spend a leisurely time exploring the city on foot. Within one square mile of the bustling city centre you’ll find the Millennium Stadium, the National Museum and Cardiff Castle, all sitting alongside luxury hotels, shopping malls and arcades, and a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafés. In Cardiff, we regard shopping as one of life’s pleasures. And it’s not hard to see why when we’re one of the UK’s top six shopping cities. Pedestrianised streets, undercover malls and a network of Victorian and Edwardian arcades ensure that it’s easy to get around the hundreds of brand name stores, designer boutiques and quirky gift shops - many of them with a Welsh flavour.

The new St David’s Centre has is home to over 170 shops from international and designer brands to high street favourites. John Lewis Cardiff is Wales’ newest, and largest, department store and is the largest branch outside London. As well as this, the city’s historic arcades, many of which retain their beautiful features, bring individual charm and character to the city centre with dozens of independent stores and cafés. Lighten the load by taking advantage of the Tourist Information Centre’s left luggage service. Ease weary feet with a coffee or lunch in one of the city centre’s numerous cafés or restaurants. You’ll find Welsh food at its best in locally sourced menus and international flavours of cuisines from around the world.

For more information head to www.visitcardiff.com Images © Andrew Hazard, courtesy of www.visitcardiff.com

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Getting Fit & So Much MORE!!! At The VILLAGE LEISURE CLUB, CARDIFF Are you over 50 and looking to get some of that old sparkle back. We can help!!! If it's just building on your own activities or taking a fresh look at getting healthier we can offer you the perfect environment. l l l l

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KEEP ACTIVE – KEEP HEALTHY! As we get older and certainly when we reach our 50s, some of us will lead a more sedentary lifestyle than we have done up until now. For a start, if you do not take up another fulltime job in retirement, you will not have to get out of bed in the morning and rush around getting ready for work and then travelling. If you have little to do, many of us eat and drink out of boredom, so there is a danger that we shall eat and drink more than we should, especially if it is combined with a more sedentary life. You might have a drink at lunchtime as you do, perhaps, on holiday. So it is worth keeping an eye on our exercise levels and our diet. Putting on extra weight as we get older can be harmful because we naturally get less supple anyway, so if we can take a bit of care it will do us good and help us to maintain an active lifestyle.

Why Keep Physically Active? We naturally want to enjoy our later life and, in order to do this, we need to be moderately fit; fit so that we can do all those things that we want to do such as play with the grandchildren, walk around those tourist attractions on holiday, go for country walks and so on. Recent guidance from the Chief Medical Officer confirms that older adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits, including the maintenance of good physical and mental health. Some physical activity is better than none and more physical activity provides greater health benefits.

The benefits of being active include: l helping

to maintain an active and alert mind l reducing the risk of heart disease l helping to maintain the ability to carry out daily living activities l improving mood and self‑confidence l reducing the risk of falls l increasing sociability when undertaken with other people

Older adults should aim to be active every day, adding up to at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) a week of moderate intensity activity. A good way to approach this is to do thirty minutes activity on at least five days a week. For those who are already regularly physically active at moderate intensity, similar benefits can be achieved through 75 additional minutes of more vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. It is also advised that older adults undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week and that those older adults at risk of falls should incorporate physical activity to improve balance and co‑ordination on at least two days a week, every week.

NOBODY IS TOO OLD TO BENEFIT FROM PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. The Village Hotel at Coryton offers an extensive health & fitness club, with a large heated indoor pool and fully air conditioned fitness suite. Over 50’s are very welcome and catered for with group exercise classes and activities specific for the age group. Classes such as Aqua Aerobics, Line Dancing, Yoga, Aerobics, Pilates and activities such as the Walking Club are popular amongst the over 50’s and are regular on the class timetable

It is a very sociable Hotel with a Starbucks Coffee Shop, Verve Restaurant & Village Pub all inviting after a leisurely swim or more energetic hour in the gym. The Village are offering readers of 50 Plus Magazine a complimentary five day membership, just present the voucher to the leisure reception on arrival.

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Calendar Girl RUTH Madoc had just been having lunch with her five year-old grand-daughter in St Albans when she broke off from encouraging her to eat pizza for a chat with Angela Kelly about the theatre and life after Gladys Pugh. “I’m in the South for two weeks with ‘Calendar Girls’,” she explains in those familiar warm, now-muted Welsh tones. “So I’m staying with the family here and love being out for lunch with Seren (Welsh for “star”) because this little girl and I have a real connection.” Ruth, now 68, has five grandchildren under the age of five (“hard work sometimes, although lovely”). Three of them live in Gibraltar and it’s plain that Ruth thoroughly enjoys being a grandma. It may be hard to see her in this role as, for many TV viewers, she remains fondly in the memory as the man-hungry Maplins’ Yellowcoat and the mere mention of her name has usually restrained people shouting out “Hi-De-Hi!”. This wonderful portrayal in the enduringly popular BBC 1 comedy series revealed her comic talents to thousands at home. But her career, even by then, had already covered a startling variety of theatre.

Art, guided in this by the man who became an early mentor, Sir Harry Secombe. “I was in East Yorkshire with my parents and the head of drama at school sent a tape of me to Harry Secombe’s agent with the intention of interesting Huw Weldon who used to have a BBC children’s talent programme called ‘All Your Own,’ she states. Instead, the agent showed it to the famous singer and comedian, and he began helping the young Ruth, offering practical advice on her career. After she graduated, Ruth – a talented singer and performer as well as an actress – spent three years with the “Black and White Minstrel Show” and various summer seasons with Lesley Crowther, Max Wall and Bruch Forsyth in the final days of provincial variety. She became a theatrical favourite appearing in leading roles in musicals like “West Side Story and “Man of La Mancha” and appeared in both the stage and screen versions of “Under Milk Wood.” After her high-profile success in “Hi-De-Hi!”, Ruth was in the stage version of the show which enjoyed huge success in Bournemouth, Blackpool and at the Victoria Palace in London. “I never felt, though, that I was going to be typecast by Gladys,” she says. “I’d already done so much in the theatre I knew that I would go on to do many other, different roles.” And indeed she did. She has been in a large number of stage productions including “A Taste of Honey” and “A Murder is Announced”, and in West End musicals like “Niteclub Confidential” and “Bless the Bride.”

Although Ruth is well known for her Welsh roots she was, in fact, born in Norwich because her parents consistently travelled around Britain. However, she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Llansamlet in Swansea. From the little mining village she made the unlikely but determined leap to the Royal Academy of Dramatic 14

Ruth had great personal success with her portrayal of the indomitable Mama Rose in the musical “Gypsy”, toured Japan and the Far East as Madame Giry in “Phantom of the Opera” and was a wonderful Mrs Bardell to Harry Secombe’s “Pickwick” at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre and on an extended national tour. She was also Dorothy Brock in the hit musical “42nd Street”, Miss Hannigan in “Annie”, and Maria in “Twelfth Night” at Regent’s Park Theatre in London.

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I N T E RV I E W Her film appearances vary from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Very Annie Mary”, and she has also enjoyed an extensive radio career on programmes like “Some of these Days,” “Woman’s Hour” and “This Family Business.” Other TV roles over the years have included guest appearances with Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Les Dawson. And, more recently, she was the mother of the infamous Daffyd (the only gay in the village) in the Bafta award-winning comedy series “Little Britain.”.

to Spain to visit their grandchildren. She states that she “won’t do theatre after I’m 75” because she doesn’t want to spend time learning lines. “I think when you get older there is a great pressure in learning lines. I’ve seen this happen to many other people, and I don’t want that,” she insists. “I keep my mind sharp now by doing crosswords each day and, although I’ve got lines in ‘Calendar Girls’, I still learn pieces of poetry.”

Ruth has appeared in more than 30 pantomimes in every major city in the UK – as everything from principal boy in “Robin Hood” and “Dick Whittington” to Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the Wicked Queen in “Snow White.”

Her only career regret is that she didn’t take the “Under Milk Wood” role she was offered at the National Theatre “because I was with Harry in ‘Pickwick’ and didn’t want to let him down.”

For the past 18 months, she has been touring in “Calendar Girls” as Marie – the WI protagonist who tries to stop the nude calendar – “and I love it!” she declares with a throaty laugh.

Ruth would, though, still love to play the part of Madam Horrible in the hit musical “Wicked!” which re-imagines the Land of Oz.

“I think I enjoy playing not so nice people because it’s more interesting. But I really love this play and Tim Firth (the writer) is so clever. While the humour is Northern it works on so many levels and is a great piece of writing.” Ruth will remain in the production until May, 2012, when, she says, she and her manager husband John will go

And that inquiring, lively mind, she suspects, will continue until her deathbed. “I think my final words will probably be ‘Eureka!,” she laughs again.

Then it’s back to life as grandma, and that perennial dilemma of how to get small children to eat their lunch.

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Ideally Located

Beautiful Fairlake Homes

Situated in the highly sought after village of Bassaleg, Newport, Parc Eglwys is a new development offering two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom homes. Built by Lovell in partnership with fairlakeliving and Newport City Council, the development will appeal to those wanting to enjoy village life with easy access to Newport, Cardiff and beyond.

Exclusively for sale to the over 55’s, fairlakeliving are offering two bedroom apartments for sale from £130,000. The apartments will come with a fully fitted kitchen with tall oven housing, hob and hood, lounge, two bedrooms and a fully tiled wet room. Situated in its own private communal garden, and with each apartment having its own parking space, these apartments offer purchasers the chance to downsize to a brand new, modern home secure in the knowledge that they are surrounded by people of the same age.

Homes on Offer Lovell and fairlakeliving each offer beautiful homes at Parc Eglwys. fairlakeliving is offering 24 apartments specially designed for the over 55’s, constructed by Lovell. In addition, Lovell, which specialises in creating community-focused developments, is offering great family two and three bedroom homes for sale.

Several of the apartments will be offered on a 70/30 shared ownership basis - part buy, part rent. So you could own your brand new apartment from as little as £91,000 whilst paying a subsidized rent on the share not owned.

Parc Eglwys 50 Plus 1/2 page ad Apr 12 PATHS_Layout 1 02/04/2012 16:22 Page 1

The show homes at Parc Eglwys are open Thursday to Monday 10am to 5pm. For further information please contact the Lovell sales team on 01633 894574.

Fairlakeliving’s latest over 55 scheme has now launched at Parc Eglwys, Bassaleg · Stylish 2 bedroom apartments and maisonettes exclusively for those aged over 55 · A range of purchase options available · Great access to Cardiff, Newport, Bristol and beyond Being built by Lovell and in partnership with Newport City Council

Parc Eglwys, Off Viaduct Way, Bassaleg NP10 8FN visit

www.fairlakeliving.co.uk call 01633 233876

FO O D

DRI NK

Rick Stein's Recipes from around the World 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 books here are some of Rick's favourite recipes.

SERVES 8-10 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for serving 1 large onion, chopped 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 large leek, cleaned and cut into similar-sized pieces 250g dried borlotti beans, soaked overnight 450g waxy potatoes, such as Charlotte, peeled and cut into 1- cm dice 250g peeled carrots, cut into 1-cm dice 2 celery sticks, cut into 1- cm dice 1 ripe beef tomato, skinned and chopped Leaves from 1 small rosemary sprig, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1.2kg smoked ham hock 250g green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- cm pieces 2 medium-sized courgettes, topped and tailed and cut into 1- cm dice 1/2 small cabbage (about 500g), core removed, thinly sliced 75g dried tagliatelle, broken into 5-cm pieces 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano A small handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 18

Minestra: Corsican Vegetable Soup with Smoked Ham, Cabbage and Borlotti Beans Heat the oil in a really large pan, add the onion, garlic and leek, and cook gently for 3-4 minutes. Drain the soaked beans and add to the pan with the potatoes, carrots, celery, tomato, rosemary, dried oregano and 2 litres of water. Cut the ham hock in half lengthways to one side of the bone, add to the pan and press the pieces down well into the soup so they are totally submerged. Bring everything to a simmer and leave to cook, uncovered, for 1 hour. Then add the green beans, courgettes, cabbage, tagliatelle pieces and fresh oregano and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes until the soup is thick. Remove the pieces of ham hock, pull the meat off the bone, and pull it into small chunks. Discard the skin and bone. Stir the ham back into the soup with the parsley and approximately 500 ml more hot water to loosen it slightly and season with salt and pepper. Service in large warmed soup bowls, drizzled with a little more olive oil.

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SERVES 4 400g dried spaghetti 175-g piece smoked pancetta, rind removed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped A handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped 3 large eggs, beaten 50g finely grated pecorino sardo maturo Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara: Pasta with Pecorino Sardo, Pancetta, Parsley and Eggs Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt. Add the spaghetti and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Meanwhile, cut the pancetta into lardons (short little strips), about 6mm wide. Heat a large, deep frying pan over a mediumhigh heat, add the oil and the pancetta and allow it to fry until lightly golden. Add the garlic and parsley and cook for a few seconds, then remove from the heat and set to one side. Drain the spaghetti well, tip into the frying pan with the pancetta, garlic and parsley, add the beaten eggs and half the grated pecorino cheese and toss together well. Season to taste with a little salt and black pepper. The heat from the spaghetti will be sufficient to partly cook the egg but still leave it moist and creamy. Take to the table and serve in warmed pasta bowls, sprinkled with the rest of the cheese.

SERVES 6-8 2 x 1-kg shoulders of lamb, each one cut into 3 large chunks through the bone (get your butcher to do this) 2kg waxy maincrop potatoes, such as Desiree, peeled and cut into 5-6cm chunks 1 head of garlic, outside papery skins removed, cut in half through the middle 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible 3-6 fresh bay leaves 2 tablespoons fresh oregano or marjoram leaves 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling Juice of 2 large lemons Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Kleftiko: Slow-cooked Lamb with Garlic, Oregano, Lemon and Potatoes Preheat the oven to 1900C/Gas Mark 5. Combine the meat, potatoes and garlic in a large ovenproof casserole dish. Sprinkle with the dried and fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, 100ml water, 2 teaspoons of salt and plenty of black pepper and mix together well, then nestle the pieces of meat down in among the potatoes. Drizzle with a little more oil. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and a well-fitting lid and bake for 3 hours until the meat is falling off the bone. However, check after a couple of hours to make sure it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a little more water.

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Home-Made Delicious Food For Everyone Liz Smart and Karen Purchase have always been interested in cuisine, whether it was cooking for friends, preparing dinner parties, or just trying out new food experiences “I love being a cook, and I love entertaining,” says Liz. But funnily enough Liz wasn’t in the professional catering business. She had a full time job outside the realm of sauces, sous chefs and signature dishes: for 23 years Liz taught business studies at the City of Bristol College. But one day, something changed. “I was introduced to Cook Foods and was bowled over by the product. The central idea is that the food is made – as far as possible – from local produce; no artificial flavouring, no additives. The food is hand-made by chefs in Sittingbourne, blast frozen which maintains the freshness and goodness. Basically we use the same ingredients and techniques that you would at home, so the food looks homemade, and of course tastes delicious. “Mostly, it doesn’t even need to defrost; so you can be sitting down at your dinner party within an hour or so of the food arriving feeling very relaxed.” The product seemed so good, and the idea so elegant and straightforward, that Liz and Karen who was also a teacher (but unlike Liz preferred not to cook!), so were attracted to the Cook brand for entirely different reasons, decided to take on the franchise. “We had to get premises, and Wellfield Road is an area I’ve always liked” said Liz. “I’m a Newport girl, so this was like coming home to me.”

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Cook Cardiff duly opened in June 2011 and is unique in Wales. The shop already has loads of regulars – always a good sign, and Karen says that the local reaction is “very, very positive”. Cook offers a delivery service and you can either go on-line www.cookfood.net or phone the shop on 029 2049 4166. If you spend over £30 and live in Roath, Penylan, Llanedeyrn and Cyncoed your delivery will be free but you would have to phone the shop to place your order. Cook offer meals suitable for everyone – vegetarians, gluten free, kids meals and baby food. The shop can also provide information for people who have food allergies. We provide meals for one, two and four persons so you can mix and match if you happen to be entertaining for more than four people. Some of our best sellers in Cardiff are Moroccan Lamb Tagine, Fisherman’s Pie, Chicken Alexander and many more. We cater for special nights in such as Confit of Duck with a Juniper Berry Sauce, Beef Wellingtons, Monkfish Wellingtons and Haunch of Venison with a Celeriac Crush. We have a wonderful array of desserts such as Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Truffle Torte, Lemon and Lime Pavlova and many more. Cook also provide a variety of food suitable for parties, such as - roast-at-home salmon dressed with sun-dried tomatoes, red pesto and pine nuts, canapés, Mediterranean three bean salad, Lebanese salad with feta, mint and giant couscous. The first Cook shop was opened in 1997 and is still open today - along with 55 more! It is still a family run business that strives to produce excellent food and give excellent service!

Cook Cardiff 18 Wellfield Road Cardiff CF24 3PB tel: 02920 494166 www.cookfood.net

H E A LT H

Orthopaedic Surgery Technology & Techniques The last 50 years have given us tremendous advances in the care of orthopaedic patients. These include improved anaesthetic techniques, auto-transfusion of blood, medical management of co-morbid conditions, information technology and specialty specific technological advances. New orthopaedic devices, computer aided techniques, medical imaging and minimally invasive techniques havegreatly improved patient care. Consumerism and media advertising have guided many of the new technologies. At some hospitals, new technology and techniques are embraced with great caution and only on the basis of medical evidence and positive patient outcome. Total hip and total knee arthroplasty continues to be an evolving science. Numerous debates exist with respect to technique and implants used. There is continued controversy regarding issues of cementless versus cemented fixation, surface finish for cemented implants, and ideal bearing surface. There is increasing focus on less invasive surgical procedures to facilitate rapid return of function. The primary appeal of hip resurfacing is the absence of invasion of the femoral canal and maintenance of femoral bone stock. However,the procedure carries risks not relevant to standard total hip replacements, such as femoral neck fracture, avascular necrosis and synovitis secondary to metal ions. The procedure is technically more demanding than conventional total hip replacement. Therefore hip resurfacing is given to a select group of patients who aspire to follow physically demanding occupations and recreational pursuits. Implants with proven track records are used to reduce implant related problems. Cemented hip arthroplasty is undertaken for elderly patients with not so physically demanding lifestyles. Cement is the commonest method used to fix femoral components in the UK. Polished collarless tapered stems are most widely used. Compared with cementless fixations, cement is very forgiving. Correct leg lengths can

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be easily achieved. Thigh pain does not occur and intraoperative fractures are very rare. Antibiotics can be added to the cement to decrease incidence of infection. There has been, however, an exponential increase in the usage of un-cemented hip implants for relatively young and active patients. Ceramicon-ceramic bearings for total hip arthroplasty have 4,000 times lower wear than metal-on-conventional polyethylene. The bearings can however lead to a squeaking noise in 6% of the patients. Most surgeons use ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in a select subgroup of younger patients for whom the potential benefits outweigh the occasional problem of squeaking and the rare chance of ceramic fracture. Patient and gender specific knee replacements have been recently introduced in some hospitals to provide for optimal fixation and function. Proprietary software program is used to prepare a 3D model of the arthritic knee from scans. These customised instruments give the best possible fit and patient outcome following knee replacements. A High-Flex total knee replacement design can also be used in patients who wish to kneel or pray or acquire an increased knee bend posture. The perioperative care of patients with total hip and knee replacements has undergone a significant evolution. Now the concept of a rapid recovery protocol with the distinct intention to speedyrecovery to reduce morbidity and complications is used. The protocol comprises of comprehensive preoperative education and medical evaluation, and physiotherapy to enhance postoperative rehabilitation. Multiple studies have noted the adverse effects of cigarette utilisation on the perioperative period and therefore smoking should be discouraged and nutritional supplements are encouraged to improve postoperative wound healing.

Multi-modal pain management techniques are used to reduce perioperative pain to improve early mobilisation and functional outcome. The management of pain involves pre-emptive analgesia and intraoperative infiltration of the joint with long acting local anaesthetics. Postoperative pain is controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Concomitant with effective pain management is aggressive physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Dedicated physiotherapists mobilise the patient within three to four hours after hip or knee replacement to reduce postoperative stiffness, deep vein thrombosis, chest infections, urinary retention and gastric stasis. Intra-operative blood loss may be reduced by a variety of techniques and careful haemostasis. Patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own blood can be aseptically collected and re-transfused, reducing the perioperative blood loss, postoperative pain and swelling, and also the risk of blood borne diseases. The establishment of specific protocols for the care and treatment of patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty can thus provide efficient and effective service. The clinical pathways are standardised and therefore the patients experience reduced and uncomplicated hospital stays. By adopting rapid recovery protocol, patients are able to achieve postoperative milestones at significantly earlier times. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

St Joseph's Hospital

Dedicated to the total care of every patient St Joseph's Hospital is a purposebuilt, well-equipped hospital which has served South Wales since 1946. The hospital is owned and run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy who are a registered charity. We have a proud tradition of providing a quality service that stands the test of external audits. Our philosophy at St. Joseph's Hospital is to provide total care for all those who use the facility, and patient care and quality are top priorities. The hospital has developed a reputation for offering the very best in quality healthcare. The Hospital is set in peaceful and picturesque grounds on the outskirts of Newport and is easily accessible by both car and public transport. St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital is situated within half a mile of the M4 corridor and is well placed to serve not only the whole of South Wales but also the bordering towns and counties of Mid-Wales and England.

Quality of Care At St Joseph's Hospital we strive to meet our patients' expectations of excellent standards of care as well as prioritising patient safety and risk management. We continually look at improving the techniques, procedures and methods involved in every aspect of health care we offer. We are regularly inspected by Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) who ensure that as care providers we are offering quality and reliable services and that all our facilities meet specific standards. All of our consultants and staff undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks every three years. All bedrooms are extremely well appointed with private facilities and views of our award-winning grounds. Patients are nursed in either single rooms or rooms with two or three beds. Our comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with a television and direct dial telephone. Internet access and other office facilities are available at a small charge. The hospital has its own catering team led by our experienced chef. Together they take pride in creating mouth-watering cuisine every day. There is a daily published menu with several choices, each one healthy yet delicious. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The catering department interacts with consultant dieticians to create well balanced dishes for patients. A member of the team will be happy to visit patients to discuss any special dietary requirements.

Infection Control St Joseph's Hospital is fully committed to the health, safety and general well being of our patients, staff and visitors and the risk of acquiring infection is extremely low due to staff vigilance and good infection control practices. The Infection Control Sister and Microbiologist provide expertise, guidance, advice and support. The Infection Control policies and procedures are well managed by the Infection Control Sister and link members of staff. Infection Control training is mandatory for all staff. Hand Hygiene awareness is an everyday process and a fundamental responsibility for all staff. Observational audits of hand hygiene are performed and the results reveal high compliance by not only staff but also visitors and other service users using the alcohol gel on entering and leaving clinical areas.

Services St. Joseph's offers all the services required to run an acute hospital. Our services are well organised and run by professionally trained and registered staff. All hospital equipment is kept updated and maintained continuously by our hospital engineers and maintenance contracts.

To find out more about all the Services we offer and to view our hospital in more detail please visit www.stjosephshospital.org.uk or telephone our Patient Services Advisor on 01633 820299

The monitoring of procedures and practices for control of infection is a continual process throughout the hospital. St Joseph’s Hospital is ready to St St Joseph’s Hospital Hospital isisisready ready to StJoseph’s Joseph’s Hospital readyto to help you with all these St Joseph’s Hospital is ready to help help you you with with all all these help youand with allthese these services many more, with help youand with all these services services and many many more, more, with services and many more, with appointment times to suitwith you. services and many appointment appointment times times to to suit you. you. appointment timesmore, tosuit suitwith you. appointment times to suit you.

Payment Options As an independent private hospital we provide treatment to self paying patients and medically insured patients.

Medically Insured Patients St Joseph's Hospital accepts insurance schemes from the majority of medical insurance companies.

Fixed Price Surgery We all have to live on a budget and we appreciate that it is important for you to be able to plan your finances carefully. Fixed price surgery is a way of knowing exactly what financial outlay you have to make for your operation. We will guarantee a price to you at the outset. Nursing, accommodation, theatre fees, drugs, dressings and meals are included. If you and your consultant wish, consultant's fees may be included as well. Fixed price surgery is offered at the discretion of the hospital and may not be available in all cases. Where it is not possible to offer a fixed price the hospital will generally be able to offer a package price based on the expected length of stay with additional nights charged at a fixed rate.

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DEDICATED TO THE TOTAL CARE OF EVERY PATIENT DEDICATED DEDICATED TO THE TOTAL CARE OF EVERY PATIENT DEDICATEDTO TOTHE THETOTAL TOTALCARE CAREOF OFEVERY EVERYPATIENT PATIENT DEDICATED TO THE TOTAL CARE OF EVERY PATIENT From Outpatient Outpatient From From Outpatient FromOutpatient Outpatient Consultations Consultations From Outpatient Consultations Consultations Consultations Inpatient Surgery Consultations Inpatient Inpatient Inpatient Surgery Surgery InpatientSurgery Surgery Day Surgery Inpatient Surgery Day Surgery Day Day Surgery DaySurgery Surgery MRI, CT and X-Rays Day Surgery MRI, CT and MRI, MRI, CT and X-Rays X-Rays MRI,CT CTand andX-Rays X-Rays Sports Injury MRI, CT and X-Rays Injury Sports Sports Injury SportsInjury Injury Respite Sports Injury Respite Respite Respite Physiotherapy Respite Physiotherapy Physiotherapy Physiotherapy Physiotherapy Hydrotherapy Physiotherapy Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy Hydrotherapy Holistic Massage For more information For For more information information Formore more information please call: please please call: call: please call: For more information please call:

01633 01633 01633 01633 820299 820299 820299 820299

or alternatively email: or or alternatively email: oralternatively alternatively,email: email: carolinefitzgerald@stjosephshospital.org.uk carolinefitzgerald@stjosephshospital.org.uk carolinefitzgerald@stjosephshospital.org.uk carolinefitzgerald@stjosephshospital.org.uk or alternatively email: carolinefitzgerald@stjosephshospital.org.uk

Located near junction 26 on M4, 5 mins from Newport Centre Located Located near junction 26 26 on M4, M4, mins from from Newport Centre Locatednear nearjunction junction 26on on M4,555mins mins fromNewport NewportCentre Centre Registered Charity No. 232835 Registered Registered Charity Charity No. 232835 232835 Registered Charity No. 232835 Avenue, Malpas Newport NP20 6ZE Centre Located Harding near junction 26 on M4, 5,No. mins from Newport Harding Harding Avenue, Malpas Newport NP20 6ZE HardingAvenue, Avenue,Malpas Malpas Newport NP206ZE 6ZE Registered Charity,,,Newport No. 232835NP20 Harding Avenue, Malpas , Newport NP20 6ZE 46

NEWS & EVENTS JOUST! Cardiff Castle

September Snowstorms! Normally, as the nights get longer and cooler, our thoughts turn back to heating our homes properly. Due to the fact Sunflow heaters are made in Germany, demand from Russia, Northern Scandinavia and Eastern Europe is driven by hard frosts and September snowfalls. Sounds cold and it is. Therefore, in order not to miss out on warm weather installation, the time to prepare is now. Do you want to continue with oil, lpg, gas or night storage heaters? Or, do you want to consider a different type of heating, one with a massive pedigree in Europe and rapidly growing in popularity in Britain. Sunflow radiators are slim, economical and extremely efficient. A real alternative with no maintenance and a full twelve year guarantee. Built to suit your home, they can form an impressive energy management system that individually controls the temperature and timing of every room. Sunflow offers expertise to combat cold exposed locations so your living areas will never be uncomfortable, even if temperatures drop significantly. Our surveyors are located where you are and will give you all the advice you need to plan a warm and comfortable future. Our secret is simple, we do the mathematical equations that guarantee the heat you require in living areas. By calling now, you have time to obtain a quotation and book a summer/ autumn installation. For further details call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272.

16-17 June 10am - 5pm Let the tournament begin... A day full of pomp and pageantry, amazing horse back stunts, bruising falls and knock-about humour as the sensational Knights of Royal England come to blows in a death-defying demonstration of the noble art of jousting. With a medieval encampment to explore, strolling minstrels, junior jousting skills and drills, spell-binding storytelling sessions, there is a packed programme planned for all budding jousters. Meet a dragon, join the children’s parade and don’t forget to dress up for the day as a princess or knight. A great value family day out and under 5s are free! Early booking for this event is strongly recommended www.cardiffcastle.com Facebook: facebook.com/officialcardiffcastle

Following the Flame

Newport Museum & Art Gallery The Following the Flame/Dilyn Y Fflam Project celebrates the history of Welsh men and women who attended the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Follow the origins of the Olympic Games in Greece (776BC)

CONSIDER GERMAN HEATING NOW - WARM WEATHER INSTALLATION Simple to install, Powerful, and no more servicing - EVER!

A lifetime of heating, amazingly efficient, fully controllable, slim and attractive. Heating is a major purchase in our life. Not just the cost of buying a system but the cost of the energy to run it and, just as importantly, the costs to maintain it. Maintenance - get rid of the maintenance costs all together. A Sunflow guarantee of 12 years will do the trick - nobody inspecting every year - with heating that has a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years! A Sunflow heater is well made and hand finished in Germany. So if you add maintenance and depreciation prevalent in other systems this could easily be a 30% reduction in costs in the first 12 years. That’s just the start!

Over 200 beautiful colours On feet, castors or wall mounted

Energy Management - often called modular heating, Sunflow German built electric heaters allow total control of heating costs. Every room can be time and temperature controlled, far more accurately than any form of wet system. We have a range of controls from simple manual thermostats and timers, to switching on your heat from remote locations. Ask for advice. Whatever controls you choose you will be able to decide where and when to use energy.

A ReAl AlteRnAtive 24

Efficiency - the reason a Sunflow heater is incredibly efficient is the naturally occurring refractory clay core. Called chamotte, we embed a pure tungsten element into the clay and this combination allows us to heat large surface areas with a comparatively low electrical input, thus making our heaters very economic to run. It all sounds very scientific but to the sceptical we offer a simple demonstration. (See our brochure).

Get your FREE brochure by calling our 24hr Brochure Line on: 0800 158 8270 or email: info@sunflowltd.co.uk

Questions? Call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272

Hea ^t

oil/GAs HeAtinG - Ask About ouR ReplAcement seRvice www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

through to their demise more than one thousand years later; on to the important role Britain played in the Olympics’ re-establishment in Athens in 1896 and the birth of the Paralympics in 1948, and many significant episodes since, focusing mainly on Welsh participation and achievement. The exhibition includes a moving film with a specially-composed music soundtrack; new portraits of Welsh Olympians and Paralympians commissioned from Welsh artists; a sculpture of Paulo Radmilovic, Wales’ greatest Olympian, sporting memorabilia, Olympic Torches and much more. There is also a major education programme for schools, complete with free activity sheets for children. 9.30am - 5.00pm Price : Free admission Dates & Times : Friday 1 June, 09:30 Saturday 2 June, 09:30 Monday 4 June, 09:30 Tuesday 5 June, 09:30 Wednesday 6 June, 09:30 Thursday 7 June, 09:30 Friday 8 June, 09:30 Saturday 9 June, 09:30 Monday 11 June, 09:30 Tuesday 12 June, 09:30 Wednesday 13 June, 09:30 Thursday 14 June, 09:30 Friday 15 June, 09:30 Saturday 16 June, 09:30 Contact : Newport City Council tel : (01633) 656 757 e-mail : museum@newport.gov.uk More information www.newport.gov.uk

Unity Festival

21-30 June Queen Street (21-24 June) Wales Millennium Centre (23-30 June)

The first Cardiff One Planet City Festival brings together a wide range of events across Cardiff to celebrate what people, active networks and projects in Cardiff are doing to live smart, sustainable, 21st Century lifestyles. There will be talks, walks, displays, learning days, workshops, activities, markets, films, music, drama and more. www.cardiff.gov.uk/sustainabledevelopment

Cardiff One Planet Living 30 June City Hall 10.00am - 4.00pm

Cardiff One Planet Living at City Hall will mark the launch of the Cardiff One Planet City Festival and celebrate the close of the Cardiff 2012 Cycle Festival. One Planet Living is a FREE event for all the family and will include a wide range of interactive activities and family friendly fun including street entertainers, solar powered live music, low carbon cook-offs, local food produce, cycling workshops, face painting, uni-cycling, and lots more! There is also an “Understanding our World” event at Cardiff Museum on the same day, so come along and get the best out of two free events for the family.

Open Air Theatre

Cardiff Castle The Lord Chamberlain’s Men present Macbeth Fri 6 - Sat 7 July / 7.30pm Blood, battles, weird sisters - it can be only be one play When the triumphant soldier Macbeth discovers he’s destined to be the next King of Scotland, he and Lady Macbeth decide to risk everything in a desperate attempt to gain the throne. Macbeth’s violent dream of power becomes a paranoid nightmare. Join The Lord Chamberlains Men in this devastating and gripping thriller. Tickets must be booked by Wed 4 July Adults: £13 Children: £9 Tickets on the night Adults: £16 Children: £11

Get ready for flamenco from Seville, acrobatics from France and a giant beehive that you and your kids can explore at Hijinx Theatre’s Unity Festival. Unity is Wales’ only international inclusive arts festival. Held over ten days, it kicks off outside Queens Arcade on Queen Street, Cardiff City Centre, with small metal objects, an award-winning outdoor performance from Australia’s Back to Back Theatre. Take your seat on a specially installed seating bank, put on your headphones and watch as an intensely personal drama unfolds amidst the crowds on Queen Street. The festival continues at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, with a week-long, packed programme of comedy, theatre, dance, children’s shows, music and much more. Come and be entertained by a host of free performances and workshops, as well as ticketed shows in the Weston Studio. For more details of the whole festival, check out www.wmc.org.uk/unity.

Great British Cheese Festival CARDIFF CASTLE Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sept 10am - 5pm

Tickets: £5 - £14, plus plenty of free performances in and around Wales Millennium Centre. Tickets available at: Wales Millennium Centre 029 2063 6464 or www.wmc.org.uk/unity

Come along to try, taste and buy from the finest selection of Great British cheeses. And with samplings and tastings, masterclasses and demonstrations, you will get a real insight into the subtle art of cheese making. Plus the Cardiff Arms Pub and entertainment galore.

Cardiff One Planet City Festival

For further information and tickets www.greatbritishcheesefestival.co.uk

29 June - 8 July

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Lasting Powers of Attorney Who Will Look After My Finances If I Am Unable To Do So? You may want someone to look after your financial affairs even if you are still mentally capable of doing so yourself. It could be that you are going on an extended holiday, going into hospital or you simply want someone to help you keep your finances in order. 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.

Types of Lasting Powers of Attorney There are two types of Powers now available. The first type of Power gives others authority to deal with your property and financial affairs including buying and selling your property, paying your mortgage and other outgoings, investing your money and arranging repairs to your property. The Power cannot be used until it has been registered with the Court. It can be registered at any time, either by yourself, thereby giving immediate effect, or by your Attorney(s) if you lose mental capacity. 26

The second type of Power deals with your personal welfare and can only be used once you lose mental capacity and it has been registered with the Court. It deals with decisions such as where you live, who you should have contact with and what medical treatment you should or should not receive.

Your Attorney(s) As with any Power of Attorney it is an important document and you should take care whom you appoint as they should be trustworthy and have appropriate skills to make the necessary decisions. If you appoint more than one Attorney, you can appoint them always to act together (jointly) or together and independently (jointly and severally). You may even appoint them to act jointly for some things and jointly and severally for others, although this requires care as it may cause problems of interpretation when using the Power.

You may also choose to appoint a successor to your Attorneys in case one of them dies or otherwise cannot act for you. In addition you may place restrictions on what your Attorneys may do for you or provide guidance as to how they are to act.

What Happens If I Do Not Make Arrangements? You may make a Lasting Power of Attorney at any time provided that you have the mental capacity to do so. Delay may mean however that you are faced with making the decision when you are already seriously ill. If you do not have mental capacity to make a Lasting Power of Attorney it may be necessary for the Court of Protection to become involved. The Court will appoint a person, called a Deputy, to make decisions on your behalf. The major disadvantages of not having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place are firstly the possible delay in dealing with your affairs and secondly the cost of making a Deputyship application, which is likely to be much more expensive than making a Lasting Power of Attorney and registering it.

Existing Enduring Powers of Attorney The law relating to Powers of Attorney changed with effect from 1st October 2007. Any Enduring Power of Attorney made under the old law before that date remains effective but it will relate only to your property and financial affairs. If you wish to give someone authority over your health or welfare you will need to make a Lasting Power of Attorney.

Rees Wood Terry Solicitors

A Professional Service We at Rees Wood Terry Solicitors aim to make the process of creating and registering Powers of Attorney as easy and as comfortable as possible. Each client is treated as an individual and their needs and wishes addressed in a professional and timely manner. Our solicitors specialise in this type of work and are also able to assist with the making of Wills and in dealing with the administration of estates. We are also able to hold the original documents in safe keeping on your behalf and do not charge our clients for this service.

Peace of mind for you and your loved ones... Our Wills and Probate Department can offer a professional, friendly and approachable service supported by years of experience and expertise. We understand that it can be difficult for many of our clients to travel in to see us so home visits can be made by arrangement. We can help with Lasting Powers of Attorney, Advance Decision documents, Wills, Inheritance Tax planning, Probate and Deeds of Variation. Peace of mind for you and your loved ones just needs you to make the initial step and to contact us.

Please ask for Angela Hickey or Clair Morgans on 02920 408809 9 St Andrews Crescent, Cardiff CF10 3DG Tel | 029 2040 8800 Fax | 029 2040 8808 info@reeswoodterry.co.uk | www.reeswoodterry.co.uk SRA no: 00264329 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Local hearing care for local people Local family run business, The Hearing Company is celebrating the start of its 5th year of caring for the local communities’ hearing. The Hearing Company Bridgend, on Wyndham Street, opened in March 2008, and Mal Johnston the company’s principal hearing aid audiologist, alongside his wife Maureen, has steadily built the total database of customers up from zero to 3,000 in just 4 years.

Mal adds: “In previous years, having worked as a Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser in the Cardiff branch of an internationally renowned hearing retailer, I felt that my home town of Bridgend would benefit from an independent local quality service. The Hearing Company pride themselves on offering great services and a real cando attitude to help our customers.”

It is the success that spurred daughter Leanne to train and complete her degree in audiology, so she can work alongside Mal.

To acknowledge the continued support of the community, The Hearing Company are offering a *FREE Hearing Aid Compatible Amplified Telephone worth £40 to all who book a free hearing health check. There is no obligation to purchase, just quote “50 Plus Magazine” when you book your appointment.

The company offers hearing tests and high definition hearing aids, including free hearing health checks, free digital hearing aid demonstrations and free aftercare and service for life. Mal comments: “It is so rewarding to improve the quality of people’s lives, as a hearing aid can prevent social isolation someone suffering from hearing loss encounters.

So, pop into the branch now to find out more and book your free hearing health check.

Hearing loss is most commonly caused by damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. This is either due to the natural ageing process or other causes, such as exposure to loud noise, disease or infection. It is so important for customers who think they may have a problem to get their hearing tested on an annual basis” A big part of the local community, Mal and Maureen, who have been married for 13 years, also support the Welsh Deaf Rugby Union, working with International Rugby Board to test players such as Celyn Ashton. They are also consistently raising money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in Wales with annual promotions, raffles and collections.

email: mal.johnston@bridgend-hearing.co.uk www.bridgend-hearing.co.uk

Your local branch at Bridgend offers a comprehensive hearing care service including: • FREE no obligation hearing health checks • FREE professional advice • FREE aftercare for life • Permanently low prices • Interest free credit across the entire range of digital hearing aids Plus, book your free hearing health check now and get a FREE Hearing Aid Compatible Amplified Telephone worth £40* *Available while stocks last. No purchase necessary

The Hearing Company 6 Wyndham House, Wyndham Street, Bridgend Tel: 01656 652444 or Freephone 0845 270 1673 email: mal.johnston@bridgend-hearing.co.uk www.bridgend-hearing.co.uk also at: Davies & Jones Opticians, Treorchy Davies & Jones Opticians, Talbot Green Eye Contact Eye Care Opticians, Caerphilly Steddy Mobility, Tondu Road Bridgend DJ Griffiths & Co. Opticians, Maesteg The Oak Tree Surgery, Brackla Davies & Jones Opticians, Dinas Powys

90 years of Insulin

“Insulin is a wonderful thing and those who use it must respect it” 23 January 2012 marked the 90th anniversary of the first successful use of insulin, arguably one of the greatest medical advances of the twentieth century. Since then, millions of people worldwide have used insulin, usually in the form of injections, to regulate their blood glucose levels and stay alive. Not long after the first insulin treatment began on a 14-year-old boy, in 1934 novelist HG Wells and his practitioner Dr RD Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes, set up the Diabetic Association aiming to make sure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin. This charity later became Diabetes UK. Today Diabetes UK is the leading charity for over 3.7 million people in the UK with diabetes – 2.9 million diagnosed and an estimated 850,000 who have diabetes but do not know it - their families, friends and healthcare professionals. The charity cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Richard Lane 68, President of Diabetes UK, has been taking insulin for more than 35 years and has seen the technology in administering insulin advance in leaps and bounds: “I used to use glass syringes which would have to be boiled and their needles sharpened. A lot has changed since then and I now use a state-of-theart insulin pump and sensor. It provides me with a remarkable amount of information about my blood glucose levels, which is transmitted wirelessly from a sensor to the actual pump which feeds me insulin. Data can be downloaded onto a computer and a detailed profile of my condition is put together. This life-changing technology means I can now keep a closer eye on my diabetes and manage it well.” 30

Richard says he feels “humble” to have access to this modern technology and is concerned that hundreds of people are denied insulin sensors and pumps and strongly believes that they should be available for all people if they are suitable. Richard is very conscious that insulin keeps him alive and without it he wouldn’t be able to live the active life that he does: “Insulin is a wonderful thing and those of us who use it must respect it. We have to be aware of how to use it and how things could go wrong if we don’t treat our condition properly.” In addition to self-managing diabetes, it is important that people with the condition are provided with the right care from their healthcare professionals. Diabetes UK has launched the 15 healthcare essentials initiative to identify the 15 care checks which all people with diabetes should have access to.

For more information, visit their website: www.diabetes.org.uk Read Richard Lane’s blog to see who he’s been sharing his experiences with across the world recently: http://blogs.diabetes.org.uk/?cat=241

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Cardiff Council Funeral Service A fixed price dignified funeral service with no hidden costs which offers excellent value for money for the residents of Cardiff. Provided by Dignity PLC operating from A.J.Stone and Ham, Canton, Cardiff. Tel: A J Stone and Ham on 029 20230091. Estimated total cost of funeral including cremation or cemetery fees; for cremation at £1200.00 and a 2 depth burial in a new grave at £1900.00 until 31/03/2013 (costs exclude floral tributes, clergy and church fees and obituary notices). Please contact Bereavement Services on 029 20544820 for further details.

Bereavement Services in Cardiff Bereavement Services Events 2012/13 (all free) INSIGNIA WALK

Cathays walk On Sunday 28th October 2012 at 2pm Meet at the main cemetery entrance on Fairoak Road. Explore and learn about the various regimental insignia found on headstones in this cemetery from World War I and II and hear some stories of the individuals buried here. Easy walk, about 1 ½ hours.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL SERVICE

Sunday 9th December 2012 at 2pm Memorial Service to commemorate all burials and cremations in Cardiff. Everybody welcome. In the crematorium Wenallt Chapel. Refreshments to follow.

PALM SUNDAY MEMORIAL SERVICE

Sunday 24th March 2013 at 2pm Memorial Service to commemorate all burials and cremations in Cardiff. Everybody welcome. In the crematorium Wenallt Chapel. Refreshments to follow.

For further information please contact: Bereavement Services, Thornhill Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 9UA. Tel: 029 20544820. Email: ThornhillReception@cardiff.gov.uk Web: www.cardiff.gov.uk/bereavement

Gwasanaethau Angladdau Cyngor Caerdydd Gwasanaeth angladdau pris sefydlog urddasol heb unrhyw gostau cudd, sy’n cynnig gwerth gwych am arian i drigolion Caerdydd. Gwasanaeth gan Dignity PLC, yn gweithredu o 'A.J. Stone and Ham', Treganna, Caerdydd. Ffôn: 'A J Stone and Ham' ar 029 20230091. Amcangyfrif o gyfanswm cost yr angladd gan gynnwys costau amlosgi neu fynwent; amlosgi am £1200.00 a chladdu 'dyfnder 2' mewn bedd newydd am £1900.00 tan 31/03/2013 (nid yw'r costau'n cynnwys teyrngedau blodau, costau clerigwyr nac eglwys na hysbysiadau coffa). Cysylltwch â Gwasanaethau Profedigaeth ar 029 20544820 am ragor o wybodaeth.

Gwasanaethau Profedigaeth yng Nghaerdydd Gwasanaethau Profedigaeth Digwyddiadau 2012/13 (y cwbl am ddim) TAITH GERDDED ARWYDDLUNIAU

Taith Gerdded Cathays Dydd Sul 28 Hydref 2012 am 2pm Cyfarfod wrth brif fynedfa’r fynwent yn Fairoak Road. Cyfle i edrych ar y gwahanol arwyddluniau catrodol ar y cerrig coffa yn y fynwent hon o’r ddau Ryfel Byd a gwrando ar straeon am yr unigolion sydd wedi’u claddu yma. Taith gerdded hawdd, tua 1 ½ awr.

GWASANAETH COFFA’R NADOLIG

Dydd Sul 9 Rhagfyr 2012 am 2pm Gwasanaeth Coffa i goffáu pob claddedigaeth ac amlosgiad yng Nghaerdydd. Croeso i bawb. Yn amlosgfa Capel Wenallt. Lluniaeth i ddilyn.

GWASANAETH COFFA SUL Y BLODAU Dydd Sul 24 Mawrth 2013 am 2pm Gwasanaeth Coffa i goffáu pob claddedigaeth ac amlosgiad yng Nghaerdydd. Croeso i bawb. Yn amlosgfa Capel Wenallt. Lluniaeth i ddilyn.

Am wybodaeth bellach cysylltwch â: Gwasanaethau Profedigaeth, Thornhill Road, Rhiwbeina, Caerdydd CF14 9UA. Ffôn: 029 20544820. E-bost: ThornhillReception@caerdydd.gov.uk Gwe: www.caedydd.gov.uk/bereavement

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