Cheltenham issue 21 by 50 Plus Magazine

CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER FEBRUARY - APRIL 2013 EDITION 21

David Hasselhoff THE HOFF’S GOT TALENT

The Hairy Bikers

DELICIOUS & HEALTHY RECIPES

Brendan Cole TALKS TO ANGELA KELLY

Reader Offer CONSULTATION, HOTEL & FLIGHT PACKAGE FROM KREATIV DENTAL CLINIC

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A winning natural smile from Cotswolds leading dental studios ICC Implant & Ceramic Dental Studios are an award-winning dental company based in the heart of the Cotswolds, renowned for handling even the most complex cases with bespoke natural results. Following a £300,000 investment in its cutting-edge dental practice and training facility, the Cotswolds based Studio has set new standards for advanced dental care, offering the very latest dental procedures for beautiful, long-lasting results in the same day. Thanks to their excellence in technical dental work for dentists and outstanding results for patients, the facility has already won the Dental Awards 4 times. They are the first in the country to be voted Best Implant Clinic, Best New Practice and Best Laboratory on the same site. They are the first and only Vita Masterlab in the United Kingdom, one of 30 in Europe. This dental studio offers an impressive facility that is relaxing and comfortable with a highly qualified team of dental surgeons, cosmetic dentists and a master-technician, all with a special interest in the patient’s journey. Having the dentist and the technician chair side allows us to work to a much higher degree of accuracy than is otherwise possible in a normal dental practice. This unique approach allows for very exact finishing detail on colour, profile and shape on ceramic work that we manufacture. We are also able to carry out laboratory adjustments chair side. The finished result therefore blends perfectly to your natural teeth. With close attention paid by this team to shade matching

and shape and smile selection. They will feel entirely natural and comfortable. Attention is also given to restoring the pink tissues in the gums for a complete restoration result. Patients can actually sit with the master technician while they make and match your new teeth as well as missing gum and dentures. The patient is fully involved in the process and in control of the decisions that will affect the finished result. TJ Nicolas is a speaker and trains other dentists on the unique team approach and how to deliver the best aesthetic result to the patient. Daria Szymiczek is also a trainer in the subject and Torjus Baalack runs courses on Cad Cam dentistry using the Serona Cerec system. For a unique approach to very complex cases we are the team for you. Much of our work can also be manufactured and fitted in one day eliminating the inconvenience of having temporary work and a second visit. For example, a high quality bespoke front tooth can be made and fitted within an hour; a missing tooth replaced with a titanium dental implant and immediate-loading crown can be completed within a morning and complex all on four implant fixed bridges can replace an ill-fitting denture with fixed teeth in a day. Exactly as they were before if need be, the ultimate challenge and we can do it with confidence.

What are dental implants? Crowns, bridges or dentures are essentially replacements for missing teeth and behave in much the same way as natural teeth. Where a replacement tooth (crown) or bridge is required and there are no existing teeth to support it, or they are not strong enough, then the dental surgeon will use a dental implant. A dental implant is very simply a fixing which is inserted into the jawbone, similar to the root of a tooth. A stump is left above the jawbone and this provides the support for a false tooth or crown. The implant itself is a slender but strong metal rod. It looks like a small screw or cylinder. ICC Dental only use high quality titanium dental implants. These actually fuse with the bone of the patient’s jaw via a healing process called ‘osseointegration’, which provides an incredibly firm fixing.

Before

No temporary plastic dentures It is important to understand the process your dentist uses. At ICC Dental, our state of the art crowns are high quality ceramic. Pre-fitting them onto your dental implant means that you can leave with your new ceramic tooth on the fitting day. No need to put up with poor quality temporary dentures.

After

Tops tips when you choose between NHS or Private dentistry NHS dentistry offers the public a state subsidised affordable alternative to private dentistry for basic treatment with an emphasis on function. It offers dentistry under 3 categories. Band 1: £17.50 - check-ups and x-rays etc with little or no treatment. Band 2: £48 - offers unlimited fillings; extractions or root canal treatments.

The most advanced dental technology at its best: l l l l l l l l l l

Custom-made porcelain crowns in an hour Smile design for natural, beautiful results All-on-four implant supported bridge in-a-day Veneers and professional, pain-free tooth whitening Continuous, essential aftercare included General dentistry Specialist hygienist service Sedation available Finance packages 20 minute complimentary consultation to address any questions you may have.

Band 3: will cover laboratory based work. Many dentists struggle to deliver treatment to the patient at this price level without compromising on materials or choice of laboratory without paying for this out of their own pocket. High quality laboratory work such as crowns can often cost 2-3 times as much as the NHS fee and this will mean that cheaper crowns will have to be sourced by the prescribing dentist. This will ultimately influence how closely matched the colour will be to your teeth as you cannot see the person who makes them, how well they fit, what they are made from and how long they will last. Professor Steele, who oversaw the new Dental NHS “Crowns should last no longer than 3 years”. A good crown set on a titanium implant can last a lifetime, but this would not be available on the NHS... Many dentists have left the NHS as they got fed up with volume dentistry and valued more spending time with their patients and having a greater choice of treatments, materials and laboratory work to offer. A private practice can offer a greater range of treatments and more alternatives giving you better control and choice what is done to your teeth and mouth. Dentistry is about choicesyou have to choose what is important to you and how much you value the added choice that private dentistry can give. To have an idea of how much this can affect patients please look at www.allaboutteeth.co.uk for free dental advice.

Call us on 01254 237517 Tel: 01285 821220/386

Call now to book your complimentary initial 20 minute consultation e: info@ceramiccentre.com or visit www.ceramiccentre.com ICC Implant & Ceramic Dental Studios The Clubroom | Miserden | Gloucestershire

GL6 7JA

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10-11

Orchard Park, Twigworth A New Lifestyle for the over 50s Are you retiring, or looking to downsize yet do not wish to compromise on your high standard of living? A park home lifestyle could be your solution, 50 Plus finds out. A peaceful location with easy access to all local amenities.

ith beautiful views over the nearby surrounding hills, Orchard Park nestles just two miles from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Gloucester. An exclusive development with its own on site shop and not too far away from Tewkesbury Abbey and Gloucester Quays and the cathedral. Soon to be released is an exciting development of three brand new plots within this well established park, which boast apple trees and pear trees over laden with fresh fruit for easy picking. A typical new park home comes with two double bedrooms, fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. To the exterior with each home will be a driveway and garden, somewhere to relax and unwind during your post work leisure years. We would be very proud to show anyone around our current development and answer any questions about the park or the home options that can be chosen.

3 OTHER PARKS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA WITH HOMES FOR SALE ARE WILDWOOD PARK, CIRENCESTER HILLCREST PARK, WYTHALL, WEST MIDLANDS BLUNSDON ABBEY PARK, SWINDON

For further information telephone:

01793 722100

www.pineview.co.uk

18-19

Visit our charity shop We have a wide range of clothes, shoes, books, CDs, DVDs, toys and bric-a-brac. Pick up a bargain.

We urgently need stock. All donations are gratefully received. All your donations will help support services for local older people in Gloucestershire. Registered charity number 1111773. IDBB2123 11/12

inside... TRAVEL & LEISURE 5

Coach Holidays 2013 ... With Yeomans Travel

10-11 Travels around Tuscany ... Fabulous scenery and breathtaking drives 17

Traditional Cotswold Pub and Restaurant ... See Sample Menu

INTERVIEW 14-15 The Hoff’s Got Talent... From Britain’s Got Talent to Peter Pan 22-23 Licence to Thrill... Brendan Cole talks to Angela Kelly

HEALTH 14-15 Save £1000s ... Get Your Teeth Fixed in Budapest 18-19 How to Love Food and Lose Weight ... Recipes from the Hairy Bikers 30-31 Care Visits at Home .. Stay Independent with Bluebird Care.

McGrath Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

Make it easier for yourself and take advantage of our fantastic holidays …

Just book up, pack up and go!

Llandudno ‘The Whistle Stop Tour’

5 days £249.00 per person

Departing: Monday 25th February 2013 Your holiday includes: 4 nights ensuite accommodation at the two star Esplanade Hotel, Llandudno situated on the seafront promenade. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Excursion to Betws-y-Coed before continuing through the Llanberis Pass to the ancient town of Caernarfon. Excursion to Liverpool with some free time to explore this cultural city famous for its maritime, musical and football history. Themed evening entertainment.

5 days £286.00 per person

Departing: Monday 8th April 2013 Your holiday includes: 4 nights ensuite accommodation at the three star Queens Hotel, situated on the east cliff only a short walk from the town and beaches. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Visit to the pretty city of Salisbury with free time to explore. A morning excursion to the Compton Acres Garden, a collection of ten themed ornamental gardens to enjoy. The remainder of the day is free to explore the resort of Bournemouth. Scenic drive through the New Forest to Beaulieu,the home of Lord Montague

Babbacombe

5 days £189.00 per person

Bournemouth

Irish House Party

5 days £279.00 per person

Departing: Monday 15th April 2013 Your holiday includes: 4 nights ensuite accommodation at the four star family run County Arms Hotel, in Birr, County Offaly, a short walk from the town centre. It has an indoor pool and restaurant serving locally sourced produce. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast is included The House Party includes story telling, Irish themed Dinner with Irish dancing, live music on one night, quiz/bingo on one night & Irish coffee/soda bread demonstration. Visit to Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site before continuing on to Kilbeggin to visit a distillery for a guided tour plus an Excursion to the popular tourist site– the rock of Cashel.

5 days £259.00 per person

Departing: Monday 22nd April 2013 Your holiday includes: 4 nights ensuite accommodation at the family run Auckland Hotel, ideally situated on the seafront promenade. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and evening entertainment each night of our stay A matinee film from the 1960s will be shown at the hotel. Visit to the Lake District for a trip on the Haverwaite Steam railway followed by a cruise along Lake Windermere to Bowness. Excursion to the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool.

Morecambe 1960s Break

Eastbourne & Scenic Sussex

5 days £249.00 per person

Departing: Friday 19th April 2013 Your holiday includes: 4 nights ensuite accommodation at the popular two star Congress Hotel, Eastbourne. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast An excursion to Amberley Open Museum where we find 36 acres of crafts and vintage transport, exhibitions and nature trails. Full day excursion to Battle and Rye—we first visit Battle built around the abbey on the site of the battle of 1066. Later we stop at Rye overlooking Romney Marshes which is now a thriving market town beautifully preserved.

Dutch Bulbfields & the glorious Dutch Royal Palace

4 days £289.00 per person

Departing: Friday 26th April 2013 Your holiday includes: 3 nights at the three star Postilion Hotel located on the outskirts of Dordrecht with a bar, restaurant and garden. All rooms are served by a lift. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast  Visit to the famous Keukenhof Gardens, the highlight of the holiday where you can wander the park enjoying the flora and fauna—the theme this year is the ‘United Kingdom!’ Visit to the former Dutch royal residence of Het Loo Palace, built over 300 years ago. The sumptuously furnished interiors give an impression of how the Dutch royal family lived for three centuries.

Departing: Thursday 7th March 2013 Your holiday Includes: 4 nights ensuite accommodation at the popular Hotel De La Mer. Dinner, Bed & Breakfast. Excursion to the nearby city of Exeter with its historic quayside and gothic cathedral. Excursion to the maritime city of Plymouth, where there is free time to explore its history such as the Barbican or the famous Plymouth Hoe.

Rhines in Flames Spectacular

4 days £394.00 per person

Departing: Friday 3rd May 2013 Your holiday includes: 3 nights ensuite accommodation at the four star Maritim Konigswinter Hotel with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast River cruise with 2 course meal along the Siebenbirge to Linz. As darkness falls the 60 illuminated boats make their way down the river to watch the romantic scenery and the riverside towns light up with stunning firework displays Visit to the popular city of Cologne with free time to explore– stroll around the old town taking in the Romanesque buildings or visit the famous chocolate museum or just soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere along with a kolsh– it’s famous beer!

Prices are based on two people sharing a room. Please note this tours list is not exhaustive please contact us for our complete coach holiday brochure!

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HAVING A TWITTER with Graham Smith Born to be King or Queen Well didn’t that cause a media kerfuffle? No sooner had the ink dried on Lord Justice Leveson’s pen to give the British press a kick in the rear when all hell breaks loose as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting. No doubt as the new year wears on there will be many more scramblings and in summer expect carnage as the race is on for the first picture of the newborn. Cameramen and reporters were almost killed in the media scrum to take up pole position outside King Edward VII hospital where the Duchess had been admitted with morning sickness in the early stages of her pregnancy. Why do they do it? All they are going to see is a hospital door for goodness sake. Kate’s hardly likely to come tripping down in her nightie to pose for pictures in between retching, is she? Some of the words which come out of media mouths on such occasions can make you equally sick. Charged with filling three minutes on the main news they come out with all manner of tripe. Under new laws, even if this baby is a girl, it will be third in line of succession to the throne. Bearing in mind the longevity of the Royal Family I reckon she could be around 87 before she comes to the throne and I certainly don’t think I’ll be at the street party to celebrate. One conversation between media types discussed what would happen if she had twins. Eventually the concensus was that the first child to emerge would be third in line to the throne. Fascinating, they go to college for this you know. It’s been over 2,000 years since we had such fervour over an impending birth, and look at the trouble that caused. Every guest house was closed and the poor beggar ended up in a stable jostling for position with cows, sheep, singing shepherds, camels, a donkey and a confused surrogate father who claimed he hadn’t done anything to Mary anyway! (Oh dear, there will be letters).

Joking apart, good luck to the Royal couple, they were one of the few bright spots in the year 2012 and let’s hope the chastised media minds its manners with them and their future family as we go into 2013.

Dogs in the driving seat Given that they have usually four perfectly good legs why would you want to teach a dog to drive? A New Zealand animal charity is doing just that because it reckons that owners will be more encouraged to adopt them if they show signs of increased intelligence. Right then. I’ll admit it’s handy if you’re out to a party and don’t want to drive. Instead of your wife you could take the dog to drive you home but if the police stop you don’t count on being home before morning, they will have questions. The charity put Porter, Mont and Ginny behind the wheel of an adapted Mini Cooper and after just eight weeks are reported to have put it in gear, accelerate and steer, something which is beyond many humans after they have passed their test! So far the dogs have been driving with the help of an assistant inside the car but the next move is to let them try solo, on live television. Simon Cowell wait for this. According to an instructor, they will hop in, start the car, put it in gear and use the accelerator. Thankfully this is being done on an off-road track but the charity has visions of carrying it further. When I see a Jack Russell driving a Mini Cooper down the motorway I will know it’s time to hand in my licence.

When Irish eyes are smiling! We recently rented out a property after receiving quite a bit of Internet interest but it was the last enquiry which made me chuckle. It said simply by text, “Would you consider renting to an Irish escort?” I didn’t reply and the following day received another text with a link to the escort’s web site. Checking, as you do, I was staggered at the rates she was charging, £170 an hour….she could certainly have paid the rent! 8

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Smile! your teethfixed xedinin in Smile! Get Smile! Get your yourteeth teeth xed Budapest and save £1000s Budapest and save £1000s Budapest £1000s

InIn2013 the dental tourism industry isis set 2013 thethe dental tourism industry set In 2013 dental tourism industry is totocontinue to grow with more and more continue to grow with more and more set to continue to grow with more and people traveling totoBudapest in people Budapest inHungary Hungary moretraveling people travelling to Budapest in totohave their teeth  xed. have theirtoteeth xed. teeth fixed. Hungary havetheir InIn2012 the Treatment Abroad Medical In 2012 Treatment Abroad Medical 2012 thethe Treatment Abroad Medical Tourism Survey revealed that 20,000 Tourism Survey revealed that 20,000 Tourism Survey revealed that 20,000 people from UK travelled overseas people from the UK travelled overseas people from thethe UK travelled overseas for dental treatment. for treatment. fordental dental treatment. Budapest has long been established as Budapest has long established as Budapest longbeen been established as the mosthas popular destination in Europe the popular dental destination in themost most popular dental destination in because of the high standards of dental Europe ofofthe high Europe because the highstandards standards care,because the rigorous training and education ofofdental care, the rigorous training and dental care, the rigorous training and of Hungarian dentists, and the huge education of Hungarian dentists, and education of Hungarian dentists, and the savings on offer to UK patients. the huge hugesavings savingson onoffer offertotoUK UKpatients. patients. Direct flights are available from Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh Direct ightsare are available from Direct ights available from and London for as little as £60 return. Manchester,Leeds, Leeds,Bristol, Bristol,Edinburgh Edinburgh Manchester,

and London for as little little as £60 £60 return. return. and London for as Kreativ Dental Clinic isasthe most advanced dental clinic in Hungary, Kreativ Dental Clinic is is the the most most Kreativ Dental Clinic dedicated to providing its patients with advanced dental clinic in Hungary, advanced dental clinic in Hungary, the highest quality of care at prices that dedicated to its patients with dedicated to providing providing patients with are on average 50% toits 70% cheaper the highest quality of care at prices that the highest quality of care at prices that than in the UK. are 50% to to 70% 70% cheaper cheaper than than are on on average average 50% in the UK. inThe theKreativ UK. Dental Team are specialists in Dental Implants, Artificial Bone Replacement, SinusTeam Lifting, The Kreativ Dental Team arePorcelain specialists The are specialists Crowns, Bridgework, Veneers, Root in cial Bone Bone in Dental Implants, Articial Canal Treatment and Periodontal Replacement, Lifting, Porcelain Porcelain Replacement, Sinus Lifting, Surgery.Bridgework, Veneers, Crowns, Veneers, Root Root Crowns, Canal Treatment Periodontal Canal and Periodontal UK aftercare is provided for all patients Surgery. Surgery. and their guarantee is the strongest available in Budapest. UK aftercare is provided for UK for all all patients patients and their guarantee is the strongest and strongest available in Budapest. available

How much can Howmuch muchcan canI Isave? Isave? save? How Th 32 year old male saved more than £9000 Thisis32 32year yearold old male saved more than £9000 This male saved more than £9000

Th same treatment the UK can cost over The ininin the UK can cost over Theesame sametreatment treatment the UK can cost over £16,000. Th e patient received multiple high £16,000. The patient received multiple high £16,000. The patient received multiple high quality dental implants, and full upper and lower quality and full upper and lower qualitydental dentalimplants, implants, and full upper and lower porcelain crown and bridge work at the Kreativ porcelain crown and bridge work at the Kreativ porcelain crown and bridge work at the Kreativ Dental Budapest. Dental Clinic Budapest. DentalClinic Clinicininin Budapest.

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y n a c s u T

Travels around

veladvisor.com)

ver Travel Advisor (silvertra

By Maria Meredith from Sil

Italy is one of my favourite places not only because I have family there (Parma) but also I love the many different areas- the Puglian trullis, the fabulous scenery and breath taking drives around the Amalfi coast, the Sicilian culture- not forgetting the fabulous food and wine! We had never been to Tuscany and decided it was time to go and see what all the fuss was about!

My Week in Tuscany Our Easyjet plane landed on time at Pisa, it’s much cheaper to fly here than to Florence and we picked up our hire car from Budget, which was a bargain £99 for the week. The car hire collection point is accessed via a 2 minute free bus ride and was one of the easiest car hire pick up/returns 10

we have had along with the bonus of being given a free upgrade. This was a very positive start.

Il Castelle, Certaldo Alta We set out for our first stop, La Fonte in Certaldo, where we were staying for four nights. Our first visit was to San Gimignano, which we did like but we found it very touristy and much preferred the old town of Certaldo. Here we were lucky enough to witness an Italian wedding which provided a great opportunity to experience a true Italian event and watch all the characters enjoy themselves. Sadly, we did not discover the relevance of the various metal life-sized men placed around the town, one of which was perched on top of a high tower, an art installation perhaps? Certaldo Alto was accessed via a funicular railway which stays open until late (costs 1 euro each way). It was far less touristy than San Gimignano and therefore was not as crowded. We enjoyed two excellent meals in Certaldo Alto– at Il Castello

and L’Antica Fonte - both with lovely views. The owner of La Fonte strongly recommended taking the train to Florence (about 10 euros for a return ticket, the journey takes just under an hour to Santa Maria station, where you get off). It’s vital to check and double check train times as these can change at the last minute somewhat unpredictably.

Siena Siena was next on the agenda and this was the only place where we hadn’t pre-booked accommodation. We found a brilliant hotel within 10 minutes’ walking distance of the Duomo, main square, restaurants & bars etc. It is the Hotel Villa Liberty and cost only 133 euros for B&B in a very good location. The only downside of our stay in Siena was that minutes after getting seated “al fresco” in our chosen restaurant that evening, the heavens opened! En route to Lucca the following day we decided to take a detour to

Volterra which I had read about in the tour guide. Volterra is another walled city and most definitely worth the journey. The countryside views en route were stunning and sadly I conceded that many were better than in the UK! And it wasn’t raining…… Our arrival at Albergo Villa Casanova was far later than we planned so we did not really have that much time to relax – this 5 star boutique hotel certainly had the “Wow” factor but at a price! Leaving the luxury of Casanova behind we set out for a morning sightseeing in Lucca before making our way to our last destination of Pisa. We wished we had allowed more time for Lucca - we noticed many people cycling around the city walls and would have liked to have done the same. We did manage to get lost in the maze of streets but fortunately the lady I asked understood my Italian…. and more importantly. I understood her directions! We had decided to return the car a day early as the cost of parking the car in the hotel garage was around the same price as taxis to/from the airport. We also felt it would be less stressful than the usual car hire return palaver, but I must say it was one of the easiest car hire returns ever! The Royal Victoria Hotel in Pisa cost only £99 for B&B. Described as a very old antique hotel we appreciated it was going to be vastly different to the luxury we had experienced at Casanova but it was perfect for a short stay. The Fields of Miracles was within 1015 minutes walking distance from our hotel with many bars & restaurants en route - obviously the closer to The Tower the more you pay. We chose a bar on the corner directly opposite the Tower and were pleasantly surprised to receive four delicious mini paninis along with our Peronis!

Leaning Tower of Pisa I had wanted to see the Leaning Tower for as long as I could remember and l was not disappointed. It has benefited from a “wash & brush up” and looked

marvellous. We could not believe the extent that tourists were going to get wacky photos - what a laugh! And … yes…we got a few of our own too-it must be infectious. We will definitely return …in Spring or Autumn maybe. That evening we chose La Buca restaurant near the Tower – the meal was nice but sadly the service did not match the quality of the food. After a few more hours in The Fields of Miracles the following morning we returned to our hotel for the taxi to the airport to catch our late afternoon flight. Our only regret is that we hadn’t booked a further two or three days in this beautiful part of the world with the ever present scent of Jasmine. We returned feeling like we could do with another more relaxing holiday to totally “chill out”! We hardly had time to read more than a few pages of our books as the sightseeing, travelling and staying at four different accommodations was quite wearing - not to mention that I was suffering from “photography fatigue” after taking over 800 photos! In future I will bear this in mind or make a point of sightseeing only until mid pm returning to our accommodation for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and to read a few chapters.

Maria Meredith

writes for the over 50’s travel review and information website silvertraveladvisor. com. Maria is an active Silver Traveller; when her husband retired two years ago, she decided to join him at the age of 54 (one benefit of marrying an older man!). She has worked in banking, catering and for the last 28 years for M&S at a variety of stores. She has many hobbies, entering competitions and photography being two of them. Travel has always been a big part of her life - visiting many places in Europe and also destinations further afield such as New Zealand, India & Mauritius. Her first ever cruise was last year to see the Northern Lights. She particularly enjoys reading about different customs and traditions and has many funny stories to share, hence Maria is delighted to be able to contribute to Silver Travel Advisor.

For more details see silvertraveladvisor.com

barnes 2013 Holidays & Short Breaks by Coach Cosy Break in Torquay We have been operating this tour for many years now and it is always popular and often sells out. Entertainment every night.

Headland Hotel HHH

Sitting majestically on the headland l

LIFT

BAR

SAUNA

GYM

Friday 22nd February 4 Days £174

Cornish Riviera, Falmouth Falmouth has a beautiful position and our hotel is well located on the seafront, with far reaching views. Having such a mild climate, sub tropical plants bloom here. The magnificent natural harbour and interesting town add to the charm of this excellent resort.

Membly Hall Hotel

The hotel is situated on the sea front with panoramic views. l LIFT l BAR l SATELLITE TV l SAUNA l SPA

Monday 25th Feb 5 Days £219

Thursday 11th April 5 Days £279

BARGAIN Mystery Tour These are always popular. This year we have numerous short holidays in February and March with extras for example a 4 day break over Easter has entertainment galore.

Hotel ... obviously a secret ...

There will also be interesting towns visited on the way to and back from the destination and on the 3 and 4 day tours there will be an included excursion from the hotel.

Mystery Tour

3 Days 2nd Mar £149.95 4 Days 29th Mar £249 2 Days 28th April £124.95

Cosy Break in Paignton We have been operating this tour for many years now and it is always popular and often sells out. Entertainment every night.

Queens Hotel HHH

Situated near to the front and shops. l

LIFT

BAR

POOL

Friday 8th March 4 Days £179

Isle of Wight, Sandown Almost half the island is designated an area of outstanding beauty with a variety of landscapes, including high chalk downland and a lovely coastline. Sandown is a beautifully positioned resort with the seafront just metres from the shops and cafes.

Burlington Hotel

One of our favourite hotels located minutes from the seafront. l BAR l POOL l SPA l GROUND FLOOR ROOMS

Good Friday 29th March 5 Days £299 Friday 26th April 5 Days £269

Call: 01793 821303 for your 2013 brochure

Llandudno & Snowdonia including Chester Llandudno lies on a curving bay flanked by Great Orme, a 700 ft high limestone headland, and Little Orme. The town retains considerable character through its wide promenade and main streets.

Somerset Hotel

Ideally situated on the promenade with panoramic views of the bay. The main shopping area is directly behind. l LIFT l BAR

Good Friday 29th March 5 Days £299

The Jurassic Coast & Devon, Sidmouth Sidmouth has a unique charm with its beautiful gardens, leisurely walks, regency history, clean beaches and friendly shops. The town nestles beneath majestic red cliffs and green hills.

The Kingswood & Devoran Hotel HHH

An elegant relaxing retreat at the centre of Sidmouth’s delightful historic esplanade, and backed by 60 years of renowned family service and hospitality. l

LIFT

BAR

Thursday 18th April 4 Days £259

Norfolk Coast & Broads

inc. Boat Ride on Broads & The Thursford Collection - Great Yarmouth Norfolk is a unique area of Britain with the Broads, open expanses of water often linked to rivers. Great Yarmouth is our base and is one of Britain’s premier resorts.

Raynscourt Hotel

Family run hotel near beach and town. l

BAR l LIFT

Monday 15th April 5 Days £279

‘Little Switzerland’ & Springtime in Vianden Luxembourg

One of Europe’s best kept secrets is the picturesque town of Vianden, found amid magnificent scenery on the banks of the River Our. The town has much to offer, but we also include a tour of the capital city, a visit to Trier and a wine tasting along the Moselle Valley. Our base is Vianden with its impeccably restored mediaeval castle framed by forests.

Grand Hotel de Vianden HHH

Ideally located just a few minutes from the centre of Vainden. l LIFT l BAR

Monday 22nd April 5 Days £399

Eastbourne Eastbourne is one of England’s premier seaside resorts. There is a magnificent Victorian seafront and there are beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy.

Alexandra Hotel HH

Hotel with excellent sea views and cuisine. l

LIFT l BAR

Monday 29th April 5 Days £259

Venice & The Adriatic Lido di Jesolo is on the Adriatic Sea close to Venice and has miles of sandy beaches. This tour gives us two free days to enjoy the beach whilst at resort and there are 3 differing yet fantastic days out. We take a different route to and from Italy both offering great scenery.

Harry’s Hotel, Lido di Jesolo HHH

Hotel set directly adjacent to the ocean with sun terrace. l BAR l OUTDOOR POOL

Monday 29th April 9 Days £599

PLUS MANY, MANY MORE!

For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk

The Hoff ’s GOT TALENT For a man who hit 60 not long ago David Hasselhoff – better known as simply The Hoff – has continued the swashbuckling ways he began as a young actor. Known to millions across the world as good guy Michael Knight, the man with the talking car in iconic science fiction series “Knight Rider” which was the most watched TV show in history, the actor became a hero. He compounded the image with another blockbuster of the small screen, “Baywatch”, where he played lifeguard Mitch Buchannon and saved even more lives.

The pirate with the interesting hand ornament and overdose of self-confidence, however, is a million miles from the young David Hasselhoff. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, David first got the theatrical bug at the age of seven and took acting, singing and dancing lessons. He was, however, very shy off stage in front of girls because he was tall and thin. On stage, though, he was in his element. Unsurprisingly, acting became his career and, while in California, he became successful on the hugely popular US TV series “The Young and the Restless” in 1973 as Dr William “Snapper” Foster Jr. By then, he’d developed heartthrob looks and a physique to match. In 1982 he moved from daytime soap to prime time programming with “Knight Rider” which captured the public’s imagination not only in the States but across the world.

His swashbuckling action is on the side of the baddies rather than the goodies as he became the notorious Captain Hook in perennial panto favourite “Peter Pan” for an extended run at Manchester’s Opera House.

When that show ended, Hasselhoff launched a successful recording career in Europe. In 1989 “Looking for Freedom” remained in the No.1 spot in the German charts for eight consecutive weeks. He has continued to perform regularly in concert ever since and has released nine albums to date, scoring a UK single hit in 2006 with “Jump In My Car”. He returned to episodic TV in 1989 in “Baywatch” – the series about California lifeguards which launched Pamela Anderson to superstardom and made red one-piece swimming costumes the coolest beachwear on the planet. Although the programme enjoyed good ratings, the network cancelled it after only one series. Undeterred, Hasselhoff and his partners acquired the rights to the 14

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INTERVIEW

show and, based on his popularity overseas, secured funding and revived “Baywatch” in 1991. The programme is still running and is now a piece of American culture, seen in 140 countries by more than one billon viewers each week. David Hasselhoff has always been prepared to try new challenges and his lengthy acting career has included film and stage roles. He made his Broadway debut in 2000 in the title role of “Jekyll and Hyde” and played the lead role in London performances of “Chicago.” He’s sufficiently down-to-earth to parody himself – even taking a major role in the children’s blockbuster film “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” in 2004 where he meets SpongeBob and Patrick very much in his “Baywatch” persona. He had a short appearance in the movie “DodgeBall”, was in “EuroTrip” and played Adam Sandler’s despicable boss in the 2006 film “Click”. The same year, he portrayed Roger DeBris in the Las Vegas production of Mel Brooks’ famous show “The Producers”. His star was certainly in the ascendancy during this time as he also became a judge on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, taking a judging role in the second, third and fourth seasons alongside Sharon Osburne and Piers Morgan. Hasselhoff also has an uncanny knack of spotting trends and opportunities. In 2008, “The Hoff” became the first celebrity downloadable character for the PlayStation Network’s video game “Pain”. And the following year, he began a TV love affair with the British public through two-part special “The Hoff: When Scott Came To Stay” which chronicled how radio presenter Scott Mills lived for four days with Hasselhoff at his Californian mansion. The star and his two daughters, Taylor and Hayley, took part in another British TV reality show when they went ghost-hunting at Tutbury Castle in Staffordshire. And in 2011, The Hoff – always a big favourite in the UK - returned to British TV as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent”. He’s been a contestant on America’s “Dancing with the Stars” and, to demonstrate his theatrical diversity, in 2011 took on the dastardly pirate role in “Peter Pan” for the first time. Hasselhoff is a true Anglophile, has often brought his daughters here and his 32 year-old girlfriend, Hayley Roberts, is Welsh. At 6ft 4ins and with one of the most recognisable faces in the world that appears to be defeating the ravages of time, he’s still hugely popular wherever he goes.

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He’s a big fan of Manchester, and has been reported as saying he wants to enjoy shopping in the city and see a play during his stay. “I love the Manchester accent and I can’t believe how beautiful and hip the city is,” he said. “When I was in town for ‘Britain’s ~Got Talent’, Louis Walsh said to me ‘you’ll love Manchester’ and I did. The city is very, very cool and European.” He describes his panto role as “The Hook gone Hoff” and there’s no doubt audiences will enjoy what is bound to be an entertaining stint by this enthusiastic performer. As for where his career takes him next, David Hasselhoff appears to be accepting of where the theatrical fates send him. Likeable and larger than life, he is pragmatic about his work and was once reported as saying: “I may not be a big movie star who gets to be James Bond, but who cares? I am happy. I’ll leave it in God’s hands.” Photos: Shutterstock.com

Coffee Break Puzzles S C A N Y O N E M T S N N O B P P Q R R H R Q U D O R O S O J

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F K E O E F U G E H S D O B D N A D W H R G A Q T D N U W D S E K R S M T W O S S A O G N

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Kriss Kross 3 letters Cow Eve Nip Orb Wan 4 letters Eddy Lest 5 letters Dodgy 6 letters Esprit Papaya 7 letters Arbiter

L O J

See how quickly you can fit the listed words into the interlocking grid.

Naivety Unicorn 8 letters Envelope Reusable 9 letters Persecute Repayable 10 letters Elliptical Pharmacist 11 letters Restrictive Thunderclap

ARIZONA BANDIT BOOTS BRONCO CACTI CAMPFIRE CANYON CATTLE CHAPS CORRAL COWBOY DUST GOLD RUSH GRINGO GUNFIGHT LASSO LIQUOR MUSTANG OUTLAW PISTOL POKER POSTER RAWHIDE REWARD RODEO SADDLE SALOON SHERIFF SPURS STETSON STIRRUPS TUMBLEWEED WAGON WIGWAM

Sudoku Place the numbers from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3 x 3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9 to solve this tricky Sudoku puzzle.

6 3 5 8 1 2 4 3 2 1 5 8 9

9 5 8

1 3 5 8 2

9 6 3 4

PhraseFaze Look closely at these two word pictures. Can you work out what they mean? 1.

TOUGH better better better better

worse worse worse worse

Add Up If the number in each circle is the sum of the two below it, how quickly can you figure out the top number? Try this one in your head, before writing anything down.

11 8 5 10 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

All puzzles copyright Puzzler Media Ltd. www.puzzler.com

Can you find the 34 Wild West terms listed in the grid below? Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, backwards or forwards.

Wordsearch

Traditional Cotswold Pub and Restaurant

The Edgemoor Inn The Edgemoor Inn is in the village of Edge, overlooking the beautiful, picturesque Painswick Valley. The late 19th century Inn, constructed from Cotswold stone, has picture style windows and is well known for its pretty panoramic views. Our property boasts an extensive terraced patio overlooking Painswick & surrounding countryside.

Local Produce Edgemoor Inn sources as much fresh meat, fish & vegetables from local suppliers.

Home Cooked Meals & Real Ales An extensive range of home cooked meals and daily specials are served each day lunchtime and evening. Vegetarian menus are always available. We serve the finest selection of local real ales from Uley, Wickwar and Stroud. The Edgemoor Inn offers the very best in traditional Cotswold pub and restaurant dining - a warm welcome in delightful surroundings with well-presented home-cooked food. This is a combination that’s hard to beat.

• • • •

Fresh cooked food & local real ales served lunch & evening Extensive patio area Large dining room with a light and modern feel Fantastic view over the Painswick Valley & surrounding countryside.

01452 813576 WWW.EDGEMOOR-INN.COM

Sample Menu Our menu uses the finest locally sourced ingredients. Here is a selection from the menu. Appetisers Marinated olives, feta cheese & dipping oil with warm ciabatta - £3.50 Mixed olives - £2.50 Cheese fritters with bloody mary dipping sauce - £3.50

Starters Homemade soup of the day served with honey & seed bread roll - £4.95 Smoked mackerel pate with red onion chutney & toast - £6.00 Prawn & crayfish salad, marie rose sauce - £6.50 Stuffed mushroom with almond & vegetable crumb, tomato & pesto sauce - £6.00

Main Meals Grilled lamb’s liver, bacon & creamy mash with onion gravy - £10.50 Old spot beer battered haddock with chips, peas and homemade tartare sauce - £11.50 Beef medallions with sauté potatoes, mushrooms, wilted spinach & shallot gravy - £15.50 BBQ glazed gammon with grilled pineapple, salad & chips - £11.50 Pan fried garlic chicken with sauté roast pepper, chorizo, spinach & balsamic glaze - £12.50

EDGE NEAR STROUD GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL6 6ND INFO@EDGEMOOR-INN.COM l

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT 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 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.

LEAN LAMB HOTPOT We’ve always loved this simple old-fashioned dish and this is our new-wave version - who’d have thought it? By trimming the meat well and reducing the amount of potatoes, we’ve made this lower in calories than the trad recipe. Makes a cracking supper on a cold day, served with lots of green veg.

SERVES 4 700g well-trimmed lamb leg meat (or leg steaks) 2 tsp sunflower oil 2 medium onions, peeled and thinly sliced 5 medium carrots, peeled and thickly sliced (about 300g prepared weight) 3 tbsp plain flour 600ml lamb stock, made with 1 lamb stock cube 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1 rosemary stalk or 1/2 tsp dried rosemary 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper Potato topping 3 medium potatoes (about 500g)

Trim any visible fat off the lamb and cut the meat into rough 3cm chunks. Season generously all over with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the lamb in 2 batches over a medium-high heat until nicely browned on all sides. Transfer the browned meat to a medium casserole dish - it will need to hold about 2.5 litres. Tip the onions and carrots into the pan with the lamb and sprinkle with the flour. Toss everything together well, then pour over the stock and add the thyme leaves, rosemary and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.

438 calories per portion

Preheat the oven to 170oC/Fan 150oC/Gas 31/2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices about 5mm thick. Arrange the slices on top of the lamb, overlapping and layering them as you go. Season with ground black pepper and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Bake the hotpot for 1 hour, then remove the lid and bake for a further 45 minutes or until the potatoes are nicely browned and the lamb is tender. Check by poking with the point of a knife into the centre of the lamb filling - if the meat is done the knife should slide in easily. Serve with freshly cooked greens.

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SALMON WITH CHILLI GINGER SAUCE Oily fish such as salmon, is a great choice when you’re watching your weight, but bear in mind that it contains more calories than white fish. It’s a highquality protein, so fills you up, and it is delicious especially when teamed with this sticky, tangy sauce. You need to allow time for the fish to marinate for 30 minutes but once that is done, this is quick and easy to prepare. SERVES 4 2 balls of stem ginger in syrup (and 2 tablespoons of the syrup) 3 garlic cloves 3 tbsp dark soy sauce finely grated zest of 1/2 well-scrubbed orange freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange (about 125ml) 1/2 long red chilli, thinly sliced 4 x 125 -150g salmon fillets, skin on freshly ground black pepper Put the ginger balls on a board and slice them thinly. Pile up the slices from each ball and cut through them to make thin matchstick strips. Put these in a bowl that’s large enough to hold the salmon and add 2 tablespoons of the stem ginger syrup from the jar. Peel the garlic cloves and slice them thinly, then add them to the bowl with the ginger. Stir in the soy sauce, orange zest, orange juice and red chilli.

254 calories per portion

Put the salmon in the bowl with the marinade. Season with lots of ground black pepper and turn a couple of times, ending with the fish skin side up. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220oC/Fan 200oC/Gas 7. Line a small baking tray with baking parchment. Take the salmon fillets out of the marinade scraping off any bits and pieces, and place them on the tray, skin side down. Season with more ground black pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sauce. Pour the marinade into a small non-stick saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook for 6 minutes or until the liquid has reduced and the garlic is softened. You need enough of the marinade to pour over the salmon but not swamp it completely. Put the salmon fillets on warmed plates, carefully lifting off the skin as you go. Spoon the hot sauce over the salmon and serve with a small portion of rice or new potatoes and some steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

PLUM RICE PUDDING Those little pots of rice pudding you can buy in supermarkets make a nice sweet treat, but they are expensive and they contain lots of sugar. It’s so much cheaper to make your own and really easy. Eat the rice pudding on its own or topped with a fruity compote. We like plums, but use any lightly stewed fruit you like - apples, pears and summer berries all work well. SERVES 4 100g pudding rice 400ml semi-skimmed milk 200ml cold water 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp caster sugar (preferably golden) Compote 3 ripe plums, stoned and quartered 6 tbsp cold water 1 tsp caster sugar (preferably golden)

134 calories per portion Put the rice, milk, water and vanilla extract in a medium non-stick saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over a medium heat. Cook for 16-18 minutes or until the rice is tender (with compote) and the sauce is creamy, stirring regularly. Don’t forget that it will continue to thicken as it cools, so add a little extra water if serving cold. Stir frequently towards the end of the cooking time as the mixture will be thickening up. Sweeten with a little caster sugar and serve warm or chilled with or without the topping. To make the compote topping, put the plums, water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the plums are softened but still holding their shape. Add a little extra water if you need. Spoon the rice pudding into tumblers or dessert dishes and top with the plum compote. Delicious warm or cold.

Age UK Gloucestershire recently opened our first charity shop, in Barton Street Gloucester. There have always been Age UK shops but this is the first Age UK Gloucestershire one and all of the money raised will be spent in support of older people within the county. The shop is on Barton Street opposite Bartongate surgery. We opened in September with much fanfare and local MP Richard Graham did the honours by cutting the ribbon. The manager Nikki has a fantastic team of 17 volunteers supporting her. We sell clothes, shoes, linen, books, DVDs, CDs and bric-a-brac and we strive to offer the best value of any charity shop in Gloucester. The shop has got off to a flying start but we urgently need your support. We are dependent upon donations and what better time? If you are having a spring clean and clearing out your cupboards, please consider bringing your previously loved items along to the shop. If you have any of those wonderful Christmas presents that don’t quite fit or are not perhaps quite what you wanted, we can find a loving home for them. Or if your new year’s resolution is to recycle more, what better place to start than by coming along to the shop with those things you no longer use. On the other hand, it might be just the time come along and pick up a new year’s bargain? You will know that your money is going to a very good cause and of course you will be recycling as well.

So come along and see us at 126 Barton Street, Gloucester.

Visit our charity shop We have a wide range of clothes, shoes, books, CDs, DVDs, toys and bric-a-brac. Pick up a bargain.

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The Everyman is Gloucestershire’s theatre - and has been serving the county (and beyond) since 1891. The main auditorium is an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Matcham that has inspired generations of performers. The common thread throughout the many years has always been the Everyman’s relationship with their audience - a relationship that the Everyman treasure.

something for everyone. From the much-loved musical, Blood Brothers to the stunning Russian Ice stars presenting their dazzling show, Beauty and the Beast on Ice. Alan Ayckbourn’s Surprises takes centre stage at the end of February and March opens with the hilarious Yes, Prime Minister – direct from the West End.

Whether you visit the Everyman to see ballet, opera, drama, dance, comedy, music events or their traditional family pantomime. Or if you take part in one of the Everyman’s many community projects or choirs, they would like to warmly welcome you and hope you return many times.

Other shows on the horizon are a brand new adaptation of Goodnight Mr Tom and their very own production of the Laurie Lee classic novel of growing up in rural Gloucestershire between the wars – Cider with Rosie starring Susie Blake.

The Everyman’s hugely successful pantomime, Dick Whittington, came to an end in January and this new season of shows really does have

One night shows include top comedian Chris Addison on March 3; Russell Kane on March 24 and Richard Herring on April 14.

The Everyman also have a packed programme of plays – and a magic night – in their intimate Studio Theatre. For more information visit their website at www.everymantheatre.org.uk

BOX OFFICE: 01242 572573 BOOK ONLINE: www.everymantheatre.org.uk A fully restored Victorian theatre, offering the best in live entertainment. For a complete list of events visit www.everymantheatre.org.uk. Book a backstage tour of our historic, Frank Matcham designed theatre along with your tickets by calling Sally-ann Rhodes on 01242 695574, or email sally-ann.rhodes@everymantheatre.org.uk.

Highlights of the new season include... BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ON ICE

Wed 20 - Sun 24 February

HIGH SOCIETY

Starring: Michael Praed Tue 23 - Sat 27 April

Gloucestershire’s theatre presents the classic novel of Cotswold Life...

Thursday 21 - Saturday 30 March BOOKING NOW!

Starring: Susie Blake

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Licence to thrill Brendan Cole talks to Angela Kelly

When I met BRENDAN Cole he had just gone out of the most recent series of TV’s “Strictly Come Dancing” after partnering Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton for eight weeks so – obviously – it seemed he might have time on his hands to relax. “Relax? What’s that?!” he asked in those pleasantly abrasive Kiwi tones that viewers have come to love and judges to fear. “We’re straight into rehearsals for the Christmas special and there’s no rest, but I’m partnering Kelly Brook so that’s great.” Brendan and Kelly danced together in the popular programme’s fifth series and were favourites to win. Sadly, Kelly’s father died suddenly and, although she had wanted to carry on dancing in his memory, she found she just couldn’t and left the series. “It’s lovely being back with Kells again,” he added, warmly. “But with that and a few other things at the moment as well as planning for my theatre tour, it’s pretty hectic.” One of the “few other things” currently occupying the 36 year-old’s time and mind is the birth of his first child. Wife, former model Zoe, was pictured just days before at a starry event looking beautiful and very pregnant. “Yes, we’re really looking forward to the baby coming,” said Brendan. “It’s due in about a month and, no, we don’t know whether it’s a boy or a girl – we’re happy to wait.” Brendan describes himself as “very family orientated” and it’s plain when he talks about growing up in Christchurch, New Zealand, that he enjoys family life and can’t wait to be a Dad. All of which, if we are to believe the media hype that has sprung up around the dancer as Strictly ‘bad boy’ is out of character, surely? 22

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INTERVIEW He had a definite departure from the “Strictly” format in January, 2010, however, when the debut of his own theatre tour – “Live and Unjudged” - written and directed by him went on tour. “It suited me,” he stated. “I loved the format and being so close to the audience.” Audiences obviously loved him as well as this was a great success. Now, he’s followed it up with another tour, starting in January, 2013, and called “Licence To Thrill” which promises to be as fascinating as its title. “That came from it being 50 years of James Bond and from one of the big songs we’re doing, Gladys Knight’s ‘Licence To Kill’ from the Bond film, so we thought that would set the tone for the show,” added Brendan. The 32-date tour takes in everywhere from Cornwall to Carlisle and Blackpool to Basingstoke, involving 14 musicians and six world-class dancers. “We haven’t started rehearsals yet,” he stated, “because we’ve got people coming from all over the world.” This includes leading lady Fauve Hauto from France – “Audiences will love her because she’s fabulous,” insisted Brendan. “The first time I saw her I was mesmerised and so will they be.” There’s also Australian dancer Melanie Hooper and Germany’s Patrick Helm not to mention Brendan’s brother, Scott, in the two-hour dance and big band extravaganza. “It’s unlike ‘Strictly’ in that it’s a very intimate experience for the audience,” said Brendan. “If people go out from it not having enjoyed it all, I’ll be very disappointed.”

“No, I’m quite a relaxed sort of guy, really,” he assured me. “I’m just passionate about what I do.” Certainly, Brendan’s love of dancing and genuine talent for it shine through. In fact, you suspect that’s always been the case since he started dancing at the age of six. He worked as a builder and danced as an amateur with Camilla Dallerup from 1996, then from 2002-2004 the couple danced as professionals and achieved success. The pair joined “Strictly” when it began in 2004 and since then Brendan has been partnered with a variety of celebrities with varying degrees of success. In the first season, he famously partnered newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and won. After that he danced with “Casualty” star Sarah Manners, then with GMTV’s Fiona Phillips and then actress Claire King. Supermodel Lisa Snowdon was his partner for the sixth series and Ronnie Wood’s estranged wife, Jo, danced with him in series seven. “I say ‘danced’ but most of the time all we did was have lunch!’ recalled Brendan, laughing happily at the memory. Brendan is kinder about some of his partners than others, but plainly enjoyed dancing with Victoria Pendleton who blossomed under his tutelage. He had predicted that they would last around eight weeks and did just that, but the athlete was generous in her praise of her professional partner and the friendly partnership appears mutual.

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The Bond theme resonates with Mr Cole because he’s a lover of fast cars. So would he like to take the lead if they made “James Bond – The Musical”? “I’m a Kiwi – I don’t think they’d let me,” he laughed again. “Mind you, I’ve got some Scottish ancestry, so you never know.” Ask the lanky Kiwi who his dream partner would be and he immediately says “Natalie Portman – but don’t tell my wife!” When I point out that she’s rather a petite dancer to partner, he stated “that would be ideal – then I could throw her about!” Brendan’s genuine love of dancing is evident in everything he does, and he believes that “Strictly” has made the general public much more knowledgeable about dancing, too. However, he insists that he’s really “an entertainer – that’s what I do” and maybe when all the dancing stops he’d still like to continue entertaining audiences. As to Cole junior, if it’s a boy, would he be happy if he were a dancer? “I’d rather he was a golfer – then he could keep his old man!” he says. And with another chuckle at the thought, and a very polite “thank you” for our pleasant interview, Brendan Cole – former bad boy of ballroom and now entertainer extraordinaire – returned to his busy day and yet more dazzling dance routines to plan.

Paying for Care When suddenly faced with the prospect of finding a relative a place in care, there are a million questions you need answering all at once. Here, care fees planning expert, Neil Gayler, gives answers to some of the more common ones. My sister and I have lived together for 20 years and are now in our early 80s. What will happen to our property if one or both of us needs to go into care? The property will be disregarded from the care funding means test when the first of you goes into care. If the second needs care, the value of the property can then be included. If the property then needs to be sold to help with the cost of fees, the local authority may help with funding until the property is sold. Should you both need to go into care at the same time, half the property’s value will be allocated to each of you for the means test.

Can we put our house in trust for our children to avoid a forced sale in the event that we need to go into care? Putting property in trust for future generations is a complex issue not simply because of care costs but because the taxman is keen to prevent people trying to avoid inheritance tax - so legal advice is essential. Under the means test, your local authority may ask about your property ownership over some years. If it deems property was placed in trust deliberately to take it out of the means test, it may still be included. In addition, the means-test upper threshold is low (currently £23,250 in England) so other assets could disqualify you from support in any case.

Our parents own their home jointly and have around £30,000 in savings. My father needs to go into nursing care but my mother wants to remain at home. Can we be forced to sell the property to pay for Dad’s care? No. So long as your mother continues to live in it, the property won’t be included in the means test for care funding. However half of their joint savings will be. With £15,000 in assets, your father is above the lower capital limit of £14,250 and will be expected to make a contribution of £3 a week towards the cost of his care.

I have special dietary requirements but the only care home that can meet these charges more than my local authority is willing to pay. If you argue successfully that the home is the only one available locally that meets your assessed needs, the

council should meet the full cost, assuming you fall below the £14,250 means-test lower threshold. If the authority still refuses but you have set your heart on this home, a third-party will have to meet the shortfall.

My parents own their home and have £80,000 in savings. Will they get any financial help with the cost of care? Their assets put them well above the threshold of £23,250 per person at which help is given with funding care in England. However, if they need help with basic daily tasks such as bathing and dressing they can claim for an Attendance Allowance (not in Scotland). If they require nursing, their local authority will pay a Nursing Care Contribution (NCC). It’s important to discuss with care homes how the NCC is accounted for in their fees.

We have paid for my mother to be in a nursing home for three years. Her condition has now deteriorated and she requires round-the-clock care. Can we get any more support? You can ask that your mother is reassessed by the NHS. If she is in need of 24-hour nursing, the NHS should pay for all of this as ‘continuing care’. If this was the situation for some time, then some of your fees may be refunded.

Is a long term care plan guaranteed to cover care costs? No – you will be told the annual income it is guaranteed to pay out so you can match this against a care home’s fees. Should fees rise in the future there may be a shortfall.

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However, care homes may be open to negotiation, knowing they are assured of the annuity income. Care plans may offer inflation-proofing or annual increases to help meet rising fees.

We have sold my father’s house to help with his nursing home costs. Are the proceeds still liable to inheritance tax? If the capital is simply held in his bank account then it can be included in his estate for inheritance tax purposes on death. If the capital is used to purchase a long term care plan, then it may be ‘lifted’ out of his estate. If inheritance tax is a major concern for the family, speak to an accountant who specialises in estate planning.

My mother is quite wealthy. Is her local authority under any obligation to help her find the right kind of care? Yes – the Local Authority has a duty to assess her care needs and ensure she has access to suitable care, even if she funds it.

My widowed father needs to go into care now. He doesn’t qualify for means-testing but the property slump means it may take months to sell his bungalow to help with costs. What can we do? The local authority must disregard the property from the cost of care for the first 12 weeks. If the property is still not sold after this time, the authorities will still continue to pay costs but will look to recoup these against the proceeds from the property when it is finally sold. Make sure your father claims Attendance Allowance to help with the cost of care.

For further information, or to request a copy of our free “Ultimate Care Fees Planning Handbook”, simply call Neil Gayler on 01242 538383 or email him on neil@neilgaylerco.co.uk

Care Fees Planning advice; when and where you need it from your local specialist Neil Gayler If you are contemplating placing a relative or friend in a care home (or organising their care in their own home), you are probably feeling emotionally drained right now. The process of finding a suitable care provider and sorting through the legislation, not to mention helping them to fundamentally change and come to terms with the major changes to their lifestyle, can be extremely difficult. Add to this confusion, stress and guilt and it is not surprising that many people feel somewhat overwhelmed and worried at a time like this. There are many financial advisers in the country but only a handful in any one region with the specialist skills and knowledge to be able to guide you through the care fees planning maze SYMPONIA [Greek. adjective: compassion] Symponia has the answer — our adviser members are all suitably experienced and appropriately qualified. We are therefore able to provide a unique concept within the field of care fees planning which, in turn, gives you and your family truly independent financial advice at a time when you most need it .

Neil Gayler is your local Symponia member for Gloucestershire. For a confidential initial consultation (without any cost or obligation to you), call him on 01242 538 383

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Planning for your future Throughout life we are presented with infinite challenges; unforeseen and sometimes life-changing accidents and ill health. Unexpected changes in your life can leave your family and friends faced with overwhelming difficulties managing your financial and personal affairs and sorting out the chaos that can be left behind when you die.

If you wish, we can also act as your executors, dealing with obtaining grants of probate or letters of administration and the administration of estates to ensure that liabilities, including Inheritance Tax, are established and met and bequests distributed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Wills

The first £325,000 of your assets attract 0% tax and are known as the Nil Rate Band. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a 40% tax payable on death on the value of any net assets over £325,000. A properly considered and well drafted Will could reduce or even remove the tax liability.

Making a Will is one of the essential personal and financial actions we take in our lives. Your Will is your single most important tool to ensure that your assets are distributed as you would wish, yet surveys consistently show that between 50 and 60 per cent of British people fail to make a Will. Where there is no Will (or a badly drafted one) your loved ones may face the stressful, expensive and time-consuming process of resolving financial issues or disputes, at an already difficult time. For example, if you die without making a Will, the laws of intestacy mean that a cohabiting partner with whom you have lived for many years will inherit nothing from your estate. An expertly drafted Will is crucial to minimising tax liability on your death meaning more of your money can go to your lovedones rather than to the tax man. At Davey Franklin Jones we will explore the options available to you and prepare a clear, professionally drafted document that ensures that your estate is distributed as you have instructed, without the potential for dispute and emotional family conflict. In drafting your Will, we can advise on trusts and other ways to minimise potential inheritance tax and capital gains tax.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Many people believe that giving away money or valuable assets whilst they are alive avoids IHT but as with most taxes, it is not quite that straightforward. Only gifts up to the annual exemption of £3000 can be made. Gifts totalling over £3000 in any one year become taxable if you do not survive for 7 years after making the gift. There are however, ways to gift money that are free from Inheritance Tax. For example, a gift to a spouse (provided you both live in England and Wales) although this could affect other tax planning possibilities, such as the gifting of agricultural assets or business property. You may also make a tax-free gift of up to £5,000 to your children or £2,500 to your grandchildren on their marriage or formation of a civil partnership.

Planning for Long Term Care As people live longer, more and more of us face the possibility of needing residential care. Costs around £1000 per week are not uncommon which means that the money you worked so

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hard for all your life can soon disappear. Davey Franklin Jones can provide advice on preserving your assets.

is costly and time consuming and may not ultimately reflect your wishes. We can draft documents to keep you in control.

On today’s figures if your total assets (usually including the value of your home) exceed £23,250 then you will have to pay your own care fees until your assets fall below £23,250. At that point the local authority will step in and contribute toward some of the cost. Certain assets, such as jewellery or cars are disregarded but steps can be taken to minimise what assets can be used to meet any care fees if steps are taken early enough.

In each case you will need to appoint an attorney as your ‘trusted person’. An attorney is the person or people you have chosen to look after your affairs. You can choose one or more attorneys and you can decide whether they must act together or independently. You can also decide on successor attorneys if your chosen attorneys could not act for you.

Once the possibility of future residential care arises it is tempting to transfer your home into the names of your children, or to give away large amounts of money. It is likely that you would still be considered to own the asset and would remain liability for care fees. It is essential that proper advice is obtained before giving away any assets.

Looking After Someone Else’s Affairs Many people assume that family and friends can make decisions for you only to find they have limited legal authority. We can draft documents that allow you to have your say and pass responsibility to someone you trust in the event of you being incapable. Documents that allow you to have your say and pass responsibility to someone you trust in the event of you being incapable are Lasting Powers of Attorney (Property and Affairs), Lasting Powers of Attorney (Personal Welfare) and Advance Decisions (often known as Living Wills). Without a Property and Affairs LPA there may be no-one with legal authority to make decisions about your financial affairs. If you are in hospital for any length of time or have lost mental capacity, your bills could go unpaid. Family or friends would have to apply to the Courts for authority to act for you. The application

A Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) would allow your attorney(s) to look after your property and finances. You can determine the full extent of their power including whether they would be permitted to operate your bank accounts, deal with investments, tax affairs, or buy & sell property for you. A Personal Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney would allow your attorney(s) to make welfare and health care decisions on your behalf if you lack the mental capacity to do so yourself, and only then, to make those decisions you have authorised them to make on your behalf such as, where and with whom you should live, arranging medical, dental, or optical treatment for you, making decisions over your day-to-day care or consenting to, or refusing medical treatment on your behalf. You can cancel the documents at any time whilst you retain mental capacity. We can help you to clarify what decisions you would want your attorneys to make for you as well as those you would not want them to make for you. We know that all this might sound quite daunting but having the right documents in place can save time, money and distress in the long run. We try to make the process as simple as possible for a tailor made retirement plan and as individual as you are.

For You Residential Property Wills Tax Planning Probate & Trusts Protecting Family Wealth Personal Injury Clinical Negligence Resolution of Private Disputes

Your Family

Christopher Mills

Private Client Solicitor

Christopher says,“we all like to think that old age is a long way off but thinking about the issues of care fees, tax and mental capacity can avoid worry for both you and your family in later life. Our team can advise on the essential tools of tax planning when drafting your Will, administering estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney”. Christopher and the Private Client team look forward to meeting you.

Children Matrimonial Divorce Cohabitation

Your Business Commercial Property Commercial Disputes Company & Commercial Employment

www.dfjlaw.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Complete Denture Service The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality. Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly. Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process. It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of 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, ultra impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic. Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and inexpensive, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking.

Cotswold Dental Laborator y Ltd Martyn Young Dental Technician

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

Your Dentures need Attention 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

When they become loose. When teeth or denture base discolours. When tooth surfaces become flat. 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.

Summary l

Dentures Valplast Flexible Partials Ultra Suction

Ring for an appointment All work Guaranteed Competitive Rates

Denture Repairs Copy Dentures Gum Shields

Dentures Repaired While you shop (waiting time approx. 2 hours) Dentures Strengthened or Remodelled by a Qualified Technician

Telephone: 01242 522322

First Floor, 22 Suffolk Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 2AQ. www.cotswolddentallab.co.uk e: info@cotswolddentallab.co.uk

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultrasonically 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.

This article was written by 50 Plus journalist Sheila Alcock.

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Birch's 50Plus AD 100 x 277/4_Layout 1 25/01/2013 17:01 Page 1

Release your equity & enjoy a new lifestyle

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8 9 4 6 3 5 2 1 5 1 9 8 2 4 7 3 4 3 1 5 7 8 6 9 3 2 8 1 6 7 9 5 6 7 5 3 9 2 4 8 9 8 7 2 4 1 3 6 1 4 6 7 5 3 8 2 Fabulous views across the Bristol Channel, plus high quality homes, are 7 some 5 2of the 9 attractions 8 6 1of moving 4 to Sandbanks, a brand new just residential development near Clevedon. 2Each6 home 3 has 4 double 1 9 glazed 5 7windows, digitally controlled central

heating, a high-gloss kitchen with integrated appliances, built-in wardrobes and a luxurious master en-suite bathroom. At night, the park’s elegant lighting comes into its own, and from your balcony you can enjoy stunning sunsets and a panorama of twinkling lights on the opposite coast. Residential park homes offer many advantages. They can be occupied all year round with low council tax rates, and represent excellent value for money. For many people, moving to a park home is the ideal opportunity to release capital and downsize from a traditional property – enabling them to enjoy a whole new lifestyle. To find out more or to make an appointment to view the show homes 7 8 9 4 call 6 30845 5 25551 4545 or email sales@birchsgroup.co.uk

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Show home now open for viewings ‘as seen on TV’ In an unrivalled location offering stunning views across the Bristol Channel, Sandbanks is an exclusive development of just 23 luxury residential homes in a private coastal estate.

New homes from £165,000 Part Exchange available Other new developments in Cambridge, Lincoln & Ely To request a free brochure or to arrange a visit call 0845 555 4545 or www.birchsgroup.co.uk

DEMENTIA EXPLAINED

By Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist, Dr Lynda Shaw. Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects nearly 600,000 people in the UK and that number is rising. Dementia is becoming more and more important because we are living longer and Dementia is now the most common disease in the elderly.

for storing memories. Alzheimer’s can affect memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones.

Vascular Dementia

The most common cause of Dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into Dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years. During the course of the disease the chemistry and structure of the brain changes, leading to the death of brain cells. Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for Dementia. In the early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous because cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Most types of Dementia are non-reversible (degenerative) but some causes of Dementia may be stopped or reversed if they are found soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse Dementia is rare in people under age 60. The risk for Dementia increases as a person gets older.

Four main types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of Dementia and accounts for 50% - 60% of all cases. It destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible

Vascular Dementia is the second most common form of Dementia and accounts for about 20% of all cases. It affects men more than women and is due to cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain and brain cells are likely to die. This can lead to strokes or infarcts (mini strokes) and there is an increased possibility of vascular dementia.

Dementia with Lewy bodies Dementia with Lewy bodies is the third most common cause of Dementia and may occur in up to 20% of cases. Dementia with Lewy bodies is similar to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s Disease in that it is caused by the degeneration and death of nerve cells in the brain. Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve cells of the brain.

Fronto-temporal dementia Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age. It takes its name from the fact that damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.

Symptoms Dementia affects people differently but symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including in language, memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation and cognitive skills such as abstract thinking, or judgment and disorientation. Mild cognitive impairment is somewhere between normal forgetfulness due to ageing and the development of Dementia. People with MCI have mild problems with thinking and memory that do not interfere with everyday activities and are often aware of the forgetfulness. Not everyone with MCI develops Dementia.

Prevention Most causes of Dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of Dementia. 1. 2.

Mental Exercise Quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes can help us reduce our risk of vascular Dementia.

3. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia. 4. Regular physical exercise may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia. 5. Sleep Well 6. Managing Stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B this has had notable effects. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to do something to the reduction in the rate of brain atrophy. 8. Identify MCI as quickly as possible. In studies carried out in memory clinics, 10-15 per cent of people with MCI went on to develop Dementia in each year that the research results were followed up. It is therefore very important to identify people with MCI, as they may be in the very early stages of the disease and more likely to benefit from early treatment in the future. However, many people with MCI improve or remain stable, and do not develop Dementia. In recent years, however, treatments that can improve the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are becoming available. Other treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease in the brain are also being developed. It is important that people with Alzheimer’s disease are identified as early as possible, so that they can benefit from these treatments in the future. Identifying people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one way to try to achieve this but so far, none of the techniques available are sufficiently developed to provide a definitive diagnosis in patients with MCI.

Helping those with Dementia • Understanding and respecting the person with Dementia

• Helping the person feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and non-judgemental • Respecting cultural values and privacy • Regardless of how bad the Dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves • Help them express their feelings. • Choice is confusing – so keep it simple and easy • Remember each person with dementia is still that person with unique and valuable experiences • Isolation because of Dementia is rife. Help those with Dementia still be sociable and connect with their loved ones and people of all ages.

Helping Families of those with Dementia 1. Caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs. The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. 2. Becoming well informed is really important. 3. Developing good coping skills 4. Having a strong network of family and friends also are important 5. Staying physically active helps us cope emotionally to being a carer 6. Getting support groups for respite and expression of concerns DR LYNDA SHAW RUNS AN ADVISORY SERVICE FOR LOVED ONES OF THOSE SUFFERING WITH DEMENTIA. www.drlyndashaw.com

Call our professional team on 01452 414952 Our staff

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

Visit us online at www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Call our professional team on 01452 414952

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, Suite 4 Westgate House, The Island, Gloucester GL1 2RU.

E X PERT CA RE AT I LSOM H OUSE

4 days stay for the price of 3* Receive a complimentary package on arrival*

Ilsom House Residential and Nursing Home in Tetbury offers the highest standards of nursing, residential, palliative, respite and convalescence care. Features of the home: • 32 rooms • Beautiful 17th Century farmhouse with original features • 14 acres of grounds with landscaped gardens and lawns • Communal lounge with large piano • Quiet lounge • Wheelchair and full lift access Ilsom House Residential and Nursing Home, Tetbury, GL8 8RX For more information about Ilsom House and our special offer, or to arrange a visit, please call 0800 012 1508 quoting reference CH2638. Bupa has 10 care homes in the Gloucestershire area, for information on any of these homes visit bupa.co.uk/50plusgloucestershire