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CHELTENHAM & GLOUCESTER JANUARY - MARCH 2014 EDITION 23

Gloria Hunniford Talks of the early days, health & more...

Computer Confidence for the over 50s

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barnes

01793 821303

www.barnescoaches.co.uk

2014 UK & European Coach Holidays Cosy Breaks in the English Riviera ~ Paignton We have been operating these tours for many years now and they are always popular and often sell out.

Hotel Information PALACE HOTEL, PAIGNTON 3 star period hotel has fantastic unspoilt views across Torbay.

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Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

One of our ever popular SINGLE ROOMS ONLY holidays visits Torquay to stay in one of its finest hotels. The Palace Hotel is 4 star and is situated among 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens extending to the sea. Our itinerary is also full of interest on each of the 4 days.

Hotel Information PALACE HOTEL, TORQUAY 4 star with comfortable lounges, beautiful surroundings and old-world charm. n

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Date

Price

13 Jan

£239 NIL

10 Feb

£249 NIL

4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

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4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Date

Price

£239 NIL

07 Feb

£199 NIL

16 Feb

14 Mar

£199 NIL

GARDEN VIEW ROOM

Winter turns to Spring in the Lake District & Yorkshire Dales The Shap Wells Hotel is situated in the secluded, wooded valley surrounded by mountain streams. There is entertainment on 3 nights so no need to leave the hotel in the evenings! This tour sold out in 2013, and was a great success, so book early.

Hotel Information BEST WESTERN SHAP WELLS HOTEL 3 star Hotel will great access to the lakes.

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Experience all that Cornwall has to offer whilst based in this lovely hotel in the unspoilt village of St Agnes. There is a sherry reception, a cream tea on arrival from an excursion and a glass of wine on the last evening.

Hotel Information ROSEMUNDY HOUSE HOTEL 3 star property set in 4 acres of woodland and gardens. In the evening relax in the bar or cosy snug lounge. n

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

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Cornwall Winter Warmer ~ St Agnes

4 Star Single Rooms ~ Torquay

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Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date

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28 Feb

£279 NIL

£45

Austrian Houseparty ~ Lake Achensee With its peaks and meadows, lakes and fascinating traditions, Austria remains a favourite destination. Our hotel is a short stroll from the shores of Lake Achensee, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by beautiful mountains. Also included is a Gala Dinner with a glass of wine followed by live music, afternoon coffee or tea and cake, an Apfelstrudel baking demonstration and a guided walk of Achenkirch including a visit to the Folk Museum plus a snack and coffee. This tour was a great success in 2013, so we are returning to the same Austrian hotel with a new itinerary but the same great price!

Hotel Information

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HOTEL FISCHERWIRT, LAKE ACHENSEE 3 star traditional hotel that is very comfortable and located directly on the lake near a pier. There is a health spa available at extra cost payable locally. n

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Return Coach Travel Crossing Porterage and Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal Tours (including guided walk, baking demonstrations etc.)

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date

Price

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15 Mar

£449

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Book online or call: 01793 821303

FREE HOME PICKUP on tours 4 days and over The Peak District & Palace House Party!

River and Rail in Ireland Wicklow & Dublin

Cornwall Spring Flower Show, The Eden Project & Harbour Villages

Based in Buxton and including Chatsworth House.

Explore the delights of Derbyshire’s Peak District, the highlight being a visit to the Palace of the Peak District, Chatsworth House. We are based at the 4 star Palace Hotel in Buxton where it is House Party Week! There will be scones with jam and cream on arrival, a Gala Regional Themed Dinner on one evening followed by lively entertainment! There will also be bingo and a quiz on the other nights.

The Cornwall Spring Flower Show takes place in the magical Boconnoc Estate near Lostwithiel and offers a sensory exploration and celebration of Cornish gardening where exuberant displays guarantee a brilliantly colourful spectacle. We also visit the world famous Eden Project and two delightful Cornish harbour villages.

Hotel Information

Hotel Information

THE PALACE HOTEL, BUXTON 4 star hotel located in the centre of the spa town of Buxton.

BEST WESTERN CLIFF HEAD HOTEL, CARLYON BAY Enjoys a stunning coastal location with sandy beaches and coves on the delightful doorstep.

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Price Includes:

3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed,

Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours (including entrances to Chatsworth House)

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£249 NIL

Hotel Information ROYAL HOTEL, BRAY 3 star hotel with leisure facilities. n BAR n SATELLITE TV n GYM n POOL n SAUNA n STEAM ROOM

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Return Coach Travel Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal Tours (including entry to Eden Project and the Flower Show)

4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Date

This short break to the East Coast of Ireland is filled with treats including a guided rail tour, a scenic river cruise, plus tea and scones and 2 nights entertainment at the hotel.

3 3 3

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Return Coach Travel Ferry Crossings Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast (except on last morning when included on boat) & Evening Meal Tours (inc. guided train ride and boat trip)

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Date

Price

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£325

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13 Apr

£379

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Lake Garda including Verona & Boat Cruise Riva del Garda Lake Garda is one of the most stunning locations in Europe! The lake covers three regions and encompasses colourful and diverse lakeside towns, each offering a new experience. Riva del Garda sits on the lakeshore overshadowed by spectacular mountains. There is a pretty and historic centre, great shops and peaceful lakeside walks. This year we have included a cruise on Lake Garda and still reduced the price! Even the journey here and back is stunning as we pass through the Austrian Alps.

Hotel Information HOTEL LA PERIA, RIVA DEL GARDA 3 star hotel only 150m from the lake. n

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Return Coach Travel Channel Crossings Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal Tours (inc. lake cruise)

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date

Price

20 Apr

£519 98

For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk

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10-11

Computer Confidence

for the over 50s

12-13

14-15

The Magic Mouse service at Age UK Gloucestershire offers 1:1 computer support for the over 50s.

We work with complete beginners or those wanting to improve skills. Sessions are held in Gloucester and Cheltenham or we can come out to you at home. If you do not have a computer we offer a laptop lending scheme.

Have you recently bought an iPad and are wondering what to do with it?

Magic Mouse will be running iPad courses for beginners this Spring.

Not sure about computers and using the internet?

Why not book in for a free taster session and to see what it’s all about.

For more information call Age UK Gloucestershire on 01452 422660.

18-19

inside...

8-9

Ancient Turkey...

Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia

10-11 The Great British Holiday ...

Discover wonders of the World on your doorstep 12-13 Five High Quality Hotels ...

From Christian Guild 14-15 Gloria Hunniford ...

talks of the early days, health & more 20-21 Low Fat Winter Warmers ...

Recipes from the Hairy Bikers 24-25 Keeping Ageing at Bay ...

Tips to look younger for longer 26 Choosing the Right Care ...

Home Care for the elderly 29 Hear More, Pay Less ...

Age UK Hearing Aids 30-31 Quality Dentures mean a Quality Lifestyle...

McGrath Media.

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

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Bargain Break in Torquay 4 Days From

99

£119.

Per Person

Your Holiday includes:  Three nights ensuite accommodation at the Seascape Hotel, just minutes from Torquay Town centre and close to Torre Abbey beach. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Excursion to Brixham with free time to explore this fishing town. Free time in Torquay.

Departs: Friday 28th February 2014

Weekend Cabaret Break at Sand Bay Resort 4 Days99 From

£109.

Your Holiday includes: Per Person  Three nights ensuite accommodation at the Sand Bay Leisure resort in Weston super mare. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Entertainment. A visit to the city of Bristol for some free time to explore its harbour, Museums, Cathedral and of course its shops. A half day excursion via Cheddar Gorge to the city of Wells.

Departs: Friday 28th February 2014

Torquay

Llandudno Winter Warmer 5 Days

From

£189.99

From

£199

Per Person

Per Person

Your Holiday includes:

Four nights ensuite accommodation at the family run Esplanade Hotel in Llandudno.

A visit to Betws-y-coed for a short break before continuing through the Llanberis Pass and across the Menai Straits to Llanfair PG.

A visit to the popular city of Liverpool with free time to explore.

Your Holiday includes:  Four nights ensuite accommodation at the popular 3 star Headland Hotel sitting majestically on the headland looking out to sea. Dinner, bed and breakfast  Excursion to Buckfast Abbey and Widecombe village with a stop at Trago mills on the return journey Scenic drive to the popular riverside town of Dartmouth, before returning via the market town of Totnes. A free day to relax and Torquay at your own pace

Departs: Monday 3rd March 2014

Departs: Monday 17th March 2014

London Mini Breaks at the 5 star Waldorf Hilton

2014 Cruises

in partnership with Fred Olsen

Harrogate

The Northern Lights Your Mini break includes:  One nights ensuite accommodation at the famous 5 star Waldorf Hilton just five minutes walk from Covent Garden and ten minutes from the London eye! Full Cooked Breakfast.

2 Days Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Hotel.

From 99 Guided tour of the hotel (subject to availability) Use of the Hotel's Indoor Pool.

Per Person Free time in London to enjoy the shops or sights!

Departure dates: Sunday 6th April, Sunday 29th June, Sunday 7th December 2014

£127.

5 Days

St Petersburg

Geiranger

Waterfalls, Fjords & Glaciers on the Balmoral

Departs Tuesday 6th May 2014- 11 nights sailing from Liverpool Prices from £1032.00 per person in a 2 berth cabin

The Baltics cities cruise on the Balmoral

Departs Monday 18th August 2014- 14 nights Southampton Prices from £1280.00 per person in a 2 berth cabin

The Northern Lights on the Boudicca

Departs Saturday 8th November 2014- 16 nights from Liverpool Prices from £1252.00 per person in a 2 berth cabin All cruises include return coach travel to the cruise terminal!

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prices are based on two people sharing a room.

Please note this tours list is not exhaustive so please contact us for our complete coach holiday brochure!

NATIONAL EXPRESS AGENTS

FINANCE

Why do only ‘some’ people get good advice?

There’s a lot going on just now; not only are we seeing welfare cuts on an unprecedented scale but the whole retirement landscape is changing as is the future of funding long term care costs.

The political agenda for this is contained in the proposed Health and Social Care Bill and the Department of Health has recently issued its consultation paper on reforming what and how people pay for their care and support.

Taking financial advice through the retirement years is normally not very high on anyone’s personal agenda but, when you do need it, getting good advice can make the world of difference.

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Later Life advice is a specialist area and a not for profit organization, The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), was created to address this growing need. The Society was founded in 2008 to meet the needs of consumers and their families in finding trusted accredited financial advisers who understand the particular financial needs of people in later life. Their members are not just simply well qualified financial advisers; they are also wellversed with the benefits and allowances system as well as tax matters and are therefore able to provide invaluable assistance to people approaching or already in their retirement years.

Their members can steer you through the complexities of the many decisions you or your family may need

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to face when looking at issues such as the right kind of annuity, the best place to live, care funding matters and whether or not equity release might be the right thing for you.

Careful and considered advice is important which is why SOLLA emphasized the importance of soft skills and communications for the advisers it awards its Later Life Adviser Accreditation scheme Their Honorary President, Lord Lipsey, is a campaigner for the need for accredited financial advice, providing people with the ability to make clear and informed decisions, happy in the knowledge they have had all of the relevant information and available choices presented to them.

Those that don’t get good advice often say they just didn’t know what was available. In a recent report it stated that only about 7% of those receiving care got financial advice.

Finding a specialist adviser can be difficult. SOLLA have therefore created a national directory of fully accredited advisers so that you can find those near to you using the search facility. You will be able to find their contact details, the type of advice they give and details about their payment terms.

SOLLA ensure that all the advisers on this site have fully satisfied all criteria to become an accredited adviser. This means peace of mind and assurance that the advice you are given is from financial advisers who have proved they have the right specialist skills and specialist knowledge The Later Life Adviser Accreditation Scheme is audited and endorsed by the standard-setting body, the Financial Skills and Legal Partnership (FSLP), and was developed in collaboration with the specialist financial services consultancy SVARfair.

See more at www.solla.org.uk Neil Gayler, Principal at Neil Gayler & Co. in Cheltenham is a SOLLA Member and Accredited Independent Financial Adviser and is able to advise on:

The Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) was founded in 2008 as a ‘not for profit’ organisation, to meet the needs of consumers, advisors and those who provide financial products and services for the Later Life Market.

It aims to ensure that consumers are better informed about financial issues in later life, and can find an Accredited Adviser.

SOLLA is committed to: l Raising awareness amongst consumers, their families and professional advisers of financial issues in Later Life Building relationships with statutory and voluntary agencies, charities, housing and social care providers, and all other organisations that are interested in the financial wellbeing of those in Later Life

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Raising the standards of practice of those advising in the older client market, by promoting the highest levels of professionalism in financial advice

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Identifying and developing best practice through high quality training and provision of the latest information and know-how

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Acting as a centre of technical excellence for Later Life Advisers

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Providing input into relevant legislative and policy changes

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Why use a SOLLA Member?

All of our members: Are specialists in advising older people on financial matters

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Have been awarded the Later Life Adviser Accreditation (LLAA) which is independently audited and endorsed by Government Body, the Financial Skills and Legal Partnership (FSLP)

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l l l l l

Long term care funding Equity release Pensions and annuities Investments and savings Estate and Tax planning (Inheritance Tax)

Neil Gayler & Co., 12 Imperial Square, Cheltenham, GL50 1QB Telephone 01242 538383 E-mail enquiries@neilgaylerco.co.uk www.neilgaylerco.co.uk

Follow a strict code of conduct

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Linking consumers with accredited INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE Your local SOLLA accredited adviser is NEIL GAYLER 12 Imperial Square, Cheltenham GL50 1QB t: 01242 538383 f: 01242 538393 e: enquiries@neilgaylerco.co.uk www.neilgaylerco.co.uk Principal Neil Gayler DipPFS Neil Gayler & Co. is an appointed representative of TenetConnect Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Patara Ruins

By Mathew Simpson Simpson Travel www.simpsontravel.com

us with a fascinating insight into the burial customs of the inhabitants of this ancient city. The location of the tombs also helps us to understand the way of life in ancient Lycia and Caria, as they believed that a winged creature carried the deceased to the after world, therefore the burial chambers were constructed on a cliff face. Whilst the entire landscape of Lycia is scattered with a selection of

Ancient Turkey:

Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia Turkey is home to numerous ruins

landscape, diverse wildlife and ancient

dating back to ancient times and the

ruins. However, the delta gained

country’s south western coastline is

international fame after developers

one of the most historically populated

attempted to construct a luxury hotel

areas. Dubbed as the ‘Turquoise

close to the breeding ground of the

Coast’ for its stunning scenic colours,

endangered loggerhead turtles. As

this vast area spans two significant

a result, the Dalyan Delta became a

and influential regions in antiquity,

protected area, thereby maintaining

namely Lycia and Caria. From

the unspoilt nature of the region.

intricately carved tombs to underwater

Nowadays, visitors head to Dalyan

towns, this area of Turkey has much to

not just to observe this endangered

explore!

species, but also to see the other

impressive attractions the area has to

The charming resort of Dalyan –

offer.

close to the regions’ main airport,

Dalaman – straddles the delta and

One such attraction is the Dalyan

is an area rich in natural beauty and

Tombs that are set high up in the cliff

historical attractions. Until the late

face above the Dalyan Delta. They

1980s, this traditional fishing area

were constructed for the Carian city

remained somewhat undiscovered

of Caunos around 400BC to house the

by tourists, despite its impressive

bodies of deceased kings, providing

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fascinating funeral monuments, it is these on the Dalyan Delta that are considered the most imposing and awe-inspiring tombs of the ancient region. At night time the tombs are lit up creating a dramatic, atmospheric backdrop to the delta which can be seen for miles.

Caunos itself is another fascinating attraction. The largest ancient city in the Carian era, it was constructed, according to Greek mythology, by Apollo’s grandson. Those who visit these iconic ruins can discover remains of many different parts of the old city which were uncovered during an excavation, from the ancient amphitheatre to the traditional Hellenistic and Roman temples, to name a few.

Further eastwards, Kalkan lies at the heart of some of the most impressive Lycian sites. Xanthos was a site of exceptional importance in antiquity as it is thought to have been a main centre for culture and commerce.

Extensive excavations and research of the area have led to the discovery of a selection of texts in the Lycian

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language and Greek, as well as a considerable amount of artefacts.

Iztuzu Beach

The British Museum now houses two tombs, the Nereid monument and the Tomb of Payava, both of which were discovered at the ruins. Another tomb, known as the Harpy Tomb, is still located at the remains of the city. Only 4kms south of Xanthos, positioned on the banks of the Xanthos River, is one of the most important religious centres in the region – Letoon – where the foundations of temples can be seen. A further remain – the ancient city of Patara – can also be found in this historically rich region. Excavated in the 1980s, a magnificent Roman arch can be admired, as well as an impressive theatre. Once a prosperous

Bozburun Peninsula

commercial city, the ruins are positioned just a short distance from Patara Beach – one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.

There are also a number of other smaller sites and one of the more interesting and unusual ones is nearby Kekova which is home to the semi-sunken city of Simena. Originally a fishing village, a 2nd century earthquake had devastating effects on Simena – however it left behind an exceptional historical site. Half of the ancient houses have become submerged, with staircases leading down underwater, where the foundations of the buildings and an old harbour can be found. In 1990, this region was declared a protected area, prohibiting swimming and diving.

Further north and on its own peninsula lies the unspoilt rural region of Bozburun, yet another area which is home to other interesting historical settlements located in ancient Caria. From here, you can explore the ancient Greek settlement of Knidos, located just a short drive away on the nearby Datça Peninsula, a ruin that is built partly on the mainland and partly on the Island of Triopion which, in antiquity, was connected to the mainland by a bridge.

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

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TRAVEL AND LEISURE in Salisbury and explore stone circles and Iron Age forts in the countryside.

Consider an escape to the country’s largest oak forest in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, see Dover’s stunning white cliffs or visit the beautiful cathedrals of Rochester and Canterbury. Then there’s the glorious ancient woodland of the New Forest where William the Conqueror once hunted.

The Great British Holiday When it comes to choosing a break away many of us automatically go online or get brochures from the travel agent to look beyond our own shores to possibly sunnier climes in other parts of the world.

UK each year as their destination of choice.

That blinkered approach to homegrown charms means we may not appreciate the best of what this country has to offer. But, for the discerning, The Great British Holiday has become THE way to enjoy time away from home.

There are few countries in the world where so many holiday choices are available. You can hire a cottage in a remote rural spot, take over a country lodge for a family break, stay in a piece of English history, or just put your trust in a reliable travel company and let a coach whisk you away on a scenic route to a super hotel homefrom-home.

Look at the basic reality: you don’t have to worry about changing money to a different currency or learning a foreign language, agonise over flight delays, spend long hours at the airport doing nothing or deal with the often baffling laws and customs of another country.

By discovering the genuine wonders of the world on your own doorstep, you plug into a much more relaxed holiday that can quickly awaken all of us to just why so many visitors from other countries converge on the

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For a start, there are all kinds of holidays we can take in this country – ranging from active adventure holidays to tailor-made tourism around fascinating towns and villages, to ultra-relaxing breaks to allow mind and body to rest and re-charge to face the rest of life.

When you’ve got past the family holiday style of seaside breaks or activity holiday parks, you may just love the luxury and sheer lack of responsibility of being taken on a coach tour holiday.

And there is just so much to see and do in this country!

You can sample local ales in Devizes in Wiltshire, enjoy international arts

Our first National Park in the Peak District is the scenery which inspired the Brontes, or you can view Creswell Crag’s stunning Ice Age legacy. Little around the world is as beautiful as our own Lake District and Cumbria, while the Yorkshire Dales offer mile upon mile of unspoiled landscape as a feast for the eyes and the senses.

Explore the historic streets of Salisbury and Stonehenge and tuck into tasty local farmers’ produce, or wander the banks of the River Wear in Durham.

Spare some time, too, to visit its iconic cathedral there before appreciating the wild and lovely countryside of the Durham Dales.

Our cities have much to fascinate – from stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Windsor Castle, bursting with a thousand years of history.

Soak up the atmosphere in Bath and visit the fascinating Roman baths or wonder at York’s remarkable old buildings and visit the Shambles, voted the country’s most picturesque street.

Make a pilgrimage to Canterbury and discover the bloody history behind Chaucer’s tales. Or travel to our historic seats of learning and culture to stimulate the intellect and the imagination.

Stratford upon Avon is home to all things Shakespeare; see works by Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Picasso at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, or study Charles Darwin’s specimens at the Zoology Museum in Cambridge.

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Of course, holidays don’t all have to be about sitting around or simply strolling about looking at tourist spots.

You might prefer your walks brisk, exploring the Cornish coast, or hiking over the many English hills and dales.

You might be one of the thousands of people who love caravan holidays, taking your accommodation with you to the hundreds of well-organised camp sites and their useful facilities to structure your own days. You might prefer to try out well-appointed static caravans at holiday parks which also offer entertainment on your independent holiday.

Boating holidays are more popular than ever, with the country’s wonderful network of canals and rivers introduced to new fans every year.

The Lancaster Canal, for example, is one of our most scenic and gentle waterways, running for 42 lock-free miles through pleasant pasturelands, overlooked for most of the way by the foothills of the Pennines.

Today’s narrowboats come fullyequipped, some with central heating, full-size shower and TV, appealing to all.

Valley, where you can observe the breath-taking scenery, Offa’s Dyke, a walk through an ancient fortified borderland or St Ives and the Cornish Coast, with its rugged coastlines and long sandy beaches. All lead

by Ramblers very own experienced leaders, you can be sure your holiday will be the best it can be.

As Robert Foulkes of Crabtree Narrowboat Hire explained: “Last year we had people in their early 20s, grandparents with their grandkids and 50-somethings whose children had left home and this was their first holiday on their own for 20 years.”

Christian Guild, the UK’s premier Christian holiday and hotel company, are excited to announce their brand new brochure for 2014, bringing you a range of inspiring ideas to help you choose the perfect holiday for you and your family.

If you’re looking for the perfect British holiday in 2014, then contact Christian Guild for a copy of their Holidays and Short Breaks brochure for details on hotels and all the activities on offer on 01629 826531 or visit www.christianguild.co.uk

The company boasts five high quality hotels, from an 18th century castle, to a classic Georgia mansion, providing high class service and a warm welcome to all their customers.

The Great British Holiday – in all its forms, price-ranges and activities or lack of them offers the freedom to choose exactly how YOU want to spend your break. And the bonus is that it’s often a brand new voyage of discovery of the fabulous place that is our country.

They have recently announced a partnership with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who are offering their expertise in great value walking holidays at two locations, giving customers the exciting opportunity to explore the world on foot and get out into the great outdoors. Discover the Wye

WIN A WEEKS HOLIDAY FOR 2 AT A CHRISTIAN GUILD HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE

Christian Guild hotels provide the very best SIMPLY FILL IN YOUR DETAILS TO BE ENTEREDinINTO Christian hospitality OUR PRIZE DRAW TO WIN A HOLIDAY FOR 2inAT THEof the most some CHRISTIAN GUILD HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE,beautiful PLUS parts of England.

EACH ENTRY WILL RECEIVE A £50 OFF VOUCHER ON Our five superb hotels ANY 2014 BREAK/HOLIDAY FOR 3 OR MORE DAYS. o er a warm welcome

and are perfect places to get away from it all.

NAME:....................................................................................

ADDRESS:............................................................................... ..............................................................................................

POSTCODE:............................................................................

TEL:........................................................................................

EMAIL:....................................................................................

Closing Date for entries 28/2/14 and winner notified by email or post.

CHRISTIAN GUILD, 2ND FLOOR, BUILDING 10, CROMFORD MILLS, CROMFORD, DERBYSHIRE DE4 3RQ.

e: mail@christianguild.co.uk

www.christianguild.co.uk to

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NEW RE BROCHU W OUT NO

Christian Guild hotels provide the very best in Christian hospitality in some of the most beautiful parts of England.

Our five superb hotels o er a warm welcome are aperfect 2014and brings range places of inspiring ideas to help you to get from it all. for you and your family. choose theaway perfect holiday Christian Guild boasts five high quality hotels with first class service, from an 18th century castle to a country house hotel and a classic Georgian mansion.

YOU will always receive a warm welcome at any one of our beautiful hotels. If you’re looking for a hotel that offers comfortable accommodation, character, style and great food, then look no further.

Our hotels have been chosen to offer you easy access to some of England’s most popular tourist areas. Whether you want to explore coast or country, we’ve a hotel for you. And once you’ve finished exploring and wandering around the wonderful surroundings of our hotels, sit back and relax and enjoy fine food and the very best in Christian hospitality at each venue.

Abbot Hall Hotel Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7BG T: 015395 32896 e: abbot@christianguild.co.uk

THEMED BREAKS If you have a hobby or want to try a new experience, then our themed breaks are renowned for offering a fun-packed holiday.

to

We have arranged a lot of new breaks for 2014, so there’s more chance for you to try a new hobby. Best of all you’ll meet like-minded people, and we’re sure you’ll make new friends.

Stay As You Please We are known for our fabulous breaks that offer a packed programme of activities. But we are now introducing our new concept Stay As You Please.

Willersley Castle Hotel Cromford, Matlock Derbyshire DE4 5JH T: 01629 582270 e: willersley@christianguild.co.uk

Sidholme Hotel Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8UJ T: 01395 515104 e: sidholme@christianguild.co.uk

Lindors Country House Hotel The Fence, St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6RB T: 01594 530283 e: lindors@christianguild.co.uk

Treloyhan Manor Hotel St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AL T: 01736 796240 e: treloyhan@christianguild.co.uk

This gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want, but unlike other hotels, we have staff on hand to help you plan so you don’t miss out on any local attractions.

Stay as you please is more than just booking a hotel room - we can also help you with directions on local walks and give you contact information so you can take part in local activities, such as surfing, fishing or pony trekking.

Call 01629 826531 for a copy of our Holidays & Short Breaks brochure with details of the activities organised at each hotel.

Head Office: Christian Guild, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire, DE4 3RQ. tel: 01629 826531 email: mail@christianguild.co.uk

Great NEW Guided Walking Holidays!

Fabulous NEW Coach Holidays!

New for 2014, Christian Guild is delighted to work in conjunction with Robinsons Holidays to offer you a range of coach holidays to our five hotels.

Robinsons Holidays have been providing affordable, quality coach holidays from its East Lancashire base for the past 90 years.

With Robinsons, passengers’ comfort and safety are a priority and their fleet of modern coaches all offer extra legroom, airconditioning, washroom and WC facilities. All of their tours also have numerous and regular comfort stops en-route to their destination.

We are pleased to announce that we will be working with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays to operate walking holidays at 2 of our fabulous locations - Treloyhan Manor Hotel in St Ives and Lindors Country House Hotel in the Wye Valley.

The original walking experts Since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays have been providing great value guided walking holidays in spectacular locations.

They are dedicated to making exploring the world on foot a fantastic experience. If you love the great outdoors and exploring, then a Ramblers Walking Holiday at Christian Guild will be perfect for you!

Robinsons have an extensive network of feeders which allow them to operate over a large geographical area, and currently pick-up in the following areas: Cumbria; Lancashire; Merseyside; Cheshire; North Wales; Greater Manchester; Staffordshire; Yorkshire; Derbyshire; Mansfield; and Nottingham.

Interchanges for Abbot Hall tours are Lymm Services (M6 J20), and Forton Services (near M6 J33). Interchanges for the other four hotels’ tours are Lymm Services and Hilton Park or Frankley Services.

Passengers can opt to join the tour coaches at the relevant interchange, but there is a car parking charge at Lymm. Robinsons operate a door-to-door service at a supplement, charged on a perperson, per-journey basis (minimum 2 people) for those who wish to be collected at home and taken directly to the relevant interchange.

Professional, passionate and experienced Each holiday will be led by Ramblers Worldwide’s very own experienced Leaders. They are fully qualified with a fountain of knowledge so you can be sure your holiday will be the best it can be.

Experienced in leading, each has their own individual style and particular talents. All are first aid trained; hold walking leader qualifications commensurate with the grade of holidays.

The tour leaders turn a good holiday into a great one. Carefully selected, they are highly experienced, all holding walking qualifications, with specialist expertise ranging from botany to archaeology. Their skills and personalities mean that they will bring your trip alive, acting as a friend and a guide to the whole group.

Walking the Wye Valley - Lindors Country House Hotel Secluded charm, ancient woodland and the majestic River Wye 22nd Feb - 1 Mar - £465; 26 Apr - 2 May - £499; 21 - 28 Jun £575; 30 Aug - 6 Sept - £575; 1-8 Nov - £575.

Offa’s Dyke - Lindors Country House Hotel A walk through an ancient fortified borderland from Kington to Chepstow 17 -24 May - £685; 2-9 Aug - £685; 27 Sept - 4 Oct - £685 St Ives & the Cornish Coast - Treloyhan Manor Hotel Walking the coast and countryside of the far west of England 21- 28 Mar - £579; 2 - 9 May - £595; 14 - 21 June - £595; 12 - 19 July - £595; 23-30 Aug - £595; 25 Sept - 1 Oct - £515; 10 - 17 Oct - £585.

For full details of any holidays or breaks please see brochure or visit the website.

01629 826531

Abbot Hall Tours Includes 3 excursions 12th- 19th July (7 Nights) - £475 28th Sept - 2nd Oct - (4 Nights) - £267

Lindors Country House Tours Includes 2 excursions 14th - 18th July (4 Nights) - £330; 5th - 10th Oct (5 Nights) £350

Sidholme Tours Includes 2 excursions 25th - 30th May (5 Nights) £369 12th - 17th Oct (5 Nights) - £337

Treloyhan Manor Tours Includes 3 excursions 21st - 28th June (7 Nights) - £637 5th - 12th July (7 Nights) - £681 6th - 13th Sept (7 Nights) - £681 22nd - 29th Nov (7 Nights Turkey & Tinsel) - £565

Willersley Castle Tours Includes 2 excursions 25th - 30th May (5 Nights) - £399 13th - 18th July (5 Nights) - £431 7th - 12th Sept 5 Nights) - £399 All tours are at half board rates in ensuite accommodation

To book contact Robinsons on freephone 0800 083 9900 or online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

www.christianguild.co.uk

INTERVIEW: GLORIA HUNNIFORD

Gloria’s early days, health & more...

By Angela Kelly

Gloria Hunniford was just enjoying a few weeks near Nice in France with her husband when we chatted.

It marked a particularly busy time when she had been filming more programmes for the TV hit series Ripoff Britain, which had been extended

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to cover rip-offs on holidays and on food. And Ms Hunniford, now a lovely 73 year-old with the beautiful skin and enduring looks typical of Irish people, always tries to look after herself.

“You need to keep balance, avoid being thrown off kilter,” she explains. “It’s very easy when you’re busy but I do try to take holidays and eat and sleep properly.”

She’s also a great fan of vitamins, which she takes each day, and admits

to “a certain amount of exercise”, usually walking the dogs or using her exercise bike in front of the TV. “I’ve just lost two stone, though,” she states. “It wasn’t a vanity thing – my sister was diagnosed with diabetes and I asked the doctor what I should do to avoid it. Losing weight seemed a sensible idea so I cut out both sugar and carbohydrates and the weight just dropped off.”

It feels like the popular broadcaster has always been with us. Radio and TV audiences love her, and Gloria has the enduring charm that people of all ages and both sexes find attractive and easygoing.

I once stood next to her in an aiport queue as she took a flight to her native Ireland and her fellow travellers were plainly fascinated by the VIP in their

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midst, but also very warm to her.

She was named after the actress Gloria Swanson but early on she became a singer, entertaining at her dad’s concerts. He was a newspaper man by day and a magician by night.

She spent time in Canada, singing on TV and performing listeners’ Irish song requests on the radio, then returned home where she joined ITV’s new Ulster Television as a production assistant. She continued her singing, though, and got a record in the Ulster charts in 1969.

After she was interviewed on BBC radio, the producer asked her to audition as an interviewer, then hired her for Northern Ireland’s equivalent of the Today programme.

She cut her teeth on news and current affairs, moved on to a nightly news programme and finally ended up invited to work in London. Here, her friendly Irish accident and warm manner quickly won over fans. She filled in for Jimmy Young while he was on holiday, and the banter between her and Terry Wogan – whom she already knew – at the end of the programme swiftly enhanced her reputation. People felt she was a familiar friend on the air.

She was given her own show, Gloria Hunniford’s Open House, and was a daily TV fixture for five years. She still makes appearances on The One Show and became a regular once more on our screens with another very popular series Cash in the Attic, which she loves.

“They’ve got about 20 programmes already made but they’ve also now launched an interactive website and an app which is all very exciting because you can go onto the site anytime you want to, anywhere,” she says enthusiastically.

“I love that programme – I’m a great fan of antiques and I’ve collected them myself for years. I collected so many angels and cherubs one of my sons forbade me to bring any more home!

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And I’ve also collected teapots and jewellery crosses.”

She loves the surprises that people get when items they discover go to auction, and thoroughly enjoys the celebrity version. “I’m always amazed at how generous the celebrities are in donating items that can be sold for charity,” she adds.

The Rip-off Britain series is another favourite with her. “I think we came along at just the right time with that brand,” she states. “The recession was just beginning and people felt even more aggrieved if they were being ripped off.”

She is proud of the fact that the evening version draws a regular audience of 5.5 million viewers “and the daytime programme has very respectable figures, too,” she asserts.

Work is plainly far from drying up for the evergreen presenter but she’s quick to state that she actually wants to work.

“I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to,” she adds.

She and her second husband, Stephen Way, live in Sevenoaks, Kent, and family life is obviously very important to her. Her presenter daughter, Caron Keating, died from breast cancer after a brave fight in 2004 and any parent can start to imagine the personal devastation that brought.

“I’ve had loss before, but nothing prepares you for the terrible darkness that descends when a child dies,” says Gloria. “It’s like trying to climb out of a big hole by your fingertips and, just when you think you’re at the top, something drags you back.

“I felt like that for a long time, and many of the people who contacted us when Caron died – we had more than 8,000 letters – said it never really goes away.”

But one person’s letter did strike a chord with Gloria, and showed the way ahead for her. It was someone who

“ I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to” pointed out the importance of carrying Caron’s spirit forward, “I just felt then that I knew what I wanted to do,” she recalls.

Gloria founded the Caron Keating Foundation, administered by the family and with all the funds raised being used to help charities concerned with all kinds of cancer.

The result is that, over the past years, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds which have gone to projects at 47 different cancer charities all around the country.

This is obviously a source of some consolation to Gloria and her family, although you suspect that Caron is in her thoughts every day. “Someone said that people never die if they remain on the lips of the living,” she states, “and I believe that.”

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“The latest all black panels look much smarter than the older silver framed ones Vince” East/West Roofs…Flat Roofs…Garages…Paddocks...Barns…Stables The popularity of SolarPV panels for generating electricity continues to grow even in light of tariff reductions. The principle reason being that capital costs have fallen dramatically while electricity prices have soared. For anyone wishing to safeguard against future energy price increases and generate themselves a predictable incomestream over the next 20 years there is no better, low risk investment. The Feed-in-Tariff for generating your own electricity is still 14.9p per unit and with the overall cost of installing Solar Panels down by 60%, SolarPV is more affordable than ever.

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

Of course the basic premise is that those looking for the benefits from generating their own electricity have capital to invest. The cost of installing SolarPV panels will vary according to the size of system but 16 panels (4kW) will be under £6000, depending on your choice of panels. Most roofs have good potential; even East/West facing roofs or sheds at the bottom of the garden can still be very effective if the system is designed correctly. Even tricky shade issues can be mitigated and with the latest technology surplus electricity can be captured to heat hot water, further improving returns. In the right conditions you can be better off by up to £900 per year, effectively paying for itself in around seven years, which stacks up to a very attractive 16% return on investment.

After that its pure profit, with a 20 year contract guaranteed by the government! Take control; of your energy bills and ‘Click your Roof’ today!

first thing that people notice about you and there are plenty of excellent treatments around. Your dentist can advise here.

It may be that you would like to ditch those specs and improve your EYESIGHT. Laser surgery has come on remarkably in the last few years, so shop around for the best and most trusted treatment.

Certainly, for many of us, our wishlist contains COSMETIC SURGERY for a crooked nose, saggy chin or to get rid of those frown lines. Choose a reputable clinic or salon and give yourself the face or other identified body part you’ve always wanted.

Make 2014 Your Year!

By Angela Kelly

Most of us treat a New Year in the same way – we mentally list all the things we want to change in the next 12 months …. but then do little about it until the next new year!

Well, here’s the chance to make 2014 YOUR year and change all those areas of your life with which you’re unhappy.

And that doesn’t necessarily just apply to your home and your job but also the shape you’re in and many of the things you might like to change about yourself if you just could.

For a start, are you happy with the shape you’re in? Even the most gorgeous celebrities or top models complain about some element of their bodies, so the rest of us are bound to have a list of “improvements”!

Weight is an obvious one. So, if you’ve been promising yourself to drop a few pounds – or a stone or two – join a slimming club now, or put yourself on a good WEIGHT-LOSS programme.

Start this journey with a quick visit to your GP, of course, to check that there’s no medical stumbling blocks involved but after that – ready, steady, slim!

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Complement your shape as the pounds disappear, too, with a new approach to your FITNESS regime.

Gym membership these days is generally very economical, especially if you attend regularly, and you’ve got the added bonus of having expert help on hand and being surrounded by likeminded people.

Make a gym visit part of your regular routine as a way of ensuring you keep happy and healthy – and trimmer – and you’ll keep that hard-won weightloss off for good.

For those with limited mobility, the risk of falling in a bathroom is high.

As we get older, falls can become a major health problem so maintaining a safe home environment is essential.

Everyday tasks that most people take for granted can become an actual danger for those with limited mobility.

Perhaps you want to try out a NEW HAIRSTYLE – a fresh, shorter look or a change of colour. Consult your hairdresser and take his or her advice on cut, condition and just what suits you.

Consider finally getting your dental work sorted out or having your TEETH WHITENED if you’re unhappy with your smile. It is, after all, often the

This may be the year that you decide to MOVE HOUSE. The housing market is definitely much more buoyant and all the signs are good for getting the home of your dreams. Local estate agents and mortgage advisors are always happy to help you with your personal home possibilities.

Or, it could be that you like your current address but want to put in an EXTENSION or CONSERVATORY. A local builder can give you a quote without charge for an extension, and it’s certainly worth talking to an architect about making the most of this planned space first. They’re the experts on coming up with clever plans and utilising extensions in the most practical way to suit your family’s lifestyle.

If you go online to see the kinds of extensions and conservatories available, you can mix and match the best of ideas to suit your plans.

Your property may just need the kind of brightening up that a good DECORATOR can provide. Sometimes, changing the colourscheme and furnishings really cheers up rooms and transforms the home.

It may be that you’re at that stage of life when you want to DOWNSIZE, perhaps realise some of the capital in your property. If you’re in those golden years and want tailor-made accommodation, it’s definitely worth considering a retirement village or sheltered accommodation.

You may decide that a New Year is just the time to change from struggling along with a large and expensive property to something more suitable and economical. There is a wealth of suitable places these days, including comfortable modern apartments

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needing the minimum of maintenance, and with staff on-site to support you daily. And the bonus is that you’re in a community of older people also determined to enjoy life!

Again, your travel can create a personal travel itinerary that will ensure you realise your dream trip, and enjoy the experience every bit as much as you thought you would.

Of course, it may be that you’ve been promising yourself that special HOLIDAY for several years. So, this could well be the time to consider going to Australia or New Zealand, Macau or Malibu. Consult a reliable travel agent for the kind of personal service you’ll need for the trip of a lifetime.

Your New Year Resolutions may be far more modest than any of these, although they may well enhance your life just as much. You may decide that in 2014 you will definitely QUIT SMOKING so take a good look at all the products around to actively help you with this – there’s everything from patches to e-cigarettes these days, hypnotherapists and local health expert support on offer so there’s really no excuse.

It may be that you’ve got a close relative or friend in a far-flung spot that you’d love to visit but never thought you could. Now is just the time to see if this is a possibility, and how it could be achieved.

Or you may have decided to LEARN a musical instrument or a foreign language. All it takes is that initial decision that you’re not going to leave things for another year. You’re not simply going to say “I wish I could ….”

You’re actually going to do it!

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Perhaps you’re determined to finally go to a special SPORTING OCCASION, like the Winter Olympics in Russia in February, the World Twenty20 cricket in Bangladesh in April or the Masters’ golf in Augusta that month.

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FOOD & DRINK - LOW FAT WINTER WARMERS

Si King and Dave Myers are self-confessed food lovers.

Food isn’t just fuel to them, it’s their life. But like many of us they’ve found that the weight has crept on over the years.

Si and Dave have come up with tasty recipes that are low in calories and big in flavour, and many we have featured in 50 Plus Magazine.

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE STEW

This is real food for real people, not skinny minnies.

They are ideas for family meals.

The cider and bacon add a touch of sweetness and extra flavour to the chicken and veg, making this a lovely supper dish. Keep it low-fat by removing the skin from the chicken legs before cooking and using as little oil as possible for browning the meat and vegetables.

SERVES 4 3 tbsp plain flour 2 tsp dried thyme 4 chicken leg quarters 2 tbsp sunflower oil 4 rashers of rindless smoked back bacon, cut into 1cm-wide strips 2 medium onions, chopped 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced 150g small chestnut mushrooms, wiped and sliced or quartered if large 500ml bottle of dry cider 300ml chicken stock, (made with 1 chicken stock cube) 2 bay leaves 400g Chantenay or other small fat carrots, trimmed and peeled 2 slender leeks, trimmed and cut into 2cm slices flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

METHOD Mix the flour and thyme with a good pinch of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper in a large strong 20

freezer bag. Strip the skin off the chicken legs and put them on a board.

Break the joint of each leg by bending it in the opposite direction. You may hear a small crack. Cut each leg quarter in half with a sturdy knife to give 8 chicken portions. Using a good set of kitchen scissors, trim off any visible fat.

Put the chicken portions in the freezer bag, a few at a time, and shake well until they are evenly coated in the flour.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick fying pan over a medium heat and fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time, until golden brown all over. As they are browned, transfer the chicken pieces to a large flameproof casserole dish.

Preheat the oven to 1800C/Fan 1600C/ Gas 4.

Put the bacon, onions and celery in the pan used for browning the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring often.

Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes more, then tip everything into the casserole dish with the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in any flour remaining in the freezer bag and stir well.

Pour about half the cider into the frying pan and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to lift any sediment from the bottom. Simmer for a few seconds, then pour into the casserole. Add the rest of the cider and the stock, then stir in the carrots and bay leaves and bring to a simmer on the hob.

Cover with a lid and cook in the centre of the over for 1 hour, then remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the leeks. Pop the dish back into the oven for a further 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickened. Serve with some green beans or spring onions.

435 Calories per portion.

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LAMB, SPINACH AND POTATO CURRY This is a low-cal version of Dave’s favourite curry - saag gosht - becuase he couldn’t bear to it give it up. If you are running short of time, cut out the fresh garlic, ginger and chilli - the curry will still taste great. The recipe contains potatoes so there is no need to serve it with extra rice.

SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SMOKED SALMON SERVES 6 600g lamb leg steaks (about 4 steaks) 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 large onions, roughly chopped 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped 25g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 1 plump fresh chilli, (deseeded if you like) 75g medium or mild curry paste (depending on your taste) 400g can of chopped tomatoes 350g potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks 450ml water 2 bay leaves 1 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra for seasoning the meat 1 tsp caster sugar 3 ripe medium tomatoes, quartered 100g young spinach leaves freshly ground black pepper METHOD Trim the lamb of any hard fat and cut the meat into rough chunks of about 3cm. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the lamb in 2 batches until lightly coloured on all sides. Transfer the lamb to a plate as soon as each batch is browned.

Heat the remaining oil in a large flameproof casserole dish and add the onions. Cook over a medium heat for

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6-8 minutes until they’re softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly. Turn down the heat, add the garlic, ginger, chilli and curry paste and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.

Remove from the heat and blitz the onion mixture with a stick blender until blended to a purée. Or you can let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then blend it in a food processor before tipping it back into the casserole.

Return the casserole to the hob over a medium heat. Preheat the oven to 1900C/Fan 1700C/Gas 5.

Add the browned lamb to the spiced onion purée in the dish and cook over a gentle heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring.

Add the chopped tomatoes, potatoes, water, bay leaves, teaspoon of salt and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and place the casserole in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened. Check after 1 hour and give the contents of the casserole dish a good stir.

Take the dish out of the oven and remove the lid. Stir in the quartered tomatoes and spinach leaves. Cover once more and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the spinach has wilted.

Serve hot with some spoonfuls of fatfree yoghurt if you fancy.

This is a treat - light but tasty and packed with protein. It takes next to no time to prepare and makes a really special weekend breakfast or brunch. Shows that you can breakfast like a king and still keep the calories under control.

SERVES 2 4 medium eggs 1 tbsp freshly snipped chives, plus a few extra to garnish(optional) 15g butter 4 slices of smoked salmon (about 75g) 1 English muffin, cut in half flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper METHOD Beat the eggs with a pinch of flaked sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Use a metal whisk and make sure you beat the eggs really well. Stir in the chives if you’re using them.

Melt the butter in a medium non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and cook very gently for 2 minutes, stirring slowly until the eggs are softly scrambled.

Remove from the heat and stir for a few seconds more - the eggs will continue to cook for a while.

While the eggs are cooking, toast the muffin and put 1 half on each plate, cut side up. Spoon the scrambled eggs over the muffins, add the slices of smoked salmon and season with a little more black pepper. Garnish with extra chives if you wish. Serve immediately.

293 calories per portion.

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354 calories per portion

EATING OUT

THE EDGEMOOR INN Approximately half way between Stroud and Gloucester, The Edgemoor Inn overlooks the beautiful, picturesque Painswick Valley and the village of Painswick, a quintessential English village known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’.

There are over 100 listed buildings in the village, which is a total conservation area.

It has a rich history with a particularly colourful period during the Civil War when the Roundheads took refuge in the parish church of St.Mary, which dates from the eleventh century.

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.

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

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.

TEL: 01452 813576 WWW.EDGEMOOR-INN.COM EDGE, NEAR STROUD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL6 6ND

EGYPT MILL Set in charming surroundings on the riverside, 16th Century Egypt Mill with its 32 delightful bedrooms and popular restaurant, is a truly unique place. Renowned for the quality of its food, there are delights on the menu to tempt everyone.

From a quick bite at lunchtime to a laidback evening with friends, Egypt Mill’s a great place to be, whatever time you decide to visit.

ALL-DAY £6.50 LUNCH Choose any dish from the normal Daytime Menu for just £6.50 (normally up to around £12.50). After your £6.50 lunch, there’s an option of a delicious dessert for just £3.50. Mon to Fri, 12 noon 6.00pm (incl. Bank Holidays).

A LA CARTE & PRIX FIXE DINNER MENUS The first-class evening A La Carte Menu is available Monday to Saturday from 6.00pm - 9.30pm. They also offer a Prix Fixe selection of dishes from this menu to serve you great food at a very palatable price. 2-courses £12.50 3-courses £14.75 (Mon to Thur, 6.00pm-9.00pm) SUNDAY LUNCH HAS NEVER BEEN SO GOOD Succulent joints of British, locally-sourced Roast Beef, Roast Leg of Pork, Roast Leg of Lamb and Free-Range Chicken.Every Sunday 12 noon until 9.00pm T: 01453 833449 WWW.EGYPTMILL.COM NAILSWORTH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL6 OAE

Mobile moments of madness

There have been moments recently when I have been sorely tempted to launch my mobile telephone into orbit, pre-programmed to crash to earth on Richard Branson’s head.

Since the beginning of the year my signal from the Virgin network had been gradually worsening often to the point where using a carrier pigeon would have been more effective. Of course the first line of defence for all mobile phone companies are the foreign call centres where everyone is called Godfrey or Marion and you know they’ve never been called that in their life. They’re irritatingly polite and heavily scripted on how to deal with awkward customers going ballistic down the phone and threatening to do all manner of unspeakable things.

“Oh we’re very sorry for the inconvenience Mr Graham,” trilled

one after 45 minutes on the helpline which was the cut off, probably because a passing pigeon had blocked the one bar of signal which I was using. They want you to give in and go away don’t they?

“Oh we’ll be giving you another 3,000 texts as compensation Mr Graham, isn’t that wonderful?”

No! I want to speak to someone not write everything in text, I replied, quietly steaming and thinking of what I’d like to do with the operator’s headset.

Many calls later I was allowed permission to speak to the technical department and, amazingly, I actually understood what he was saying. Virgin had decommissioned a mast close to our area and the signal was weakened because of it and there were no plans to recommission it in the future. Oh

Spreading the news A North Shields man loves Marmite so much that he’s changed his surname by deed poll to match the yeast spread.

Mr Marmite, 38, says he easily gets through a jar a week and also collects Marmite paraphernalia including limited edition jars, cufflinks and a recipe book dating back to the Second World War.

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I was in a quandary about who to go to for service, or should I revert back to the two syrup tins and a length of string which had been so effective in my youth? And cheaper. I settled for Talk Talk but for three days that was precisely what I couldn’t do, talk, until numbers had been ported, sims transferred and I had to threaten to separate at least three help line operators from their important bits.

My wife opted for a package with one of those tablet come Kindly wotsit gadgets. It’s amazing the stuff they have now, even a phone that reacts when you look at it. I’m hanging on until they have one which soothes you when you can’t make a phone call, brews tea and makes a bacon sandwich. Sorry, just having another moment of mobile madness!

Tyred of wasted money It seems to me that an incredible amount of money is wasted on rather useless items, many in the name of education.

Saire May - now Marmite - made the leap to show his ‘devotion and passion’ to the dark brown paste.

“I’m not exactly sure how old I was when I first tried Marmite, but I just remember eating it as far back as I can remember,” he said.

“I like the smell, the taste, the texture.

I think I pretty much like everything about it.”

nice, I live high on the Yorkshire moors and Graham Smith would have thought there Twitter Column was plenty of room for a new mast, but no, said the technical man. I was put through to the public relations department and a very polite chap confirmed that my signal would not improve and I was free to leave Virgin without penalty!

Our local school has just unveiled a “tyre park” which has cost a staggering £10,000. Now how many swimming lessons or creative activities could that money have bought instead of dumping a pile of old painted tyres for pupils to clamber across?

“My family think I’m mad. However my mum just shrugged her shoulders, she expects this kind of thing from me,” he added.

It’s the sort of silly idea which could spread.

In my schooldays we were quite happy with a playground area where we fashioned wickets from a dustbin, chalked goalposts on the wall and if anyone had dumped a load of old tyres there we’d have thrown them out.

Progress?

23

BEAUTY The key is for a natural smile of healthylooking teeth and gums that enhances and suits your face. Clever dentists can carefully add well-matched filling material to the tips of worn lower teeth these days. And it’s also easier now to get rid of a denture with fixed teeth or by fixing or stabilising a denture with implants – all of which can be a massive boost to confidence.

If you’re looking for beauty procedures with natural-looking results, try these ideas:

Keeping Ageing at Bay WE long ago seem to have decided against growing old gracefully and opted to do whatever we can to keep ageing at bay.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do to help ourselves, whether or not we want to resort to cosmetic surgery. In fairness, the cosmetic surgery industry in this country is generally of a very high standard. But, as in anything where you are dealing with your health and investing large amounts of money, it’s worth checking out your private clinic or hospital of choice and comparing both costs and reputations with others.

Eyebag removal, facelifts, cheek and chin implants, tummy tucks, arm lifts and thigh lifts are now all relatively common procedures – although they are all still surgery and require proper consideration and investigation beforehand.

However, there are less drastic options we can undergo that don’t involve the scalpel but can still improve our appearance. First, though, it’s worth ensuring that you’ve explored all that Mother Nature has to offer - along with your active co-operation.

A healthy diet is vital for glowing skin and hair, and it’s important to keep your weight within a reasonable level, too. If you’re not sure whether you’re overweight or underweight, ask your doctor and take his or her advice.

24

Plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular, are good for health along with a certain amount of protein in meat, fish or pulses. If you’re on a specific diet – for health or other reasons – you may need a vitamin supplement to ensure you keep well and look and feel good.

Consulting a nutritionist or asking your GP’s advice are good starting points here.

Exercise can also ensure our joints and muscles stay supple, which is a great aid to youthful vitality as well as improving the shape we’re in. Regular walking in the fresh air can give an outdoorsy look that’s attractive at any age, and the enjoyment of an activity that allows us to relax our faces and bodies can also hold back the years.

Having an attractive smile is surprisingly ante-ageing. In fact, your smile is very important in this ageing battle as an unattractive smile can positively age you far more than skin can in most cases.

Missing teeth, very crooked teeth, poor gum health or very discoloured teeth or fillings will obviously not add up to a pleasant smile. Paradoxically, crowns and dentures with teeth that are too white, too straight and too uniform can also make a person look older than their years.

Anti-wrinkle injections – These involve injecting botulinum toxin type A (the most famous brand being Botox) into facial muscles. This can actually prevent muscle action so effectively reduce frown-lines, furrowing of the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes.

When this is carried out well by skilled practitioners, it not only means less wrinkles but a less tired, more relaxed look – like you’ve just been on a lovely holiday!

Dermal fillers – A major problem as we get older is the loss of volume, indeed loss of fat, in the face. Fillers are designed to be used in the face to plump up targeted areas and lines such as the naso-labial folds and the marionette lines around the nose and mouth. They are also great for correcting the turned-down mouth that can sometimes come with age.

Temporary fillers are also an effective and popular way of filling folds and lines, and for defining and augmenting lips.

If injections are complete anathema to you, think about the many treatments that the beauty industry can now offer.

Facial treatments generally, though, tend to work best on a well-cared for skin so it’s important to keep skin well hydrated inside and out.

Keeping to well-known beauty product names may well help here as you may know better what your skin reaction will be. One typically famous brand offered in some salons is Guinot, and one of their most popular treatments comes from the Hydradermie range.

The Hydradermie deep cleansing facial is, apparently, much beloved by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Coleen Rooney. This involves deepcleansing the skin, and it also stimulates cellular renewal. The benefits are particularly felt by those with dry skin, and it also reduces the sebum level in oily skin.

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The Hydradermie Lift is a machine-based facial using cuttingedge technology to treat both the skin and the facial muscles for an immediate “lifting” effect. Designed for skin that shows signs of loss of elasticity, it targets areas where fine lines are most evident – around the eyes, mouth and nose and across the forehead. It also “lifts” and firms the cheeks, jawline and neck.

Liftosome Facial – This facial treatment has been specially developed to treat the problems associated with mature skin including lack of skin tone and loss of radiance. With age or fatigue, we notice a slackening and loss of firmness of the skin, especially in the cheeks, chin and neck. This is largely caused by the deterioration of the elastic fibres of the dermis. The skin loses density and becomes dehydrated, resulting in dryness, wrinkling and slackening.

The treatment consists of three phases: the vitamin-enriched serum, the thermal treatment mask and the firming massage.

The facial finishes with the application of moisturisers to the face, neck and eye area.

The great thing about all facial treatments for many of us, of course, is that it’s such an enjoyable and luxurious process that we automatically come away feeling much more relaxed – and thus also much younger looking!

TOP TIPS FOR STAYING YOUNG FOR LONGER

Gloucestershire

The Manor Daytime support services for older people We offer high quality day support enabling people to remain in their own homes and offering important respite for relatives and carers.

A varied daily programme of activities includes a chance to stimulate the mind, such as quizzes and games, discussions about current affairs, reminiscence, music appreciation and outings.

For those who enjoy being creative there are opportunities for painting, cookery and crafts.

There are also more active pursuits such as gardening and exercise.

1. Avoid and reduce stress as much as possible. Stress is one of the most common causes of premature ageing, so take time to relax and have a little humour in your life.

2. Spend as much time with your family and friends. An increase in social connections can help improve the quality of life and can influence life extension.

3. Oxygen is vital for keeping your body healthy. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and ensure you have plenty of plants around you at home and at work.

4. Whilst keeping active can help fight the loss of stamina, muscle strength, balance and bone density associated with ageing. Exercising your mind is equally important to exercising your body. A healthy and active mind will help you feel younger.

Try learning something new to keep your brain stimulated.

5. Having the right amount of sleep is essential to staying young. Taking a short nap can make a huge difference to thinking clearly and feeling happy, but make sure it’s just after lunch so that night sleeping is not disrupted.

6. Keep the brain active by doing something new every day – clean your teeth with the other hand or take a new route to work Gloucestershire 7. Laughter releases endorphins thus relieving pain, reduces stress hormones and boosts the immunity system. So put on those comedy DVDs and laugh a lot!

8. The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that facial expressions influence our emotions. So smile and feel better.

It’s the greatest facelift in the world!

9. Stand tall. Good posture can make us look 10 years younger and much more confidant.

10. A suntan makes us look healthy and vibrant,Gloucestershire but in the long run it’s terribly ageing. A little colour with the protection of sunscreen is the answer.

We also offer wellbeing activities such as chiropody, hairdressing and bathing.

We provide plenty of opportunity for those who just want to talk with others, make friends or enjoy some companionship.

Lunch is an important feature of the day and we provide a varied, freshly cooked, twoGloucestershire course lunch menu prepared in our own kitchens and served in our manor cafe by the care team. Diabetic, vegetarian and other diets are also catered for.

Gloucestershire

Transport to and from the centre in our catchment area Two course lunch prepared by our chef and his team all diets catered for l Wide range of activities to suit all abilities, which take place in separate activity rooms in small groups l Care team specially trained to look after the needs of older people and those living with dementia l Hairdressing salon, chiropody and bathing available l Spacious gardens with raised beds and patio area l Full and half days available l l

162 Barnwood Road, Gloucester GL4 3JX t: 01452 616173 e: hwoodward@ageukgloucestershire.org.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Choosing the right care In 1957, Harold McMillan told the British public ‘we’d never had it so good’ and it was true we were enjoying better health and prosperity. Inevitably, this led to longer life spans, and the phenomena of the sandwich generation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, around 6% of people in their sixties still had one parent living. Today the figure is around 50%. At the same time, in 2000, 52% of young adults were living with their parents, and this figure is still rising.

This has led to a situation where couples coming up to retirement are caring for ageing parents, while still supporting their adult children. This is the sandwich generation, worrying about financing their own retirement, their parents and their children. While many 80 year olds are still hale and hearty, there are many who need constant care and attention, resulting in huge stress levels for those responsible for them. If you’re one of these, it’s time to take stock and explore all avenues which could help.

PLAN AHEAD

Payment to people who receive a social care and support service.

Difficult as it may be, you need to discuss issues with your parents. Discuss their assets, check with them where they want to live, and who should make legal and medical decisions if they are no longer capable of handling their affairs.

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

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

• • • • •

Check out the Care Quality Commission.

This is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

It registers care services that meet standards and make constant inspections to check that these standards are kept and take action if standards fall.

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

These include: Personal care and support Day care (including domestic help) ‘Mixed’ packages of support Short-term residential care Items of equipment

Direct Payments can also be used for employing a ‘personal assistant’ or arranging care from a private agency.

Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further. There are many benefits to Direct Payments – they allow a greater level of flexibility and freedom for the person who needs the care and support. By employing a care and support worker directly, there is greater choice as to whom the person has looking after them; what times they come and what tasks they perform.

Do you have concerns for a friend, neighbour or family member?

Are they in need of, or approaching a time when they will need, A sAfe pAir of hAnDs?

Live-in Care

Giving 24/7 care in your home, long or short-term.

• A Carer to live with you, someone to be on-hand whenever needed • Help with all aspects of Care • Companionship • Personal hygiene – washing, showering, bathing

• Cooking • Washing & Ironing • Prompt/administer medication • Housework • Shopping • Respite • Accompanying to appointments

Our Carers are: • Disclosure and Barring Service (previously CRB) checked, inclusive of ISA check • Reference checked

• Local and on hand, in your area • Fully trained with appropriate specialist training

Registered with the Care Quality Commission www.cqc.org.uk

Whatever your needs please call or e-mail Jenny or Ron Tel: 01452 526150 or 0845 1550024 (local rate) email: info@rojene.co.uk www.rojene.co.uk

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How to best support those suffering with Dementia and their families 1. When dealing with Dementia, it’s often easy to focus on the illness and lose sight of the individual. Whenever you see the person with Dementia treat them with respect and dignity to help them feel confident and valued, however advanced their Dementia may be.

5. Be a good listener – those supporting the person suffering with Dementia often need someone to talk through things with, so ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully, and give them time to explore their feelings freely without judgment.

2. Equally, it is important to communicate in a clear and reassuring way to help the Dementia sufferer feel at ease. Even if the person doesn’t understand what you’re saying they may pick up on non-verbal communication, so ensure your tone is warm and that your body language is open and friendly to avoid unintentionally coming across as stressed or irritated.

6. Offer to help out with little things.

Families living with Dementia will undeniably feel the stresses of everyday life to an even greater extent and have less time, so give practical support by helping with their weekly shop, or offering to do the school run.

3. Let the sufferer and their family know you are there for them by making sure you stay in touch. Arrange regular meetups or just pop round for a cup of tea and a chat – even a quick text or phone call to let the family know you’re thinking of them can make a huge difference.

4. Find out as much as you can about Dementia and how it is affecting the particular person involved. That way when you talk to family and friends about it, you are in the best position to be understanding and offer the right kind of support.

7. Organise a treat or outing to include the person with Dementia. Think of an appropriate activity for everyone to do together, such as a walk in the park or a trip to the seaside, and give everybody a fun day out.

8. Offer practical tips for how to make life easier for the Dementia sufferer.

Small suggestions like placing useful telephone numbers by the phone or labelling cupboards and drawers can make a huge difference to daily life.

9. Give the carer or family member a break – suggest a treat such as a spa weekend or theatre trip, or even just take them out for dinner or coffee as

a welcome break from their everyday routine.

10. Appreciate that supporting a relative with Dementia will be hard for the whole family, and will mean changes and disruptions to everyday life. Children in particular may be more affected emotionally, so offer them a chance to express their feelings and talk things through, and don’t be surprised by small changes in behaviour such as them becoming frustrated or anxious.

By Dr Lynda Shaw www.drlyndashaw.com Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist.

Sharing your life with someone who has memory problems can be challenging, but it doesn’t always have to be stressful.

There are many organisations who have experience of the problems which you may be facing, and who would be happy to offer you support and advice.

For further information, please contact your local Bluebird Care office.

Details can be found on our website - www.Bluebirdcare.co.uk Alternatively, call Vicky or Gareth on 01453 757 937.

CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service Bluebird Care (Gloucester) Suite 4 Westgate House, The Island, Gloucester GL1 2RU Telephone: 01452 414952

Bluebird Care (Stroud) 3b Nelson Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2HL Telephone: 01453 757 937

What we offer 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.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care.

With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

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

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT The Bite, Chipping Campden & The Cotswolds: 1st – 9th February 2014 Join The Bite for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, teas & dinners; pop-up restaurants; cocktails & fine wines; masterclasses, talks & tastings; meet the chef & book signings; food fairs & farmers markets. Food events take place throughout The Cotswolds and beyond. www.thebite.co

Jousting Tournament – Blenheim Palace: May 2014 Watch a jousting tournament reliving the medieval codes of chivalry and honour. Marvel at spectacular horsemanship. www.blenheimpalace.com

www.fairfordlechladefoodanddrink. co.uk

Real Ale Weekend, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway: 17th – 18th May 2014 Visit the Real Ale Weekend at Winchcombe Station. Light refreshments and a mix of different ales and ciders, organised by CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). Entry charge if just attending at Winchcombe, or buy a train ticket and take a train from Toddington or Cheltenham Racecourse. www.gwsr.com

Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival: 13th – 15th June 2014

Fairford Food & Drink Festival: 11th May 2014 Visit Fairford and enjoy breakfast, stay for lunch and take something home for supper! Food and drink stalls to suit every taste, with some musical performances throughout the day.

A food festival that has quickly become loved by not only the local people but visitors from outside the Cotswolds. Enjoy meeting food producers, brewers, winemakers and chefs dedicated to fostering, preserving and displaying the very best in food and drink. Theatres for live music

and street theatre, real food and drink and international wine, as well as The Chefs Kitchen, all in Montpellier Gardens. www.cheltenham-foodfestival.garden-events.com

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival: 12 – 13 July 2014 Thousands of re-enactors, entertainers and traders from all over Europe gather in Tewkesbury for Europe’s largest medieval re-enactment. A fantastic and unique day out for all the family. Free admission. www. tewkesburymedievalfestival.org

Gloucester Quays Food Festival: 18th – 20th July 2014 Gloucester’s historic docks are the setting for this annual celebration of all things edible. Over 80 food stalls will be set up on the waterside, selling local cheeses, artisan breads, handmade chocolates, homemade chutneys and all sorts of other things, while popular famous chefs will be on hand for cookery demonstrations. www.gloucesterquays.co.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 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...

BIRDSONG

By: Sebastian Faulks 17 - 22 February

BRASSED OFF

Starring: John McArdle 25 - Sat 29 March

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Birmingham Repertory Theatre present the RSC production

A LIFE OF GALILEO 10 - 15 March BOOKING NOW! Starring: Ian McDiarmid

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Over 50? Your local charity – here to help you Age UK Blackburn with Darwen remains a local, independent charity providing a range of services to local older people.

Befriending Service Over 50? Your local charity – Scheme here to Howhelp you can you help us • The Caring Neighbourhood

The services we can offer you in Blackburn with Darwen are:

provides charity a voluntary visitoraorrange of services We need to raise all in Advice Information Age UK& Gloucestershire is a local, independent providing to older people our own funds in order ‘phonelink’ on aof, weekly •the Through offices in Blackburn and county.

We also campaign on, and raise awareness issuesbasis affecting older people. to continue our work to people who are housebound Darwen we offer free, confidential providing services to local and socially isolated.

The services weadvice can offer and independent on ainclude: range other everyday jobs to enable older people to continue living people and their carers. independently at home. Help may include escorted shopping of issues&including benefits and Advice Information Day Care Centres trips, meal preparation and laundry.

You could help us in money, care, housing much Our staff and volunteers areand trained to provide free, confidential • Our two day care centres provide a variety of ways. and independent advice and information variety more.

A variety of free factsheetson a wide services for older people who are Choirs Donations – we are always ofand issues.

If we can’t the help you need we can point leaflets areprovide also available.

We have four choirs for older people, based in Gloucester, physically and/or mentally frail. you in the right direction and we can help with form filling for

•benefits Our Outreach Advice service and allowances claims. provides home visits and advice Home Hospital venues. sessionsfrom in community

grateful for cash donations,

Cheltenham, Stroud and Cirencester open to all over 50s and no matter how small. Every • We provide transport to and from with an emphasis on the pleasures and benefits of singing. penny counts. the centres, a hot lunch, bathing, personal care, plus the opportunity – everyone who Volunteering for AgeLegacies UK Gloucestershire short term Service social, practical for •We Theprovide Money Advice offersand moral support to participate in a range of remembers us in their Will is can be satisfying and fun! adults who have recently come out of hospital who live within free information sessions on a ensuring that some time UK therapeutic and social activities.

Gloucestershire and have a Gloucestershire GP. Respondents to a recent survey carried at out

by Age range of financial issues such in thereported future older Gloucestershire overwhelmingly thatpeople their main Charity Shop Clean Sweepretirement Plus as budgeting; and will the help they motivation for volunteering was toget ‘do something goodneed. and make • Our shop on Market Street in Darwen This paid-for service provides help with housework and a difference’, closely followed by having ‘a sense of giving back’. pensions; credit and borrowing; Donations in lieu of We have a diverse bunch of volunteers who all volunteer for sells a large range of quality donated tax; and savings and investments. flowers – in memory of is great different reasons: some even become employees which clothes, accessories, small electrical a loved one, these have Ageing Well Project for us! and other household items, CDs, a long lasting effect.

• This project provides a range of We have a range of opportunities throughout Gloucestershire DVDs, books and other goods.

Charity shopchoirs – profit(Gloucester, activities at community venues from wellbeing projects such as our • Donations are always welcome from our provides throughout the Borough. Currently Cheltenham, Stroud and Cirencester) toshop projects helping people and collection can be arranged. a vital source of income. regain independence back in their own homes and communities these include beauty treatments, after a long stay in hospital (Home from Hospital) or benefits Every customer and Tai Chi, gentle exercise, gym sessions, For further information about advice (Outreach workers anddonation our Information & Advice team). helps. walks, swimming groups, any of our services or activities Trading products – any Our Magic Mouse project is aimed at reducing social isolation by Wii sessions, 10 pin bowling you can contact us at: offering tuition in all things computing from complete start up to profits go directly to support and dancing.

4 King Street, Blackburn BB2laptops 2DH and tabletsour using those thatcharitable your children or grandchildren activities.

• We provide basic computer tuition, 01254 266620 have bought you for Christmas! With its continued success and Time – we are always in with Facebook and mobile phone growth qualified volunteers Darwen Office, Town Hall,we are looking for technically need of volunteers whointo this a lot of patience and empathy to ease elderly novices sessions, and a loan of Nintendo DS Croft Street, Darwen BB3age.

1BQ give their time to help us. digital Brain Training equipment is available.

01254 773440 We have centres in Gloucester and Cheltenham which have

www.ageukbwd.org.uk really benefitted from having volunteers support them. Not only enquiries@ageukbwd.org.uk is it a great help for the staff, but for our service users too who enjoy the interaction with our volunteers.

Registered charity number 1143809. IDBB2316 01/13

You may wish to support our internal operations and brush up on, or utilise, existing admin skills. Or help us with ‘one off ’ fundraising events.

There are many opportunities available and we are in constant need of volunteers, so if you would like to support us or find out a little more about what’s on offer then please call 01452 422660 and ask for Chris Walker or Jo Murray.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

29

HEALTH

Quality dentures mean a quality lifestyle The Importance of Dentures 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.

Choice of Dentures There are four main quality standards in denture materials.

The denture base (gum coloured on which the denture teeth sit).

• • • • • 30

Standard Quality High Impact Acrylics (much stronger) Injection Pressure Formed (Premium Denture Base) Flexible (Partial Dentures) Metal Denture

The Denture Teeth • • • •

2 Layer Acrylic (economy) 3 Layer Acrylic (harder wearing) 4 Layer Reinforced (hard wearing, natural look) N.F.C. (Nano filled composite) premium teeth.

Of course, the materials alone will not make a good denture. In the hands of a skillful and experienced Dental Technician the best results are achieved.

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

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

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

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

Denture construction is more art than science.

Denture Annual Check “M.O.T.”

Your Dentures need Attention 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

It is important to look after your dentures to avoid unnecessary breakages and to ensure that they are performing adequately. We recommend an annual check which we are calling a “M.O.T.”

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.

When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

The CDL Denture “M.O.T.” Included in your Denture “M.O.T.” l

Clean and polished using our professional equipment and materials.

My Dentures have become loose!

l

Cracks and blemishes repaired if required.

This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining.

A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

l

Advise on whether reline or new dentures may be required.

As we service your denture, we can assess any potential problems.

Dentures with worn down teeth

QUESTIONS to ask yourself

Teeth excessively worn, require a new set of dentures.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Dentures on Implants This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

Does your denture still fit?

Are you suffering from repeat breakages? WHY? see 1. above Are you happy with the appearance Are they worn out?

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

Cotswold Dental Laborator y Ltd Martyn Young Dental Technician

Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?

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

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.

l

l

l

Dentures Valplast Flexible Partials Ultra Suction

Ring for an appointment All work Guaranteed Competitive Rates

l

l

l

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

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31

Change your old, uncomfortable bath for the revolutionary, all new Princess shower module from Bathing Solutions in under a day* – it’s that EASY!

4

3 2

1

Low threshold tray makes getting in and out safe and easy.

2

Optional sliding glass doors or splash guard make showering safe and secure; no splashes on the floor either!

3

Fold up seat – for even more comfortable and safe showering.

4

Easy-clean, tile-effect walls – so there’s no messy grout and keeping it clean is simple.

5

Fits where your existing bath is now.

5

1

Get rid of bathing difficulty

24 HRS

EASY for us to install, EASY for you to look after and best of all, EASY on your budget; the new Princess shower module has it all.

* dependent on fit

For a free copy of our 44 page brochure call free now on

0800 783FPPDO3 1912 Please quote reference

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Clear Screen’s coating repels lime scale and soap scum, keeping the glass clean and smear free. A simple quick wipe with a cloth will keep the glass on your shower sparkling, with more than 20% better brilliance.

www.safebathing.co.uk

Bacteria growth is reduced by over 99% with Microshield integrated into the Princess shower. Microshield will not wash off or wear away; it keeps the shower more hygienic and therefore fresher and cleaner.

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