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EAST SURREY JULY - SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION 2

The world according

to Joan Hairy Bikers

Delicious Summer dishes

Home to Holiday Finest Escorted Holidays

Dental Holiday in Budapest Reader Offer Inside

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Home to Holiday finest escorted holidays York and Spa Express Tuesday 06 August – 4 days

Enjoy a memorable return ride on the Scarborough Spa Express.

Explore the magnificent city of York. Stay at a central hotel located close to the Minster.

Cruising with Fred.Olsen: We have a selection of cruises with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines. Sailing aboard world-class vessels, these are excellent quality traditional cruises.

Agatha Christie Canaries Cruise Visiting Madeira, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Lisbon.

Tuesday 29 October - 14 Days

You pay the same price as advertised by Fred.Olsen, but have the added benefit of a home pick up included For a free brochure on all our fantastic cruises or further details call Anna our dedicated cruise advisor on 01372 731705

We offer a door to door service on all our holidays

3 Days

Ironbridge Museum & the Severn Valley Railway Friday 30 August Visit Blists Hill, one of the largest openair museums in the country. Ride on the splendid Severn Valley Railway.

Stay in an excellent 4 star hotel.

5 Days

Enchanting Cornwall Tuesday 03 September See the stunning St Michael’s Mount.

Visit pretty Padstow and magic Tintagel. Stay in a welcoming familyowned hotel.

7 Days

Guernsey by Air Saturday 07 September Staying in a splendid seafront hotel four miles from St Peter Port. Full day excursion to idyllic Herm.

Half day island tour.

4 Days

Bath and Somerset Connoisseur Break Sunday 08 September Staying at a very highly regarded hotel in Somerset. Explore the lanes of Somerset, visiting Wells, Glastonbury and Cheddar. Enjoy full a la carte dining in the Cubros Restaurant.

Epsom Coaches, Roy Richmond Way, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9AF t: 01372 731705 or visit us online www.epsomcoaches.com

inside...

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10-11 The World According to Joan ...

Joan Collins strolls through the highlights of her life

10-11

6-7

13-15 The Hairy Dieters ...

Delicious Summer Dishes!

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13-15

Say ‘Aloha’ to Hawaii ...

The ultimate dream destination

How Much Food do You Throw Away?

Waste Less and Caddy the Rest

18-19 Better Membership and Activities for over 60s

Visit Donyngs Leisure Centre

40-41

26-27 St Anthony’s Hospital ...

High Quality Healthcare.

34-35 Fostering For Surrey ...

Have you got what it takes?

McGrath Media.

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

36-37 Creating Space ...

Space Saving Solutions 40-41 Learning to Relax in today’s Highly Stressed World

Tips on Relaxation Methods.

e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

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Graham Smith...

TWITTERING ON Twittering Pope I could of course make some very irreverent remark about the fact that the Pope has opened a Twitter account. But he’s got something going for him for he picked up over 300,000 followers in the first 24 hours of tweeting putting Stephen Fry and others in the shade.

I have a sneaking admiration for any 85-year-old who takes up social media but note that he has a new media department who will doubtless be handling his tweets before publication. It remains to be seen if congregations dwindle in the light of this innovation or whether many turn over in bed on Sunday morning and reach for their lap top!

The self-titled “bacontrepreneur” has also come up with other pork inspired products such as bacon roses, bacon lip balm and bacon baby formula.

And, for those “who love bacon to death”, he has created a £2,000 bacon-wrapped coffin.

Mr Esch added: “Bacon is delicious, people get excited when they smell it. When you walk into a room don’t you want people to be excited to see you?”

I told you they weren’t all locked up.

Coffin therapy Next time you fancy a lie down try a little coffin therapy!

A Ukrainian man is encouraging people to lie down for 15 minutes in one of his coffins to “prepare for the afterlife”.

Now why would I want to do that?

The coffin maker has been in business for ten years and says the feeling is just like being in a bed. It’s the same sheets and pillows with its own special aura. You can choose from one of ten coffins in a special room with birdsong, falling water and he says you go home in a completely different mood.

Err, no thanks

Little lit up donkey!

Hundreds of donkeys are to be fitted with glow-in-the-dark ear tags in Botswana to stop accidents on rural roads at night.

About 500 of the animals will be fitted with the reflective tags in the north of the country where one in ten crashes is donkey-related.

I think it’s a wonderful idea and also recommend the tags for those barmy joggers who tear around in pitch blackness.

The UK-based Society For The Protection Of Animals Abroad is paying for the Maun Animal Welfare Society, in Botswana, to carry out the project.

Is your man a pig?

A US company has created a gift for the man who has everything - bacon flavoured shaving scream.

J&D’s new product is described as “high end, luxurious bacon-scented shaving cream” and is on sale for about £9.

Inventor Justin Esch said: “There is nothing more powerful than the smell of bacon, nothing. Bacon is the smell of champions.

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and bacon is the best part of breakfast. Why not smell like it and be the best?”

Laura Higham, outreach veterinary advisor for SPANA, said: “The people that own working donkeys are some of the very poorest in Botswana’s society and often have no choice other than to let their animals roam freely in search of food in the sparse desert environment.

“This practice is essential, but obviously makes the donkeys vulnerable to accidents and we hope that this simple solution will help reduce the number of collisions caused by the animals every year.”

The charities hope the project will be adopted in other parts of the country, and will be the first step towards making reflective tags a legal requirement for freely roaming livestock.

Isn’t science wonderful?

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

SAY ‘ALOHA’ TO HAWAII

By Sally Dowling from Silver Travel Advisor

Kauai © (HTA/Tor Johnson)

Palm trees swaying in the gentle trade winds of the Pacific Ocean, endless stretches of sandy coastline, volcanoes, rainforests and more – the Hawaiian Islands are the ultimate dream destination.

The journey to Hawaii is not to be underestimated – it is a long way. So when you finally get there you need to make the most of this incredible group of diverse and beautiful islands strung out like pearls in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There are countless itineraries and combinations with each island offering a different holiday experience and its own individual charm.

Arriving into Honolulu on the island of Oahu immediately gives you a sense of anticipation. The warm air greets you as it wafts through the mainly open buildings and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. Honolulu is the centre of business and culture and the capital of Hawaii. It is a bustling city with a strong Polynesian influence and is home to museums, galleries and elegant public gardens all steeped in the history of the islands.

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The world famous resort of Waikiki Beach is just a few miles along the coast. At first glance not quite the tranquil tropical resort you would expect but this is a town that welcomes a huge number of tourists each day. Modern skyscraper hotels front the pristine beach set against the magnificent backdrop of Diamond Head volcanic crater. At night Waikiki comes alive with Sunset Hula shows, street performers, lively bars and restaurants. A velvet breeze wafts in from the ocean, mixes with the soft sound of the Hawaiian guitar and beckons the crowds to linger amongst designer boutiques and street markets. As soon as dawn breaks the surfers take to the water to catch the waves that roll in throughout the year. Sit on the beach and be amazed by their prowess or take a lesson and have a go yourself, there are plenty of beach boys happy to give surfing classes and surfboards can be easily rented.

When it is time to move on to another island, a great contrast to Oahu is Maui, known as the Magic Isle.

Although it appears at first glance to be flat and uninteresting, travel away from the airport and you will find the dormant volcano of Haleakala Crater with its lunar landscape, or take the scenic road to the town of Hana through rainforest and waterfalls. The picturesque town of Lahaina was once the heart of the Hawaiian Islands where the whaling ships docked. Today the town attracts the tourists with quaint shops, galleries and restaurants housed in the old wooden shop fronts that were once the

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saloons and brothels of times gone by. Set along a pretty coastline with a dramatic mountainous backdrop and with spectacular sunsets over the small offshore island of Lana’i - the town is picture postcard perfect.

If it is adventure you are after then the island of Kuau’i beckons visitors with a host of exciting activities, watersports, 4x4 land tours, mountain tubing and zip line tours to name just a few. Take a helicopter tour to appreciate the awesome interior of Kaua’i. The imposing Waimea Canyon is more than 3,000 feet deep and known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. The Waimea River flows through the canyon and is fed by cascading waterfalls swollen by the almost daily rainfall. When the sun shines through shimmering rainbows appear giving the area a truly magical feel. Hold onto your seat because the experienced pilots know how to get really up close and personal to some of the highest waterfalls and deepest valleys.

Hawaii Island © (HTA/Tor Johnson)

Maui © (HTA/Tor Johnson)

In common with the other islands, Kauai has its fair share of stunning beaches. Holiday makers flock to the eastern and western shores but only intrepid hikers or sailors can access the secluded hidden coves, nestling beneath the dramatic cliffs along the Na Pali Coast on the western side.

With its lush, rainforest interior and above average rainfall Kaua’i is aptly named the Garden Isle and has been the setting for many famous movie locations over the years.

The largest island is confusingly named Hawaii – or Big Island. You could easily spend your entire holiday here as it has an amazing diversity in geography and climate. Take a drive around the island and you will pass through tropical rain forests, lava fields, volcanic mountains and rolling hills. At Kona on the west coast and you will be amazed by huge expanses of black lava stretching into the sea.

The area is famed for diving and snorkelling and a visit to Kealakekua State Park is a must. Further along the coast the land is dotted with coffee plantations, each producing the world famous Kona Coffee and most are happy to give tours to visitors and sell the freshly roasted beans.

The active volcanoes for which the island is so well known can be explored at fairly close quarters from the Volcanoes National Park. Check current conditions with the park rangers at the Kilauea Visitor Centre where you can also pick up maps and guides to the area. The island capital is Hilo, situated along the crescent shaped Hilo Bay on the East Coast where frequent and heavy rainfall has created a tropical environment of lush valleys and gushing waterfalls.

Hilo is a commercial centre but does have an attractive ‘old town’ area full of shops, galleries and restaurants as well as museums, parks a cultural centre and a great programme of seasonal festivals and events. It makes a great base for exploring the Volcanoes National Park and the beaches along the coast.

So pick one or pick ‘em all, whichever islands you choose to visit, I guarantee you will want to return to see the rest.

For more information on the Hawaiian Islands contact Hawaii Tourism Europe website www.gohawaii.com or call 44 (0)207 6446 127.

© (HTA/Tor Johnson)

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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The World according to Joan

Joan Collins returned to the UK in April with her her sell-out show “One Night With Joan” and this stroll through the highlights of her life brings a touch of genuine glamour into our humdrum lives writes Angela Kelly.

The British actress, writer and columnist who famously turned down Richard Burton and bested Joan Crawford may unbelievably now be 79 but - being Joan - she never misses an opportunity to show real Hollywood glitz at its best and most enduring. As she insists in her down-toearth way: “I’ve often been accused of over-egging the pudding in the costume and make-up department, but that’s one of the illusions that form a part of what this person called Joan Collins is all about.”

To discover the real Joan Collins, though, it’s necessary to go back to her roots and trace her rise to fame and fortune. She was born in May, 1933 in London, to a former 10

nightclub hostess and a successful talent agent. She was one of three children – her sister Jackie is a successful novelist whose books have sold more than 400 million copies.

Joan was a very pretty child and grew up into an attractive dark-haired beauty. She had her first theatre appearance at the age of nine and obviously developed a taste for acting through her teenage years. She became a Rank starlet and appeared in a host of relatively forgettable films, occasional TV appearances and pin-up shoots but, to improve her budding career, she moved to Hollywood in the 1950s. Her first film role was in 1951 in B-movie “Lady Godiva Rides Again.”

For the next three decades, she became a Hollywood fixture, driving her signature pink Thunderbird and keeping the gossip columnists happy with a reported succession of high-profile liaisons with famous men including Dennis Hopper and Warren Beatty.

She impressed, however, in the films “The Stud” and “The Bitch” which were both adapted from sister Jackie’s

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INTERVIEW best-selling novels. In 1978 she published her first memoir, “Past Imperfect” about her life – unsurprisingly, also a best-seller.

In 1981, she went for an audition for struggling primetime drama “Dynasty”, for a part that Sophia Loren had already turned down. Alexis Carrington Colby was the vicious, vengeful ex-wife of family patriarch Blake Carrington, played by John Forsythe. Joan got the part, and was absolutely brilliant in the role.

Ratings immediately started to rise. As the show’s creator Aaron Spelling insisted: “We didn’t write Joan Collins.

She played Joan Collins. We wrote a character, but the character could have been played by 50 people and 49 of them would have failed. She made it work.”

In fact, she made it work so well that Alexis - with her seductive glamour, gorgeous clothes and make-up and great storylines - became the character with whom Joan has become enduringly associated. She was nominated six times for a Golden Globe before finally winning one in 1983.

“Dynasty” ended its run in 1989 but Joan appeared as Alexis in the 1991 mini-series “Dynasty: The Reunion.”

The original series, though, remains warm and familiar in the minds of the public and there are regularly calls for its revival. Speaking on TV’s “Loose Women” programme just recently, British actress Stephanie Beacham - who also went into the series - said she and Joan had been talking about just such a revival, and regular TV watchers know it’s “never say never” when it comes to bringing back successful soaps.

research, and remains a true celebrity in a sea of passing wannabes.

She has always looked after her figure and continues to be as glamorous as ever, taking her own advice on everything from eating meals from a smaller plate to keep her weight down to avoiding sunshine on her face to protect her looks. Her outspoken and witty pronouncements on various subjects have helped keep her in the public eye and she has had a variety of regular opinion columns in newspapers and magazines.

In her 2011 book “The World According to Joan”, she admits that she has “always been extremely frank, perhaps too much so. Often friends say to me sarcastically ‘Oh why don’t you say what you mean, Joanie!’ Well, I’m afraid I usually do which is why I have been called opinionated, stubborn, obdurate, headstrong, prejudiced and politically incorrect.

“Perhaps I am, but I have now reached an age and a stage when I basically do what I like as much as I can, without trying to hurt anyone.”

While being Joan Collins is much about a life lived in the spotlight, it’s plain that not only is she a clever actress and a genuine icon but that she’s discovered the secret of longevity when it comes to engaging with the public.

And audiences from Manchester’s Lowry to London’s Leicester Square Theatre discovered that “One Night With Joan” is also a unique and memorable experience.

Of course, much of Joan Collins’ fame has come from her life away from the film and TV cameras. She married her first husband, Irish actor Maxwell Reed, in 1952 and divorced him three years later. She married British actor Anthony Newley in 1963 and they had two children before she divorced him in 1970.

Joan was married for 11 years to Apple Records’ president Ron Kass, with whom she had daughter Katy. Her fourth marriage was to Swedish pop singer Peter Holm, which ended after just 13 months with a messy divorce. Then in 2003 she married her fifth husband, theatre company manager Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior. Here, finally, Joan seems to have found her soul-mate and the couple renewed their marriage vows in 2009.

She says that today’s “metrosexual-looking” actors don’t compare with the stars of yesteryear although she believes that Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jude Law are “wonderful actors.” Joan makes the exception “on the macho front” for George Clooney and she also likes Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr. Her all-time sexiest star, though, is Marlon Brando – “unforgettable” is her verdict.

After “Dynasty” helped give Joan the highest profile of her career, she continued to act and write both romance novels and self-help beauty and lifestyle books. She’s become involved in a variety of charity work, mostly linked to children with disabilities and aiding breast cancer

For more information on Joan Collins’ go to www.joancollins.net www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Love our Surrey chef Surrey chef Carmela Tomkins has supported the council’s Love Food Surrey campaign for over three years. She loves cooking with leftovers and has a whole cookbook full of great recipe ideas. She said: “If you’ve cooked too much, it’s so easy to use leftovers for another meal like lunch the following day, or as ingredients for a new meal, which can save you time and money too.”

With a little imagination you can rustle up all sorts of exciting new meals. Try out a few of Carmela’s summer recipes to help you get started.

Simple Smoothie Turn any old fruits, yogurts and juices you have into a healthy and delicious drink to give you a boost of nutrition and energy.

Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 over-ripe peaches, chopped, with stones removed • 1 speckled banana, peeled and sliced • 60g strawberries (remove leaves and stalks) • 125ml orange juice • 125ml vanilla yoghurt.

Method 1. Put all the ingredients into a blender and whizz until smooth.

2. Pour the drink into glasses and enjoy.

Mixed Bruschetta A great way of using up items from our fridge, such as cheeses, cooked meats, tomatoes or beans.

Makes 16 slices Ingredients • 4 bread rolls • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp dried herbs (e.g. thyme and rosemary) • 1 garlic clove, peeled and cut in half • Any leftovers e.g. cheese, meat, vegetables.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/ 350°F/ Gas Mark 4. Slice each roll into 4 slices of medium thickness.

2. Brush the slices with a little olive oil, and place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle over some dried herbs.

3. Cook for 5-10 minutes and whilst they are still hot rub them with the garlic slice.

4. Finish by chopping up your leftovers and placing on top.

Serve as a light lunch or as a starter.

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Champion Salad

by Kate Staples, Commonwealth Champion Turn leftover salad into a simple, healthy, energy- boosting dish and go for gold!

Ingredients • One can of chickpeas • Any leftover salad, chopped eg celery, cucumber, tomatoes, spring onion • Handful of olives (optional) • Olive oil • Dried or fresh oregano • Salt and pepper • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional) • Cubes of cheese / ham (optional).

Method 1. Drain the chickpeas and place into a bowl.

2. Place all the chopped salad ingredients into the same bowl and mix well.

3. Pour enough olive oil to coat the salad and then add a sprinkle of oregano, salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and add cubes of ham or cheese if required.

4. Refrigerate until needed.

Top tip

If your salads are looking tired and wilted, place it in a bowl of water with a couple of ice cubes for at least 30 minutes and it’ll become nice and crisp again. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

delicious summer dishes

MUSHROOM, FETA AND TOMATO BAKED PEPPERS It’s always important for food to look good, whether you’re dieting or not, and these peppers are a delight to the eye as well as the tastebuds. A great vegetarian recipe, this has lots of strong flavours that come together in a beautifully colouful and well-balanced dish.

SERVES 2 4 sun-dried tomato pieces in oil, drained well 2 tsp sunflower oil 175g chestnut mushrooms, wiped and diced 20g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 50g dry white breadcrumbs 1/2 small bunch of parsley, leaves finely chopped 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 100g feta or soft goat’s cheese, drained 2 smallish peppers, red or yellow freshly ground black pepper 401 calories per portion Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and stir-fry the mushrooms over a high heat for 4 minutes.

Add the roughly chopped hazelnuts and fry for a further minute until the nuts are lightly toasted. Season with a good grind of black pepper and remove from the heat.

Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley and chilli flakes until thoroughly combined. Break the cheese into small chunks and toss them through the stuffing lightly. Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom and carefully remove the seeds and membrane.

Place the peppers in a small foil-lined roasting tin, cut side up, and fill each half with the mushroom and feta stuffing. Cover the surface of the stuffing with a small piece of foil. Bake for 35 minutes until tender, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time. Serve warm with a lightly dressed mixed salad. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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MAKES 8 KEBABS 700g lean lamb leg (or leg steaks) 2 small yellow peppers 2 small red peppers 2 small red onions 150m1 low-fat natural yoghurt 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp mint sauce 6 pitta breads 1 romaine lettuce heart, shredded 1 medium carrot, finely grated 3 ripe vine tomatoes, sliced 15cm piece of cucumber, thinly sliced flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges and hot chilli sauce, to serve Marinade 2 tsp cumin seeds 203 calories per portion 381 calories per portion (with pitta)

2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

LEMONY LAMB KEBABS There’s nothing better than the scent of lemony, herby lamb cooking on the barbecue. It’s a healthy way of cooking too, as much of the fat drips away. We like to eat these kebabs tucked into warm pitta bread, but you can also enjoy them with just a side salad or some vegetables.

finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp fine sea salt freshly ground black pepper

To make the marinade, put the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar and pound to a coarse powder. You can use 11/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander if you prefer, but the flavour won’t be quite as good as freshly ground spices. Add the thyme leaves and crush them into the spices for a few seconds.

Tip the spices and thyme into a large non-metallic bowl and stir in the lemon zest and juice, garlic, oil, salt and lots of black pepper.

Trim as much fat as possible off the lamb, then cut the meat into rough 3cm chunks — you should have about 40 chunks. Add the lamb to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.

While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables for the kebabs. Deseed the peppers and cut them into 3cm chunks. Cut each onion into 8 wedges with the root intact.

Remove the lamb from the fridge and thread the meat on to 8 metal skewers — these should be about 25cm long — alternating with the pieces of pepper and onion. Season with a little more salt and pepper.

Cook over a hot barbecue or under a preheated hot grill (close to the element) for 6-8 minutes. Turn once or twice until the lamb and vegetables are lightly charred — the meat should be pink in the middle. Mix the yoghurt, garlic and chopped mint or mint sauce together in a small bowl to make the yoghurt sauce.

Warm the pitta bread on the barbecue, in the toaster or under a grill and carefully cut down one side with a sharp knife. Pull the bread open and stuff with shredded lettuce leaves, grated carrot, tomatoes and cucumber. Slide the meat and vegetables off the skewers and into the pittas using a fork. Drizzle a little of the minty yoghurt sauce and serve with some chilli sauce and lemon wedges too if you fancy.

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BEACHSIDE PAELLA We cooked this on a beach in Northumberland and some said it was the best paella they’d ever tasted — dieting or not. You know what?

We have to agree.

Heat the oil in a 38cm paella pan — ideally non-stick. A paella pan is best, but if you don’t have one, use a very wide, shallow non-stick saucepan, flameproof casserole dish or saute pan.

Place the pan over a medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper and fry them for about 5 minutes, turning every now and then until lightly coloured. Add the chorizo and cook for 30 seconds more, turning once. Transfer the chicken and chorizo to a large heatproof bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.

Add the onions to the pan and fry gently for 4-5 minutes until softened and very lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add the peppers and green beans to the onions and cook for 2 minutes until they are beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, saffron, bay leaf and rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is glistening all over.

Return the chicken and chorizo to the pan, along with any juices. Stir well, then pour in the chicken stock and season with black pepper.

Stir once or twice and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tip the mussels into the partly cooked rice mixture and stir once more, making sure they are well tucked into the hot rice and steaming liquid. Return to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes or until most of the mussels have opened, stirring occasionally.

Scatter the squid and prawns over the top of the paella and stir well.

Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the squid and prawns are cooked, the rice is tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed.

The prawns should be completely pink when cooked.

It’s important not to keep stirring after the squid and prawns are added — you want the rice to become lightly browned and a bit sticky at the sides of the pan as this adds flavour. Keep an eye on the heat though, as you don’t want the rice to burn. Add a splash more water if the paella begins to look very dry before the rice is ready. Pick out any mussels that haven’t opened by the end of the cooking time and chuck them away. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing.

SERVES 6

358 calories per portion

I tbsp olive oil 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in half 75g chorizo (we like picante) skinned and cut into 5mm slices 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 1 red pepper, quartered, deseeded and sliced 1 yellow pepper, quartered, deseeded and sliced 150g green beans, trimmed and cut into 2cm lengths 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 good pinches of saffron threads 1 bay leaf 175g paella rice (medium-grain rice) 1 litre hot chicken stock, made with 1 chicken stock cube 500g live mussels, well scrubbed and beards removed 1 medium squid, cleaned and sliced into rings or 225g prepared squid rings 12 raw king prawns, peeled or shells on, thawed if frozen flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges, for squeezing

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15

How much food do you throw away?

An alarming 75,000 tonnes of uneaten food is being thrown away in Surrey every year.

And even though a third is collected and recycled, the cost of dealing with it all adds up to a staggering £6 million a year. That’s the same amount of money it takes for Surrey County Council to fund 630 primary school places, buy a million library books or fix 108,000 potholes.

So to help you waste less, the council’s Love Food Surrey campaign provides helpful tips on how to waste less food and save up to £50 a month.

Following advice from the campaign, Penny Bramsden, a mum-of-three from Guildford decided to find out how much she could save in a month. “I thought saving £50 a month sounded ambitious at first,” said Penny. “But once I started making a diary of what

Did you know?

Store food properly Correct storage means your food could live for extra days, weeks or even months. Keep the fridge below 5°C and chilled food will stay Like Penny, it’s never too late to start fresh for longer. reducing your food waste. Here are a Freezing guidelines few ideas to get you started.

Food can be kept The id safely in the freezer It pays to plan Before you do ea freeze l for years as long your next big shop, check what you r temp as you keep it have left, be creative and make a eratu re is -18 frozen the whole meal planner and shopping list for °C. the week, so you only buy what you time. However the texture and taste may need. change over time, so try eating food within three months. Remember to Perfect portions Weighing and label items as you freeze them. measuring food is the best way to cook perfect Use by These dates are for safety portions. Use mugs, and must be followed correctly; spoons, spaghetti measures don’t use any food after the ‘use by’ or weighing scales to date, even if it looks and smells fine. work out just the right Using it after this date could put your amount of food to cook health at risk. To extend the life of for your family. food, freeze it before the ‘use by’ date, defrost when needed and use Lovely leftovers If you’ve cooked within 24 hours. too much, cool your leftovers as soon as possible, store in the fridge Best before These dates refer to and eat within two days, or freeze quality not to food safety; foods with them for another time. a ‘best before’ date should be safe to eat after this date (except for eggs), but they may no longer be at their best. we threw away, I realised that we could easily save over £10 a week.

For example, by writing a list before going to the shops and using leftovers for another meal, I now throw away a lot less.”

Every day in Surrey we throw away two shed loads of bananas.

Every week in Surrey we throw away enough strawberries to cover a tennis court.

So waste less...and caddy the rest

This summer in Surrey we’ll throw away enough cake to cover a five mile bike ride.

For more advice visit www.lovefoodsurrey.com

www.surreycc.gov.uk Making Surrey a better place

FOOD & DRINK

Healthy Food Tips For Over 50s 1. Chili peppers may be small but are mighty in terms of health benefits. They contain capsaicin, an analgesic compound which helps with a variety of health issues including pain, cancers and high cholesterol. Add a bit of spice to your suppers and reap the rewards.

2. Adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts to your diet can have great brain health benefits. They all contain antioxidants which help protect the brain.

3. Make sure your diet contains plenty of calcium which can help prevent osteoporosis. If you’re over 50 you need 1,200 mg of calcium each day. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yoghurt, almonds and pulses. Try and have three servings of calcium rich foods or drinks each day.

4. Yoghurt is not only a great source of calcium, but is also beneficial in maintaining a healthy gut. Your body needs to have a healthy amount of ‘good’ bacteria, so look out for probiotic yoghurt which contains those precious living organisms.

5. Turmeric contains curcumin which has antiinflammatory properties. Turmeric has been used as a cleanser for thousands of years and is believed to help relieve pain and prevent the build of up amyloid beta plaque which is a major cause of Alzheimer’s. Turmeric is found in many curries and other Asian dishes.

6. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fats which are important for brain function. Having a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to improved memory and preventing the build up of cholesterol.

It can also lover the risks of dementia, stroke and age related macular degeneration. Try and eat two fish dishes per week.

7. Other types of spices also provide great health benefits. Cinnamon is anti-microbial and antiinflammatory, and may help boost brain function and control blood sugar levels. Cumin is rich in iron and can aid digestion. Coriander has antiinflammatory properties and can help lower cholesterol. So reach for your spice rack when you cook and pack these health benefits into your meals.

8. Strawberries are not only delicious, but each serving contains lots of vitamin C which could help ward off wrinkles and age related dry skin. Treat yourself to some strawberries and cream for your vitamin C and calcium needs all at once!

9. Ginger has lots of anti-inflammatory properties which can be useful in fighting heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. It is also high in antioxidants which help fight other diseases, and the gingerol in it is commonly used as a digestive aid. Ginger can add delicious flavour and heat to all kinds of dishes.

10. Tofu and other soy foods can help preserve the skin firming protein collagen as they are rich in the compounds ‘isoflavones’. Try adding some tofu to your diet and your skin may stay smoother for longer.

11. Treat yourself to a bit of chocolate. Yes! The cocoa used in making chocolate is rich in flavanols which can help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Healthy blood vessels can lower the risk of high blood pressure and dementia as we get older.

Look out for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.

12. Blueberries contain a diverse range of micronutrients which can provide great health benefits as we get older. They can reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Try sprinkling blueberries on your cereals or add them to your yoghurt for some delicious variety in everyday foods.

Kavita Pal is the Managing Director of the Tree Hotel Group. www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

BETTER MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES FOR OVER 60S A Better way to keep active at leisure centres in Reigate and Banstead. Take part in our over 60s activities programme, it’s a fun way to socialise and keep fit at the same time.

We offer opportunities to try out new sports and activities at a level suitable for everyone. So whether you enjoy swimming, group exercise, racquet sports or a session in the gym, we have the activities to suit you.

Over 60s Memberships Better prepaid memberships let you enjoy our facilities without paying each time you visit.

Simply pay a one-off annual fee or monthly direct debit and enjoy most of the facilities as often as you want.

• No minimum contract • Inclusive access to the gym, group exercise classes and swimming • Inclusive personalised fitness induction and personal exercise programme • Up to 30% off non member prices for any other activities • Access to courses and other member only facilities and activities

In partnership with

Over 60s Activities Take advantage of our sessions for 60 years plus. Our centres provide a wide range of facilities to suit everyone, including the gym which provides a range of equipment and supervised sessions to help improve your health and wellbeing.

Monday

Thursday

Friday

Banstead Sports Centre Olympian Aerobics 2.00pm-2.45pm Table Tennis 1.30pm-4.00pm

Table Tennis 1.30pm-4.00pm Olympia Aqua 1.45pm-2.30pm

Donyngs Leisure Centre Chi Ball Class 1.30pm-2.30pm Omega Club 1.30-3.30pm

Aero Tone 1.30pm-2.30pm Omega Club 1.30pm-3.30pm

Horley Leisure Centre Olympians 2.00pm-4.00pm

Olympians 2.00pm-4.00pm

Visit your nearest Leisure Centre: Banstead Sports Centre Merland Rise, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 5JG 01737 361933 banstead.enquiries@gll.org Donyngs Leisure Centre Linkfield Lane, Redhill RH1 1DP 01737 764 732 donyngs.enquiries@gll.org Horley Leisure Centre Anderson Way, RH6 8RS 01293 784075 horley.enquiries@gll.org To join or enquire, speak to a member of staff or visit www.better.org.uk

PUZZLE PAGE Word Ladder Move from the word at the top of the box to the word at the bottom using the exact number of rungs provided by changing one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter).

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With the help of the Across clues only, can you fit the pieces into their correct positions in the grid?

ACROSS 1 Pendant containing a picture 2 Sixtieth part of a minute 3 Japanese paper‑folding art 20

ACROSS 8 Geographical group including Yell and Unst (9) 9 World’s second‑largest bird (3) 10 US city associated with Al Capone (7) 11 Aircraft location system (5) 12 Main division of geological time (3) 14 Engineer Brunel’s first name (8) 16 Car’s starting mechanism (8) 18 Outward motion of the tide (3) 21 Famous 1836 battle in Texas (5) 23 White‑faced clown (7) 25 Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 26 Spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism (5,4)

DOWN 1 Mind, as distinguished from 5 Old Russian emperor (4) 6 French police officer (8) the body (6) 2 Legendary creature of the 7 Liquid measure of two Himalayas (4) pints (5) 3 Horse Bob Champion 13 Sprinkled with cheese and rode to win the Grand browned (2,6) National (8) 15 Britain’s highest 4 Variety of wool from a goat or a rabbit (6) mountain (3,5)

Y A R D

Pieceword

Try our general knowledge crossword

17 Slender reddish‑brown antelope of South and East Africa (6) 19 Comic‑book hero whose real name is Bruce Wayne (6) 20 Golf score of two under par (5) 22 Racing probability (4) 24 Five hundred sheets of paper (4)

Sudoku

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

2 3

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5 1 5 6 7 2 4 1 7 8 4 7 3 5 2 7 8 7 8 3 1 5 6

5 6

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4 Make disappear 5 Giving for a limited time 6 Low area between hills 7 Less warm

8 9 10 11 12

High female voice Not talked about About to weep Church officer Scribble aimlessly

Solutions on page 32

All puzzles © Puzzler Media Ltd ‑ www.puzzler.com

Retired Homeowners: your home could be sold to fund care home fees

“We have worked hard all our lives to leave something for our children and grandchildren. Why should the Local Authority get it all?”

If you have to go into care and you have assets that total more than £23,250 (including the value of your home), you will have to fund your care in full. A care home could cost £500-£800 a week or more. The reality is that your children could end up with very little.

Although care might seem only a distant possibility right now, there are important steps you should take now to protect your home.

Married Couples If you and your husband/wife currently have ‘Mirror Wills’ or ‘Joint Wills’ you risk leaving your share of your home to your husband/wife for it simply to be swallowed up in care home fees. A legal trust arrangement within your Will could save your family tens of thousands of pounds and ensure your hard earned wealth passes to those you choose.

Widowed/Single The options available to you to protect your home are fewer and it is vital you act now.

“I’m protected, I’ve signed my house over to my children” Have you considered what will happen if your child/children experience marital difficulties and your home forms part of a divorce settlement?

What will happen if your child/children experience financial difficulties and enter bankruptcy? Did you know that Capital Gains Tax is payable on second homes, meaning a potentially huge tax bill when your home is eventually sold by your children?

It’s not too late to put it right – contact us today for advice.

Collective Legal Solutions are experts at helping you protect your hard earned wealth. Contact us today for your FREE information pack.

0800 110 5221 Quote ref

“50PLUS SE 07.13”

collective LEGALSOLUTIONS

www.collectivelegalsolutions.co.uk

FREE Home Visits • Specialist Legal Expertise • Value For Money • All Work Fully Insured www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

21

Oxted, Surrey

2013 Holidays & Short Breaks by Coach Door-to-door service 7 -10 July Suffolk Charms With 40 miles of Heritage Coast set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Suffolk exudes a feeling of peace and tranquillity. Whether your preference is for sightseeing or visiting historic houses and medieval villages there is something for everyone.

14 - 19 July Delightful County Durham & Beamish The ancient kingdom of Northumbria has been voted England’s most tranquil county. Unwind in wide open spaces, explore grand castles, glorious gardens and charming market towns. We include visits to Beamish Industrial Museum, Corbridge Roman Town, Cragside House & Gardens and Raby Castle.

29 August - 1 Sept Historic York, One of England’s Wonderful Cities York is a city of contrasts and exciting discoveries, renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster. Experience an historic street at the Jorvik Centre, walk part of the famous Bar Walls or discover what makes York chocolate so special at York's Chocolate Story.

8 - 15 September Wonderful West Ireland & the Atlantic Drive There is a special quality about the west of Ireland which is unique in Europe. It is a quality of life, light & landscape which weaves a magical spell over all who visit there. The area lives up to its image as a traditional, rural and sparsely populated area with windswept mountains speckled with low stone walls and peat bogs. The Irish language is still spoken and you will hear traditional Irish music in the local pubs.

18 - 25 September Austria All Inclusive with the Dumpling Festival A holiday with a difference! Come with us to the top of the highest mountain in Germany and (weather permitting) take in the unmatched 360° panorama with a view of more than 400 peaks in Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Then join in the fun at the annual dumpling festival in St Johann in Tirol. The locals come dressed in their lederhosen and dirndls, making for a very traditional Austrian atmosphere, with traditional Austrian dancing displays in the main square. The festival has a superb, friendly atmosphere - expect the best of Austrian hospitality and you won't be at all disappointed. The Knödelfest is a fantastic way to spend a day, quite unlike any other you will have experienced.

4 - 6 October Festival of Antiques, Peterborough Started in 1999 this twice yearly event has now grown into one of the largest showground Antiques Fairs in the country. Held at the East of England Showground in Peterborough, the show now attracts buyers and sellers from all over Europe. With over 1,700 stalls selling something for everyone, the show is within four permanent buildings, trade marquees and outdoor pitches. Add to this, visits to antiques centres and local Sunday fairs and you have a great weekend in prospect, another must for your events diary.

Tel: 01883 713633 Email: info@skinners.travel www.skinners.travel 15 Barrow Green Road, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0NJ

7 - 11 October Somerset Explorer Somerset, with its picturesque villages and rural idyll of the levels and moors, is alive with history, myths and legends, including a number linked with King Arthur. From Britain's largest gorge at Cheddar, to Wells, the smallest city in England; from Glastonbury, the birthplace of English Christianity and supposed burial place of King Arthur to the majestic city of Bath; from the historic streets of Lacock to the SS Great Britain, the world's first great ocean liner, we explore Somerset and beyond.

4 - 8 November Sidmouth Festive Break For a festive pre-Christmas break why not shake off those winter blues and join us for a Turkey and Tinsel break in Sidmouth. This festive break celebrates 'Christmas Eve', 'Christmas Day', and 'Boxing Day' and includes traditional Christmas dinner with crackers and novelties, carols from the local choir, candlelit dinner, quiz and dancing to live music.

6 - 7 December Amiens Christmas Market Come and experience Amiens Christmas Market - one of the largest Christmas Markets in Northern France. With an alpine flavour, this market is quite different to many around Europe and offers a change from the traditional wooden crafts found elsewhere. With over 120 stalls selling unique wares ranging from the locally renowned Le Creuset kitchenware, beautiful Angora sweaters straight from the farm to local delicacies such as Amiens macaroons and Beauvais chocolate. Wander around the stalls whilst sipping a warming ‘vin chaud’ and soak up some of the festive entertainment - shows, carol singers, an ice skating rink and merry-gorounds to name but a few.

We do day trips too!

We also have a day excursion programme, with pick up points in Oxted, Limpsfield, Hurst Green, Edenbridge, Godstone, Bletchingley, Caterham, Selsdon, Sandersead,Whyteleafe & Warlingham.

Forthcoming trips include...

Visits to the seaside, Houses & gardens Guided walks of London Guided tours of parts of the Olympic Park Air Shows Craft Shows River Cruises & much more...

Please contact us for more details or see our website www.skinners.travel

Did you know...

We also do coaches for hire for groups weddings, Trips out, theatres etc...

182 SKN

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT HOME AND SPACE

In pursuit of the

PERFECT HOME AND SPACE Whether your house feels empty now the children have flown the nest, you have retired and want to make some changes to your home, or you feel your home no longer reflects your personality, Niki Schäfer, founder of interior design company Dwell-Being says we psychologically need different spaces to create our perfect home.

Schäfer explains: “Understanding and appreciating space in a home is essential. We need space to think clearly, we need space to cook a meal, we need space to breathe and get away from it all, we need head space, me space and we certainly need space for our shoes/ power tools! If the children have left home, the house which has been dominated by the family way of life for probably more than two decades can all of a sudden feel like a quiet shell particularly if the mother has been a ‘stay at home mum’. It can feel liberating but can also often feel lonely and empty and can involve quite a process of reflection and style rediscovery, before you can look at the house that will be with you for the next exciting chapter in your lives.

“Some of us plan on living beyond our 100th year and therefore 50 is really only half way through life so it can be a wonderful time for change! The house does perhaps in time need to reflect changes in current and forthcoming lifestyle though, especially if it is a large investment such as a new home build or complete refurbishment. I have a client who is designing a lift 24

into their home despite being very agile and healthy, but they know there will come a time for the lift rather than the stairs. Getting this balance right is key.

Understanding what your future holds is exciting but it needs to be practical too.

“Generally the plus 50’s know how much money they have. University fees are coming to an end and hopefully the children are earning their own income so the household finances start to look in much better shape if future investments have been catered for.

Their experience in life also means they know where to invest in longer term pieces like furniture to be inherited and where to have some short term fun such as with accessories.”

Schäfer stresses our homes have an impact on our health: “Your home environment is more than just four walls and a lick of paint. It can dictate how you feel.

It can boost your self-esteem; it can calm you down, or make you more productive. Our environment is so much more than the latest wallpaper or a stunning pair of curtains. How is your home space working for you - does it give you the breathing space you so desperately crave? Does it feel organised and efficient and equally comforting and secure? Does it reflect your personality and who you really are? If the answer is no to any of these questions, your home could be affecting your well-being.”

This subtle blend of psychology and interior design is what underpins Schäfer’s company, Dwell-Being, and has helped countless families and individuals to make their dream space a reality. Schäfer’s eclectic experience of living in over 100 homes, including the most unlikely of places such as a cheese cake factory in New York and a railway station in Scotland, makes her well qualified in creating space.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Niki Schäfer’s seven steps create the three foundations to a home – the act of personal style, the science of family thinking and the discipline of house rules: 1) Outer Space - Understanding what home really

means to you is important. Where do you want to live?

What neighbourhood is right for you? What do you want your home to look like? What facilities and local resources do you need close by? All of this has to be thought through very carefully as you make those vital decisions about buying (or whether to stay in) your home.

2) Me Space - A home is a blank canvas for you to express your personality, your aspirations and also a safe place for your memories. Figuring out your own personal style isn’t as difficult as you might think and once you’ve worked it out it’s such a pleasure to shop for your home.

3) Head Space - Finding the time to design and decorate a home can be one of the most difficult hurdles to pass. We have so much to do and we juggle so much.

Working out why we are doing all the things we are doing (so much on autopilot!) and getting rid of what’s not really helping us can save a huge amount of time.

4) Thinking Space - We all think differently in the

home, even our children who we mould and love turn out to have very different ways of thinking. Thinking space is a space in the house that really needs to be understood if the home is to be harmonious.

5) Dream Space - Bedrooms have become such busy spaces, places where we work, sleep and keep entertained. This isn’t helping us in our stressful lives. A bedroom is a place to relax in and to recuperate at the end of the day; not to feel more stressed by. Design a space to dream in.

6) Breathing Space - We are spending so much time consumed by technology and screen time that we forget about the simple pleasures. Finding somewhere to sit quietly in our home and simply breathe is an invaluable space. Creating the habit of stopping for a moment or two with a drink, or maybe just to drink up the view, does our wellbeing the world of good. Have a space to stop rushing.

7) Heart Space - Designing a space in the heart of

the home – the kitchen, dining and family room is a way to ensure that our family communicates well. Creating a place where the family comes together every day, where they can share stories and feel supported is an undeniably important space in the house. This is more than physical space; this is the space we need to give to others, to hear what’s truly going on in their lives, not to simply pay lip-service to it.

Schäfer concludes: “Harnessing the importance of each of our seven spaces and learning how to make them beautiful and appealing to everyone who uses them is an art and a science. After all, our environment is so much more than the colour of the walls and what furniture we choose. It’s only when we’re in an environment that’s perfectly suited to us, that we can truly be ourselves.”

Written by

Niki Schäfer founder of

Dwell Being www.dwell-being.co.uk

St Anthony’s Hospital High Quality Healthcare St.Anthony’s is a different sort of ‘private hospital’ in a number of respects. To begin with, it is the only independent hospital between central London and the south coast to provide full (level 3) intensive care. As a result, we carry out a significant number of complex major procedures in addition to the more routine daycase surgery.

It also means that patients have the security of knowing that they will not have to be transferred to an NHS hospital if complications arise. We are a major centre for cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology and are listed

by BUPA for Breast and Bowel cancer surgery. Over 200 consultants covering most medical specialities work at the hospital.

Our commitment to delivering high quality healthcare is reflected in some of the most advanced imaging technology on the market including MRI and CT scanners and cardiac catheterisation. In Intensive Care we have a resident anaesthetist and an on-call rota of consultant intensivists who provide 24 hour cover for the most seriously ill patients. A strict culture of hygiene is maintained by all staff under the guidance of our Infection Control Nurse and a dedicated housekeeping team.

Lastly, we focus on the needs of the patient.

The hospital is a registered charity and the religious Sisters who own it have served the local community for over 100 years. Their dedication shapes the caring ethos of the hospital from its welcoming environment to the striving after excellence in all that we do.

For further information or advice call our Help Desk on 020 8335 4646 or visit www.stanthonys.org.uk

What we Do

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(*Outpatient only) A range of fact sheets is available on request covering various procedures including joint replacement, cardiac surgery, varicose veins, health screening.

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Neurology Neurosurgery Obesity surgery Ophthalmology Oral surgery Orthopaedics Paediatrics* Pain management Physiotherapy Plastic surgery Psychiatry* Radiology Rheumatology Sport & Exercise medicine Thoracic surgery Urology Vascular surgery

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London

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EwellM25, East it is easilyaccessible and convenient Close to the A3 and the for both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The hospital can arrange for an ambulance service should it be needed.

British Rail: Sutton Station is on the Victoria and London Bridge Line, Taxis are available at the station.

Underground: Morden Underground is on the Northern Line and connects directly with Waterloo, Charing Cross, Euston and Kings Cross stations.

Bus: St. Anthony’s Hospital is on the following bus routes: 93, 413, 293. The 93 and 293 link with Morden Undergound station.

World class healthcare with a local approach St Anthony’s Hospital combines the most advanced medical procedures and skills with the kind of personal care that many hospitals have forgotten how to provide.

We specialise in complex cardiac cases, orthopaedics, urology, vascular, breast and colorectal cancer surgery – and in the dedicated, compassionate care of the individual.

St. Anthony’s has been established at North Cheam for over 100 years. The only independent hospital in the area to provide full intensive care, it offers a safe and secure setting for complex and routine surgery.

For more information please call our Helpline

020 8335 4646 St Anthony’s Hospital, North Cheam, Surrey SM3 9DW Registered Charity no: 1068661

www.stanthonys.org.uk St Anthony’s Hospital, North Cheam, Surrey SM3 9DW Registered Charity no: 1068661

A loving companion FOR many people a pet is a muchloved and constant friend to share daily life with and to provide a comforting presence.

“Dog-walking is also a great way to socialise with other people. Dogs are 100 per cent reliant on their owners, which can give their owner a sense of purpose and someone to look after. They can also offer a great sense of security. Many people find that their retirement affords them the time needed to care for a dog and enjoy the constant companionship they offer.”

Of course, individual pets can mean far more to us.

They are often a life-line to socialising with others, someone to make observations to and another live presence in the home when children have flown the nest.

First, there needs to be a realistic assessment of their situation by anyone wanting to own a dog. If you’re not able to take a dog out for daily walks then it may be worth considering a breed that doesn’t need that kind of exercise.

Even in a recession, we are still a nation of animal lovers with around 67 million pets in the UK. There are about 8 million dogs – about 23 per cent of all UK households owns at least one dog – and around the same number of cats.

If you live in a tiny apartment then, plainly, taking on a huge dog is not sensible. The same applies if you haven’t got a lot of time for grooming a long-haired dog that may require regular attention when a shorthaired breed might be far more suitable.

We keep about 20 to 25 million fish in tanks and the same number outdoors in ponds, 1 million rabbits, 1 million caged birds, 1 million guinea pigs and half a million hamsters. And that’s not to mention the assorted snakes, lizards, gerbils, horses, ponies, rats and even pigeons people in this country keep as pets today.

A frail person might find a large, boisterous dog hard to control. So breed, size, temperament and level of care all play a part in that choice.

Dogs, in particular, make wonderful companions for many older people. As Rebecca Eighteen from national rehoming charity Dogs Trust explains “The general care of a dog means that owners have to stay active, come rain or shine.

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Dogs are also not cheap pets to keep. As well as the right food, a dog needs certain vaccinations as they could be at risk from distemper, parvo virus, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, para influenza and kennel cough. Neutering also needs to be considered and it’s sensible to get your dog micro-chipped. This is a one-off fee that means he or she is then on a national database and can be returned if found wandering or lost, so this offers real peace of mind. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

There has been much publicity recently about puppy farming and the dangers of not buying a dog from a registered breeder. Seeing the conditions where the dog currently lives and, preferably, one or both of its parents is a good idea.

This also gives an idea of how big the dog is likely to grow and its temperament.

Rehoming centres, as run by charities like the Dogs Trust and the Border Collie Trust GB, are also good places to choose your pet.

“At Dogs Trust we have many dogs in our rehoming centres that would prefer an adult-only home without the hustle and bustle of young children.

Similarly, at the Border Collie www.dogstrust Trust, Ben Wilkes .co.uk explains: “For those who don’t feel a pup or www.borderco llietrustgb.org young dog is for .uk them, we often have middle-aged www.cats.org.u or older dogs k who, through no fault of their own, are looking for a new home and will provide an opportunity to enjoy the intelligence For a relatively small monthly of the collie.” premium, you can cover a variety of treatments – often, in the case of something traumatic like an accident, when you are upset about your pet and glad of having this kind of practical cover.

Dogs Trust

Border Collie T rust GB

Cats Protection

“If you are retired or nearing retirement and cutting back on your hours at work, a dog can be a wonderful way to stay active and connected within your local community.”

Many older people find that caged birds are very good companions and, again, it’s worth considering your lifestyle before you invest in your bird and the equipment it needs.

Dogs like five year-old Rambo are awaiting owners. “He’d be well suited to a quiet adult home where he is the only pet. He would enjoy leisure walks with his new owner and a small garden where he can relax in the sunshine. He’ll make a very loyal companion and reward you tenfold with love in return for a warm, comforting home.”

For example, a vividly coloured Macaw may well catch your attention in a pet store and prove entrancing. But prospective owners need to realise that long-living Macaws have special dietary requirements and should be handled and let out daily.

Border Collie Tarn currently lives at a Border Collie Trust GB rehoming centre and is hoping for a new permanent home.

In common with most animal charities a rehoming fee is charged (in their case, between £80 and £150 depending on the dog’s age) as these groups tend not to receive any funding from central or local government or the National Lottery and have to raise funds for their vital ongoing work.

All their dogs will be micro-chipped and vaccinated.

Rambo is just one of the potential pets at a Dogs Trust rehoming centre waiting for a new owner.

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In the same way, there are many abandoned cats of all ages that need a loving home. Cats also need vaccinations against a variety of feline diseases including cat flu.

Vets’ fees can prove expensive so it’s worth shopping around, but it’s also well worth investing in pet insurance.

Finches, canaries and budgerigars may not need as much daily care and are wonderfully rewarding birds.

It’s certainly worth looking at the daily time commitment you can give to a pet, and your genuine willingness to make a pet part of your household.

Whatever you decide, looking at all the options first – and taking out the necessary insurance – will ensure that you and your pet exist happily together for many years to come.

29

A Care Home that really is Different At a time when most care homes are getting ever larger to cater for an ever greater variety of needs, one has taken the road less travelled.

In line with the latest research, Priors Mead Care Home in Blanford Road, Reigate has not only chosen to stay small, but has just got smaller. Following their recent facelift, they now have fewer but larger rooms, all of which are en-suite, and with a number having showers also. With the home being beautifully decorated and full of lovely furnishings, pictures and ornaments, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were not in a care home at all.

As Caroline McKenna, the Head of Home, explained, “Just because each of our residents needs support in some way or other does not mean they want to be reminded of this all the time. We are therefore passionately anti-institutional and, whilst we have all the latest supports aids, we ensure they blend in and choose our fixtures and fittings for comfort rather than practicality.”

The research, which is at the heart of the home’s philosophy for care, shows that we are more comfortable and less stressed when with smaller numbers of people, and our health stays better when we are with people with similar needs. Whilst many people would say this is just common sense, it does make you wonder why more homes are not following this path.

To find out more, visit Priors Mead’s website at www.priorsmead.com

We’ve had a facelift

visit us online:

www.priorsmead.com

With all rooms now en-suite, and a

entertainments programme, we

number with showers also, Priors

really do stand out from the crowd.

Mead is looking like new.

Priors Mead is also in step with the

call:

latest research which shows that,

01737 303431

The updated furnishings are even

through being a deliberately smaller

more attractive and, with our soon

care home, our residents are likely

26 Blanford Road, Reigate RH2 7DR

to be extended activities and

to enjoy a better quality of life.

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OUT & ABOUT & PLACES TO VISIT ....

Ham House and Garden Outdoor theatre: As You Like It Sun 21 July 7.30pm (gates open 6.30pm)

Call 020 8940 1950

Osterley Park and House Falconry 27th and 28th July

12 noon-4pm See birds of prey in action.

Call 020 8232 5050

Sutton House

Getting’ ready for the carnival - free family day Sun 28 July 12noon-4pm

Dancing, mask making and costume fiesta fun.

Summer fun at Sutton House

SOLUTI0NS Call 020 8986SOLUTI0NS 2264

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Call 01306 712050 or visit www.cranleighshow.co.uk

Thursdays throughout Aug 2-4pm Summer holiday activities for children.

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Come and enjoy a great family day out at our traditional country show in the heart of the Surrey Hills. The Show offers all day family entertainment from spectacular Main Ring displays, traditional livestock and equine classes, a companion dog show, rural sports demonstrations and over 200 trade stands for those who love shopping!

Prancing stallions, fire-leaping dogs and flying mountain bikes top the entertainments for 2013. Stallions of Substance features a talented family of horse trainers from Grayshott who stunned the judges on Britain’s Got Talent and are set to enthral the crowds at Cranleigh Show this year! The Essex Dog Display team brings some seriously brave animals and, for the first time, Cranleigh has a mountain bike arena, where M.A.D aerial display team will show you don’t need petrol to fly through the air.

Watch out for the amazing birds from A World of Wings and our new Companion Dog Show and much, much more.

Tickets, with substantial discounts, can be booked NOW! See you there...

Authentic Shakespeare with an all-male performance with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Bring a picnic.

Adult £16.50, child £13.50, family £49.

der der oot, Food,

K A H K A I K LI

THE 67th Cranleigh Show Saturday, 3 August 2013

E TI M R G M I NG G E N EG R D E EI R D D T I D O N T R ON R 32

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Kingston Food Festival 2nd -11th August 2013

The Loxwood Joust 3rd and 4th August 2013

The Loxwood Joust – is the most spectacular mediaeval festival in the UK with an unrivalled programme of mediaeval mayhem taking place at the enchanted Loxwood Meadow.

Full contact jousting, a large battle with armoured knights, concerts by the Mediaeval baebes, falconry, mediaeval market, living history camp, childrens kingdom with have a go jousting, pelt the peasant, have a go archery, the learning zone, wandering minstrels, jester, lepers and much much more.

Each day from 10am to 6pm.

Tickets available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre 155 High Street High Street Guildford Surrey GU1 3AJ Adult: £12.00 (on the gate £14.00) Child (4-14): £6.00 (on the gate £7.00) Under 4: Free

Call 01483 444334 or visit www.visitsurrey.com

Tuck in to the best of Kingston-upon-Thames and the surrounding region at the annual Kingston Food Festival.

Our anchor weekend of free food events runs Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August 2013 with the return of an even bigger Big Kingston Market featuring local restaurateurs, exciting hot foods, great local drinks and a host of growers and producers from across Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire.

That weekend also sees the free Live Food Show showcasing top local chefs, the Children’s Food Festival packed with tasty treats and hands-on fun for little foodies, tutored wine masterclasses, our Community Food Area for local charity and not-for-profit groups, plus a line-up of entertainment including the Chilli Challenge and Extreme Food Challenge. Restaurant Week also returns from 2 - 11 August!

Information Kiosk, Wood Street Kingston Upon Thames Surrey KT1 1UJ

Call 02085471221

15 Barrow Green Road, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0NJ

182 SKN

Tel: 01883 713633 Email: info@skinners.travel www.skinners.travel

Skinners of Oxted is a family run coach operator, established in 1967. We operate a programme of day excursions from local pick up points around the Oxted area and UK and continental tours, for which we run a door-to-door service. To comply with the Package Travel Regulations 1992, we are members of the Bonded Coach Holidays Group of the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK Ltd. Please contact us for our brochure or visit our website.

For groups, we offer a complete service - from a short transfer to an extended tour package tailored to your needs and will be pleased to offer help and advice on travel, itinerary planning, hotels and suggestions for excursions; our aim is to ensure your group travel arrangements are a complete success and that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

We have standard coaches from 16 to 53 seats, and touring coaches with 32 to 48 seats, all fitted with seatbelts. Our maintenance and repairs are carried out in-house in our extensively equipped workshops and we place great emphasis on safety and reliability.

All our drivers are DBS checked.

Our day excursion programme includes visits to: The Seaside Houses & Gardens Museums & Exhibitions River Cruises Shopping Trips Scenic Tours Craft Shows Day Trips to France & Belgium Theatres

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33

Have you got what it takes to foster for Surrey?

Call 08000 96 96 26 Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/fostering

www.surreycc.gov.uk Making Surrey a better place

Have you got what it takes to foster for Surrey?

Reigate couple Sharon and Richard, both 51, have been fostering for ten years. They have a daughter aged 12 who they adopted and are in the process of adopting a five year old girl. They are currently fostering a brother and sister aged two and one. Sharon talks about their experience.

What do you enjoy most about fostering?

Seeing children’s lives change for the better and watching them develop is an amazing feeling. Fostering is a team effort and for me, working with the parents, social workers and other professionals is really rewarding.

Why fostering?

I used to manage a Woolworth’s store and met a number of foster mums who enthused about fostering. We looked into it and went from there. We’ve never looked back.

What’s a typical day?

Aside from the everyday routines such as school and nursery, we have a number of animals including piglets and Alpacas, so the children love playing outside with them. It’s great for them to be able to run around and let off steam. We also encourage them to grow their own vegetables, that makes eating them far more appealing!

What’s the support like?

Our social worker is fantastic. She’s always happy to listen to any concerns and give us tips and advice. She introduced us to a network of foster carers which is great and means that we can share experiences and knowledge with people who really understand.

Do you have any advice to other over 50’s considering fostering?

As long as you have a spare bedroom and can empathise with children and young people, then why not find out more! You’ll get so much out of it. Just seeing the children’s happy faces at the end of a day makes everything worthwhile.

Foster carers can expect allowances of between £164.43 and £361.34 per week per child.

For more information on fostering for Surrey call: 08000 96 96 26 or visit: www.surreycc.gov.uk/fostering

www.surreycc.gov.uk Making Surrey a better place

Creating Space...

Why on earth is it that we never seem to have enough space in the home – however big or small our property?

Space is always at a premium. When the family is young we seem to accumulate cupboards full of toys and games, when they’re teens – if you can get them to put anything in a wardrobe – hangers and drawers are crammed with clothes and the latest fad. Even as we get older, the space problems don’t seem to diminish as we hoard a lifetime of happy memories and items we just can’t bear to throw away.

So before you start taking an objective look at potential new storage space around your home, take a long, hard look at your current cupboards, shelves and wardrobes and de-clutter. It’s quite cathartic to free up space, and local charity shops will definitely benefit from items you no longer use.

To house the rest, and as a temporary solution, there are plenty of clever storage systems around - from clear plastic boxes and wicker baskets to racking and wooden chests. There are even mobile baskets that can house items you may need in the kitchen. But 36

for longer term ideas, examine all those corners, walls and open areas in your home for possibilities involving new shelves or permanent storage units.

Interior designer Arvin Rodrigues says: “Most houses have under-stair cupboards and these provide useful space for storing the vacuum cleaner, suitcases and other small items. If these spaces are tall, shelves could be placed at higher levels to make the most of this space. Small under-stair cupboards could be transformed into drawers for all sorts of things.”

He also suggests high-level shelving for narrow hallways which don’t encroach on floor space. And these sentiments are echoed by chartered architectural technologist Gary Willis. “When lack of storage becomes an issue, the automatic response is to box up the items and attempt to hide them away, but let’s think out of the box for a moment. Most people will consider what is directly in front of them on a horizontal plane; look upwards for your storage needs.”

Gary also says that garages and sheds often provide ample storage already “but just require some organisation.

Very cheap, heavy duty racking or spur shelving in a garage or shed can generate substantial storage space.

Just ensure that brackets and racking are securely fixed to the walls first.”

In the kitchen, why not free up space by putting your microwave on a glass shelf above the work surface? Hang sharp knives inside a high cabinet to save drawer space and keep them out of children’s reach, or store wooden spoons and other utensils bouquet-style in a handsome pitcher or canister.

“Kitchens are typically built to a fixed height,” states Gary, “leaving at least 300mm (12”) of space above wall cupboards that could be used for storage. Exploit this space by placing charming storage boxes to hide away items like old cook books, sewing kits etc.”

Take a fresh look at living room furniture. “Coffee tables that have storage for magazines and bric a brac are useful, as are sofas with storage in the armrest,” suggests Arvin. Consider furniture you can buy relatively cheaply that you can improve. Arvin’s own home boasts cost-effective but beautifully restored second-hand chests of drawers which add to storage space and also create much-admired pieces of furniture.

He states: “Shelves around doors and windows and even beside radiators, if

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safe, could provide storage and look nice, too. A coat cupboard in the entrance is really handy and doesn’t need to be very big or deep. It could also function as a shoe cupboard at the lower level, and the sides employed to hang keys, scarves and hats.”

Gary looks to unusual areas for help with storage: “The bay window area in a living room is another great place that often has under-used space. Rather than use loose furniture that is often set into the room, consider a bay window seat with integral storage.”

bills. So you get much more storage space and kinder heating bills as well!

Whatever you decide about storage, it’s worth acknowledging that you don’t always need to hide items away to keep them stored tidily. Sometimes – as with books, ornaments or lamps – it’s worth putting them somewhere where their “storage” actually creates an attractive room feature. Now that’s thinking outside the box!

Bathrooms again offer more storage potential. “Consider shelves over the toilet water tank, cupboards under the wash basin and even a shelf over the bathtub,” advises Arvin. “Bigger cabinets could be hung from the wall above mirrors or even over the entrance door.”

Utilise under-bed storage in bedrooms or consider buying a bed with built-in storage space. A bed headboard can be built for additional bedding storage, plus somewhere to put books, lamps or a radio on top. An ottoman or upholstered cube can double as a dressing table chair and offers extra space, and an artistic pile of pretty, unusual hat-boxes can complement the bedroom décor and provide further storage solutions.

Lofts are often under-used areas in our homes but can be altered at reasonable cost to become an effective storage room by boarding out. “Floorboards also help to insulate the house, preventing heat loss and reducing your heating bills,” explains loft expert Chris Waldron.

“We’re not looking at making the loft habitable and so needing Building Regulations’ approval,” he adds. “Just comfortable enough to sit in for an hour now and again with plenty of light and an absence of spiders hanging from the rafters!”

Aluminium loft ladders or a folding wooden ladder make access easy and fitting a light in the loft – “a pendant light with an energy saving bulb and pull switch is ideal” – makes this an easy, accessible area that can add substantially to your house storage space.

And an added bonus is that floor boarding helps insulate the house, preventing heat loss and reducing your heating

Looking for a trader you can trust?

Whatever you need, Buy with Confidence from a network of reliable traders.

Visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/ buywithconfidence or call 08454 04 05 06 for more information.

www.surreycc.gov.uk

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Making Surrey a better place

CONTACT THE EXPERTS: CS1889 Surrey Life Ad - Feb 2013.indd 1 Arvin Rodrigues, Transform Interior Designs go to www.transforminteriordesigns.co.uk Gary Willis, Novensus architectural design services go to www.novensus.co.uk Chris Waldron, Bolton Joinery go to www.chriswaldron.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

04/02/2013 12:27

37

Greyhounds: Great Bet to Perfect Pet The Trust operates a network of over 70 branches across England, Scotland and Wales, run by over 1,000 of the most dedicated and hardworking volunteers you could ever hope to meet.

These volunteers help care for greyhounds, raise funds and find the right home for each dog. You can find your nearest branch by visiting www.retiredgreyhounds. co.uk/branches or by calling the Trust on 020 8335 3016.

The Retired Greyhound Trust is a national charity dedicated to finding loving homes for greyhounds at the end of their racing careers.

Since the Trust was established in 1975 it has found more than 60,000 homes for this wonderful breed, so it’s no surprise that greyhounds are fast becoming one of the most popular pets in Britain today!

Each year approximately 8,000 greyhounds retire from racing in Britain, typically between three and five years of age. They are gentle, intelligent animals who, on retirement, deserve some tender loving care in family home and in return will provide you with wonderful companionship.

Most greyhounds need relatively little exercise – just a couple of short walks on a lead each day. They tend to pick up new routines quickly and are not fussy eaters.

They have short coats so don’t get too dirty and some can live happily with other pets, including cats.

The Trust takes great care to match each greyhound with a suitable home. Prior to taking on a greyhound one of our volunteers will carry out a home check and then arrange follow-up checks to ensure things are working out for both you and your greyhound.

All greyhounds that we rehome are neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea-treated and come with a lead, collar, muzzle, advice booklet and DVD and four weeks’ free pet insurance. Our experienced volunteers and staff are available to provide additional advice as required.

Anything you can do will make a big difference to the hundreds of greyhounds in our care and will ensure that we can continue to find loving homes for thousands of greyhounds after they have retired from racing. With your help we want to tell the world that ‘Greyhounds Make Great Pets’.

To find out more, visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk or call 020 8335 3016.

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Leave a legacy to support retired greyhounds.

Every year the Retired Greyhound Trust finds thousands of homes for retired racing greyhounds. We have found over 60,000 homes since we were established in 1976.

Our priority as a charity is to look after these wonderful dogs, but we simply couldn’t continue our vital work without your support.

The generosity of those who leave a gift in their Will is particularly important to us.

A gift in your Will can make a difference to the lives of retired racing greyhounds nationwide.

If you could help the Trust’s vital work and make a difference to these noble, intelligent and gentle dogs, please contact us on: tel: 020 8335 3016

greyhounds@retiredgreyhounds.co.uk www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk Charity no: 269668

2nd Floor Park House, Park Terrace Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 7JZ

HEALTH

Learning to relax in today’s rushabout, hi-tech, highly stressed world has never been more important.

As heart attack rates soar and stress-related illness becomes common, we owe it to ourselves to factor relaxation into our weekly routine. Even retirement can be stressful. How often do we pack the day with things we “simply must do” and not leave enough time to just chill out and do nothing?

Sometimes we can relax in a hobby – lose ourselves in model-making or crafts, or help our bodies de-stress with a game of badminton, a session of Tai Chi, going swimming or taking a lovely long walk in the fresh air, away from phones and computers.

MASSAGE is a great way to undo those knots in your shoulders and really relax your body. There are many different types of massage available including aromatherapy massage when warmed essential oils are used on the body with a variety of stroking, rubbing and kneading movements.

Marie Hurst from Body Harmony, who specialises in aromatherapy and Bowen Therapy – a very gentle massage for specific problems – says that stress can be a killer.

“The Japanese have an officially recognised condition called Karoshi – death from stress caused by too much work,” she stated Stress is also believed to be responsible for a variety of symptoms and illnesses from high blood pressure and heart problems to insomnia and skin conditions. “A regular massage is an excellent way of alleviating stress and promoting relaxation,” she states.

40

SPA DAYS AND BREAKS are a wonderful way to combine treatments with total relaxation. Usually, they are offered in hotel spas or fitness centres and involve a preplanned day or weekend of treatments like body massage, facials and Indian head massage, with the opportunity to use gym and swimming pool facilities whenever you want.

A light meal at lunchtime is often included in the price.

YOGA, the ancient spiritual, physical and mental philosophy is another useful way to combat stressful lifestyles and promote wellbeing. As yoga teacher Linda Obertelli Roden from Wellbeing For Life explains: “Living with the mind and body relaxed is a natural state for us. It is only the pace of our lives that makes us forget this.

“Yoga is particularly beneficial for relaxation as there are many relaxing breaths to learn as well as postures (asanas). The word yoga means union, a union of mind and body.”

Linda runs vitality and wellbeing workshops and classes, often in wellknown fitness centres like David Lloyd and Virgin, She adds: “Many of my clients say they have the best night’s sleep after a yoga or Pilates class.”

MEDITATION has been practised for thousands of years and was originally meant to help deepen our understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. Today it’s more commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.

It can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind as you focus your attention and eliminate the many jumbled thoughts that tend to crowd in. Meditation can enhance physical and emotional wellbeing, offering a sense of calm, peace and balance that helps overall health.

Margaret Walton, who runs meditation and relaxation courses, says that focusing on the body and on our breathing can help to focus the mind, “to bring us to the present moment, to calm us and help us find a sense of inner stillness and peace.”

Margaret points out that we can be so habitually tense, almost without realising it, “that we gradually become accustomed to the sensation of living in a tense state and just think of it as ‘normal.’”

She offers some clues that may help you to spot undue levels of tension, including: tense muscles, heart racing or pounding, hyperventilating or feeling light-headed, persistent tiredness or exhaustion, aches and pains, difficulty with sleeping or gritting your teeth at night, waking up tired, loss of appetite or not eating well, minor ailments like headaches, and a sense of rush and pressure.

She suggests simple exercises for each area of the body.

“Tense up and then relax muscle groups,” she states. “Do each exercise three times. As you get better with time at relaxing these areas, use less tension before relaxing.”

Hands – Hands are commonly one of the first parts of our body to show tension. When they tense up, they tend to either clench up into a fist or to hold tight onto something.

Instead, stretch out your hands so that your fingers are straight and spread out. Hold that position for a moment and feel the tension across your palms and the back of your hands. Then let your hands relax and flop beside you, or on your lap. Resist the urge to hold onto something; just let them hang loosely beside you or let them rest on your lap.

Shoulders – When we are tense our shoulders are commonly raised or hunched. Instead, pull your shoulders

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down, feel the tension down your arms and up your neck.

Hold that position for a moment. Then let them relax and return to a natural position, not hunched.

Head and neck - The neck muscles can only relax when they are not supporting the weight of your head. That is, if you are lying comfortably with your head supported in a straight line with your spine, or if you are standing or sitting with your head balanced and looking straight ahead – neither angled to one side nor looking up or down.

Many of us tend to spend a lot of time holding our head in one position whilst working, for example. Rotate your head to the extent of its movement in each direction, then allow your head to return to the straight ahead, balanced position.

Face – There are many muscles in our face – used, of course, for speaking eating and for facial expression, but this is one of the areas most likely to show tension. As with other muscle groups, it is possible to ten se up and then relax these muscles. You can also let all expression go from your face: let your forehead become smooth, your jaw sag with your teeth just apart (though your lips may still be closed), your eyes looking straight ahead and into the distance and not squinting.

Breathing – When you are tense, your breathing tends to become faster and shallower. So, allow your breathing to come from lower down in your abdomen (this doesn’t mean inhaling a lot of air, rather just a little air but from low down).

This will help you to slow your breathing down a little, but don’t actually hold your breath. Let it become gentle, easy and regular. Once it is comfortable, you may be able to slow your breathing a little more.

Relaxing thoughts – Although this physical relaxation method doesn’t aim for deep relaxation it should still help you to relax mentally, too. Adds Margaret: “It isn’t possible to be really relaxed physically while being tense mentally, or vice versa.”

For more details about: • Linda Obertelli Roden and Wellbeing for Life go to www. wellbeing4life.co.uk • Margaret Walton’s courses at The Wellbeing Farm go to www.thewellbeingfarm.co.uk • Body Harmony email bodyharmonyuk@yahoo.co.uk • The General Council for Massage www.gcmt.org.uk • The British Meditation Society www.britishmeditationsociety.org 41

Why choose Dentures from a Clinical Dental Technician?

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

A Clinical Dental Technician or CDT is a registered Dental Care Professional who is trained and qualified to offer a range of Denture Services – services that were previously only available through your Dentist.

As well as replacing any missing teeth, Partial Dentures also look after the future health of your mouth by preventing your remaining teeth from rotating, tilting and moving into positions that prove unsightly and awkward for eating and talking.

What qualifies a CDT to work on my Dentures?

Depending upon your individual needs and preferences, your CDT may recommend Chrome Cobalt dentures.

With many years experience working as Dental Technicians, CDTs have the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design and hand-craft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient.

Every Clinical credentials:

l

l l l

Dental

Technician

has

following

Graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons Holds a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology Is registered with the General Dental Council as a Dental Technician and CDT Has appropriate insurance to work with patients

Never seek Denture advice or treatment from someone who is not trained or qualified to practice as a Clinical Dental Technician or Dentist in the UK.

Complete Dentures If you are experiencing the total loss of all your natural teeth, a Clinical Dental Technician can help you.

As well as taking its toll on daily activities like eating, talking and even laughing, total tooth loss can impact heavily on self-esteem and quality of life. A CDT will create and fit the Complete Denture that replaces your missing teeth and adjacent tissue in your lower and upper jaws.

A CDT can help you find the Complete Dentures that will: l Help you to form sounds and bring new clarity to your speech l Feel more secure about eating the food you want l Countering sagging facial muscles and sunken features that can make you appear older (especially around your mouth, lips and cheeks)

Partial Dentures If one or several of your teeth are lost or missing, a CDT can help you restore your smile with a Partial Denture.

By replacing your individual missing teeth, Partial Dentures can give you back the look and function of a full set of healthy, natural teeth.

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Following your initial consultation, a Clinical Dental Technician will assess your mouth and develop a personal treatment plan. Working with a Dentist, they will identify any possible problems. In this way, your Denture will be designed correctly and for the longterm, and ensure that you receive the highest standards of care and the right treatment for you and your teeth.

Denture Relines If your dentures tilt, wobble or rub, a Clinical Dental Technician can reline your denture, making the small alterations that make a big difference to the way they fit and feel.

Please be aware that a Denture Reline will normally require that you leave your dentures with your Clinical Dental Technician so be prepared to be without them for a short period of time.

Denture Repairs If your Denture fractures or breaks, the CDT can mend your dentures as follows, making them wearable once more.

Repairing cracks or multiple fractures Repairing chipped false teeth l Repairing your Denture base l l

Over time, the shape of your mouth can change as part of the natural ageing process, as a result of the under use and lack of stimulus for your jawbone. If your Dentures break while you are wearing them, it is probably for one of the following reasons: l l

Poor fit as a result of bone resorbtion (shrinkage) Excessive force possibly due to tooth grinding

If you would like your new dentures to replicate all the favourable aspects of your existing Dentures, then a Clinical Dental Technician can help you. From copying exact tooth position and shape, to improving the way they fit with your mouth and gums – your Copy Dentures will be just like the Dentures you have now, only better.

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Get your dentures direct from a qualified clinical dental technician AD Laboratories is an established, homely prosthetics clinic, based in Woking, Surrey.

Roland Jones has, after already 20 years working as a dental technician graduated from the George Brown College in Canada and the UK’s Royal College of Surgeons and has become a Clinical Dental Technician.

At AD Laboratories we take referrals from local dentists as well as working direct with the public. By coming to AD Laboratories direct the patient is often able to get their dentures much faster and we are often able to help out in emergency denture requirements.

At AD Laboratories we listen to our customers and together create the denture that would best suit you. All our staff are dedicated to make you really feel at home! You only have to read our visitor’s book to see how grateful our customers have been so far; achieving results that people did not think where possible.

We often get told how nice it is to receive the old fashioned service...

Get your dentures direct from a qualified clinical dental technician Our Clinical Dental Technicians can now work DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC making: l

Full Complete Dentures Relines Copy Dentures Denture Repairs

... to book for a FREE consultation, please call us on 01483 722994 l l l

FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED AND PERSONAL SERVICE At AD Laboratories we have the advantage of being able to offer Get your dentures direct from a flexible appointment times to suit the individual.

We often get of toldWoking how nice it istown to receive the old fashioned qualified clinicalon dental technician We are located the outskirts centre on the service ... why not book yourself in for a FREE CONSULTATION? Guildford Roadcan (atnow the pedestrian crossing between OurA320 Clinical/ Dental Technicians work simply call: DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC making: Hillview Road and York Road)

Guildford Road, Woking, WOKING Full Complete Dentures Surrey GU22 7QU. 43 www.50plusmagazine.co.ukl Relines l Copy Dentures l Denture Repairs We are located on the outskirts of Woking town centre and provide AMPLE CAR PARKING l

01483 722994

Senior Living

in a Modern Age The population of the UK are living longer.

This means more of us have a parent or close relative that will eventually need help with the everyday aspects of life – washing, dressing, eating, etc. Simon Carter, Owner of Melody Care in Farnham, shares some helpful advice and tips.

There are various types of care services that you can consider. Much will depend on your health and preferences. Some are determined to remain at home whilst others prefer to move to a care home of one sort or another. The options are:

• • • • • • 44

Care at Home Sheltered Housing Retirement Villages Care Homes without Nursing Care Care Homes with Nursing Care Continuing Care

Care at Home involves a Care Worker visiting you in your own home. You may only need a visit a few times a week but others might require care three or four times a day. This can be organised through a Home Care Agency, sometimes called a Domiciliary Care Agency. Before any care can be provided a Care Manager would need to visit you at home to discuss what kind of care you desire.

This would cover everything you would want the Care Worker to do, when and how. The Agency will compile a detailed plan for you to approve before any care begins. Ideally a close relative would attend this meeting too. Details of costs should also be agreed before the service begins.

Sheltered Housing or a Retirement Village would suit someone who is still quite fit and able but wants the peace of mind that assistance is on hand if or when you might need it. Care Homes typically come either with or without nursing.

Those that have nurses will cost more but this may be an essential requirement depending on your state of health. If Dementia is an issue you may need to seek out a Home that specialises in this condition. Continuing Care is only for those with a terminal condition but is funded by the local authority and enables the service user to be at home during their final days.

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All Care Workers are trained in the essential aspects of providing care. Their training will be monitored and refreshed every year or two. They will also have been checked against the Criminal Record Bureau [CRB] and the Independent Safeguarding Authority [ISA] records. This is to ensure the safety of the service users. This is particularly important when Care Workers are visiting clients in their own home. Typically they will also have to give two references before they can work and their employer will contact each referee to verify the information they have given.

All providers of Care Services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission [CQC] who will inspect them each year to ensure they are complying with all the rules and regulations.

Simon's top tips...

When thinking about care for an elderly relative.

“Plan ahead if you possibly can” Simon suggested.

“These are important choices and you should ideally make them after careful consideration of all the options.” Simon advocates that families should discuss these matters with each other before they reach the day where they actually need to do something. Research the options on the internet. Gather as much information as possible and talk to the companies that might be involved in providing care. Think carefully about the costs and how you will fund the care.

“Health care is free and provided by the NHS but Social care usually is not” Simon notes. “Finally, I would urge people to talk to their solicitor to make sure their will is up to date but also think about who you might like to have as Power of Attorney. You need to be in full possession of your mental faculties when you make such an arrangement so don’t leave this until it is too late.”

Simon Carter is the owner of Melody Care in Farnham and a Director of the Surrey Care Association, a Notfor-Profit organisation that represents all independent Care Service providers in Surrey.

“Mum is very fond of her carer” Melody Care are always there Good health is something many of us take for granted. Those who have to care for a loved one with failing health know only too well the devastating effects this has on their quality of life. So often people’s worlds are turned upside down when a parent or spouse become seriously ill or lose the ability to care for themselves. It is when this happens that professional help is often needed. Melody Care has an enviable reputation for providing Live-In Care Assistants to help share the burden. Whatever the circumstances might be, Melody Care will be there when the help is needed most.

Highly Recommended

Melody Care are increasingly being recommended by health professionals and grateful clients alike who have experienced at first hand the wonderful care provided by the Melody Care team.

“Each of your carers I have met are lovely! We all really appreciate the care package you have set up so efficiently at such short notice” wrote one client recently. Another wrote: “Melody Care have done a wonderful job of looking after mum and I know she is very fond of her carer. I would also like to say how accommodating you have all been and the care that mum has received has been really excellent.”

Attitude

Providing Live-In care takes a very special kind of person. Melody Care select their carers for their patience and understanding, as well as their ability to run a house and care in all regards for our clients. We also provide extensive training using our own in-house training department. This is to ensure each carer is up to date and fully conversant with current rules and regulations. Before the service begins we would always meet with our clients and their family to determine exactly what their needs and desires might be. We then produce a detailed and personal care plan so that the Live-In Care Assistant knows exactly what is expected of them.

A typical day for a Melody Care Live-In Care Assistant • Arise and prepare the house for the day (draw curtains, open windows, etc) • Feed and walk any pets • Deliver morning tea or breakfast, newspaper and post in bed or to desired location • Prompt or assist with any medication requirements • Prepare bathroom for washing • Assist with all aspects of personal care if necessary (including toileting, bathing, etc) • Assist with dressing and hair care etc • Perform household duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) • Accompany Client to shops/dentist/doctor/hairdresser/ friends or family • Prepare and serve lunch • Break 14.00-17.00hrs • Perform household duties (cleaning, laundry, etc) • Prepare and serve dinner • Close down the house for the night (draw curtains, turn on night lights, lock doors and windows etc) • Run a bath and prepare bedroom • Assist with all aspects of personal care and undressing, ready for bed.

For more information call 01252 220080 or visit www.melodycare.co.uk 5 The Enterprise Centre, Coxbridge Business Park, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 5EH

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Planning for the Future...

Your Questions Answered Why take out a pre-paid funeral plan?

An ever increasing number of people now choose to take out a pre-paid funeral plan so that they can take their time to make an informed decision as to what they would like for their funeral rather than leave it to their relatives to make the arrangements at a time of great distress. They also appreciate the fact that they can pay for their funeral at today’s prices.

Why choose Truelove Funeral Plans?

As the leading independent family firm of funeral directors in the North-East Surrey area, we at W.A. Truelove & Son Limited have spent the last 128 years building our reputation for providing a first class funeral service to the families we serve. An important part of that service is now the provision of fully guaranteed pre-paid funeral plans. The guarantee applies to both our charges and the essential disbursements for cremation, which are the crematorium, doctors’ and minister’s fees. This means that there will be nothing more to pay when the funeral eventually takes place. All of our plans are very competitively priced.

What are the options available?

Can I change my mind?

Yes, you can change your mind at any time. If, after paying for your Truelove Funeral Plan, you change your mind, the full sum paid to us is fully refundable for two weeks. After two weeks, the Management Fee, which is the sum charged

by NAFD Services Ltd for administering the funds, would be deducted from the sum refunded to you.

What happens if I move to a different area?

If you move to an area which is not serviced by one of our branches, we will find a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors to take on the arrangements. When the funeral takes place, the amount that would have been payable to us will be paid to them.

What do I do now?

If you would like more details regarding Truelove Funeral Plans, please ring our freephone number: 0800 074 3797 to request a brochure. Alternatively, please call at one of our branches, as shown on the opposite page, or visit the Funeral Plans page on our website: www.watltd.co.uk. Should you so desire, our Funeral Pre-Payment Plans Manager, Paul Shackell, CertFAA, would be pleased to explain the options available to you in the comfort of your own home. Paul is a qualified funeral director, not a salesman.

We have four plans, offering four different options, designed to suit the requirements of most of our clients. All of our plans are flexible and you can add additional items to them, e.g. a horse-drawn hearse or additional limousines. If none of our set plans suit your needs, we can arrange a bespoke funeral plan to whatever specification you require.

Do I need to be in good health to take out a plan?

No, there is no medical and no age limit. Anyone can take out a plan.

How can I pay for my Truelove Funeral Plan?

You can pay in one lump sum or you can spread the cost over 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months.

Is my money safe?

The sums paid to us are as secure as it is possible for them to be. The funds are transferred to NAFD Services Ltd, the not-for-profit company owned and run by the National Association of Funeral Directors for the express purpose of managing pre-paid funeral plan funds for the benefit of their members and their clients, to comply with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001. NAFD Services Ltd is a founder member of the Funeral Planning Authority, whose members abide by a strict Code of Practice. NAFD Services Ltd hold all of the funds, less the management fees, securely in whole of life assurance policies. For maximum security, NAFD Services Ltd only work with UK based life assurance companies that are authorised by the Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and regulated by the PRA and the Financial Conduct Authority and who participate in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Please scan this QR code to access our Funeral Plans web page www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Claremont Court Specialist Dementia Care Residential & Nursing Harts Gardens, Guildford Surrey, GU2 9QA Queen Elizabeth Park Nursing, Residential & Dementia Care Home 1-72 Hallows Close Guildford, Surrey, GU2 9LL

You’re unique.

So are we.

We believe that it’s through taking time to understand each individual, their likes and dislikes and their life stories that we can provide personal care with a real difference.

We not only offer the highest standards of nursing, residential and dementia care, but a vibrant community where our residents can connect and enjoy their time together. It’s just one of the ways we help your loved one lead a better life.

To find out more information about either of our Guildford homes or to arrange a visit please call 0208 879 6567 or email info@carebase.org.uk

www.carebase.org.uk