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W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K

GLOUCESTERSHIRE EDITION 29

Rick is Back! AS HE HEADS OUT ON TOUR RICK ASTLEY'S ALBUM HITS NUMBER ONE!

Home Alterations to make life easier

Professional Care

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in your own home

Superb Seaside Holidays Coach SELF-DRIVE & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS

nclusive £189 holidays GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

from

per person

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks in the south, we have the ideal holiday for you. Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our eight hotels cover the nation’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.

have our own fleet of executive Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in ches that usoffer totheoffer comfort, while enables our self-drive holidays freedom of having your own car. el from a selection of pick up Every break includes: nts across the UK. • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation

vehicle features air conditioning and on board • Breakfast & 3-course evening meal o make your journey as comfortable as possible. • Live nightly entertainment also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet elp you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let Certificate of Excellence Awards now of any planned comfort breaks. We aim to We are proud to announce that five of our group – The Barrowfield, Devonshire,depending Daish’s, Bournemouth ou to your hotel between 3-5pm, on Sands and Claremont Hotels – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016. ngth of the journey. DHoalidisayhs’s

Seven fabulous locations, eight great hotels. Every break includes:

Llandudno Newquay

Isle of Wight

Torquay Weymouth

Torquay

uth

Bournemo

Eastbourn

d Self-Drive

Coach an Price List

Brochure

rs_AW.indd

2017_cove

Holidays

Eastbourne

• Return coach travel (self-drive option

Isle of Wigh

Holiday &

Bournemouth

• Comfy en suite accommodation

2017 02/12/2016

09:51

Request your new 2017 brochure now!

Daish’s Hotel

Devonshire Hotel

Bournemouth Sands Claremont Hotel • Breakfast & 3-courseTheevening meal

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks! Local pick up points from make it easy to get away. Price includes return coach travel from: Gloucester, Cheltenham, Swindon, Calne, Chippenham, Bristol. All offers are subject to availability and standard terms and conditions (see brochure or website for T&C’s). DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

APRIL 20

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

£224

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£189

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£194

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£189

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£194

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£199

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£199

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£194

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

£229

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

£234

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£199

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£219

Somerset Hotel - Llandudno

£244

MAY 03

Daish’s Hotel - Isle of Wight

£329

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£214

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£209

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth

£239

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£209

JUNE 04

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£224

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

£229

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

£214

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

£244

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

£229

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/ double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2016. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

Llandudno

Newquay

Weymouth

n available)

Call 01202 638840 or visit daishs.com quote 50PlusSWI facebook.com/daishs

Somerset Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

@daishs_holidays

Twittering on With Tyler Grundy Starting this edition's ‘Twittering On' a rather sombre note. Remembering the vast amount of celebrities that we lost throughout 2016, the social media world has been typing in fear. Will this trend continue into 2017? (I mean it is likely, we are after all an ageing population).

Now I do not mean to boast but as I write this, I have just finished watching the series on my ultra-high definition TV and some of the scenes are truly breathtaking. I myself love the show and would recommend it to you readers today, if you have not watched it already although, I imagine many of you will have done. But I must admit, I had a second agenda other than for my viewing pleasure when I watched the show.

I shall regale you with one of my favorite tweets before moving swiftly on. I imagine you will be able to guess the famous figure to which the user was referring;

“He’s made it into 2017, Brucey! Wrap him up in cotton wool now!”

Attenborough Does It Again!

The internet following its initial airing was in uproar over a certain scene in the very first episode involving newborn iguanas and racer snakes. The scene unfolded into a deadly chase between the two. If you have seen it then I imagine the scene has stuck with you.

The original Planet Earth presented by David Attenborough is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series’ ever produced. The series originally aired in 2006 and the follow up aptly titled Planet Earth II concluded this winter.

inside

The epic scene has been widely compared to this decade's hit show Game of Thrones. Now if you are not familiar with that show it is filled to the brim with sex, incest, and head popping violence (literally). I saw many a viewer compare the intensity of the snakes swarming the baby iguana and the close ups of its final moments of its short life with the violence and gore ever present in Game of Thrones, many noting that Planet Earth had just raised the bar. In case you are one of those not familiar with Game of Thrones, I shall regale you with a story I heard going around about the show's latest season. It is renowned for its openness in showing full frontal female nudity and there was recently a rumor stating that if the showrunners did not even the score with full frontal male nudity then the show would risk being cancelled. Coincidently, they obliged. Anyway, that is just a taster of what kind of a show Thrones is. Admittedly, the scoring of the Planet Earth scene by world-renowned

TRAVEL...

THE WINDWARD ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN 10-11

RICK ASTLEY NEW TOUR 12-13

HOME ALTERATIONS...

MAKING IT AS EASY TO LIVE IN AS POSSIBLE 23-25

TOM KITCHIN'S KITCHIN SUPPERS PAGES 14-15

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TWITTER composer Hans Zimmer did add a sense of epic proportion to the chase.

65 Years of Queen Liz!

Understandably, the internet could not miss such an opportunity to create an account for the iguana that made it to safety. With its first post being a thank you to all its fans who wished him well, while also informing us he was “bricking it” running across those rocks.

Indeed, this is the popular term of endearment for Queen Elizabeth II within the Twitter universe. As I write this section, I must admit I was a little puzzled as to how long a ‘Sapphire Jubilee’ was a recognition of. Then to realize that it was the first of its kind as no other English monarch has celebrated 65 years on the throne.

30p For A Freddo?! Yes, you read that correctly. The famous frog chocolate bar, that back in my childhood days was an affordable 10p has been steadily rising in price over the last few years. Now at the risk of not making myself sound too old, 30p in my childhood would have bought me a 10p Freddo and two 10p mixes from my local corner shop. I have no doubt this little tale will have you musing what you could have purchased with that amount of money back in the day. Some are linking the sudden rise in price with Brexit. First, they say it was the Toblerone when the chocolate bar, just weeks after the Brexit vote, announced they would be changing the traditional triangle shape of the bar. Albeit a minute change to the size of the triangles. Those passionate Twitter users have remerged here as well once again relating the rise in Freddo’s price to Brexit. Light humor over, here comes the academics. Here comes the inevitable history lesson from a history graduate. Some of you may be familiar with my historical tangents by now. Freddos were first introduced to Britain in 1973 and enjoyed their first stint on our shelves up until 1979 before again reappearing 15 years later.

The evolution of the Freddo bar can be seen above. And don’t let the picture fool you, as in recent years the Freddo has actually decreased in size as the price has increased. There is also a rumour that at one stage in the life of Freddo it stood at an absolute bargain price of 5p.

This picture is the Coronation of a young Queen Elizabeth II on the 2nd of June 1953 which took place more than a year after her reign began. I thought it was apt to take this opportunity to see what Twitter was saying about her reign as Britain’s longest reigning monarch. The most bizarre fact I have stumbled upon, although I am dubious about it, is that the Queen is the only person in the UK who does not require a driving license to drive. We really are in the realms of twittering on now.

Watch out Ticket Touts are about. In recent weeks, a string of high profile artists have announced tours of the UK. From Celine Dion, of Titantic fame and the young and hugely successful Ed Sheeran, the ginger haired bloke who started off as a busker and made it big. Both were sellouts in the multiple arenas they announced. For Sheeran the tickets ranged from a modest £44 to £77 for the better ones. Whereas for Dion officially the tickets stood at £49 to £163. Crazy right? I mean £163 for a one hit wonder, well in my eyes anyway. Now the shows are sold out, and this rather sadly is not because of committed fans but due to touts who buy tickets in bulk (in many cases you can buy up to 7 per person) and sell them on in some instances up to 10 times the normal asking price. Tickets that were originally priced at £44 are now going for the cheapest price of £152 right up to £220 and beyond. And this is on a website that is basically dedicated to the touting of tickets! We all know ticket touts to be shady men standing outside of arenas buying and selling tickets on the night. Now the game has changed.

I believe I can divide the rest of the tweets about her reign into three categories. We have the “65 years of doing nothing” brigade. We have, “Time to step down and let your son have a ago” posse and finally we have, “God save the Queen long may she reign” patriots who are the overwhelming majority in this case.

Rosie Returns! Consistent viewers of the nation’s favorite soap Coronation Street will have noticed a familiar face return to the cobbles in these past weeks. That is correct, Rosie Webster has returned! Online, fans of the show were quick to point out that although she may provide a bit of glamor and beauty for the show's male audience; it cannot make up for her lack of acting talent. One Twitter user wrote;

“Clearly Rosie Webster hasn’t spent the last few years away from Corrie at acting school”.

Fans these days will go to desperate measures to see their idols. One young Twitter user has already been forced to sell her house and car after spending £1,300 on tickets to see Ed Sheeran (pictured above) and is now moving back in with her parents. Of course, there is no guarantee the tickets will even come her way. I guess 30p for a Freddo does not sound so crazy after all. I shall leave you with some musings as I always do. How much would you be willing to pay to take you and your other half to see their favourite act? A few years ago I myself saw Sir Tom Jones who if the opportunity comes I would urge you to see. 50 quid I paid. So go on, treat yourself.

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TRAVEL

an excellent spa with a range of treatments. And a gym should all that wonderful food be resulting in a couple of unwelcome extra inches around the waist. The seven days went by all too fast, with experiences to savour that will last a lifetime. New friendships made, stories told and a true sense of well-being shared.

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top hotel), and the not too arduous task of deciding on the plan for the day ahead. The ship called in at a different island each day (St. Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts, Iles des Saintes and Martinique), and a range of excursions were on offer. Usually we would return to the ship for lunch which was also a buffet (including a fabulous beach barbecue in Antigua – what a way to lunch in style!), and any thought of hunger later in the afternoon was soon dispelled by tea served at 5pm in the tropical bar area where a soulful singer and keyboard player entertained. Then it was time to ascend to the upper deck, to savour the setting sun, cocktail of the day in hand, and enjoy the Sailaway. Dramatic and emotional music (Vangelis, `1492 Conquest of Paradise’) provides the atmosphere while the crew hoist the sails, the captain watches over and the guests step to the side of the incredible web of ropes and pulleys, as our elegant ship set sail for the next destination. Dinner is a la carte, where guests can choose to sit separately to eat if they choose, although it’s more interesting to be on a mixed table for 6 or 8. Evening entertainment is very informal, with a highlight being a steel band. Snorkelling equipment is available free of charge, and for those who prefer a little self-indulgence, there’s also

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| 11

Rick Astley The Quiet Man of Pop You won’t see photos of him in celebrity magazines falling out of nightclubs at 4am or attending every premier in sight. Yet, in almost three decades in the limelight the shy lad from Warrington, Cheshire, has had a string of hits and possesses one of the most distinctive voices in the business. He has just finished a sell-out tour across the USA and the UK and the reaction from fans old and new underlines the long-lasting appeal of the clean-cut icon who, with his smart hairstyle and metrosexual wardrobe, looks years younger than 51. This timeless assurance may be down to his simple philosophy on life:

“I’m a person who tries not to have regrets.” Some of that down-to-earth approach could lie in his Northern upbringing. He was the youngest of three boys and a

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girl and showed musical promise early, singing in the choir at his local church at 10. He learned to play the drums, piano/ keyboards, guitar and saxophone and in his teens was gigging in pubs and clubs with various bands like FBI. He commented: “I used to go to soul nights because I loved dancing, and so did my friends, and we loved the music. We used to go to listen to black American soul.” In 1985, Rick was performing with FBI, playing their own music, when he caught the attention of well-known record producer Pete Waterman. He persuaded the youngsters to come to London to work at his company, PWL recording studio, under what became the famous production team of Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman. In ‘80s pop, Stock Aitken Waterman was THE leading force.

During this time of learning, the young singer also doubled as studio teaboy. As he recalled: “Working as a teaboy may have helped my confidence but not everyone else was so pleased. I could never remember who had milk or how many sugars, and I had an unusual talent for spilling tea on the recording console!” At just 21 in 1987, Rick released his debut single “Never Gonna Give You Up”, and it had a huge impact. It took instant residence in the charts and became the year’s best-selling single in the UK as well as making No.1 in 16 different countries. The song became the centrepiece of debut album “Whenever You Need Somebody” which sold a remarkable 15 million copies worldwide. He even cracked the US Top 10 – a notoriously difficult achievement for any British singer, especially with a debut single, earning him a Grammy nomination for “Best New Artist.”

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Suddenly, the shy Northern lad was catapulted into the international world of stardom, and the following years saw Rick released a string of further hits. The soulful songs with a mature depth of delivery from his rich voice made him a household name. “Whenever You Need Somebody”, “Hold Me In Your Arms, “She Wants To Dance With Me”, Take Me To Your Heart” and “Hopelessly” all propelled him into singles’ charts across the globe. During the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Rick Astley was everywhere – on TV, radio and the music charts. By 1993, he was a wealthy man with little to prove to the world. Some might say his innate shyness made him a slightly uncomfortable fit with the often brash world of celebrity. By then, he had a baby daughter, Emilie, and a wife, and he wanted to spend more time with them. So he decided to retire - at the age of just 27.

material I was working on was pretty good. So I decided to go for it.” It proved to be a good decision. The album reached No.1 and the single from it, “Dance” with its official video proved to be a hit. Suddenly, Rick was everywhere in the media again – although this time, a more assured and confident performer, comfortable in his own skin. As he insisted: “My time away from the spotlight allowed me to rediscover my love for music, and I’m doing it for me now and no-one else.” The quiet man of pop has found his voice in more ways than one.

For much of the ‘90s and into the 2000s, he was out of the music business, out of the spotlight. Then, in 2001, Rick returned, signing a co-publishing deal with Polydor and releasing single “Keep It Turned On.” When his first compilation album “Greatest Hits” came out in 2000, it reached No.16 on the UK albums’ chart. In 2003, he reached No.10 in the UK as a songwriter with “Shakespeare’s (Way With) Words” performed by boyband One True Voice. In 2004, Rick toured for the first time in 14 years, which led to a record contract with Sony BMG. In 2005, he released the album “Portrait” covering classics like “Vincent” and “Close To You”. In 2008, the album “The Ultimate Collection: Rick Astley” burst into the public’s consciousness and again went into the UK Top 40 albums’ chart. Later that year, Rick was nominated for the “Best Act Ever” award at the MTV Europe Music Awards and fans went into over-drive to ensure their hero received it. On the back of this, “Never Gonna Give You Up” returned to the UK charts – more than 21 years after it was released. During the late 2000s, Rick continued extensive touring across the globe and in 2010 was a special guest on Peter Kay’s tour “The Tour That Doesn’t Tour Tour … Now On Tour” and to mark the occasion, he released a new single, “Lights Out”, on his own label which was well-received. He became a DJ for London’s Magic FM with a popular weekly show, then co-hosted Chris Evens Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, again with Peter Kay. In 2016, Rick released “Keep Singing” from his forthcoming album “50” – prompted by his turning 50. He told Amanda Holden on the “Lorraine” show: “It was a big milestone. I got back in the studio and friends were telling me the

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FOOD & DRINK

TOM KITCHIN - "KITCHIN SUPPERS" This is one of my favourite Sunday roasts. You can’t get much more British than a leg of lamb, but serving it in this way gives a certain Mediterranean feel and flavour, which makes the dish seem light and fresh. Infusing the lamb with flavourings like rosemary and fennel seeds makes it deliciously tasty. Most side dishes work with lamb, so choose your vegetables according to the season. You might also like to serve new potatoes alongside here, or a potato gratin.

ROASTED LEG OF LAMB WITH RATATOUILLE-STUFFED TOMATOES SERVES 4 1.2kg boned and rolled leg of lamb 5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped handful of rosemary sprigs, leaves only, roughly chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon fennel seeds sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 250ml lamb stock or chicken stock 50g butter STUFFED TOMATOES 4 large tomatoes on the vine olive oil for cooking 1 onion, peeled and diced 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 tablespoon dried herbs de Provence 1 courgette, diced 1 aubergine, diced 1 red pepper, cored, deseeded and diced

Place the lamb on a board. In a bowl, mix together the garlic, rosemary, cumin and fennel seeds. Using a sharp knife, pierce little slits all over the surface of the lamb. Using your fingers, push the rosemary and spice mixture into the cuts. Season the meat with salt and pepper. Put to one side. To prepare the tomatoes, snip them off the vine, but leave the stalks intact. Cut a slice off the top off the tomatoes, removing about a quarter, and reserve these lids. Using a teaspoon, carefully scoop out the juice and seeds from inside, leaving the shells intact; set aside, along with the tops. For the ratatouille stuffing, heat a heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat and add a little olive oil. Add the onion and cook slowly for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and dried herbs. Now turn up the heat and add the courgette, aubergine and some salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for a further 3–4 minutes; you may need to add more olive oil as the aubergine

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will absorb quite a lot. Add the red pepper and cook for a further 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check the seasoning and take off the heat. To cook the lamb, heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. Heat a heavy-based ovenproof pan over a medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Add the lamb joint and colour on all sides, allowing 3–4 minutes. Transfer to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, fill the tomatoes with the ratatouille and put the lids back on. Stand the stuffed tomatoes in a small roasting tray. Add the stock, butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the tray. When the meat has been roasting for 15 minutes, turn the setting down to 160°C/Gas 3 and put the stuffed tomatoes into the oven. Roast the meat for a further 20 minutes, along with the tomatoes, basting these with the pan juices from time to time. Rest the lamb in a warm place for 10 minutes. Slice the meat and serve with the stuffed tomatoes, spooning over all the pan juices.

SMOKED SALMON & SPINACH LASAGNE This comforting pasta bake is easy to prepare and always popular. The recipe is based on a Scandinavian dish that my wife Michaela has been making for years. It’s absolutely delicious and has the added advantage that it can be prepared in advance, ready to bake and serve when required.

Serves 4–6 Béchamel sauce 75g butter 75g plain flour 850ml milk sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Lasagne 25g butter 1 leek, trimmed, washed and cut into strips 400g baby spinach 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 400g smoked salmon 300g Cheddar, grated 8–10 lasagne sheets 4 dill sprigs, roughly chopped, to garnish

Use the rest of the butter to grease a large square or rectangular ovenproof dish. Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces, roughly 2cm square.

Heat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4. To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly stir in the milk and cook at a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. For the lasagne, melt half the butter in a heavy-based pan over a medium-low heat. Add the leek strips, season with salt and pepper and sweat gently for 2–3 minutes. Add the spinach leaves, a handful at a time, along with the garlic and cook for another minute or two. Drain off the excess liquid.

Spoon a layer of the béchamel sauce over the bottom of the dish and layer a third of the lasagne sheets on top. Spoon half of the leek and spinach mixture over the lasagne, followed by a good third of the smoked salmon, then cover with a third of the remaining béchamel and sprinkle some cheese over the surface. Repeat the layers of lasagne, leek and spinach, smoked salmon, béchamel and cheese, then cover with a top layer of lasagne. Spoon the rest of the béchamel sauce on top and scatter over the remaining smoked salmon and grated cheese. Bake for about 45 minutes until the top is a deep golden colour. To check that the lasagne is cooked, insert a knife in the middle; it should meet with minimal resistance. Scatter the chopped dill on top of the lasagne and serve, with a crisp green salad on the side.

Kitchin Suppers by Tom Kitchin (Quadrille £12.99) Photography: Laura Edwards

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| 15

OUT AND ABOUT

Prinknash Bird & Deer Park was established in 1973 by Philip Meigh and was taken over by his daughter in 2008. The Bird Park, which is ideal if you do not have the time free for a full visit or if you are looking for a special gift.

The Bird Park has retained all of its charm and artistry but has come into line with modern day needs and now boasts a beautiful Prime Oak Visitor Centre. The new Centre now serves light refreshments which can be enjoyed from inside or outside on the South facing balconies overlooking the park. The shop has a wide range of gifts and can be visited without going into

As a tourist attraction the park has become very much the jewell in the crown of the Cotswolds with the unusual mix of hand tame waterfowl, follies, that both adults and children may enjoy along tame Fallow deer, Reindeer, rare breed donkeys not forgetting the delightful Pygmy Goats which can be fed from your hand.

a quiet cup of coffee in a really different location to chat and meet friends or a walk in the country with Grandchildren or friends then look no further. So don’t miss out on the “Granny Gets in Free” offer attached, which is a FREE ticket worth £8.00 and all you have to do is find 2 grandchildren and present the voucher. There are no strings attached and is normally only available as a pre booked on line purchase and is perfect for the school holidays. For more information do call us on 01452812727 or visit www.thebirdpark.com

The park is open daily all year and there are always things going on from artists exhibitions through to the RSPB talks, children’s parties and of course the general seasonal excitement from baby deer through to happy hatchings at Easter. So even if all your looking for is

Come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats ... all very tame and will feed from your hand!

NEW VISITOR CENTRE OPEN! NEW VISITOR CENTRE OPEN!

Come and see, feed and stroke our beautiful fallow deer, our wonderful collections of peacocks, waterfowl, pheasants and the amusing pygmy goats ... all very tame and will feed from your hand!

CUT THIS OUT AND GRANNY GETS IN FREE

Give your child a magical birthday party in our beautiful gypsy caravan!

NEW VISITOR CENTRE OPEN!

with 2 paying grandchildren Give your child a magical birthday party in our beautiful gypsy caravan!

Photocopies will not be accepted, valid for normal park entry and may not be used in Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727or • www.thebirdpark.com conjunction with event days for party The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX bookings. Offer valid until the end of May 2017.

Open 7 days a week 10am-5pm • 01452 812727 • www.thebirdpark.com The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX

Open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm

01452 812727

wwwthebirdpark.com

The Bird and Deer Park, Prinknash, Cranham, Gloucester GL4 8EX

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Visiting the Cotswolds: Painswick Village

around, it is set in the quiet hills of Gloucestershire and has some of the best countryside of the region right on its doorstep. The village was built from mellow Cotswold stone from the local quarry on Painswick Beacon, as you wander around and explore everything that the village has to offer you will see some beautiful architecture all around in the narrow and peaceful streets. The village has many B and B's and guest houses and is great for a day trip or a break away from the stresses of life to experience traditional Cotswold village life. Painswick is the perfect base for exploring the undiscovered south Cotswold’s.

During your visit to the Cotswolds there is a lot to do in the local area, the historic wool town of Painswick provides you with some great places to explore to work up an appetite. Remember, The Edgemoor Inn serve food throughout the day as well so no matter what time

THE EDGEMOOR INN

of the day you come to explore there is always a great home cooked meal waiting for you. Painswick is known as the Queen of the Cotswold, it is one of the finest and well-preserved Cotswold settlements

Much of Painswick is very old, New Street for example was constructed in 1428 and contains the oldest building in England to house a post office. It also has the country's oldest bowling green and some wonderful Georgian frontages.

Approximately half way between Stroud and Gloucester, The Edgemoor Inn overlooks the beautiful, picturesque Painswick Valley and the village of Painswick, a quintessential English village known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’. There are over 100 listed buildings in the village, which is a total conservation area. It has a rich history with a particularly colourful period during the Civil War when the Roundheads took refuge in the parish church of St.Mary, which dates from the eleventh century. The late 19th century Inn, constructed from Cotswold stone, has picture style windows and is well known for its pretty panoramic views. Our property boasts an extensive terraced patio overlooking Painswick & surrounding countryside. Edgemoor Inn sources as much fresh meat, fish & vegetables from local suppliers. An extensive range of home cooked meals and daily specials are served each day lunchtime and evening. Vegetarian menus are always available. We serve the finest selection of local real ales from Uley, Wickwar and Stroud. The Edgemoor Inn offers the very best in traditional Cotswold pub and restaurant dining - a warm welcome in delightful surroundings with wellpresented home-cooked food. This is a combination that’s hard to beat. Gloucester Road, Edge, Gloucestershire GL6 6ND Tel: 01452 813576 Web: www.edgemoorinn.com

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OUT AND ABOUT and Three Men in a Boat over the August Bank Holiday. Friday 21st July, 6.30pm

A Midsummer Night's Dream - The Handlebards Gents Yes - they do tour the country by bike and perform Shakespeare outdoors. Set on the Bowling Green in the heart of the Garden, this is likely to be one of our best sellers.

Painswick Rococo Garden A visit to Painswick Rococo Garden will take you back to the elegance and sophistication of the early 1700s. This was a time when gardens were fashionable theatrical sets, providing a stunning backdrop to decadent garden parties. Instead of a flower garden, you will happen across a stunning vegetable garden, beautifully-framed views of the surrounding countryside and fanciful garden buildings. You can lose yourself amongst the lofty trees of our leafy woodland walk and watch friends and family battle to find the centre of our unusual maze. And afterwards, enjoy delicious homemade cakes or a light lunch in our cosy cafe. If you've not yet experienced a summer's evening theatre performance on the Bowling Green in the heart of our gorgeous Garden... then you've missed out! Tickets are now on sale for As You Like It and A Midsummer Night's Dream by the charismatic Handlebards in June/July. We then present Alice in Wonderland

Tickets on sale from www.handlebards.com Saturday 5th August, 6.30pm

Picnic in The Park - Friends of Painswick Rococo Garden Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of local talent - and at the same time help raise much-needed funds to help us restore the Garden. Tickets available in advance from the Welcome Desk or on the door Sunday 27th & Monday 28th August, 2.30pm

Alice In Wonderland - IK Productions An imaginative and expert retelling of the classic tale set in the heart of the Garden. Tickets on sale from www. everymantheatre.org.uk Sunday 27th August, 6.30pm

Three Men in a Boat - IK Productions

Jerome K Jerome's evergreen tale of three men and a dog, and their exploits on the Thames. Tickets on sale from www. everymantheatre.org.uk Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd October, 10.30am - 5pm

Autumn Festival Our annual celebration of everything harvest, including apple juicing, heritage produce displays and tastings. There's a children's Apple Activity Day on the Friday. Normal admission applies. PAINSWICK ROCOCO GARDEN Painswick Rococo Garden Painswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6TH T: 01452 813204 E: info@rococogarden.org.uk

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Sunday 25th September

The Painswick Feast The Painswick Feast 2016 is scheduled for Sunday 25th September – a day of apple pressing, the Clypping Celebration, live music, feasting and general jollity! Building on the success of previous years, we want the 2016 Feast to reflect the whole Painswick community. The Painswick Feast, in St Mary’s Churchyard, will include stalls for local food producers, craft and art creators, businesses, clubs, charities and societies to publicise their activities or sell their produce. We would be delighted if you took a stall. For more information please visit our website http://www. painswickfeast.org/ or contact: The Painswick Feast 07798 645666 Ashton House Gloucester Street Painswick GL6 6QN

‘Stream of Conciousness’

encompasses one of my favourite walks along a hidden pathway toward the stream and waterfall at Kingsmill, starting from the Patchwork Mouse cafe at 10am and concluding at around 12pm. As a Cotswold Natural Mindfulness guide, I’ll be helping the walkers attending to reconnect with nature, perspective and themselves. £10pp or FREE if it will be your first Cotswold Mindfulness walk. To sign up for all the available walks it’s £20 per month. If you’re interested in this walk or to register, contact me on: nick cotswoldnaturalmindfulness. uk Tuesday May 9th, 7.30pm

An evening with Phil Beer Songs and tunes from one of the acoustic music world’s finest multiinstrumentalists Painswick Centre Bisley Street, Painswick, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 6QQ Tickets email: cantonacrepromotions@gmail. com Tel: 07596 823 881

Fridays

Cirencester Antiques & Collectables Market

Tuesdays

Moreton in Marsh Outdoor Market The largest street market in the Cotswolds with many stalls selling virtually anything, leather goods, purses, books, fish, produce, pet products, clothing, cookware, etc. Market day is every Tuesday on the High Street. Visit this lovely Cotswold town and pick up a bargain! High Street, Moreton in Marsh, cotswolds.com/whats-on/ moreton-in-marsh-outdoormarket-p1612523

There has been a weekly Antiques & Collectors’ Market in Cirencester’s Corn Hall every Friday for more than 40 years. Around 50 dealers each week offer quality antiques and collectables, including silver, glass, ceramics, metalwares, postcards, ephemera, jewellery, furniture, paintings and prints.Parking is easy, and there are cafés and restaurants nearby, as well as a number of other antiques shops and centres. Open: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, every Friday Market Place, Cirencester, cotswolds.com/whats-on/ cirencester-antiques-andcollectables-market-p1840323 Saturdays

Cheltenham Foodie Tours Love Food? Visiting Cheltenham? Discover the wonderful flavours and local food delights of this Cotswold spa town. Enjoy 6 authentic taste sensations.

Explore the delectable eateries and dining quarters while learning about how Cheltenham became a Regency centre for luxury, decadence and glamour. Tour includes a visit to an award winning Cotswold bakery, specialty cheese shop, a visit to a 1920’s cocktail lounge and a taster of artisan chocolate and delicious artisan ice cream. Discover Cheltenham with flavour something you simply won’t find in the guide books! Clarence Street, Cheltenham, cotswolds.com/whatson/cheltenham-foodietours-p2128523 Saturdays

Stroud Farmers Market Held every Saturday this awardwinning farmers’ market, as featured in the Sunday Telegraph, The Observer, The Independent, The Guardian Weekend, Rick Stein’s Food Heroes and the Country Living Guide to Farmers’ Markets, is held in the purpose-built Cornhill market

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OUT AND ABOUT place in Stroud town centre. Cornhill Market, Union Street, Stroud, cotswolds.com/whats-on/stroudfarmers-market-p807253 25th March - 10th Sept

and twice as powerful. In 2017 they will release their new album Knows Time, Knows Change. Mac, Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk/event/ daphnes-flight

Cotswold Hare Trail

15th June - 18th June

The Cotswold Hare Trail will feature a trail of five foot hare sculptures placed around the towns and villages of the Cotswolds as a free visitor attraction from March 25th to September 10th 2017.

Our concerts began in 2001 at four Forestry Commission venues. Now looking forward to its sixteenth season, Forest Live gigs take place at seven fantastic forest locations.

Cirencester, Gloucestershire, http://www.cotswolds.com/whatson/cotswold-hare-trail-p2160163 23rd May

Daphne’s Flight 1995 and five friends found themselves at Cambridge Festival. They decided to sing some songs together ... magic happened and Daphne’s Flight took off. Now, two decades later, five of the best female singers of their generation are gathering again – older, wiser

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Forest Live 2017

The gigs are well known for their eclectic range of international artists, amazing atmosphere and their stunning locations. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucester forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD7NPM2F 23rd June - 25th June

Foodies Festival Feast in the Street Food Avenue; learn to bake in the Cake and Bake Theatre; enjoy afternoon tea in the Vintage Tea Tent; taste

wine, champagne and craft beer in the Drinks Theatre; buy from local producers in the Artisan Market; kids enjoy the Childrens Cookery Theatre; live music on the Unsigned Music Awards Stage; enter the Chilli Eating Competition; refreshing cocktails from the Bar Bus and Pimms Teapot, and have a fun day out in the Deco Noir VIP experience. Cannon Hills Park, Birmingham foodiesfestival.com/birmingham/ 4th July

The Ebrington Arms monthly Folk Music Night Best folk music night in the Cotswolds. Musicians come from all over to play on the first Monday

of the month. All welcome. Food served as normal from 6-9pm. Ebrington, Chipping Campden, cotswolds.com/whats-on/theebrington-arms-monthly-folkmusic-night-p2103323 8th July

The Third Policeman In summer 2017, Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre will venture into a world somewhere between Alice in Wonderland and the Marx Brothers, where the earth is not round but sausage-shaped and night is actually an accumulation of black air; where eccentric policemen fall in love with bicycles and you can visit eternity via a rickety lift, hidden beside a lane in the heart of rural Ireland. The Third Policeman is one of the comic masterpieces of European literature and, since its publication in 1967, has collected legions of fans and earned its author, Flann O’Brien, a world-wide reputation as one of Ireland’s greatest comic geniuses.

8th July - 9th July

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival

This July, thousands of reenactors, entertainers and traders from all over Europe will gather in Tewkesbury for Europes largest annual Medieval reenactment. A fantastic and unique day out for all the family, with free admission. Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucester tewkesburymedievalfestival.org

Orfeo ed Euridice

14th July - 15th July

Stand Up Comedy Showcase Participants learn the craft of stand up comedy and performance skills in this popular course run by comedian James Cook. The evening of merriment enables the students to showcase their new material with encouragement from families and friends. Mac, Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk/event/ stand-up-comedy-showcase

Mac, Birmingham macbirmingham.co.uk/event/thirdpoliceman

WED 17 MAY 7.30

JOE LONGTHORNE £22.00*

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS FOR SUMMER

BOX OFFICE

01527 65203

THUR 18 MAY 7.30

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY £19.00* & £18.00* (disc) FRI 26 MAY 7.30

SERIOUSLY DEAD

FRI 2 JUNE 7.30

BRINGING ON BACK THE 60’S

Marking the composer’s attempt to reform the complex plots and music of baroque opera, Orfeo ed Euridice reconnected the music with the drama. Its underground rescuemission plot influenced many works Longborough, Moreton-in-Marsh, cotswolds.com/whats-on/orfeo-edeuridice-p2159993

NOW BOOKING FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON !

SAT 17 JUNE 7.30

CINEMA LIVE

£20.00* & £19.00*(disc) THUR 6 JULY 7.30

DIAMOND THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE

£17.50*& £15* (disc)

TUE 30 MAY 12.00 & 4.00

FRI 7 JULY 8.00

£15.50* & £13.50*(disc)

Orfeo ed Euridice is based on the tale of Orpheus, one of the most famous and beloved Greek myths, and features some of Gluck’s best known pieces of music including the ‘Dance of the Blessed Spirits’ and ‘Che farò senza Euridice’.

£20.00*

£22.00*

MILKSHAKE LIVE

29th July - 1st Aug

AUDIENCE WITH FRANK BRUNO

£26* £23* (REAR CIRCLE)

For performance schedule and ticket prices please check the theatre’s website

Online booking www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk *inclusive of booking fee £1 per ticket up to a max of £4

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NO STAMP DUTY TO PAY Beautiful bungalow homes exclusively for the over 50s

GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S FAVOURITE RESIDENTIAL PARK

call us 01452 730605 SELECT A PLOT FOR A PARK www.parkhomelife.com

HOME OF YOUR OWN CHOICE RESIDENTIAL PARKS FOR THE OVER 50S

King’s Acre at Orchard Park Twigworth, Gloucestershire GL2 9QP

HOME someone who has had work done by him. If you don’t know anyone, consult the Federation of Master Builders at http://www.fmb.org.uk or the National Federation of Builders at http://www. builders.org.uk CONSERVATORIES and ORANGERIES are very popular these days as they give extra rooms to any property, allowing in plenty of light and, very often, bringing you closer to the garden. BI-FOLD DOORS or SLIDING DOORS are another excellent way of bringing in light and air into a room and really work well in the Spring and Summer in particular, allowing a free flow into your garden especially for entertaining.

HOME ALTERATIONS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER IF an Englishman’s home is his castle then it’s up to each of us to keep that “safe place” as comfortable and easy to live in as possible as time goes by. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to improve homes with easy living in mind. Innovations are emerging constantly - from something as simple as a heated butter knife that slices through cold spreads to smart plugs that switch electronics on and off remotely.

You can often adapt a room yourself, turning a small bedroom into an office or sewing room, or creating an extra small lounge to give you both somewhere to sit separately where you are in charge of the TV remote control! If you like the property you’ve got but want to extend it, talk to a local builder preferably one referred to you by

Is your living room THREE PIECE SUITE or SOFA a lot less comfortable these days than it once was? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself to a new suite or even a large corner sofa that makes the most of your room, allowing plenty of seating options and looking thoroughly modern. Many have integrated recliners to allow you to really stretch out and relax. Pop down to your local furniture store or browse online to see what suits your rooms best and what fits both your lifestyle and budget. Now that many of us love our home entertainment and prefer to see

A sensible starting point is to look at whether your PROPERTY is too big or too small for you. When family have grown up and moved away, it’s often a good time to look around you and honestly assess whether you either need the space you’ve got or if you need more. The former could prompt a move to something smaller, more economical but which involves a more comfortable lifestyle. If the latter applies, then it might be time to consider either adapting the space you have more effectively or extending it to meet your needs.

A large corner sofa canmake the most of your room, allowing plenty of seating options and looking thoroughly modern.

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HOME our favourite films on TV alongside our favourite programmes, perhaps it’s also time to invest in one of the latest smart TVs. Stream films on Netflix or surf websites on the big screen if you prefer. You’ll be surprised at how TV technology has changed in the last few years so take a look at what will work best in your living room or bedroom Another area that is now very hi-tech is HOME SECURITY. There are smart locks providing something extra in protection and a wireless world in which smart locks, CCTV cameras, smart doorbells, smoke detectors and even your lights can all communicate with one another. A safe night’s sleep and peace of mind is all there on offer. Logically, we spend a large part of our lives in our If you’ve had your mattress for several years, it’s time BEDROOMS so it’s definitely worthwhile spending to invest in one of the latest Memory Foam mattresses money here and especially on your bed. If you’ve had your mattress for several years, it’s time to invest in one of the latest Memory Foam mattresses that react to your If you have limited use of hands or fingers, there’s a world of body shape and ensure you a good, supported night’s sleep. amazing gizmos out there – from ringpull openers and twoDimmer switches, calming décor and soft lights can all add to handled cups to tap-turners and kettle-tippers, all designed the relaxation here. to make your life simpler and easier. When it comes to clever gadgets, the latest KITCHEN ideas are set to make life so easy. From the newest blenders and spiralisers to boiling water taps and intelligent pans that work with a an iphone app to tell you when your salmon is cooked.

Find out more at the websites of Carers UK at http://www. carersuk.org and Age UK at http://www.ageuk.org.uk

FIND YOUR PERFECT RETIREMENT HOME WITH QUICK MOVE PROPERTIES • Do you dream of owning a low maintenance property? • Are you looking to downsize upon retirement? • Can’t find the perfect property? We know that finding your dream home isn’t easy and the whole process of buying and selling a home can be stressful and time consuming. With over 18 years experience, Quick Move Properties have access to a wide range of retirement properties around the UK. We can help you find your perfect next home and you can even use the capital from your existing home to secure your move! Just tell us your requirements and leave the hard work to us, it really is that simple! Call:

01793 840917 or visit: www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk

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Are your rooms looking a little shabby? Investing in new DECORATING lifts the spirits and lighten rooms. The latest bright shades banish dark corners and open up dingy areas and if you combine these with new LIGHTING and more MIRRORS you’ll be astonished at the amount of useful light suddenly available in your home. It even feels more airy! Incidentally, if you’re looking at light, it’s definitely worth installing good lighting outside to give both you and your visitors better visibility there.

BATHROOMS have now become THE place to spend time relaxing.

It may also be time to invest in new kitchen units or install a useful island unit that allows you to work easily when you’re baking or making a meal. Today’s kitchens are designed to make your lifestyle as easy as possible so it’s definitely worth consulting an experienced kitchen company about this. Ensure you’ve got comfortable chairs or stools available and a system of storage and work spaces that allows time spent there to be really enjoyable.

BATHROOMS have now become THE place to spend time relaxing. Try a large tub instead of your old bath, a walk-in shower instead of your current model and twin sinks and vanity units that allow you both to get ready at once. And if you’ve always meant to improve your GARDEN but never got around to it, don’t forget that having a pleasant garden in which to relax and spend time happily is really good for your mental and physical wellbeing. So the time may be right for new decking, some easygoing garden furniture and planned areas of greenery, shrubbery and blooms to delight you and make you feel well all the year round.

10 YEA

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HOME AND GARDEN

Building a raised bed or veggie patch • rake • tape measure • pencil • 8 x cypress pine lengths: 3.6 m x 200 mm/38 mm (11 ft 9. in x 8 in/1. in) • circular saw • 100 x 70 mm (2. in) bulge head screws • drill set • spirit level

The Good ol’ days There was once a time when the world of the Little Veggie Patch Co (LVPC) only featured the raised garden bed – and cups of tea in between. A typical day would entail a trip to the timber yard for some 38 mm (1. in) cypress pine beauties, a trip to Bunnings for some 75 mm (3 in) baton screws, and a return trip home because we had forgotten the drill. It was a world that in itself was quite worldly, because the early days of LVPC was a melting pot of cultures that came together and built raised garden beds. The first person to get involved was a passionate travelling Frenchman by the name of Sylvain.

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He was my first veggie patch soulmate, and co-creator of the business, and I look back on those early, organic days with great fondness. We built a garden bed, had a cup of tea, and then we moved on to the next. With the raised garden bed front and centre, life was so uncomplicated. Our style of edible gardening was more broadly based on the themes of permaculture back then.

Larger spaces, more interaction between the elements, a more complete cyclical system. Along with a garden bed, there may be some fruit trees, a composting system, and the notion that perhaps one day the owners would get off the grid. Since then we have pulled away from traditional permaculture because one of its basic ideas is to take what you have got, and then improve it. But how can you take a slab of concrete on the 35th floor and use it to grow plants? A business evolution has led us to smaller and even smaller space gardening, and that’s the place we find ourselves now. Of course, if you have room for a raised garden bed, it’s still the perfect infrastructure for growing food. For us, it also gives us the chance to reminisce about the good ol’ days. Before starting the construction, it is important to make the site for your garden bed completely LEVEL. Use a

rake to make a flat pad. This will make the entire process sooooo much easier. Make sure you spend a bit of time getting this part right, removing any weeds and grasses in the process. Start measuring and marking up the timbers. We like to organise an OLD-FASHIONED production line set-up – economies of scale and scope we say! – and measure and make the timbers first. Measure the lengths twice and cut once. Cut your timbers. For the bed we want to build, we need six 2.4 m (7 ft 101/2 in) lengths, six 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) widths and ten 600 mm (1 ft 111/2 in) uprights/ braces. When cutting, it helps not to force the circular saw through too quickly. Give it time to cut and let it go at its own speed. You will get STRAIGHTER CUTS and everything will slot together more nicely. That will give us more reasons to celebrate with CUPS OF TEA. Start by affixing the two lengths of the garden bed in slabs of three 2.4 m (7 ft 101/2 in) lengths, braced together by three 600 mm (1 ft 111/2 in) uprights. Lie lengths down with an end brace underneath. The end brace should extend beyond the lengths by the exact thickness of the timber (38 mm/11/2 in). Size up using another timber length. It will make sense later. As well as the two end uprights that are overhanging the thickness of the timber, attach a centre upright for extra rigidity. Now it’s time to begin construction. Start by taking an entire length slab and nestle it into position. Use the spirit level to

make sure it is completely level horizontally and vertically, and affix one 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) width piece at ground level to hold it in place. Build it up with two more pieces and you have half the unit complete. If we were cutting with robot precision and using timber of the exact same grade and thickness, adding the remaining pieces would result in a perfect fit first time, but this is WOODWORK, and we consider ourselves IMPERFECT. Because it’s very difficult to achieve perfection first time round, you may need to TEST-BUILD before screwing in. You can then chock the bottom one up or slightly dig it in to make it fit. Once happy, screw together using two 70 mm (23/4 in) bulge head screws for each piece of timber. Next comes the opposing side. Muscle it into position and attach it, ensuring it is level all over. TEA TIME perhaps? Nope, attach the remaining widths first and then put on a brew. The remaining uprights help to cover any blemishes or fixes that you’ve made along the way. Attach them at the four corners of the bed. To hold these uprights in place, use a couple of 70 mm (23/4in) bulge head screws from the inside of the bed. That way your bed exterior will be screw-free, and you’ll have a PERFECTLY CRAFTED raised garden bed (with all blemishes classily hidden).

Now your bed is ready to be filled up and planted out. Ahh, the MEMORIES …

Credits are: The Little Veggie Patch Co. DIY Garden Projects: Easy Activities for Edible Gardening and Backyard Fun by Matt Pember and Dillon Seitchik-Reardon (Hardie Grant £20) Photography: John Laurie

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CARE Keeping you safe and secure in your own home It’s the job of the home care company staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care company must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home. Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the company’s name and contact details. Home care companies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.

Paying for home care

How to choose the right Home Care Whether you’re choosing a home care company for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way. Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you. They should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence. That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy. If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible. Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care. Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.

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

Before your home care starts It’s important to always make sure that the home care company you choose

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visits you at home, before care starts. This will give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider. A good home care company will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the company the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care company visits. So you’re thinking about using a company to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?

Initial home visit by a home care company During the initial home visit by the home care company, they will carry out a detailed risk assessment of your home, as well as a manual handling assessment. This is important, as it will identify how the company staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required. All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.

It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home care services. In most cases, companies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends. There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays. Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about. If you have been assessed by Social Services as being eligible for care and support at home, and Social Services have agreed to, fully or part fund your care (dependant on your financial assessment), you can choose to have the Care Company Social Services appoint, or you can choose to have Social Services provide the money to buy, some or all of, the support you need using something called a “Direct Payment”. The Direct Payment option allows you greater flexibility and freedom in how your care is provided. You can choose to employ your own ‘personal assistant’ or decide to work with the care provider of your choice. Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further.

Check what you are being charged All costs should be written into the contract between you and the company and you should be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service. In most cases, the home care company will keep timesheets that you will need to sign. Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits. It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.

Automated care worker monitoring

•

Some home care companies have electronic monitoring so care workers can ‘check in’ using their mobile phone or put a pin number into your landline phone.

How do they match the most suitable care worker to your needs? Will they arrive at the time you have requested. Will you always have the same person caring for you. What happens if they are sick or go on holiday?

There is no cost to you when they use this system and it records the exact length of time that your care provider has been with you. This system also helps the home care company to highlight any missed calls by the care worker, reducing the risk of you not getting a call.

•

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

•

Is the company insured to protect your safety and interests?

Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care company

•

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

•

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

Can the company provide the care needed, and have they provided care before for someone with similar needs?

•

How will the company and staff respect your privacy and dignity?

•

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

•

Can the company be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?

•

Will the company give you a copy of their standard contract to read before signing?

The Bluebird Care difference As well as being naturally caring, our professional care workers are motivated, educated and punctual. They are skilled in identifying and reporting changes in health, and are trained to intervene in times of crisis to avert serious injury or illness. More than care Our customers drive everything we do. For the people in our care we go above and beyond and back again. We personalise care to each and every individual and we show everybody, from our customers, their loved ones and their families, through to health professionals who work alongside us and all of our Bluebird Care colleagues the utmost respect and appreciation. 'More than care' is going the extra mile and showing compassion for every customer's situation. Our customers feel respected and that their needs and wishes are met exactly. Whether you prefer someone to visit you in your own home, or simply to phone or email, there is always someone available to speak with you about your care needs.

Professional care in your own home We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home. Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around. Bluebird Care 'just happens'. Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and are police checked.

Contact information Bluebird Care, Gloucester, Suite 4 Westgate House, The Island, Gloucester, GL1 2RU Tel: 01452 414952. Bluebird Care, Stroud and Cirencester Nelson Street, Stroud, GL5 2HL. Tel: 01453 757 937.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

'After 15 years in nursing I was looking for something new and didn't want to let my skills go to waste'. Freya North, Team Leader and Mentor

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HEALTH Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two. Have your dentures inspected at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

Your Dentures need Attention 1. When they become loose. 2. When teeth or denture base discolours. 3. When tooth surfaces become flat. 4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures). 5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth. 6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores. 7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

My Dentures have become loose!

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

Choice of Dentures There are four main quality standards in denture materials. The denture base (gum coloured on which the denture teeth sit). • • •

Standard Quality High Impact Acrylics (much stronger) Injection Pressure Formed (Premium Denture Base)

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• •

Flexible (Partial Dentures) Metal Denture

The Denture Teeth • • •

2 Layer Acrylic (economy) 3 Layer Acrylic (harder wearing) 4 Layer Reinforced (hard wearing, natural look)

However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures. A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when all the information required is communicated between Patient, Clinician and Technician.

Dentures Need Regular Servicing Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour. Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorption dentures will become loose sooner or later.

This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

Dentures with worn down teeth Teeth excessively worn, require a new set of dentures.

Same Day Dentures Repairs How can dentures become damaged? The main way a denture is damaged is by dropping it on to a hard surface such as the floor or sink. You can help prevent this by inserting/removing the denture over a towel or a sink filled with water for example. Dentures can also become weakened and potentially break if they no longer fit well due to gum shrinkage and changes in the shape of the mouth. Can they be repaired? Our dental technicians can repair cracked or fractured dentures, insert strengtheners into dentures, repair chips in the artificial teeth and replace teeth that have fallen off. In some cases where there have been repeated repairs done to an existing denture, you may be advised to have a new denture made instead of having it repaired again. This is because dentures that have had teeth added or fractured multiple times may not fit as well as they should and are generally not as comfortable to wear. What should you do if your denture breaks? Keep all the broken pieces together. Don’t use super glue or try and repair the denture yourself. This may offer a quick solution but it rarely lasts that long.

It may end up resulting in further damage, make your denture impossible to repair again and make it uncomfortable to wear. It is always advisable to have your denture repaired by a qualified dental technician who has the correct knowledge and equipment to do a good job.

Cotswold Dental Laboratory Ltd started in 1979 and from last year is now under new ownership.

Should I have a spare set of Dentures made? Yes, it is very important to have a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

Now run by Dental Technician Nicholas O’Connor and Business Manager Helen Ballinger.

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures

Nicholas has been worked as a Dental Technician in Cheltenham for over 18 years. The business also employs Robert Mabbett, another dental technician with over 40 years’ experience. Rob helped train Nick therefore they have worked together for a long time now.

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

Cotwold Dental Lab has two lines of business-

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

To the public: A denture repair service each day, where you can either telephone or just drop by the lab. Dentures can also be left with us for a deep clean and polish

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

To the professional: A full laboratory service to local practices in the Cheltenham area with a collection and delivery service. We also offer a postal service to practices further afield.

What is a Dental Technician

Services and products:

A dental technician (dental laboratory technician) is a member of the dental team who, upon prescription from a dental clinician, constructs custom made restorative and dental appliances.

• • • • • • •

The dentist communicates with the dental technician with prescriptions, drawings and measurements taken from the patient. The most important aspect of this is a dental impression into which the technician flows a gypsum dental stone to create a replica of the patients anatomy known as a dental cast. A technician can then use this cast for the construction of custom appliances.

Denture repairs Denture manufacture Dentures cleaned and polished Valplast Flexible Partial dentures Anti-Snoring Device Gum shields/mouth guards Denture cleaning products

• Free quotes

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DENTURE REPAIRS DIRECT TO PATIENTS NICHOLAS O’CONNOR DENTAL TECHNICIAN ACRYLIC PROSTHETICS DENTAL LABORATORY CERTIFIED VALPLAST FLEXIBLE PARTIALS LAB

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www.cotswolddentallab.com Incorporated in England REG’ No: 04884560 | MHRA No: CA004310

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