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HERTFORDSHIRE JANUARY - MARCH 2013 EDITION 28

The

Hairy

Bikers

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

Jean Christophe -

Novelli

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE FRENCH CHEF BATTLEFIELD TOURS BY COACH 2013 MOBILITY MADE EASY ... BEARD BROTHERS

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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inside... TRAVEL & LEISURE

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6-7

Special Promotion for Readers ... From The Perfect Smile Studio and Academy

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Travel to a touch of England in the Med ... Visit Malta

HOME 18-19 The Hairy Bikers ... How to Love Food and Lose Weight

18-19 6-7

20-21

20-21 The Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favourite French Chef ... Cheeseboard Theatre Tips 28-29 Changing Rooms ... Tips for a new home

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

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HAVING A TWITTER with Graham Smith Things ain’t what they used to be

You must be joking

The size of Waggon Wheels says a lot about the state of this country in my opinion. I was chatting, tweeting even, to a friend the other day and he set me thinking because he was dreadfully upset about his Penguin bar, almost in tears he was.

What passes for humour today often leaves me cold. Winner of the top joke at the Edinburgh Fringe was Stewart Francis with the offering, “Know who gives kids a bad name? Posh and Becks.”

They’re just not the same any more, and when I mentioned Waggon Wheels he almost had apoplexy. “They’re like tiddlywinks compared to when I was a lad,” he sobbed. I had to agree. I don’t have a sweet tooth often but I have noticed that since we joined the Common Market, or whatever we’re supposed to call it now, things have not been the same. Jelly babies have become positively embryonic, wine gums have become a third of the size they were when I was at school and when did you last see a whopping great tomato in a supermarket? You won’t, because the supermarkets now employ people to make sure all fruit and veg is of virtual uniformity and colour. The tomatoes have to stand to attention every morning while some sergeant major of an attendant inspects them and anything over a centimetre bigger than its neighbour is probably splatted with a swagger stick.

Oh come on you can do better than that! What happened to the golden age which produced real comics such as Morecambe and Wise, Les Dawson and Dave Allen? They could not only deliver the stuff with immaculate timing but write it as well. Their actions and expressions were funny and they didn’t have to resort to the vernacular vulgarity so often seen at televised fringe events where the laughter is canned and the comic probably should be. Stewart Francis by the way is Canadian, which, if you’ve had a drink or two, sounds like comedian.

If a banana curves at more than the prescribed EU definition it is fed to the local zoo, gooseberries have been ordered to the barbers if they are too hairy, the list is endless. I recall that Rileys toffee rolls were twice their size in my youth. We bought them in loose “quarters” then, that was sensible measurement, but now they’re shrunk wrapped in at least three layers of cellophane which is more designed to keep the flavour out than in. Mars bars are in serious danger of extinction if they get any smaller and gobstoppers simply can’t compete. So why are we a nation of increasingly obese people if everything is getting smaller? That’s easy. Every café now seems to be serving “mega all day breakfasts” with enormous helpings of greasy spoon material, pizzas are getting bigger and it seems to be the norm now to walk down the street eating large pastries, spitting crumbs everywhere and heeding no one because there is a piece of electrical equipment plugged into every bodily orifice. Give it five years and some of these kids won’t know what birdsong and traffic sound like.

There is one saving grace to it all though, if they are run over by a Waggon Wheel it won’t do much damage.

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The Swansea tribe I have a fondness for quirky people and had to smile at the Swansea man who lives as an Apache Indian and was almost prosecuted for wanting to turn badger paws and eagle wings into a headress. Mangas Colaradas, 60, was due to stand trial for keeping protected wild animal parts but the Crown Prosecution dropped the case. He brought the bits back from Spain, where he lived in a tepee, to his three-bed semi in Swansea. He refused to reveal his real name and appeared in court wearing a ceremonial headdress, tassled suede jacket, moccasins and a snake’s head necklace. He said, “I wear this all the time, I’m not just some weekend Indian. I don’t put it on to show off, I put it on because I want to wear it.”

Geronimo! You tell ‘em Mangas.

How to have a comfortable mouth with a beautiful natural smile that suits As we get older we are often faced with a whole plethora of ailments. One of the most frustrating is our inability to enjoy the simpler things in life like our favourite foods because our mouths are not as they should be. Some people suffer from loose dentures which cause ulcers and the inability to chew food properly; others suffer from unsightly teeth that are often dark, painful and embarrassing; and many others suffer from bad gums which tend to bleed frequently and loosen teeth. Well, if you are suffering from any of these problems or even if your self-esteem and confidence has been hurt, then let me tell you there is light at the end of your tunnel. You can now have a beautiful natural looking smile with teeth that are fixed and strong. At The Perfect Smile Studios & Institute we are dedicated to creating mouths that look great, feel great and function to your satisfaction. We want you to look better…not different!

Also, the best thing about this is that it doesn’t matter what your mouth is like right now! We can offer a wide range of treatments and services that will have you BEFORE AFTER feeling back to your normal self in no time at all. So come for a FREE Personal Consultation and let us talk to you about how we can help you. Call us on 01992 552115. We create exacting smiles using our Signature Complete Care Assessment program. This is an intensive highly detailed assessment that can last up to 3 or 4 hours. It involves for the most part Dr. Doshi using various state of the art diagnostics and understanding the details of your mouth. As a patient it is a very comfortable exercise and our customer care team will be on hand at all times to cater for your every need. You will also be able to enjoy our relaxation suite with refreshments as a break whilst Dr. Doshi does some very sophisticated treatment planning.

How do The Perfect Smile Studios & Institute create your Perfect Smile? 1. We have a detailed comprehensive evaluation and assessment process. This allows us to completely understand your every need and requirement. 2. Personalised Treatment Planning. Once we understand the type of smile you are looking for we then generate a customized treatment plan of action. This incorporates cosmetic dentistry techniques that allow us to create that stunning smile that will be yours. 3. We do mockups on your teeth that are completely removable. They allow you to see the type of smile that would work for you. 4. We provide Free Computerised Smile Imaging. See your smile before you have anything done to understand which look suits you best. 5. We show you and discuss with you previously done similar cases to decipher your exact wants. We have found looking at different cases that are similar to you helps you to choose a smile makeover that you like. 6. We create stunning Trial Smiles. Dr. Doshi lectures regularly on this subject. The trial smile is another opportunity for you to see how you like your smile to be. It gives you the opportunity to “try-out” your new smile for a time. This way you can see your new look and smile in the comfort of your own home and get opinions from your family and friends if you wish. Dr. Doshi is then able to make alterations in your smile according to your exact and precise requirements. 7. We work in partnership with you to develop the exact smile you want. 8. Treatment does not end until you are fully satisfied. Aesthetic treatment is not completed until you are happy with the cosmetic outcome. 6

Dr. Rahul Doshi works with a team of highly skilled dentists and specialists at The Perfect Smile Studios & Advanced Training Institute. He is a highly acclaimed, award winning leading UK Cosmetic Dental Surgeon, who works with the TV media on various makeovers, the most popular of them being Extreme Makeover UK and Britains Worst Teeth. He has also been extensively featured in the National Press including The Times, The Independent, The Daily Mail, The Guardian, Tatler and various other magazines. He is an international lecturer on many aspect of clinical dentistry and is author to many associated articles in the dental press. He has now taught over 5000 dentists on clinical dentistry. He helps the dental profession through his editorship with the main dental professional publication and is a board director at the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Any patient seen by Dr. Doshi or any of his partners will be in extremely good hands. The entire team will also be present to make sure your visits to the studios are as pleasant and relaxing as possible.

10 Ways How The Perfect Smile Studios Can Help YOU 1. Our Signature Complete Comprehensive Detailed Assessments. This means that you have the confidence and trust that you will be given the best advice regarding suitable treatment solutions that meet your needs perfectly and satisfactorily. 2. Outstanding Customer Service. We are committed to looking after you in every way we can. We offer a range of complimentary services to make your visit with us as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. These include painless injections, aromatherapy, your choice of relaxing music on digital wireless headphones and a hand held buzzer so that you can stop treatment at any time and much more. 3. An Empathic and Understanding Approach. Many of our patients are aged 50 and over. We always take our time to listen to your needs and understand your previous dental experiences. 4. Hand-Made Cosmetic Strong and Stable Dentures. Working with award-winning leading dental technicians enables us to create beautiful, natural looking dentures that are comfortable and amazingly lifelike! 5. Denture Alternatives. We can offer a combination of treatments (including Dental Implants) that allow us to replace missing teeth in a predictable manner giving you back your confidence. You can now avoid the embarrassment of loose dentures and restore your chewing ability. Have teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth.

6. Finance Plans. We offer flexible financial help with a leading company that specializes in financing for dental patients. This means you can afford a larger investment in your dental care by paying in small instalments over an extended period of time. We even offer interest-free loans over 12 months! 7. Special Techniques for Nervous Patients. For patients who are anxious, we offer relaxation sedation techniques or hypnosis to help with overcoming your fears. This allows you to have the important treatment you need in a totally comfortable manner. Indeed, there are now cosmetic treatments available to you whereby minimal preparation or no drilling is necessary of your teeth using our special Ultrathin Veneers techniques. 8. Pain-Free, Injection-Free, Drill-Free Laser Dentistry. We are one of the few practices in the UK that have a comprehensive range of dental lasers. These are used in many ways for our patients offering the very latest in dental technology. 9. Unique Ambience. Our Hertford Studios do not look and feel like a dental practice. We have a warm friendly atmosphere with so many small touches for your comfort and care. 10. Confidence and Trust. This is perhaps the most important reason. Dr. Doshi and his partners will advise and guide you as though you were their own family member. You will become part of our patient family where we will continue to respect your long-term dental care.

Award winning celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Rahul Doshi of The Perfect Smile Studios & Advanced Training Institute says: “ We have treated many people in our practice, at the institute and also on the TV programmes like Extreme Makeover UK. It is amazing to see the transformation in people when they have increased inner confidence due to having corrective comprehensive dental treatment. People can easily look 10 years younger. So now they can LOOK like they FEEL”

Special Promotion for Readers • • • •

FREE Personal Consultations (WORTH £175.00) FREE Scan Radiograph to assess your dental health (WORTH £75.00) FREE Computerised Photographic Cosmetic Analysis and Advice (WORTH £79.00) FREE Smile Imaging for you to preview your teeth.

Call us on 01992 552115 and talk to us about your dental needs or go to www.theperfectsmile.co.uk for more special offers and information. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The Perfect Smile Studios and Institute, 7/9 South Street Hertford, Herts SG14 1AZ

50 Plus Travel

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MALTA Travel to a touch of England in the Med

By Peter Lynch Journalist, rail and wildlife specialist, contributor to Great Train Journeys of the World and Silver Travel Advisor

Malta is a fabulous Mediterranean destination especially if you dislike the hassle of foreign languages. Everyone speaks good to perfect English yet Malta retains all the charm of the Mediterranean.

bureaucrats have forced the withdrawal of the famous orange vintage Leyland and Bedford buses.

The universality of English is down to Malta being part of the British Empire from 1814 until 1964 but strangely it was not one of the Empires conquests. In the Napoleonic era Malta was between a rock and a hard place - at risk of being invaded by the French and the Russians. It opted for the protection of the British Empire and subsequently played a crucial role in defeating Rommel’s Afrika Korps in North Africa during WWII.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens provide a must-see harbour and city view and the Grand Master’s palace and armoury is a must. Don’t be put off by the plain exterior of St John cathedral; it belies a fabulous Baroque interior and a famous painting by Caravaggio.

It’s a tiny place, significantly smaller than the Isle of Wight, with a familiar yet foreign ambience. They have the highest density of catholic priests outside the Vatican City, produce and explode more fireworks per head than anywhere else on earth and eat an unbelievable number of rabbits. Of course, they drive on the left and something I love is how it’s kept some of the classic images from my childhood – old red telephone boxes, red post boxes and blue lights outside police stations. Sadly EU

The World Heritage listed capital of Valletta is Europe’s first planned city, laid out in a grid system of streets and alleyways. The Knights of St John built it on a peninsula as a defence against the Turks during the sixteenth century.

Valletta’s real charm is its ambience, so it’s important to sit in an outdoor cafe and soak up the palpable sense of history rather than just rushing around the sites –the perfect excuse for loafing. But all this is just recent history; Malta’s prehistoric megalithic temples are older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids. It’s a dream destination for historians and reads like a textbook of western civilisation, probably with more human history packed into its122 sq miles than anywhere else on earth. There are 23 prehistoric sites dating back 6,000 years including the impressive megalithic temples of Taraxien and Hagar Qim but the subterranean

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Valletta’s real charm is its ambience, so it’s important to sit in an outdoor cafe and soak up the palpable sense of history... on Malta en-route to Rome and his indelible legacy of Christianity is still evident in the islands 360 churches. The marks of Norman and Arab conflicts are everywhere on the island, culminating with the spectacular city of Valletta built by the Knights of St John in 1566. Malta’s history rolls on involving the Spanish Empire; Napoleon predictably turned up and of course the British. But its not history that makes Malta one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations - it’s the glorious weather, the friendly people, the Mediterranean lifestyle and the convenience of English speakers. When Malta’s history, shopping and nightlife pall the 20-minute ferry across to Gozo is like moving to another country. It is Malta’s exclusive hideaway island with a pastoral ambience compared to Malta’s brasher tourist developments. Everything runs at a slower pace on Gozo.

hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is perhaps the most breathtaking. It is the only known underground prehistoric temple. Not much is known about these ancient temple builders or their mysterious parallel ‘cart tracts’ gouged into the limestone. They’ve been likened to a complex railway junction (Clapham Junction) because they criss-cross the landscape and some even disappear off the edge of the cliff - creating an endless source of myths and legends. Homer’s Odyssey tells of Ulysses being shipwrecked on the nearby island of Gozo where Calypso captivated him on his journey back from Troy to Ithaca in Greece. Then there are the Phoenicians from the Biblical cities of Tyre and Sidon who traded and settled Malta until ousted by the Roman’s. St Paul was also shipwrecked

The islands capital of Rabat was renamed Victoria in 1897 to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond jubilee but its still the beautiful quant town of alleyways, cafes and little shops it always was. The imposing walled citadel sheltered people from the marauding corsairs who plagued island communities throughout the Mediterranean. Gozo has its share of prehistoric monuments such as the Ggantija temple - supposedly built by giantesses and more mysterious ‘cart ruts’. The impressive Romanesque Basilica of Ta Pinu dominates the Gozitan skyline and has become a local shrine with a Lourdes-like status for miracle cures. Inside the walls are adorned with artificial limbs and other relics left by grateful pilgrims.

So don’t bother with a history book in Malta, just stroll around and let it all seep in, and between momentous historical events you’ll be able to find a perfect pasta and a decent pint of beer.

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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T R AV E L

Cruise For the First Time

Cruise holidays continue to be in great demand. An estimated 2m people will take a cruise holiday from the UK this year. If you're new to cruising, looking for cruise tips or cruise advice then read on. A cruise holiday is a unique way to escape from the rigours of everyday life and to explore many different destinations in one of the most relaxing ways imaginable. It offers you an extraordinary variety of activities and entertainment, plus an exceptional quality of dining. And of course, if you simply want to escape, there’s plenty of opportunity to do absolutely nothing at all.

wear; smart casual, semi-formal and formal, however it greatly depends on the cruise line you travel with, the dress codes are usually relative to the type of meal arrangements on board, for example NCL Cruises are Freestyle and have no formal evenings and provide buffet meals.

Is the port at the main destination? Usually yes, but in some countries the ships dock in alternative locations. In these cases, the itinerary lists the port in brackets alongside the destination, e.g Rome (from Civitavecchia). Shore excursions are offered from your ship to your destination, with public transport and taxis available for those wishing to explore independently.

Booking a cruise can be like ordering a salad in the States, lot's of choices to make, from dining time to bed configuration, to choice of table size. But by far the most important choice of all is getting the right ship and cruise for your requirements. When booking your first cruise the choices can be daunting and getting it wrong could lead to a disastrous holiday. Make sure you seek out a cruise professional for the best advice!

What type of people go on cruises? The great myth about cruise holidays is that it's just for the older generation. More and more families, couples singles are setting sail on ships that offer a holiday for everyone. Cruising appeals to a wide range of people so there’s a good mix of age groups, families, couples and singles on board. Once again the best advice from the outset is imperative. There are adult only ships, family orientated ships, different classes of ships and the size of ship can matter!

How much luggage can I take? On cruises sailing from and returning to Southampton you can take as many bags as you can fit into your cabin. On fly-cruises you’ll be restricted to the airline’s baggage allowance.

What do I wear? During the day casual wear is ideal with comfortable shoes for exploring ashore. Although cruising isn’t as formal as it once was, passengers still love to dress up in the evening. There are three types of evening

How long do I get at each port? Again this can vary by Cruise line and ship. However, in the majority of destinations you will be able to enjoy a full day ashore. Your ship will usually arrive between 7am and 10 am, departing between 4pm and 6.30pm. A cruise line such as Hurtigruten, operates as a working ship taking Norwegians from port to port thus spends less time at each port. However as the ships are smaller you get the best possible access and cruise to see the wonderful Norwegian Fjords.

Will I be sea sick? For those who haven't cruised before this seems to be the biggest single fear. The vast majority of those customers on their return state most of the time they couldn't even tell they were on a ship. Sea sickness is rare. The shear size of many of these ships makes them stable in all weather conditions. However if you are worried, you can buy tablets that will help. Additionally, ships also contain well-equipped Medical Centres staffed by qualified doctors and nurses 24 hours a day.

So what you waiting for set sail now!

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BATTLEFIELD TOURS BY COACH 2013 Cozy Tours 2013 coach holiday brochure now available call FREE on 0800 028 1658 to request your copy of our 2013 brochure

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RUSSELL GRANT: THE COMEBACK KID When Russell Grant first danced into the hearts of the viewing millions on “Strictly Come Dancing” last year his stars might well have predicted great success and a comeback of cosmic proportions. For arguably Britain’s favourite astrologer may not have won the series – well, let’s face it, his dancing was more entertainment than excellence – but the live audiences and those at home loved him. And for Russell this TV appearance provided a passport back to fame. Born in Middlesex, Russell was brought up in a council house by his set designer father Frank and secretary mother Joan who both worked at Pinewood Studios. His parents separated when he was 11 and he moved in with his maternal grandmother but, in spite of the upheaval, Russell has always said he had a happy childhood. He worked as a Butlins’ Redcoat and trained as an actor, appearing in a variety of shows. While working in Blackpool, Russell met his partner Doug Beaumont and the two have been together for almost 40 years. Although Russell first came to prominence in 1978 after he held an astrological reading for the Queen Mother which led to him being dubbed “Astrologer Royal”, his theatre, TV and film career was surprisingly comprehensive and successful. It spanned more than 30 musicals and comedies, including work as varied as touring with “The King and I” to TV’s “On 12

The Buses”, “Please Sir!” and “The Fenn Street Gang”. He’s been in “Tom Brown’s Schooldays” in the West End and was an effective panto dame in shows all over the country. However, TV beckoned and it was Russell’s fascination with astrology and his exuberant personality that brought him before the nation, first on Yorkshire TV and then on Granada TV where he was a regular onscreen explaining the daily horoscopes. From there he moved to breakfast TV with BBC’s “Breakfast Time” and later to TV-am as resident astrologer on “Good Morning.” A broadcasting natural and popular presenter, this role soon broadened to presenting other shows including celebrity quiz “Star Choice”. He later had his own six-episode series “Russell Grant’s All Star Show.” He worked for Channel 5 just after it was launched and directed and starred in “Russell Grant’s Postcards”, a collection of more than 100 five-minute travelogues produced by his own company Russell Grant World Productions. Russell worked solidly on a number of TV projects, with his astrology skills ever present, and he wrote a number of popular newspaper columns and horoscopes in regional newspapers throughout the country as well as in various magazines. Like many TV personalities, however, his star waned for a while. In 2006, he took part in the fourth series of “Celebrity Fit Club” and lost over three stone, but he later suffered from depression and his weight rocketed, this time to 26 stone. He became something of a recluse at the 30-acre Snowdonia estate that he shares with Doug but, being Russell Grant and

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INTERVIEW a trouper, determined that the show must go on, he began losing weight – around 10 stone in two and a half years by disco dancing each day for half an hour! In 2011, an online group called “Get Russell on Strictly” finally persuaded TV executives to have him as a contestant on the show. In September last year, he burst onto our screens with his lovely professional dancing partner Flavia Cacace. Surprisingly light on his feet and with genuine rhythm, Russell sported a number of colourful and outrageous costumes and certainly won the day with viewers.

highly successful run followed which enhanced and revived Russell’s theatrical reputation once more. The production also brought him under the dancing wing of choreographer and dance teacher Arlene Phillips – “She even had me dancing the Charleston”, said Russell. Following his memorable appearance in the hit musical, Russell has been brought in as a guest star for a new tour of the show “Grease”, taking the role of Teen Angel at various venues including Newcastle, Llandudno, Southseas, Wimbledon, Dartford and for a one-week run in Manchester in October.

In fact, they kept him in the knock-out programme until late November – in spite of much criticism from the judges, in particular the often acerbic Craig Revel Horwood. The abiding memory of Russell from the series, however, is of him being shot from a cannon as part of one particularly fun number!

He’s back working with Arlene Phillips, whom Russell insists is his “dance sister.” “Arlene brought out the very best in me working on ‘The Wizard of Oz’,” he stated. “So when she said I was right for Teen Angel and, if I took the part, she’d create the choreography, how could I resist!”

This great revival by the “comeback kid” caught the attention of the famous musical writer and producer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He invited Russell to return to the West End stage – and the Palladium Theatre where he’d last performed 34 years before – and take part in a three-month stint replacing Michael Crawford as the “Wizard of Oz” in a new production.

The sparkly suit and no doubt mesmerising performances are bound to leave the audience hopelessly devoted to Mr Grant’s special charms again. And it’s one more dancing role which he now loves, as he explained: “Teen Angel has a Strictly twist and shimmy which captures the joy of dance I’ve been lucky enough to have discovered.”

“I was worried as I was due to have an operation on my knee,” commented Russell. “I’m 61 now. At this age you know your limitations. But you also sense your mortality. So there was a two-way thing going on. I was trying to talk myself out of it, thinking ‘Can’t I just go back to Wales?’”

As for the future, who knows? Russell hasn’t set himself any special showbiz boundaries and his fans are never surprised – just happy to see their favourite star once more ascending.

Fortunately, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Russell’s close friend Lulu convinced him the part was right for him, and a

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Terms & conditions Reader offer valid until February 13th, 2013. Price is for one person including VAT at applicable rate and standard delivery and cannot be used with any other offer. Flying season is March to October. Passengers must be aged 7 or over and at least 4’6” tall. Passengers who are pregnant or have recently undergone major surgery are unable to fly. Virgin Balloon Flights reserves the right to withdraw the offers or amend these conditions at any time. Full conditions at www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/legalstuff

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Worried About Your Bill? Having Difficulty Paying? The sooner you contact us, the quicker we can help... Can I get a reduction in my bill? We can reduce your Council Tax bill in the following situations: • •

•

If you live alone

If you are disabled and your property has been adapted because of this

Ways to pay your Council Tax Direct Debit is as simple as one telephone call. Just phone your local council (see following pages) and have the following information ready:-

If you are being cared for somewhere other than your main home

Your Council Tax account number

If the property we billed you for is a second home or is empty

Your bank account details (sort code, account name and number)

There is also a 25% discount if the other residents aged 18 or over are severely mentally impaired

By Debit Card over the phone Just phone your local council (see following pages) and have the following information ready:Your Council Tax account number Your debit card number, expiry date and name on the card

Please visit the council website for details on how to make payments online

If you have less than £16,000* in capital and a low income please contact the Benefits Service (see other page) 14

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

New Council Tax Support from 2013 New government rules from 1 April 2013 mean that the national Council Tax Benefit scheme will be abolished from 31 March 2013 to be replaced by new forms of local support. Each council which currently administers council tax benefit on behalf of the government (DWP) will have to create and adopt its own local scheme. Local people have been consulted and the councillors have the final say. Each scheme only lasts a year and has to be renewed on an annual basis. At the same time, councils have to be aware of costs and have to make 10% savings compared to the previous scheme.

What does this mean for you? If you already get council tax benefit, and you are classed as ‘of pensionable age’, you will be protected from the effects of the changes and get benefit on the same basis as now. You will be notified of this in March 2013 when the new council tax bills are produced and sent out as normal. If you already get council tax benefit, and you are of ‘working age’, your benefit will be transferred to the new scheme but you may be slightly worse off and have some/more council tax to pay even if you haven’t had www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

to pay towards your Council Tax in the past. You will be notified of this in March 2013 when the new council tax bills are produced and sent out as normal. You may need to contact the local council Revenues Section to change or start an agreement to make council tax payments – Direct Debit is an easy way to do this. If you do not currently receive council tax benefit but think you may need financial help to pay your council tax because you are on a low income, you can apply for council tax benefit now by contacting your local council. If you qualify, the council will automatically consider your claim again for council tax support next April but this may be a less generous scheme. If you need help in the future after April 2013, you can apply for council tax support by contacting your local council at any time.

What is council tax support like? In most cases it will be very like council tax benefit with a few slight changes to address local needs and costs. Certainly in the first year it will be very like the means tested benefits we have now. In future years you will need to contact your local council for advice and information as schemes and their rules may differ widely from district to district. Some councils may require you to fill in an application form but they should have details of their schemes and local rules on the council website or in information leaflets. 15

The Government is introducing limits on how much benefit some groups of people can receive from April 2013 Overall Benefit Cap This will be based on the total weekly benefit income received by the household. For a working age single adult with no children, the maximum will be ÂŁ350 per week. For working age couples or single parents, the maximum will be ÂŁ500 per week. This includes benefits like Housing Benefit, JSA and Income Support. The following groups will not be affected - people of Pension Credit age, people claiming working tax credit, war widows/widowers, or people receiving Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, or the support component of ESA. If you are likely to be affected, Jobcentre Plus will contact you to give you more information.

Social Housing size restriction Working age households may see a reduction in Housing Benefit if they live in rented accommodation where the landlord is a Council or Housing Association and they have more bedrooms than they need. Housing Benefit will be reduced by 14% if you have one extra bedroom or 25% if you have more than one extra bedroom.

The bedrooms you need are calculated as follows: Each person/couple is entitled to one bedroom, Except: l Children under 16 of same gender expected to share l Children under 10 expected to share regardless of gender l Disabled tenant or partner who needs non resident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room

Example: Single parent, with 17 year old son, and two 12 year old daughters. = 1 bedroom for parent, 1 bedroom for son, one bedroom for daughters = 3 bedrooms. Couple with son aged 15 and son aged 11 = 1 bedroom for parents, and one for children as both same gender and under 16 = 2 bedrooms. When son is aged 16, the bedroom allowance would increase to 3. Single parent with son aged 7 and daughter aged 9. = 1 bedroom for parent, and 1 for children under 10 regardless of gender. When daughter is aged 10, the bedroom allowance would increase to 3.

If you think this may affect you, you should contact your landlord to ask about moving to a smaller property. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Northway Danestrete Rickmansworth Stevenage Benefit Section The Benefits Service Herts SG1 1HNBorough Council Three Rivers District Council Stevenage WD3 1RL Tel: 01438 242440 Three Rivers House Daneshill House Ben The Benefits Service Northway Tel: 01923 773138. Danestrete Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Benefit Section The Benefits Service Ben Thr The Benefits Service Stevenage Borough Council Rickmansworth Stevenage Email: benefits@threerivers.gov. www.stevenage.gov.uk Three Rivers District Council Stevenage Borough Council Thr Stevenage Borough Thr Ben Daneshill House The Benefits Service Council Herts SG1 1HNHouse Three Rivers House www.threerivers.gov.uk Daneshill Thr Daneshill WD3 House Thre Nor Stevenage Borough Danestrete 1RL Council Tel: 01438 242440 Northway Danestrete Ben Nor The Benefits Service Danestrete Thre Daneshill House Rick Stevenage Tel: 01923 773138. Ben Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Revenues &Service Benefits Service Benefits Section The Benefits Service Benefit Section The Benefits Benefit Section Rickmansworth The Benefits Service Stevenage Thre Rick Stevenage Borough Council Stevenage Benefit Borough Service Council Nor Danestrete Email: benefits@threerivers.gov.uk Her Thre www.stevenage.gov.uk SG1 1HN East Herts Council and Stevenage Borough Three Rivers District Council Stevenage Borough Council Three Rivers District Council Stevenage Three Rivers District Council Herts Stevenage Borough Council SG1 1HN Thre Her Daneshill SG1 1HN House Rick Benefits Section Stevenage Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council www.threerivers.gov.uk Thre WD Council Three Rivers House Daneshill House Three Rivers House Tel: 01438 242440 Daneshill House Three Rivers House WD3 1RL Daneshill House Tel: 01438 242440 Nor WD Danestrete Tel: 01438 242440 North Hertfordshire District Cou Her SG1 1HN The Campus Nor Danestrete Northway Wallfields Northway, Rickmansworth Danestrete Tel: Northway Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Tel: 01923 773138. Danestrete Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Rick Tel: Stevenage Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk WD Tel: 01438 242440 Council Offices Rick Benefit Service Stevenage Rickmansworth Pegs Lane Herts WD3 1RL Welwyn Garden City Stevenage Rickmansworth Email: benefits@threerivers.gov.uk Stevenage Ema www.stevenage.gov.uk www.stevenage.gov.uk Hert Em SG1 1HN www.stevenage.gov.uk Tel: Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Benefits Section Hert Welwyn SG1 1HN Herts Hertford Tel: 01923 773138 SG1 1HN Gernon Road Herts www.threerivers.gov.uk Herts SG1 1HNHatfield Borough Council ww WD3 ww Tel: 01438 North 242440 Ema www.stevenage.gov.uk Hertfordshire District Council WD3 The Campus Tel: 01438 242440 WD3 1RL SG13 8EQ Email: benefits@threerivers.gov.uk Tel: 01438 242440 WD3 1RL Tel: 01438 242440 Letchworth Garden City AL8 6AE Tel: Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk ww Council Offices Tel: Welwyn Garden City Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Tel: 773138. Tel: 01438 242440 www.threerivers.gov.uk Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Tel: 01923 01923 773138. Email:benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Benefit Service Ema SG6 3JF www.stevenage.gov.uk Benefit Service Tel: 01707 357000 Benefit Service Gernon Road Ema Herts www.stevenage.gov.uk Email: www.stevenage.gov.uk Email:Hatfield benefits@stevenage.gov.uk Email: benefits@threerivers.gov.uk benefits@threerivers.gov.uk Benefits Section www.stevenage.gov.uk Welwyn Borough Council www Ben Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Tel: 01462 474597 Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Ben Benefit Service Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Letchworth Garden City www AL8 6AE www.threerivers.gov.uk In Person: Benefits Section www.threerivers.gov.uk North Hertfordshire District Council Thewww.stevenage.gov.uk Campus Nor The Campus Ben Email:Council benefits@north-herts.gov Welwyn Hatfield Borough Nor The Campus SG6 3JF Tel:www.welhat.gov.uk 01707 357000 North Hertfordshire District Council Council Offices Welwyn Garden City Cou Benefit Service Welwyn Garden Citywww.north-herts.gov.uk Nor The Campus Tel:City 01462 474597 Cou Working in partnership with ARP Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Welwyn Garden Benefit Service Benefit Service Benefit Service Council Offices Gernon Road Benefit Service Herts Ben Ger Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Herts Cou Welwyn Garden City Email: benefits@north-herts.gov.uk Ben www.welhat.gov.uk Ger Hatfield Borough Council Benefits Section HertsWelwyn Welwyn Benefits Section Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council Gernon Road Letchworth Garden City Welwyn Hatfield Borough Borough Council Council AL8 6AE Hatfield Nor Let The Campus AL8 6AE Ger Herts www.north-herts.gov.uk Nor Working in partnership with ARPCity AL8 6AE The Campus North Hertfordshire District Council Letc The Campus North Hertfordshire District Council The Campus, Welwyn Garden Letchworth Garden City SG6 3JF SG6 3JF The Campus Tel: 01707 357000 Cou SG6 Welwyn City Tel: 01707 357000 Letc AL8 6AEGarden Cou Welwyn Garden City Council Offices Welwyn Garden City Council Offices Herts AL8 6AE Tel: 01462 474597 SG6 Welwyn Garden City Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Tel: 01707 357000 Hertsmere Borough Council Gern Tel: ARPT Working in Partnership with Herts By Post to: Benefits Service Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk SG6 Tel: 01707 357000Road Gern Gernon Herts Gernon Road Email: benefits@north-herts.gov.uk Tel: 01707 Hatfield 357000 Council Herts www.welhat.gov.uk Tel: Letc Em Email:Herts benefits@welhat.gov.uk AL8 6AE North Hertfordshire District Council www.welhat.gov.uk Civic Offices Welwyn Tel: Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Hertsmere Borough Council Letc ARPT Working in Partnership with AL8 6AE Letchworth Garden City AL8 6AE Letchworth Garden City www.north-herts.gov.uk AL8 6AE Email: Working inbenefits@welhat.gov.uk partnership with ARP SG6 ww Ema Tel: 01707 357000 Working in partnership with ARP PO Box 480 www.welhat.gov.uk Elstree Way Ema www.welhat.gov.uk Civic Offices SG6 Welwyn Hatfield Tel: 01707 357000 SG6 3JF Tel: 01707 357000 SG6 3JF Tel: 01707 357000Council www.welhat.gov.uk Tel: Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk M33 ODE ww Working inSale partnership with ARP ww Working in partnership with ARP Borehamwood Elstree Way474597 Tel: Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Tel: 01462 Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Tel: 01462 474597 Email: benefits@welhat.gov.uk Working in partnership with Steria Ema www.welhat.gov.uk Borehamwood Herts Ema Tel: 01462 474597 Dacorum Borough Council www.welhat.gov.uk benefits@north-herts.gov.uk www.welhat.gov.uk Email: benefits@north-herts.gov.uk Hertsmere Borough Council www.welhat.gov.uk ARPT Working in Partnership with www Her Working inEmail: partnership with ARP ARPT Working in Partnership with Herts www Dacorum Borough Council Email: benefits@north-herts.gov.uk Working in partnership with ARP www.north-herts.gov.uk WD6 1WA Working in partnership with www.north-herts.gov.uk CivicHatfield Centre Civic Offices Working in partnership with ARP ARP Welwyn Council Steria working in Partnership with Civi Welwyn Hatfield Council Her Working in Partnership with Her WD6 1WA ARPT ARPT Working in Partnership with Civic Centre www.north-herts.gov.uk Elstree Way Tel: 020 8207 7404 Marlowes Welwyn Hatfield Council Elst Civi Welwyn Hatfield Tel:Council 020Council 8207 7404 Marlowes Civi Welwyn Hatfield Borehamwood Hert Fax:7403 0208 207 7403 Bor ARPT Working in Partnership with Hemel Hempstead Elst Fax: 0208 207 Hert Hemel Hempstead Hertsmere Borough Council ARPT Working in Council Partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council Elst ARPT Working in Partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council Herts ARPT Working in Partnership with Dacorum Borough Council Dacorum Borough Council Civic Her Welwyn Hatfield Dacorum Borough Council Email benefits@hertsmere.gov.u Hertfordshire Bor Email benefits@hertsmere.gov.uk Civic Hertfordshire Welwyn Hatfield Council Civic Offices Civic Offices, Elstree Way Welwyn Hatfield Civic Offices Bor WD6 1WA Welwyn Hatfield Council Council Civic Centre Civic Centre Elstr WD Civic Centre Her www.hertsmere.gov.uk Dacorum Borough Council HP1 www.hertsmere.gov.uk Elstr HP1 1HH1HH Elstree Way Borehamwood Elstree Way Tel: 020 8207 7404 Marlowes Her Bore Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead Tel: Dacorum Borough Council Marlowes WD Civic Centre Tel: 01442 867868 Bore Tel: 01442 867868 Borehamwood Herts WD6 1WA Borehamwood Fax: 0208 207 7403 Hemel Hempstead Hert Fax Hertfordshire HP1 1HH WD Borough Council Hemel Hempstead Civic Dacorum Centre Tel: Marlowes Hert Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Dacorum Borough Council Herts Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Tel: 0208 207 7404 Dacorum Borough Hertsbenefits@hertsmere.gov.uk Email Dacorum Borough Council Council Hertfordshire WD6 Em Tel: 01442 228 000 and ask for Benefits Civic Centre Hertfordshire Tel: Marlowes Fax Hemel Hempstead East WD6 www.dacorum.gov.uk Civic Centre WD6 1WA Fax: 0208 207 7403 Civic Centre East Herts Council WD6Herts 1WACouncil www.dacorum.gov.uk www.hertsmere.gov.uk Civic Centre HP1 1HH Tel: ww Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Marlowes HP1 1HH Fax Ema Hertfordshire Hemel Hempstead The Causeway, Tel: Marlowes Tel: 020 8207 7404 Marlowes Email: benefits@hertsmere.gov.uk Tel: 020 8207 7404 Marlowes The Causeway, Tel: 01442 867868 Fax: www.dacorum.gov.uk Hemel Hempstead Tel: 01442 867868Stortford, ww HP1 1HH Ema Hertfordshire Bishop's Fax: Hemel Hempstead Fax: 7403 Hemel Hempstead www.hertsmere.gov.uk Fax: 0208 0208 207 207 7403 Stortford, Hemel Hempstead Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Ema Bishop's Hertfordshire Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Tel: 01442Email 867868 ww Herts, Ema HP1 1HH St Albans District Council Hertfordshire benefits@hertsmere.gov.uk Hertfordshire Email benefits@hertsmere.gov.uk East Herts Council Hertfordshire www.dacorum.gov.uk www Eas HP1 1HH www.dacorum.gov.uk St Albans District Council Herts, St Albans District Council Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk CM23 2EN. www District Council Offices, Civic Centre Tel: 01442 HP1 1HH www.hertsmere.gov.uk 867868 HP1 1HH www.hertsmere.gov.uk Revenues & Benefits Service The Causeway, HP1 1HH The Tel: 01442 867868 District Council Offices East CM23 2EN. www.dacorum.gov.uk District Council Civic Centre Tel: 01279 655261 St Albans, Herts AL1Offices, 3JE Tel: 01442 867868 Tel: 01442 867868 Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk East Herts Council and Bishop's Stortford, Tel: 01442 867868 Bish Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Civic Centre, St Albans The Tel: 01279 655261 Email: benefits@eastherts.gov.uk St01727 Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Tel: 866100 Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk Stevenage Borough Council East Herts, Email: housing.benefits@dacorum.gov.uk www.dacorum.gov.uk StEmail: Albans District Council East Her www.dacorum.gov.uk St Albans www.eastherts.gov.uk District Council Herts AL1 3JE Bish East Text phone 07727 819570 www.dacorum.gov.uk Email: benefits@eastherts.gov.uk East Council www.dacorum.gov.uk Tel: 01727 866100 East Herts Herts Council Wallfields CM23 2EN. www.dacorum.gov.uk District Council Offices, Civic Centre The The CM District Council Offices, Civic Centre Tel: 01727 866100 Her St Albans The District Council The benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Causeway, The Causeway, www.eastherts.gov.uk Tel: 01279 655261 Pegs Lane Text phone 07727 819570 StEmail Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Bish Tel: Bish St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Text phone 07727 819570 CM2 District Council Offices, Civic Centre Bish www.stalbans.gov.uk Bishop's Stortford, Bishop's Stortford, Email: benefits@eastherts.gov.uk Hertford Tel: 01727 866100 Hert Em Emailbenefits@stalbans.gov.uk benefits@stalbans.gov.ukSt Albans St Albans District Council Tel: 01727 866100 Her Email: District Council Tel: St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE The Benefits Office Hert St Albans District Council Herts, St Albans District Council Herts, www.eastherts.gov.uk Stwww.stalbans.gov.uk Albans District Council SG13 8EQ Text phone 07727 819570 CM2 ww District Council Offices, Civic Centre Text phone 07727 819570 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District Council CM23 2EN. District Council Offices, Offices, Civic Civic Centre Centre Tel: 01279Offices, 655261 Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Tel: St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk The ww0 Text phone 07727 819570 Tel: St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Town Hall, Tel: 0 Broxbourne Council St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE Benefits Office Tel: 01279 655261 St Albans, AL1 3JE Tel: 01279 655261 StBroxbourne Albans, Herts Herts AL1 3JE Email: benefits@eastherts.gov.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk Ema Tel: 01727 866100 www.stalbans.gov.uk Council Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Watford Council Ema Watford, Ema Tel: 01727 866100 Bishops' College Tel: 01727 866100 Email: benefits@eastherts.gov.uk Tel: 01727 866100 Email: benefits@eastherts.gov.uk The Benefits Office Tel: 01727 College 866100 www.eastherts.gov.uk www The Text phone 07727 819570 Bishops' www.stalbans.gov.uk Herts, Town Hall, www ww Churchgate, Cheshunt Broxbourne Council Text phone www.eastherts.gov.uk 07727 819570 Text phone 07727 819570 Text phone 07727 819570 www.eastherts.gov.uk Watford Council Text phone 07727 819570 Wat Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Churchgate, EN8 Cheshunt The WD17 3EXOffice Hertfordshire 9XG Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Watford, Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Bishops' College Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Town Hall, Email benefits@stalbans.gov.uk Broxbourne Council The Benefits Tow www.stalbans.gov.uk Broxbourne Council Wat Hertfordshire EN8 9XG Tel: 01923 278501 Tel: 01992 785503Cheshunt www.stalbans.gov.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk Watford, Herts, www.stalbans.gov.uk www.stalbans.gov.uk Bishops' College Churchgate, Watford Council The Wat Bishops' College Tow Tel: 01992 785503 Broxbourne Council Fax: 01923 278541 The Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk The Benefits Office The Benefits Office Herts, The Churchgate, Cheshunt Town Hall, Watford Wat WD17 3EX Her Hertfordshire EN8 9XG Churchgate, Cheshunt Wat Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk Bishops' College Email: revenues&benefits@watford.gov.uk Wat www.broxbourne.gov.uk Watford Council Watford Council WD17 3EX Hertfordshire EN8 9XG Tow Herts WD17 3EX WD Wat Broxbourne Council Hertfordshire EN8 9XG Tel: 01923 278501 Tel: 01992 785503 Her www.broxbourne.gov.uk Churchgate, Cheshunt www.watford.gov.uk Tow Town Hall, Broxbourne Council Broxbourne Council Town Hall, Tel: 01923 278501 Broxbourne Council Tel: 01992 785503 Wat Tel: Tel: 01923 278501 Bishops' College Tel: 01992 785503 Tow Broxbourne Council WD Fax: 01923 278541 Hertfordshire EN8 9XG Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk Wat Watford, Bishops' College Bishops' College Watford, Fax: 01923 278541 Bishops' College Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk Hert Fax Fax: 01923 278541 Churchgate, Cheshunt Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk Wat Tel: Bishops' Tel: College 01992Herts, 785503 Email: revenues&benefits@watfor www.broxbourne.gov.uk Hert Churchgate, Cheshunt Churchgate, Cheshunt Herts, Email: revenues&benefits@watford.gov.uk Churchgate, Cheshunt www.broxbourne.gov.uk WD1 Em Email: benefits@watford.gov.uk Hertfordshire EN8 9XG www.broxbourne.gov.uk Fax: Her Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk Churchgate, Cheshunt WD1 www.watford.gov.uk WD17 3EX Hertfordshire EN8 9XG Hertfordshire WD17 3EX www.watford.gov.uk Hertfordshire EN8 EN8 9XG 9XG Tel: ww0 www.watford.gov.uk Tel: 01992 785503 Ema www.broxbourne.gov.uk WD Tel: 0 Hertfordshire EN8 9XG 278501 Tel: 01923 Tel: 01992 785503 Tel: Tel: 01923 278501 Tel: 01992 01992 785503 785503 Fax: Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk ww Fax: Tel: Fax: Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk 785503 Email: Fax: 01923 01923 278541 278541 Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk Tel: 01992 Ema www.broxbourne.gov.uk 17 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Ema Email: revenues&benefits@watford.gov.uk www.broxbourne.gov.uk Fax www.broxbourne.gov.uk Email: revenues&benefits@watford.gov.uk www Email: benefits@broxbourne.gov.uk www.broxbourne.gov.uk www www.watford.gov.uk www.watford.gov.uk Ema www.broxbourne.gov.uk ww

Contact your local Council

THE HAIRY DIETERS HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT THE HAIRY DIETERS

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT by Dave Myers and Si King Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in trade paperback at £14.99, eBook £7.99

The Hairy Bikers were back this summer with a new book to accompany the exciting 4 x 60 minute food odyssey on BBC Two that started on Thursday 2 August. Si King and Dave Myers have made their names cooking real food for real people, creating mouth-watering dishes big on flavour and calories - and it’s taken its toll on their bodies. All of that had to stop, as they returned to our screens with The Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight. Loving the food they eat is a cornerstone of Si and Dave’s lives and they know they won’t succeed in shedding the pounds if the food they eat is dull and repetitive. The Hairy plan: to create some delicious healthy recipes to help them on their way and so persuade Britain to lose weight with them. The Bikers set out to discover how to enjoy the best great British food at home, creating new dishes and adapting some culinary treasures to make them and us fitter for life. THE HAIRY DIETERS: How to Love Food and Lose Weight includes a healthy eating plan with mouthwatering recipes for eating at home, eating out, and of course, entertaining. It is filled with all of the dishes that

have made Si King and Dave Myers two of the nation’s favourite cooks. From perfect pies, curries, roast dinners and delicious desserts, the Hairy Dieters prove that cooking without the calories doesn’t have to compromise on taste.

Now for an excerpt from their best selling book.

FOOD ISN’T JUST FUEL FOR US — IT’S OUR LIFE. WE SPEND MOST OF EVERY DAY COOKING, THINKING ABOUT FOOD AND COMING UP WITH RECIPE IDEAS, NOT TO MENTION EATING! GREAT-TASTING FOOD IS OUR PASSION AND WE’RE NOT ABOUT TO GIVE THAT UP. But we have to admit that we’ve overdone it a bit. Years of enjoying endless gorgeous meals has taken its toll and we’ve piled on the pounds. Like many middle-aged blokes — and ladies — we found that we’d got too hefty and our health was suffering. It was time to face facts and take a good hard look at ourselves so we took a deep breath and got on the scales. Ouch! It was a long time since we’d weighed anything except ingredients and it was a shock. We were both a couple of stone or more overweight and over 40% of our body mass was fat. It was time to diet. Now we have to be honest, we’re never going to be skinny minnies and we don’t want to be. It’s just not us.

THE HAIRY BIKERS’ BIG BOOK OF BAKING, published in March 2012 is currently this year’s biggest selling hardback non-fiction book. Other cookery books by the Hairy Bikers include: THE HAIRY BIKERS’ FOOD TOUR OF BRITAIN, MUMS KNOW BEST, THE HAIRY BIKERS’ 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, MUMS STILL KNOW BEST, 18 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE HAIRY BIKERS’ PERFECT PIES

But we’ve made the effort to lose weight to stay healthy and enjoy life to the full. We want to be walking up hills and down dales without getting out of breath, and to be riding our big bikes when we’re 70 so we need to keep mobile and trim. And that means every now and again watching what we eat and reining it in a bit. Okay, we’re not going to diet for ever — we’re still greedy and we’ll always love our pies and curries — but our weigh-in was a wake-up call to act before we got dangerously big. Losing weight has been quite a journey for us but we’ve done it and we’re proud of ourselves. Now we know we can drop the pounds when we need to and this will help us keep a check on things in the future. If we can do it so can you. Look at losing weight as an investment in yourself and the people you love. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifices.

SO THIS IS WHAT WE DID... We didn’t want to sacrifice the pleasure of cooking and feel deprived or hungry so we knew we had to come up with meals that we would enjoy making and eating if we were to stick with the diet. With the advice of healthy eating experts, we discovered that by making small changes in our cooking habits we could still enjoy big flavours and the food we loved while dropping the pounds. And it’s true. We’ve shed weight and we feel the better for it. Our blood pressure and cholesterol levels are down, our waistlines have shrunk, we have more energy and we look HOT — but not as sweaty as we used to! And even more importantly, we’ve done all this while still eating some of our favourite, great-tasting dishes that we now cook with less fat and sugar, but bags of flavour. We think our recipes are fantastic. Yes, they’re lower in fat and sugar but they still taste amazing and we’re still just as enthusiastic and creative about our cooking as ever.

COUNTING THE CALORIES

IT’S WORKED FOR US AND IT CAN WORK FOR YOU We’ve found a way of eating ourselves slimmer and we want to share our discoveries with you. The secret is to make better choices and use little tricks to reduce your daily calorie count. Calorie counting might have fallen out of favour somewhat over recent years, replaced by all sorts of wacky dieting ideas, but it does work. We’re the living proof. We’ve lost pounds and inches! We’ve made all the recipes in this book as low in calories as possible while not compromising on the taste. And we’ve had a nutritionist check them out and do calorie counts for each one so you know exactly where you are. If you eat these, without cheating, you will lose weight — and you’ll love us for it. We have to confess we’ve never really thought too much about calories and the amount of food we were taking in but we know a lot more now. As many as a quarter of us Brits are obese and it’s not good for us, so it seems that many of us are taking in much more than we’re putting out. Our experts explained to us that in order to lose weight, you have to take in fewer calories so the body has to use its stores — makes sense so far doesn’t it?

Spanish-style chicken bake This is a brilliant recipe and you’ll notice that there’s no additional fat needed – all the fat comes from the chorizo, and the tomatoes make it lovely and juicy. A low-fat fiesta of a dish. Serves 4 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges 1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges 500g new potatoes, quartered lengthways 8 whole garlic cloves, unpeeled 8 medium tomatoes, quartered 75g chorizo (preferably picante) 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika ½ tsp dried oregano 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into strips flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper

ONLY 370 calories per portion

Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Put the onions, potatoes, garlic and tomatoes in a large roasting tin and season with sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together lightly and roast for 20 minutes. While the vegetables are roasting, skin the chorizo and cut the meat into thin slices – 5mm is about right. Put the chicken thighs on a board and carefully slash each one 2 or 3 times with a knife. Season all over with black pepper. Mix the paprika and oregano together and set aside. Take the roasting tin out of the oven, scatter the chorizo over the veg and turn everything a couple of times. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and chorizo and sprinkle with the paprika and oregano. Season with a little salt and return to the oven for 20 minutes. Take the tin out of the oven. Holding one corner carefully with an oven cloth, lift the tin a little so all the juices run to the opposite end, then spoon and drizzle the juices back over the chicken. Tuck the pepper strips loosely around the chicken and vegetables. Turn the oven up to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Put the tin back in the oven for another 20 minutes or until the peppers are just softened and the chicken is golden and crisp. As you eat, squeeze the garlic out of the skins and enjoy the deliciously soft and fragrant flesh. Just don’t kiss anyone afterwards! 19

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE FRENCH CHEF Jean-Christophe Novelli is a 5 out of 5 AA Rosette and Michelin award winning chef and he has been dubbed the “the nation’s favourite French chef ”. Exclusively for Port Salut, Jean-Christophe has created two French themed recipes and a series of tips for creating the perfect cheeseboard. “Port Salut is a classic French cheese which I have always enjoyed, so I was delighted to be asked to work with the brand. For the recipes I have used Port Salut to give traditional French dishes a new twist and I hope my cheeseboard tips will give your cheese course a whole new lease of life.”

CHAR GRILLED CHICKEN, LEEK, PORT SALUT AND BUTTON MUSHROOM FRICASSEE, WHOLE MEAL CROUTON INGREDIENTS 4 x skinned and boneless chicken supreme’s (cut into thin strips) 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and cut into thin slices 2 x spring onions (trimmed and chopped into thin roundels) 1 clove of garlic (peeled and crushed) 100g chestnut or button mushrooms (sliced) 100g grated Port Salut 50g breadcrumbs 50g grated Port Salut 75ml double cream 25g butter 1 bunch of chives (chopped) 4 slices of wholemeal bread (cut into fingers) 25ml olive oil 1/2 tsp dried herbs 1/2 glass white wine

METHOD 1.

Heat a char grill skillet until very hot, brush the chicken strips with some of the oil and season with salt and pepper and your favourite spice, paprika is good as is cumin or garam marsala.

Quickly char grill the chicken pieces until well coloured and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

In a large saucepan melt the butter over a low heat.

Add the leek and spring onion and sweat until tender.

Add the garlic and the mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms are tender and softened.

Add the white wine and the cream and allow to boil

Add the 100g of Port Salut and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. Add the chives.

Add the strips of chicken and stir in to coat with the sauce.

Place in an oven proof serving dish.

10. In a small mixing bowl combine the 50g of Port Salut with the breadcrumbs and scatter this over the top. 11. Bake in a pre heated oven until the crumbs are crisp and golden and the cheese has melted.

FOR THE WHOLEMEAL CROUTONS METHOD 1.

Place the bread fingers on a baking tray.

Brush with olive oil & dried herbs and season with cracked pepper

Bake in a hot oven until crisp and golden brown. Serve on a side plate with the chicken and leek fricassee.

Jean-Christophe Novelli has produced these tips exclusively for Port Salut. Visit www.portsalut.co.uk for more info.

CRISPY GRANARY BRUSCHETTA, POACHED EGG, SPINACH AND A PORT SALUT GLAZE. INGREDIENTS 4 eggs (free range, large) 2-3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar 4 thick slices of ciabattas bread 25ml olive oil 1/2 tsp dried herbs 400g washed baby spinach leaves 100ml double cream 4 egg yolks 100g Port Salut (grated) 50g butter (optional) Sprinkle of ground nutmeg

METHOD 1.

Place the slices of ciabattas on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil and season with dried herbs, salt and pepper.

Place in a hot oven and bake until crisp and golden brown.

Place on four plates or a serving dish.

In a large sauce pan heat plenty of water to boiling point.

Add a couple of tablespoons of white wine vinegar and season to taste with salt.

Once boiling stir with a whisk to start a circular motion in the water and crack in the eggs one at a time, bring to the boil and immediately turn down to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes if a soft egg is required, a little longer for a firmer egg and 5-7 minutes for a hard poached egg.

Keep the eggs warm in the water until needed.

In a sauce pan bring the cheese to the boil, reduce for a few minutes to thicken. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the Port Salut and the eggs, allow the cheese to melt

10. In a frying pan add half the butter if used and add the spinach cover with a tight fitting lid and bring to the boil allow the water from the spinach to cook the leaves and when soft and wilted strain to remove any excess water remaining. 11. Season with salt and pepper and spoon an equal amount onto each ciabatta bruschetta.

CHEESEBOARD THEATRE TIPS 1.

Add some flavoured texture to your cheeseboard by dropping plain bread in favour of a fruit & nut bread such as apricot & walnut or prune & hazelnut and serve it slightly stale, cut into thin wafer slices

Fruit and cheese are a classic combination but give your grapes some extra character by serving them frozen – simply wash a bunch of grapes and shake off any excess water, place on a plate and pop in the freezer, serve directly once frozen onto the cheeseboard giving a more interesting texture with extra bite

Add a simple twist on the traditional by pairing your cheese with fruit that has a sharp acidity such as: cherries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, nectarines and tangy plums – these work well frozen too

Turn your cheeseboard into a visual feast by serving long celery stems in a vase of ice water. Team with a small bowl of rock salt too for dipping

Radishes are a tasty substitute to celery providing a peppery bite, leave a little stem on each on to hold on to and these can also be dipped in the rock salt

A fashionable alternative to the classic chutney is quince jelly – its sweet flavour will add a different dimension to your cheeseboard

Spice up your cheeseboard with a handful of sliced chillies or jalapenos, to give a flavoursome punch. This works particularly well with hard cheeses – these will complement the quince jelly too

Tantalise tastebuds with a rollercoaster ride of textures and flavours by adding olives and nuts to your cheeseboard

For an unexpected flavour, add some ground coffee beans to your board. A little sprinkle will give your cheeseboard a delicious edge

12. Top with an egg and mask with the cheese and cream mix. 13. Place under a hot grill until bubbling and golden brown. 14. Garnish with some snipped chives and serve.

10. Use dried vine leaves, herb sprigs and edible flowers to add more drama, aroma and taste to your cheeseboard

The Word is Out:

Greyhounds make great pets You may have heard the latest news that greyhounds make great pets, but what is all the fuss about? Can the fastest dog breed alive fit in with the lifestyle of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s families? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve answered a few of the most common questions from those thinking about adopting a retired greyhound.

Q. Are greyhounds highly strung? A. No. They are naturally calm and rather self-possessed. As a breed they have been around for a very long time and they are genuine thoroughbreds.

Q. Are greyhounds good with children? A. They are as good as any dog and better than most, because of their characteristic gentleness. Most greyhounds never get their fill of fuss and are happy to be hugged and loved by children.

Q. Are there character differences between males and females? A. The differences between greyhound genders tends to be less pronounced than in many other breeds. Spaying or castrating can normally relieve most behavioural problems and is recommended.

Q. How much exercise do they need? A. Surprisingly, they need very little. Twenty minutes, twice a day is usually more than enough. While greyhounds are sprinters, they use up their energy in short bursts so short, slower walks are preferred.

Q. Will I need a special bed for the dog? A. No. An old quilt folded in two is perfect. But they are used to sleeping off the ground and will need no encouragement to take over your bed as well as your settee. They do like to stretch out and get into all sorts of unique sleeping positions.

Q. How do greyhounds get on with other dogs? A. They are normally ok. There will be an initial wariness, but familiarity and common sense is the order of the day.

Q. I have a cat, so can I have a greyhound? A. Just like any breed of dogs, some greyhounds get along great with small animals and cats. When enquiring about a greyhound, make sure you mention that your house has a cat, so you can be matched up with the ideal greyhound.

Q. Are greyhounds easy to train and do they come back when you call? A. Yes, but it needs patience and understanding. Like any dog, a greyhound loves to please and tasty rewards are highly appreciated after the racing regime.

Do you want to find out more? Visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk.

Find Your Perfect Pet The Retired Greyhound Trust has just made is easier to search their 72 branch network for your closest greyhound contact. Simply visit www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/Branch-Locations/ to use the interactive mapping service.

Keeping Warm and Well in Winter ... KEEPING well is more important than ever in Winter because it’s a time of nasty bugs that can lay you low and cold weather than can depress your immune system. There are, though, plenty of easy things you can do to ensure that this Winter is a healthier and happier one for you. First of all, do ensure that you keep well and flu-free. Injections that prevent flu are given free right across the country to people over a certain age or with particular preexisting conditions. So it’s definitely worth checking with your GP about availability. Failing that, branches of Boots and supermarkets including Tesco provide a flu jabs’ service in their pharmacy departments for a very reasonable fee. Flu is a major seasonal killer in this country so it’s definitely worth taking this easy preventive step. Find out more about this year’s flu strains and other relevant details at NHS choices on www.nhs.uk Keeping in good health during chilly months also means ensuring, for example, your eyesight is good so book an eye test if you’ve not had one for a while. Poor eyesight can lead to falls, especially outside the home, which can result in major injuries and mobility problems. Eat and drink well, whatever your household finances. It’s also vital to keep hydrated properly with six to eight glasses of liquid like water, juice, milk or fruit squash each

day. Avoid fizzy drinks as they contain a lot of sugar and calories, but do have plenty of hot drinks. Ensure you maintain a balanced diet by eating from the five main food groups: fruit and vegetables; starchy foods; meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans lentils and nuts; milk and dairy foods and fat, sugar and salt. Fruit and vegetables are particularly important as they’re full of minerals, fibre and antioxidant vitamins to help bodies work efficiently and support our immune systems. They can be fresh or frozen, dried, canned or juiced and should make up around a third of our diet – aim for five portions a day. Do have valuable protein in meat or fish. You don’t need to buy expensive cuts to eat well – invest in a slow cooker, or pop a dish in the oven early and cook it slowly to make the most of cheap cuts of meat. Add plenty of vegetables for an easy, cheap dish that makes a warming, nutritious meal. And if you don’t think your diet is giving you all the vitamins you need, start taking a supplement. Supermarkets have their own good-value ranges and taking one or two well-chosen supplements can make a real difference to your wellbeing. Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain our health and independence and help keep muscles strong. Walking, gardening, Tai Chi and dancing are great examples of exercise for any age and state of health but check with your GP first. Karen Pheasant, who runs Ladies Workout Express gym in Swinton, Greater Manchester, stresses the importance of getting out and about in Winter, too. “Being closer to nature gives us a psychological boost – with greenery, water and mountains especially cheering,” she states. “When added to the natural mood enhancement we get from exercise, and the self-satisfaction from doing something that takes more self-motivation, then the Winter blues don’t stand a chance!” Exercising in daylight also increases production of Vitamin D, you get a boost to your immune system - the good news is that you also burn more calories by exercising in the cold, around 12 per cent. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather, dress in layers so you can take them off as you warm up, and wear a hat and gloves to reduce heat loss from extremities. Exercising in a gym can also be a sensible part of your regular routine. Many local councils run sessions in gyms so go on your local authority website to see about available sessions, and about free swimming sessions in your local pool. Private gyms often have advantageous rates for people attending at off-peak times, and they usually run special sessions, too, often with the emphasis on overall health.

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Warmth is also vital in the Winter months so, as well as ensuring you’ve got good clothing and footwear when you go out, don’t stint on home heating in spite of concerns about energy bills. Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to stop heat escaping and draughts coming in. Keep any windows and internal doors closed when it’s cold to keep heat inside and if you’re sitting for any length of time, pop on a shawl or blanket for extra warmth. Have a look around the stores currently and you’ll see that “onesies” or all-in-one fleecy garments are everywhere and offer real cosiness at home. Ensure your heating system has been serviced, that your water stopcock is working properly, and invest in a keyhole cover – it’s amazing how this can keep out draughts! Fit thermal linings to your curtains if you can, and check out all the benefits and grants available to help with insulation and energy efficiency like cavity wall insulation. Turn your thermostat down, reducing your room temperature by 1oC could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £50 per year. If you have a timer, set your heating and hot water to come on when you need it rather than all the time. Also, if you have radiators with valves you can control individually (thermostatic valves) it is worthwhile doing, as this helps you to direct warmth in the places you need it, can save money and be more energy efficient. Put thermal reflectors behind your radiators to reflect heat back into your room. Using the sunshine to power your home. If you are lucky enough to have a photo-volatic system fitted to your roof, you will be able to make the most of the green electricity generated. Things to remember:l The low cost energy is generated during daylight hours, and must be used during the same day, as it cannot be stored overnight l Use your washing machine and other fuel hungry appliances during the day l Think differently, using your washing-line, if you have one, instead of your tumble dryer. Using water wisely. If you have a water cylinder you should turn it to 60oC. This is hot enough to kill any harmful bacteria, and heat your water sufficiently for household use. If the temperature is any higher it is a waste of energy and there is an increased risk of scalding. When you are cooking, always use the right size pan for the job, and the right sized hob ring for each pan. Remember to use a lid.

Don’t overfill the kettle, boil only as much water as you need. If you boil your kettle with only a cupful of water it will cost you about 1/3p, but make sure you cover the element Over a full year this will cost you £5.61 If you boil a full kettle it will cost you 11/2p Over a full year this will cost you £29.08. Top tips on appliances. If you are buying new, always chose A rated or A+ rated equipment which use less energy and reduces emissions. Defrost your freezer regularly, an iced-up freezer costs more to run. Washing machines use a surprising amount of energy l

Always fill the drum with laundry to get the most value from the water and energy you’re using. l Avoid using the extra rinse as this is a water waster. l Switch to a 30oC wash instead of 40oC which can save you around £9 a year.

If you would like to advertise in the next 50 Plus Magazine in April please call us

01204 796494 or email mcgrathartwork@btconnect.com

Consider taking a shower instead of a bath. Top tips on water. Use less hot water with a lower temperature setting for the washing machine, dishwasher and shower.

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50 Plus Health

sponsored by

CATARACT Know the warning signs

Cataract is one of the most common causes of sight loss in the UK, but it needn’t be. Leading sight loss charity RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) warns that 50 per cent of sight loss could be avoided and that people should be more aware of what to look out for. A cataract is a clouding of the part of the eye called the lens. It causes vision to become blurred because the cataract is like frosted glass, interfering with a person’s sight. The lens is a clear tissue found behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye. The lens helps to focus light on the back of the eye – the retina – forming an image.

What to look out for: If you experience any of the following symptoms make an appointment for an eye examination:Blurry Sight: This is very common. You may notice that your sight has become blurred or misty, or that your glasses seem dirty or appear scratched. Dazzled By Light: You may be dazzled by lights, such as a car headlamps, and sunlight. Change of Colour Vision: Your colours may become washed out or faded. If your doctor or optician has told you that you have a cataract, don’t be alarmed. Cataracts are very common with one in three people over 65 being diagnosed in the UK. Many people over 60 have some cataract and the vast majority can be treated successfully. Cataract surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed during

“

an operation, is one of the most successful eye operations. If you or someone you know has a sight problem, RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk. Optimax is one of the UK’s leading Laser Eye Surgery specialists. Founded in 1991, it has carried out more than 350, 000 treatments. We offer a range of treatments suitable for those over 40, which can restore natural vision and give you freedom from glasses. These include Intra - Ocular Lens procedures. These Intra-Ocular Lenses replace the natural lens, which may eliminate the need for glasses and restore natural vision at the same time. What all Optimax treatments have in common is helping people to see the world more clearly. Choose Optimax for unbeatable results, affordable prices and outstanding patient care.

“

If your vision has declined or become blurry in recent years, don’t assume that a stronger prescription is all you need for a quick fix.

We don’t need glasses at all now and our only regret is that we should have had this treatment years ago.

Enjoy life without glasses, contacts or cataracts

Stephanie & Bill Yemc, IOL Treatment

Book your FREE consultation now, call 08705 14 33 14 or visit optimax.co.uk/iol 50+_quarterad_0712.indd 1

trea

ted

2012 31/07/2012 10:41:35

If you are considering the care provision of a relative or friend, you will know how complicated and stressful such a task can be. Carematters recognise this and provide clear, practical advice. We offer a bespoke service that focuses on those aspects of financial planning which are designed to help you secure your loved one’s care needs and financial security. Services include: • Funding Care Fees • Estate Preservation • Equity Release • Funeral Plans

CALL FOR YOUR FREE Guide to Care Fees Planning Handbook

The Carematters team are approachable, highly experienced and totally independent. Let us help you to make sense of the complex issues involved, so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family.

0800 822 3385

advice@carematters-uk.com Carematters is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. FSA No: 587083

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CHANGING ROOMS

IN THE HOME IS SOMETHING MANY OF US LONG TO DO BUT ARE HAMPERED BY THOSE TWIN PROBLEMS: LACK OF MONEY AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

BEFORE

Writes Angela Kelly We may know what we DON’T want around us, but probably have only a vague idea of what we do. The way we proceed next tends to relate either to the structure of the house – knocking through to give bigger rooms, adding a conservatory or building an extension – or the interior décor which includes everything from light fittings and wallpaper to furniture and paintings. For the first, often more sweeping, approach, architectural consultant Gary Willis from Novensus says always remember the importance of light. “Daylight directly affects our wellbeing and living in dark conditions can add to our lethargy,” he states. Deep rooms can appear dark as natural daylight can’t penetrate to the furthest reaches, so Gary suggests perhaps adding more windows. If privacy is an issue, consider use opaque window film, opaque glass or even glass blocks. “High level strip windows can also be used to provide natural light without sacrificing privacy,” he adds. A pitched roof with a flat internal ceiling could be opened up to a more interesting space, enhanced by exposed roof structure and effective roof lights. “Remove a wall to create an open plan dining/kitchen and a more adaptable space,” says Gary. “Even the removal of a load-bearing wall – one that has a structural purpose – is a relatively straightforward task to a competent builder.” For bigger projects, consider a garage or loft conversion. “Only around half of us really utilise our garage,” insists Gary. “Put this space to good use. Rather than just turning the garage into a room, how about thinking more laterally? Could you use part of the garage to extend an adjacent room to create a larger kitchen, whilst still reserving part of the garage for garden storage, a utility area or a study?” A conservatory can add both light and space to a home, “but a sun room or orangery is a much better option. It 28

BEFORE will be insulated to current standards that will provide a usable room in all seasons and ultimately add more value to your home. “Another alternative is a pre-built garden room which can be brought onto site in one piece, or built quickly in a modular format with limited disturbance.” Maximise garden views “and minimise rubbish ones!” advises Gary. “Create a cosy oasis of space with a smaller patio. Dress it up with flower boxes and a beautiful chair or swing to provide visual interest throughout all seasons.” Indoors, bring in the light with brighter, lighter colours on walls, floors and ceilings to maximise available light. Gloss and satin finishes will reflect more light than dull, dark colours and mirrors can be used imaginatively to bring much-needed light into a room or brighten a dark hallway also giving the illusion of space. When cash is short, home stylist and project manager Jill Brimley from Changing Spaces advises looking carefully at what you’ve already got and adapting where you can. “Dark walls can be painted a light, neutral shade like Dulux Natural Calico,” she says. Take a close look at doors as these can give a dated feel to a room, and invest in new, white ones to add to light. For the Living Room makeover (pictured), Jill also had new panelled cupboard doors made for the meter cupboard. The electrical socket was removed and re-sited to get rid of ugly trailing wires and storage added within the cupboard.

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JILL’S TIPS FOR UPDATING

ANY EXISTING KITCHEN ARE:

AFTER

AFTER A “gorgeous little chair” was bought from TK Maxx, the dark legs painted in white satin wood. The original curtains were dry cleaned and a new complimentary fabric panel was added to lengthen them to the floor. “Additional fabric was bought to cover existing cushion pads to co-ordinate the look,” says Jill. She recycled accessories from around the home - “We also decluttered, removed the old carpet and put in new oak wood-style laminate flooring and painted the dark mahogany fireplace, mirror and cupboard in white satin wood to provide a brighter and nicer co-ordinated room.” For this Kitchen makeover on a budget, Jill kept the original units, unifying them to a cream satin wood and then adding freestanding furniture with doors almost identical to the existing units and bought at a clearance shop to add to the fitted look.

•

declutter work surfaces, tops of cupboards and walls

•

Steam clean kitchen area

•

Update white electrical sockets with chrome

•

Replace worktops with new, more modern items and/or change cupboard doors

•

Inexpensive plain tiles can make the look fresher and more modern

•

Chrome tile trims give a more upmarket look

•

Emulsion the walls to compliment the décor

•

Invest in new floor covering

•

Change the colour of your kettle, toaster etc for instant impact

“For a contemporary look, change the door handle and light switch to chrome,” adds Jill. “Inset halogen lights in the front and inside of the wardrobe, and upgrade the radiator and radiator cabinet.” Use old pillows that have flattened as cushion pads or cut up old duvets, and plump up curtains with crumpled tissue paper. The Bathroom can improve if you knock through an old bathroom and separate toilet into one modern area. Add a heated towel radiator to save on space and for a more stylish look. It’s worth investing in a combi boiler which gets rid of the old water tank and is more efficient. Try bricking up the original toilet window externally and reduced it in size internally to give a useful shelf/recess. Investment in a white modern suite is really worthwhile. Use floor and wall tiles in the same neutral colour but different sizes - bigger tiles with smaller grout lines also give the illusion of space. And if you struggle to see new potential in your home – call in the experts!

Modern inexpensive cream brick tiles were used around the necessary areas, the walls were painted lighter with Dulux’s Javan Dawn, and the original back door was replaced with small French windows to bring in extra light and a view of the garden. Jill also replaced the original work top with a solid oak butcher’s block.

Meet the

In the Bedroom, use relaxing light neutral colours. If space is limited, go for sliding wardrobe mirror doors to reflect light back into the room. Shop carefully for complementary bargain soft furnishings – go online, visit mill and clearance shops or use sale curtains to make Roman blinds or a bed throw.

GARY WILLIS Architectural Consultant Novensus

For more details visit www.changingspaces.org.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk and www.novensus.co.uk

EXPERTS JILL BRIMLEY Home Stylist Changing Spaces

Rivers Hospital...

offers Premium Healthcare for insured and self pay patients About Rivers Hospital Rivers Hospital is a leading private hospital situated quite landscaped grounds in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. Offering the highest standard of clinical and personal care Rivers Hospital is dedicated to providing a professional and friendly service for all patients. Our consultants, resident doctor and nursing staff all have your care and comfort as their highest priority.

Setting standards for private health care Rivers Hospital, part of Ramsay Healthcare, is a provider of Ramsay Premium Care, an enhanced service package for private patients, whether self-funding or insured. Ramsay Healthcare is the only hospital group to offer Premium Care for Private Patients. Patients within the Premium Care service are treated as guest as well as patients and receive enhanced benefits to our standard service including choice of specialist Consultant, flexible appointment times, priority referral for treatment and single en-suite room, to mention a few. The philosophy at Rivers Hospital is to deliver high quality services and appropriate care for every patient. The hospital is strictly regulated and audited by the Care Quality Commission, the government body responsible for maintaining standards and a rigorous vetting procedure ensures that only qualified and experienced surgeons are granted practicing privileges.

At Rivers Hospital you will benefit from: • • • • • •

Full diagnostic services to investigate your symptoms Easy access to and from the hospital, including access for wheelchair users and free parking Single en-suite inpatient room for peace & privacy Consultant led care for a specialist opinion Experienced, friendly and professional staff to support you throughout your care Dedicated day case facilities for fast track treatment

Accessing treatment at Rivers Hospital For some conditions, your GP will refer you for further treatment. For other treatments such as physiotherapy and cosmetic surgery, you can self refer without seeing your GP. But in both instances, you can decide when and where you have your treatment so that you can benefit from fast access to quality healthcare that fits around your schedule. Call us for more information and to find out how to access treatment at Rivers Hospital.

01279 602644 or email: rivers.enquiries@ramsayhealth.co.uk Also, see our website for details of all of our services, www.rivers-hospital.co.uk

Your local hospital of choice

The only hospital group to offer Premium Care for Private Patients

• Fast access to leading Consultant Specialists • First class medical facilities • Excellent clinical outcomes • 0% MRSA

Call us now to discover how easy it is to “go private” Recognised by all major health insurers. Inclusive self pay package prices available for most procedures.

01279 602 644

rivers.enquiries@ramsayhealth.co.uk High Wych Road, Sawbridgeworth, Herts CM21 0HH

mobility made easy Beard Brothers, established in 1881, specialise in providing all types of life enhancing mobility and daily living aids. We provide high quality products at the best value for money. We offer a complete and free assessment prior to any purchase or order, this is to ensure that our customers receive the correct product for them to use enjoyably and safely. Our customer pledge is a ‘no hard sell’ just friendly and honest advice. We take pride in our hard won reputation for customer service and want you to enjoy your chosen purchase.

• Powerchairs • Wheelchairs • Scooters • Riser/Recliner Chairs • Adjustable Beds • Stairlifts • Daily Living Aids • Insurance • Servicing • Mobile Engineers try d n a t Ren e you befor ertain c buy on ms ite

Beard Brothers Since 1881

Mobility Specialists

friendly & honest advice

w for living aids. We provide high quality products, that are very good value for money. o n l l Ca e or c i v d a We offer a complete and free assessment prior to any purchase or order, this is to help, me o h E ensure that our customers receive the correct product for them to use enjoyably n safely. Our customer pledge is 'no hard sell' just friendly and honest advice. a FRE tratioand s n We take pride in our hard won reputation for customer service and want you to demo Beard Bros specialise in providing all types of life enhancing mobility and daily

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Brendan Cole Licence To Thrill Saturday 9 February 2013 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3JN Following on from his debut theatre tour Live and Unjudged, Brendan is once again set to dazzle audiences across the UK with his brand new show, Licence To Thrill. Join him and his cast of 20 musicians and dancers as they take you on a journey of music and dance in this spectacular night of theatre entertainment. Brendan, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, will host you throughout and along with his company will treat you to an evening of Ballroom magic and Latin excitement in this, his live dance extravaganza not to be missed. With music from across the ages, there will be something for everyone in this sophisticated production sure to wow audiences. Sat 9 Feb, 7.30pm. £32, £29, £25. Contact: 0845 075 3993

Hits From the Blitz Sunday 17 February 2013 Letchworth Arts Centre. 2 The Arcade, Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire SG6 3EW.

SHARE YOUR HOME AND HELP SAVE LIVES

The unique “feel-good” 1940s show, as featured at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Gala Nights. Famous war-time tunes and “sing-a-long” songs brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band, (“Superb, they swing like crazy!” – Sheila Tracy, BBC). Featuring Simone from the latter days of the Ivy Benson Orchestra plus Chris Smith (Jnr), composer and arranger for Glenn Miller’s Brother, Herb, and the BBC Radio Big Band. Doors open 6.30. Show starts 7.00. Tickets £10. Book by February 2 for our special early bird discount - tickets only £9 from 01462 670788.

California Suite Wednesday 27 February 2013 to Saturday 2 Mar 2013 The Pump House Theatre, Local Board Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 2JP. A witty play from Neil Simon, full of comical situations and delightfully outrageous characters. Set in the Beverly Hills Hotel, California, this hilarious play treats you to a comedic take on 4 different couples in a hotel suite. A nicely set up and fun play for you to laugh at, squirm at and enjoy! Weds 27th Feb to Sat 2nd March 2013 - every evening at 7.45pm, plus Sat matinee at 2.45pm. Tickets - £12 or £10.50 concession (over 60’s and under 16’s on all performances). Box office: 07917 324 179 or 0845 521 3453.

Milton Jones Friday 1 March 2013 Watford Colosseum, Rickmansworth Road, Watford Hertfordshire WD17 3JN.

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Can you help care for a child from a developing country for 2-4 weeks? One in every 100 children worldwide suffers from heart disease. Many of these children can be treated with routine operations. Chain of Hope aims to provide this treatment either in London or by organising medical missions abroad. We urgently need more host families to care for children who come to the UK for surgery. Each child needs a family to provide a supportive and caring environment for them, and their parent or guardian during their temporary stay. If you live within easy reach of London, why not help bring hope to many more children waiting for a chance of life. A small allowance is payable. For more information, please phone Sue on 020 7351 1978, or email sue@chainofhope.org Chain of Hope, South Parade, Chelsea, London SW3 6NP

Milton Jones is back on the road with another tour, this time imaginatively entitled On The Road. If you like the stuff he’s done on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo or in any of the nine radio series he’s done for Radio 4 then this is the show for you. Hundreds of his celebrated oneliners, plus pictures he drew. Clever, surreal but mainly just stupid stupid stupid. He’s won awards you know. Friday 1 March, 8pm. £21. Contact: 0845 075 3993

Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Open Day Thursday 11 April 2013 23 Wroxham Way, Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4PP. 2.00pm - 5.30pm National Plant Collection of Thymus (Scientific Status). Brickell Award 2011. Plantsman’s garden, planted for year round interest and for wildlife, organic. Plants for sale. Entrance - £2.50. Mrs. Margaret Easter. Tel. 01582 768467

www.chainofhope.org Chain of Hope is a registered charity in the UK/1081384

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“By buying a plan now, I know that all the arrangements made and paidof for. If you are considering thearecare provision a relative or friend, you will howon with Nowknow I can get complicated and stressfulliving suchmy a task life” can be. Carematters recognise this and provide clear, practical advice. We offer a bespoke service that focuses on those aspects of financial planning which are designed to help you secure your loved one’s care needs and financial security.

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Power Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme With the Scheme, you get more than just the Scooter or Powered Wheelchair, you get all the support and help you need to enjoy worry-free mobility.

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Hat-trick of awards for Austin’s Staff at Austin’s Funeral Directors are celebrating once again after winning three prestigious business awards. The family firm, which has eight branches in Hertfordshire and owns and runs Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in Stevenage, picked up the Excellence in Customer Service award, Medium to Large Business of the Year award and the prestigious overall Business of the Year award at the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards. Organised by the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry the awards are designed “to celebrate success and achievement and boost business confidence in Hertfordshire” and attracted a huge number of entries. Over 300 people attended the gala presentation evening which was held at the Porsche Centre in Hatfield.

L-R: Alan Coleman, Annette Bird, Gary Ford, Jackie Lawrence, Claire Austin, Neville Reyner CBE, DL, chairman of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Peter Hope and Brian Lawrence.

Harwood Park

The perfect setting to commemorate the life of your loved one

Crematorium and memorial gardens created and managed by the Austin family in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside

01438 815555 www.crematorium.co.uk

Keeping memories alive 38

Claire Austin, the tenth generation of her family to run Austin’s said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win these awards. Customer service is our number one priority so to have our hard work recognised officially is great. To then go on and win the other two awards, including overall Business of the Year, is amazing. All three are testament to the hard work and commitment of every single member of staff at Austin’s and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements.” Presenting the Business of the Year award to Claire, who was also a finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year category, the judges commented: “In an outstanding field, our winner tonight demonstrated all the qualities one would wish to see in a successful company. Over a 10 year period it has increased turnover on a consistent basis, delivering impressive growth in its profits. It has achieved this by delivering upon a clear and imaginative growth strategy which has been driven by its management and supported by its staff. Austin’s Funeral Service is not only outstanding within its own sector but is an exemplar for all business.” As overall winner, Austin’s also received £7,500 worth of integrated marketing support from Royston-based Kiss Communications. Claire and her team are no strangers to awards; in November the company won Most Successful Medium Business category at the Hertfordshire Business Awards and in October Austin’s won the Service Excellence category at the East of England Business Champions Awards. Earlier this year Claire travelled to Mexico to pick up the international NextGen Professional of the Year Award in recognition of her achievements as head of the 300 year old firm.

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Planning ahead for peace of mind Arranging a funeral for a loved one can be a distressing experience for family and friends. Quite often the wishes of the deceased have never been discussed and it is left to grieving relatives to second guess what they may have wanted.

• When do I pay for the plan?

Hertfordshire’s leading independent funeral directors Austin’s, offers an exclusive, pre-payment funeral plan which enables you to have the funeral of your choice and your family to avoid any emotional or financial stress. Unlike many other plans, the Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is bespoke so arrangements can be as simple or elaborate as required. And whatever choices you do make, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones will benefit from the exceptional customer care that Austin’s is renowned for.

• What happens if I die away from home or on holiday?

How it works

• Will the plan completely cover the cost of my funeral?

Payment is normally made in full on confirmation of the arrangements. However payment by instalments will be considered, if required.

If you are considering a plan, our funeral arrangers will be happy to guide you through the options. They will go through the details in the same way as any other funeral and will provide you with a written estimate. The cost is based on Austin’s current price list and is fully inclusive.

You will receive a draft plan of the arrangements for your approval. There is no rush. You may wish to discuss your wishes with family and friends and any changes can easily be made prior to finalising the plan. Once you are completely happy, and payment has been made, you will receive a certificate outlining all the details along with copies for your family or solicitor.

Yes. Providing that the funeral arrangements are carried out in accordance with the details of your plan, no further charges will be incurred. Your family, or friends may wish however to include additional services not selected by you. These will be charged in accordance with Austin’s current price list.

Peace of mind

When the time comes your family simply informs us that you have a Hertfordshire Funeral Plan and we will take care of everything.

for you and your family

Frequently asked questions

The Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is a bespoke, pre-payment plan exclusive to Austin’s which takes care of your wishes and simplifies the arrangements for your loved ones.

• Is the plan secure?

The plan will cover returning you from anywhere in the United Kingdom, to your home area. Should you die whilst overseas, the plan includes collecting you from any UK port or airport. You should be insured when travelling overseas. The Hertfordshire Funeral Plan can not include charges for air or sea travel.

Although the Hertfordshire Funeral Plan is operated in conjunction with Austin’s Funeral Service,its fund and administration are protected under an independent trust. A copy of the fullDeclaration of Trust is available.

• What happens if I move to a different area? If you move to an area not serviced by Austin’s, on death, the current value of the plan may be claimed by the local funeral director carrying out the arrangements.

01438 794420

M O N DAY - F R I DAY O N LY

• Must I be in good health to take out a plan? No. A Hertfordshire Funeral Plan may be taken out by anyone regardless of age or state of health.

• Can I change my mind about the arrangements?

Yes. Changes may be made by contacting Austin’s.

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www.austins.co.uk

Planning ahead for peace of mind 39

E X P E R T C A R E AT ERSKINE HALL Erskine Hall Care Centre offers the highest standards of residential, nursing, palliative, respite and convalescence care and specialised Parkinson’s care. Features of the home include: • 85 rooms recently refurbished to a very high standard • Landscaped gardens with wheelchair access • Patio • Private visitors’ lounge • Quiet lounge • Separate activities room • Free view TV • Small pets welcome • Larger rooms may be able to accommodate two people if required For more information about Erskine Hall, or to arrange a visit, please call 0800 012 1508 quoting reference CH2637 or visit bupa.co.uk/50plushertfordshire. Bupa has 13 care homes in the Hertfordshire area, for information on any of these homes please visit

bupa.co.uk/care-homes