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Tom Jones When Tom met Elvis!
Cook with the Stars! John Torode & Paul Hollywood share their favourite recipes
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Northern Greece City Breaks in Thessaloniki
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Robinsons Holidays Affordable peace of mind.
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Tom Jones The King and I: When Tom met Elvis.
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Home & Garden Bringing the outside, in.
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Cook with the Stars! Recipes from these quality celebrity chefs: John Torode & Paul Hollywood.
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TWITTERING ON “Since the lion arrived, which is three years now, I haven’t really left the camp,” says Gruener. “Sometimes for one night I go into the town here to organise something for the business, but other than that I’ve been here with the lion.” The lion he has devoted himself to is Sirga - a female cub he rescued from a holding pen established by a farmer who was fed up with shooting animals that preyed on his cattle. “The lions had killed the other two or three cubs inside the cage, and the mother abandoned the remaining cub. She was very tiny, maybe 10 days old,” Gruener says.
Bear hug from a lion! Just every so often along comes a story to warm your heart, this is such a story. In 2012 Valentin Gruener rescued a young lion cub and raised it himself at a wildlife park in Botswana. It was the start of an extraordinary relationship. Now an astonishing scene is repeated each time they meet - the young lion leaps on Gruener and holds him in an affectionate embrace.
The farmer, Willy de Graaf, asked Gruener to try to save her and so he took her to a wildlife park financed by de Graaf and became her adoptive mother, “feeding her and taking care of her”. “You have this tiny cute animal sitting there and it’s already quite feisty,” he says. “It will become about 10 times that size and you will have to deal with it.” She’s much bigger now, but when Gruener opens her cage she still rushes to greet him - ecstatically throwing her paws around his neck. “That happens every time I open the door. It is an amazing thing every time it happens, and it’s such a passionate thing to do for this animal to jump and give me a hug,” says Gruener. “But I guess it makes sense. At the moment she has no other lions with her in the cage and I guess for her I’m like her species. So I’m the only friend she’s got. Lions are social cats so she’s always happy to see me.”
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The companions spend their time hanging out in the Botswana bush, doing the kind of things that cats enjoy, such as lying around under trees, play-fighting, and hunting.
Graham Smith
“I don’t believe we have to teach the lion to hunt. They have this instinct like a domestic cat or even a dog that will try to hunt. Any cat will catch a bird or a mouse. The lion will catch an antelope when it gets big enough,” Gruener says. “I’m definitely giving her that opportunity to hunt, about three times a week at the moment. Each walk takes five hours - sometimes up to nine. We sort of hunt together and I’m helping her sometimes, trying to show her how to kill something rather than catch it.” After Sirga’s first kill Gruener wasn’t sure if it would still be safe for him to get close to the lion. But “she let me come in”, he says. Now he despatches animals the lioness fails to kill quickly enough. “It’s a bit cruel because she will catch an antelope and hold it down, and when it gets tired she could simply go and bite it in the throat and kill it. But because it’s so exciting she’s like a cat that keeps on playing with the mouse. “It’s not so lovely to watch when a lion has an antelope in front of her and she’s having fun playing with this antelope.” Willy de Graaf has handed Gruener 500 hectares (two square miles) to create a “miniature park” in which Sirga can roam freely, but she will not be released into the wild. Not because she could not survive, Gruener says, but because she has lost her fear of humans. Under those circumstances she is likely to get too close to humans, and if there is an accident she will end up getting shot. “And that’s not really the whole point of raising a lion,” Gruener says. In the park Sirga can live like a wild lion, but remain safe, he says. “That’s the plan for her future.”
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City Breaks to Thessaloniki By Jacqueline Jeynes from Silver Travel Advisor Despite a cool evening breeze, though still very warm to us, the bars and cafĂŠs along the promenade are packed with locals enjoying the balmy evening, chatting and drinking with friends. There is a lively buzz, a friendly, vibrant atmosphere and definitely a feeling of being relaxed and safe in the city. It is the same every evening of the week as the newly-finished 7 kmlong promenade is the focal point for people to walk, jog, cycle or simply stroll along by the sea, a live band is playing as a stage is set up for a concert next to the White Tower. This is the emblem of the city, its name referring to a prisoner there painting it white in exchange for his freedom, covering up the walls blood-stained from executions. On a brighter note, there are some impressive public sculptures and gardens along this seafront, especially the metal umbrellas in the late sunshine. There are boat trips around the port and across the bay to Agia Triada (more of
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that later), and a little boat regularly goes along the edges clearing any debris. Thessaloniki in northern Greece is a city not always associated with art, food and wine, or as a cultural centre yet it is steeped in history as a geographically strategic point for this region. It is an ideal base to explore the area, particularly for those interested in the culture of Ancient Greece, as well as the superb fine dining. We visited in the first week of September, with temperatures around 25° and bright sunshine. Flight time is just over 3 hours from Manchester airport and it takes around half an hour to get to the city from Macedonia Airport. The first impressions as you drive into the city are of old buildings, not architecturally beautiful as many are 20th century structures and everywhere covered in graffiti, which relates to social comment on the severe financial
troubles Greece suffered a few years ago. Since then, a new Mayor has allocated large surfaces at the sides of specific buildings for graffiti artists to work on so eventually much of this will be removed. However, this first impression should be ignored! Walk around narrow, cobbled streets down to the sea, the old port having been revived with new museums, a photography gallery, cinema and various cultural centres for different exhibitions, events and celebrations throughout the year. This is also the favourite spot for dreamy-eyed young (and old?) lovers to stretch out and talk into the night. Sounds good to me. We had the privilege of being shown a room at the 5* Excelsior Hotel – what a beautiful, stylish place. It is a splendid old building where original, ornate architectural features have been retained during its recent renovation. If you have an opportunity to stay there, you must.
TRAVEL Take a half-day city tour and you will really get a feel for the history of Thessaloniki and Greece from ancient times. Located in a strategic position in the Aegian sea, there were three distinct ages of occupation from Romans, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Given this history, there are fantastic churches, synagogues and mosques that contain preserved sections of frescoes and finelydetailed mosaics. A lot has changed over the centuries due to fires and earthquakes, exposing many new archaeological sites. A real must is the history related to the Jewish communities in this city, particularly the devastating impact of their treatment by the Nazi troops during WWII. It is well worth having a guided tour – our guide Konstantinos was so knowledgeable – although you can explore on your own using the hop on-hop off bus number 50 that costs 2 Euros for the day. Their leaflet also suggests short walks you can do from the bus stops, see www.expertguides.gr.
Remember to visit the daily market selling all kinds of fresh fruit and vegetables plus an array of olives, of course. There is also fresh meat and fish, though I declined the invitation to take a sheep’s head home with me. And the three famous pastry/sweet shops are truly divine! We tried a small sample shot of luscious, rich chocolate and a silver-wrapped chocolate cigar. For lunch, try the fish and chips at Bakaliarakia (a small restaurant in the Ladadika area), large flat slices of fried potato and crispy batter around tasty white cod, served with thick creamy garlic sauce. An afternoon nap is then recommended. This is a big, bustling city full of life and with plenty to see. The traffic is a bit hectic so you have to have your wits about you, but it is fine if you keep to the proper crossing places. It is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or wheelchair-users, although across the Bay it is quieter and easier to get around. However, if you love to explore during city breaks, this is a great place to visit.
For city breaks to Thessaloniki Silver Travel Advisor recommends Kirker Holidays who offer a range of short breaks and tailor-made holidays throughout Greece and the rest of Europe. Prices start from £598 per person for a three night holiday to Thessaloniki, including return flights, private car transfers and accommodation with breakfast sharing a double room. Kirker clients also receive the exclusive Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge to arrange private guides, book excursions or museum tickets and to reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.
For more information or reservations, contact Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2283 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com
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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WHY CHOOSE US? The Robinsons Difference .... 4 Good quality hotels 4 Coach seating with extra legroom 4 Air-conditioning and washroom /W.C. on all tour coach 4 Reserved coach seats on main tour coach at time of booking 4 Regular comfort stops en route 4 Home pick up service available 4 Interesting excursions 4 No single supplements at our own hotels and many other hotels 4 Excellent selection of great value checked hotels 4 Friendly drivers and porterage services to help with your luggage 4 Pay in convenient instalments at no extra cost 4 All holidays Bonded for passengers financial protection 4 Friendly & informed reservations staff to take care of all your booking arrangements 4 Freephone telephone number to save you money 4 Full group booking service with great offers for group organisers 4 Optional insurance cover for 2015 now available
We offer you ...
4 Accommodation with dinner, bed & breakfast 4 2 included excursions 4 All rooms have private facilities
SINGLES ....
COME ALONG AND MEET NEW FRIENDS LOTS OF ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER
Imperial Hotel Eastbourne
Ocean View Hotel Isle of Wight
Abbey Lawn Hotel Torquay
INCLUDES: WELCOME RECEPTION AFTERNOON TEA DANCE WITH OUR RESIDENT ENTERTAINER FESTIVE GALA DINNER (ON 1 NIGHT) 2 LOCAL EXCURSIONS
14th De c 5 Days
£149
5 DAY TOUR
4 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST
Robinsons Own Hotels October Madness ... NEW TOURS at reduced prices
Imperial Hotel 5 DAY TOUR
4 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST
Date Imperial Ocean View Abbey Lawn 03-Oct £189 £189 £189 07-Oct £189 £189 £189 11-Oct £179 £179 £179 17-Oct £179 £179 £179 21-Oct £179 £179 £179 25-Oct £179 £179 £179 31-Oct - - £179
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Ocean View Hotel 7 DAY TOUR
6 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST
Date Imperial Ocean View 11-Oct £239 £239 25-Oct £239 £239
Abbey Lawn £239 £239
Abbey Lawn Hotel 9 DAY TOUR
8 NIGHTS DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST
Date Imperial Ocean View 03-Oct £289 £289 17-Oct £279 £279 31-Oct - -
Abbey Lawn £289 £279 £279
ALL 5/7/9 DAY TOURS INCLUDE 2 LOCAL EXCURSIONS
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GET FESTIVE WITH... Celebrate Christmas and New Year in comfort and free from stress at one of Robinsons own hotels
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£399 Thursford Christmas Market 5 DAYS Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, word of this amazing show has spread and it is now generally recognised as being the largest show of its kind in the country, if not Europe. A three hour fast moving celebration of the festive season and the largest Christmas show in the country, with a cast of 130 professional singers and dancers.
Link Park Hotel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.
Mon 09 Nov £399 Mon 07 Dec £399
£275 BABBACOMBE Seabury Hotel | 5 DAYS Situated on the north eastern fringe of Torquay, Babbacombe boasts stunning views of the coastline and harbour. A holiday destination with its own charm and character, colourful promenade, a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars, Babbacombe offers something for everyone. Spend your days relaxing on the charming beach beneath the cliffs, or discover the rock pools and coastal walks. For interesting and scenic walks, the South West Coastal Path is a popular route, or why not visit the historic cliff railway, one of the few original funicular railways still in working order.
Seabury Hotel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.
Mon 16 Nov
£275
Christmas & New Year
Ocean View Hotel Isle of Wight
BABBACOME, SEABURY HOTEL Wed 23 Dec
£399
£295
Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion
BOURNEMOUTH, MAYFAIR HOTEL
Abbey Lawn Hotel Torquay
Wed 23 Dec
£485
Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion
Llandudno, situated between the Little Orme to the east and the Great Orme to the west, is the largest resort in North Wales and incorporates some of the most beautiful scenery in the Welsh mountains and coastline. The long flat promenade which possesses one of the finest piers and its town centre, with excellent shopping facilities, contribute to making Llandudno a very popular tourist resort.
WESTON SUPER MARE, SANDRINGHAM HOTEL
Kensington Hotel 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast.
Includes:
Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion
bed & breakfast d 3 resort lunches d 1 mystery excursion
LLANDUDNO, KENSINGTON HOTEL
d 4 nights dinner,
LLANDUDNO Kensington Hotel | 5 DAYS
Wed 23 Dec
Wed 23 Dec
£475
£519
Mon 07 Dec £295
Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion
LANCASHIRE & RIBBLE VALLEY TOUR
Wed 23 Dec £399 Wed 29 Dec £349
Wed 23 Dec
£399
Includes 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast. 3 resort lunches and 1 mystery excursion
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Great south coast holidays Coach SELF-DRIVE & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS
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When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks in the south, we have the ideal holiday for you. Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our seven hotels cover the south’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.
have our own fleet of executive Our coach option allowsus guests the UK to travel in ches thatinclusive enables toacross offer comfort, while our self-drive holidays offer the freedom of having your owna car.selection of pick up el from Every break nts across theincludes: UK. • Return coach travel (self-drive option available)
vehicle features conditioning and on board • Comfy en suiteair accommodation o make your &journey as comfortable as possible. • Breakfast 3-course evening meal also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet • Live nightly entertainment elp you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let now of any planned comfort breaks. We aim to Trio awarded Certificate of Excellence ou to your hotel between depending We are proud to 3-5pm, announce that three of our group – the on Barrowfield, Bournemouth Sands and Daish’s hotels – have been ngth of the journey. awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Six fabulous locations, seven great hotels
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Every break includes:
WEYMOUTH
WEYMOUTH
• Return coach travel (self-drive option • Comfy en suite accommodation
Barrowfield Hotel Devonshire Hotel Hotel Prince Russell Hotel • Breakfast & Regent 3-course evening meal Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!
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TINSEL & TURKY BREAKS AVAILABLE FROM £159
Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks! Local pick up points from, Cannock, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Oldbury and Frankley, make it easy to get away. DATE
DESTINATION HOTEL
DAYS
Board
NOW
September 17
Daish's Hotel - Isle of Wight
5
Half
£229
25
Daish's Hotel - Isle of Wight
5
Half
£219
30
Sands Hotel - Bournemouth
5
Half
£199
DATE
DESTINATION HOTEL
DAYS
Board
NOW
October 05
Claremont Hotel - Eastbourne
6
Half
£204
06
Devonshire Hotel - Torquay
6
Half
£189
12
Sands Hotel - Bournemouth
5
Half
£179
16
Daish's Hotel - Isle of Wight
5
Half
£179
17
Barrowfield Hotel - Newquay
5
Half
£169
19
Hotel Prince Regent - Weymouth
8
Half
£239
24
Devonshire Hotel - Torquay
5
Half
£169
26
Russell Hotel - Weymouth
5
Half
£159
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/ double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2015. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.
NOVEMBER BREAKS AVAILABLE FROM £129
BOURNEMOUTH
n available)
SHANKLIN
EASTBOURNE
DECEMBER BREAKS AVAILABLE FROM £159
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The King and I An extract from Tom Jones’ biography by Sean Smith - Tom Jones: The Life Courtesy of HarperCollins. Available through all good book stores and online at Amazon.co.uk.
Tom couldn’t believe it when he was told Elvis and his wife Priscilla had been seen in the foyer of the Flamingo. He thought it was a wind-up but it was true – The King and his entourage, the ‘Memphis Mafia’, had driven from Los Angeles just to see the show. They had been invited by Chris Hutchins, who knew both Colonel Tom Parker and Joe Esposito, Elvis’s road manager, and suggested they come over. Elvis was curious to see how a performer like Tom would be received in Las Vegas, because he was seriously thinking of making a live comeback there himself. His recording career was in the middle of a slump and he needed something to reinvigorate his career – a problem Tom would also face at a later date. The lighting in the audience was quite dark, so Tom had to peer into the gloom to see if Elvis was really there. He had been primed by Chris, so he knew what to say if he caught sight of the man.
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Eventually, he realised The King was in the very front row. Halfway through the show, he introduced Elvis, who stood up to take a bow, and the place erupted. It went on for ages and ages, until Tom managed to calm everyone down. Elvis eventually sat back down and Tom said, ‘Don’t forget I’m the star here tonight.’ It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, but took some nerve: Tom was just starting his Vegas adventure, whereas Elvis was the biggest star in the world. After the concert, Elvis and his gang went backstage to congratulate Tom in his dressing room. The ‘Mafia’ usually numbered about half a dozen or so of Elvis’s oldest friends and yes-men. If Elvis told them at breakfast that scarlet was the new colour, they would all have their cars resprayed by lunch. Linda was at the Flamingo that evening and she sat and chatted with Priscilla. Tom remembers Elvis saying he wanted to watch him in concert to see how he put together his act. Tom and Elvis talked about music, something they both never tired of doing. Priscilla Presley believes that Elvis took to Tom because he was a real person – ‘someone who was down to earth that
you could talk to, that was not on an ego trip’. Tom’s show also reminded Elvis how it used to be for him: the adulation of the girls, the applause and the fantastic music. He missed it. He also liked the way Tom didn’t take it too seriously. For his part,Tom thought the Presleys were ‘a great couple’. He gave Priscilla an autographed photograph for their daughter Lisa-Marie, who was six months old. The first meeting went so well that Elvis invited Tom to stay at his holiday villa in Hawaii.When he arrived, Priscilla told him that her husband had popped out to buy a couple of guitars so the two of them would have something to goof around with later.After dinner, the two men enjoyed a sing-song, like a couple of enthusiastic schoolboys, belting out ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Jailhouse Rock’, as well as ‘It’s Not Unusual’ and Elvis’s favourite, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’. They jammed together through the night. Tom said simply, ‘I’ll never forget it as long as I live.’ The two men became genuine friends. . Tom spoke graciously of Elvis to the Daily Express: ‘I never sat at his feet looking up to him, because we regarded each other as equals. He was much too modest to be comfortable with someone who fawned around him and was never afraid to admit his own vulnerability – always the mark of the truly great.’ They were rivals, as well as friends, when Elvis began a season at the newly opened International Hotel in July 1969, which two years later was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton. Both shows were ruthlessly
CELEBRITIES advertised. On one side of the strip the huge billboards read, ‘Elvis Presley is at the International’. On the other side, the hoardings declared,‘Tom Jones is in Town!’ Tom moved briefly to the International too, because its show- room was three times the size of the Flamingo’s. In 1971, he finally settled at Caesars Palace. Elvis, meanwhile, stayed loyal to the Hilton, where he lived in the impressive penthouse, which became known as ‘Party Central’. The two friends would take it in turns to visit each other’s suites. Elvis was a reality check for Tom – a stark example of a road he would go down if he didn’t look after himself. Tom tried to keep in shape. At home in the UK, it was relatively easy, thanks to his fitness complex. On the road or in Vegas, it was more difficult, but he swam and took up squash. In the eighteen months before he opened at the Flamingo, he slimmed down from fifteen to eleven and a half stone. He said goodbye to chips for ever. He never stuffed himself with burgers or other junk food and avoided puddings, preferring a chateaubriand steak for dinner with the finest wines. Tom didn’t drink before a concert, which was particularly important where the desert air was so dry and put a strain on his voice. His shows were a workout in themselves, because Tom finished dripping with sweat and as much as six pounds lighter. After a show, he took a long, thirty-minute shower and then enjoyed a vodka martini or opened a bottle or two of Dom Pérignon while he socialised. His friend and backing singer Darlene Love became so sick of the constant supply of vintage champagne that she loathes bubbly to this day and only has a glass if it is mixed with orange juice. Elvis, however, struggled with his weight yo-yoing up and down. Early on, he told Tom that he took pills to stop the pounds piling on. The two men would have many discussions about the merits of drink and drugs. During one conversation, Elvis told him that he had taken every kind of drug imaginable just to keep his ‘head together’. Elvis asked him what he took to keep sane and Tom replied simply,
‘Nothing, that’s why I feel I am sane.’ Tom’s aversion to drugs is very well known. He told Sylvie Simmons of MOJO magazine a funny story of the evening he went to a party in London thrown by Lulu. A rock star sidled up to him and said, ‘You want to see what’s going on in the kitchen!’ Tom, being Tom, immediately thought it might be something involving one or hopefully two women. He was disappointed to see that the great excitement was a pile of white powder on the kitchen table.‘See you later,’ he said. Elvis never took any drugs in front of Tom – he had too much respect for him. Instead, they would be sitting down, listening to records, when Elvis would suddenly disappear into the bedroom and come out a new man. They would listen to a few more records and then the same thing would happen again. They may have had differing opinions on drugs, but both Elvis and Tom had similar views on gambling. Although they were the bait to draw thousands of punters into the hotel casinos, they never indulged themselves. That example was not followed by their respective managers, who lost fortunes at the gaming tables. Gordon incurred heavy losses playing blackjack. He was rumoured, in one disastrous night, to have lost the whole of Engelbert’s fee for a year. Tom just didn’t get the attraction. Why give away so easily what you had worked so hard to earn? One evening at Caesars Palace, Linda came bounding up to him and asked for some money so she and a friend could spend some time at the tables. Tom reached in his pocket and gave her $5. He advised her, ‘Don’t lose it all at once.’ Tom was intrinsically more sociable than Elvis, who preferred quiet evenings in his suite. He loved gospel music and was prepared to stay up even later than Tom, just singing. Tom would say goodnight and be halfway out the door, when Elvis would start something else and Tom would be obliged to go back in and sing another song. For the most part, they kept their friendship low-key. Elvis would slip into Caesars Palace with a baseball cap over his distinctive black hair and sit at
the back of the room. Disappointingly, Elvis and Tom never sang together in public. Elvis might walk on stage when Tom was performing, but he was under strict contract to another hotel, so he would never join in with a quick chorus of ‘Delilah’. Their duets were private moments and Elvis made it clear that they must never be recorded. His manager, Colonel Parker, had told him that he must ensure there were no bootleg recordings, an instruction he followed religiously. Tom was the same where Gordon was concerned: he never forgot what Gordon said. When they weren’t singing, they would talk about music. Elvis once suggested they could do a concert together, with The Beatles as their backing group. They could do their own songs, followed by a few duets and the Fab Four could play all the instruments. Elvis asked, ‘Do you think there is a chance we could get them to do it?’ Tom, who still laughs about that conversation, responded:‘It would be fantastic.’ The pair were such good friends, they exchanged rings. Elvis gave Tom a splendid black sapphire ring, which annoyingly disappeared from his hotel bathroom one night on tour – along with the young lady who was using it. Tom, in turn, presented Elvis with a tiger’s eye ring that he knew he liked. Elvis, for whom death threats were a way of life, was obsessed with firearms and would make sure he was armed even when he used the toilet. He gave Tom a gun with ‘Tom Jones’ engraved on the barrel. Tom has never had to fire his gun, although he made sure he knew how to use it. Perversely, Elvis also gave him a book that he’d enjoyed, entitled The Impersonal Life, a famous text about selfdiscovery and leading a spiritual life.
Tom Jones: The Life by Sean Smith (HarperCollins)
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OUT & ABOUT every place in the garden. From hostas to hydrangeas and air plants to acers, the choice and quality of plants is staggering - just one of the features that helped to put the autumn show in the top three UK gardening events for readers of Which?Gardening.
18th-20th September 2015 The Harrogate Flower Shows are widely regarded as the UK's biggest and most prestigious independent gardening events. The Autumn show has been ranked in the top three gardening events in Britain by readers of Which?Gardening and promises the perfect day out for all garden lovers.
Some highlights include... Autumn Show Gardens Harrogate Flower Show is the only gardening event to offer autumn show gardens. Following a successful launch last year, Inspiration Street is set to return with a series of small gardens set against the backdrop of a traditional street scene. The Avenue will also offer beautiful larger scale gardens. New Plant Pavilion There will be a new Plant Pavilion, showcasing all of the fantastic nursery displays under one roof for the very first time.
Chiu-i Wu Giant vegetable competition There is a brand new class for giant veg this autumn, with a whopping £6,000 on offer for any grower who can set a new world record with a Gigantomo beef steak tomato. There is a prize of £1,000 for the heaviest specimen, plus £5,000 more for a new record! Last year there were two new world records and a new British record set at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show - let's hope there is more success in 2015!
And there's lots more to see and do; for more information please visit www.flowershow. org.uk
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To celebrate this spectacular new attraction they will also be offering a special Showstopper Award for the display with the biggest WOW factor! The autumn show hosts nearly 100 of the country's leading nurseries, offering a vast range of plants for
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Rhian Stone
Figure That
1st Aug - 31st Oct 2015 The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, City Art Gallery, Leeds LS1 3AB. An exciting exhibition studying the human form. A diverse group of makers who explore various materials and techniques in their collections come together in this showcase of contemporary craft. Expect to see spectacular sculpture, wonderful wall hung works and fabulous functional pieces. Featuring work by Rachel Ducker, Sue Hanna, Christine Hester-Smith, Christy Keeney, Sally MacDonell, Lynn Muir, Guy Routledge, Rhian Stone and Chiu-i Wu.
For more information please visit www.craftcentreleeds. co.uk
OUT & ABOUT
Autumn Glory
Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2015
Harewood House Trust, Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG Perfect for families and lovers of the outdoors, October half term week at Harewood celebrates Autumn in all its glory. Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities and explore the beauty of Harewood in its Autumn coat. Why not try your hand at biscuit decorating in the Pastry Room or test your knowledge with our wildlife trails? It’s a great way to spend crisp Autumn days with your family.
Activities include:
Stockeld Park's Autumn/Winter Season
21 October 2015 - 4 Jan 2016 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, Yorkshire LS22 4AN You don't need to go to Lapland this year for a true Christmas experience. Adventure Zones, magical gift emporium and cafe are waiting to be explored. Their award-winning Christmas Adventure is second to none and guarantees a memorable day out for the whole family.
•
Wrap up warm for some outdoor badge making in the Bird Garden (£1 per badge)
Don't forget to pick up a handpruned Christmas tree, grown on the estate, from November 25th 2015.
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Below Stairs the smells of cooking and season food display will warm you up
The Enchanted Forest
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Have a go at biscuit decorating in the Pastry Room (donation requested)
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Cosy up in the bookshop for a cup of tea and a good read
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Watch the birds being fed with our Bird Garden Keepers
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Castle Walk or Deer Park Safari
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Face painting in The Courtyard with lots of kids activities including colouring and dot-todot
There is a £5 upgrade to the State Floor of the House. Below Stairs is included in the grounds and gardens ticket. Activities are run throughout the day so you can come along and join in!
For more information please visit www.harewood.org
The Illuminated Enchanted Forest is open from 22nd October 2014 for Half Term, throughout November and December until 6th January 2015. The Enchanted Forest is the central part of the The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park, close to Wetherby, Harrogate, York and Leeds.
Fabulous Real Ice Skating
Open daily from 22nd October 2014 for Half Term, throughout November and December until 6th January 2015. If you're looking for a skate rink in Yorkshire, Stockeld Park's huge outdoor rink set in the beautiful parkland of The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park, situated on the A661 close to Wetherby, Harrogate, York and Leeds.
For more information, please visit www. thechristmasadventure.com
12th-26th SEPTEMBER 2015
HOME
Bringing the outside in... NATURAL light and space are among the popular hallmarks of modern homes in 2015 whatever size your property. When we investigate new apartments or houses with a view to moving, a feeling of space with plenty of natural light in evidence is what we are searching for. It not only makes us feel better but it’s a great way to help reduce energy costs. Architects and developers know that these elements sell their homes to the public and plan accordingly. But, it may not be quite so easy to harness plenty of natural light and create more space in less modern properties. Most of the homes built in the UK after World War II favoured smaller, more intimate rooms which were relatively cheap to heat, and this legacy has
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continued to a lesser extent into the early Noughties. However, in the last 10 years or so in particular, more of us are demanding open plan living areas with as much natural light as we can get. In fact, through solar panels in the roof more and more of us even turn natural sunlight to domestic energy to cut household bills. Getting more fresh air into your home along with that vital light and creating more space for growing families - or simply giving yourself more room to breathe - can be costly if you have to think about remodelling homes or building on large extensions or wings.
So, more and more people are going for a range of other options that still help to bring the outside inside. CONSERVATORIES are particularly popular for this, not only because they come in such a variety of sizes and styles to suit all kinds of properties but because they are now cheaper and more efficient than ever. Conservatories enlarge homes and can genuinely enhance the look of a property. They offer a private, bright space for hobbies, for family time or just for reading alone. They also bring people closer to their gardens, both physically and emotionally, and allow a new
HOME
perspective on greenery without having to suffer from the vagaries of the British climate.
it immediately allows would-be buyers to envisage using that extra room for their lifestyle needs.
ORANGERIES are another popular addition to homes, generating extra living space and creating a special place to live – and work if you prefer – in a private but bright room. They tend to contain more brickwork than glass, can be a bigger project to create, but always add elegance to homes.
To open up kitchen and living areas, how about installing BIFOLDING DOORS? These clever additions not only look stylish but offer a large area bringing in light, and they can easily fold back to allow in fresh air and the beauty of your garden.
You can add a bold and unique visual element to your property with a GLASS ROOF EXTENSION. The glass naturally creates a light living space and the beauty of these extensions is that they can be tailor-made into even the most testing of spaces, letting in an unrivalled amount of daylight. TILED ROOF EXTENSIONS are also designed to look and function like a permanent part of the property. This additional space makes your house a more desirable place to live and, should you come to sell your property,
These doors come into their own for families and open up the whole house. Socialising in the kitchen – which often predominates at parties - is then less cramped and more easygoing. Cooking smells vanish and individuals can spill out onto the patio to enjoy the best of the outside in convivial company. Another clever way to enjoy the outside and still protect yourself from the less attractive parts of the British weather is to install an AWNING. These handsome, often brightly coloured additions to your home allow you to dine or just sit outside, away
from the sun or even drizzle, as an easy extension of your lifestyle. You can get awnings custom-made to look just right on your home. And the beauty of them is that when you don’t need them they simply fold away until the next time. Many of us enjoy our gardens and it’s lovely, not only to see close up the fruits of your labours when it comes to admiring the plants, flowers and other greenery, but also because of the health benefits. Fresh air is good for the digestion, improves your blood pressure and heart-rate, strengthens your immune system and cleans your lungs. It also gives you more energy and sharpens the mind – and, probably the most important thing, it makes you happier! So it’s worth crafting a lifestyle that takes advantage of Nature’s free gifts, and open up your home to all the best possibilities of living.
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The Mill, Batley is the UK’s biggest retail mill and, located between Leeds and Bradford; it is easily reached from both the M62 and the M1. Without question this is a unique indoor shopping destination. Customers enjoy an unusual mix of independent stores and high street outlets in a department store environment. With 550 free parking spaces and 4 restaurants to choose from, you can see why this is a regular destination for many of The Mill’s customers. The huge building was renovated to high specifications by the owners, which offers a pleasant surprise to first time visitors - lots of natural light with both escalators and lifts and spacious, open plan floors. Italian restaurants, gourmet café and traditional tea rooms ensure all tastes are catered for, with the added bonus of 2 outdoor dining terraces. These are supplemented by a butcher, the bakery, a superb retro sweet shop and a delicatessen counter. The 40 stores offer furnishings and furniture from the masters of value Poundstretcher through to sofas and solid wood furniture from the Furniture Bank and Batley Furniture Outlet. One of the few remaining lighting shops in West Yorkshire is based here, plus everything else for the home – bedding, curtains, sewing machines, cook shop, cushions, stationery, garden provisions… the list goes on. The extensive fashion offer includes big brand outlet stores such as Radley, Skopes, Jacques Vert, Dash and Eastex as well as outdoor and leisure brands
- Cotton Traders, Regatta, Mountain Warehouse with Edinburgh Woollen Mill occupying a large area on the ground floor. A large Pavers store is probably one of the busiest departments in The Mill, making ‘happy feet’ out of aching ones. There is lots of luggage to choose from and even a hair & beauty salon to help get you ready for that special occasion. Speaking of which, don’t miss out on the legendary personal shopping service at The Mill. Gaynor runs the show and is happy to help for all occasions, no matter what size, shape or age! A dedicated, sumptuous Personal Shopping Lounge was recently opened to ease the trying on process and enable customers to mix n match and try on at their leisure in splendid privacy. Their Summer sale is on now so stock up for the holidays ahead with outlet prices and sale discounts; there really is 70% and more off many items in The Mill – from hats to armchairs and everything in between! Go and have a browse and see what you find! Like their Facebook page to win vouchers to spend at The Mill, Batley and check their website regularly for offers and events. You can follow Millie on Twitter @themillbatley.com
www.themillbatley.com 418 Bradford Road, Batley, West Yorkshire WF17 5LZ Tel: 01924 423172 Open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday 9:30 till 5:30 | Sunday 10:30 till 5:00 WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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FOOD & DRINK
Cook with the stars!
John Torode, Paul Hollywood and James Martin JERK CHICKEN SERVES 6 To get a more authentic jerk experience, add some wood chips to your barbecue and cook your chicken thighs or legs over slow indirect heat for the best flavour. Alternatively enjoy a beautiful jerk chicken breast cooked over a high heat – it should be ready in 10 minutes or less. 12 chicken thighs, bone in, or 8 large chicken breasts
MARINADE
1 large bunch spring onions, or 2 smaller bunches 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tbsp salt juice of 1 lime 1 /2 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tbsp fresh thyme 1 tbsp allspice berries 1-10 scotch bonnets (start with a small amount and add more later if you think it needs it) 1 thumb-sized piece ginger 3 garlic cloves 1 /2 small onion 2-3 tbsp of brown sugar
rode John To
To make the marinade, put all the ingredients in a blender and process until you have a purée. Don’t add more water if you’re having trouble getting it all blended, just keep turning off the blender, stirring it up with a spatula, and trying again. Eventually it will start to blend up nicely. Now taste it. It should taste pretty salty, but not unpleasantly puckeringly salty. You can also now throw in more chillies if it’s not spicy enough for you. If you think it tastes too salty and sour, try adding a bit more brown sugar until things seem good and balanced. Put the chicken pieces in a bowl, cover with the marinade and leave overnight. Next day, cook the chicken over a smoky fire for 15 to 20 minutes, turning about six times during cooking.
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CHICKEN WITH COCONUT DRESSING SERVES 6
50g palm sugar 50ml fish sauce 400g can coconut milk 6 chicken thigh fillets
2 red Thai shallots 1 /2 red pepper, cut into julienne 2 small red chillies, cut into julienne 50g cucumber, cut into julienne 10g roasted peanuts 4 lime leaves, cut into very fine julienne 30 coriander leaves 6 squares banana leaf, to serve
Bring the palm sugar, fish sauce and coconut milk to the boil in a large saucepan, add the chicken and poach until the chicken is cooked through. Leave to cool. Mix the other ingredients (except the banana leaves) together in a bowl. When the chicken is cool, cut it into 1cm thick strips and toss into the salad. Lay a banana leaf at the centre of each plate and pile on the salad. Drizzle with some of the poaching liquid and serve.
FOOD & DRINK
CORNISH PASTIES
2. For the filling, slice the onion finely; cut the swede and potato into small, thin strips; keep each separate. Cut the beef into small, thin pieces and divide into 5 portions. 3. Heat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6. Divide the pastry into 5 equal pieces. Roll each out on a lightly floured surface to a 3mm thickness and cut out a 24cm circle, using a plate as a guide. 4. Scatter a scant layer of swede on the pastry semi-circle, leaving a 1cm border. Add a similar layer of potato, season lightly and top with some onion. Repeat the swede and potato layers, seasoning as you go. Check the pasty will close, then add the beef. Add a final layer of onion, season and dot with butter. 5. Brush the pastry border with a little beaten egg, then close the lid of the pasty, making sure that the edges meet. Press together firmly and then crimp the edges together by pinching all the way round between your thumb and forefinger. 6. Fill and seal the remaining circles of pastry in the same way. Place the pasties on 2 baking trays and cut 2 small slits in the middle of each one. Brush the pastry with beaten egg. Bake for 20 minutes, then lower the oven setting to 160°C/ Gas 3 and bake for 30 minutes longer. Best eaten hot from the oven.
SERVES 5 This is the original portable meal, eaten by Cornish tin miners and farm labourers. The pastry had to be robust to make it portable, and it was quite common to have a savoury filling at one end, sweet at the other. It now has protected status and must be made in Cornwall. The vegetables need to be cut thinly so they almost melt into the meat on cooking, and the crimping is all-important. I was told that you need 21 crimps to make a proper pasty.
Pastry
450g plain flour ½ tsp salt 115g cold lard, diced 75g cold unsalted butter, diced About 90ml ice-cold water 1 egg, lightly beaten, to glaze
Filling
1 large onion 120g swede 1 large floury potato, such as King Edward or Maris Piper 400g beef skirt 50g butter Salt and pepper
EQUIPMENT
A 24cm plate (to use as a guide) 1. To make the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, add the lard and butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in enough water to make a fairly firm dough, then knead briefly until smooth. Shape into a ball, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Paul Hollywo od
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Be a Special “50Plus” Constable for West Yorkshire Police! What’s YOUR big challenge this year? Getting fit? Meeting new people? Giving something back? Being a Special Constable for West Yorkshire Police could be the exciting opportunity you’re looking for. The Force is currently recruiting and would particularly like to hear from men and women aged 50 plus, across all districts and communities. Your only commitment as a volunteer special constable is a minimum of 16 hours per month. Being a Special gives volunteers new opportunities and skills from advanced driving to self-defence and much more besides. You can keep fit and give something back to our communities – all while being on the front line of policing. Specials have the same responsibilities and duties as a full time police officer and provide a vital link between the police and communities, improving trust and confidence between communities and police. Training sessions will be in place to broaden knowledge, refresh skills and help develop your own personal skills and interests. The Force is also recruiting volunteers too! Community Volunteers work alongside police officers and staff at public events, operations and initiatives. This scheme offers people the chance to meet new people, feel part of a team, learn new skills and put existing ones to good use. For more information please visit our website. You can also apply online to join the Specials! www.westyorkshire.police.uk/bespecial There is also a section for people interesting in becoming a Police Volunteer on www.westyorkshire.police.uk/volunteers
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holidays | HEALTH & FITNESS | HOME & GARDEN | CELEBRITIES | FOOD & DRINK & MORE...
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Planning for Retirement Retirement in 2015 means different things to different people with each perception as individual as they are.
They look on the lack of someone else’s superimposed routine, the unstructured days and the more relaxed lifestyle as halcyon days ahead. And, indeed, this is often the case for many people who have had the foresight to plan ahead to ensure that retirement gives you exactly what you want.
Many may have looked forward to retirement for years as the natural end to a satisfying career – or the welcome finish to a job they’ve hated.
Early financial planning may certainly be the key to that golden retirement, provided you take a realistic look at your day-to-day living expenses and ensure
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that you have enough money to cover everything. It’s also worth, though, factoring in other, perhaps less obvious potential expenses, like needing transport if you’re not well enough to get around under your own steam, or having some extra available for unforeseen situations. If you can, look at your living costs up to 10 years before you actually retire and allow for extra increased utilities, bills and possibly more frequent holidays. On the other hand, you can exclude bills like travel to and from work and, possibly, mortgage payments. It’s worth adding your pensions together to see if there is a shortfall. Consult past providers or employers for up-to-date pension statements and get a forecast
place relating to how you can take your pension; again, go to the gov.uk site to find out more.
...plans and planning together as one or both of you enters this phase of your life is essential...
Anne Marie points out that, for couples “plans and planning together as one or both of you enters this phase of your life is essential, so that you can communicate your wishes, needs and desires effectively.”
Make an appointment with a specialist Independent Financial Adviser for advice on getting the most income out of your pensions. Either go on personal recommendation from someone you know well or go to the Association of Professional Advisers (APFA) to find one at www.apfa.net Consider your daily running expenses and see what you can shave off and still enjoy life. Look at where you live – do you want to downsize and is this more realistic financially? Get expert advice on these life-changing decisions at the Age UK website www.ageuk.org.uk
She advises planning for the potential challenges “but also plan for the pleasurable things in life so that you are making time for you to do what you want to do.”
Psychotherapist Anne Marie Alger warns that, although retirement is seen as a positive new life phase by some, for others there is a loss of role, loss of structure to the day, week or year, loss of financial security and a loss of work friendships, contact and companionship.
Talking about your concerns, your hopes, your feelings with loved ones, family and friends before actually retiring, during the transition and once you are embedded in retirement is vital.
“Although leaving work is supposed to remove us from the stress and anxiety, adverse effects can quickly increase, particularly if your social life is very much tied up with work,” she explains. “Retirement can have a detrimental effect on both mental and physical health. Indeed, there has been a drive towards Work Longer Live Healthier – a study illustrating the link between economic activity, health and Government policy, suggesting that in the long term, retirement can be ‘bad’ for your health.
of your State Pension through the Government’s pension site www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service See if you can save more, perhaps paying in more, and monitor whether your current savings are working hard enough. Check out the new auto-enrolment scheme as it’s also usually worth starting. Up to five years before retirement, look at moving any stock market investments, including pensions, to safer havens to avoid losing out in case of any last-minute falls. Check your National Insurance contributions are up to date, track down any old pensions or other accounts and start investigating Annuities. Six months before retirement, check your final pension and how it will be paid to you. Major changes are now in
“What happens if you’re not ‘ready’ to finish work, and it feels enforced, or you don’t feel prepared? Does it raise a question of ‘who am I now if so much of your life has been tied up with your employment, your job role, your position, hand in hand with your confidence, your value and your self-worth?” There are also the expectations of those around you to cope with now that you have “all this time on your hands.” Are you now perceived as a carer, a childcare provider, and will there be increased demands from family and friends about how you spend your time? All these factors can become the everdarkening cloud that moves across your lovely, bright retirement sky and dims it substantially. However ….. we are back to planning here and how you can banish that cloud forever.
Anne Marie Alger Psychotherapist
Pets can often prove real friends in retirement. Dogs make sure you get some healthy exercise, although it’s worth being realistic about the size and type of dog you keep. Cats, birds and rabbits can also provide company, and a reason to get up and on with your routine which includes caring for them. If you can’t have a pet at home or prefer not to, how about volunteering at a local animal shelter or dogs’ home? Volunteering generally is great in retirement because you not only get out of the house and meet new people but also genuinely give back to your local community. This may be in a charity shop or local hospital or as a volunteer regularly helping with children’s reading in school. Become a reading mentor through charity Beanstalk (formerly Volunteer Reading Help) at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or ring for more information on 0207 729 4087.
Taking up a new hobby, joining a walking group or learning a new sport like badminton or bowls are all positive possibilities now that you have the time. So why not just enjoy life?
by Angela Kelly WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Tomatoes, Prostate Health and the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is often associated with healthy living. Research suggests that the humble tomato is a key constituent of this diet and may play a significant role in human health, especially of the prostate. The belief that tomatoes have health benefits can be traced back to South American Indians, ideas that were brought to Europe by Columbus in the 15th century. Tomatoes were also thought to be aphrodisiacs, sometimes being referred to as Pommes d’Amour or “love apples”. The key ingredient of tomatoes is lycopene, one of the world’s most powerful, naturally occurring antioxidants. Responsible for tomatoes’ distinctive red colour, it is a member of a large family of coloured compounds called “carotenoids” that are found throughout the natural world. Humans possess no mechanism to make carotenoids, instead we accumulate them from our diet. Some, such as betacarotene, are easily accumulated whereas others are much less easily absorbed. Our bodies are hardly able to take up lycopene from raw tomatoes and need the fruit to be cooked or processed prior to eating. Alternatively, “bioavailable” lycopene supplements are becoming increasingly popular. Lycopene is sometimes presented in the National media as a panacea, a miraclefood that cures almost everything. Whilst many claims are exaggerated, there
is a large and credible research base that reports lycopene health benefits, particularly in relation to prostate cancer, heart disease, breast cancer and skin health. The most extensive research has been conducted in the area of prostate cancer. Lycopene is known to accumulate in the prostate gland and this has driven scientists to try to investigate its impact on the disease. Some of this research has shown not only a positive association between high lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, but also benefits for those who already have the disease. Professor Ed Giovannucci from Harvard Medical School has been following the progression of 50,000 men since 1986, investigating the relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene consumption. In his latest 2014 report he notes: ‘Dietary intake of lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially lethal prostate cancer’. A smaller trial at King’s College Hospital, London concluded: ‘Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation from lycopene slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer.’ Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, many researchers think that lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s DNA from damaging free radicals. Others believe that lycopene improves cell-to-cell communication, reducing the risk of the uninhibited growth seen in cancer cells. In all likelihood, several mechanisms are at work.
Every time a damaging free radical is removed by a lycopene molecule, the antioxidant becomes “spent” – the lycopene sacrifices itself to protect the body’s DNA. However, research has shown that the presence of plenty of vitamin C allows the “spent” lycopene molecules to be reactivated, rejuvenating them and preparing them to quench another poisonous free radical.
Staying Informed Professor George Truscott and two internationally renowned colleagues formed George & Partners back in 2000. The company provides readable, up-todate, scientifically robust information about lycopene research, particularly that related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and skin health. The company also develops food supplements based on the latest research.
To sign up for a free newsletter, please call 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk.
Natural Lycopene Supplement Each Lycoplus EXTRA one-a-day capsule contains 15mg of natural Lycopene plus 60mg of vitamin C which reactivates “spent” Lycopene, enhancing and prolonging the effect of the supplement. One box of 30 capsules (one month’s supply)
£17.95
Save £5
2 boxes for
£30.90
Save £16
4 boxes for
£55.80
All prices include free UK postage & packing
To order call Freephone 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk
George & Partners Limited, Keele University Science Park, Staffordshire ST5 5NL
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Peace of mind living in your own home... Leeds City Council’s new service – Presto, is providing a range of integrated support services at home with the aim of supporting people to living well and safely at home. The services include help in the home, companionship, housekeeping, home maintenance and transport from the council’s own passenger transport service. It will not include registered personal care such as bathing or dressing. Presto are committed to delivering the highest standards of care and safety to all our customers, with the aim to support living well and safely at home. It is hoped the companionship element of the service will provide the company everyone needs. Presto understands that companionship not only helps with day-to-day activities, but improves the overall quality of life and well-being as well. That’s why the service is offering a tailored companionship service, with trained and experienced staff. Their role includes assisting to prepare meals, carry out small domestic jobs, assist with the shopping, accompany the customer on visits or appointments and just spend quality time in the comfort of the customer’s own home.
Keeping up with the demands of a home can be a challenge. This is where Presto can help maintain that independence and the ability to remain living in the community. Often living independently and well at home can depends on those little but important things: shopping and eating well, maintaining a safe home and having great transport solutions so an older person can get out and about. The support the new service can provide may include cleaning paths, unblocking drains, changing light bulbs, transport and support to get out and about or help with keeping on top of household chores. Presto’s services can be for as many or as few days as required or even just for respite support whilst the main carer is on holiday. Hopefully Presto’s services will provide a peace of mind for carers in knowing there is a trusted, professional service to support their loved one if they can always be there in person. Though Presto is a service offered by Leeds City Council, it will not be funded by the council; there will be a charge to customers for the service they receive.
Further details for Presto can be found on www.leeds.gov.uk/civicEnterprise/Pages/Presto.aspx or contact the office on 0113 378 3750 or via email presto@leeds.gov.uk.
Presto is a new service from Leeds City Council, which is committed to delivering the highest standard of care to all our customers. Whether it's a helping hand with a big clean or just a companion to help you travel to the shops, whatever you need, Presto is here for you. Housekeeping & home maintenance Deep cleans and decluttering Handy work in the home
prices from just
£12
per hour
Tailored support at home Transport services to help you get out & about
Presto is available long term or to help with short-term requirements. And remember, no job is too small. If you just need a light bulb changing or a friendly companion to have a cup of tea with, our fully trained and DBS checked staff will be there for you.
Visit: leeds.gov.uk website and search for Presto. Call: 0113 378 3750 Email: presto@leeds.gov.uk
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COUNTRYWIDE
Live in Style & Comfort in one of our Yorkshire Homes Ashfield Court
Corinthian House
Ashfield Court Care Home
Corinthian House Care Home
3 Tewit Well Rd, Harrogate, HG2 8JG.
Green Hill Lane, Upper Wortley, Leeds LS12 4EZ.
Tel: 01423 580882
Tel: 0113 2234602
Willow Bank
Belmont House
Willow Bank Nursing Home
Belmont House Care Home
5 - 7 Barwick Road, Leeds, LS15 8SE.
High Street, Starbeck, Harrogate HG2 7LW.
Tel: 0113 2234603
Tel: 01423 580884
Specially designed accommodation offering care, privacy, independence and security. Our homes offer peace of mind and a perfect setting for anybody looking into or requiring quality care. Why not come along for a visit or contact us to find out more about the quality care we provide. The team are happy to discuss options with individuals, ensuring the right decision is made and we are always on hand to offer our full support. We endeavour to make the transition into one of our care homes as smooth as possible.
www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk
At Simplyhealth Independent Living Leeds we offer a large range of mobility products and daily living aids to help you, your friends and your family live more independently. We and our company are proud to be recognised by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) which means that we go above and beyond our legal obligations to provide an excellent level of customer service; but in our Leeds store, we don’t just aim for excellence we aim to be the best. Our home consultants and engineers are experts in their field, they’ll help you to find the right product for you through demonstrations in free home assessments. We are even on hand after you’ve purchased the product with a view to help you keep being independent in the long term. Whether you’re looking for a mobility scooter to help you get around, a rise and recliner chair to relax in or even just looking, our staff provide friendly expert advice tailored to yours and your loved ones needs. However, we’re not alone when it comes to help meet the communities’ needs. We are partnered with the Mobility Scheme which enables individuals who are on high-rate mobility allowance to lease an electric powered wheelchair or Scooter. We are also the largest stockist of Cosyfeet extra roomy shoes in West Yorkshire and Monday to Saturday we run a Shopmobility scheme in conjunction with Leeds City Council.
So for any help with your Mobility or Independent Living needs, give us a call on 0113 246 1086 or just pop into our store in the Merrion Centre, Leeds, for some free, honest and professional advice. WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK
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Affordable Funeral Service
Losing a loved one can be one of life's most upsetting and distressing times. We go out of our way to help ease the worries where funeral arrangements are concerned. Not only involved with losing a loved one is the emotional upset, but it can also be a time of financial worry and strain and we not only lend a sympathetic ear but also an affordable funeral service too. Or maybe you see not the need for an elaborate funeral and want only a simple, low key occasion without all the fuss.
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Personal Family Touches We strongly believe that a funeral service for a loved one should be as personal and unique as they were and we will do everything possible to ensure that all wishes are carried out to make things easier on the day. Be it that family members would like to carry the coffin or perhaps certain members would like to speak within the funeral service. We encourage family involvement and are more than happy to discuss all options possible.
Serving all areas
Affordable without comprominsing on care. If we can help please call for an informal chat and advice
Affordable
Funeral Ser vice
local caring independent funeral director
Low Fuss Funeral - £1650
Bespoke Funeral - £1800
• The payment of a cremation fee
• The payment of a cremation fee
• The payment of the Doctor's fees
• The payment of the Doctor's fees
• The payment of the Minister's fees
• The payment of the Minister's fees
• The conveyance of your loved one into our chapel of rest
• The conveyance of your loved one into our chapel of rest
• The provision of an oak-effect coffin and interior of your choice
• The provision of an oak-effect coffin and interior of your choice
• The arranging and conducting of the funeral
• The arranging and conducting of the funeral
• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral
• The provision of the hearse and necessary staff on the day of the funeral • The viewing of your loved one at our traditional chapel of rest
ALL OTHER FUNERAL REQUIREMENTS UNDERTAKEN AFFORDABLY
For more information please call 07779 704100
• The leaving from a home address on the day of the funeral before proceeding to the crematorium
Pre-Paid Funerals
Golden Leaves FuneralWWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK Plans | 31
Abbeydale
RETIREMENT HOME
Enjoy high-class comfort and care in Ilkley, with panoramic views across the scenic valley and surrounding countryside. When you walk into Abbeydale you enter a stylish and luxurious home that feels more like a hotel. The recently refurbished rooms provide bright and positive accommodation, and encourage a happy and satisfying life for residents. The spacious en-suite bedrooms with adjoining sitting room, are furnished to the highest standards and come with colour television, smoke detectors and 24 hour nurse call system. There are various elegant reception rooms and lounges, where residents may convene for a chat or smaller more intimate rooms for a quiet place to read. A full programmes of entertainment and activities are organised daily, and outings take place regularly. Abbeydale's own vehicle can take up to six residents out into the beautiful countryside, shopping trips into Ilkley and afternoons at tea rooms. We also promote the continuation of personal hobbies and interests. The personal needs of each individual is carefully identified and care programmes are created to ensure that the best care is provided. In order to do this all staff receive in house training and follow Abbeydale's philosophy of care which is designed to give residents privacy and control over their daily lives.
Our care staff provide for special bathing, dressing and changing needs, serving meals and tending to laundry, as well as medication, supervision and co-ordination of any appointments for the GP, Dentist and Optician. So, if you are a retired person or couple seeking a comfortable life in Ilkley, Abbeydale could prove to be the perfect solution. Please call us now for a brochure or call in to visit us.
About Abbeydale... • • • • • • • • •
24 hour care by caring staff All bedrooms with en-suite Excellent meals with special diets catered for Happy pleasant atmosphere Regular outings and entertainment Tastefully furnished throughout Warm, safe and comfortable environment Set in large beautiful gardens Hairdresser and beautician
01943 603074
www.abbeydale-care.com info@abbeydale-care.com
Please call us now for a brochure or visit us today.
A retirement home with a difference...
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