London 2012 by 50 Plus Magazine

LONDON 2012

LEN GOODMAN & ARLENE PHILLIPS Celebrity faces of Your Personal Best Campaign inspiring millions to live and achieve a more active lifestyle A 5 STEP RETIREMENT PLAN FROM

HAIRY BIKERS TAKE A SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO FOOD

RICK STEIN SHARES HIS FAVOURITE RECIPES

A refreshing approach to financial planning www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE LOCAL MAGAZINE

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9-11 Lisbon to Madrid ’Must visit’ destinations

INTERVIEW 16-17 The Hairy Bikers... Take a scientific approach to food 20-22 Rick Stein Rick Stein shares his favourite dishes with us.

HEALTH

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The Timeless Island of Alderney

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11/23/2011 4:29:37 PM

GRAHAM SMITH TWITTERING ON ROAD RAGE

LAST TWEET

I always pull aside for a bus in the middle of the road, it’s bad for your health not to. But recently the lady driving too close behind me took exception and threw a dippy fit.

A quick return to Twitter and my great favourite Jimmy Cricket just showed why it can be worthwhile.

You know the stuff, waving fingers in the air, casting aspersions on your parentage, veering from side to side and threatening the lives of passing pedestrians. I could see all this in my mirror and the bus driver had a look of horror on his face that a woman by herself was behaving like that. I drove on after giving her a return wave, well it was similar to a wave, but the barmy person still kept pursuing me like a frustrated Lewis Hamilton. After half a mile I turned smartly left and parked outside our local police contact point. I waved and invited her to join me to discuss her obvious affliction. She declined and proceeded to wave both hands in the old wartime salute leaving the car to steer itself. Scary stuff. I must make sure my rear machine gun is working in future, I can’t stand road rage.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? You couldn’t make it up. There are moves afoot to change the name of the picture postcard Austrian village whose name is equivalent to an English profanity. The village of F***ing, north of Salzburg, has lived with the name since the 18th century. Its German meaning came originally from a Bavarian nobleman, Focko, who founded the settlement in the 6th century. The current spelling was spotted by English soldiers after the last war and since then British tourists have flocked there to have their pictures taken by road signs. So popular did the village become that they eventually had to concrete the signs in place to deter thieves.

His tweet? “ No wonder the pandas in Edinburgh Zoo aren’t mating. They’re fighting. Take another look at them. They’ve both got two black eyes.”

THE DRAIN BRAIN I should probably be grateful to have a house with a water feature but I don’t think mine is going to make the Sunday newspaper Ideal Home pages. For some years now, when it rains, we have a beautiful fountain which cascades up from the pavement outside and then gushes musically down the grate. Trouble is half of it then gushes into our cellar before being chucked out again by the pump we had to install. Bradford Council are perplexed. They once sent along a very senior officer for land drainage who produced form his pocket two modern, state of the art divining rods. After walking up and down the street like a demented American witch doctor he proudly announced that the water turned left at our house. We knew that! They put coloured dye down the drains outside the chip shop 100 yards away and convinced us that the pavement fountain would turn yellow within the day. This would prove that the water was coming off the nearby moor’s water course. Four years later we’re still waiting for the dye to come through and plan to keep piranhas in the cellar before calling the official back. Recently our water feature became perfumed. A definite scent of eau de canal pervaded the living room at various times of day. Even the dog looked at us suspiciously from behind her gas mask so we decided it was time for the council again.

Couples have been spotted romping naked in front of the signs and local entrepreneurs cashed in by selling F***ing postcards, F***ing Christmas cards and even F***ing beer!

They sent a very pleasant man who thought next door’s waste pipe could be leaking into our cellar. Well why not, everything else was?

F***ing Mayor Franz Meindl said the last straw was the number of telephone calls to residents from English people asking in English, “Is that F***ing?”

He introduced himself to the neighbours and put yellow dye down their loo and then red dye down ours. There was a firm promise that we would see the dye come up via the cellar pump within 24 hours. If it was yellow it was their smell, red and it was ours. Of course none appeared. The smell comes and goes now and the highly qualified officials have decided it must be “ingressing” through the walls.

“It’s all become too much,” he said, “The only problem is we need all the F***ing residents to agree to the name change.” I couldn’t possibly comment!

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If you’re in Bradford and see a man walking down the street covered in yellow and red dye with a divining rod sticking out of his head you know the problem is ongoing. 5

the timeless island of

Relax and enjoy Alderneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laid-back atmosphere. Cliff walks with breathtaking views, uncrowded golden beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Genuine hospitality, fine food and wine. Short, direct flights from Southampton airport or via Guernsey.

Tel: 01481 822333

Email: brochures@visitalderney.com

www.visitalderney.com/retired 6

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Alderney, Channel Islands relax on the friendly island

join in our social island

The friendly, laid-back, island of Alderney has plenty to offer with its genuine hospitality, cliff walks with stunning scenery and many beautiful, uncrowded, sandy beaches for swimming or just relaxing.

With a number of clubs and associations, including a challenging golf course, scenic tennis courts and a busy diary of events, there’s always something going on and visitors are always very welcome to join in.

Only one and a half miles wide and three and a half miles long, Alderney, the most northern of the Channel Islands, is situated just off the Normandy Coast in the English Channel. The Island has just over two thousand inhabitants and enjoys a mild climate with a peaceful, natural and totally relaxing atmosphere. The town of St. Anne, with its quaint cobbled streets, is lined by small shops and offers a great choice of friendly pubs, bars and restaurants. Alderney is renowned for its fresh, local seafood, such as lobster and crab, and its excellent cuisine.

discover the natural island The island boasts a rich and varied wildlife and the Alderney Wildlife Trust actively protects and promotes this valuable heritage. The Island has become a true magnet for birdwatchers, ramblers and wildlife enthusiasts who can explore some 70 miles of tracks and walks around the Island. The Alderney Wildlife Trust organises many interesting guided walks, ranging from town walks, history, heritage, birdwatching and nocturnal bat walks. There are also round island boat trips where you can discover Alderney’s marine wildlife and abundant sea bird habitats.

explore the historic island The Island has a fascinating history and a visit to The Alderney Museum provides a thorough account of Alderney’s past. Most noticeable on the island must be the Victorian military architecture, namely the breakwater and the numerous forts along the coastline. Also Nazi gun emplacements and bunkers can still be found, remnants of WWII. Alderney also has the only running railway in the Channel Islands, another reminder of the Victorian times and one of the oldest lines in the British Isles. The railway was constructed in the 1840s by the British government to convey stone from the eastern end of the island to build the breakwater and the forts. The railway now operates on bank holidays and weekends through the summer season along a scenic coastal route from Braye Station near the harbour to Mannez Station on the north-east coast. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Where to stay: there is a good selection of privately-owned hotels, guesthouses and self catering units as well as a pretty campsite. Getting there is easy: the island has its own airport and harbour providing excellent sea and air links. There are frequent scheduled direct flights from Southampton airport, giving a relatively stress free experience of a smaller airport in comparison to the busier airports of London. You can also fly to Alderney from most major British and International airports, via Guernsey or, Jersey (via Guernsey).

TIPS

The currency is sterling and therefore there are no exchange rate issues! Shopping in Alderney is VAT-free and the island‘s duty-free outlets offer excellent savings on tobacco and alcohol

For more information visit www.visitalderney.com 7

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*Offer price £194 per person is based on 2 people sharing a Standard Plus Chalet at Norton Grange Coastal Village, Isle of Wight on the 10th August 2012 for 3 nights. Savings are off the Warner Leisure Hotels 3rd edition brochure prices. Number of rooms at the level of discount shown will vary by break and could be extremely limited. If there is no availability at this rate then you will be offered the next best rate. All offer breaks apply to new bookings only, are subject to promotional availability which is reviewed daily and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Warner Leisure Hotels reserves the right to change or withdraw any offers without prior notice. Offers are only applicable on bookings of up to 19 people. All persons in your booking must be aged over 21 years of age. All breaks are subject to the full terms and conditions as stated in the 3rd edition Warner Leisure Hotels brochure. Bourne Holidays Ltd (trading as Warner Leisure Hotels) is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01854900 whose registered office is 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.

Lisbon to Madrid Lisbon Situated on the north banks of the River Tagus, the charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past. Its renovated palaces, magnificent churches and an impressive castle mirror the city’s rich cultural heritage. Its eclectic blend of neighbourhoods, culture and architecture distinguish this capital city uniquely from the other European capitals and make it a truly fascinating and comprehensive city to visit. It’s a city set on seven hills, as the legend tells, with its cobble-stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés and promises a lot to discover. Most popular spots are located around Rossio and Praça do Comércio, Baixa. Lisbon also hosts a great number of remarkable museums of ancient and modern art, some of which are Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and Carmo Archaeological Museum. But Lisbon isn’t all culture and history; Bairro Alto is the centre of nightlife with various restaurants and bars where melancholic traditional Portuguese music, Fado, can also be heard. When tired of sight-seeing, shopping in Lisbon will take all your tiredness away! The biggest shopping mall in the Iberian Peninsula, Centro Commercial Colombo, will offer you many options. For those who prefer to shop in local markets, there is a fascinating flea market at the Campo de Santa Clara. The best way to discover Lisbon is to get lost in its narrow streets whilst wandering around! Every narrow street will tell you a different story and every story will reach your heart easily!

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Torre De Belém The World Heritage site was built in 1520. The Tower served to defend the Tagus River bank and had different functions such as being a customs control point, a telegraph station, a lighthouse and even a prison. Open every day except Mondays from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Estrela Basilica (Basílica da Estrela) Built in the 18th century, Estrela Basilica is one of Lisbon’s most fascinating churches. It was the first church in the world dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Open every day from 7.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos descobrimentos) built on the bank of the river Tagus in 1960 to honour the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. Designed in the shape of a caravel on which many relevant heroes of Portuguese history are shown. The monument offers a fabulous view from the top. Open every day except Mondays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

EATING/DRINKING The Portuguese are proud of their gastronomy. Staple foods in the Portuguese diet include fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits. Pork, goat, partridge, quail and rabbit are also typical meats in Portugal. Famous specialties are sardinhas assadas (charcoal-grilled sardines), pastéis de bacalhau (cod fishcakes) and caldo verde (a soup of cabbage and potatoes). Codfish is prepared in many ways, and it is usually served as the most typical Portuguese dish. Sweets are very popular too, and wine is often consumed with meals. At restaurants, waiters will bring out bread, olives, cheeses and other little things. What you eat you pay for, if you don’t touch it, you shouldn’t pay for it. The daily specials are usually the best bet, especially with the fish, which is 9

fresh from that same day. Tips are not outrageously high here, just a couple of euros is enough. Coffee is a veritable institution in Portugal. People tend to drink coffee in cafés rather than at home. It is served in small shots and very strong! Portugal is also a big wine producer and offers a very broad range of both whites and reds, which should have something to please everyone. A Portuguese speciality, Vinho Verde, the name “Green Wine” indicates that the wine is young and its fermentation short, giving a low-alcohol, light, sparkling and fruity wine. Portugal’s most famous wine is Port, sweet and syrupy, which can be either red or white, and is drunk as an aperitif or after a meal.

SLEEPING Almost every part of Lisbon offers a great range of comfortable accommodation, however if you’re looking for modern but affordable comforts you may need to avoid the central Baixa zone. You can find three types of accommodation in Lisbon: pensions (pensões), guesthouses (residenciais) and hotels. The only difference between pensões and residenciais is that the pensions generally serve meals, whereas guesthouses do not. Pensions and guesthouses are officially graded from one to three stars; while the basic ones have just a sink in the room, the more sophisticated three-star places may include bathroom facilities and a TV in the bedroom.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT… ...a ride on the funicular railway. Lisbon has three street funiculars which allow people to move to and from its hilly districts more easily. The Lavra funicular was the first street funicular in the world. It opened in 1884 and carried 3,000 people, free of charge, on that day alone! Originally water-powered, it was converted to electricity in 1915. It runs from the eastern side of the Avenida da Liberdade at a 25% gradient to the Torel district.

are to be found from the gardens which lie immediately to the right of the top of the route. Just across the road, slightly to the right, at Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara, is the Instituto do Vinho do Porto, where a vast range of portwines may be tasted and purchased in the sumptuous surroundings of the Palácio Ludovice. Also, a great vantage point of the city is at Graça situated between Alfama and Mouraria, it provides panoramic views over rooftops of Lisbon and the castle along with pine trees - wonderful!

Madrid Madrid possesses a wealth of cultural attractions and is a thrilling city with theatre shows, opera, dancing and countless other forms of nightlife. You will also find other exciting places to go for a night to remember. Madrid has long laid claim to the title of “European Capital of Art”. It has a number of museums and galleries housing some of the finest classics from Goya, Velásquez, El Greco and many more. Museo del Prado is a fine museum of paintings set in a stunning 18th century neoclassical building. Worth visiting even if you have only a passing interest in art and must see works include Velásquez’s Las Meninas, widely considered to be the finest painting in the world and Goyas Majas and Pinturas Negras (dark paintings). There are usually a number of local artists outside selling interesting pieces. Centro Nacional de Arte Reina Sofía is second in size only to the Pompidou in Europe, this modern art museum showcases 20th century Spanish creations, including Picasso’s famous anti-war masterpiece – Guernica. I started on the top floor which has pencil drawings

The Bica funicular opened in 1892 and is the only stepped street funicular in the city. From the street, the funicular is concealed by a building but this is clearly lettered ‘Ascensor da Bica’. The Glória funicular opened in 1885, on the west side of the Avenida da Liberdade, connecting Restauradores with the Bairro Alto. Excellent views of the city and castle 10

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FACTFILE: and end up in the old city centre. Those with luggage should take either the AeroBus or AeroShuttle bus services, which run between the airport and the city centre. A ticket may be purchased directly from the driver. The buses run every 20 to 30 minutes. A taxi to the city centre will cost approximately e10 (extra for bags). At night prices are 20% higher. Note: all taxi meters should display e2.50 on departure.

and sketches for Guernica before going downstairs to appreciate the magnificence of it for real. Casa de Campo, known as the “lungs of Madrid”, has plenty of space to get lost in its 4,000 acre park, which was only opened to the public in 1931 after previously serving as a royal hunting estate. As well as countless walks, it boasts a boating lake, an open air pool (mid June - September, 10.30am-8pm), a zoo and a theme park. Plaza de Santa Ana, a small central square has strong literary connections and is the recommended spot for sundowners and tapas at the end of a day’s sightseeing. Madrid has a rich football history and the Madrileños live and breathe it. It is home to two 1st division sides, Real Madrid and Athlético Madrid. The main draw is Real who play at the 75,000 capacity Santiago Bernabeau stadium. A tour is available on non-match days between Tue-Sun, 10.30am-8.30pm. Getting to see matches is difficult if they are playing their great rivals Barcelona or one of the Madrid teams but otherwise tickets are generally available, although be prepared to queue! Madrid is not without its romantic side. As the new home of Flamenco, Madrid is alive with music and passion. The many stunning parks and gardens provide tranquil spots to stroll and the numerous quaint little tapas bars offer a warming ambience all year round.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT… ...visiting the Parque del Oeste, one of the city’s lesser known spaces, this park offers the perfect spot for a tranquil shady walk beneath mature trees. Overlooked in the summer by the lively terrazas on Paseo del Pintor Rosales, it is also an ideal way of connecting to Casa de Campo by cable car which runs high over the river and offers stunning views of the city. Lisbon airport is about 4km northeast of the centre and several buses also stop right outside the arrivals terminal, and if you don’t have large luggage, you can take buses 44, 745, or 83 that run past the major avenues uptown www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Madrid airport is 9km from the centre and Exprés Aeropuerto (Airport Express) is a 24-hour service which has only 3 stops after the airport: O’Donell, Plaza de Cibeles and Atocha. The buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 minutes at night, and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought on board. There are taxi ranks in front of the arrivals lounges of all three terminals at Madrid airport. A taxi to/from the airport to/from central Madrid should cost around e20 though taxi drivers are notorious for overcharging recent arrivals! Check that the meter is set at zero when you get in and that it begins the journey at the official minimum fare - currently €2.05.

Climate:

Lisbon has short and mild winters and hot summers. Plenty of sunshine can be enjoyed from May to October, whereas the coolest and the rainiest season is between December and March. If you are travelling in summer, make sure to bring some light sweatshirts. The evenings of Lisbon are rather chilly. The climate of Madrid is dry, warm and pleasant. It’s high altitude and proximity to mountains causes some wide variations in winter and summer temperatures. In summer the heat at midday can be intense, with pleasantly cool evenings. Winters, by contrast, bring temperatures dropping to just below freezing. Rain in Madrid is a rarity, with a short rainy season in late October and some showers in spring.

Language:

Portuguese in Lisbon and Spanish in Madrid and although English is spoken widely, the locals always appreciate your small efforts to communicate in their language.

Currency: Euro (EUR) € Time zone: Lisbon is the same as GMT, whereas Madrid

is GMT + 2

finest escorted holidays Dublin, Wicklow & the Boyne Valley by air

A terrific Irish ‘jaunt’, staying in the vibrant capital, Dublin. We also explore Wicklow, the ‘Garden of Ireland’ and enjoy visits to Malahide Castle and the fascinating Neolithic site Newgrange in the Boyne Valley.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Sunday 14th April 2013 ~ 5 days

• • • • •

Sight seeing tour of Dublin Excursion to Wicklow ‘Garden of Ireland’ Powerscourt House and Gardens Boyne Valley Visit Centre Malahide Castle

Staying at the 3H Sandymount Hotel, Dublin Traditional hotel located in the exclusive suburb of Ballisbridge, close to the Lansdowne Road (now Aviva) Stadium.

Includes 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast All coach travel Air fare Services of a Tour Director Various admissions Home to Holiday service

Connemara

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

We cross the Atlantic Ocean to explore the eastern seaboard of Canada. We visit the great cities of Quebec and Montreal. We explore the coastlines of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Cruising aboard the Balmoral.

Wed 5th Sept | 29 Days You pay the same price as advertised by Fred.Olsen, but have the added benefit of a home pick up included

For a free brochure on all our fantastic cruises or further details call Anna our dedicated cruise advisor on 01372 731705

We offer a door to door service on all our holidays

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Fairytale Castles and the ‘Romantic Road’

Birmingham International Tattoo & Christmas Market

A magical tour with a wonderful combination of the majestic Fairytale Castles of King Ludwig II, the Romantic Road, the stunning scenery of the Bavarian Alps and a visit to the Bavarian capital, Munich.

We enjoy a matinee visit to this magnificent event of massed bands and spectacular displays, with a cast of over 100. Also visit Birmingham’s excellent ‘Frankfurt’ Christmas Market

Staying at the Luitpoldpark Hotel, Fussen Elegant luxury hotel with spa facilities, located in the heart of Fussen, overlooking the central park.

2 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l All coach travel Services of a Tour Guide throughout l Home to Holiday service l Admission to Birmingham International Tattoo l l

Andre Rieu in Concert & Brussels Luxury

Famous Queens of England at Bourne Hall

We enjoy a concert of the world-renowned artist Andre Rieu, staying in a magnificent landmark hotel in the heart of Brussels. We return via the picturesque city of Bruges.

A wonderful new themed tour, staying at an excellent hotel in Shanklin. We step back to Victorian and Elizabethan times, with a feast and a banquet served by costumed characters.

Includes l

Includes

Sat 24th November ~ 3 days

This 19th century historic landmark hotel is a masterpiece of French Renaissance style architecture, in the heart of Brussels, within easy walking distance of the Grand Palace.

Unique Victorian medieval-style castle set in parkland, in lovely Warwickshire countryside.

Sat 1st September ~ 8 Days

Staying at the 5H Hotel Metropole, Brussels

Staying at the 3H Best Western Studley Castle Hotel, Studley

2 nights dinner, bed & buffet breakfast l All coach travel Services of a tour director l Home to Holiday service Category 2 ticket to Andre Rieu concert l Various admissions

Tues 27th November ~ 8 Days

Staying at the 3H Bourne Hall Country Hotel, Shanklin Reputedly built in 1860 for one of Queen Victoria’s ladies-inwaiting, this superb country hotel has a warm welcome and excellent facilities. No lift. Stairs to public areas.

Includes

4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast l All coach travel Services of a Tour Guide throughout l Home to Holiday service l Admission to Waltzing Waters l Entertainment as specified. l

Sat 9th March 2013 ~ 3 days

Epsom Coaches, Roy Richmond Way, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9AF t: 01372 731705 or visit us online www.epsomcoaches.com www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Money

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Travel

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Cruise the Canary Islands on board NCL Spirit Fly direct from these regional airports: Belfast, Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle & Stansted.

10 nights from

£699 per person

It’s your holiday, so enjoy it your way with the freedom of Freestyle Cruising®. Rise with the sun or sleep ‘til late; laze by the pool or workout in the gym; try a new sport or indulge yourself in the spa; enjoy exciting and varied dining experiences; dress up or down just as the mood takes you; party all night in one of the 10 bars and lounges or stroll on deck watching the stars – the choice is yours with Freestyle Cruising®. Why not give yourself some well-deserved winter sunshine in the captivating Canaries? This 9 night cruise includes Madeira with its botanical gardens and jagged escarpments; Lanzarote basking in the sun just 70 miles off the African coast and Tenerife a wealth of natural colours and contrasts. Inside Outside Balcony Stateroom Stateroom Stateroom from from from

Departures 2012 5, 14 & 23 November

£699

£749

2 & 11 December

£699

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20 & 29 December

£899

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£1,089

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2013 7 & 16 January

£699

£749

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25 January & 3 February

£719

£769

£819

12, 21 February & 2 March £749

£799

£849

11, 20 & 29 March

£819

£849

CONTACT

£769

Willow Mill, Fell View Caton, Lancaster LA2 9RA

Cruise Itinerary:

Barcelona, Spain - Funchal, Madeira - Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife - Arrecife, Lanzarote - Málaga (Granada), Spain - Barcelona, Spain

Tel: 01524 771 701 Fax: 01524 771 702

All prices are per person and include: • Return flights from your selected local airport to Barcelona† • Airport and port taxes • Airport and port transfers in Barcelona • 9 nights full board* accommodation in a shared stateroom◊ • A stay at a 4 star hotel stay in Barcelona in a twin/double room with continental breakfast

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Organised by Omega Holidays ABTA V4782, ATOL Protected 6081. Subject to availability. Our price includes your flights for which we have allowed a reasonable budget. However, at your time of booking, should the cost of your flight exceed this budget, we reserve the right to charge a supplement, which we will advise you of at this time. ◊A Stateroom and a room in Barcelona for single person occupancy are offered, subject to availability, at a supplement. The price was correct as of Monday 2nd July 2012, and can be withdrawn or increased without notice.

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THE

HAIRY BIKERS

take a scientific approach to food

Dave Myers and Simon King alias The Hairy Bikers were in the middle of a regime of diet and exercise when we chatted, recalls Angela Kelly. Yes, sorry, I know you’ll probably have to read that sentence again. Those two well-covered foodies? Diet? Exercise? Fear not. It’s all in the cause of a new cookery book about dieting and Dave and Simon had thrown themselves into both food and exercise regimes with the kind of enthusiasm they normally reserve for a piece of garlic-dripping Italian foccaccia bread or a couple of their favourite beers. “Yes, I know,” explains Simon, the blonde Geordie member of the famous chef duo. “It doesn’t sound like us, but obesity is a real problem in this country at the moment, hen, and we’re just trying to help.” As a result, Simon, aged 45, had been hitting the gym regularly – “and it’s working. I’m not sure how much weight I’ve lost because I’ve got some dodgy scales that say 20 stone 5lb one minute and 14 stone 8lb the next, but I know I can get into some jeans I couldn’t before. Mind you, I’m still a fat lad!” he roars familiarly.

Dave, at 55, sounds like he’s taken a more scientific approach to the subject. He’s lost a stone and a half, has taken up boxing but still manages to sound incredulous when he says :”Do y’know, I’m actually enjoying the sessions.” You might be forgiven for not putting “weight-loss” and “The Hairy Bikers” in the same sentence because the likeable lads have spent the past eight years showing us what fun food can be – both making it and eating it. They’ve travelled around the UK and across the globe gathering culinary experiences and footage for their TV series, astride some seriously large motorbikes. Their trademark has been making new friends via food, cooking in people’s homes and generally acting as brilliant ambassadors for the best dishes that people can make for themselves. “The new cookery book will still be about food, though,” states Dave, the darker, bespectacled one. “It’s just that we’ll be showing good food that you can easily make with fewer calories in it so it won’t put too much weight on.” The two are speaking ahead of their new country-wide tour that starts in September and takes in 41 venues over the next three months, from Barrow in Furness to Bolton and Lowestoft to Liverpool. It’s their first live tour since their last sell-out tour two years ago, and it sounds like their usual eclectic mix of fun, socialising and, er, some cooking.

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INTERVIEW “It’s definitely not going to be two blokes on a sofa talking about food,” laughs Dave. “There’s loads going on. We’re having strip tombola and an escapologist – oh, and we’ll be doing the tango. We’ll also have a couple of people from the audience having a meal with wine and beer on the stage with us. We love that, and so do they!”

They’ve also sold millions of cookery books linked to the series, and now earned themselves a BAFTA nomination for their Meals on Wheels programmes. These highlighted the vital visiting service to the elderly, and they also tried – successfully - to put the emphasis back on regular freshly-cooked meals for them.

In fact, Dave and Simon love most things about their lives currently, although it wasn’t always as easy or straightforward. Both grew up with ailing parents: Dave’s mum had Multiple Sclerosis and Simon’s Dad was on kidney dialysis.

They’re both delighted about the nomination and, Simon insists, they hope the subject will continue to catch the public imagination because it’s an important one. “In the series, it wasn’t Dave and I who were the stars of the show but all these marvellous older people,” he insists.

For Dave, who was born when his father was 55, his earliest memory of cooking is when he was around eight helping his mum bake bread, simple fruit scones and a Victoria sponge. As an older dad, his father was able to spend plenty of time with Dave, although from around the age of 13 it was Dave who did the bulk of the cooking at home. He later went to art school “but I was a better cook than an artist,” he recalls. It was when he became a make-up artist specialising in prosthetics and was working on the set of a Catherine Cookson TV drama that he met Simon, then a first assistant director and locations’ manager. The two shared a love of bikes and food, began cooking together – and a legend was born. Simon’s first foodie memory is of making sandwiches, strangely enough “with the crusts taken off and cut into little triangles”, when he was about six and helping in the kitchen. “But most of the time I was just off out scrambling about, no time to cook!” he says, with that gentle rumbling roar of laughter bubbling up. Their first programmes for the BBC eight years ago were more travelogue than cookery show, but the emphasis gradually changed to the enjoyable format that has attracted so many viewers today.

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“They’ve got the most wonderful cookery knowledge themselves. It’s so important for older people to keep on cooking good food like they always did, and share their skills with their grandchildren to keep these going and become a real legacy.” The two Northerners and their easygoing style has already been credited with tickling taste-buds at home and abroad, whether that’s sampling breads in Poland or guzzling nougat in the French town of Montelimar. But it’s plain they are genuinely passionate about all that’s best in food and sharing the enthusiasm to create it. Although the new cookery book has a dietary theme, food enjoyment as always comes first. “We’ll be doing dishes like a really tasty cassoulet and a great Masala Spatchcock Chicken,” states Dave.

As for the problematic weight-loss, they’re both confident they can lead this new campaign trimly from the front. “Well,” adds Simon, “If God is good and he keeps me off the brown ale!”

For details of tour dates and venues go to www.hairybikers.com 17

VISIT US AT STAND C24 TO DISCOVER THE FREEDOM RENTING IN RETIREMENT CAN BRING… We are an independent company who deal exclusively with the age 55 plus market and let and manage 2,500 properties in over 500 retirement developments throughout the UK. We recognise that choosing the ideal retirement location can be challenging, particularly when trying to find that perfect property in an interesting location, which also offers long-term security, comfortable living and friendly neighbours. Wherever you want to live, if you are aged 55 years or more, we can help.

If you are looking to rent a retirement property, we have a number of options for you to consider: • Assured tenancies: our most popular option, which provides the absolute security and peace of mind of knowing that you remain in your home for as long as you wish. • Fixed term tenancies: usually 2 years, with no commitment beyond the initial term.

• Bespoke rental service: when you spot a property for sale in a retirement development which is of interest to you, just let us know and we may be able to buy it and rent it to you. Whatever you decide, it is good to know that your rent includes service charges and maintenance, removing the worry about the upkeep of your property and its surroundings. If you are as yet unsure that renting is the right option for you, we have a number of our one bedroom and two bedroom retirement properties that are also available to buy. Whether you want to rent or buy, live a totally independent life or have a degree of support, settle by the sea or live in a rural idyll, we are certain to have a property which fulfils your expectations.

Mr & Mrs Carter, Girlings’ residents say: “We feel very safe and secure here. The support services in place such as Careline are fantastic and we feel confident because we know we speak to someone in seconds and get help if we need it. We feel secure also because we have a lifelong tenancy www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

so we know we can stay here for as long as we choose...We live close to all the local amenities and have made many great friends - at least once a month we all get together - whether it is fish and chip suppers or a Barbecue in the Summer in the beautiful gardens. It was a great move for us. “

Girlings co-owner and CEO, Peter Girling said: “A life-long (assured) tenancy offers great security and long-term peace of mind. In the private rental sector, it is common for properties to be let on an assured shorthold tenancy basis which enables the landlord to regain possession of the property after the initial agreed fixed term. “Renting on a life-long tenancy basis offers the same security of tenure as most social housing providers, only without the associated waiting lists. What’s more, service charges and maintenance are included in the monthly payments.” A typical apartment features a fitted kitchen, a bathroom, a lounge/dining room, and a utility cupboard. Most developments also feature a laundry room, communal lounge area, guest suite and a lift to all floors. All apartments benefit from advanced security systems, including a 24-hour Careline service. A service team is responsible for window cleaning, gardening and all external maintenance, and a housemanager is present during weekdays to look after the running of the development. From the undeniable natural beauty of the Lake District; the bustling streets of city centres, such as York or Exeter, through to the endless sands and blue seas of the South Coast, Girlings has something to offer everyone.

Mr & Mrs Honour, Girlings’ residents commented: “Renting in retirement has given us greater financial freedom and the flexibility to relocate. We have saved so much in terms of moving costs. We sold our house

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and we have retained that capital which has given us an investment for the future. We are now committed to renting and we love the fact that we have an assured tenancy so we essentially have the same security as homeowners.”

For more information, please visit www.girlings.co.uk or contact the lettings team on 0800 525 184.

“Without doubt the best property decision we have made!”

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring 55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Tenancy which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish, with service charges and maintenance included in the rent?

Peace of Mind Independence Flexibility Choice

0800 525 184 www.girlings.co.uk

F O OD

D RI NK

Rick Stein's French Odyssey Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination. I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

Warm mussel and potato salad with pistou

SERVES 4

Peel the potatoes and put them into a pan of cold salted water (1 teaspoon per 600 ml). Bring to the boil and cook for 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain, return to the pan, cover and keep warm.

350g small waxy potatoes, such as rattes, pink

For the pistou, put the basil, garlic, tomato and Parmesan cheese into a food processor and blend. Then, with the machine still running, gradually add the oil to make to make a mayonnaise-like mixture. Season to taste with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and some black pepper.

750g medium-sized mussels

Put the mussels and 2 tablepoons of water into a medium-sized pan, cover and place over a high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice, until the mussels have just opened. Tip into a colander set over a bowl to collect the juices, and when they are cool enough to handle, remove all but a few of them from the shells. Cover and keep warm. Return the mussel-cooking liquor to the pan and boil rapidly until reduced and well flavoured.

1/4 lemon, for squeezing

Put 4 tablespoons of the pistou into a small bowl and stir in 2 teaspoons of the reduced mussel cooking liquor to loosen it slightly. Mix the frisée with the rocket and divide between 4 plates. Slice the potatoes and arrange them in among the leaves with the mussels. Drizzle over the pistou, squeeze over a little lemon juice and serve straight away, while the potatoes are still warm.

fir apple or Anya 50g prepared frisée (curly endive) 50g wild rocket

FOR THE PISTOU: 50g fresh basil leaves 3 fat garlic cloves, peeled 1 x 75g vine-ripened tomato, skinned, seeded and chopped 75g Parmesan cheese, finely grated 150ml olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

SERVES 4 4 x 175-225-g pieces of thick, unskinned cod fillet 15g melted butter, for brushing Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE POMMES SARLADAISE: 1kg floury potatoes such as King Edwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or Maris Pipers 4 heaped tablespoons goose or duck fat 3 garlic cloves 25g flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon truffle oil FOR THE TOMATO AND CAPER SALAD: 6 medium-sized vine ripened tomatoes, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced 2 teaspoons nonpareilles capers, drained and rinsed 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar Pinch caster sugar 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley 21 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Grilled cod on pommes sarladaise with truffle oil For the pommes sarladaise, peel and thickly slice the potatoes - about 5 mm thick. Heat 3 tablespoons of the goose or duck fat in a large, reliably non-stick frying pan. Add the potatoes and some seasoning and fry over a medium heat for about 5 minutes until the bottom layer of potatoes is golden. Then turn the potatoes over and leave until another bottom layer is golden. Some of the potatoes will remain unbrowned, and as they cook the slices start to break up a little, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry, this is how they should be. Repeat this for 15 minutes, making sure not to turn the potatoes before the bottom layer has browned. Then turn the heat down, cover and leave to cook very gently for another 10 minutes. Chop the garlic and half the parsley leaves together to make a persillade. Uncover the potatoes and mix in the persillade and the truffle oil. Cover and leave to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Meanwhile, brush the cod on both sides with the melted butter and season with some salt and pepper. Put skin-side up onto a baking tray and grill for 8-10 minutes until cooked through. For the salad, arrange the sliced tomatoes over the base of a shallow serving dish and scatter over the sliced red onion and capers. Whisk together the red wine vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper and then gradually whisk in the olive oil. Drizzle this over the salad, scatter over the parsley and set to one side. Now uncover the pan of potatoes, turn up the heat and add the last tablespoon of duck fat. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the bottom layer is crisp and brown, then add the remaining chopped parsley and turn over briefly. To serve, spoon the potatoes onto 4 warm plates and rest the cod on top. Serve with the tomato and caper salad. 21

SERVES 4 12-16 cooked langoustines or 100g large freshly cooked peeled prawns 2 medium-sized squid, cleaned, to yield about 250g 450g small mussels, cleaned 2 tablespoons dry white wine 300ml Chicken stock 150g dried linguine 4 tablespoons olive oil 25g plain flour Small pinch crushed dried chillies 25g butter 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, skinned, seeded and diced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 20g fine herbes leaves parsley, tarragon, chervil and chives, finely chopped 1 teaspoon lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper

A little rago没t of seafood

with fines herbes, white wine and linguine Peel the langoustines if using. Cut the squid pouches across into thin rings and separate the tentacles into pairs. Set aside. Bring a large pan of well-salted water (1 teaspoon per 600ml) to the boil. Heat a medium-sized pan over a high heat, add the mussels and the wine, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan every now and then, until the mussels have just opened. Tip them into a colander set over a bowl to collect the cooking juices, and, when cool enough to handle, remove the meats from the shells, cover and set aside. Pour all but the last tablespoon or two of the mussel cooking liquor (as it might be a bit gritty) into a small pan, add the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Boil rapidly until reduced to 180ml, then turn off the heat and keep warm. Drop the pasta into the pan of boiling water and cook for 8-9 minutes or until al dente. Drain well, return to the pan with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, toss, cover and keep warm. Season the prepared squid, toss with the flour and shake off the excess. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the squid and a few flakes of the dried chillies and fry over a high heat for about 1 minute until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with another tablespoon of oil, and the rest of the squid and chillies. Now pour the mussel liquor and chicken stock reduction into the frying pan in which the squid was cooked and add the butter and the last tablespoon of olive oil. It will immediately boil. Add the tomato, garlic, fines herbes, langoustines or prawns and lemon juice and toss together very briefly until the prawns have heated through. Add the cooked mussels and squid, and toss together once more for about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper and remove from the heat so that the fish doesn't cook any further. Divide the rago没t between 4 small, warmed soup plates and twist some of the pasta into a pile in the centre of each bowl. Serve straight away. 22

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Are you aged 55 or over and living with a long term health condition? Find out how to improve your quality of life and get involved:

www.yourpersonalbestcampaign.co.uk Your Personal Best website is a national awareness campaign developed and funded by GSK, official laboratory services provider for London 2012, in association with NHS London. It aims to inspire the 7.78 million people over 55 with long term health conditions in the UK to lead a more active lifestyle. Keeping active can be a challenge if you have a long term health condition, but it can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing and may also ease your symptoms. If you feel like your condition is holding you back from leading a more active lifestyle and you are over 55 years old, then the Your Personal Best campaign, inspired by the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games, is here to help you with simple advice on how to become more active.

Did you know that keeping active can help manage your condition? Keeping active can be a challenge if you have a long term health condition, but it can make a significant difference to your health and wellbeing and may also ease your symptoms. Even relatively small increases in physical activity are associated with some protection against chronic diseases and an improved quality of life for everyone but in particular for older adults.

TV personality and dance coach Len Goodman and TV presenter Arlene Phillips are the celebrity faces of Your Personal Best. Supported by ten patient and healthcare professional groups across the UK, the campaign encourages everyone aged over 55 with long term health conditions to set personal and realistic activity goals in order to lead a more active lifestyle and help you to achieve your personal best.

About Len Goodman

Regular physical activity helps to prevent and treat many diseases and conditions, including coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.

Len Goodman is known to millions as the head judge from Strictly Come Dancing and the USA version of the show, Dancing with the Stars. His vast knowledge of Ballroom and Latin American dancing - gained over a lifetime of competing, judging and teaching all over the world - has made him one of the most respected characters in the dance fraternity.

The Your Personal Best campaign asks you to consider your current levels of activity and incorporate more into your daily routine wherever possible. We are not expecting people to become Olympic athletes - just to do what they can. Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist about the right activity levels for you. Physical activity can mean different things to different people. As well as exercise, everyday activities that require a degree of physical exertion such as walking, gardening and housework can be classed as physical activity.

Born in Bethnal Green in the East End of London, Len started his career relatively late in life. He actually wanted to be a footballer and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until the age of 20 that the ex-docker started dancing. Having retired after a successful competitive dancing career, which included winning Dual of the Giants, British Rising Stars, The British Exhibition Championships (four times) and the World Exhibition Championships in the early 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it was a natural progression for him to start up his own dance school in Kent.

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), Parkinson’s, arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease or depression?

Len has received various awards in the UK, including a Life Achievement Award for his work in dance and a Carl Allen Award (the equivalent of the Oscars of the dance world). His work on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With the Stars has ensured nominations and awards aplenty and in 200607 he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Dancing with the Stars.

About Arlene Phillips Arlene first came to the attention of the British public as choreographer of dance group Hot Gossip in the 1970’s. Arlene has choreographed numerous West End, Broadway and worldwide musical theatre productions. Arlene choreographed the 1982 film, Annie, and the Duran Duran song The Wild Boys which was named Best British Video at the 1985 BRIT Awards. From 2004-2009, she was a judge on the BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing and commented on the acts in Eurovision: Your Country Needs You for the BBC in 2009. In 2008, she created, produced and choreographed a new British television serial Britannia High. She was also the creative mind behind hit BBC shows DanceX and Strictly Dance Fever. Internationally, Phillips is most noted as a jazz and musical theatre choreographer, having worked on some of the biggest selling musicals in West End and Broadway theatre and a number of successful films. Most notably, Phillips is a multiple Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee. In the 2002 New Year’s Honours List Arlene was awarded an OBE for Services to Dance

Len says “I know from personal experience that once you are over the age of 55 it is harder to stay active, especially if you have a long term health condition. Your Personal Best aims to inspire people to do simple lifestyle activities in order to stay more active. You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to get involved!”

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Len and Arlene’s Top Tips 1. There are plenty of things that you can do to stay active in and around the home such as DIY, housework or simple stretching 2. Why not get together with other people in your local community and organise group walks to explore the area 3. Play active video games using a Wii or other console as a great alternative to a gym 4.

Take up a new activity such as dance classes in your local area. Don’t be worried about having a partner; there are plenty of solo dance classes on offer in the UK, as well as dance groups with partners that you can pair up with. It is also a great way to meet new people!

If you have nephews, nieces and grandchildren, playing with them is a fun way to stay active – there are plenty of activities that you can all do together such as gardening which is not only fun but can be educational too!

Arlene says “I’m really passionate about encouraging people aged over 55 to stay more active. My first love is obviously dancing but it doesn’t have to be dancing, it could be gardening, playing with your grandchildren or doing house work. Just as long as you are staying active in some way, that is the key thing.”

Medal-winning Paralympian Tanni GreyThompson comments “The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are the perfect opportunity to inspire people to be more active than they ever thought possible. My sporting achievements prove that perceived limitations need not hold you back from being active. Even increasing your everyday activity by a small amount can make a big difference to your health so good luck in going for Your Personal Best.”

Alternatives Enjoy life without The Daredevil

Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards

n advanced eye procedure has helped Eddie Edwards make the leap from longsighted Olympic long shot to eagle-eyed national treasure. Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards won a place in the nation’s heart when he represented Great Britain at 1988 Winter Olympics and now ranks as one of Great Britain’s most famous Olympic athletes. His distinctive pink-rimmed spectacles quickly became his trademark, although wearing glasses proved a major impairment to his ski jumping. They would frequently steam up under his mask, meaning he sometimes jumped in a state of near blindness. “It was very dangerous, hitting the takeoff at seventy miles per hour and not being able to see properly”, says Eddie. “I’d always worn glasses, with really thick lenses, since I was very young. My eyesight was terrible, and I could hardly see without them. So taking part in sports was really problematic”.

‘Ski jumping with poor vision was extremely dangerous’

Eddie opted for Lens Implants (IOL Treatment). In 2003 Eddie visited Optimax for a consultation and discovered that, while not suitable for laser eye surgery, there were alternative procedures which could correct his vision. As soon as the lens was put in place I could see much more clearly. The result was perfect”. “For patients like Eddie, whose prescription was beyond the range of laser treatment, Intra Ocular Lenses are an excellent alternative. These can often improve night vision and provide much better quality of sight than you could achieve with glasses” said Optimax Medical Director Malcolm Samuel. “Having the surgery has been the best thing that’s happened to me, it’s impacted every part of my life”, says Eddie.” “My eyesight is so clear now and not having to wear glasses is fantastic. I only wish I’d had it done years ago!”

‘As soon as the lens was put in place I could see much more clearly. The result was perfect’ 28

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to Laser Eye Surgery glasses, contacts or cataracts The Couple

Stephanie and Bill Yemc

eterborough couple Stephanie and Bill Yemc have a similar view of the world after 43 years of marriage – but this shared vision has just been greatly enhanced. The couple now enjoy a new view of the world and have discarded no fewer than 15 pairs of glasses that they had acquired between them. Bill’s extensive business travel abroad forced him to seek a permanent solution to his poor vision “I was always flying to Europe and other destinations and I would need to find an optician as soon as I got there as I had lost or broken my glasses on the flight – enough was enough,” said the 65-year-old. “I decided that a lens replacement could be the solution to needing glasses for reading, driving and everything and an end to the frustration of not being able to read the labels on the shampoo and soap. After researching on the internet, Bill was amazed to find the answer on his doorstep – at his local branch of Optimax. In a short procedure, conducted under local anaesthetic, the aging lenses in Bill’s eyes were replaced with advanced Tecnis multifocal lenses and now Bill has better than 20/20 vision. “I don’t need glasses at all now and my only regret is that I should have had this treatment years’ ago. R

FREE Consultation

It was so pain-free – I would much prefer to have this done than have a tooth filled,” he joked. Bill’s wife Stephanie, 62, decided to have the same multifocal lens replacements after seeing the success of Bill’s renewed vision. Dr Manzar Saeed, the surgeon who treated Mr and Mrs Yemc, explained: “This operation can be enormously liberating for people who lead active lives and do not want to be troubled with glasses. The other good news is that now the aging, natural lenses in their eyes have been replaced neither of them will ever develop cataracts.”

‘I don’t need glasses at all now and my only regret is that I should have had this treatment years ago’ Interest FREE Credit

Book a FREE consultation, call 08705 14 33 14 and quote “50+Ad” or visit optimax.co.uk/iol www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

90 years of Insulin

“Insulin is a wonderful thing and those who use it must respect it” 23 January 2012 marked the 90th anniversary of the first successful use of insulin, arguably one of the greatest medical advances of the twentieth century. Since then, millions of people worldwide have used insulin, usually in the form of injections, to regulate their blood glucose levels and stay alive. Not long after the first insulin treatment began on a 14-year-old boy, in 1934 novelist HG Wells and his practitioner Dr RD Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes, set up the Diabetic Association aiming to make sure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin. This charity later became Diabetes UK. Today Diabetes UK is the leading charity for over 3.7 million people in the UK with diabetes – 2.9 million diagnosed and an estimated 850,000 who have diabetes but do not know it - their families, friends and healthcare professionals. The charity cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of all people affected by and at risk of diabetes. Richard Lane 68, President of Diabetes UK, has been taking insulin for more than 35 years and has seen the technology in administering insulin advance in leaps and bounds: “I used to use glass syringes which would have to be boiled and their needles sharpened. A lot has changed since then and I now use a state-of-theart insulin pump and sensor. It provides me with a remarkable amount of information about my blood glucose levels, which is transmitted wirelessly from a sensor to the actual pump which feeds me insulin. Data can be downloaded onto a computer and a detailed profile of my condition is put together. This life-changing technology means I can now keep a closer eye on my diabetes and manage it well.” 30

Richard says he feels “humble” to have access to this modern technology and is concerned that hundreds of people are denied insulin sensors and pumps and strongly believes that they should be available for all people if they are suitable. Richard is very conscious that insulin keeps him alive and without it he wouldn’t be able to live the active life that he does: “Insulin is a wonderful thing and those of us who use it must respect it. We have to be aware of how to use it and how things could go wrong if we don’t treat our condition properly.” In addition to self-managing diabetes, it is important that people with the condition are provided with the right care from their healthcare professionals. Diabetes UK has launched the 15 healthcare essentials initiative to identify the 15 care checks which all people with diabetes should have access to.

For more information, visit their website: www.diabetes.org.uk Read Richard Lane’s blog to see who he’s been sharing his experiences with across the world recently: http://blogs.diabetes.org.uk/?cat=241

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If, like 90% of UK adults, you have ever had chickenpox, there is a 1 in 4 chance you will develop shingles at some point in your lifetime.

hingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a condition that is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body until it is reactivated, causing shingles. It is not fully known what causes the virus to reactivate, but anyone who has had chickenpox could develop shingles in later life, often many years after the original chickenpox infection. It tends to occur more frequently in people aged 50 years or older. It usually causes a rash on one side of the body. The symptoms of shingles are usually mild but can be very unpleasant for some. Shingles usually starts with a headache, fever, and tiredness, and you are likely to feel unwell. It’s very common to feel a burning pain somewhere on the body, which may become extreme. Within a few days to three weeks this area of pain will start to develop a red rash, which will turn into ﬂuid-ﬁlled blisters. When these painful blisters burst they will then turn into sores that will eventually crust over and heal. Most people recover but some people continue to feel extreme pain in the area of the rash that can remain for many months, or in extreme cases even years. This is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can prevent

sufferers from living a normal life, and for some even a slight breeze against the skin can be painful and distressing. Shingles varies from person to person and some people will require treatment. See your GP as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash occurring. Most people do not have any long-term effects, but for some shingles can cause complications. If shingles develops in the eye it can lead to decreased vision or even permanent blindness in the affected eye. It is possible to prevent shingles. See your GP who can give you more information. Other sources of information include www.shinglesaware.co.uk or the Shingles Support Society, 41 North Road, London N7 9DP who have a helpline (0845 123 2305) and a website (www.shinglessupport.org)

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to access www.shinglesaware.co.uk

UK15219 t 04/12

Provided by Sanofi Pasteur MSD

OUT & ABOUT

ESSEX COUNTRY SHOW 2012 8th & 9th September 10.00am - 5.00pm

What was once an Essex farming family’s informal gathering of half a dozen steam engines is now the largest event of its type in the South East, with an average of 35,000 visitors for the last 5 years. The show, with an emphasis on agricultural history and rural crafts, is now in its 26th year. Whether it’s the size and power of the steam engines - which you can steer yourself - helicopter rides, specialist food hall, children’s amusements, arena events or the huge variety of over 200 craft and trade stands, we cater for the whole family. Why not visit the Essex Country Show and join the captivating atmosphere? Telephone: 01268 290228 Email: info@essexcountryshow.co.uk Address: Essex Country Show, Barleylands, Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD

For more information please visit www.barleylands.co.uk/essex-country-show

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME at the National Theatre, London 24 July 2012 to 12 September 2012 See the best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time come to life on the National Theatre stage. The latest in a stream of excellent adaptations to be staged at the National Theatre (War Horse, Nation, His Dark Materials), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a darkly comic, moving tale told from one boy’s unique perspective. Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone is a bright teenager with severe learning difficulties that distort his perception of reality. When he discovers that his neighbour’s dog has been killed with a garden fork, Christopher – who himself is a suspect – decides to investigate the death. Thanks to Christopher’s meticulous nature, his investigations lead to the unexpected discovery of his family’s real history, something his father was desperate to conceal. Shaken, the young man is forced to flee his narrow, secure routine in order to discover the whole truth.

For more information please visit www.visitlondon.com

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FREE CONCERTS AT BT LONDON LIVE IN HYDE PARK During the London 2012 Olympic Games you’ll be able to see free performances from top musical artists, including Tom Jones, Alexandra Burke and McFly, in the BT London Live arena at Hyde Park. While you’re enjoying BT London Live, which is open all day, you’ll also be able to try your hand at popular Olympic sports and perhaps even meet some of Team GB’s athletes after they’ve finished their events. Furthermore, you won’t have to miss a second of the sporting action as you can watch the London 2012 Olympic events live on the BT London Live arena’s four giant screens. There are also ample bars and attractions on offer, including Cadbury House, where you can delve into the world of the iconic chocolate brand. You can turn up on the day, but it’s advisable to reserve tickets in advance, which guarantee entry before 2pm.

To book your space please go to www. visitlondon.com

THE NEW FOREST SHOW 24 - 26 July 2012

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire. The aim is to create a great family day out with much to do, learn and see. The show attracts, on average, 95,000 visitors every year and brings together a celebration of traditional country pursuits, crafts, produce and entertainment. Show jumping is a major feature at the show and there are international classes throughout all three days. A full range of equestrian classes also feature, as well as livestock competitions including pigs, cattle and sheep, plus a poultry section, rabbits, cage birds, and honey bees.

For more information please call 01590 622400 or visit www.newforestshow.co.uk. Please note that tickets are now on sale.

✁

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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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.

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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 36

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 37

and aspirations are and to help them achieve as many of these as possible without running out of money before they die.

That sounds very idealistic. What if people don’t know what they want to do in the future?

Interview with Julian Milner, MD of Sigma Asset Management.

What are you and Sigma Asset Management about? We are about true goal based financial planning. Rather than look at a client’s current position and try to maximise their investment return we look at their future position and work out a plan to get them there.

But surely the investment return is the most important thing in any financial plan? The most important thing about an investment return is that it achieves its objectives in line with your risk profile. If you only need a certain return to be able to get to where you want in the future, then we will target that return and try to minimise exposure to market volatility.

So what is the most important thing in financial planning? What you want to achieve. So many people go through life amassing wealth through various financial products without actually taking a step back and saying “what am I doing this for?”. Our whole ethos is to find out what our clients’ future goals

Most clients have a vague idea about what they want to do when they stop working, but very few have explored it in detail. We spend time helping to paint a picture of what a client’s ideal life would be like when they push the retirement button. Sometimes people can do less than they want because of financial constraints, often they can do more but are insecure about their current finances and are worried that the money will run out. Quite often couple’s have non-aligned views about retirement because they have never sat down and discussed it.

How would you suggest that people start to work out their future goals? I think that a perfect starting point, and something that I suggest to all of my clients, is to go out for dinner with your partner, have a bottle of wine, and talk and imagine what the future is going to be like. Talk about what you would love to do and what you wished that you had done. Talk about financial constraints, whether you want to keep working, whether you want to travel and then drill down in to details. That’s the starting point of a goal based financial plan.

OK, I’ve sat down with my partner, we’ve got some ideas about what we want to, what next? That’s where we come in and can make a real impact on people’s lives. We have very sophisticated cash-flow

modelling tools. Initially we clarify your dreams and aspirations and put a value on them, we then look at your everyday expenditure and how it is going to change –spending patterns change throughout retirement. We then draw up a financial plan for life with a life time cash flow forecast so that we can let you know how close you can get to achieving your ideals.

How can you guarantee that my lifetime plan will work? We can’t. The plan is a model and will change throughout the years, attitudes to risk will change and investment returns will ebb and flow. What we can guarantee is that we will sit down with you regularly and review your plan and go through the changes with you. I firmly believe that you can maximise your happiness by having something to work towards.

Isn’t talking about retirement all a bit depressing? Absolutely not! In the old days people would work until they were 65, spend 5 years in the garden and then that was pretty much it – usually because they had smoked 40 Capstan Full strength for most of their life. Now people are fitter, have more money, have access to a far greater number of luxuries than ever before and live longer. No, post retirement, if planned right, can be the best time of your life!

The cottage in the country

The 12 O’clock train.

What is your plan? Sally had been working with a Financial Adviser for many years, however a friend said that she should talk to Geraldine Halpin of Sigma Asset Management because she thought that they offered something different. Sally is single, 55 and works as a free- lance casting director in the heart of the West End.

Clients of mine in their 50s have a smallholding in the country and three children at private school. Several years ago they sold their business and made a reasonable amount of money. They then started up in business again and I asked why, expecting them to tell me that they weren’t ready to stop working yet. Surprisingly, they told me about the 12 O’clock train.

At our first meeting we found out that she has had a successful career in London, has many friends and enjoys fine dining, fine wine and first night theatre openings. However her real passion lies elsewhere. After a little probing we found out that her dream was to move to Dorset where she has a cottage with a small mortgage, give a little back by doing some community orientated work and spend more time enjoying the beautiful countryside and of course the local pub. We asked her when she wanted to do this and she immediately replied, “I’d do it tomorrow if I could – I’ve been in London for over 20 years now and to be honest I’ve had enough.” After a few more questions and a open conversation about her personal finances, we were able to work out a life plan (game plan) which is due to begin at 60. She has not amassed a vast amount of investment income, but when we went back to the office and reviewed our clients assets and the costs involved for her to achieve her plan we found that her plan can be reached comfortably. She is now continuing to work towards her individual life plan knowing that it is more than achievable. Whether she achieves this in 2 or 5 years is not important, it is the fact that she knows that she can categorically do what she really wants to do with the rest of her life when the time is right for her which she said ‘’is a huge weight off my shoulders’.

They met when at University; married shortly afterwards and always had a dream to have enough money to be financially independent. With this money their first priority is to make sure that their family was OK financially, specifically to make sure that they had enough to cover school fees and a small deposit on a house for each of them. Once this is achieved they want to liquidate all of their assets expect their family home, go to Paris the next day and take the 12 o’ clock train to anywhere. Once they reach this unknown destination, they intend to stay there and take in the sights, enjoy the local cuisine and local culture and when they have had enough take the next 12 o’clock train to their next unknown destination and carry on. Their kids would come and see them regularly and they would come back to the family home when they have had enough of travelling. Not everyone’s cup of tea – but a game plan and something concrete to work towards. They nearly have enough, can see the end of the tunnel and are so happy with where they are in life and their relationship with money. They may not go as far as they planned with their ambitious travelling, they may not do it at all, but at least they have an idea and are working towards that.

Get in touch today to discuss your needs... Tel: 01932 340 710 | julian@sigmaifa.com | www.sigmaifa.com

The Stables, Parvis Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6EY The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invested.

Have you made your

personal financial plan? Ultimately we all want financial security and independence. If you already have it, you may want to look at changing your lifestyle to suit. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, you may need to put some measures in place to help you achieve it. Either way, our aim is to provide you with a complete financial planning experience with which you are totally comfortable and fully satisfied.

solution designed to link in with your personal risk profile to help you achieve your objectives. Again, it is all about you. If this is something which you think may be of benefit to you, call or e-mail us to introduce yourself and we will take it from there. We have several offices around the country and a team of experienced, skilful, fully qualified and ethical independent planners who will happily explain and guide you through our process.

Our methodology focuses on you, your goals, dreams and aspirations. Of course we use the same sophisticated products and tools as most advisers, but we have a robust investment

Call on 01932 340710 or e-mail: julian@sigmaifa.com The Stables, Parvis Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6EY

www.sigmaifa.com

Sigma Asset Management Ltd. is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority - Registration Number 225526 Copyright ÂŠ 2012 Sigma Asset Management Ltd. Sigma Asset Management, Financial Services in Surrey.