Reading issue 38 by 50 Plus Magazine

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W W W. 5 0 P L U S M A G A Z I N E . C O . U K APRIL - JUNE 2016

READING, BRACKNELL, WOKINGHAM & MAIDENHEAD EDITION 38

James Martin

THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

BREAST HEALTH BE BREAST AWARE Quite simply, breast awareness means being familiar with how your breasts look and feel on a normal basis. If you are familiar with what is normal for your breasts, then it is more likely that you will notice any abnormalities at the earliest opportunity. If you’ve never thought of yourself as a cancer, now’s the time to start.

WHEN MIGHT YOUR WILL BE CHALLENGED?

You know your breasts better than anyone. Their shape; how they feel; how they can differ at different times in your cycle. You’re therefore perfectly placed to be their best protector, by examining yourself regularly, going for routine check-ups if you’re advised to, anything out of the ordinary. Most of us know of someone who has had breast cancer. Around 40,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year, and in general the risk increases as you get older. What causes it? It seems to be triggered by a cocktail of factors working together. These can include your own genetic history, hormonal factors, diet, exercise, the way you live and environmental factors too. HOW TO CHECK YOURSELF

n puckering, dimpling or redness of skin n new pain or discomfort that is only on one side. CHANGES CAN BE NORMAL AND HARMLESS your GP. Naturally you may feel worried at are entirely normal and due simply to your breasts developing or ageing. It’s also true that most lumps in the breast are actually harmless. Similarly, pain in your breasts during your menstrual cycle is usually nothing to do with the disease. LOWERING YOUR RISK By following good health and dietary

SCREENING All women between the ages of 47 and 73 should receive regular breast screening. The NHS should send you an invitation every three years, so do ask if you haven’t received yours. You may also be advised that screening is a good idea if you’re aged between 30-50 and have a family history of the disease, or if an immediate relative has been diagnosed. Again, if you’re in any doubt have a word with your GP. HOW BMI THE PARK HOSPITAL CAN HELP The Park Breast Care Clinic open every Monday* and Wednesday offering patients a consultation with

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CONTENTS

Twittering On with Graham Smith

INSIDE...

12-13

Food on the move Is it really necessary to drink coffee and eat on the move? The modern trend is to ponse along with a cardboard cup of whatever in the mornings, Graham Smith in the street, the car or at a desk, and as the day goes on it seems the modern generation cannot be without some sort of drink in their hands whatever they are doing. In my day we ate at tables, used knives and forks and drank sitting down, what’s wrong with that?

Have a nice day Have you notices the number of glib and insincere phrases which have crept into the patter from sales people?

6-7

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME Tips to improve your lifestyle

10-11 DOWNSIZING & DECLUTTERING A simple plan of action 12-13 JAMES MARTIN Plates, Mates and Automobiles The Tour! 14-15 SPRING GARDENING TIPS The jobs to care off before the weather starts to pick up 18-21 Out and about Places to visit 22-24 sweet treats Desserts to delight 29-31 Volunteering opportunities

“Have a nice day”, “Will that be a small, medium or large?”, “Is there anything else I can help with today?” All patronising insincerities which are obviously taught as standard at training courses and are surely designed to get right up our nostrils. Gone are the days when natural conversation peppered our daily lives in shops and restaurants. Now it is replaced by plasticised Americanisms which grate with me like fingernails down a wall. But as I said earlier I officially become a dinosaur this year and look what became of them!

God Save the Queen I see the trendies would like a new song at sporting events to replace the national anthem. Oh for God’s sake what’s wrong with them? In a European world where we have to have straight bananas, standard measure condoms and all manner of bureaucratic tripe can we not stick with the one thing which is unique to this country? Stand up for it, sing it, be proud we have it, use it or lose it. Hasn’t this country lost enough?

22-24 SUPPORT TO STAY IN YOUR OWN HOME plus Free Falls Preventions Service To read more titles of the magazine, enter our competitions or to subscribe to our regular newsletter visit our new look website:

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50 Plus Travel

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Is Camping Fun for Empty Nesters? BY Steve Aldridge

Steve Aldridge from Silver Travel Advisor explores the Loire Valley from his very comfortable mobile home with Canvas Holidays Camping, without kids? That’s intense! (well not “in tents”, as we were actually staying in a mobile home but never let the facts spoil a good joke). Canvas Holidays helped us choose somewhere relatively flat and quiet, with interesting surroundings and booked that alongside Eurotunnel reservations. With a few essentials packed (Baked Beans and toilet roll) we were off to the Château des Marais site in the Loire Valley. With the cries of “are we there yet” missing, a leisurely drive west of Paris took us to our destination. We admired the largest Gothic cathedral in France at Amiens and stayed at the picture perfect Honfleur. Many painters still follow in Monet’s footsteps and easels abound at the Vieux Bassin (old dock).

Upon arrival, friendly Canvas staff familiarised us with our 2 bedroom mobile home, which was set in a quiet wooded area, with plenty of dappled shade. We had a comfortable lounge to relax in, well equipped kitchen and welcome en-suite facilities. Outside

was a raised decking area with table, chairs and umbrella, perfect for outdoor dining, cups of tea and sampling the local produce such as cheese and wine (it would be rude not to support the local economy wouldn’t it?). Chairs, sun loungers and BBQ completed the “ahhh this is all very relaxing” kit. The grounds were very well maintained and the woodland nature of the site allows for the tents and mobile homes to be broken into a succession of quiet secluded areas. Open grassy areas, flower beds, swimming pools, reading and games room, restaurant, bar and shop complete the generous facilities on site. Close by is a jewel of the French Renaissance, Château de Chambord, the largest in the Loire Valley. When Francois I started the build in 1519, he set out to impress everyone who came here and WOW did he get that

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TRAVEL It took about an hour to get to the Château de Chenonceau from the site and we stuck to the minor routes to get a look at some of the smaller towns and villages along the way. This made for a really interesting drive, on which we saw smaller Châteaux, churches and were impressed by some of the villages that take a real pride in beautifying their homes with flowers and shaped hedges. With the horrors of outdoor toilets and showers avoided by having a comfortable mobile home, this proved to be an excellent base to explore this beautiful area and a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Sign us up for the next camping trip.

right. This Château sports an amazing collection of turrets, chimneys and lanterns, which make Cinderella’s castle look a bit boring really. The English audio guide navigates us around this architectural wonder, following a route that did its best not to miss any of the selection of 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases and 4500 works of art covering paintings, tapestries and furniture that were accessible to visitors. The most impressive staircase is the doublehelix staircase that Leonardo da Vinci may well have had a hand in designing. A wonderful outing is concluded with a picnic in the vast and impressive grounds that surround the Château, claimed to be the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, with 5440 hectares to enjoy. The area around the campsite is relatively flat and there are something like 550 Km of cycle friendly paths, trails and back roads to enjoy, perfect for us to go walking. The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is a UNESCO World heritage site and is described as an outstanding cultural landscape of great (I would say exceptional) beauty. We walked for hours along the river Loire and there are some handy parking spots so you can pick up where you left off the day before, without walking the same route again. For a couple of days the temperature was perfect, the sun shone, the dragon flies danced above the reeds with electric blue reflecting in their wings, wild orchids beamed from the bank, trees shed their fluffy white blossom so that occasionally it seemed we were walking through a snowstorm. Hand in hand, at that moment in time, there was no place in the world we’d rather be. The walking paths/bike trails were fairly deserted and we’d walk for quite some time before passing another soul. Nearly all greeted us with a cheery bonjour. With so many Châteaux in the Loire Valley, we chose Château de Chenonceau, for a second day out. Building began in the 16th century and it is significantly smaller than Château de Chambord, but its outstanding feature is that it spans the Cher River using a number of elegant arches. The gallery that sits above it is said to have been the venue for many an interesting party in its day. There were also beautiful gardens, a maze and waxworks to admire.

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Factbox Canvas Holidays offers luxury self-catering tent, mobile home and lodge holidays at over 100 of the finest campsites in Europe. Destinations span across 8 European countries including France, Spain and Italy. Canvas Holidays provides accommodation to suit all budgets, offering flexibility on dates, duration and travel arrangements. With plenty of activities tailored for adults, more and more couples are enjoying the flexibility that camping holidays with can offer. Many of their campsites are ideal for an over 50s holiday and offer activities from luxury spas and wine tasting to golf and scuba diving. Camping really does offer something for everyone. Contact www.canvasholidays.com or call 0345 268 0827

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HOME

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME B Y A N G ELA K ELL Y

CHANGING the mood of your home is a definite way to alter and improve your lifestyle in 2016. The wonderful thing about this positive decision is that it can cost as much – or as little – as you want it to, involving differences to your home that are radical or merely minor. “It really all depends on your budget and how much change you want, your circumstances and your surrounding space,” explains interior designer Allyson Houghton from Ideas Interior. She has noticed that a major trend in improving homes today involves glass and letting in plenty of natural light through glass walls and roofs. “This is a natural improver of your mood and helps bring the outside in,” she adds.

Select your builder carefully, preferably on recommendation, and see for yourself the kind of work he has already carried out. Look at the planning permission or building control approval

Chris Bull from Taurus Interiors believes that light is crucial to improving living areas. “In bathrooms and kitchens you generally want brighter lights, with softer lighting in the lounge and bedrooms,” he states. Try panels on the walls that reflect light. “LED lighting is so far advanced now that you can change the mood whenever you want,” he adds. “There is even a switch with eight different settings in one.” If you are planning major changes to alter the whole mood and atmosphere of your property and way of living, it may well be worth investing in an extension to provide more rooms or an extra bathroom. 6

Allyson Houghton Ideas Interiors is an established Interior Design Studio based in the heart of Lancashire, and their client geographic stretches from The Highlands to London and further afield in Europe.

you might need first by checking on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk “Conservatories and orangeries are also very popular these days,” says Allyson, ”and you can often finally achieve the lifestyle you dreamed of by having this improvement in light and space.” There are many varying styles of both available and, again, choose your supplier carefully. Go online and study the styles that would both complement your own home and will provide the changes you want or visit local showrooms. “Sometimes, just painting your home, improving the garden or patio and adding colourful pots of plants and flowers can change the whole look of your home and lift your mood, too,” states Allyson.

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Take a look at your existing frontdoor: does it need sprucing up with a lick of paint or do you need a new one? A modern front-door, often with smart glass panels, can make quite a difference to your hallway – “and this area is the gateway to your home as it’s the first thing visitors see so it really needs to give a good impression,” says Allyson. Lighting around your home is a major improver of mood and feelings. Allyson advises investing in dimmer switches to change the lighting as your own mood changes, and use good-quality candles around the home. “These not only give out a lovely light but can also scent your home – and the senses need soothing in this way so they are a definite mood-changer.” If you’re buying new light fittings, while it’s useful to see what is available by going online, it’s always best to go into shops and stores and see light fittings for yourself and the effect they have on an area. Be careful about choosing wall colours and décor throughout your property. Bold colours like reds and greens can be harsh but if you want a more relaxing ambience, neutral shades and gentler colours like blues and lilacs can soothe and improve how you feel as soon as you step through the door. Colour is vital in your home. Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages, so it’s important to get it right. If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort. But, Allyson advises that if you have a really good suite or sofa that’s more than 15 years-old but looking the worse for wear these days, consider having it re-upholstered instead. “Older furniture

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can be particularly well-made and some good suites are certainly worth keeping – I never advise throwing away one like that,” she says. “Find a good upholsterer to give your suite or sofa a more modern look and you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes. And if you can’t afford re-upholstering, invest in a couple of attractive throws to alter the way they look.” Changing a room’s colourscheme by getting the help of a recommended painter and decorator – or simply doing it yourself – can bring a main room like a lounge into the 21st century. Use a central colour, adds Allyson, and accentuate this with toning cushions and other soft furnishings and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your home is starting to look. New curtains and drapes that frame windows beautifully can also open up a room, adding to that lovely new décor. This new style can be repeated around the home in varying ways. Having a new kitchen is a welcome, major addition to your property and certainly worth the investment if yours is looking jaded and old-fashioned. “Or adding new unit doors and work surfaces can also re-vamp a kitchen,” states Allyson. “Smart new flooring, a new sink and taps can really cheer up your kitchen and make it look modern.”

Floor coverings generally can alter the look and mood of your home – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make rooms smarter and feel so much more comfortable, which improves your quality of living. A new bathroom might be your dream – and a great place for relaxing. Baths are a real style item today and it’s worth having a look around for just the right shape and style. The same goes for your bathroom tiling and décor – “but sometimes just having candles lit in your bathroom can make a difference,” insists Allyson. Your bedroom is definitely a place that needs to reflect a relaxing mood, so does it need a revamp? New units completely change this room, and improve your lifestyle by having a place for everything. On a simpler level, new bedding, cushions and a new carpet can make this room into a wonderfully restive place – and investing in a new bed is definitely an ongoing mood-changer that gives you the right level of sleep, every night. • For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk www.taurusinteriors.co.uk

FOR ALL YOUR HOME IMPROVE

We do miracles and the impossible just take

HOME TRANSFORMATIO

by Jason

EXTENSIONS: Make extra space from conception to completion we can help with everything you could need. CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES: For that extra bit of room to enjoy all year round, bringing your garden in. BATHROOMS: Designed, supplied and installed with a full range of furniture and fittings. KITCHENS: Fully designed, supplied and installed with a full range of appliances from all the main brands.

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Downsizing & Decluttering THERE comes a time for many of us when we look around at our previously much-loved home and decide the time has come to downsize to something smaller. This may be because your family has left to become independent and the property that once seemed to be bursting at the seams is just too big. It may be that you need to move to more convenient housing because health or financial necessities demand it, or because you would just prefer to look after and maintain a smaller place. There are more options than ever for retirement living these days and, while property can help fund your care home should you need it, another route is to rent a retirement property. Whatever you do next, you may well be faced with having to sell a property that reflects years of a happy home life. And that can mean a mass of possessions that may not fit into your downsized new home. In order to sell a property, it needs to be as clear as possible of the life of the previous owner so that a potential-buyer can see where he or she might fit their lifestyle into it. Decluttering your home takes a particular mind-set and genuine determination. In fact, as professional declutterer Amanda Manson of Orderly Office and Home points out: “The thought of what you’re going to do with everything might fill you with utter dread!”

She recommends a simple plan of action:

START NOW Beginning decluttering well in advance of putting your property on the market assists in a quick sale and spreads the load over time. “Try 10 minutes a day,” she advises, “little and often. Don’t try a whole room in one go – you’ll end up exhausted and disheartened. Keep in the forefront of your mind your goal of moving into a new home and you’ll be spurred on to continue each day.”

MAKE A LIST Keep track of where everything is. “If your new home has been agreed, assign a number to each room, and pack your belongings in a box numbered accordingly,” says Amanda. “If your new home hasn’t been decided yet, start grouping like items with like. Pack Winter/ Summer clothing together, pictures and ornaments, books and bedding (always spread books across several boxes – your removal men will thank you!). Remember to label everything.”

REALITY CHECK

Amanda Manson

Orderly Office and Home

you haven’t worn in over a year you might never wear again so out it goes, along with gifts that you’ll never use. Give them to relatives or friends, a local charity, sell them in the local paper or on an auction site or list them online for free collection. Adds Amanda: “Recycle unwanted items where possible, but if unsuitable then it’s a trip to your local rubbish tip or a call to your local council for removal.”

SIZE MATTERS If you have no garden, garage or guest room in your new home be realistic about whether you’ll use certain items like, for example, a lawnmower if you’re going somewhere with a serviced garden or no garden. Is your furniture too big for your new property? Try to imagine the bare minimum you could manage living with, and take it from there. “Often the additional ‘stuff’ we keep with us becomes an emotional weight around our necks,” states Amanda.

Look at what’s in your home and ask yourself “Do I use it, love it or need it?” If the answer is “no”, is it time to say goodbye? Amanda suggests that clothing

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HOME A GIFT TO YOUR CHILDREN If your loft has been home to items belonging to children like their earliest artwork, toys and other memories, now is the time to give them back. Explain your reasons, keep what you really can’t bear to part with and ask them to collect what’s left, with a deadline.

VISIBLE SPACES All open surfaces and room space should be as clear as possible ready for estate agents’ photographs. “Buyers can be easily put off by what appears to be a cramped or cluttered space,” observes Amanda.

HIDDEN SPACES Don’t just wonder if prospective buyers will look inside your cupboards. They will. If you have fitted wardrobes and sleek kitchen cupboards, buyers will want to know what they can fit into them.

STORE UNTIL YOU MOVE If you have a move date, this makes deciding what to keep out and what to pack away and what can go much easier.

Without one, you’ll have to get organised. Box up seasonal items and store them away in a loft, garage or in a storage facility until you move and keep your cupboards, wardrobes and kitchen space for things you use often.

STOP BUYING MORE! If you’re really set on making the move, start paring down any consumables right now, insists Amanda. “Sort through kitchen cupboards and freezer to see what meals you can make with what you already have. Discard out of date items, meal plan and make amends to your shopping list so you’re only buying the item you really need each week. Repeat the process with your bathroom cupboards and toiletries – and avoid the BOGOF temptations as it’s just more stuff to move.”

PAPERWORK AND READING MATERIAL As the years go by, it’s easy to let papers build up. “Sort through your paperwork piles and discard or shred anything that you really don’t need like outdated bills, manuals for items you don’t now have and old magazines,” says Amanda.

* For more information go to: www.orderlyofficeandhome.co.uk

Looking for the perfect home to retire to? New service could revolutionise your move! If you’re looking for the perfect home to retire to, but are put off by the stress and hassle usually associated with buying and selling a property, a new service being launched by the UK property industry could prove revolutionary. PerfectRetirementHome.com; a new all-inclusive moving service being launched by one of the country’s leading independent property companies – Quick Move Properties – is set to transform the way people find and move into retirement properties. From the initial property search, through to the sale of your existing property, PerfectRetirementHome.com will handle the whole process, with no stress or hassle for you. Quick Move Properties’ long-standing relationships with a wide range of national and independent retirement property specialists give them access to retirement properties available throughout the country, enabling them to carry out a property search based on the criteria you supply. Once they’ve found the property of your dreams, they will then handle the sale of your existing property, guiding and supporting you through the whole process. visit: www.PerfectRetirementHome.com

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James Martin

Plates, Mates and Automobiles: The Tour!

“I’ve always said I wouldn’t tour because I’ve always felt I didn’t have the right support team in place, but I have now,” he explains. “I’m not doing another, though – there won’t be a second tour!” The friendly but very decided Yorkshireman had spoken, and that was that. So his fans – of which there are many up and down the country as pre-ticket sales of 30,000 and sold-out venues happily proved– will just have to accept that.

JAMES Martin – the chef who has made Saturday morning TV a must for millions of viewers – is currently on a 25-venue nationwide tour when we chatted and had made a vow: this would be his first, and last, tour. 12

They have, though, accepted the 44 year-old Martin and how he wanted to structure his career from the first moment he stepped onto our screens in November, 1996. The pleasant and obviously talented young chef immediately impressed, but insisted on doing things his way. And that’s how it has been ever since. Fortunately – both for James and for us viewers – his cookery skills and onscreen charisma have created exactly the right recipe for enduring success. It would have been hard to forecast the level of success, however, when he was a young lad growing up on the Castle Howard estate where his

father was a catering manager. Plainly, this influenced him because at 16 he started formal catering training in college which resulted in him being Student of the Year three years running. After catering college, he worked for a variety of top chefs in leading restaurants including for famous names Antony Worrall Thompson and Marco Pierre White. He toured France, working in chateaux kitchens and gaining toplevel experience before coming back to England and kickstarting his own career. He was plainly ambitious and in 1994, just before his 22nd birthday, he opened his own hotel and bistro in Winchester. Since, he has opened other hotels including one in Manchester. From his first TV appearance, James quickly engaged with a public which both appreciated his sociable approach to cookery and also his no-nonsense way with food. Youth and natural charm did the rest and when Saturday Kitchen launched in 2006, he was first choice to front the enjoyable and informative programme. The formula paid off as it became

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CELEBRITY NEWS hugely popular, regularly attracting more than 3.5 million viewers and remains part of the staple weekend entertainment diet. James also became a regular on Ready Steady Cook on BBC2 and for a variety of other cookery shows across the channels. In 2013, James was honoured with The Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award for outstanding contribution to the industry. In March, 2014, his series Food Map of Britain was voted Best Daytime and Early Peak Programme by the Royal Televison Society, and in 2015 he was named TV Personality of the Year at the Fortnum & Mason Awards. He also makes regular appearances around the world including the BBC Good Food Show and Good Food and Wine Show South Africa and Gourmet Abu Dhabi to name just a few. He has his own range of small electricals with Wahl Cookware, knives and kitchen textiles with Stellar/ Horwoods and serverware with Denby. James has also launched his own range of bread and cake mixes and hampers, was a consultant with P & O Cruises on the restaurants and menus for their Ocean Village cruise ships for many years and is also consultant to Thomas Cook, creating in-flight meals for the airline. Somehow in between all his achievements and a work schedule that would make a hummingbird dizzy, he has written 15 best-selling and awardwinning cookery books as well as his autobiography, Driven. The title doesn’t only refer to his ambitions but also to his love of cars and speed; he also has a pilot’s licence. The tour – entitled Plates, Mates and Automobiles – provided a unique challenge for the chef who takes most things in his stride because he wanted to get the formula just right. “I didn’t just want to have two ovens on stage, give a bit of chat and have questions planted with the audience,” he states. “So we made it more interesting with interactive elements and various surprises.”

So, importantly, what will he eat on this tour? “Good question,” he ruminates. “Probably the usual chef’s diet of takeaways! Actually, several of my mates who have restaurants around the country have already told me to come and see them when I’m touring so I’ll probably get to eat there.” All of which sounds like a possible theme for a further TV series, I suggest. “Yes,” he laughs. “You might be right.” What you won’t find James Martin doing work-wise is Celebrity Big Brother or any other reality TV show. True, he did take part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2006 but you get the impression he just fancied the challenge. He’s a genuine advocate of the best of British food, but then he says he believes in the best of food wherever it comes from – “whether that means Spanish ham or British produce. Personally, his favourite meal is a Sunday roast round at his mum’s house – although he did hint that he would be looking for the best region for fish and chips when touring, which is bound to prove controversial. He’s very proud of Saturday Kitchen’s success over the past 10 years, he has strived to get the programme balance just right, but has “thoroughly enjoyed it all.” However James recently announced that he will leave the programme at the end of March, saying he was looking forward to working on new projects - and having a lie-in on Saturday mornings. James quoted “it’s been an amazing journey. I would like to personally thank all the viewers for turning Saturday kitchen into a three million-plus smash hit.” “I could not have done it without them. I would also like to thank the BBC and Saturday Kitchen for the great opportunity they gave me.”

“It has been an amazing journey and I have been privileged to work with some of the world’s greatest chefs and some of the greatest names in showbiz. I wish the new chefs every success. As for his career in 2016, as well as working on his house in the New Forest for which he’s now got planning permission, he’s going to be looking at a variety of options “but the main thing is just working hard.” He doesn’t have any special TV ambitions, doesn’t embrace the celebrity lifestyle with red carpet events and insists that “if it all finished tomorrow I’d be happy just cooking.” And being James Martin, you know that this is exactly what he feels, like it or lump it. For more information go to www.jamesmartinchef.co.uk

Tickets for James Matin’s tour, ‘Plates, Mates and Automobiles’ are on sale now. Visit Livenation.co.uk’ www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

GARDEN

Rare moss combating climate change

A rare type of moss that could help prevent flooding in cities such as Manchester and Sheffield has been painstakingly replanted across specific moors as part of a pioneering project.

Spring gardening tips Spring can be a hectic time in the garden, as before you can even think about planning the year’s new growth, you’ll have to repair the damage your garden has suffered from winter. Here are the most important jobs you should take care of as the weather starts to pick up.

Repair any damage Winter can be harsh on your garden, so make sure to repair any damage that’s been caused over the previous months before your plants start to spring back to life. If you have raised borders, the soggy winter soil can put a strain on them and cause the sides to be displaced or even rot, so make sure to check them for any damage before planting them up with the year’s fresh growth. Check fences and sheds for any sign of weather damage, and consider giving them a fresh coat of paint or varnish if they’re looking run down. B&Q stocks a wide range of outdoor paints and varnishes which you can buy online here.

Tidy up The first step in getting your garden ready for the year ahead is tidying up the dead leaves and other garden debris that has accumulated over the winter. By tidying your borders up now, it will give them ample drainage for the spring rain, and neglecting to do so could leave your plants without an adequate water supply. A leaf rake is the perfect tool for quickly clearing up the leaves, twigs, and rubbish which has accumulated in your 14

garden over the winter, and there’s a vast selection available. You should also take the chance in early spring to clear your drains of any leaves that may have accumulated to keep them from becoming blocked. The plant life which you clear from your borders and drains can be added to your compost bin, which will be running short on carbon-rich materials after the winter and really benefit from this addition.

Till your soil Spring is the perfect time to till your soil, as you can get borders in tip-top condition just before planting them with fresh growth, providing them with the conditions to thrive in. Before you can till it, your soil needs to be warm and dry enough. It’s warm enough when you can stick your hand a few inches into the soil and keep it there for a full minute, and it’s dry enough when it crumbles after being rolled into a ball in your hands. If both of these conditions are met, mark out the area of soil you’d like to till and go over it one row at a time, making sure not to go back over any rows, as this will compact the soil rather than break it up. If you don’t already own a tiller, Mantis sells a range of lightweight and efficient models which you can purchase on their online store. Make sure to follow these gardening tips this spring to get your garden in the best condition possible for the year’s growth.

Sphagnum moss is important for wildlife but also plays a vital role in carbon storage and flood prevention. The plant is crucial for improving conditions for moorland peat bogs - helping to hold water on the hills for longer. Studies suggest improving such environments can improve water storage and reduce runoff within the ecosystem; some species of sphagnum can hold over eight times their own weight in water. Wildscapes, an environmental consultancy affiliated to Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, has been working alongside the RSPB to help re-establish large amounts of sphagnum across Rakes Moss on the Dovestones Nature Reserve.

Helicopter drop

To undertake such an operation, the moss must first be delicately removed before being flown by helicopter to the planting sites, where it is laboriously hand-planted into the moorland. Alex Davies, Site Supervisor from Wildscapes, said: “The project has been hard work, but very rewarding. The species require specific conditions to establish successfully and need to be treated with the upmost care when they are being translocated. We hope that this project will make a big difference to the surrounding area and really help improve the quality of this moorland.”

Global warming

The moss acts as a type of ‘eco engineer’ in a number of ways. It

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strengthens bogs by improving the distribution of water on moors and uplands, with some species even forming peat. Peat bogs are known to soak vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the air – it is estimated that about 455 billion tonnes of carbon is held in peat worldwide.

Wildscapes worked alongside another environmental contractor and the RSPB to translocate well over 12,500 handfuls of specific species of sphagnum moss from a healthy donor site. A local airlifting company, Pennine Helicopters, also supported the operation by flying the moss on to the moors at Dovestones. Once in position on the moors, they were planted by hand by the Wildscapes land management team.

It also improves conditions for threatened moorland birds such as the Eurasian Curlew, the Dunlin and the European Golden Plover, which experienced a 25% decline between 1995 and 2013 in its main UK nesting site in Scotland, according to the latest Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) report. The RSPB hopes that the work will bring more than 50 new breeding pairs of Golden Plover to the Peak District. Unfortunately, atmospheric pollution from Manchester and Sheffield during the industrial revolution, along with overgrazing and wildfires, has nearly wiped out sphagnum completely from the Peak District.

Kate Hanley at the RSPB said: “We have been working with volunteers to re-establish sphagnum moss across this moorland for a number of years now. This is the first time we have worked with contractors to do this conservation work on such a large scale.” This pioneering project, alongside a number of other projects involving local partners, will help to reestablish this important moss across the Peak District.

Cultivate better hearing Book your hearing test • • • • • • •

Free hearing assessments Competitive prices Free aftercare Noise protection Clean and check service Repairs of all makes, all ages Battery club - 6 for 99p

Call today for more information or to book a free hearing assessment Weavers Walk, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 1AL Tel: (01635) 523343 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk 15

LEGAL

When might your Will be Challenged? - Potential Claims and How to Protect Against Them testator intends to leave a legacy to a charity, what happens if that charity no longer exists at the time of the testator’s death? The will must also be properly signed and witnessed. Witnesses should be independent adults who are not going to receive any benefit under the terms of the will.

Making a will to provide for your family or other loved ones is a sensible step that all of us should undertake. It brings peace of mind, knowing that those we care about will benefit financially from our estate, ensures that our wishes are carried out once we have passed and can provide inheritance tax savings as well as protecting assets. Unfortunately, making a will does not guarantee that it will not be challenged. In 2013, The Independent obtained figures showing a 700% rise in the number of actions launched in the High Court over the preceding five years (article dated 31 January 2013). No one factor seems to explain this increase although some have speculated that the increased value of an average estate, the recession, a general increase in people’s willingness to litigate and more complicated family structures may be to blame. The majority of cases issued are generally settled by means of mediation rather than a court hearing but any litigation can have a profound effect both emotionally and financially on those the testator intended to protect. So what can be done to minimise the likelihood of a claim being brought?

Is the Will properly executed? It is vital that the will is carefully written to ensure that it reflects the testator’s wishes, meets legal requirements and provides contingencies to deal with any unforeseen circumstances that may arise after death. For example, if the

Once complete, it is advisable to inform close family members of the existence of the will and where it is kept so that it can easily be accessed when required. The will should be stored in a safe place, for example with the testator’s solicitor. Careful thought should also be given as to who the executors will be.

Did the Testator have mental capacity? As my colleague, Robin Gambles, highlighted in his article on Lasting Powers or Attorney (October – December 2015 edition of 50+ Magazine), it is predicted that the number of people living with Dementia in the UK could rise to over one million by 2025 making challenges as to mental capacity increasingly likely. It may sound obvious but a testator must know that he or she is making a will and what property is being distributed under it. Equally, for the will to be valid, they must not be suffering from any kind of “disorder”, “impairment” or “disturbance” of the mind or brain, whether temporary or permanent, which may influence their decision making in any way. If there are concerns about a testator’s mental capacity then it may be prudent to ask a medical practitioner to witness or approve the will and to provide medical evidence confirming the capacity and understanding of the testator at the time the will is made. Indeed judges have described this as ‘the golden rule’ In addition, statements from individuals who witnessed the testator’s signature could be prepared confirming the

testator’s state of mind at the time the will was signed. The testator could also be filmed giving instructions and/or signing the will which would provide further evidence as to their state of mind.

Was the Testator unduly influenced into making the will? The law differentiates between “persuasion” (where someone is persuaded voluntarily to make or change a will) and “coercion” (where the testator is pressurised into acting). The former is permitted whereas the latter can invalidate the will. Whether or not someone has been coerced into doing something is a question of fact for the Court. If the will is going to deviate in any way from the norm, it may be prudent for the testator to prepare a statement to accompany the will explaining why they have made the various bequests and stating clearly that they have not been influenced in any way to do so.

What happens if a testator promises to leave something to someone and then does not include this in the will? In certain circumstances, a court has the power to override the will and to redistribute the testator’s estate. This could be, for example, where an individual can show the testator promised an asset to them or if they believe they have not been fully provided for in a will. In the case of Gillett v Holt [2001], Mr Gillett started working for Mr Holt on his farm at a very young age. He was assured by Mr Holt on a number of occasions that one day the farm would be his. Mr Gillett relied on this and so made no provision for his future, did not look for other employment, and spent a lot more time working on the farm than his colleagues even though he was underpaid. The Court awarded him the freehold of the farm plus a lump sum.

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What happens if you simply exclude an immediate family member or dependant who might normally be expected to receive something?

few simple steps that can be taken to minimise the risks:-

In the case of Re: Snoek Deceased [1983] a couple had been happily married for approximately 12 years after which time the wife became violent towards her husband and refused to let him see his youngest child. When he died, he did not provide for her in his will therefore she brought a claim. The court held that as she had brought up the children and the marriage had been happy for the first twelve years, the wife was entitled to a proportion of the estate.

•

So what can be done to maximise the chances of your wishes being respected?

• Ensure your will is professionally drafted and executed and is safely stored If you feel any of the bequests will be controversial, prepare a statement which can be kept with the will explaining your rationale

• If there are any potential medical issues, obtain medical input confirming you had mental capacity when the will was prepared and signed •

Keep your will up to date, either by creating a new will or codicil

Most outcomes turn very specifically on the particular facts and circumstances of each case, and so it is very well worth while taking detailed legal advice as there may well be other important protective steps that can be taken.

Debbie Sadler

As ever at Hewetts we are always glad to advise you further on any of these issues, either to protect the will or challenge it, if appropriate. Please contact Debbie Sadler (d.sadler@hewetts.co.uk), Tim Butcher (t.butcher@hewetts.co.uk) or Robin Gambles (r.gambles@hewetts.co.uk) or by telephone as shown below.

Although it is not always possible to avoid a legal challenge, there are a

Hewetts are an old established firm with a modern and progressive outlook, whose private client department sees an ever growing need to channel their legal energy to identifying and looking after the needs of the retired and elderly. Anyone over 50 should be anticipating both the opportunities and the problems, and plan accordingly by: • • • • • • • • •

wills to benefit your family in the most tax efficient way wills to protect your children where you may have remarried planning inheritance tax savings and protection of assets benefiting your family in your lifetime lasting powers of attorney both for property and affairs and personal welfare long term care arrangements ascertaining whether the NHS should pay for your care instead of being self funded co-ownership and "live-in" care arrangements with family equity release arrangements

55-57 Lo ndon S Reading treet, RG1 4PS

For further information contact Robin Gambles on 0118 955 9617

Email r.gambles@hewetts.co.uk Website www.hewetts.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

OUT AND ABOUT Saturday April 23rd 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

St George’s Day Concert Saint George’s Day is celebrated on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George’s death in 303 AD, so we had to play some appropriate music for you! We will be playing the march The Standard of St. George, Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets and Fantasia on British Sea Songs arranged by Henry Wood along with other English favourites like Nimrod and Jerusalem and several other well know pieces. We will also be playing a more recent (1989) piece by Philip Sparke called Theatre Music. All Saints Wokingham Wiltshire Road, Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1UE Thursday 21st April

The Cathedrals Express HM Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 90th Birthday on Thursday 21st April and The Cathedrals Express steam train is offering locals a very exciting opportunity to mark this special milestone, when it visits Windsor. Locals will be able to board the train here at 18:15 for an early evening circular tour of London, hauled by the very engine that was named after her in 1933. 6201 Princess Elizabeth or ‘Lizzie’ as she is affectionately named, which returns to the tracks this year after a three year refurbishment, will be at the head of the train on Thursday 21st April for this three hour long commemorative Birthday Tour. As darkness falls, , passengers will be treated to unrivalled views of the lights of London as ‘Lizzie’ crosses the Thames several times passes close to famous landmarks such as the Shard. Those travelling in Pullman Style or Premier Dining can sit back in the elegantly restored 1950’s and 60’s carriages and enjoy a four or five course meal, whilst taking in the sights. After completing her circuit of London, ‘Lizzie’ will head west, out of the city and arrive back in Windsor at 21:30. Tickets for The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration Tour on board The Cathedrals Express are available in four classes, ranging from £59 per person in Premium Standard through to the top class of Pullman Style Dining of £179 per person. Passengers travelling in Pullman Style will enjoy a five course dinner, whilst those opting for Premium Standard will be seated at tables of

four in open carriages and served with complimentary tea and coffee at their seats. All passengers will receive a commemorative Souvenir Booklet with details of their trip, a review of the locomotive and its history and relationship with the Royal Family and, of course, the Queen. Steam Dreams, Po Box 169 Albury, Guildford, Surrey GU5 9AE Contact Tel: 01483209888 21 April 2016 - 23 April

Jungle Book This spectacular new production from the award-winning Metta Theatre brings Kipling’s classic tale crashing into the 21st Century with breathtaking street dance and circus. Mowgli is finding her way in the urban jungle. With a beat-boxing bin man Baloo, graffiti artist Bagheera and a skateboarding Wolf crew, this heartwarming coming of age story will astonish and amaze. Choreographed by Kendra J Horsburgh (Into The Hoods, Sadler’s Wells and Blaze, International Tour) and featuring jaw-dropping tricks from an extraordinary cast of performers from Zoo Nation and Cirque du Soleil, this is a show for everyone from 8 to 108. Theatre Royal Windsor Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1PS Contact Tel: 01753 853888

Saturday April 23rd - Sunday April 24th 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Reading Contemporary Art Fair 2016 Real Art for Real People.Contemporary Art at its very best. Over 100 artists and galleries exhibiting at the Reading Contemporary Art Fair . Closes 5pm on sunday. An opportunity to buy from UK and international artists and galleries. Rivermead Leisure Complex Richfield Avenue, Reading Berkshire RG1 8EQ Sunday April 24th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Newbury Artisan Market Newbury Artisan Market takes over the streets of Newbury on the last Sunday of the month. Think quality produce, original art, designer crafts & sizzling street food, all mixed in with family activities, music and more. Newbury Town Centre Northbrook Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1AA Tue 26 - Sat 30 April

J.B. PRIESTLEY’S CLASSIC THRILLER AN INSPECTOR CALLS DIRECTED BY STEPHEN DALDRY Hailed as the theatrical event of our generation, winning more awards than any other play in history, this landmark production from the National Theatre

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has thrilled audiences in the West End, on Broadway and throughout the world with its epic and wildly imaginative staging, raw emotion, evocative score, lashing rain and chilling suspense. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences.

Developed in association with the Windsor & Eton Town Partnership, Windsor farmers’ market offers a wide range of produce and is within easy walking distance of the town centre and residential area. Closest car park is at East Berks College off Trinity Place, a minute’s walk away. St Leonard’s Road (between the Firestation Arts Centre and East Berks College), Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3BL Contact Tel: 07787 527248

Wycombe Swan, St. Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE Ticket Office: 01494 512 000

Saturday 7 May 2016 Saturday 4 Jun 2016 Saturday 2 Jul 2016 Saturday 6 Aug 2016 Saturday 3 Sep 2016 09:00 - 13:00

Thursday April 28th Saturday April 30th 7:45 pm - 10:15 pm

Windsor Farmers’ Market (St Leonard’s Road)

Acting, Singing & a Shot of Whisky

Windsor Farmers’ Market is a street market and has been running in St Leonard’s Road since 2005. The lower end of town has a strong foodie following, with local shops complementing the market.

Acting Singing and a Shot of Whisky is a musical featuring songs from many of the west end favourites Shinfield Players Theatre Whitley Wood Lane Shinfield, Berkshire RG2 9DF

Tue 10 - Sat 14 May

JACKIE THE MUSICAL Once there was a time with no mobiles, no online dating and no Facebook, when teenage girls waited with bated breath by the letterbox for their weekly issue of Jackie Magazine. In Jackie the Musical we revisit those heady days, and tell the story of a recent divorcée who seeks advice once more from the pages of her old Jackie annuals. The quizzes, the fashion tips, the ‘do’s and don’ts on first date’ and above all the Cathy and Claire problem pages

South Hill Park Food Festival sat 4 June 10am–6pm · Sun 5 June 10am–5pm · FREe ENtRY for all

This popular Food Festival is back for a fourth year. The Mansion House and Grounds provide the perfect setting for this bijoux festival. south Hill Park welcome Browse and taste samples from specialist food stalls Free entry to bring along the familys you Listen to live music from local musicians es ag this Free entry eventfor Fun For all Have a bite to eat with an international flavour Entertain the children - bouncy castle (weather permitting) Soak up the atmosphere.

^ 01344 484123 · www.southhillpark.org.uk South Hill Park Arts Centre · Ringmead · Bracknell · RG127PA

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South Hill Park Trust Limited A charitable company limited by guarantee Charity number 265656

OUT AND ABOUT are all eagerly devoured by our plucky heroine as she revisits the dizzy world of the teen bible. With her ex and a handsome new guy in tow, the valuable lessons she learnt as a girl begin to influence her future and Jackie discovers the one person in control of her life is... her. Wycombe Swan, St. Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE Ticket Office: 01494 512 000

help support local families and their lifelimited children.

Saturday June 4th 10:30 am - 4:30 pm

There are four different wave times to choose from - 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Choose your preferred time during the sign up process.

Summer Fete

The festival will be open from 9am until 4pm where there will be music, food and children’s inflatables for the whole family.

League of Friends RBH Annual Summer Fete Family fun for all the family. Also includes a dog show. £1 adults 50p child and concessions Stallholder interest contact direct.

Prospect Park, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 2ND, United Kingdom

Victoria recreation ground Tilehurst, Berkshire

Come & join us in Green Park for the souths most colourful & family friendly running event

Wednesday May 18th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Saturday June 4th 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Spring Garden and Gift Fair, Taplow Court

Holyport Village Fair

The Royal Berkshire 10K is a beautiful flat fully closed road one loop course, offering new runners an easy and friendly route into organised running events, it also has excellent PB potential for experienced runners looking to produce a fast time.

Enjoy the grounds of Taplow Court that includes a 7th-century Anglo Saxon burial ground, magnificent trees, a wildflower garden, water features, pergolas and beautiful planting, with guided house tours on the day. An exciting variety of stalls will offer gardeners everything from growing tips to plant supports, interesting and unusual plants and other garden-related items. Exhibitors will also sell luxury gifts and lifestyle items. Delicious home made refreshments all day.£5.00 or £4.00 in advance. Admission including tour of Taplow Court £8.00. Visit redcross.org. uk/springfairtaplowcourt.

Sunday 15th May

The 3K (1.8 mile) a2 Milk mini marathon is open to anyone 8 plus. 10K runners are welcome to accompany their children prior to their race. Much like the 10K it is a one loop course starting and finishing in front of Green Parks beautiful lake. The a2 Milk mini mile is designed for children under 8 years old; parents are encouraged to accompany and support their children. Like the 3 K its starts and finishes in from of Green Parks beautiful lake and is run It takes place on a safe closed road route.

Taplow Court, Berry Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 0ER

Foam Fest Reading Naomi House & Jacksplace are bringing the Foam Fest to Reading! Foam Fest is a 2.5k fun run through a hilarious foam filled obstacle course. Get ready to dodge, dive, climb and laugh your way through the course at Prospect Park. Places are limited for this event, so sign up quick! Entry is £20 per person (you must be over 12 years of age to take part). Your entry fee covers the cost of participation and your finishers medal. We ask each participant to raise a suggested minimum £50 sponsorship to 20

Holyport Village Green Holyport, Maidenhead SL6 2JL Saturday 4 June, 8pm

Killer Queen Killer Queen have been performing their tribute to Queen’s concert since 1993. Their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy and accurate portrayal of the world’s greatest live band have rightfully earned Killer Queen the title of Queen tribute royalty. Thrilling sell-out audiences across the globe from the UK to Moscow, Killer Queen recreates the high energy, powerful phenomenon that was Queen live.

Green Park, Reading, Berkshire. Contact Racesolutions Limited organisers of the Green Park Royal Berkshire 10K Phone 01189 591112 E-mail info@racesolutions.co.uk 22nd May - 22nd May

This is the biggest and best fair in the district. We have few thousand people coming to our fair from miles around. We have Pelhams fun fair, with their rides and traditional entertainments, including a Galloper. A true English village fair, providing a fun day out for the whole family.

Sunday May 29th 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Bracknell Ale & Wine Festival 2016 The 6th Bracknell Ale & Wine Festival takes place on Sunday 29th May at Bracknell Rugby Club. Expect over 30 real ales, wine & cider, great food and a top afternoon of live music. Tickets are £5 adults with discounts for over 65s and FREE entry to CAMRA and Bracknell Sports Club members. Bracknell Rugby Club, Lily Hill Drive Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 2UG

Fronted by Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, ‘Time Out’ described Patrick’s resemblance to Freddie Mercury as “Spooky,” his uncanny likeness was further proven when he recorded a number one hit single singing as Freddie Mercury on Fat Boy Slim’s record ‘The Real Life!’ This quality, combined with a powerful 3 1/2 octave tenor range, expert musicianship and dynamic stage presence, has captivated audiences the world over. Tickets £22.50, Groups £2 off All tickets are inclusive of booking fee Hexagon Theatre Queens Walk, Berkshire, Reading RG1 7UA Phone: 0118 960 6060

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The Blue Badge Scheme gives people with severe mobility problems better access to goods and services by allowing them to park closer to their destination. The scheme is open to eligible disabled people whether they are a driver or passenger and only applies to onstreet parking.

11 June 11am to 5pm

Reading Water Fest Visitors to this year’s celebration of canal life will be treated to children’s activities, craft and charity stalls as well as boat parades and a boat tug of war. We will once again be extending the event into Forbury Gardens where traditional music and dance will be complemented by a feast of folk-inspired acts.

Blue Badge (disabled parking permits) Fraud:

On the Kennet and Forbury Gardens Forbury Gardens and Chestnut Walk Contact Details: 0118 937 2771 Saturday July 2nd Sunday July 3rd 6:00 pm - 12:00 am

Party In The Park Hurst 2016

Set in the lovely Village of Hurst the music festival offers the perfect evenings entertainment. Live music, Beer Tent and hot curry. Bands confirmed for 2016 are The Scoundrels, Gigabit and The PFJ (People’s Front Of Judea). Willowmead Field School Road, Hurst Berkshire, RG10 0DR Sunday July 3rd 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

Newbury Race for Life Join us by taking part in a Race for Life in Newbury in 2016. Show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink by taking part in the Race for Life 2016 5K event or up the challenge and declare war on cancer by taking part in a Race for Life 2016 10K event. 10K is a great step up from our 5K events but you can still run, walk or even dance your way around the course! Adult entry (16+ women-only) – £14.99 Child entry (6-15 girls and boys under 13) – £10.00 Under 6 entry (boys and girls) – free and no registration needed You and your friends can also join the fight by volunteering. Our events can’t take place without the hundreds of people who give up their time. Don’t forget to bring your friends and family along to support you. They can stroll around the stalls and activities such as catering, bouncy castle and facepainting on site while waiting to cheer you through the finish Newbury Showground Priors Court, Hermitage Berkshire RG18 9QZ 22

Housing tenancy fraud; This is the occupation of any social housing usually with a view to make a profit. It can cover for example; • Unlawful sub-letting. In these cases the genuine tenant(s) have moved out of the property without surrendering the tenancy. They set up a sub tenancy with a thirds party to rent their property from them. These cases usually attract a profit for the genuine tenants. These actions can be criminal and any cases proved will be considered for prosecution. • Unlawful successions, these are applications made to the social landlords including the Local Authority to take over a tenancy from someone who may have died or left the property. The succession application must demonstrate that they have resided continuously at the address for a 12 month period prior to the application fraudulent activities are known to crop up in this area. • False homeless applications, these occur at the application point where individuals supply false evidence or make false statements to secure accommodation. • Right to buy. In such cases false applications are submitted and in some cases there may be offences under the money laundering acts been committed. • The Audit Commission estimated that aprox 50,000 social housing homes in England are unlawfully sub-let. This may be as high as 160,000. The National fraud Authority state around £900 million is been lost in these cases. Properties used fraudulently are not available for those with a genuine need, this forces Local Authorities to place homeless families into temporary accommodation On average the cost per year for this is £18,000 per family.

Disabled Parking Permits or Blue Badges are issued by your Local Authority to persons with a genuine need to access facilities and park within easy reach of these. However there are some people who are prepared to misuse or fraudulently acquire these badges Here are some of the more common examples: • Abuse of badges. This includes using a counterfeit badge. • Using a lost or stolen badge. • Using the badge of a deceased person. • Misuse of genuine badges. This means using the badge when the holder is not present. Some people who fall into this category think (wrongly) that what they are doing is not fraudulent. A few will have failed to understand the restrictions on use, but most will chance their luck on the basis that it can be hard to prove. Either way, this is still a criminal offence; it can lead to prosecution and a criminal conviction. The true costs: • Fraudulent use of Blue Badges prevents people in genuine need from accessing on-street parking where they need it most. This should be. High levels of fraudulent Blue Badge use also cause problems. • In addition, there is a significant cost to the public purse. By claiming exemption from the congestion charge, a blue badge holder saves £2,500 per year. They may also avoid having to pay for a resident’s parking permit, at £50 - £250 a year. If the motorist avoids paying hourly on-street parking charges of £3 per hour for 40 hours a week, this adds up to a further £6,000 a year (this could be even higher if commuting to central London). So the fraudulent misuse could be costing local government in addition to the extreme inconvenience for disabled motorists and passengers.

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WHISTLE ON

BLOW THE HOUSING WHISTLE ON CHEATS

HOUSING BLOW THE

NRP REFEREE-RBC-A42.pdf 1 10/05/2012 13:28

CHEATS WHISTLE ON When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they

When somebody with a council or not fair. housing association home rents it out If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting without permission or obtains a home call us on 0500 500 777 or through providing false information, report online www.reading.gov.uk/fraud Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously. they are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s not fair.

are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s

T U O K A SPE

IONS USPIC S E V HA If yOU

When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s

not fair.

If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting call us on

0500 500 777 or www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

report online

Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously.

HOUSING

CHEATS If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting call us

When somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

T U O K SPEA

CIONS SUSPI E V A H IF Y OU

Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can be given depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s not fair. anonymously. If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting call us on 0500 500 777 or report online www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and

Your report will be treated in the strictest conﬁdence and can be given anonymously.

We are committed to fighting fraudulent activity The Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) Scheme currently has around 2.5m badges issued Nationally, to eligible applicants. Blue Badge fraud is estimated to cost the UK £46 million per year!

The Investigation Team are committed to fighting fraudulent activity but need your help to do so! If you suspect someone of committing Blue Badge fraud please call us in confidence.

CALL 0500 500 777 or report online www.50plusmagazine.co.uk www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

FOOD & DRINK JAMES MARTIN’S

S W E E T T R E AT S The secret to a perfect panna cotta lies in having a slight sharpness – here from buttermilk – to balance the sweetness. The consistency is also important: too much gelatine will give you something you could bounce off the kitchen wall; you want to use just enough for the panna cotta to hold its shape when unmoulded. Combined with raspberry jelly, raspberries and warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts, this is a really delicious dessert on the plate. The remaining doughnuts are great with coffee.

B U T T E R M I L K PA N N A C O T TA W I T H D O U G H N U T S A N D R A S P B E R RY J E L LY For the doughnuts 1 quantity enriched yeast dough, made to the end of the first prove vegetable oil, for deep-frying caster sugar, for dusting For the mascarpone cream 100g mascarpone cheese 25g caster sugar 50ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped First make the panna cotta. Place the double cream in a small pan with the vanilla pod and seeds, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and whisk through until dissolved. Set aside to cool, then add the buttermilk and whisk gently to combine. Carefully pour into 8 small pudding basins or ramekins, making sure you distribute the vanilla seeds equally. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set. Serves 8 250g raspberries, plus 100g for garnish 1 tbsp water 1–2 tsp icing sugar 6 mint sprigs For the panna cotta 300ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 5 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 450ml buttermilk For the raspberry jelly 50g caster sugar 100ml water 300g raspberries 4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 24

For the sauce, place the 250g raspberries, the water and icing sugar in a blender and blitz to a purée. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl and add more icing sugar if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. For the jelly, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pan. Add the raspberries and heat until they just start to break down. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Don’t press, just let the juice drip through. Measure 300ml juice and return to the saucepan to warm through. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the

heat. Line a shallow baking tray (20cm x 15cm) with clingfilm and pour the jelly over it to a depth of about 3mm. Chill in the fridge until set. For the doughnuts, divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll into balls. Line a tray with silicone paper and space the balls evenly across it. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside at room temperature to prove for 20 minutes. When the dough has proved, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 150°C/320°F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown immediately when dropped in. CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Never leave unattended. Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Transfer to a plate and dust generously with the sugar. For the mascarpone cream, whisk the mascarpone, sugar, cream and vanilla seeds together in a bowl until smooth. To serve, cut the jelly into squares (about 2.5cm). Briefly dip each panna cotta mould in hot water, then turn out onto a large plate. Place two spoonfuls of the cream on each plate and top with a jelly square. Place two doughnuts on each plate and scatter the remaining raspberries and the mint around. Finish with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

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I first came across really good palmiers when I was working on the pastry section in a restaurant in the south of France. The trick is to get an even dusting of sugar, so that as the palmiers cook it caramelises to a nice glaze. Palmiers are often offered as a petit four to end a meal, but sandwiched with raspberries and cream, they’re hard to beat for afternoon tea. These are best served at room temperature – once they go into the fridge, the butter in the pastry solidifies, making them less pleasant to eat.

BUTTERFLY PALMIERS WITH RASPBERRIES AND CREAM Serves 6 650g puff pastry or good-quality, bought all-butter puff pastry flour, for dusting 60g caster sugar 100ml stock syrup glaze (optional) For the filling 300ml double cream, softly whipped 200g raspberries Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone paper. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle 25cm x 40cm and about 3mm thick, with the long side facing you, like a landscape picture.

Dust the pastry rectangle with 20g of the caster sugar then fold one long side of the pastry into the centre. Repeat with the other long side to meet it, so you now have a piece half the width. Dust with another 20g of the caster sugar, then repeat, folding each side into the centre, leaving a 5mm gap in the centre. Dust once more with the remaining sugar and repeat – you should now have three folds on each side with plenty of sugar sandwiched in between. Fold both sides together gently as you would close an open book, then transfer to a tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up. Remove the roll and cut into 12 x 1cm-thick slices. Lay on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are at least 6cm apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the palmiers from the oven, turn them straight over, place back on the tray and brush them with a little stock syrup glaze, if liked. The palmiers are best eaten on the day you make them. When cold, spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle and pipe the cream over half the palmiers. Top with some lightly crushed raspberries and another palmier. Serve immediately.

Nutritious and delicious. The clue is in the name. Those clever chefs at Wiltshire Farm Foods know how to make really healthy food, really tasty. Take the Nutritious & Delicious range – each flavoursome meal is under 400 calories, contributes to your 5 a day, and is low in salt and fat. All delivered free.

Nutritious & Delicious Menu Pack only £26.95 7 main courses: Roast Pork with Cider & Apple Gravy, Chicken & Spring Vegetable Casserole, Sliced Beef in a Red Wine Sauce, Moroccan Chicken, Diced Beef Chilli, Butternut Squash and Butterbean Stew, Salmon Provençale ORDER CODE: ND2 Call us today for your FREE brochure

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Diced Beef Chilli £3.65 25

FOOD & DRINK I love this simple little dessert that one of my chefs came up with – cherries and chocolate are a great combination. As with any tart, it’s vital to make sure the pastry is nice and thin, so you get plenty of filling and not too much pastry. Otherwise it can be more like eating a biscuit!

C H O C O L AT E A N D C H E R R Y TA R T WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE SORBET Serves 8–10 butter, for greasing 1 quantity pâte sucrée 1 egg yolk, for blind-baking flour, for dusting 400g tin cherries in syrup 400g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar 2 tbsp crushed Hazelnut Praline and edible flowers 1 quantity Crème Fraîche Sorbet Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Butter a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Roll the pâte sucrée out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 3mm and use to line the tin. Blind bake the pastry. While the pastry case is baking, drain the cherries through a sieve into a saucepan and place the syrup over a medium heat. Cook the syrup until thick and sticky, and reduced by half. Chop the cherries in half, then add to the pan with the reduced syrup and allow to cool. Put the chocolate into a large, heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream and sugar together in a saucepan until just simmering then pour over the chocolate and whisk continuously until smooth. Spread the cherries and their syrup over the base of the tart case, then pour the chocolate filling over the top. Glaze with a blow torch or place under a hot grill until bubbling, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove and leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Place a line of the crushed praline and edible flowers on each plate, then slice the tart and serve with a scoop of Crème Fraîche Sorbet.

Sweet by James Martin (Quadrille £20) Photography: Peter Cassidy

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programmes on BBC or ITV, and it couldn’t be simpler to rerun them. You can also check on the latest news, weather and financial ups and downs.

Are You Missing Out? Have you noticed the revolution that’s been going on over the last few years? Everyone seems to be talking computers, laptops, broadband or facebook. Well, maybe you‘ve noticed and decided that even the terminology is beyond you. In any case, why, you ask yourself, would you need e-mails or digital cameras? But there’s a lot more to computers than that. They’ve changed the way we shop, book holidays, compare prices and keep in touch with family. We can look up recipes, check on the latest tools for the garden and home, check on the latest scams targeting older people, look up organisations offering respite care, wheelchairs or other equipment, and we can get up to the minute advice on help for the elderly or disabled. There was a time, not so long ago, if we were travelling by train, when we had to check time tables by going to the station, and bought our tickets just before we boarded. For holidays we had to rely on checking adverts for hotels and air flights, then hoped our chosen holiday company were giving us the best possible prices. Quite often of course, once on holiday, we discovered there were far better hotels, at far more competitive prices, but we’d had no way of knowing about them. And closer to home, you’ve discovered your neighbours have bought the same washing machine as you, but at much less cost, because they did price comparisons on the Internet. They’re computer savvy, and use it before they shop, or book holidays and airline tickets, frequently saving themselves a significant amount of money. From my own personal experience, I recently saved well over £150 by booking a holiday apartment in the Algarve on the Internet, instead of going through a travel agent.

Just before Christmas, I was snowed in. Normally, this wouldn’t have been too much of a problem, but at this time of year, without a computer, it could have been a disaster. I had to get to the bank, I needed to get more Christmas cards, and I’d promised to send photos of the family to relatives. Apart from that, I was keen to do a few price comparisons before I bought late Christmas presents. As it was, I had the computer, I had the Internet, and within the hour, I’d transferred funds from a savings account to my current account, I arranged to send Christmas e-cards to various far flung relatives, I’d e-mailed the photographs, and I’d checked on a few prices. As a real bonus, just days before, I’d trawled the shops searching for an old fashioned alarm clock, but was told ‘they didn’t do that sort of clock any more’. A quick check on e-bay resulted in at least ten different models of clocks which still had alarms to blast the most comatose teenager out of bed within seconds. Within minutes, I‘d ordered one, and paid through PayPal, which has a system of checks and balances in its system which makes it the leader in safe online payments. And what about photography? Who, these days, still takes snaps with a wind on camera, and then has to take them to be developed, only to find that half of them are useless. Today, we have digital cameras, which allow us to check through the viewfinder to make sure the picture is good. Then we can plug our camera into the computer, bring up the pictures, and play around with them. We can crop, straighten, increase or decrease size, sharpen focus and change light settings. We can put them in a frame, or make them into greetings cards. Keen gardeners can open a special folder for pictures of their prize vegetables or flowers, and keen cooks can take photographs of their special iced cakes or pastries, and send them off to other keen cooks with the recipes. It doesn’t stop there. Whatever your hobby, you can look it up on the Internet, and find others with the same passion. The age of the computer is well and truly upon us, and anyone who doesn’t have this technology is missing out. It may seem daunting to a beginner, and the terminology is alien to anyone over sixty, but don’t be put off. Find a course at your local Adult Education Centre, and make a start. If you don’t own a computer, your local library probably has some for use by the public, and you can practise between classes on these. Before you know it, you’ll be computer literate, and a whole new world is right there in front of you, just waiting to be explored.

Jobs take our families far from home, but the computer can bring them into your living room at the touch of a button. You can e-mail them, and get a response in minutes. You can send pictures of your prize winning dahlias, or the cat, and receive pictures of your children and grandchildren. You can even get e-mails from your grandchildren at a very early age, because children use computers almost as soon as they can read. And how often have you missed your favourite programme on the TV. With a computer, you can look up the last seven days

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The pitfalls of playing the multi-generation housing game It’s estimated that more than one million British households have three or more generations living together under one roof. Multi-generational living – also called intergenerational living – is a rising trend, one which has seen an estimated 30% increase in the past decade.

Mike Wragg, an associate in the residential property team at Buckinghamshire law firm B P Collins LLP, says: “As life expectancy increases, often so do care needs, and while for some this may mean moving into an assisted living facility or a care home, others are relying on the support of their adult children.

The difficulties for the younger generation in getting on the housing ladder has resulted in a generation of “boomerang kids” coming back home to live with mum and dad; while at the other end of the age scale, elderly parents are living longer and often need more care.

“There are several different options – one is to sell both homes and buy one larger property together; another is to sell the parents’ home and use that money to build a ‘granny flat’ at their son or daughter’s home; while the third is for an adult child to buy their parents a suitable property nearby.”

For an increasing number, pooling the family resources together to either buy one larger house or extend an existing property can help to save money and benefit everyone involved.

The biggest challenge says Mike, is to realise that although plans can be made with the best of intentions, circumstances can change, leaving living arrangements that seemed like a good idea at the time no longer viable.

Before taking the plunge however, it’s important to take both legal and independent financial advice in order to avoid potential family disputes in the future.

Take, for example, the case of a middle-aged couple who build a granny flat extension to accommodate the wife’s parents. If, some years later, the couple run into marital difficulties and split up, then the entire property may have

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LEGAL to be sold as part of the divorce settlement – leaving her parents effectively homeless and with no equity of their own. In addition, if an elderly couple’s money has been invested in a property rather than being set aside to pay for care fees, the authorities could potentially take a charge over the family house in order to recover money when it is ultimately sold. This means it is a decision that could come back to haunt the family in years to come and one which may also have inheritance tax implications in the longer term. “Investing in an existing property or buying a new home together which is big enough to cater for all your needs might seem like a good idea but it can be a legal minefield,” continued Mike. “If the property is sold, there could there be disagreement about the ownership of part of the house or, alternatively, if the elderly parents need to liquidate some of their own money in years to come to pay for care home or nursing fees, they could find it very difficult to do so as you can’t sell ‘half’ a house.”

agreement is properly and legally documented to avoid future confusion within the family,” he said. “What these examples show is that what seems like a simple solution can be a legal minefield. As you get older, moving house becomes so much more of an upheaval and what you don’t want to do is unintentionally force more stress and pressure onto your parents at a time when they should be able to relax and enjoy their retirement years. “I can’t urge strongly enough the importance of seeking advice before making such a momentous decision. We offer families the chance to talk through initial advice without charge, enabling them to understand why it is so important to get it right. After all, if you’ve worked hard all your life and invested in property, you want to make sure you all reap the right rewards.”

It can also complicate matters if elderly parents have several children to whom they wish to leave their estate. If their money has been poured into an extension to live with one son or daughter, then the remaining children could effectively each claim a share of the extension, but only recoup their inheritance such time as the house was sold – potentially putting undue pressure on the couple who opened their doors to look after their elderly parents. Another scenario may be if the middle-aged couple has to move for any reason – perhaps work-related, in which case the parents will feel duty bound to pack up and move with them. And of course, on a work-related theme, if the husband or wife runs a business which gets into financial trouble, then the whole property may have to be sold by creditors. This can also be the case if, rather than having them live together in one house, a son or daughter has bought their parents a suitable property nearby. If at some stage their financial or personal circumstances change, then it is entirely possible the parents’ property may have to be sold.

For expert advice call Mike Wragg property lawyer at B P Collins LLP

t: 01753 279021 email: resproperty@bpcollins.co.uk

Mike also recognises that in order to broaden their options, some older people may want to access cash from their property by way of an equity release scheme, but he cautions against the “very high” interest rates and says it can be more cost effective to look for an alternative. “There are different options available, for example, if you are unwilling to move in with your family, you may be able to borrow a sum of money which could make a difference to the way you live. If so, then it’s important to ensure the

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www.bpcollins.co.uk 29

BREAST HEALTH

THE REASSURANCE OF FAST RESULTS For most people, breast health can create worry and anxiety, even though many changes are absolutely normal and nothing to be concerned about. If you do need reassurance, the Rapid Access Breast Clinic based at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor is open Tuesday through to Friday and offers patients a consultation with a Specialist Breast Consultant, an examination and in the majority of cases results on the same day. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the little things that make the difference. bmihealthcare.co.uk/pmh 01753 743260 or 07802 318702

Serious about health. Passionate about care.

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RAPID ACCESS BREAST CLINIC BE BREAST AWARE

SCREENING

Quite simply, breast awareness means being familiar with how your breasts look and feel on a normal basis. If you are familiar with what is normal for your breasts, then it is more likely that you will notice any abnormalities at the earliest opportunity.

All women between the ages of 47 and 73 should receive regular breast screening. The NHS should send you an invitation every three years, so do ask if you haven’t received yours.

If you’ve never thought of yourself as a vital weapon in the fight against breast cancer, now’s the time to start. You know your breasts better than anyone. Their shape; how they feel; how they can differ at different times in your cycle. You’re therefore perfectly placed to be their best protector, by examining yourself regularly, going for routine check-ups if you’re advised to, and talking to your doctor if you find anything out of the ordinary. Most of us know of someone who has had breast cancer. Around 40,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year, and in general the risk increases as you get older. HOW TO CHECK YOURSELF Get into the habit of checking yourself regularly. During a bath or shower is as good an opportunity as any. The best time to check your breasts is a few days after a period. This is because it’s entirely normal for lumps to occur in your breasts during your monthly cycle. Check for: n

a change in the size, shape or feel of your breast a new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit changes in the position of the nipple or nipple discharge other than milk

puckering, dimpling or redness of skin n

new pain or discomfort that is only on one side

n any changes your are concerned about

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You many also be advised that screening is a good idea if you’re aged between 30-50 and have a family history of the disease, or if an immediate relative has been diagnosed. Again, if you’re in any doubt have a word with your GP.

RAPID ACCESS BREAST CLINIC The clinics run Tuesday through to Friday at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor. However, following the discovery of a new breast symptom (such as a lump) we can see patients referred for an urgent consultation in between the fixed outpatient sessions. We know that this can be a very anxious and distressing time, and it is important to minimise the period of time that one has to wait for a consultation and the necessary investigations. OUR TEAM Our Breast Care Team are a professional multidisciplinary group, working closely together to guide and support our patients. They provide a personal approach within a modern, well equipped facility ensuring you receive prompt attention and continuity of care. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS SERVICE You will have up to 30 minutes consultation with a Consultant Breast Surgeon. During this time further investigations may be requested and where possible these will be carried out on the same day. We have a team of Breast Care Nurses who will be able to support the service where required. This might include: n Mammogram n Core Biopsy

PAYING FOR TREATMENT Insured: If you have private medical insurance the fees for consultation and recommended investigations are normally covered by the policy. You will need to speak to your insurance company prior to an appointment. Self Pay: The Rapid Access Breast Clinic offers a number of self-pay options to suit each patient.

HOW BMI THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL CAN HELP We offer consultant led Rapid Access Breast Clinics aiming to provide prompt investigation and guiding patients from diagnosis through to treatment. We provide a complete package of care tailored to individuals needs. BENEFITS OF THIS SERVICE We provide rapid access to imaging equipment, including full field digital mammography, high definition ultrasound and MRI n

All Breast Imaging is performed and reported on by a Specialist Breast Consultant Radiologist and Mammography Accredited Radiographers n

Ultrasound

Continuity of care from a dedicated specialist team who bring a personal approach to your care and investigation Imaging results are available the same day and biopsy results within 5 days

Be the ‘U’ in Volunteer YOUR time YOUR creativity YOUR experience YOUR knowledge YOUR community

Volunteers are at the heart of YOUR community Whatever time you can spare, we need you in our thriving shops across the Thames Valley

Sign up today for a taster session Drop in to your local shop or Call Beth 01753 848 940 or visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/volunteer Copyright © 2014 - Thames Hospice, Pine Lodge, Hatch Lane, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 3RW - Charity No. 1108298 - Company No. 5316964

WHETHER we are aware of it or not many local services that underpin daily life in the country’s communities keep going thanks to volunteers. Kate adds that the “other side of the coin” is that the organisation recognises the benefits to individuals of volunteering. “There is a feelgood factor, people get out and about, are part of a largescale network. This can be particularly important during retirement when we are used to having this network provided, and need to start again to create a new one,” states Kate.

Prime Minister David Cameron is conscious of this huge and valuable regular input and it is one of the central props of his Big Society. In fact, volunteers generally are now so vital, and held in such high esteem in many organisations, that they are often encouraged to take vocational training and enhance their c.v. as a stepping stone to permanent work.

regularly welcome in volunteers to help youngsters with reading skills.

As we become older, we may not only be reliant on volunteers at different times and for a variety of help, but also may discover that becoming a volunteer ourselves is a simple way to enrich our own lives and make us valuable once more.

And when you consider that the organisation has 170 centres across the country and more than 500 shops, that involves an awful lot of volunteers!

Charities large and small both benefit from and encourage volunteering. You may well find that your local hospice, for example, can gratefully use even a small amount of your spare time in some practical way. This may be with fundraising, making small items to sell, driving, donating your time in charity shops or even arranging flowers for the wards. Special skills may also be very welcome to organisations which have little spare cash and look to donated help to improve their services and aid patients in practical ways. And schools

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One organisation that relies on its valuable volunteers and encourages the practice is Age UK – created by the merging of Age Concern and Help the Aged. It has around 70,000 volunteers in its central hub and in local Age UK centres which act as its partners.

Kate Adams, head of engagement and volunteering at Age UK, explained that they run a wide variety of vital services with volunteer help. These include befriending services going to see older, isolated individuals in their homes, driving vehicles from communities to local centres, helping and running its charity shops including sorting, pricing and serving, delivering information to older people and acting as trustees to give strategic governance in individual areas. “It doesn’t matter whether people have only a couple of hours a week to spare,” she stresses. “They can offer extremely valuable help to the services we deliver.”

“We have younger volunteers as well as older ones but the latter tell us that they love the friendship and companionship that they get when they meet up with other volunteers. Particularly if your own family network of people are getting on with their lives, it’s easy to get isolated in your home so it’s very important to get out and meet people” One newer area for Age UK which has been proving particularly effective concerns digital champions – older people willing to share their skills with others who may not be online but would like to learn. “Even if people have very basic skills, their willingness to spend some time with a person with none, helping them make a start with digital skills, is really very useful,” said Kate. The National Trust has around 62,000 volunteers across the country with half aged over 65. As Mark Crosby, head of volunteering there, explains: “We just couldn’t function without them. “They bring a vast array of skills, talents and enthusiasm to the organisation and do a variety of different tasks. These days, we find our volunteers are more flexible and focused than ever.” This voluntary work ranges from the traditional guides at historic properties to gardening, conservation, research, education and involvement as trustees. “They run gardens as rangers and project manage various things as leaders of a team,” adds Mark. “Older volunteers regularly work alongside younger ones. 33

“We’re also particularly keen to involve our older volunteers in a variety of activities, including getting closer to nature with country projects which offer health, friendship and a sense of value.” Getting involved in volunteering can certainly enrich this part of our lives, perhaps make it golden. Psychotherapist Josephine Cropper believes that retirement offers special volunteering opportunities. “It might be that an area of interest that you didn’t follow when employed you are now able to follow in retirement,” she says. “Often, people have gained skills in many different areas of life. These skills may either have been hobbies during a busy working life, or a continuation of skills gained from work. These can now be drawn together, not only to enhance the voluntary role but also to maintain self-esteem. We all need to feel valued and appreciated.” Josephine stresses the importance of how new friendships can also bring new outlooks on life and offer opportunities for new conversations. “Although many of us may have dreamed of winning the lottery and doing nothing for the rest of our lives but sitting in the sun with a cocktail, in fact, work gives structure to our lives.

Jenn Johnson, Head of Volunteering at Thames Hospice says “Volunteers are vital to the success of our organisation. We have over 450 fantastic volunteers and without them, we would not be able to reach and support as many local people as we do.” Thames Hospice provides expert medical, nursing and therapeutic care to adults with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones across Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. We care for the physical, social and psychological needs of our patients, not just the condition. Our highly skilled medical team work with the patient and their families to develop a complete programme of care tailored to their individual needs. Our services include nursing and medical care in our Hospice at Windsor, Community Therapy Unit in Ascot and in the patients’ homes, as well as practical and emotional support. Volunteers are involved in a multitude of ways, from welcoming visitors to the

Hospice at Windsor, driving patients to and from the Community Therapy Unit in Ascot to serving customers in the 14 shops that help raise funds for the Hospice. There are many other volunteer opportunities available to support the charity (please visit www. thameshospice.org.uk/volunteer). Adele Fuller, Retail Volunteer at the Thames Hospice shop in Crowthorne said “I have found the managers and all the other volunteers to be like an extended family. I can’t wait to get into the shop on a Monday morning; it is the high spot of my week. I am so, so glad that I found the courage to go in and ask if I could be a volunteer. In so many ways I have received encouragement, training and friendship. What more can anyone ask for.” If you are not in the Thames Hospice region then contact your local hospice to see what opportunities they have and see how you can help people in your community.

“This is still much-needed for our general wellbeing. The benefits of keeping active mentally and physically are just as important at this time of life as any other. The structure voluntary work can bring can keep isolation and depression – sometimes an issue in retirement – at bay.” Certainly, volunteering brings its individual pleasures, as 69 year-old Peter Herriman well knows. He has been volunteering at a National Trust historic property for 15 years. “I’m in three days a week and work as a volunteer room guide, education guide and Victorian costumed guide,” he said. “I love the variety of the job and meeting so many different people. I also get a huge amount of satisfaction from volunteering and would thoroughly recommend it if you’ve got some time to spare.”

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES • Health and social care – Age UK, www.ageuk.org.uk tel 0800 169 8787, The British Red Cross, www.redcross.org.uk tel 020 7201 5164 • Hospices- Thames Hospice www.thameshospice.org.uk tel 01753 848 945 • Animal welfare – PDSA, www.pdsa.org.uk tel 0800 854 194 email volunteers@pdsa.org.uk RSPB, www.rspb.org.uk, tel 01767 680551 • Arts and Heritage – The National Trust, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ volunteering tel 01793 817632, email volunteers@nationaltrust.org.uk , The Voluntary Arts Network, www.voluntaryarts.org tel 02920 395395, email info@voluntaryarts.org • Environment and conservation – BTCV, www.btcv.org tel 01302 388883, email information@btcv.org.uk, Friends of the Earth, www.foe.co.uk tel 020 7490 1555

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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)

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To order call Freephone 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk

George & Partners Limited, Keele University Science Park, Staffordshire ST5 5NL www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

CARE

DEMENTIA EXPLAINED Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects 850,000 people in the UK. It is estimated that there will be one million people with dementia in the UK by 2025 and that two thirds are women. Dementia is becoming increasingly important because we are living longer and it is now the most common disease in the elderly with one in six people aged 80 and over with dementia.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years. Alzheimer’s Disease destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories affecting memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones. Vascular Dementia affects men more than women and is due to cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain, brain cells die, leading to strokes. Dementia with Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve cells of the brain. Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age when damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.

thinking, judgment and disorientation. Most types of dementia are nonreversible (degenerative) but some causes of dementia can be prevented if identified soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse.

CARING FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA But who cares for those suffering with dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Society:• There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK. • Family carers of people with dementia save the UK £11 billion a year. • 80 per cent of people living in care homes have a form of dementia or severe memory problems. • Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community while one third live in a care home.

PREVENTION Most causes of dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of dementia including:1. Regular physical exercise 2. Quitting smoking 3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes 4. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

5. Sleeping well 6. Managing stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B which has had notable effects. Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to help reduce the rate of brain atrophy. 8. Early identification of dementia In recent years, however, treatments that can improve the symptoms of dementia are becoming available, as well as treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease.

HELPING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA • Understand and respect the person with dementia - help them feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and non judgemental • Respect cultural values and privacy • Regardless of how bad the dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves • Help them express their feelings. • Choice is confusing – so keep it simple and easy • Remember each person with dementia is still a person with unique and valuable experiences • Isolation as a direct result of dementia is rife. Help those with dementia still be sociable and connect with their loved ones and people of all ages.

HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE DEMENTIA?

HELPING CARERS & THE FAMILY

Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for dementia because in the early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous as cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness. Other symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including language, memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation, and cognitive skills such as abstract

• Understand that caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs. • The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle. Offer support, information and a listening ear. • Becoming well informed is really important.

Cognitive Psychologist and Neuroscientist, Dr Lynda Shaw www.drlyndashaw.com

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• Help them develop their own coping strategy with a strong network of family and friends When you need extra support for continuous care, you may not want the added stress of having to leave your home. Bluebird Care gives you the option of high quality care without moving to a care home. Our live-in care or care visits service offer the reassurance of care and support in the comfort of your own home. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to care, our customers’ unique needs are considered every step of the way, meaning you stay in control of your care and support at all times. A member of our team will ask what is important to you so we can provide the care you want, the way you want it. Choosing Bluebird Care means: • No need to move to a care home •

A personal service where your unique needs are considered every step of the way, available as and when you need it - day or night

• Fully trained, compassionate staff who respect your home and your privacy

• A flexible service, where every day can be different • A wide range of care and support– personal care, housework, social activities – you choose • A proper introduction to make sure we have found the right person for you • Regular follow up from a Bluebird Care manager to check you are happy with our service Katy Cresswell, Deputy Care Manager at Bluebird Care commented: We are committed to making life easier for people with dementia in our local community and are working with others to make Burnham a ‘Dementia Friendly Community’, by having become an active member of the Dementia Action Alliance. The Dementia Action Alliance brings together organisations across England committed to transforming the lives of people with dementia and their carers. We already offer a free dementia advice and response service to organisations and businesses in the village and will be signing up all 120 of our staff as ‘Dementia Friends’. We will also be

encouraging our workers to attend any local training available and plan to hold information sessions, where local businesses and members of the community can learn more about living with dementia. In July 2015, we won an employer Achiever Award from Bracknell and Wokingham College after 11 of our carers completed BTECs in Dementia Care. The award, usually reserved for individual students, was given in special recognition of our commitment to staff training. As a nationwide provider, Bluebird Care work to accredited training and induction standards and are able to provide full support and supervision in person with the management team on hand to oversee any issues and to offer a fully supported care service. Bluebird Care completes all the necessary employment checks, such as with the police or criminal records authorities and care worker references. Each care worker receives on-going training and support while they are looking after you at home. Live in care - keeping your familiar friends, family and belongings around you. No upheaval. No stress. No trouble.

CARE VISITS & LIVE-IN CARE AT HOME ‘Not all care is the same ...’

Bluebird Care (Slough, South Bucks & South Wycombe) 31 Summers Road, Burnham SL1 7EP. Telephone: 01628 605 797 www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

Our staff Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked. Find us on Facebook & Twitter

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CARE Direct payments - arranging your own care and services Direct payments are local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the local trust. A person must be able to give their consent to receiving direct payments and be able to manage them even if they need help to do this on a day-today basis.

Who is eligible?

S upport to stay in yo ur own ho m e If you want to live as independently as possible, you may need support to stay in your own home. The health and social care trust in your area can provide services to help you.

If you’re not receiving social services To get direct payments you’ll need to contact your local trust to ask them to assess your needs. Direct payments are normally available if you:

Health and social care assessments A range of support is available. For example, you might need help with cleaning, or you may find it useful if you had a bath rail fitted. You may be entitled to financial help to maintain your own home. To find out what sort of help you could get, your local trust will assess your health and social care needs. It is important to tell the health and social care trust what will make your everyday life easier. You may also be entitled to ‘direct payments’. These are trust payments available for anyone who has been assessed as needing social care, and who would like to buy services instead of receiving the trust’s services. For example, direct payments could be used to pay a home help.

If you already receive social services Your local trust is obliged to offer you the option of direct payments in place of the services you currently receive. There are some limited circumstances where you are not given this choice and your local trust will be able to tell you about these.

l have a disability and are aged 16 or over l are a carer aged 16 or over, including people with parental responsibility for a child with disabilities l are an older person

How much do you get? The amount you receive will depend on the assessment your local trust makes of your needs.

Care in your own home Care in your own home is offered to people who require help with personal care like washing or dressing, or help with other daily domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or help in managing finances.

How it’s paid Direct payments are made directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings’ account. If you need someone who cares for you to collect your money, or you are registered blind, payment can be made

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by sending a cheque which can be cashed at the Post Office.

Independence at home If you have a disability that makes living alone difficult, making some adaptations to your home may help. You may also get extra support to help you live in your own home. If you need improvements and adaptations to your home so you can continue to live there independently, you may qualify for help. A health and social care assessment with the social services department is often the first step towards getting the help and support you need. Following an assessment your occupational therapist may recommend types of equipment and ideas about adapting your home.

FallsFree4Life is a FREE falls prevention service for those aged 65 and over in Bracknell Forest and for those aged 60 and over in Slough specifically focused upon those that may not have fallen previously (also available for those that have fallen). Our Wellness Coaches and Physiotherapists go out into the community to promote falls prevention and the FallsFree4Life service. Wellness coaches and Physiotherapists also perform falls risk assessments either in your own home, at certain GP surgeries/locations within the community. They assess risk factors for falls such as strength/ balance, medication, conditions, vision/hearing, fear of falling and home hazards. Based upon the results of these assessments information and advice is given as well as referral to relevant local services if necessary. One such service is are our FREE Well Balanced Classes that are run by later life OTAGO trained instructors to help improve strength, balance and confidence.

If you or someone you know is eligible for this service and would like a FREE falls risk assessment please contact us via:

Phone – 0800 2461239 Bracknell – 01344 534 019 Slough – 01753 373 585 Email – info@fallsfree4life.co.uk Website – www.fallsfree4life.co.uk

FREE FALLS PREVENTION SERVICE

A FREE brand new service aimed at preventing falls in older people Those aged 65+ living in Bracknell Forest and those aged 60+ living in Slough are eligible for a FREE falls risk assessment and possible referral to our FREE Well Balanced classes by contacting us via:

Telephone: 08002461239 Bracknell: 01344 534 019 Slough: 01753 373 585 Email: info@fallsfree4life.co.uk Website: www.fallsfree4life.co.uk