Reading Issue 52

NEW 2023 Holiday Borchure Out 1st November 2022! Call today to pre-order your free copy to be posted to you.

Sidmouth

Mon 7th November 2022

5 Days: From £449

Includes visits to Exeter, West Bay, Lyme Regis, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Donkey Sanctuary & Wells.

Skegness, Lincoln & The Wolds Turkey & Tinsel Mon 7th November 2022

5 Days: From £389

Includes visit to Stamford, Lincoln, Boston, Louth, & Melton Mowbray.

Secret Santa Mystery Fri 11th November 2022

5 Days: From £319 From North to South, to East, to West... our mystery destination is for you to guess! Includes visit to a famous Christmas market!

Loch Lomond All Inclusive House Party!

Fri 11th November 2022

4 Days: From £369

Includes a Michael Bublé Tribute Night! With visits to Stirling, Luss, Loch Lomond shores & great scenery!

Isle of Wight, Sandown Turkey & Tinsel Fri 25th November 2022

4 Days: From £319

Includes visits to Alum Bay overlooking the Needles, Yarmouth, Shanklin & Ryde.

St Agnes Mistletoe & Wine Mon 28th November 2022

5 Days: From £379

Includes visits to Bideford, Falmouth, Portleven, Padstow, Truro, views of Mount’s Bay, Land’s End, St Ives & Looe.

Festive Cheer in St-Anne’son-sea, Lytham Sun 4th December 2022

5 Days: From £419

Includes visits to Bownesson-Windermere, Fleetwood, Southport. Great ‘Xmas Xtras’ included too!

Barmouth Turkey & Tinsel Mon 5th December 2022

5 Days: From £429

Includes visits to Shrewsbury, Machynlleth, Aberystwth, Betws-y-Coed, Llandudno & Abergavenny.

Belgian & German Xmas Markets, Brussels

Fri 9th December 2022

4 Days: From £429

Includes Aachen, Bruges, Ypres & Brussels’ Christmas Markets!

@Barnes Coaches

Looe Turkey & Tinsel

Mon 12th December 2022

5 Days: From £359

Includes festive cream tea, ‘christmas’ dinner and bucks fizz reception, afternoon bingo & quiz, entertainment most nights. Visits out to Exeter, Falmouth, Fowey & Padstow.

Chichester for Christmas Fri 23rd December 2022

5 Days: From £629

Includes visits to Southsea or Gunwharf Quay, Bognor Regis! Entertainement every night, Christmas Lunch and many more ‘Xmas Xtras’ included!

Ilfracombe for New Year

Fri 30th December 2022

4 Days: From £419

Includes afternoon Devon tea, glass of fizz, gala evening dinner. Days out include stops in Barnstaple, Bideford, Woolacombe & Sanders Garden World.

BY ANGELA KELLY

DO YOU FIND YOU ARE TIRED AT THE END OF THE DAY?

ARE YOU HAVING PROBLEMS REMEMBERING WHAT HAS BEEN SAID TO YOU? DO YOUNG PEOPLE BABBLE AND NOT SPEAK CLEARLY?

These are all signs that you may have a slight impairment in your hearing. When you do not hear 100% your brain has to fill in the gaps in conversation.

This can require significant effort by your brain, which leads to you being more tired earlier in the day.

When the brain is trying to fill in the gaps of conversation it can be too busy to store the information leading to you presenting as forgetful.

Unfortunately, we are not able to multitask as well as we would like to think.

Missing subtle parts of the conversation is like completing crosswords, not all the information is there.

Hence the conversation sounds more like babble.

Consider seeing an Audiologist to check out your hearing, improving your hearing can give you many health benefits, including feeling better about yourself, more engagement in company and less embarrassing misunderstandings.

It is said that untreated hearing loss has a negative impact on our health equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

HEARING CARE

TWITTERING ON

By Angela Kelly

Moving abroad? Do the maths first

WE are now going into the main time of the year when many people in the UK think about living in a sunnier climate.

It’s completely understandable, of course, when our wet and chilly Autumn months give way to even colder and icier weather before

Italy is fourth with South Eastern Europe (Greece, Romania, Serbia and Cyprus) fifth and the Far East - including China, Tahiland, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Philippines – sixth.

America and Australia have all improved their rankings over last year at sevenths and eighth and ninth and 10th places go to New Zealand and Turkey.

Anyone over-50 thinking of leaving the UK for warmer climes permanently, though, needs to heed the advice of life insurance company Canada Life.

They warn of the importance of checking whether your destination has a reciprocal agreement on the state pension. Otherwise, you may end up missing out financially as it could be frozen at whatever amount it was set at when you first left the UK.

While the Government has struck individual deals with some countries – Spain and other EU countries were involved in a state pension rights’ deal during Brexit negotiations – others like Canada,

I’ve always worried about bridegrooms in particular who insist on planning a wedding around sporting dates. Although everyone is entitled to enjoy their pastimes, you’re getting married to the supposed love of your life, mate, so how about showing a bit of early commitment?

Working from home or hybrid it’s now all change

IF there is one aspect of our lives that has undergone a dramatic makeover in the last couple of years it’s working from home.

Prior to 2020, working from home was the exception rather than the rule but, thanks largely to Covid 19, it has undergone a dramatic surge.

Before the pandemic, staff went into the office an average of 3.8 days a week but by April, 2020, 46.6 per cent of people in employment did some work at home.

Post-lockdown, many companies wanted to get staff back into the office, sometimes with hybrid working where employees split their work between home and office. And it may now be that this form of flexible working is the way forward; 47 per cent of American workers prefer this model.

Productivity is the obvious measure of any method of working and working from home certainly seems to have a positive result for many companies. In fact, many people reported being more productive at home than in the office.

However, there are naturally some down-sides.

In the same survey, 81 per cent of younger workers said they would feel isolated without more time in the office and 60 per cent reported they felt less connected to colleagues. Loneliness

could certainly be a factor and, for some, there were just too many distractions at home.

However, the lack of a commute and its possible stress, the relaxed “dress code”, flexible scheduling and the ability to look after family, pets and ageing relatives better were all identified as huge advantages.

One interesting side-effect is that many people decided to move house when proximity to work was no longer a requirement.

To be realistic, working from home is not for everyone, either because their job could not be run from home efficiently or simply because they prefer to be with other people.

It is a fact, though, that we have crossed a line in the working world and it will be fascinating to see where this journey now takes us.

The Queen’s sad farewell

THE very moving time around the Queen’s death and during the mourning period revealed much about both this nation and people in other countries.

The genuine sadness at her passing was hard to miss. People loved her and admired the way she tackled the role of monarch from being a young woman into older age.

The affection for her from people of other nations was also heartwarming. Whatever thoughts there are about monarchy, there appeared to be real affection for Her Majesty.

What the funeral itself and all the tradition involved also proved is that the way we handle this sort of occasion is unparalleled.

The stoic precision of individuals and horses, the grandeur, the sheer spectacle proved once more that Brits really do this best.

50 Plus Travel sponsored by

ICELAND TO LONDON CRUISE WITH SILVERSEA

Airways from London just as the record-breaking heatwave hit Britain. A welcome relief on our part as we packed layers of outdoor clothing for temperatures likely just to edge into double figures

Silversea voyages include all drinks, meals and tips as well as a good choice of free daily excursions, so there are only optional extras to pay for such as spa and bespoke experiences. Our 12-day cruise included two formal nights, but gentlemen can choose dinner suit, dark suit, or blazer and tie, or to dine casually at the pool deck grill.

Dynjandi waterfall

There’s something strangely mesmerising about a pool of bubbling mud, the rhythmical gloop-gloop sound and the way the liquid earth shudders with each bursting bubble. I hold my breath as I pass through the cloud of sulphurous steam issuing from the valley floor and marvel at the barren landscape, stained in a palette of primeval colours from a myriad of minerals. No wonder the crew of Apollo 11 came here to Iceland to train for the Moon landings.

This chance to experience Iceland’s geothermal landscape is one of many good reasons why I booked a 12-day cruise with Silversea this summer from Reykjavik to London. I’ve always loved wild, unspoilt places and Iceland delivers by the bucket load. But after four full days on this extraordinary island, the itinerary also promised more dramatic scenery through a clutch of other Atlantic islands, as well as wildlife encounters, historic sites, and some appealing TV tie-ins. A varied itinerary that only a cruise can deliver.

Iceland is featured by several cruise operators but from previous experience, we knew we liked the luxury boutique feel of the Silversea fleet. A real treat after so many cancelled trips during the pandemic. In July 2022 when we travelled, passengers with up-todate Covid vaccines – in other words, each one you are eligible for - were required to produce a negative Rapid Antigen test within 72 hours of departure. We passed, but sadly our travelling companions didn’t and were given an immediate full refund by Silversea.

We travelled this time on Silver Whisper which carries 392 passengers in understated luxury, flying to Reykjavik with British

Every passenger enjoys butler service with each butler assigned to a small group of suites, but it’s not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. Vimal, our butler, supervised the daily cleaning of our accommodation, kept our minibar stocked with our choice of drinks, and generally took care of any requests. He wasn’t there to unpack our smalls, although ‘help with packing’ was advertised for those in need of a hand before return.

In Iceland, we chose four excursions to give us a real feel for the island’s varied landscape and wildlife. The rugged western fjords and the geothermal landscape of the north, as well as a guided hike to a plateau high above the east coast. In summer, birdlife was everywhere from puffins and gannets to godwits, plovers and whimbrels. Not sure you’d know one? You will if you chose the nature excursions!

You’re never very far from tumbling water either in this extraordinary landscape, from cascading streams to the ‘mini Niagara’ of the powerful Godafoss waterfall where a 10th century

Lerwick

Silver Travel Advisor’s Gillian Thornton explores the unspoilt landscapes of the North Atlantic

king is said to have flung images of pagan gods into the water as the country adopted Christianity. Others Icelandic legends include sea monsters and strange beasts, still supposedly seen in recent decades!

After four days around Iceland and a relaxing sea day, contrasting islands followed in quick succession. The spectacularly rugged Faroes, setting for the Scandi crime series Trom and 007’s final scene in No Time to Die. The Shetland Islands too where we enjoyed scenery, seals and seabirds on a guided walk around a nature reserve, and browsed round Lerwick, setting for the TV detective series Shetland. And lastly, the Orkney Islands where my imagination went into overdrive amongst the Neolothic remains of Skara Brae village and the standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar.

Without exception, the local guides were excellent, teaching us about the Norse history that links not just these Atlantic islands but also our own island and France after Viking explorers set off from Norway in the ninth century. Who knew for instance, that the word ‘Viking’ actually means ‘adventurer’?

We loved the summer wildlife too. The humpback whales who obligingly put on a show beneath cloudless blue skies during our whale watching tour from Husavik, and the sight of thousands of puffins flying and fishing around their annual island nesting grounds. Seals basked on Scottish beaches, popping up at dinner beyond the restaurant window, and Arctic terns put on spectacular fishing displays as they plummeted seawards to seize another snack.

From the Orkney Islands we sailed to another volcanic landscape, Edinburgh, the ancient volcano of Arthur’s Seat clearly visible above the city as we moored close to The Royal Yacht Britannia, another advantage of choosing a small ship that can access the inner harbour. Take a choice of city tours, visit the spectacular Rosslyn Chapel, or simply take the shuttle bus to explore independently.

Two relaxing sea days gave us time to enjoy the hospitality and facilities of Silver Whisper before an evening cruise up the Thames to our final mooring. The coloured lights of the Thames Barrier, the ‘Manhattan’ skyline of Canary Wharf, and the unmistakeable dome of the 02 Arena gave way to stately Greenwich Palace and the illuminated masts of the Cutty Sark. A very different ship but a fittingly maritime finale for our North Atlantic adventure.

“The kitchen that David fitted 23 years ago is still in good condition,” says Mike & Tracy Mason of Wroughton

“We just wanted a new look, so David suggested replacing the doors.”

The existing kitchen had non standard doors, but we can supply made to measure replacement doors and door fronts.

“It has made the room look brighter and refreshed,” says Tracy.

“David`s son Oliver did the fitting, he was still at school when the original kitchen was fitted. I would recommend nuimage to anyone, they are a friendly family business who care about their customers.”

OVER 40 YEAR'S EXPERIENCE

Nuimage is a family run business and between us have over 40 years’ experience so why not let us create beautiful living spaces designed to meet your needs. Because of our experience we can manage your project from design and installation right through to tiling and decorating.

Next steps

Tracy with David Dukes from nuimage

start the new

Festive

GET INTO THE SPIRIT

with one of our 3-2-1 Bar Promotion

In January enjoy 3 nights half price

on every break or 2 nights in February. Enjoy this offer from 5-9pm on selected drinks from our hotel bars.

Whichever break you choose our fleet of luxury coaches provide return travel in comfort and style from your local pickup point and will take you directly to your hotel. Or if you prefer, all our breaks can be booked on a self-drive basis giving you the freedom to get out and explore the local area.

break includes:

Newquay Blackpool Lake District EastbourneScarborough

TorquayIsle of Wight Weymouth

Tinsel & Turkey

SUE BARKER CALLING THE SHOTS

WHEN Sue Barker retired as a TV presenter at Wimbledon this Summer the tears came from more than just her – the nation felt that we had lost something special.

Her great success on TV generally, although especially her associations with the annual tennis-fest at SW19, make us easily forget, however, just what a talented and successful tennis player Sue was. At one time in her career, she was ranked No.3 in the world.

Her tennis career started where she was born and brought up in Paignton, Devon. She was educated at a convent school and at the age of 10 in 1966 she was picked as one of two girls to receive free coaching from week-known tennis coach Arthur Roberts.

He had coached Angela Mortimer – the former world No.1 female tennis player – and was impressed with the slight blonde girl. In particular, he was impressed by her forehand, and when the period of the free coaching finished, he continued to coach her.

Roberts entered Sue, then in her teens, into tournaments abroad, giving her a one-way ticket and instructing her to win enough to pay for her ticket home! Roberts did, though, prove to be a supportive mentor and highly influential throughout her tennis career.

At just 16, young Sue was No.21 in the LTA rankings and Roberts advised her to move to America for to improve her development. Here, she was signed by Mark McCormack’s International Management Group (IMG).

She won her first top-level singles title in 1975, along with three additional titles, and reached her first Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open.

She won the German Open the following year and had the biggest victory of her career in 1976 when she won the French Open at the age of 20.

In 1977, Sue won two singles’ titles in San Francisco and Dallas and beat Martina Navratilova to reach the final of the Virginia Slims Tour Championships, where she lost in three sets to Chris Evert.

That year, she reached the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Centenary Championships, looking set to meet fellow Brit Virginia Wade in the landmark final. Unfortunately, she unexpectedly lost her semi to Betty Stove of the Netherlands who in turn lost to Wade.

After this disappointment, Sue continued her tennis career but was plagued by injuries and in 1978 her ranking dropped to world No.24. However, she still won three singles’ titles and reached three other finals in 1979 and won the final title of her singles’ career in 1980 at the Brighton International.

She won her last doubles’ title in 1982 at Cincinnati and played her last professional match in 1984 when injuries forced her to retire from tennis. In all, she had won 15 singles’ titles and 12 doubles’ titles with notable wins over famous players including Chris Evert, Billie Jean King Rosie Casals and Pam Shriver.

After a short break – and to the surprise of some tennis luminaries like Martina Navratilova who, on Sue’s retirement this year, said how shy she had been then – she began a broadcasting career in Australia.

Fortunately for the UK, in 1993 the BBC recognised both her broadcasting skills and her current tennis knowledge.

The following year, she started presenting coverage from the Wimbledon tennis championships, Unsurprisingly, her depth of knowledge about the game and about the life of touring tennis players and her natural warmth brought a fresh perspective to the coverage.

She knew so many of the players personally – many obviously liked her and chatted happily with such an old friend and viewers benefitted from such an informed, informal approach. She asked pertinent questions that added to viewers’ understanding of individuals and the game and made Wimbledon coverage more accessible and enjoyable.

John McEnroe put it beautifully succinctly on her final day when he told a tearful Sue that Wimbledon “just wouldn’t be the same anymore” without her.

Sue’s sunny smile and ready sense of humour, alongside her professionalism, also took her into other areas of broadcasting. She became the presenter of BBC’s very popular programme A Question of Sport and there was an outcry when she was replaced last year. Many viewers are still lobbying for her return.

She was awarded the MBE in 2000 for services to tennis and broadcasting and the OBE in 2016 for her services to sport, broadcasting and charity.

Sue has been happily married to landscape gardener and former policeman Lance Tankard since 1988 and the couple live in Stanton, Gloucestershire.

However, before she met Lance, Sue was in a relationship with famous Australian golfer Greg Norman. But it was when she got together with singer Cliff Richard that the British media went wild.

In her just published autobiography, Calling the Shots, she recalled how the relationship started when she met Hank Marvin and Brian Bennett from his backing group who were on tour and staying at her hotel when she was playing in Brighton.

She got them tickets to her match. Cliff, a huge tennis fan, got her number from them and called her asking her to go to the Shadows’ concert with him.

This was the start of a relationship that must have been hard to maintain for both of them. Sue was playing on the tennis circuit around the world and Cliff was fulfilling his own tour engagements in different countries.

The British press loved this romantic story of two famous names linked but the relationship only lasted a matter of months. As Sue states in her book:

“It felt to me like a friendship that had the potential to develop, rather than a significant romantic relationship, because we hadn’t taken it far – and I’m not just talking about sex.”

The long ago romance, though, has always struck a chord in the public psyche and there is no doubt there will be questions about her and Cliff when she tours the UK during October talking about her career and life in and out of tennis.

• For more information about her tour go to www.penguin.co.uk/events/sue-barker-live

CONSERVATORY SPECIALISTS IN SWINDON

Our glass roof conservatories could be at least £10,000 cheaper than an extension.

Our skilled and experienced team are always on hand to help and answer your questions, so call us today to find out more. With the very latest changes in the building regulations where now all solid or non-translucent roof buildings should now go through the process of acquiring building regulation approval.

Customers who are just looking for a quicker solution to having an extra room on their property using the new glass technology so they can use the room all year round. With reasonable lead times you could be using the extra room by Autumn. They would do no better than look at a conservatory which is by far the most cost effective way forward while they are still exempt from planning and building regulations.

Here at The Conservatory Centre in Swindon, we offer the best quality roofs, frames and climate glass, available on the market at the best possible value.

OUR CONSERVATORIES

All our conservatories are built on traditionally constructed bases and with the quality of our glass and frames, you are essentially buying another room for your home.

Our conservatories really are all year-round rooms, staying comfortable during the summer, and warm during the winter.

ULTRAFRAME

We work most often with Ultraframe – a world-leading supplier of high-performance roofs perfect for a wide range of homes.

With a range of innovative features and modern, sleek designs, Ultraframe conservatories represent the very cutting-edge. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our product range.

A RANGE OF STYLES

Our collection includes Performance, Designer and Classic conservatories, so there’s an option for every style preference.

Our Performance range includes the most cutting-edge technology, while Designer conservatories are all about the aesthetic appeal.

A Classic conservatory will offer

traditional, timeless style for a vintage feel.

BESPOKE DESIGNS

We work closely with every client to ensure the finished conservatory matches your vision. We’ll take the time to discuss your requirements and collaborate with you in drawing up a design that you’ll love.

Apart from the climate controlled roof glass with a U value of 1 they can have insulated internal pelmets with plastered surrounds and downlighters to add ambience and make it look like a proper room without making the room you are covering any darker.

CAN A CONSERVATORY BE ENERGY EFFICIENT?

Stephen Wright site manager of The Conservatory Centre explains: “A conservatory which is cold and expensive to heat in winter and unbearably hot in summer would represent poor value whatever the price paid. We all would like a room that we can enjoy in the cold winter months and hot summer days. So how do we achieve this? How do we compare what’s on offer? Quite simply the term ‘U-value’ is used as a measure of heat transfer through a given material. The huge area of glass, and maybe polycarbonate in the roof of a conservatory, if not in line with the very latest technology can reduce your investment to little

more than a glorified greenhouse! The higher the U-value figure, the greater the heat loss will be; conversely, the lower the U-value figure, the lower the heat loss. Remember! for an energy efficient conservatory, compare U-values and GO FOR LOW.

With our latest range of intelligent Climate Control Glass for roofs in active blue, aqua, neutral or bronze tints and our Wall Glass: Total 1.1-1.2 U-Value crystal clear ‘planitherm’, argon gas filled cavity double glazed units. Europe’s top selling solar controlled ‘Low E’ glass made in Britain.

WHICH? TRUSTED TRADER

Due to

This glass really does make a difference to the all year round comfort of the conservatory. Our customers who have experienced the difference tell us this!

Ordinary Pilkington double glazed units have a U value of 1.9 and will lose 2 times more heat through the glass. Another type of heat retaining glass, sometimes called low e glass or Pilkington K has a U-value of 1.6 which, although better will still let in 50% more heat than ‘Planitherm’. Furthermore, crystal clear

OUR SERVICE

Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 does not suffer the hazy sheen often associated with Pilkington K glass. As an added bonus, Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 glass reduces 70% of harmful radiation passing through the glass, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, and reducing fabric fading. In summer this amazing glass technology with a .74% solar factor and a .85 shading coefficient keeps your conservatory comfortably cool. (g ISO905 M1)

to

We believe in giving customers the time to make their decision. All our conservatories are tailor-made to your requirements and we quote based on the exact measurements of your space. We have the largest dedicated conservatory show site in the area - providing our customers with a realistic and homely setting to view our range, from standard conservatories to orangeries and lightweight, tiled roof extensions.

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SLOTS STILL AVAILABLE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Re-Appreciating your Home

Blinds today come in all kinds of styles and patterns so pop along to your local store or go online to see how they can enhance any window. You’ll be amazed at the latest styles – everything from vertical blinds to roller blinds and from Roman to Venetian, vision blinds and pleated.

Take an honest re-appraisal of the OUTSIDE of your house and see if that smart exterior you originally bought into is long gone and might need a fresh coat of paint or new fascia boards.

Is it still the welcoming place you remember or does your FRONT DOOR need painting or replacing with something more modern and brighter?

JUST when you’re looking around your home and considering moving or drastic renovation a visitor praises your property and forces you to re-consider your views.

Every now and then, it’s a good idea to re-appreciate your home and remember just what attracted you to it in the first place. This may have been its location, its sunny outlook, airy rooms, its living flowthrough or simply its potential.

It’s good to recall what drew you to it and remember those feelings.

It also helps that re-appreciation to take a quick sensory tour of your home and recall the pleasures – your cosy couch, the warmth of the sun coming through your lounge windows or the feel of a fluffy rug under your feet.

Have you got lovely neighbours? Is the area pleasant and convenient for your lifestyle, your work and your social life? Can you live in that property comfortably within your means?

If you listen to your visitors’ opinions, you may well see your home through a fresh pair of eyes and be pleasantly surprised.

However, if you find that you’re still not 100 per cent happy with where you are, consider using all those pluses you’ve re-recognised and improving them.

Those lovely WINDOWS that let in the light so well may need enhancing or even changing, perhaps to double-glazed windows that help keep insulation costs down.

Or, you may need to re-think the current curtains. Are they too dark and don’t enhance the sunny rays that light up your room? New curtains don’t have to cost a fortune and opting for full-length ones can make your room look much larger.

A front door that allows in plenty of light can transform a HALL so it’s well worth the investment and taking a look around local suppliers. And while we’re in the hall, does it give a positive first impression of who you are?

If not, it may be that you need to de-clutter it – move all those coats and shoes into a cupboard or shoe-racks, decorate in bright colours and add a large mirror to reflect light and give an illusion of space if it needs it.

A change of FLOORING can make a huge difference to any area of the house but especially in the popular areas like the lounge and kitchen where family members tend to gather.

Whether it’s carpet, wood, eco-friendly bamboo or tiles, new or different flooring can make you take that fresh look at your home and learn to re-love it.

Wooden flooring with attractive rugs can be particularly effective in a lounge, especially with a log-burning fire or open fireplace. The glow just seems to start there and emanate around the room

so if you always liked the cosiness of your lounge, here’s a chance to enjoy it once more.

As we go into the chillier months, it’s worth ensuring your CENTRAL HEATING is working properly. You can’t re-appreciate your home if you’re shivering!

Do you need a new boiler? Bring in a qualified Gas Safe engineer near you - to find them go to https://www. gassaferegister.co.uk/ or try British Gas at https:// www.britishgas.co.uk/home-services/boilers-andheating/guides/trusted-gas-engineer.html

Check on DRAUGHTS in your home for the same reason and take a special look around doors and windows. This is going to be a particularly energyconscious Winter and draught-proofing is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to save energy and save money.

Uncontrolled draughts just blow money out of the door or window. The Energy Saving Trust states you could probably save around £45 a year by draught-proofing doors and windows and, if you have an open chimney, when you’re not using it draughtproofing could save around £65 a year.

Just remember that your property still needs ventilation with air flowing in and out of your home to stay fresh, dry and healthy. So make sure you don’t block or seal any intentional ventilation like extractor fans, underfloor grilles or airbricks, wall vents or trickle vents on modern windows.

something much cheaper like changing the colour of the bedding and curtains can make a dramatic difference.

When thinking of a new BATHROOM. The same idea of changing accessories can help you re-like your bathroom. Change the shower curtain and add matching bathroom accessories or bring in plants in matching pots.

If you are improving your home, it’s worth keeping in mind as a homeowner that you might be able to get help towards interest payments on your mortgage and/or loans you’ve taken out for certain repairs and improvements.

KITCHENS can look outdated and unloved but you don’t have to make a big investment to change your mind on yours. New doors or worktops can make a real difference and just changing the colour scheme and adding updated modern taps, for example, can make you love it again.

The same is true of BEDROOMS where units may just need updating. Call in a local bedroom furniture supplier that has either done work for someone you know who can recommend them or has positive reviews posted online.

A change of relaxing colour scheme here can also soon make you re-appreciate this important room. Even

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FESTIVE PLANTS THAT ARE EASY TO CARE FOR

big blooms upright. Plant the bulbs no later than the beginning of November and keep the soil moist, but not drenched. When flowering, the bright red blooms will enjoy a semi-cool, humid spot in the home with bright, indirect light and plenty of moisture. In spring, return the plant to a sunny area and water well.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettias are a pretty, bright plant that is widely grown indoors over Christmas for their beautiful, red bracts. They should only be watered once the compost has begun to dry out. Overwatering poinsettias can really damage the plant, instead, regularly misting the plant with a spray bottle is beneficial, especially when flowering.

Red Lion (Amaryllis)

Brits are being offered advice on the easiest festive house plants to care for this Christmas.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have investigated the low maintenance plants to make the perfect Christmas centrepiece.

They’ve looked at varieties including traditional festive foliage choices like poinsettia, holly, and rosemary, all the way to unusual blooms like the Christmas cactus, desert roses and African violets.

Festive families looking to take an organic approach to their Christmas decorations can also take inspiration and deck their halls with pretty plants.

With growing concerns about plastic use, they’re much more eco-friendly options and are reusable year after year with the right care.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “There are some fantastically festive plants and flowers which are easy to care for during the chillier months and will add the spirit of Christmas to any room.

“Many of these blooms also make for beautiful presents, so are worth bearing in mind when buying for green-fingered friends or family members.”

“Whilst these varieties are easy to care for, they can be pretty picky with heat and light. A windowsill might seem like a good idea, but the temperature really fluctuates in front of the glass in the winter, especially if there’s a radiator underneath,

“Avoid draughts and hot spots near radiators or fires too. Instead, display them somewhere that’s bright yet maintains a steady temperature.”

GardeningExpress.co.uk’s seven festive plants that are easy to care for:

Red Lion (Amaryllis)

The massive, six-pointed amaryllis bloom makes an impressive festive decoration and a support stake will be handy for keeping

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

The Christmas cactus is nothing to do with either the Christmas tradition or the story of Christ’s birth, but they are easy to maintain during cooler months. They look amazing too, flowering from late November all the way to late January. They will live happily in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms, as they grow in tropical rainforests in the wild. During the summer months, when the risk of frost has gone, they can be placed outside. This will help to ripen new growth and encourages flowering. Keep them in a shady spot and protect them from slugs

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

blooming gorgeous. They take up a small amount of space in the home and can make a delightful display when a few are bunched together. African violet plants should be watered when the soil doesn’t feel moist with lukewarm or tepid water which has been left to stand for 48 hours. These fussy flowers will be well worth the beautiful blooms that come during colder climates.

Holly (Ilex)

This Christmas classic is a symbol of eternal life and fertility. Back in the day, people believed that hanging the plant in homes would bring good luck and protection. When grown in the home, holly will thrive in moist soil positioned in slight suntraps. However, they aren’t just limited to December along with the decorations, they make a lovely year-round houseplant.

Rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus)

Rosemary is the most authentic Christmas plant about, as it’s thought to be one of the plants in the manger where baby Jesus was cradled.

The plant is an attractive evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves, and it is super easy to care for. Provide the herb with well-drained, sandy soil and a solid amount of sunlight. These plants thrive in warm, humid environments and should be moved into a cosy spot in the home over the winter months.

Desert Rose (Adenium)

These strong plants are native to regions with warm climates, so should be kept out of the cold at all costs. When kept as a house plant, they are the perfect specimens for nervous or novice gardeners. A fat trunk is an indicator of health on this plant, whereas a skinny stem is the plant screaming that it needs watering.

African violets (Saintpaulia)

Whilst these aren’t the easiest plant to look after, they are

many coats of preservative, the structure of the wooden fence in

front garden

and a recent storm sent it off down the road, thankfully missing the neighbour’s car. However, every cloud has a silver lining,

no painting or repairs for 25 years!

–

Protecting plants from bad weather

With the height of winter approaching, gardeners are being offered the best ways to protect plants over the chilly months.

The experts at GardeningExpress. co.uk have pulled together the best ways to make sure your plants survive the drop in temperature and shorter days.

Tips include insulating plant pots with bubble wrap, making mulch and recycling old bottles to save the plants and some pennies.

Preventative measures, like sheltering plants, clearing up spaces and insulating soils work great, but sometimes extra steps need to be taken to keep plants healthy.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Over summer, gardens provide a sanctuary away from the business of life, but over winter they start to look dilapidated.

“The youngest plants in the garden are most likely to be affected by harsh weather. However, even the hardiest varieties sometimes become damaged over a long cold spell.

“If you spot damage to any plant, it is best to remove it straight away to stop it spreading elsewhere. Look at any winter upset as an opportunity to improve your garden skills and make your plants stronger as a result.”

GardeningExpress.co.uk’s tips to protecting plants this winter

Bubble wrap

Gently covering delicate plants with bubble wrap can insulate the plant and keep it protected against some harsher weather. Covering the top of the soil with a wrap is a good idea too, as it will protect it from going through frequent periods of freezing and thawing. Get ahead of the game and start potting next year’s plants in bubble wrap lined pots in anticipation of the next chill.

Secure structures

Plants often rely on leaning against structures, like sheds, fences, and walls to grow to their full potential. Make sure that these structures are strong enough to make it through the windy, rainy, and cold winter. Plants trained against walls can be protected from the cold with fleececovered frames.

Remove damaged shoots and limbs

Before any turbulent weather, it is a good idea to streamline plants by removing any dead shoots. This will also reduce the risk of any long limbs or branches snapping and tangling.

Come inside

When ice or frost is forecast, take the more sensitive plants and offer them some shelter. Somewhere unheated is best. Plants will hate being brought inside the home, as it will be too hot, but consider clearing out space in the shed or garage for them to live.

Recycled plastic bottles

Individual plants can also be protected using homemade “mini cloches” made from plastic drinks bottles. To create this type of cloche, simply cut the top and bottom of the bottom before placing it around the plant. This method should protect delicate leaves on young plants from chilly temperatures. You should try to remove these cloches each morning to ensure the air inside does not overheat and damage the plant.

Mulch

Mulch can be made using organic matter like decaying leaves, bark, straw, or compost. Placing it around the roots of plants will help insulate and protect them from the cold, however, it only tends to work with hardier plants.

Cutting

Winter throws lots of challenges at gardeners and no matter how well looked after your plants are, there is still a small risk of them dying. It’s a great idea to keep the plant tags that comes with non-perennial plants or take a cutting from perennials that are a worry.

BUYING A BRAND-NEW HOME AND RELEASING CASH TO ENJOY THE LIFESTYLE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED

Build your perfect lifestyle at Trowbridge Lodge, Wiltshire Set within the grounds of a former private country estate and surrounded by woodland, Trowbridge Lodge is a fabulous place to start a new chapter of your life. Full of character and charm this stunning park offers a real sense of peace and tranquillity whilst only a stone’s throw away from the charming town of Trowbridge. Trowbridge Lodge is the perfect setting for anyone seeking a relaxed retirement, with a range of amenities and entertainment close by.

“We always imagined a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. We wanted to enjoy our free time safe in the knowledge that we had financial security. We are so thankful we have been able to achieve our dream.”

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THEO RANDALL’S ITALIAN PANTRY

Theo Randall’s passion for food was born from regular family holidays across Europe and from a young age he was destined for a culinary future. His career began as a waiter at London’s acclaimed Chez Max and after only a few weeks, Max Magarian noted Theo’s talents and invited him to work in the kitchen where he spent the next four years following an apprenticeship in classic French cuisine. In 1989, Theo joined the up-and-coming River Café and quickly found his culinary home with the legendary Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray MBE. After a year’s secondment cooking alongside Alice Waters at Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, Theo returned to The River Café and brought inspiration from the bountiful Californian produce he had been working with. Theo then remained at River Café for a further 15 years as head chef and it was under his patronage that the restaurant received its first Michelin star in 1997. He left to launch Theo Randall at the InterContinental, which opened in November 2006. His commitment to delivering rustic produce-driven Italian food from the prestigious address of No. 1 Park Lane has earned him loyal followers and rave reviews from critics and food-lovers. While he is a regular on national television, including BBC One’s, Saturday Kitchen, Theo remains true to his culinary roots and can be found at the restaurant most services. He has published three successful recipe books: PASTA (2006), My Simple Italian (2015) and The Italian Deli Cookbook (2021), and his latest book, The Italian Pantry, released on 1 September 2022.

TAGLIATELLE WITH MUSHROOMS, PINE NUTS AND PANCETTA

This recipe is a perfect midweek dinner; easy to prep and comforting to eat. There are lots of really good, dried egg tagliatelle pastas on the market – I always go for the brands Rumo or Giovanni Cocco. Or, of course, you could always make fresh pasta.

Serves 2–3

Ingredients

• 100g (3½oz) pancetta, cut into matchsticks

• 75g (2½oz) pine nuts

• 250g (9oz) chestnut mushrooms, thinly sliced

• 1 garlic clove, finely sliced

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

• juice of ½ lemon

• 100g (3½oz) mascarpone

• 250g (9oz) dried tagliatelle

• 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves

• 75g (2½oz) parmesan, grated, to serve

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Heat a large, heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat. When hot, add the pancetta to the dry pan and leave it to cook for a few minutes, until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is crispy. Add the pine nuts and cook for about 1 minute, until they are a light golden colour. Remove the pancetta and pine nuts from the pan with a slotted spoon and set them aside to drain on kitchen paper. Leave the fat in the pan. Add the mushrooms to the pan over a medium heat. Fry until the mushrooms have released their liquid and become syrupy, then add the garlic and thyme and fry for 2 minutes more. Add the lemon juice and

season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat down to low and stir in the mascarpone. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle and cook for 2 minutes less than the packet suggests, then, using tongs, transfer the pasta to the pan with the mascarpone mixture. Add a ladleful of the pasta cooking water and stir through the parsley. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon and cook for 1 minute, adding another ladleful of pasta cooking water if the tagliatelle feels a little dry. Toss the pasta so it is juicy and coated in the sauce. Serve the tagliatelle in warm bowls with the crispy pancetta, pine nuts and a little extra parmesan sprinkled on top.

AUBERGINE AND COURGETTE LASAGNE

Method

Serves 6 Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 red onions, finely sliced

• 500g (1lb 2oz) courgettes (zucchini), cut into 1cm (½in) rounds

• 1 garlic clove, finely sliced

• 500g (1lb 2oz) tomato passata

• 8 basil leaves, roughly torn

• 3 aubergines (eggplants), sliced into 2cm (¾in) rounds

• 300g (10½oz) egg-based dried lasagne

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the béchamel

• 75g (2½oz) unsalted butter

• 75g (2½oz) plain (all-purpose) flour

• 500ml (17fl oz) whole milk, warmed to just below boiling point

• 150g (5½oz) parmesan, grated, plus extra for sprinkling

My mother used to make the most delicious lasagne – I used to get so excited when I knew it was coming. She was brilliant at making the béchamel sauce – it was always perfectly creamy but never thick and floury. The trick to this was to cook it very slowly and use equal quantities of flour and butter. This is a vegetable lasagne, but it has as much flavour as the traditional meaty offering because you roast the aubergines (eggplant) first. Try to use egg-based lasagne sheets as they tend to have more flavour and are not as brittle when you cook them (or, better still, make your own sheets of pasta).

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onions, courgettes (zucchini) and a good seasoning of salt. Cook for 20 minutes, until the onion and courgettes are soft. Heat another tablespoon of the olive oil in a separate saucepan, then add the garlic. Fry the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the passata and cook the mixture gently for 20 minutes, until reduced by half. Season with salt and pepper, then stir through the basil.

Brush both sides of the aubergine (eggplant) slices with olive oil and season them with salt. Place the aubergines in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake them for 15 minutes, then turn them over and bake them for a further 15 minutes. Remove the slices from the oven and, when they are cool enough to handle, cut them into halfmoons. Set them aside and leave the oven on.

To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat. When the butter has melted, add the flour and cook it out for a couple of minutes, stirring to combine. Next, add the hot milk and stir continuously to avoid any lumps forming. Cook the sauce gently for 20 minutes, stirring all the while, until smooth and thickened, then mix in the parmesan and check the seasoning. Leave to one side.

Mix the aubergines, courgettes, onions and tomato sauce together in a large bowl and check that everything is seasoned well. Use the remaining olive oil to oil a baking dish, then place a layer of lasagne sheets in the base of the dish. Add one-third of the vegetable mixture in an even layer, then top this with one-quarter of the béchamel sauce. Repeat this twice more, then finish with a layer of lasagne sheets and a final layer of béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the top with some more parmesan, then bake the lasagne for 35 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and the top is golden. Serve with a little extra grated parmesan on top, if you like.

MEATBALLS IN TOMATO SAUCE WITH BURRATA AND CROSTINI

This dish was on the menu at Theo’s Simple Italian in Kensington – sadly, the restaurant is no longer, but the dish is still very much a classic. The richness of the meatballs with the vibrant tomato sauce is very comforting and it’s a perfect dish to serve to a large gathering. I love the addition of the chopped burrata, as it makes the tomato sauce taste even sweeter and adds a soft, creamy texture. Scale the quantities up or down as required.

Serves 4 Ingredients

• 1 ciabatta or sourdough loaf, cut into thin slices

• 1 garlic clove, to rub

• 1 x 150g (5½oz) burrata sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the meatballs

• 400g (14oz) pork mince (ground pork)

• 400g (14oz) beef mince (ground beef)

• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves

• 1 garlic clove, crushed to a paste with a little sea salt

• 3 tablespoons whole milk

• 100g (3½oz) dried breadcrumbs

• 75g (2½oz) parmesan, finely grated

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, finely sliced

• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme (not lemon thyme)

• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

• 600g (1lb 5 oz) tomato passata

Method

Place all ingredients for the meatballs into a large bowl and combine to form a firm, evenly distributed mixture. Cover your hands in olive oil, take a generous tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a meatball the size of a golf ball. Repeat until you have used all the mixture – you should have 16 meatballs. Place them on a tray in the fridge to firm up for 30 minutes.

Place a large, non-stick, ovenproof frying pan over a high heat and add a tablespoon or so of olive oil. When the oil is hot, begin browning the meatballs (in batches if necessary), ensuring you don’t cook them completely – a little colour on the outside is perfect. Once they are all browned off, remove them from the pan and leave them to one side while you make your tomato sauce. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6. Make the tomato sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan and set it back over a medium heat. When hot, add the garlic, thyme and chilli. Simmer for 1 minute, then add the passata. Cook gently for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by half. Season the sauce and take the pan off the heat.

Place the meatballs in the pan on top of the sauce, evenly spaced, then transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. Leave to one side for 5 minutes to cool slightly (leave the oven on). Drizzle a little oil over your ciabatta slices and sprinkle them with some sea salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake them for 4 minutes, or until crispy, then rub them all over with the garlic clove. Meanwhile, finely chop the burrata, then use a spoon to drop dollops all over the baked meatballs. Give everything a sprinkle of sea salt and a good grinding of black pepper, then serve in the middle of the table alongside the crostini and let everyone help themselves.

AMALFI LEMON CHEESECAKE

This has to be one of the easiest and tastiest cheesecakes around. Ricotta is used in place of cream cheese, making for a much lighter mouthful, however this means that it’s important to allow enough time for the cheesecake to set fully – ideally you’d make it a day in advance. The best ricotta to use for this is sheep’s milk ricotta, but you will only find this in Italian delis or in a farm shop that sells local cheese.

Serves 8 Ingredients

• 200g (7oz) cantuccini biscuits

• 75g (2¾oz) unsalted butter

• 50g (2oz) light brown soft sugar

• 500g (1lb 2oz) ricotta, drained

• 100g (3½oz) mascarpone

• zest and juice of 2 Amalfi lemons

• 125g (4½oz) icing sugar, sifted

Method

Tip the cantuccini into a food processor and blitz them to a fine crumb. Alternatively, place them in a Ziplock bag and bash them with a rolling pin or saucepan. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat, then add the blitzed cantuccini biscuits and the sugar. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute, then take the pan off the heat. Tip the mixture into a 22cm (8½in) non-stick springform cake tin, pressing the buttery crumbled biscuits over the base to create a biscuit base. Transfer the tin to the fridge while you make the ricotta filling.

Using a hand-held electric whisk or a wooden spoon, beat together the ricotta, mascarpone, lemon zest and juice and icing (confectioner’s) sugar in a large mixing bowl for 4 minutes, until the mixture is creamy and light. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the springform tin and spread it out into an even layer over the base. Refrigerate to set for a minimum of 3 hours, but preferably overnight, before releasing the cheesecake from the tin.

Transfer it to a serving plate and top with extra lemon zest before slicing.

The Italian Pantry by Theo Randall (Quadrille,

Lizzie Mayson.

OPTIMISED INDEPENDENCE AT THE MOBILITY STORE

As we move into Spring our thoughts turn to getting out into the fresh air. For the less able among us that can sometimes pose a challenge. For most, their first foray into walking aids is a walking stick. You may think that any old walking stick will do but it is important that the stick is correctly sized for the user and that the ferrule (rubber tip) is not worn or perished. For more adventurous travel and support a wheeled walker can be a good idea and some even include a seat when needed. At your nearest Mobility Store you will find a large range of wheeled walkers and walking sticks - even some patriotic ones for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Be it a walking stick or a top-of-the-range mobility scooter, these all have parts which wear and degrade through time and use. No one wants to slip due to a worn ferrule or be stranded on their mobility scooter because of a flat battery. As the saying goes “a stitch in time saves nine”! Your local Mobility Store can arrange a repair or service for most motorised and non-motorised mobility aids.

Going into Spring is an ideal time to get your or loved one’s mobility equipment checked over so that you/they can enjoy the best of the season. Although very important, staying safe is not just about masks and hand sanitiser (which the Mobility Stores also stock)!

ARE YOU OVER-PAYING FOR YOUR CARE?

HELPING Old Friends

Offering services & companionship to people, who for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

With over 25 years of experience, we recognise that there is a necessity for a service that provides, more than anything, companionship to people who, for whatever reason find themselves living alone and isolated.

We are all aware the Social Care industry is in a state of disarray, continuously pleading to local or national government to ‘do something’, usually provide more money.

Care Companies are struggling to recruit adequate staff and are therefore struggling to provide the best service. The result of this is that Care Companies are attracting people to the industry by offering them incentives and more money. This obviously has a knock-on effect in terms of pricing to the end user.

Residential Care Homes are also struggling with retaining sufficient staff to provide an adequate service. It has become even more important to provide Care-in-the-home to help people stay in their own homes for as long as is safely possible.

Some individuals do not need ‘care’ in the true sense of the word but do need Companionship or Personal Assistance to help them live comfortably and safely in their own homes. Even if you do not need Care in the true sense of the word, there will be times when you would like a little extra help but can’t afford it because of the cost. Employing a Company like Helping Old Friends® can considerably reduce the cost of the service you are getting.

Here is an example; if a customer is receiving 10 hours of care a week and two of those hours are for a shopping or housework call then the cost of the shopping call could be purchased from us, this could result in a saving of over a £1000:00 per annum. That is a considerable amount of savings over a year.

The companionship and Personal Assistance services Helping Old Friends Ltd® provide, can be as short or as long as is appropriate. If you would just like is to look in on your elderly parent/s whilst you are on holiday or to have companionship this can all be arranged to suit your needs, at a time that suits you, by a Companion that will be able to communicate with you on the same level.

Should you wish to discuss your situation and how we could be of assistance please do not hesitate in calling Katrina on 01793 550895 or look us up on www.helpingoldfriends.co.uk

Our aim is to change people’s lives for the better.

Sometimes you need to have a person just to talk to, someone to replace that lightbulb, someone to help navigate around the internet to fill in a form, Mow the lawn or find a handy man to do the job that has been left undone for ages.

That is where Helping Old Friends comes in… We can set up regular visits to suit your requirements with well matched companions who will listen, help do the odd jobs or just be there for you. Through our advanced scheduling software, we can ensure that you will get the visit when and where you want them with a companion best suited to your character.

Having a caring companion by the side of a family loved one can make all the difference to the family as well as to the persons themselves. We aim to change people’s lives for the better.

have any

Committed to fighting FRAUDLENT ACTIVITY

Council Tax Benefit

Council tax bills are based on the assumption that two adults occupy the property as their main home.

If it’s occupied by only one adult, and the property is their main home, the bill is reduced by a single person’s discount of 25%.

In addition, there are certain groups of people who we do not count for Council Tax purposes when counting the number of adults in the household. These groups are known as ‘disregarded persons’.

If there is an adult from one of these groups living in your property, they may not be counted for Council Tax purposes and you may be entitled to a discount.

Examples of disregarded persons are:

• people on some apprentice schemes

• 18 and 19-year-olds in full-time education

• full-time college and university students

• student nurses

• foreign language assistants registered with the British Council

• people with a severe mental impairment

• live-in carers who look after someone who isn’t their partner, spouse or child

• diplomats

Fraud within the Council Tax system costs each lawful Council tax payer. Fraud can get into the system a number of ways but the most common issues are:

• Making a false statement at the outset, i.e. misleading the Council into accepting information which at the time was not true.

• Failure to report relevant changes to circumstances to the Council Tax service, for example; someone over 18 has moved into your address and you receive a Single person’s discount.

If you suspect that someone may be defrauding the Council Tax system in any way you can help by reporting you concern’s in confidence to:

CALL 0118 937 2143

Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages http://www.reading.gov.uk/ internalaudit

Who is eligible for a blue badge?

If you are disabled, you may be able to park in restricted areas under the blue badge scheme. The scheme is for drivers and passengers.

Who can get a blue badge?

Some people can get a blue badge automatically. This is called being eligible without further assessment. You fit into this group if one or more of the following applies to you:

• you are registered as blind/severely sight impaired

• you receive the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

• you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and you scored at least 8 points in relation to the ‘moving around’ activity in the PIP assessment, or least 12 points in the mobility activity for planning and following journeys

• you have been awarded a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme (tariffs 1 to 8). You have also been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult

• you receive a government grant towards your own vehicle.

If you were on higher rate mobility component of DLA, but you had to claim PIP instead and didn’t get enough points to be eligible for a blue badge, you can continue to use your badge until it expires.

If none of these apply to you, you may still be eligible. This is called being eligible subject to further assessment, and will apply to you if you meet one of these criteria:

• you have a permanent or substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking very difficult

• you are a driver and have severe upper limb disabilities

• as a result of a mental disorder you are unable to follow the route of a familiar journey without the assistance

of another person. Anyone aged over two years can be eligible under this condition, including people over 65.

• you are applying on behalf of a child under three with a medical condition that requires them to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment or transporting bulky medical equipment.

If you have any queries about whether you’re eligible for a blue badge, you can contact the national blue badge helpline on 0844 463 0215

How are you assessed?

If you are eligible subject to further assessment, your local authority will look at the evidence of your disability to decide whether you can have a blue badge.

You may need to have an independent mobility assessment. If you have applied for or held a blue badge previously, your GP may have carried this out.

Assessments may now be carried out by an independent mobility assessor. This is usually a medical professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist, who has never treated you before.

If your local authority wants you to have a mobility assessment, it will refer you to the assessor. You will not be charged for the assessment.

You may not be required to undergo an assessment if your council says it is very obvious that you are eligible or ineligible.

Blue Badge (disabled parking permits) Fraud:

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.

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 contact us in confidence.

CALL 0118 937 2143

Email antifraud@reading.gov.uk Report via web pages http://www.reading.gov.uk/fraud

in Reading

The care home alternative

Thinking about full time care? Chances are you want to live in your own home for as long as possible. But what if illness, dementia or Parkinson’s makes this seemingly impossible? A care home may seem like the only option.

THAT’S WHERE LIVE-IN CARE COMES IN

With live-in care you can stay in your own home with the support of a care worker who lives with you. This means 24-hour support, seven days a week.

Whether you need support with personal care, medication, household tasks or just a bit of companionship, a live-in care worker can help. But why is live-in care growing in popularity worldwide? And why is it the ideal way to avoid moving into a care home?

IT’S ALL ABOUT COMPANIONSHIP

For one thing, it’s all about companionship. You don’t have to worry about being at home alone. No. Instead, you have consistent support from a friendly face who will help you live life the way you want to.

This is completely different to what you can expect from other care options. No rota of care workers. No unwanted periods of isolation. Just a single companion to provide physical and emotional support, whenever it’s needed.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Live-in care takes the ‘tired’ out of ‘retired’. It means you can continue to be independent and get back to doing the things you love. Like shopping and days out.

Maybe you want to pick up an old hobby, or visit friends and family. Whatever it is, there’s no pre-set schedule, no pre-planned activities. Just consistent support to help you enjoy whatever you wish to do.

FULL TIME CARE AT HOME

We all like to imagine growing old in a home of our own. Well, live-in care makes that a reality. Since the care worker comes to live with you, there is no change to routine, no stressful move and no loss of independence.

In a care home, you can only take a few treasured possessions; with live-in care everything remains just as it should be. Your favourite chair stays in the perfect spot in front of the TV; family photos remain hung up on the wall. In fact, the only real change is the peace of mind you feel, knowing that support is there when you need it.

PEACE OF MIND FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Finding the right care is difficult for the whole family. Especially if your loved ones have become your primary caregiver. The right care option can take away their stress and anxiety.

Live-in care gives peace of mind to the whole family. Your family won’t need to worry about you being isolated at home. And can rest assured that, should anything happen, professional care is there.

FULLY MANAGED LIVE-IN CARE

Agincare is a family-owned organisation trusted by families for over 35 years. We are experienced in supporting people with a range of needs and are fully regulated by the CQC.

If you are worried about your care options. If a care home seems like the only option. Speak to one of our advisors about live-in care today.

Your home. Your care. Your way.

Get back to enjoying life with 24-hour live-in care at home.

A care worker will come and live with you, providing care, help with household tasks, and companionship.

Pursue your hobbies and socialise with family and friends in familiar surroundings; knowing that support is available whenever you need it.

Why Agincare?

Independent and 100% family owned since 1986

Fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission for your total reassurance One of England’s largest care groups

Fully managed live-in care Tailored care packages to suit your needs

OUR PLANS MAKE YOUR PLANS CRYSTAL CLEAR

THE

PLANNING COMPANY

FAMILY CAN TRUST

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What our customers say ....

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Our Team

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May I offer my indebted thanks to Catherine Cointre for her tireless efforts in sorting matters out for me.

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Team simply are a credit to the company and this customer is fortunate enough to benefit from your great customer service.

Mr Darryl Heaton

Crystal Cremations’ success story can be attributed to their team, consisting of three Directors Gillian, Andrew and Martin and the wonderful backup team of courteous and friendly staff always on hand to give support.

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Offering three simple prepaid plans: Crystal Direct Cremation, Crystal Celebration of Life Plan and the Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan.

I have used Crystal Cremations several times for my family, and I would highly recommend them, very professional and Catherine goes above and beyond to Mrs Christine Goodman

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Simple and transparent prices with no hidden costs. Why chose Crystal cremations?

• Monthly payment options.

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I would recommend Crystal Cremations, Gemma and Martin made the process from start to finish very easy.  I would recommend other customers contemplating taking out a pre paid plan to seriously consider crystal

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• No medical questionnaire.

• Unique set of values.

• Coverage throughout the UK.

• Secure Trust Fund which is independent from the company and managed by professional Trustees.

• 30 years experience in the funeral industry.

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Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 961835) for the purposes of entering into and carrying out Funeral Plan Contracts and for credit-broking activities relating to the sale of a Funeral Plan Contract. We are not a lender. For more information, please visit the FCA website at: https://register.fca.org.uk/

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 961835) for the purposes of entering into and carrying out Funeral Plan Contracts and for credit-broking activities relating to the sale of a Funeral Plan Contract. We are not a lender. For more information, please visit the FCA website at: https://register.fca.org.uk/

Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 961835) for the purposes of entering into and carrying out Funeral Plan Contracts and for credit-broking activities relating to the sale of a Funeral Plan Contract. We are not a lender. For more information, please visit the FCA website at: https://register.fca.org.uk/

Plan Contracts and for credit-broking activities relating to the sale of a Funeral Plan Contract. We are not a lender. For more information, please visit the FCA website at: https://register.fca.org.uk/

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Has someone died? Arrange a Direct Cremation today from £975

What is a Crystal Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is ideal for those who don’t want a fuss and simply require a service that meets their needs, with no hidden costs and no hidden extras, other than things such as when a larger coffin is required. Please feel free to contact our support team if you have any questions or concerns.

When your loved one passes away they will be collected and taken to one of our reputable mortuary services where they will be respectfully cared for.

Your loved one will then be taken in an appropriate funeral vehicle to the crematorium. the cremation then takes place, usually without mourners.

The ashes can then be returned to their loved ones so they can choose how and when they say goodbye, please note this can take up to six weeks for the ashes to be delivered, but we will do our upmost to have the ashes delivered as soon as practically possible.

What is a Crystal Celebration of Life Plan?

The cost of funerals can be a minefield with various additional costs, often added at the time of need when those suffering from bereavement are at their most vulnerable. Our Celebration of Life Plan offers you peace of mind. No additional costs, what you pay for is what you get. That is our Crystal promise.

payment options available

The Celebration of Life Plan is exactly what it says... it is the service that is key in this plan. It allows the added benefit of adding more to the service if you so wish. It also gives the opportunity for family and friends to pay their respects and say goodbye.

You will be able to do such things as live stream the service so those who are unable to attend can still pay their respects. You can add music to make the service that little bit more special.

What is a Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan?

Our Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan includes an attended service, along with a hearse and bearers with a funeral director present.

Our Crystal Traditional Funeral Plan allows you to add extra services if you may wish to do so, such as live streaming the service, or the addition of limousines.

We are respectful, trustworthy and dignified in our approach

Our clients are the focus of our team, we provide a trustworthy and dignified service to cater for your loved ones.

Courteous and Caring

Our experienced support team will offer our clients the utmost kindness and courtesy when helping our clients at their time of need.

Considerate

We will be considerate to your needs both emotionally and financially, always taking your personal situation into consideration.

payment

Empathy

Our support team totally understand the emotional distress a bereavement can cause to a family which is why we can refer our clients for additional support.

The wholesale cost of this funeral is the cost we have agreed with your funeral service provider to carry out the purchased funeral. The difference between our funeral plan prices and wholesale costs are detailed below:

Price of Funeral Plan Direct Cremation £1,575 Funeral Service Provider contracted price of carrying out the funeral (Wholesale Cost) £880 Difference Between Price of Funeral Plan and Wholesale Cost £695. Price of Funeral Plan Celebration of life £2,925 Funeral Service Provider contracted price of carrying out the funeral (Wholesale Cost) £2,150 Difference Between Price of Funeral Plan and Wholesale cost £775.00. Price of Funeral Plan Traditional £3245.00 Funeral Service Provider contracted price of carrying out the funeral (Wholesale Cost) £2530 Difference Between Price of Funeral Plan and Wholesale Cost £715.00

The difference in price between what we pay your funeral service provider (the wholesale cost) and the price of our funeral plans is the result of marketing, operational/ business overheads and compliance costs, including the cost of managing the trust arrangement which ensures money paid towards pre-paid funeral plans is kept safe.

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