Swindon issue 36

MARCH JUNE - AUGUST - MAY 2018 2018

SWINDON BOLTON & BURY EDITION 36 EDITION 58

Joanna Lumley

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME

James Martin's

AMERICAN ADVENTURE

Out & About

A GUIDE TO SOME AMAZING EVENTS

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Cut the Fuss

Have Fun this Summer

Eating Ou t ....

Sho pping ....

Get there by

Fam il y Days O u t .. ..

Trave l by B us .. ..

bus

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TWITTER

inside

Twittering on With Angela Kelly Help -The English Language is being murdered!

AS a fan of the English language I get positively bad-tempered when I hear it being mangled and manipulated.

It’s not just people who pronounce “th” as “f” or fail to sound the “g” in words ending in “ing” or “endin’” in “in’” as it comes out.

JOANNA LUMLEY

it's all about me tour 22-23

travel

TAKING MY DOG ON A FOREST HOLIDAYS 14-14

What really gets my linguistic goat is the current obsession with creating your own words. For example, why put “ness” on the end of a word just because you fancy doing so when a perfectly good word covering that meaning already exists?

It’s enough to make you break out in a bout of angriness!

And, when one of Radio 4’s presenters told A Point of View that he hated the expression “going forward”, it heralded a flow of listeners’ pet word hates.

These included “cheeky” as in “I’m just having a cheeky beer” (why have an insubordinate beer at all then?) and using “so” to start a question (so what has “so” to do with anything?).

I’m sure there are plenty of words that irritate people today but among my annoying choices are “meet with” when “meet” is enough on its own, “go figure” (an Americanism that strings two pointless words together).

HOME

BRING YOUR HOME BACK TO LIFE 10-11

JAMES MARTIN'S AMERICAN ADVENTURE 26-28

It would be easy to blame social media but I actually think that TV and laziness are mostly at fault here. I mean, why bother thinking about the best way to express anything when you can probably construct whole sentences just using trendy modern phrases that mean nothing at all? It’s a no-brainer!

Irritating over-used phrases include “car-crash interview” (upsetting for anyone who has ever been in a car crash and a bit over-the-top for any kind of interview), “going forward” (as opposed to going backwards? What’s wrong with “in the future”?) and “Listen up, people” (more Americanisms used as a means of getting attention: try “Hello, everyone” as an opening gambit).

Anyone who tries to qualify “unique” as in “completely unique” is on a loser as “unique” means one of a kind so needs nothing else with it. “Fit for purpose” has become wildly over-used as a “onesize fits all” phrase (another couple of words we hear far too much about and in every kind of situation). “For free” is also one word too many as “free” also stands alone in this context.

Harry and Meghan’s modern fairytale WE do love a Royal Wedding – especially when it involves such a likeable lad as Prince Harry.

The comparisons between Meghan and Princess Diana have already been made quite favourably, although time will tell if the former comes close to the latter in the hearts of ordinary people. She’s probably got a long way to go in the charity and personality stakes currently but it is early days.

Meghan is already proving to be an effective style icon, especially for the British fashion industry. Every coat and dress she wears to a public occasion tends to sell out immediately.

One tiny denim firm now has back orders for three months after the brideto-be wore a pair of £230 black Hiut jeans on a visit to Cardiff. The small company, based in Cardigan in West Wales, has already had to move to a bigger factory to meet demand as

Bridgeman House | 77 Bridgeman Street | Bolton | BL3 6BY. Sales Enquiries : T: (01204) 238180 E: artwork@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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orders flood in from Paris and New York – all thanks to the Meghan effect.

Interestingly, Meghan does seem to be a universally-approved choice of partner for the popular young prince. Even the Queen, who must be hard to impress, has sanctioned the match (both officially and unofficially).

It’s probably no real surprise that the public seem to like her as well. In 2018, we are obsessed with celebrities of all kinds and particularly entertainers so to have an actress marrying our prince seems like the right kind of modern fairytale.

You just hope, don’t you, that the two of them find their place in society and that they’re happy. Harry needs to have the kind of fulfilling work that a young man with so much energy demands and his new bride will want to step into some kind of meaningful role in public life that allows everyone to get to know her better.

In the meantime, let’s just wish them a very happy married life.

Coffee and crème eggs on tap for homeworkers WORKING from home – or remote working as it’s known – is a modern trend that has been happily embraced by thousands.

An office is now almost an essential home area for the many who have chosen to work either independently or just away from head-office.

Now, perhaps not too surprisingly, a study has shown that people who work for themselves are happier, too. In spite of the long hours, the possible stress of finding and keeping work and the lack of work colleagues for banter and approval, being your own boss can actually be better for you.

The study, by experts from the universities of Sheffield and Exeter, looked at 5,000 people from various fields around the world. It found that the self-employed felt more engaged with their work, mostly because they enjoyed more freedom around their working environment, took on bigger challenges and met higher standards.

There are more than four million people in Britain who spend at least half their time working at home. I’ve been a homeworker for the past 12 years and never regretted the move.

Networking provides plenty of opportunities for meeting people and is a genuine source of work offers. And I can wear my PJs until 11am if I want to – provided I don’t Skype anyone.

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I can have a coffee when I want, stick on a wash load or even binge on Cadbury’s crème eggs between jobs if that’s my choice. No wonder we’re a happier lot!

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Increase your living space and add value to your home 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 Smart 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.

One of the fundamental requirements and first requests made by people contemplating a conservatory or glazed garden room is that they wish to us it THROUGH THE YEAR, not solely a glazed room for grey Summer days.

Those familiar with well designed glazed sun rooms, may suggest they are not really suitable for that purpose. However, the many thousands of people who have such buildings and find them to be by far their most popular and well used room, thoroughly wish to disagree!

Many enjoyable evenings are spent well into the early hours, comfortably enjoying the unique opportunity of dining and being entertained in a conservatory. The temperature outside was well below freezing and often snow on the ground. Heating was of course required - but not much more than will be required within your home if the conservatory is designed and constructed to a suitably high specification.

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 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 The Conservatory Centre’s Large Showroom at and a .85 shading coefficient keeps Cheney Manor your conservatory comfortably cool. (g ISO905 M1)

If you’re pushed for space, and have considered moving to a larger home, think again. For a fraction of the cost of moving, you could install a conservatory.

You’ve acquired a new room, full of light.

A fabulous place to have your morning coffee and enjoy views into the garden.

You can also reflect on the cheering thought that you’ve added around 15% to the value of your house.

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The Conservatory Centre based at Cheney Manor have a large showroom displaying a wide range of styles and finishes. They provide a full conservatory package including tiling and furniture all under one roof, using specialist professional teams of surveyors and fitters. The whole project from initial design to completion usually takes only six to eight weeks.

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

Frames: Bowater ‘Rustique’ 1.1 U-value, 5 chamber PVCu frames.

A few years ago, virtually all the PVCu frames systems incorporated 3 lateral internal insulating chambers, which gave the frames a U-value of around 1.8 Advances in glass technology resulted in a glass centre pain U- value as low as 1.1-1.2 a clear gap between the energy efficiency of glass and PVCu frames. In many European countries, 1.1-1.2 centre pane u value glass is the norm (Austria, for

example is 100% 1.1-1.2 U-value glass).

Taking into account the close proximity of the glass to the frame, this clear disparity in u values presented a problem for the more responsible PVCu frame designers. Moisture in the air is attracted to the coolest surface (the frame) forming condensation, just one reason why frames and glass should have similar U-values.

The ideal conservatory will have 1.4 U-value frames 1.2 U-value glass. As a major European manufacturer, selling frames across Europe, Bowater Group Laboratories accepted the challenge to match the frame and glass U-values, a few years ago Bowater announced the development of it’s top of the range ‘Rustique’ - Europe’s first fully sculptured 5 chamber frame, driving down the U-value to just 1.4 with zero air leakage, an incredible achievement. The majority of PVCu frames (even those of many leading brands still being sold in 2018) still incorporate the old 3 chamber design, with a U-value of 1.8, losing 60% more heat through the frame, creating dreaded condensation! Many rival companies who copied the 5 chamber design have still

only achieved U-values of around 1.4-1.5 illustrating the technological superiority of the Bowater Group testing laboratories.

Our ultraframe roofs with vented eaves and ridge beam : 1.2 U-value polycarbonate, 35mm thick 7 wall construction comprising of 6 insulating compartments with optional ‘sunshield’ Cheaper typical 25mm thick polycarbonate, made up of 5 layered frame walls, with just 4 insulating compartments, has a U-value of just 1.6, losing 33% more heat, straight through the roof. Should you be concerned about overheating in direct summer sun, The Conservatory Centre will install SUNSHIELD protection free of charge.

SUNSHIELD prevents most of the sun’s heat passing through the roof. Now as standard for 2018 secure ventilation can be achieved through your roof ridge and around the perimeter.Both create thermal air flows in the conservatory, cooling and relieving stuffiness in hot weather, these may be closed as required.

Remember - Compare U-values and ‘GO FOR LOW’.

The Conservatory Centre attain Which? Trusted Trader status The Conservatory Centre based at Manor Garden Centre at Cheney Manor was recently endorsed as a prestigious WHICH? Trusted Trader.

Much like the successful WHICH? Best Buy Scheme, WHICH? Trusted Traders can use the icon.

Each Trader is put through a rigorous assessment meaning that consumers get the best service and WHICH? Trusted Traders get the business and recognition they deserve.

The Conservatory Centre is one of a very exclusive section of their industry to achieve this award.

One of the many testimonials from The Conservatory Centre, Swindon.

“Both Joanne and I had to write and let you know how happy we are with our new conservatory and are very pleased we decided to go with The Conservatory Centre. Martin and Joanne Buck.

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Show site at: Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ.

Telephone 01793 526691 - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.conservatorycentres.co.uk email: conservatoryworld@btconnect.com

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HOME

Bring your home

BACK TO LIFE Check all your rooms carefully before you start any work as, once you’ve got one room much improved, it can make the others look rather dull!

Keep your HALLWAY bright with good lighting and possibly new wallpaper and paint. Mirrors are also a great way to maximise space and light.

KEEN ON GREEN – Cool greens are used by Valspar paints for this relaxing lounge

THIS is definitely the time of year we take a fresh look at our home and think about change.

Spring is not just a time for Springcleaning but also altering and improving our lifestyle and streamlining the way we live with less clutter. As the brighter days come along, the fresh light on often tired furnishings and décor can galvanize us to action. But where to start?

Although it may be your rooms that look like they need some immediate rejuvenating, it’s worth first checking the OUTSIDE of your property and seeing if work needs doing there.

The fascia board and soffits – the wooden bits around the outside of your home – may be looking tired and in need of some work. You may just need a new coat of paint on the outside or even new WINDOWS. Today, windows are not only very effective in keeping out the bad weather

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and ensuring your home is well-insulated but also look good and can modernise the most tired-looking property.

If you don’t want to spend quite that amount, check that your FRONT DOOR is still effective as a welcoming portal to your home. Front doors come in all kinds of designs these days and are ideal for ensuring light in your hallway.

You may want to build onto your home in 2018 with an EXTENSION, SUNROOM or ORANGERIE. You may prefer a CONSERVATORY as a means of extra light and space. They can all add both value and quality to your home and daily living but it’s worth choosing your builder carefully.

An approved official body like the Federation of Master Builders is a good place to start; go to www.fmb.org.uk for information about a suitable local builder. Your builder should be able to show you previous work which is why having one recommended to you often helps.

Decorating might be the answer around the house, especially in areas like the lounge and kitchen where you spend a large amount of time. The paint experts at Valspar advise that “light colours will always uplift a small room and make it appear bigger. In larger rooms, you can use dark colours to make the room feel cosier or create a more dramatic effect.”

If you don’t want to invest in a new SOFA or CHAIRS, having new covers made or even buying attractive throws will definitely brighten them up.

The same applies in the KITCHEN where new unit doors, for example, can create the illusion of a completely new kitchen. Or, splash out on a large, freestanding fridge if you’ve got the room to stylishly add to storage and drinks’ capacity.

Even new pots and pans, displayed attractively, can improve the look of you kitchen or new, brightly-coloured utensils. You can buy complete ranges of coffee-makers, kettles and containers now in lively colours.

The same applies in the BATHROOM where a new suite will do wonders for the look here and make it much more contemporary. Bright shower curtains and accessories can complete your makeover.

BEDROOMS definitely benefit from decoration in soft, relaxing colours, complemented by new bedding in similar shades and new flooring.

Nothing will work well in the way of home improvements, though, if you don’t seriously address the matter of clutter.

Professional de-clutterer Amanda Manson from Orderly Office and Home suggests some simple, tried and tested tips to help you tackle those niggling areas and create a feeling of calm.

1. Decide on your goal – Getting started requires a mindset that is open to letting things go, a sense of acceptance and the ability to move forward. I speak to many people who say they have too much stuff in the spare room or that their loft is ful of “goodness knows what” and they just can’t seem to make a start tackling it. So first I’d suggest setting yourself a goal and a timeframe in which to achieve it. Clearing the overflowing sideboard or dining table before you have guests over for lunch or going through a pile of newspapers and magazines that have been stacking up over the weeks in time for paper recycling day, for instance, are both great motivators.

2. Pick a time and a place – Whilst in certain circumstances it makes sense to sort all of a particular “type” of thing in one hit – books, clothes, photographs etc – if you’re simply trying to give yourself a sensible clear-out and freshen up your home, I’d suggest working either room-by-room or spaceby-space. So, find yourself a free morning or afternoon when you can get stuck into a room, or just 30 minutes to work on a set of drawers or a shelf, put the radio on and get to work!

3. Bags, boxes and all that jazz – You don’t need to go overboard here by any means but it’s good to have at hand some suitable containers for sorting your items. There are things to keep, to donate to charity, to pass on to friends or where, needs must, to put into the bin. Cardboard boxes, bin bags plastic tubs or simple marked-up spaces on the floor (use a post-it note) or table are a good starting point. Simply moving things around and not into a specific category means it’s easier to mix up and get into a muddle again.

4. Need it? Use it? Love it? – These are the questions you need to ask yourself when going through your possessions.

If you can’t answer “yes” to any of these, you’ll then need to ask yourself why you still have it! Easier for some items than others, granted, but for the purpose of a Springclean it’s likely you’ll be tackling things that you’re less emotionally attached to.

5. Sort, group and purge – When going through your possessions, start by gathering together things from one place. For instance in your kitchen just empty out that utensil drawer onto the countertop and try to group all of the same

kinds of items together. Lay out all the knives, whisks, measuring spoons and so on. Then it’s time to assess what you have and decide if you have enough, too many or need more. A simple trick here is, over the course of a week, to only put back into that drawer the items that you have used. Look at what’s left at the end of the week and decide if you really need what’s left in the box.

6. Sort first, store second – Don’t be tempted to buy new storage items on a whim.

Go through the simple steps in whichever area of your home needs a tickle then you can enjoy finding something suitable to fit in your space. Try to re-purpose storage items that don’t work in other rooms. You’ll often find they work wonders when given a new job.

7. Clean and be cleaned – Of course, you’ll want to give the area you’re sorting a good Springclean whilst you’re at it. Just think how much easier a bookshelf will be to dust when there are fewer items cluttering up the surface space.

Likewise for your laundry cupboard. Three fewer duvets and a new way of storing them (duvet cover and bottom sheets stored inside the matching pillowcase) will make life much easier going forwards.

• For more information on Amanda Manson go to www.orderlyofficeandhome.co.uk and on Valspare paint www.valsparpaint.co.uk

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ

Free

Scatter Cushions

large selection on display Free local delivery l Open 7 days a week

Tel: 01793 526691

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HOME AND GARDEN It was a world that in itself was quite worldly, because the early days of LVPC was a melting pot of cultures that came together and built raised garden beds. The first person to get involved was a passionate travelling Frenchman by the name of Sylvain.

He was my first veggie patch soulmate, and co-creator of the business, and I look back on those early, organic days with great fondness.

We built a garden bed, had a cup of tea, and then we moved on to the next.

With the raised garden bed front and centre, life was so uncomplicated. Our style of edible gardening was more broadly based on the themes of permaculture back then.

Building a raised bed or veggie patch • rake • tape measure • pencil • 8 x cypress pine lengths: 3.6 m x 200 mm/38 mm (11 ft 9. in x 8 in/1. in)

• •

• •

circular saw 100 x 70 mm (2. in) bulge head screws drill set spirit level

The Good ol’ days There was once a time when the world of the Little Veggie Patch Co (LVPC) only featured the raised garden bed – and cups of tea in between. A typical day would entail a trip to the timber yard for some 38 mm (1. in) cypress pine beauties, a trip to Bunnings for some 75 mm (3 in) baton screws, and a return trip home because we had forgotten the drill.

Quality TGB garden buildings for any situation Bespoke sizes available Base laying & installation available

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Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ. Telephone 01793 526691 - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.conservatorycentres.co.uk

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Larger spaces, more interaction between the elements, a more complete cyclical system.

Along with a garden bed, there may be some fruit trees, a composting system, and the notion that perhaps one day the owners would get off the grid. Since then we have pulled away from traditional permaculture because one of its basic ideas is to take what you have got, and then improve it. But how can you take a slab of concrete on the 35th floor and use it to grow plants? A business evolution has led us to smaller and even smaller space gardening, and that’s the place we find ourselves now.

Of course, if you have room for a raised garden bed, it’s still the perfect infrastructure for growing food. For us, it also gives us the chance to reminisce about the good ol’ days.

Before starting the construction, it is important to make the site for your garden bed completely LEVEL. Use a rake to make a flat pad. This will make the entire process sooooo much easier. Make sure you spend a bit of time getting this part right, removing any weeds and grasses in the process.

Start measuring and marking up the timbers. We like to organise an OLD-FASHIONED production line set-up – economies of scale and scope we say! – and measure and make the timbers first. Measure the lengths twice and cut once.

Cut your timbers. For the bed we want to build, we need six 2.4 m (7 ft 101/2 in) lengths, six 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) widths and ten 600 mm (1 ft 111/2 in) uprights/braces. When cutting, it helps not to force the circular saw through too quickly.

Give it time to cut and let it go at its own speed. You will get STRAIGHTER CUTS and everything will slot together more nicely. That will give us more reasons to celebrate with CUPS OF TEA. Start by affixing the two lengths of the garden bed in slabs of three 2.4 m (7 ft 101/2 in) lengths, braced together by three 600 mm (1 ft 111/2 in) uprights. Lie lengths down with an end brace underneath. The end brace should extend beyond the lengths by the exact thickness of the timber (38 mm/11/2 in). Size up using another timber length. It will make sense later.

As well as the two end uprights that are overhanging the thickness of the timber, attach a centre upright for extra rigidity.

Now it’s time to begin construction. Start by taking an entire length slab and nestle it into position. Use the spirit level to make sure it is completely level horizontally and vertically, and affix one 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) width piece at ground level to hold it in place.

Build it up with two more pieces and you have half the unit complete. If we were cutting with robot precision and using timber of the exact same grade and thickness, adding the remaining pieces would result in a perfect fit first time, but this is WOODWORK, and we consider ourselves IMPERFECT. Because it’s very difficult to achieve perfection first time round, you may need to TEST-BUILD before screwing in. You can then chock the bottom one up or slightly dig it in to make it fit. Once happy, screw together using two 70 mm (23/4 in) bulge head screws for each piece of timber. Next comes the opposing side. Muscle it into position and attach it, ensuring it is level all over. TEA TIME perhaps? Nope, attach the remaining widths first and then put on a brew.

The remaining uprights help to cover any blemishes or fixes that you’ve made along the way. Attach them at the four corners of the bed. To hold these uprights in place, use a couple of 70 mm (23/4in) bulge head screws from the inside of the bed. That way your bed exterior will be screw-free, and you’ll have a PERFECTLY CRAFTED raised garden bed (with all blemishes classily hidden).

Now your bed is ready to be filled up and planted out.

Ahh, the MEMORIES …

Credits are: The Little Veggie Patch Co. DIY Garden Projects: Easy Activities for Edible Gardening and Backyard Fun by Matt Pember and Dillon Seitchik-Reardon (Hardie Grant £20) Photography: John Laurie

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Taking My Dog

ON A FOREST HOLIDAY

By Natasha Blair from

had always thought

Silver Travel Advisor

of fungi as soft and moist but in reality

How glad I was that I

over time they can

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become hard. It

feelings of trepidation

certainly taught

to influence my stay with

me what to look

Forest Holidays. Being

for in the future.

a townie, and despite

Thankfully dogs

having a dog, I had never

know not to eat

considered taking a holiday

mushrooms. We

in the middle of a forest.

also looked at trees,

Poppy, my Coton du Tulear

crayoning pieces of

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wonderful, relaxing time.

to make patterns,

Forest Holidays are spread

and were told how

throughout the country and I chose the one nearest to London, at Blackwood Forest in Hampshire. A big added bonus to this holiday was not having to endure the hassle of airports.

The minute we arrived we were immersed in nature. Our cabin was modern, airy, and spacious with, at the back, a hot tub with views of trees as far as the eye could see. A real plus was that Poppy was allowed access everywhere even in the reception/shop where there was a small cafe with a terrace, the focal point for meeting other guests, and more importantly, other dogs to play with. Dogs are supposed to be kept on a lead in areas where there are deer, but as we never saw any, she had free rein for the majority of the time.

On the day we arrived, Gail one of the two forest rangers, was running a fungus foray. I had hopes of teaching Poppy to sniff out truffles but sadly none were to be found. However, Gail did show us lots of different species, warning us not to eat any unless we knew for certain that they were edible as it could be dangerous.

What surprised me were those growing out of tree barks that I had, up until now, thought of as parts of the tree. I

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to identify a tree by its particular leaf. Although perhaps not something that I would remember, it certainly gave me the taste to learn more, and question what I see. The time of year obviously dictates what is growing, and sadly we were just too early to see the profusion of bluebells that apparently coats one of the meadows.

Shelters made from long branches could be seen everywhere. These, David the other forest ranger, explained were made as part of the survival class although given the number around parents were also helping their children to make them on their own. In this course, participants learn the three basics of how to keep warm, forage for food, and provide shelter. Although the class is geared to youngsters, as the activities are family oriented the adults also participate, and enjoy it as much. I learnt how to light a fire safely using what I could find, and how to build a shelter, along with the sort of things I would need to consider such as the direction of the wind. David also had a box of goodies from which he took out containers filled with bugs for us to identify, showing us where to find them under fallen barks. The one and a half hour courses are charged as an extra but

TRAVEL as the atmosphere is so informal and the foresters enjoy

bed cabin sleeping eight people connected by a bridge

what they are doing I found that they went on for a lot

to a Treehouse which sleeps two people. The treehouse

longer.

is ideal for family holidays when those of us who go to sleep early or have a nap in the afternoon can do so

Bicycles are hired out by the day for £15. Having

without spoiling the younger members’ enjoyment.

never learnt to cycle as a child and living in London, I took lessons but was never brave enough to practise.

The accommodation is self-catering but if the cook in

Here with so many trails and few cars, it was the ideal

the family wants a holiday too, freshly prepared food is

environment and I am proud to say that I now can. As

available in the cafe as well as tasty meals that can be

someone commented, for the novice car driver, this is

heated up in your cabin.

also an ideal environment to become a more proficient driver.

Forest Holidays offers an ideal environment for those who love the peace and quiet of the countryside with

The lodges are based in forests owned by the Forestry

activities on hand, a hot-tub on the deck and space for

Commission. Virtually everyone, while I was there, had a

quality time in the heart of beautiful woodlands.

child or a dog or both.

The 60 cabins of varying sizes are modern with underfloor

For more information, please contact

heating, a kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the lounge, as well as a log-burner in many cabins. If you are travelling as a couple you could treat yourself to

www.forestholidays.co.uk or call 03330 110 495. There are special discounts for Silver Travel

the romantic environment of a Golden Oak Hideaway cabin. There are also a number of Treehouse cabins which sleep up to ten people; this is essentially a four

Advisor members with Forest Holidays. Visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com and type Forest Holidays into the search box to find out more.

Forest Holidays FIFTYPLUS5 190mm x 125mm _Layout 1 25/04/2018 15:57 Page 1

SAVE 5% WITH FOREST HOLIDAYS

Escape to luxury self-catering woodland cabins; choose from ten idyllic UK locations set exclusively on Forestry Commission land, many with private hot tubs.

Forest Holidays are perfect getaways for families, couples, groups of friends and even your dogs in our specific pet friendly cabins!

Simply enter FIFTYPLUS5 in the promotional code box at www.forestholidays.co.uk Code valid until 31/12/2018 for breaks taken before 30/6/2019.

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| 15

Hoburne Ownership.

Get away from it all in the Cotswolds.

16 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK HOLIDAY HOME OWNERSHIP

Hoburne Cotswold is made for fun on the water. Four lakes for fishing and pedalo adventures. 65 acres of water park for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. For landlubbers, there’s walking and cycling in the beautiful towns and villages nearby. And at the end of the day, your very own Hoburne Holiday Home to come back to.

Model featured Prestige Forester SU £99,995

• New luxury caravans and lodges come fully furnished including decking and 2018 site fees.* • With luxury caravans starting at £69,995 and lodges from just £132,995, your dream of the ideal Cotswold retreat could become a reality.

• And as an owner, you can enjoy our heated indoor and outdoor pools and restaurant whenever you like.

All this comes with the peace of mind from a family owned business with over 100 years’ experience.

To request a brochure or book a park visit 01285 896241 hoburnecotswolds.com Hoburne Cotswold, Broadway Lane, South Cerney, Gloucestershire GL7 5UQ Open 7 days a week 9am-6pm. Open days throughout May. *Decking subject to pitch. 2018 site fees to 30th November.

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| 17

our new 2018-19 uk & european holiday brochure is due for release on 1st June 2018!

U K & E U RO P E A N

to pre-order your copy, call the barnes team on 01793 821303

Coach Holidays 01793 821303 • www.barnescoaches.co.uk

SUMMER CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR E A R LY 2 0 1 9

2018 - 19

Barnes Holidays Eastbourne, The Sussex Coast & Countryside Sat 30th June 2018 8 Days: £569 Eastbourne is one of England’s premier seaside resorts. It has a magnificent Victorian seafront and there are beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy. We will be staying at the Impressive Imperial Hotel which is set on a tree-lined boulevard running off the seafront with spacious lounges and great customer service! On this tour we have included stops in the unspoilt town of Rye, Worthing and also the vibrant and colourful town of Brighton & much more!

west wales & snowdonia: barmouth Sun 1st July 2018 6 Days: £429 Located on the coast of Snowdonia, with a long sandy beach and a picturesque harbour bordered by the dramatically beautiful Mawddach estuary, Barmouth is the perfect destination at any time of the year. This tour highlights grand scenery throughout including the impressive Cader Idris Mountain on our way to Aberystwyth and we also head into Snowdonia enjoying views of Snowdon. Our hotel for this tour is the Arbour Hotel which is ideally set on the promenade within easy reach of the town and beach.

Scottish Sensations & trossachs treasures Sun 1st July 2018 5 Days: £449 Includes Kelpies Experience, Falkirk Wheel, Stirling Castle and Royal Yacht Brittania! Absorb the contrasting scenery and natural beauty of Perthshire whilst staying at one of Scotland’s most iconic and well-loved hotels. Follow in the footsteps of Scottish Kings at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most famous Palaces, rise into the air on the unique Falkirk Wheel boat lift and marvel at the extraordinary, monumental Kelpies. We also visit the world famous Royal Yacht Britannia.

cumbrian gem Mon 2nd July 2018 5 Days: £399 Includes Lake District Cruise and Roman Fort. Our hotel for this tour will be the Gilsland Hall Hotel which sits proudly in 140 acres of manicured gardens, grounds and natural woodland in an idyllic location with spectacular views over the Cumbrian and Northumberland countryside. We take this opportunity to explore Hadrian’s Wall, plus the nearby Lake District as well as Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle.

West Country rail & sail plus exmoor & coast!

Mon 23rd July 2018 5 Days: £469 Includes West Somerset Railway and Great Western Canal.

A midweek tour combining a relaxing cruise along the Great Western Canal, a railway journey, scenic journeys over Exmoor and time in the coastal resorts of Devon.

We will be staying at the Best Western Tiverton Hotel which is set in 2 acres on the outskirts of the Exmoor National Park.

call the midwife, trains & castles Sun 29th July 2018 5 Days: £449 Includes Historic Dockyard with ‘midwife’ guide, Kent & East Sussex Railway & Hever Castle. Kent has a rich sense of history and tradition, and is dotted with picturesque villages, imposing castles and stately homes. The Historic Dockyard has recently been used for filming “Call the Midwife” as well as “Mr Selfridge” and is also a treat for people who like all things waterborne with its 400 year history!

for full tour itineraries, contact the Barnes Coaches team for the latest holiday brochure or visit our website! www.barnescoaches.co.uk

01793 821303 www.barnescoaches.co.uk Unit E, Woodside Road, South Marston Park, Swindon, SN3 4AQ

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| 19

Supporting independence with care at home For those unfamiliar with the term, Domiciliary Care is providing care in the home allowing the person to continue to live in familiar surroundings but with additional support with their day-today needs. These can be as diverse as, accompanying on a shopping trip, cooking a meal, helping with cleaning, or reading the daily paper but also includes more specialised care which would be provided by those with appropriate training.

Choosing to work in care can often highlight strengths you didn’t know you had. This could be a skill for organisation or a natural ability to lead a team, whatever you find your strengths to be, there will be a career path for you to follow with full support provided at each and every step. It’s worth remembering that working in care can mean behind the scenes too, so if you have a background in administration that can also be put to good use.

For those in the 50+ age bracket considering a career in this rewarding sector, there are a number of factors that make this a particularly appealing choice. Firstly, complete flexibility allows you to choose to work as many hours as you want and at times that fit in with your other commitments, from just a few hours a week to full time employment.

Secondly, whilst you may be quite happy doing a couple of hours a week, opportunities for advancement through training and personal development are there for those looking to take a step on a new career path.

Although most of your time will be spent working alone, don’t forget that you are part of a team of care workers, some of which you will see each week when you visit the office to collect your work schedule. You will usually visit the same people each week at the same time, this allows you to build a working

relationship with them, understanding their requirements and how you can help them achieve them. You are there to help the person achieve as much independence as possible.

A career in caring can be particularly well suited to those of us over 50 as our life skills and experience allow us to empathise with those we are caring for, helping us to form relationships that can make an enormous difference to those who may feel isolated or lonely. Leaving work at the end of the day or even after a short shift knowing you have made a huge contribution to someone’s daily life can be enormously satisfying. Ian Kell, a care worker working for Carewatch said, “When my daughter asks what I do for a living, I am proud to tell her, I help people”.

If you are 50+ and believe you have the qualities that would make an excellent care worker and would like to learn more about working in Care then give Carewatch a call on 01793 432666, alternatively, you can visit us at our offices in Swindon, we are located in The Shaftesbury Centre in Percy Street.

Become a Care Worker and make a positive difference to peoples lives!

Supporting people at home is one of the most rewarding jobs in your community EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED AS FULL TRAINING WILL BE GIVEN

I FULL-TIME I PART-TIME I WEEKENDS I EVENINGS I Contact us to find out how you can join our team:

 01793 432 666

 jobs@carewatch-swindon.co.uk

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Inspirational Comfort

Inspirational Comfort

Much like a fine wine that gets better with age, there are some great things about getting older. olde To mention a few, studies show that we often have a happier outlook on life, we use wisdom gained to our advantage when it comes to making decisions and we no longer need to keep up with the latest and greatest trends. Although age seems to work wonders on the soul, the same cannot always Much a fine wine that betterbody. with Of age, thereno areone some great things getting and older. a few, studies be saidlike when it comes to thegets physical course, is immune to the about aging process so To it ismention natural that most of us show at that we often have a happier outlook on life, we use wisdom gained to our advantage when it comes to making decisions and we some point in our lives will have to deal with some mobility issues. When the time comes that we begin to struggle more than necno longer need to keep up with the latest and greatest trends. Although age seems to work wonders on the soul, the same cannot essary it may be time to look at investing in mobility aids which can help with comfort, lifestyle and importantly our independence. always be said when it comes to the physical body. Of course, no one is immune to the aging process and so it is natural that At Athena appreciate thatwill we have are alltounique and some have different demands and comes our approach ensures undermost of us Mobility at some we point in our lives deal with mobility needs issues.and When the time that we begin we to struggle more necessaryspecific it may be time to look at investing in mobility aidssatisfaction. which can help withrise comfort, lifestyle andand importantly stand than our customers requirements leading to complete customer All our and recline chairs adjustableour independence. At Athena Mobility we appreciate that we are all unique and have different needs and demands and our approach beds are hand crafted in the UK using quality components and materials that are built to last. This coupled with our second to none ensures we understand our customers specific requirements leading to complete customer satisfaction. All our rise and recline customer service guarantees an unrivalled experience and ultimately the right product for our customers. chairs and adjustable beds are hand crafted in the UK using quality components and materials that are built to last. This coupled with our second to none customer service guarantees an unrivalled experience and ultimately the right product for our customers.

We provide FREE no obligation, no pressure home visits with one of our occupational therapy trained mobility advisors. This gives

We FREE no obligation, no pressure homeconsidering visits with one of our occupational trained mobility gives you youoffer the opportunity to try a chair or bed before a purchase.

It also allowstherapy us to accurately identifyadvisors. your ownThis individual the opportunity to try a chair or bed before considering a purchase. It also allows us to accurately identify requirements. your own individual requirements.

We furniture trade trade in in service, service, fundraising fundraising for for Dogs DogsTrust Trust we we will will offer to £275.00 £275.00 off off any any new We offer offer an an old old furniture offer up up to new purchase.

On the day of your new chair or bed delivery we will remove your trade in furniture and purchase. On the day of your new chair or bed delivery we will remove your trade in furniture and donate it to donate it to Dogs Trust with the intention for it to be re-sold to raise money for this incredible charity.

Dogs Trust with the intention for it to be re-sold to raise money for this incredible charity.

To receive your complimentary brochure

freephone 0800 111 4482 www.athenamobility.co.uk *50% off any second item. Second item must be of equal or lesser value than first item and ordered at the same me. Excludes part construct and stock items. Offer ends 31st July 2018. Not to be used in conjuccon with any other offer. **Minimum trade in offer of £175, Maximum £275 depending on quality and conditon.

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| 21

Joanna Lumley

IT’S ALL ABOUT ME NOT many people can go from championing the Ghurkas to starring as a crazy fashion guru to presenting the BAFTAs and still remain absolutely fabulous but Joanna Lumley can.

Now, the 71 year-old is embarking on her first ever live tour, All About Me, later this year when she hits the road for a 30date itinerary all over the UK and Ireland, finishing in Boston, USA. “The thought of this tour, travelling across the British Isles and Ireland, has completely taken over my waking hours,” she admitted.

“It’s utterly thrilling to start planning the stories I can tell and the rapture (and gratitude, to be fair) with which I shall greet the audiences. Nothing like this has come my way before, and I may have to be dragged off with a hook at the end of each show.”

The tour should prove a fascinating one as Joanna’s life so far has certainly been full and interesting and began in the same out-of-the-ordinary way it has continued. She was born in Kashmir, India, to British parents. Her father was a major in the Ghurka Rifles and she spent most of her early childhood in the Far East where he was posted.

Although she was an aspiring actress, it was as a model in the Swinging Sixties in London that she first found success. Statuesque and with striking good looks, she caught the attention of famous-name photographers including the late Lord Patrick Lichfield.

She was designer Jean Muir’s muse and house model for several years before going freelance to become one of the top 10 most-booked models of this exciting decade.

Her acting career included appearances in On the Buses, Dracula and Coronation Street (where she was Ken Barlow’s early love interest) and she was a Bond girl in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

Her acting breakthrough, though, came as Purdey in The New Avengers’ TV series in 1976. More than 800 girls auditioned for this role to appear alongside actor Patrick McNee but producers obviously saw something special in Joanna and her subsequent success in the series – along with her trademark Purdey haircut which became a musthave style – made her a hit with the public as an all-action heroine.

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Roles which followed included Sapphire in Sapphire & Steel in 1979, opposite David McCallum, in a cult sci-fi series which gained many fans. During the 1980s, Joanna honed her theatrical skills in Hedda Gabler and as Elvira in Blythe Spirit.

Joanna also made appearances in several films including the 1982 hit Trail of the Pink Panther and Curse of the Pink Panther the following year. She also had a screen-stealing role in iconic hit film Shirley Valentine in 1989.

While the public had long ago accepted her versatile acting talents, the role that really shot her to international acclaim came along in 1992 when she joined Jennifer Saunders in the TV comedy series Absolutely Fabulous.

She played fun-loving fashionista Patsy Stone to Saunders’ PR guru Edina “Eddy” Monsoon and this re-invention as a comic actress caught the public’s enduring attention. It also won Joanna a string of awards including BAFTAs and cemented her status as a muchloved and admired entertainer.

She has always been quick to attribute Ab Fab’s success to the writing of Jennifer Saunders, commenting: “You cannot get better than the writing. The writing has to be the best you can get, then you can build on it. You can’t make bricks without straw “Jennifer’s writing for Ab Fab was absolutely stunning and unbeatable and individual and hysterically funny.”

The public, however, long ago embraced both Patsy and Joanna as their own and she has been a regular fixture on national TV screens ever since. She has also built up a successful film career as a character and voice-over actress. Her silky, upper-class English tones are immediately identifiable and her enduring beauty and charm have made her a natural for presenting programmes of all kinds.

In 2009, she became a strident spokeswoman for the Gurkhas in the UK and helped persuade the British Government to allow those who had served in the Army the right to settle here.

Not too surprisingly, when she visited Nepal she was feted by crowds and thanked by Nepal’s President and

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Prime Minister for her work in championing the Ghurkas’ cause.

She does have strong views about standing up to be counted and once stated: “You have to feel more involved than just writing out a cheque. Charity is almost the wrong word – I think people are beginning to feel more responsible for the world.”

And, however unlikely another Ab Fab series might currently seem, what is certain is that thousands of fans are about to be fascinated by a glimpse into the world of Joanna Lumley on her tour.

As for Joanna, she is both excited and grateful for this, insisting:

“Oh people! This is especially for you from me, with masses of love. I think it will be fabulous!”

NORTH WEST TOUR DATES 17 October 2018 New Theatre, Oxford 29 October 2018 London Palladium 10th November Aylesbury Waterside Theatre 11th November Theatre Royal Drury Lane London * For full details of Joanna Lumley’s tour and tickets go to www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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LEGAL

Failing to make your will could be one of the biggest financial mistakes you’ll ever make In the UK, one in three people die without making a will. It seems to be one of those jobs that people always mean to do, but never quite get round to. Perhaps it’s because of the cost or simply finding the time to do it. Either way, failing to make your will can have serious consequences.

Dying without a will means you ‘die intestate’ so it makes no difference what promises you’ve made or who you want to receive your assets, it’s the law which decides who benefits from your estate.

A will allows you to divide up your inheritance in whatever way you want, specifying exactly who your benefactors will be, rather than letting the law decide. This is especially true if you’re a

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parent or you have specific wishes about where you want your assets to go.

If you have children under 18, a will helps you to plan for their future by allowing you to nominate their guardians in the event of your death. Similarly, you can state who your executors will be so they can make sure your wishes are carried out.

You may also want to leave items or amounts of money to certain people who aren’t blood relatives. Without a will to specify this, your possessions will automatically pass to family members.

A well written will also ensures that heirlooms are passed to those they mean the most to rather than the relatives the law states should get them.

Drafting a simple will is usually a fairly straightforward process, but sometimes even these can fall foul of the law if they’re not drawn up by properly. It can also get tricky if there are other factors involved, such as trust funds, deeds and tax planning, so it’s really important to use a professional.

There are plenty of unregulated, uninsured and untrained advisers out there because there’s no law surrounding will writing so anyone can promote themselves as an expert. Drafting your will online can also prove problematic as will writing sites don’t take into account the complexities of the law, so any errors could result in your family having to pay to rectify things retrospectively.

This is why it’s always best to use a qualified solicitor.

They’re bound by the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s code of conduct and are legally obliged to maintain high levels of service. Solicitors are also required to have insurance to protect the public and can provide guidance on more complex financial issues, such as inheritance tax and trusts planning.

The cost of a will is minor when the worry and hassle of dying without one is taken into consideration. It could save thousands of pounds in the long run, so the sooner you plan ahead, the sooner you’ll have peace of mind. Here’s some things to think about: • It’s an unfortunate truth; money changes people.

Making a will helps prevent family disputes over your estate • It’s irrelevant whether you’ve promised certain

possessions, property or money to specific people, if

you have no will the law decides who benefits from your

legacy, not you • Using an online website to do it yourself can backfire as

they don’t take into account the complexities of the law,

so your loved ones could end up having to pay to sort

things out • Will writers aren’t regulated. This means they can

promote themselves as experts without actually

having any qualifications or accreditations at all • Keep it up to date. Getting married automatically

invalidates your existing will • If you remarry or change your mind about who you

want to inherit your estate and your will doesn’t

reflect these changes in your life, your original will

remains legally binding • If you’re estranged from your partner and have entered into a new relationship with someone

else, it doesn’t matter if you live together; if you’re

not married or in a civil partnership, you’re new

partner isn’t legally entitled to anything if you die

Pooleys Solicitors LLP will be pleased to help you with

Conveyancing

Wills

Probate & Trusts

Tax Planning

Matrimonial & Family Law

Lasting Power of Attorney

l l l l l

• If you’ve split from your ex acrimoniously and you

die without having changed your will, your ex stands

to inherit everything as, technically, you’re still married

l

• Dying without a will can leave an estate liable for

inheritance tax

10-15 Regent Circus Swindon SN1 1PP.

• Leaving money to charity in your will is just one of

the ways to help reduce the amount of tax payable

on your estate • It’s not as expensive as you might think, especially

if you’re planning to draft a joint will (also known as

a mirror will) as they’re often discounted. A joint will

also aligns yours and your partner’s wishes • Make sure you sign it. Without your signature at the

bottom, your will isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on

If you’re thinking about making or changing your will, Pooleys Solicitors can help with all aspects of wills and probate.

Tel: 01793 488848 Fax: 01793 511209 email: mail@pooleyssolicitors.co.uk www. pooleyssolicitors.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

James Martin's

AMERICAN ADVENTURE Chicken ‘Bonne Femme’ Bonne femme translates as ‘good woman’ or ‘good wife’, and refers to the simplicity of this tasty dish. In culinary terms, it has come to refer to a dish with a mushroombased sauce. There are lots of versions of Bonne Femme, made using oysters or sole as well as chicken. This is my version of a Louisiana Creole classic. The Worcestershire sauce adds a great depth of flavour.

4 tablespoons olive oil 100g (31/2 oz) lardons or chopped streaky bacon 100g (3/4 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1.5kg (3lb) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces 1 green pepper (bell pepper), deseeded and diced 3 large Spanish onions, sliced 2 celery sticks, diced 125g (41/2 oz) white button mushrooms, sliced 300g (101/2 oz) new potatoes 5 garlic cloves, chopped 150g (51/4 oz) chorizo sausage, diced 4 tablespoons white wine 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 15 drops of Tabasco a few sprigs of tarrago

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/gas mark 6.

Place a large roasting tray over a medium heat. Drizzle half the oil into the tray, then add the lardons or bacon. Stir into the hot oil and fry until crispy, tossing every now and then. Once the bacon is cooked, lift out with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl.

on one side, flip over and brown the other side, then place in the bowl with the bacon. With the tray still over a medium heat, add the vegetables, potatoes, garlic and chorizo, stir in, then pour in the wine. Deglaze, stirring in the sticky bits and juices from the base of the pan, then add the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco.

Spread the flour on to a plate and season well. Dip each piece of chicken into it to coat completely. Fry the pieces in the tray, in batches and over a medium heat, adding the remaining oil, as you need to. When each piece is golden

Return the cooked bacon and chicken to the tray and season.

Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for 35–40 minutes.

Sprinkle with tarragon before serving.

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Bow Pasta with Clams, Crayfish & Cajun Spices

SERVES 6 1 tablespoon salt 500g (1lb 2oz) bow pasta 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon celery salt 4 tablespoons butter 5 garlic cloves, chopped 4 tablespoons white wine 500g (lb 2oz) clams 300ml (1/4 cup) double (heavy) cream large handful of cavolo nero, chopped 500g (1lb 2 oz) crayfish tails sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 10 drops of Tabasco 25g (oz) Parmesan cheese

We definitely need to eat more of these little fellas, as American crayfish have taken over from the UK crayfish in our rivers and streams. It’s easy to find containers of the cooked tails in the supermarket. This pasta dish is so simple to make and uses American kale, also called ‘black cabbage’ or cavolo nero.

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, add the salt and the pasta, stir in and simmer for 10 minutes until al dente.

Mix the paprika, white pepper, thyme, oregano and celery salt together in a bowl.

Melt the butter in a large pan over a low to medium heat.

Once the butter has stopped foaming, add the garlic, herbs and spices and cook for a minute or two. Pour in the white wine, then add the clams and

cream and bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and cook for 2 minutes.

As the clams start to open, add the cavolo nero followed by the crayfish.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 2 minutes. Drain the pasta, keeping a little of the water, and tip into the pan with the sauce. Season and keep cooking for another 2 minutes.

Add the Tabasco and grate half the Parmesan into the sauce. Spoon onto a large serving bowl and grate over the rest of the cheese.

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FOOD & DRINK

Bourbon Pecan Tart Another classic American dessert, this moreish tart is packed with crunchy pecans, smothered in bourbonflavoured sticky goodness. If you’d like to glaze the cake, warm 2 tablespoons golden syrup (light corn syrup) in a pan and brush all over the tart after baking.

SERVES 8 For the pastry 250g (I3/4cups plus 2 tablespoons) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for rolling out 125g (1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon) butter, diced, at room temperature 1 medium egg, beaten For the filling 4 tablespoons butter 100g (3oz) treacle 4 medium eggs 175g (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) caster (superfine) sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons bourbon whiskey 500g (1lb 2oz) pecans To serve double (heavy) cream or vanilla ice cream

To make the pastry, put the flour into a large bowl, add the butter and rub in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Pour the egg into the middle of the mixture and stir in well, then lightly knead the mixture to bring it together. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the mixture feels a bit dry and doesn’t come together into a smooth dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in clingfilm (plastic wrap) and rest in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Lightly flour a clean work surface

then roll out the pastry into a large circle, around 2mm (1/8in) thick. Keep turning the pastry every time you roll it to keep the shape even. Use to line a 26cm (10 in) fluted loose-bottomed tart tin, 3cm (1.in) deep.

Whisk the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until mixed well then pour in the cooled butter mixture, cinnamon and bourbon and stir everything together.

Line the tin with the pastry. Press into the flutes and edge of the base of the tin, then leave the remainder hanging over the edge.

Put the tart tin on a baking sheet.

Spread the pecans all over the tart case, then pour the filling over the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes until the filling is firm.

Preheat the oven to 160°C/325°F/gas mark 3. Make the filling. Put the butter and treacle into a small pan and heat gently to melt the butter. Stir together.

Take the pan off the heat and cool a little.

Once cooked, cut all the overhanging edges off the tart using a sharp serrated knife. Cool the tart until warm, then lift the tart out of the tin and transfer to a plate.

Cut the tart into slices and serve with cream or ice cream.

James Martin’s American Adventure by James Martin (Quadrille, £25) Photography © Peter Cassidy

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Stay Safe and Mobile this Summer with The Mobility Store At The Mobility Store you will find a large choice of walking sticks and mobility aids, as well as a wide range of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, daily living aids and all the warm and friendly expert advice you’ve come to expect from The Mobility Store.

The Mobility Store has branches in Swindon, Wroughton, Marlborough and Bourton-on-the-Water.

You’ll find an extensive range of quality, British made Sherborne Rise and Recline Chairs and matching furniture at any of their five sites. With 72 different models and over 160 quality fabrics or 25 quality leathers to choose from, there is bound to be a Sherborne chair suited to your needs.

If you like to stay on the move then go in and view their range of mobility scooters from Pride, TGA, Invacare and most other leading manufacturers. Prices start from £495 with a range of brand new and second-hand scooters available. If you’re visiting family or just out for a day trip they also hire out mobility scooters and wheelchairs and if any of your own mobility equipment is in need of a repair or maintenance give them a call.

MAKE LIFE EASIER On the move: Mobility scooters Footcare: Mobility scooter repairs shoes and slippers Large range of mobility aids Footcare appointments Hire services FREE Hearing health Stairlifts The Mobility Store 7 Clive Parade Cricklade Road, Swindon SN2 1AJ

01793 701313

swindon@thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

THE MARLBOROUGH MOBILITY STORE

Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

check

THE WROUGHTON MOBILITY STORE

56 George Lane, Marlborough SN8 4BY

Unit 9A, Ellendune Shopping Centre Wroughton SN4 9LN

wiltshiremobility@mail.com

wroughtonmobility@mail.com

01672 511550

01793 815083

THE BOURTON ON THE WATER MOBILITY STORE Lansdowne Bourton on the Water GL54 2AR

01451 810088

bourtonmobility@mail.com

FREE LEVEL ACCESS PARKING AT ALL STORES www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

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OUT & ABOUT

Out & About

A GUIDE to some amazing events The M4: The arrival of the motorway in 1970

16 May 2018 - 1 Sept 2018

Transport: Seven Swindon Stories Swindon has always been a town of making and moving. From canals and trams, through to trains, planes and cars, this is a town that's always on the go.

This exhibition explores Swindon's transport history through seven stories.

It's not an encyclopaedic history of our transport in the town, but a look at some of the innovations, successes and tragedies that have changed the face of Swindon, including: The Golden Lion Bridge, and the Wilts and Berks Canal The Swindon Tram Disaster of 1906 Pressed Steel, and car manufacturing in Swindon

It will also look at aeroplanes, submarines and the Old Town railway station!

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm.

Museum Bath Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4BA 01793 466556 7th & 8th July

Swindon Cheese & Chilli Festival The Cheese & Chilli Festival is a family show offering something for everyone.

Traders selling cheese and chilli associated products as well as craft and retail stands. Entertainments include PIG RACING, Falconry displays, Punch & Judy, Magic Shows, free garden games, children fun rides and inflatables,

live music, cooking demonstrations/ talks, a chilli eating competition, a chilli sauce competition and the Man v Food challenge. There is plenty to eat and drink with authentic food stalls and dedicated bars available. COME AND ENJOY! Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze Swindon SN5 3PA Telephone: 01793 466664 Email: lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk Friday 20 July 2018 Performance starts: 7pm Gates open: 6pm

Open Air Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest Immersion Theatre invite you to an afternoon of open-air decadence and hilarity as they proudly present Oscar

National Helpline 0800 917 7650 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,400 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above or email; help@aamail.org Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service Office at the address below.

For information: P.O. Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York. YO1 7NJ Tel: 01904 644 026

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Wilde's wittiest comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Join foppish bachelors Jack and Algernon on their latest Bunburying exploits replete with mistaken identities, icy women, trivial banter and of course, muffins!

Saturday 30th June

Starlight Walk

Prepare your cucumber sandwiches and spend the afternoon in the glorious sunshine enjoying one of literature's most trivial comedies for serious people…there'll be handbags at dawn!

Bring picnics, rugs or low-back chairs and enjoy live theatre in the beautiful surroundings of Lydiard Park. Refreshments are also available on site.

Car parking is available at Lydiard Park's Hay Lane and Hook Street entrances. Please note: parking charges apply.

Tickets: Box office: 01793 465270 Adult £14, Child (3 - 15yrs) £10, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £42. 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.

Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze Swindon SN5 3PA Telephone: 01793 466664 Email: lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk July 21 - July 22

A Boundless Summer A spectacular open-aired concert held at Bowood House this Summer, the perfect way to enjoy a summer’s evening with family and friends!

Saturday 21st July, prepare to be dazzled by an extraordinary and exuberant night of classic rhythm and blues, as Jools Holland and his orchestra and guests take to the stage.

Light up the night this June and help support Prospect Hospice nursing care, all of the money raised at this event goes directly towards funding their specialist nursing care in the local community.

Take part in either the 10km or 15km route around Swindon, and look out for beautiful illuminated areas on both routes. As well as wearing your bright Starlight T-shirt, take the opportunity to wear your brightest colours and anything else that glows or lights up.

To register or for more information please visit www.prospect-hospice.net/starlight

Sunday 22nd July, join Welsh superstar mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins in a show that will prove why she’s just been announced as the No.1 selling classical music artist of the last 25 years. Tickets sold through Ticketmaster.

Sat 21st & Sun 22nd July, 05:30pm to 10:45pm. Located on Bowood Event Site in front of the House.

Bowood House & Gardens, Derry Hill, Calne SN11 0LZ Tel: 01249 812 102 www.houseandgardens@bowood.org 28th July 2018

MFOR Festival - Music Concert & Family Fun Day A unique debut event for Swindon. Promising an exciting fun packed day filled with entertainment for all the family, followed by a music concert at night set in the beautiful surroundings of Lydiard Park.

Are you ready for a challenge? Would you run the gauntlet on our 195ft inflatable assault course? Climb the 7.5m climbing wall and reach for the sky. Or you can try some of the many other attractions available for adults and children, included in the ticket price.

If that’s not for you, then sit back and relax in the sun, listen to local talented artists or browse the many stalls.a range of stalls.

MFOR is honoured to be supporting local & national Military

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OUT & ABOUT related charities Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, along with local charities in our community.

Lydiard House & Park, Lydiard Tregoze Swindon SN5 3PA Telephone: 01793 466664 Email: lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk 2 Aug 2018 - 2 Sept 2018

Malmesbury Carnival & Festival The ancient market town of Malmesbury has been home to a Carnival for nearly 100 years, and the heart of Carnival is still the procession, which this year is on the 2nd September; 6pm onward. The route is up through the town and is always lined with enthusiastic and generous spectators, enjoying the spectacle and invention of the local participants and the wonderful marching bands.

These days though, Carnival and Festival is so much more than the procession. Throughout August there will be a range of events to suit all ages and tastes.

The full, detailed Festival programme is available on the Carnival website, www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk. You can look at the event calendar by date or by type of event. You can also download entry forms for the procession and our street market. 'What's On' Guides are being delivered to local homes and businesses and will be available from outlets in the town, such as the Tourist Information Centre.

A few dates for your diary:

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Sunday 6th August - Open Gardens throughout the town Friday 11th August - Carnival Ceilidh with the Cartwheel Ceilidh Band, all dances are called so no experience is necessary!

Saturday 12th August - Comedy Night, with a compere and 3 well established stand-up comedians Friday 17th August - The Carrivick Sisters, lovely harmonies and accomplished musicianship from these folk music siblings Friday 18th August - Dickens on Dickens, Actor Gerald Dickens presents a virtuoso one man show based on his illustrious great great grandfather Saturday 26th August - Jazz in the Garden, Tiger Tim's Raggamuffins; traditional and Dixieland jazz in beautiful surroundings Sunday 27th August - Petticoat Lane, our popular street market of bargains and fun There will be many other events during the month; theatre, readings, talks, games and quizzes, films, walks, runs and cycles and a funfair.

Tickets for events will be available from the Carnival website and from the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall in Malmesbury Various locations, Malmesbury, Wilts

When you do not hear 100% your brain has to fill in the gaps in conversation

3 August - 05 August 2018

Festival on the Farm Festival on the Farm returns to Purton House, country house and organic farm, in Swindon, Wiltshire.

The festival not only celebrates the best in both local music and local food. As well as a licensed bar and organic food stalls with stallholders selling local produce and goods. There is fun for all the kids including a bouncy castle and face painting.

Friday night music runs from 7pm-11pm; and Saturday is the main day, from noon until 11pm. Sunday is a free day pass chill out event with ambient tunes, from noon until 6pm.

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?

Purton House, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN54EB 25th, 26th + 27th August

Bowood House Food Festival The Great British Food Festival returns to Bowood House for its 3rd year over August Bank Holiday. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie, family day out! Delectable delights and tasty treats from wonderful street food vendors and amazing artisan producers. Polish up on your culinary skills with a free Chef Demo? Or, get stuck in with the Bake-Off! To visit Bowood House & Gardens during The Great British Food Festival, separate entry can be purchased on the day. Sat 25th to Mon 27th August, 10:00am to 05:00pm. Located on Bowood Event Site in front of the House.

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.

Bowood House & Gardens, Derry Hill, Calne SN11 0LZ Tel: 01249 812 102 www.houseandgardens@bowood.org

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

info@greatbritishfoodfestival.com Tel: 01925 479 140

Run the Rainbow 2018

Have you taken part in the most colourful fundraiser in Swindon yet? Join us to get painty for Prospect!

Registration: £12/20.

Suggested sponsorship: £100 Lydiard Park, Swindon https://www.prospect-hospice.net/events/run-therainbow-2018.aspx If you have an event or regular activity you would like to promote in the next issue of the magazine please email the details to: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

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 Miss Hearing, suffering misunderstandings.

Consult a local independan

Dr David J Reed BA MSc M

Remember that if you are eligible for hearing aids they will only be as good as the Audiologist that programmes them.

Saturday 8 September 2018, 10am

Start the race wearing your white Run the Rainbow T-shirt and brightly coloured powder paint will be thrown at you along the 5k route so that you finish covered in the colours of the rainbow! This is a great event for the whole family, as well as friends and colleagues. If you’re worried about running, don’t be - you can jog, walk, skip or dance. It’s all about having fun!

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

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Consult a local independent www.reedsear.co.uk professional,reeds@reedse Dr David J Reed BA MSc MBA AuD4 Raglan RHADClose, Lawn, Swindon,

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Ear wax removal Hearing Assessments Up to date digital Hearing Aids Personal Attention & Lifelong aftercare Hearing protection

Call: 01793 692815

reeds@reedsear.co.uk www.reedsear.co.uk Amnigilda, 4 Raglan Close, Lawn Swindon. SN3 1JR

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CARE All staff should be fully trained on using equipment such as a hoist, to help bear your weight safely, if needed.

How to choose the right

Home Care

Whether you’re choosing a home care company for a family member or starting to plan for your own future, there are several important things that you should consider. Here are a few useful pointers to help you along the way.

Your chosen home care provider is there to look after you. They should help you to make your own decisions and support you in maintaining your own independence.

That also means treating you with respect, valuing you as a person and respecting your privacy. If you need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting, you have the right to choose your carer, whenever possible. Remember, it’s your care and you have the right to be involved in every aspect of your care.

Don’t ever be afraid to ask for a family member or friend to be kept informed about your home care too.

Before your home care starts It’s important to always make sure that the home care company you choose visits you at home, before care starts.

This will give you the chance to discuss your requirements in detail to ensure that you’re happy with your choice of provider.

A good home care company will answer any questions you may have during this visit. The visit will also give the company the opportunity to see the environment in which they will be working. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to be there when the home care company visits.

Home care company standards All companies have a ‘Statement of Purpose’ that sets out their aims and objectives and the type of the services they offer. If you’re employing a company, they should give you a contract explaining all terms and conditions. This will include things such as their confidentiality policy – for example, how they will hold and use personal data. All home care company employees should also have clear written guidelines and follow robust procedures on how to administer and assist with any medication needs.

So you’re thinking about using a company to provide home care? But how can you make sure that the home care provider you choose treats and cares for you in the right way?

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Initial home visit by a home care company During the initial home visit by the home care company, they will carry out a detailed risk assessment of your home, as well as a manual handling assessment.

This is important, as it will identify how the company staff will move you safely around your home, if assistance is required.

Keeping you safe and secure in your own home It’s the job of the home care company staff to make sure that you are safe and secure in your own home when they are working with you. Every home care company must have procedures in place to protect those using home care services, to reduce the risk of accidents, and protect people from any form of abuse including physical, emotional and financial abuse. This will also include an agreement about gaining access to your home. Care workers should have ID cards to show their photograph, their name, the company’s name and contact details.

Home care companies must also have a policy in place that sets out how staff should handle money, if you ask them to buy things, or to pay a bill for you.

Paying for home care It’s important to know the cost of home care and you should always be provided with a clear idea of costs for home care services. In most cases, companies will charge different rates for home care on weekday, evenings and weekends. There is also often a higher rate on Bank Holidays. Remember to ask if there will be any additional costs that you need to know about.

If you have been assessed by Social Services as being eligible for care and support at home, and Social Services have agreed to, fully or part fund your care (dependant on your financial assessment), you can choose to have the Care Company Social Services appoint, or you can choose to have Social Services provide the money to buy, some or all of, the support you need using something called a “Direct Payment”. The Direct Payment option allows you greater flexibility and freedom in how your care is provided. You can choose to employ your own ‘personal assistant’ or decide to work with the care provider of your choice. Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further.

Check what you are being charged All costs should be written into the contract between you and the company and you should be invoiced at regular intervals for the previous months’ service.

In most cases, the home care company will keep timesheets that you will need to sign. Always check that they have logged the correct length of visits. It may seem easier to sign only once a week but if you do this you may be charged the incorrect amount and it will prove difficult to prove otherwise.

Automated care worker monitoring Some home care companies have electronic monitoring so care workers can ‘check in’ using their mobile phone or put a pin number into your landline phone.

There is no cost to you when they use this system and it records the exact length of time that your care provider has been with you. This system also helps the home care company to highlight any missed calls by the care worker, reducing the risk of you not getting a call.

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What charges will you be expected to pay (Is there a minimum charge)? And how you will be invoiced?

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Is the company insured to protect your safety and interests?

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Do all care workers undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check before being employed? And what ongoing training do they receive?

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Does the company have a copy of its latest inspection report available for you to look at?

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Can the company be contacted outside office hours or in an emergency?

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Will the company give you a copy of their standard contract to read before signing?

Top 10 key questions to ask when choosing a Home Care company •

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Can the company provide the care needed, and have they provided care before for someone with similar needs?

How will the company and staff respect your privacy and dignity?

Have they taken the time to understand your personal likes and dislikes?

How do they match the most suitable care worker to your needs? Will they arrive at the time you have requested.

Will you always have the same person caring for you. What happens if they are sick or go on holiday?

The Bluebird Care difference As well as being naturally caring, our professional care workers are motivated, educated and punctual.

They are skilled in identifying and reporting changes in health, and are trained to intervene in times of crisis to avert serious injury or illness.

For the people in our care we go above and beyond and back again.

We personalise care to each and every individual and we show everybody, from our customers, their loved ones and their families, through to health professionals who work alongside us and all of our Bluebird Care colleagues the utmost respect and appreciation.

Our customers feel respected and that their needs and wishes are met exactly.

Whether you prefer someone to visit you in your own home, or simply to phone or email, there is always someone available to speak with you about your care needs.

My life My home My cuppa, just the way I like it Home care from Bluebird Care Swindon

Find out more about home care and the difference it can make to your life.

Email the Bluebird Care team: swindon@bluebirdcare.co.uk or call us on 01793 239499

bluebirdcare.co.uk/swindon

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Barnes Theatres flashdance Sat 30th June 2018 Bristol Hippodrome Ticket & Coach: £118.00

Les Miserables Sat 14th July 2018 Queen’s Theatre, London Ticket & Coach: £127.00

The Phantom of the Opera Sat 14th July 2018 Her Majesty’s Theatre, London Ticket & Coach: £73.00

Mamma mia Fri 20th July 2018 Novello Theatre, London Ticket & Coach: £68.00

42ND sTREET Sat 21st July 2018 Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London Ticket & Coach: £101.00

The lion King Sat 21st July 2018 Lyceum Theatre, London Ticket & Coach: £115.00

The Glenn Miller Story Thu 26th July 2018 London Coliseum, London Ticket & Coach: £70.00

Motown the musical Thu 27th September 2018 Shaftesbury Theatre, London Ticket & Coach: £64.00

aLADDIN Thu 4th October 2018 Prince Edward Theatre Theatre, London Ticket & Coach: £69.00

for our full list of theatre excursions, view & download our latest online day trip brochure from our website!

01793 821303 www.barnescoaches.co.uk Unit E, Woodside Road, South Marston Park, Swindon, SN3 4AQ