Swindon issue 24 by 50 Plus Magazine

FREE

Please t

ake on

SWINDON MAY - JULY 2014 EDITION 24

Rick Stein In search of the perfect curry...

Robert Lindsay

Talks about the Northwest Premier of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels...

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Ring for your copy!

barnes

01793 821303

www.barnescoaches.co.uk

2014 UK & European Coach Holidays Trains & Boats of the Austrian Tyrol & Ziller Valley

Kent Life

Warners Corton Coastal Village

Includes a visit to Kent Life, a rural heritage centre where amongst other things we enjoy a cream tea and a ride on the Allington Belle Paddle Boat. There is also included visits to Chatham Dockyard, a stunning site with historic buildings, museum galleries, historic warships and a vibrant programme of events, and Sissinghurst, one of the country’s finest gardens.

Our base for this holiday is bustling Mayrhofen, in the heart of the Ziller Valley. Our hotel has great facilities including a luxury spa and an indoor pool and on one evening we enjoy a Farmer’s Buffet. This tour includes a ride on the Achensee Steam Railway and also a boat trip on Lake Achensee.

We know that a break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is important to you, and Warners are here to help you make the most of it. The hotels have stunning locations, quality entertainment and sports, swimming and activities designed to help you have fun and indulge. You can choose to do as little or as much as you like.

Hotel Information HILTON MAIDSTONE 4 star hotel with full leisure facilities.

Hotel Information HOTEL NEUE POST, MAYRHOFEN 4 star hotel in the heart of the village

Hotel Information CORTON COASTAL VILLAGE Accommodation is in luxury chalets DAY TRIP 1 - Norwich and the Broads DAY TRIP 2 - Southwold and Aldeburgh

n n

BAR SPA

n n

SATELLITE TV n POOL n SAUNA GROUND FLOOR ROOMS

SATELLITE TV

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD SS

BAR

POOL

SPA

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Channel crossings 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Date

Price

29 May

£389 80

Date

Price

11 Sept

£389 80

07 June

£699 NIL

Eastbourne is one of England’s premier seaside resorts. There is a magnificent Victorian seafront and there are beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy. This year we offer a new hotel in Eastbourne, the Imperial.

Hotel Information IMPERIAL HOTEL An impressive Victorian Hotel on a tree lined boulevard running off the seafront. BAR

Date

Price

09 June

£349 NIL

West Country Rail & Sail plus Exmoor & Coast!

Eastbourne

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.

Hotel Information BEST WESTERN TIVERTON HOTEL 3 star hotel set on 2 acres on the outskirts of the Exmoor National Park.

LIFT

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

SATELLITE TV

GROUND FLOOR ROOMS

BAR

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Best of Olde England You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the delightful towns, villages and places to visit in Leicestershire. From our base at a luxurious 4 star hotel we’ll explore ancient battlefields, see how pork pies are made, and enjoy nostalgia at a former pumping station and ride on a beautiful old railway. Operated successfully for the first time in 2013!

Hotel Information HINKLEY ISLAND HOTEL 4 star hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and great facilities. n n

BAR n LIFT n POOL n GYM n SPA n SAUNA STEAM ROOM n SATELLITE TV Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD SS

Date

Price

Date

Price

14 June

£499 NIL

23 June

£419 77

02 Aug

£499 NIL

Date

Price

18 Aug

£419 77

03 July

£339 NIL

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Book online or call: 01793 821303

FREE HOME PICKUP on tours 4 days and over Tenby

Hotel Information CLARENCE HOUSE HOTEL 2 star hotel superbly situated on the Esplanade with panoramic views. n BAR n LIFT

As well as Monet’s Garden we include a private garden, the formal grounds of a restored chateau and new for this year we visit Chateau de Vendeuvre, a magical castle near Caen with 7 different gardens. This tour is based in Lisieux, the second town of pilgrimage in France with many tokens of its rich past and home to the largest church built in the 20th century in France.

Almost half of the island is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty with a variety of landscapes, including high chalk downland and lovely coastline. Sandown is a beautifully positioned resort with the seafront just metres from the shops and cafes.

Hotel Information MERCURE LISIEUX 3 star hotel located on the outskirts of Lisieux.

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

SATELLITE TV

BAR

Date

Price

04 July

£269 NIL

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD £329 NIL

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS HALF BOARD £449 NIL

3 3 3 3

Hotel Information BURLINGTON HOTEL, SANDOWN One of our favourite hotels located minutes from the seafront. n n

BAR n POOL n SPA GROUND FLOOR ROOMS

OUTDOOR POOL

Price Includes:

4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

10 Aug

Complete Isle of Wight Sandown

inc. Monet’s Garden plus 3 more gardens

Tenby is an attractive resort with two bays, a harbour, great shops and cafes. The coastline in this area is so spectacular that almost all of it is designated a National Park.

22 Sept

Gardens of Normandy

Return Coach Travel Channel crossings Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast . & Evening Meal Tours (inc. entry to four gardens)

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Ferry crossing 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date

Price

Date

Price

19 July

£539 NIL

07 July

£489 99

06 Sept

£469 NIL

River Rhine & Heidelberg

WW1 Centenary Remembrance

Isle of Scilly

Our charming 3 star hotel is situated just a few steps from the Rhine and the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow, cobblestone street which is a hive of activity day and night. Whilst at the hotel we will have a Rhine Themed Dinner on one night and a Wine Growers Themed night on another occasion. We spend a free day in Ruedesheim, to enjoy this charming town, and also visit the Rhine towns of Boppard, Koblenz and Wiesbaden. We also enjoy Heidelsberg, widely regarded as the jewel among Germany’s many destinations.

The Isles of Scilly is an archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous other small rocky islets 28 miles off Lands End. With a total population of just over two thousand, an exceptionally mild climate, and countless golden sandy beaches, Scilly is a beautiful haven of peace and tranquillity. Our base is St Mary’s where you can chill out watching the tide change, the flowers open and the sun shine. There is also plenty to do such as nature trails, bird and wildlife trips, local pottery, craft shops etc.

Hotel Information HOTEL LINDENWIRT, RUDESHEIM Traditionally decorated 3 star hotel with an abundance of character built around a courtyard. There is a traditional dark wood bar and also a terrace to enjoy summer evenings. n BAR n LIFT

Hotel Information THE ATLANTIC HOTEL A delightful old inn which adjoins the harbour from which boats make daily trips to Tresco and other delightful islands.

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Channel crossings 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal

Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Ferry crossings 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal

Date

Price

20 July

£349 58

2014 marks 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. And as the world prepares to commemorate, workers in Flander are busy restoring the headstones of those who fell. Our hotel is in the centre of Ypres, close to the Market Square and the Menin Gate. We also enjoy a visit to the lovely Belgian Towns of Bruges and Kortrijk, where we enjoy a gourmet tour.

Hotel Information NOVOTEL YPRES CENTRUM 3 star central hotel. n BAR n LIFT Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Channel crossings 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed & Breakfast 3 Tours

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Date

Price

25 July

£875 115

SEAVIEW 60

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date

Price

01 Aug

£359 119

For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk

CONTENTS

inside... 6-7 Portugal ... Two of the most traditional and interesting regions of the country 8-9 Beautiful Setting in the Wye Valley ... Lindors Country House Hotel 10-11 Dirty Rotten Scoundrels ... Robert Lindsay talks about his latest show

6-7

8-9 18

20-22

18 Top Tips ... Art Deco 20-22 Rick Stein ... In search of the perfect curry 28-29 Walking ... What's not to love... Top Tips for Walking 30-30 Out and About ... Place to visit and explore 40-41 Pet Obesity ... Ask the Vet 42-43 Vastly Improve your quality of life for years to come

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

TWITTER

Social media shrinks the world When I began my career it was with a three-ton Remington typewriter that deafened the street, now I can find friends in Louisiana with the flick of a finger. Social media has shrunk the world, technology is advancing at such a pace that it is difficult to keep pace with the latest developments and new inventions that were once the stuff of science fiction are an everyday occurrence. But at what cost is all this in terms of progress? Sales of printed books have plummeted as the world spends an increasing portion of its life on computers, tablets and mobile phones and I worry sometimes that there is a danger of losing the power of joined up thought. Recently I was reading a piece sent to me on the Internet and half a dozen of the sentences written didn’t even begin with the standard capital letter. Worrying. I know people who are closing their Facebook accounts now because they have almost taken over their lives, and I have to say that on Twitter some of the most inane facts and comments are creeping in now. Do you really need to say, "Goodnight tweeps”? Just turn the thing off! Neither is the net and social media the province of the young, as it was. Increasing numbers of older people are using the social interaction on offer and in many cases it can provide a relief for loneliness and replace a social life lost due to immobility or loss of a partner, so no bad thing there.

Drives you mad Motorists are often an easy target but I notice that recently some have been getting away with blue murder. Did you read about the idiot who was caught driving with his hands behind his head? The clot was doing 62mph on a major road in a large four-wheel drive and argues in court that he was in full control of the car. Fortunately the court didn’t agree and banned him for a year and imposed a hefty fine and community service order. But what possesses these people? There are also cases of motorists still driving with over 30 and sometimes 40 points on their licences because magistrates have shown leniency towards their circumstances. Why? If you’ve clocked up that amount of points you’re quite simply not fit to drive a vehicle and I have serious doubts whether you should be using a wheelbarrow without stabilisers.

To lick or not to lick? Do you seal your envelopes? Apparently whether you should or not has been the subject of a major and no doubt costly operation. Many older people labour under the misapprehension that you can send an unsealed

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

envelope with a second class stamp on and it will be delivered first class. Err, no. The younger generation have other ideas. One Internet observation reads, “ Whilst I do seal my envelopes the first thing that came to mind when I Graham Smith saw the headline was the story Twitter Column that went round when I was at school and later repeated on a viral email about cockroach eggs being laid on the glue and when you lick it if you get a paper cut they can hatch in your lip.” A quick Google showed this story is still on the urban legends websites but it wouldn’t surprise me if that was the reason for people around early 30s.

Health and Safety nonsense Yes I know I’ve twittered about this before but here goes again. Our village church clock was stopped for several months recently because the Health and Safety ogres decreed that the ladder used to reach the mechanism was too short. This was despite it having been used for years by a six-foot plus ex-policeman. Consequently it was twenty past three in Haworth for eight months until a grant was raised to provide a longer ladder! You couldn’t make it up could you? The bell ringers swung on ropes every Monday night during that period but the poor chap couldn’t wind the clock up because some mentally challenged twerp had nothing better to do than condemn the ladder. Have these people nothing better to do? How come one of them was lurking in Haworth Church clock tower to see the ladder in the first place? And he was back at Christmas to chuck Santa Claus out of the boiler room because there might have been asbestos! Poor chap had to cuddle customers in a gazebo outside the building. Talk about no room at the inn, and the donkey had to wear a coat. These chaps would have been a riot in Bethlehem. There’s have been no stable accommodation, too draughty and get those sheep of the bedclothes. You cannot bring your camel in here and stop swinging that foul smelling stuff under the baby’s nose….and has that chap with the wings got a Civil Aviation licence? The mind boggles.

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by By Noel Josephides, Managing Director of Sunvil www.sunvil.co.uk

to a considerable degree upon this wonderful natural product. Portugal is the largest cork exporter in the world. NASA uses Alentejo cork to insulate the cones of its space capsules and to protect them from heat damage on reentry to the earth’s atmosphere. And cork is not only for wine bottles – you can buy cork jewellery, cork umbrellas, cork i-Pad covers - in fact, just about anything and everything can these days be manufactured from cork.

The Alentejo and the Centro Region of Portugal Visitors to Portugal who fly into Lisbon Airport tend either to head south to the Algarve or north to Estoril, Cascais, the city of Porto and the Douro Region. In doing so, they inadvertently miss out on two of the most traditional and interesting regions of the country. Both the Centro region - immediately north of Lisbon - and the Alentejo region - between Lisbon and the Algarve - are areas that tend to be driven through quickly yet, together, they make up half of Portugal, and both deserve to be visited in their own right. The Alentejo was known as the bread basket of Portugal and it boasts some of the country’s tastiest dishes. The countryside is made up of wide, sweeping plains interspersed with medieval hilltop villages topped by dramatic castles. In spring the region is awash with colour - the fields are full of flowers of red, yellow, white 6

Evora, just a 75-minute drive inland from Lisbon on uncrowded roads, is the capital of the Alentejo (which means below the Tejo, or Tagus, river). It is steeped in history, yet really alive and buzzing courtesy of the university within its ancient walls. It was the seat of the Kings of Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. The Atlantic coastline, south of Lisbon, is like that of the Algarve 50 years ago and much of it is protected by law. Coastal villages like Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes are firm favourites yet have escaped mass development and still have great character; they are ideal for a lazy summer holiday and perhaps a little gentle coastal walking on a wellmarked pathway, the Rota Vicentina, if that appeals. The coast is a few degrees cooler than inland, often with a pleasant breeze in the height of summer. Beaches are many and seldom crowded, even in the peak of the season.

and purple or blue hues. The Alentejo produces 46% of Portugal’s excellent wine but has a mere 6% of its population. It is quiet, it is uncrowded and it is beautiful. In the summer it’s very hot - in fact, the hottest place in Portugal. Around May/June, depending on the weather, they harvest the cork trees; this is the region of the cork oak tree and the economy of the Alentejo still depends

So why have so few people heard of this region? It’s a very rural area with some excellent accommodation of character but local politics has meant an initial lack of interest in tourism, making it a latecomer to the travel game. This very fact will stand it in good stead – it has been able to learn from mistakes made elsewhere. The north of the Alentejo region is next-door to Centro, the central region of Portugal or, as I prefer to call it, the

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

That permission can be refused because, within the ancient walls, the Dean wields as much power as the President of the Republic. Needless to say, Coimbra is a must but there are also other interesting ancient cities to explore, like Aveiro on the coast and Viseu, the gateway to the Estrela National Park. Each area has its own local cuisine and specialities. Some of the most famous and delicious Portuguese cheeses come from the Estrela region.

Heart of Portugal. This is an area that stretches from its Atlantic coastline, with long beaches stretching for miles, into a mountainous region with some historic fortified villages and castles along the border with Spain that defended Portugal from invasion in the Middle Ages. The most impressive are Almeida, Castelo Rodrigo, Monsanto, Sortelha, Piodao and Idanha-A-Velha. These castles and villages conjure up images of knights in armour, of damsels in distress and heroic deeds. Legends abound in this area which, in turn, was overrun by the Romans, Moors and Spanish. Tales are recounted of epic battles and ancient rituals, and religious festivals are still very much part of daily life. The Serra da Estrela national park is snow bound in winter and, in the summer, ideal for walks with breathtaking views across forested landscapes. The capital of the area is Coimbra, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. This is a thriving, vibrant city, with a population of

2.3 million, and it is the seat of the oldest university in Portugal, dating from 1290. Since then, it’s been at the centre of Portuguese intellectual life. A visit to the university is a must and the 18th century Baroque library is one of many priceless historical monuments. There are three exquisite gilded chambers housing 300,000 leather-bound texts behind imposing wooden doors, probably some 30 feet tall. The precious books in this library are safeguarded from insect damage by resident bats, which sleep behind the serried rows of ancient tomes by day and eat insects by night; the mahogany reading tables are covered in cloth overnight to protect them from bat excrement. I would visit Portugal simply to re-visit the library - it is so fascinating and so totally extravagant. The university is nicknamed the ‘Little Vatican’ as it is protected by ancient charter and even the police have to request permission from the Dean before they enter the campus.

These two provinces, the Centro/ Heart of Portugal and the Alentejo, together make ideal fly-drive holiday combinations. There is some stunning accommodation, too, with two of my personal favourite hotels found in the adjacent regions. The Casa da Insua is a wonderful 18th century Baroque confection, located on the outskirts of Viseu in Centro, where you can try your hand at making cheese in the dairy if you wish, afterwards exploring an excellent in-house museum and art gallery. In the Alentejo, just outside Evora, is the Covento do Espinheiro, a historic monument once lived in by the Kings of Portugal - a superlative hotel that manages to be friendly while offering the best of cuisine and comfort. The manager’s tour of the hotel and a wine tasting in the former monastery’s water cistern is not to be missed. The true character of Portugal lies very much within these two regions and yet so many of us simply drive through on our way south or north. I urge you to spend a little time exploring them; you’ll enjoy a relaxing and inspiring taste of the real Portugal.

Vist www.sunvil.co.uk for further information about holidays to this region or call 0208 568 4499.

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Lindors Country House Hotel The Wye Valley

Tel: 01594 530283

Beautiful Setting in the Wye Valley NO Single Room Supplement Whether it’s a quiet, intimate gathering, our attention to detail and flexibility will ensure the perfect Wedding Breakfast and Reception, so you and your guests can relax and celebrate your day in style.

Reader Offer £49 per night

Perfect accommodation for groups of all sizes. The more the merrier. Whatever, it is you’re planning it will be even better when you bring your friends and family along. If you’re organising a group holiday and want the perfect venue we have it all at Lindors Country House Hotel. Sitting above the River Wye valley, the hotel offers exquisite gardens with waterfalls and pools. Inside, there are comfortable lounges and crackling log fires in winter. You will enjoy fine dining during your stay and well appointed bedrooms that offer the modern amenities you’d expect at such a top-class hotel. Lindors Country House Hotel offers: l Accommodation for 48 guests in the hotel l 5 self catering lodges l Licensed restaurant l 15m heated indoor swimming pool with separate children’s pool l Fair Trade coffee shop/bistro selling light meals, refreshments and gifts l Wireless broadband access l Loop system in main conference hall l Tennis, croquet, putting l CD player in each bedroom l Hair dryers in each bedroom l Car park.

Sept - December* Dinner, Bed & Breakfast in an ensuite bedroom Call the hotel to make your booking.

Get exploring...

*Selected Dates & Subject to Ts &Cs.

Set in nine acres of gardens through which a brook descends by a series of waterfalls and pool to the River Wye, Lindors is an ideal base from which to explore the majestic Wye Valley and beautiful woodland walks of the Royal Forest of Dean.

PLACES TO VISIT • The Royal Forest of Dean • Tintern Abbey • Tauras Crafts • Symonds Yat & the River Wye • Goodrich Castle • Clearwell Caves

• • • • •

Puzzlewood (as seen in the BBC show ‘Merlin’) Raglan Castle The Dean Forest Railway Chepstow Castle Offa’s Dyke

Lindors Country House Hotel, The Fence, St. Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6RB

Call 01594 530283 for all booking enquiries and our current Special offers. Or email lindors@christianguild.co.uk | www.christianguild.co.uk/lindors

Lindors Country House Hotel LEISURE CLUB... A leisure club is operated allowing a limited number of local residents to enjoy the superb facilities of the Lindors Country House Hotel swimming pool and tennis courts. The main pool measures 15m x 6m and has a constant depth of 1.35m (4ft 6’’). Adjacent to the main pool is a toddler pool measuring 7m x 3m with a constant depth of 0.7m (2ft).

The pool will be available for use by members of the Lindors Leisure Club at the following times:Opening Times:

7 days a week: 7.30am – 9.00pm Closed: Christmas Day & New Year’s Day

Annual Membership Prices 2014 Adults £270 Children 10 - 16yrs £135 Children 0 - 10yrs £100 Subject to terms and availability

Christian Guild boasts five high quality hotels with first class service, from an 18th century castle to a country house hotel and a classic Georgian mansion. YOU will always receive a warm welcome at any one of our beautiful hotels. If you’re looking for a hotel that offers comfortable accommodation, character, style and great food, then look no further. Our hotels have been chosen to offer you easy access to some of England’s most popular tourist areas. Whether you want to explore coast or country, we’ve a hotel for you. And once you’ve finished exploring and wandering around the wonderful surroundings of our hotels, sit back and relax and enjoy fine food and the very best in Christian hospitality at each venue.

Abbot Hall Hotel Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7BG T: 015395 32896 e: abbot@christianguild.co.uk

THEMED BREAKS If you have a hobby or want to try a new experience, then our themed breaks are renowned for offering a fun-packed holiday.

We have arranged a lot of new breaks for 2014, so there’s more chance for you to try a new hobby. Best of all you’ll meet like-minded people, and we’re sure you’ll make new friends. Stay As You Please We are known for our fabulous breaks that offer a packed programme of activities. But we are now introducing our new concept Stay As You Please.

Willersley Castle Hotel Cromford, Matlock Derbyshire DE4 5JH T: 01629 582270 e: willersley@christianguild.co.uk

Sidholme Hotel Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8UJ T: 01395 515104 e: sidholme@christianguild.co.uk

Lindors Country House Hotel The Fence, St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6RB T: 01594 530283 e: lindors@christianguild.co.uk

Treloyhan Manor Hotel St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AL T: 01736 796240 e: treloyhan@christianguild.co.uk

This gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want, but unlike other hotels, we have staff on hand to help you plan so you don’t miss out on any local attractions. Stay as you please is more than just booking a hotel room - we can also help you with directions on local walks and give you contact information so you can take part in local activities, such as surfing, fishing or pony trekking.

Call 01629 826531 for a copy of our Holidays & Short Breaks brochure with details of the activities organised at each hotel.

01594 530283

www.christianguild.co.uk/lindors

INTERVIEW: ROBERT LINDSAY

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Robert Lindsay had been out walking his dogs and taking the opportunity to learn his lines for his latest show. The fact that it’s the musical version of the 1988 hit film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, set to premiere in Manchester before going into the West End, was exciting for the 63 year-old actor. But not because he was reprising the role Michael Caine took onscreen as the suave Riviera conman Lawrence Jameson whose life is suddenly disrupted by Steve Martin’s character, the anarchic Freddy Benson. “I’ve never seen the film,” he admits, “but it’s a wonderful show. The script is incredibly funny and the score by Yazbek (award-winner David Yazbek) is amazing – the man’s a genius.” The show did run for a time on Broadway where it won awards, “but it seemed to fade away,” adds Lindsay. “This is a totally different show, and there’s a fantastic buzz about it already. I think the plan long-term may be for it to go back to Broadway.” All of this is a long way from the very first time the Great British Public became aware of young Robert Lindsay when he played a Cockney layabout in the ITV series Get Some In! However, it was when he headed up the Tooting Popular Front as likeable but inept urban guerrilla Wolfie Smith in the hit comedy TV series Citizen Smith that the public really noticed him. This ran for three years, from 1977 to 1980, and established the actor firmly in viewers’ consciousness. He felt pretty comfortable in the role as he’d come from a council estate in Ilkeston, Derbyshire before graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and had admittedly leftwing views. An early flexibility and desire to take on other, different roles – “as well as wanting to play posh people,” he quickly points out – steered him towards more serious productions. He played Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing in the BBC’s

Shakespeare series, and then moved up to Manchester to play Edmund in a Granada TV version of King Lear alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. He happily admits that his first love, though, is musicals and he famously played the role of Bill Snibson in the acclaimed 1984 London revival of Me and My Girl. This role not only won him an Olivier Award but, when it later transferred to Broadway, a Tony Award as well. “I find musicals easier because you’ve always got the music, it’s familiar,” states Lindsay. He has, however, also enjoyed plenty of film roles. Interestingly, he was at the same place making a different film (Strike It Rich with Mollie Ringwald and Sir John Gielgud) where Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was being filmed. “I met Steve Martin one day – we’d met previously when I’d been in the States and had dinner together – and he told me about the film he was making,” explains Lindsay. “He seemed to have some reservations about the script and I got the impression that they were adding to it quite a bit themselves.” Television has proved a remarkable showcase for Lindsay’s talents over the years. Although he believes that he wanted to get away from his roots for a long time – “I lost my way

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

The Generation Game with Bruce Forsyth – have three sons and he also has a daughter from his relationship with actress Diana Weston. It’s plain he doesn’t like being away from his home and family. “But sometimes they have to understand that you have to be, you’re doing it for them,” he states. For the most part, his children don’t like roles that take him away from them, or his being acknowledged as an actor rather than “just Dad” when he’s with them. “When I was in Hornblower and picking them up from school it was different. Normally, they don’t want me to walk with them and disown me, but suddenly I was cool!” Ask about the highlights of his career and he swiftly points to the work with Alan Bleasdale and Me and My Girl. “I suppose Citizen Smith, The Entertainer at the Old Vic and Cyrano de Bergerac at the Haymarket were also special,” he adds. He’s still regularly on TV and had just recorded Have I Got News For You as programme presenter. “You have to watch Mr Hislop and Mr Merton, though,” he says light-heartedly. “They’re very quick but I think they like actors because they understand timing and not hogging the lines.”

“I find musicals easier because you’ve always got the music, it’s familiar,” a bit in my 30s,” he says – he particularly enjoyed working with gritty Northern writer Alan Bleasdale. Lindsay was in his dark comedy serial G.B.H. (for which Lindsay won a BAFTA) as well as another Bleasdale play, Jake’s Progress with Julie Walters, and recalls both experiences with genuine affection. He played another posh character when he took on the role of Captain Pellew in the long-running and very successful series of Hornblower with Ioan Gruffudd as the young midshipman of the title. Was this largely sea-going adventure a fairly physical experience for Lindsay? “Not so much for me, but definitely for Ioan,” he laughs. “What was interesting was that it was the first time I had played a father character.” His longest running role was also as a father: as dentist Ben Harper in the popular BBC sitcom My Family – this ran for 11 years and still surfaces on Sky channels. “Zoe (Wannamaker) and I had a great time making that,” he states. Lindsay himself is very much a family man. He and second wife Rosemarie Ford – she was a dancer and a presenter on

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Is there any TV he’d like to do, like Downton Abbey? “No,” he states, “that’s not my bag. “But I’ve just done a cameo role in Atlantis as the father of Icarus – that was good fun. It’s a very well made series and the boys there were great. My children were also very impressed!” * Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is at the Savoy Theatre, London until 29th November 2014. To find out more go to www.scoundrelswestend.com DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Savoy Theatre, London “Jerry Mitchell’s long awaited Broadway transfer of this screen to stage musical has now well and truly landed in London’s West End. From the moment you take your seat in the beautiful Savoy Theatre you are immediately transported to the French Riviera, which sets the scene for this extremely funny and slick production. Starring Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound we follow two con men as they make a wager to pull a con on the beautiful Christine Colgate (Katherine Kingsley).” “With an ingenious set design, gorgeous costumes and fabulous choreography the audience is effortlessly taken from scene to scene – a magnificent art deco mansion, classy hotel suites, railway station and also a first class train carriage. Perfect lighting design must be mentioned and what really makes this musical a memorable hit is the brilliant score and orchestration – a very catchy ‘Give em What They Want’ will stay in your head for days, and this show absolutely does, give you want you want! I would advise you to go and book your tickets for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels right now! You will be in for one of the best nights the West End can give you.” Russ Barnes - Barnes Coaches. 11

An additional room to enjoy all year round 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.

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.

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!

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.

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. 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.

The Conservatory Centre’s Large Showroom at Cheney Manor

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 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! 12

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 and a .85 shading coefficient keeps your conservatory comfortably cool. (g ISO905 M1)

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Frames: Bowater ‘Esthetique’ 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 ‘esthetique’ - 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 2014) 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 2014 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’. 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.

Buy a conservatory and get an eco-friendly room with up to £2,000 Free* Why move when you can improve? With over 50 years experience we can project manage your new conservatory from start to finish creating an additional room for you to enjoy all year round - tailor made to suit your needs all year round. Don't Forget! We also sell doors, windows and timber garden buildings.

Registered Company Market leaders in conservatory technology

towards any combination of: l Cane - Rattan - Laminated Wood Furniture l Tiled Floors l Ceiling Fans l Electric Heaters l Lights

SALE NOW ON

Low cost finance available through subject to status Check out our website

Visit our show site at:

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor Swindon SN2 2QJ. 01793 526691 conservatoryworld@btconnect.com www.conservatorycentres.co.uk

*Terms & conditions apply

Forget Forget Forget ISAs… ISAs… JHW [ WKH 5HWXU 5 JHW [ WKH 5HWXU JHW [ WKH 5HWXU

…DOVR 7D[ )U

17% 17%Return Return**** 6 6Year YearPayback Payback**** 20 20Years YearsTax TaxFree Free Cut CutElectricity ElectricityBills Bills Nohard hardsell sell No Freesurvey survey Free FreeEPC EPC Free Oneday dayinstall install One 10Year YearWarranty Warranty 10 LOCALCOMPANY COMPANY LOCAL

&OLFN \RXU 5RRI

online for a free estimate estimate www.2020solarpv.com .com

or call 01386 802020 802020

$ :LGH &KRLFH RI /HDGLQJ 3DQHO %UDQ $ :LGH &KRLFH RI /HDGLQJ 3DQHO %UDQ

UQ UHH UHH

m m

QGV QGV QGV

EstablishedMidlands Midlandscompany company Established withaaprice pricepromise promiseguarantee guarantee with w

East/WestRoofs…Flat Roofs…FlatRoofs…Garages…Paddocks...Barns…Stables Roofs…Garages…Paddocks...Barns…Stables East/West Thepopularity popularityofofSolarPV SolarPV panels generating electricity continues to grow even The panels forfor generating electricity continues to grow even in in lightofoftariff tariffreductions. reductions.The The principle reason being that capital costs have fallen light principle reason being that capital costs have fallen dramatically prices have soared. ForFor anyone wishing to safeguard dramaticallywhile whileelectricity electricity prices have soared. anyone wishing to safeguard against increases and generate themselves a predictable incomeagainstfuture futureenergy energyprice price increases and generate themselves a predictable incomestream there is is nono better, low riskrisk investment. TheThe Feed-in-Tariff streamover overthe thenext next2020years years there better, low investment. Feed-in-Tariff for electricity is is still over 14p perper unit and with thethe overall costcost of of forgenerating generatingyour yourown own electricity still over 14p unit and with overall installing byby 60%, SolarPV is more affordable than ever. installingSolar SolarPanels Panelsdown down 60%, SolarPV is more affordable than ever.

Savings inin ISAs and other traditional forms of investments. TheThe Savingsare areearning earninga apittance pittance ISAs and other traditional forms of investments. advent Government Feed-in-Tariff scheme hashas offered a safe adventofofSolarPV SolarPVand andthe the Government Feed-in-Tariff scheme offered a safe investment yields farfar more than cancan bebe currently earned elsewhere, as as investmentvehicle vehiclethat thatnow now yields more than currently earned elsewhere, well as a way of making fuel savings and doing your bit for the environment. well as a way of making fuel savings and doing your bit for the environment.

OfOfcourse is is that those looking forfor thethe benefits from generating their coursethe thebasic basicpremise premise that those looking benefits from generating their own electricity have capital to invest. The cost of installing SolarPV panels will vary own electricity have capital to invest. The cost of installing SolarPV panels will vary according but 1616 panels (4kW) willwill bebe around £5500, depending on on accordingtotothe thesize sizeofofsystem system but panels (4kW) around £5500, depending your roofs have good potential; even East/West facing roofs or or yourchoice choiceofofpanels. panels.Most Most roofs have good potential; even East/West facing roofs sheds at the bottom of the garden can still be very effective if the system is designed sheds at the bottom of the garden can still be very effective if the system is designed correctly. issues can bebe mitigated and with thethe latest technology correctly.Even Eventricky trickyshade shade issues can mitigated and with latest technology surplus electricity can be captured to heat hot water, further improving returns. In the surplus electricity can be captured to heat hot water, further improving returns. In the right conditions you can expect to be better off by around £900 per year, with payback in right conditions you can expect to be better off by around £900 per year, with payback around upup toto a very attractive 17% return on on investment. After aroundsixsixyears, years,which whichstacks stacks a very attractive 17% return investment. After that its pure profit, with a 20 year contract guaranteed by the government! Take control; that its pure profit, with a 20 year contract guaranteed by the government! Take contro of your energy bills and ‘Click your Roof’ today! of your energy bills and ‘Click your Roof’ today!

No Nohidden hiddenextras extras: : Installation, Installation, scaffolding, scaffolding scaffolding,EPC EPC&&VAT VATall allincluded included

HOME - INTERIORS

CREATE YOUR OWN STYLE Look in your wardrobe - what colours do you wear? These are a good basis for your home decor too. Firstly you love the colours and secondly you'll look good there too! Do you love a specific film type? Imagine the sets of certain movies and use this as the basis of your room style. Think film noir to create dramatic dark interior schemes or recreate the As Good as It Gets house with soft blues, white boarding and elegant cream furniture.

Create a mood board of your life and design a scheme based on the colours, patterns and shapes you see in there. Or try Pinterest is the easiest way to discover your own style. Pin images together that automatically appeal and then once you have a number look at the whole board and you'll see that a certain style has started to emerge.

NO WORRIES! Bath out - Shower in

FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY!* NO MESS! NO FUSS! NO RE-TILING!

Find out your thinking style - are you visual, auditory or kinaesthetic? For visuals add colour and statement lighting, for auditory thinkers add wind chimes or a kick-ass music system and for the kinaesthetic mind, ensure you have a tonne of texture. See your style. Hear your style. Feel your style.

Visit our Dwell-Being style and sample selector to indulge in discovering your own style - work out which colours, patterns and shapes please you and even what this says about you. Create bespoke posters with personalised messages, names of places you have been, quotes that inspire you - there are plenty to choose from on notonthehighstreet. com.

STRUGGLE TO GET IN & OUT OF YOUR OLD BATH? Designed to fit in the same space as your old bath, the Shower Module’s unique construction enables it to be FITTED IN JUST ONE DAY* with NO MESS, NO FUSS and NO RE-TILING either! ● ● ● ● ● ●

Fits in same space as your old bath! GLASS PROTECTION

Protects against the build-up of grime, lime scale and stains.

Easy clean tile effect - no re-tiling or mouldy grout! Easy access NEW lower step Optional seat and grab rail Assistance pole Slip resistant floor Built-in shelving

OVER 20,000

INSTALLATIONS IN THE UK Available with full height sliding doors or half height hinged door and panel

Half height hinged door and panel option

SHOWER STANDING UP OR SITTING DOWN WITH THE OPTIONAL FOLD DOWN SEAT. * Time based on straightforward fitting.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND FREE BROCHURE

FREEPHONE 0800 316 0110

Ask for Ext. 53456

Please contact me to arrange a FREE no-obligation Home Survey Please send me a FREE brochure on the Aquability Low Access Shower Module

Name

53456

Tel Address EASY, SAFE BATHING

Postcode Lines open 24 hours 7 days a week. Or return coupon to FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR. Or visit - www.aquability.com Send to: FREEPOST RRGY-AHAX-AHSX, Aquability UK Ltd, Farnborough, GU14 0NR.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

in-toto kitchensWINNING located in the heart of Swindon's Old Town goes from strength to strength. AN AWARD TEAM in-toto kitchens located in the heart of Swindon’s Old Town goes from strength to strength.

Husband & wife team David and Hilda were recently selected from hundreds of entries a possible – after that the look comes and sai modern look like this or Regional Kitchen Design upsomething to £20,000’. The judges were independent journalists more traditional, Hilda and David naturally. An ergonomic layout is key kitchen with a high layout is just right and you needthat to consider whatfor willthe be space” will that both over-delivers listen to you and offer their impact, sleek own ideas and professional advice.

most practical for you and going to a

They you’re specialise in listening to modern their professional designer will ensure that Whether after a smooth look like this or something more traditional, Hild n-toto kitchens located in the heart of Swindon's Old Town goes fromcustomers strength to strength. they personalise the design to you.’ and project managing to you and offer their own ideas and professional advice. They specialise in listening to th through every stepfrom from conception Husband & wife team David and Hilda were recently selected hundreds of entries as winners of At the in-toto Neff ‘Best you’ll find a great range managing through every step fromandconception to completion, making the complex journ to completion, making the complex Regional Kitchen Design up to £20,000’. The judges were independent journalists said of this winning design: “Afrom; from British Shaker to choose journey painless and enjoyable. From kitchen that over-delivers with a high impact, sleek layout that is just right for the space”. From that first chat in the studio to the final finishing touches they giveand each individual th to German contemporary with a that first chat in the studio to the

palette of colours to choose Whether you’re after a smooth modern look like this or something more traditional, Hilda and David pleasing will both listen final finishing touches they give each from, you are sure to find one that ‘The people make is thinking design all about look’ saysthein-toto Swindon to you and offer their own ideas and mistake professional some advice. They specialise in listening to their customers andis project individual the help and patience they SWINDON is right for you. managing through every step from conception to completion, making the complex journey painless and enjoyable. deserve. making the space function as well as possible – after that the look comes naturally. An er From that first chat in the studio to the final finishing touches they give each individual the help and patience they deserve.

If you are planning a home will be most practical youmake and going to a professional designer will ensure that they p 'The mistake some for people is

‘The mistake some people make is thinking design is all about look’ says in-toto Swindon owner Davidimprovement Moore. ‘What’s more important is Hilda or David can thinking design is all about look’ making the space function as well as possible – after that the look comes naturally. An ergonomic layout is key and you need to consider what visit or arrange a no-obligation home says Swindon owner will be most practical for you and going to ain-toto professional designer will ensure David that they personalise the design to you.’ you could pop in to their showroom

At in-toto you’ll find a great range to choose from; from British Shaker to German Moore. 'What’s more important is meet the award winning team and At in-toto you’ll find a great rangemaking to choose from; from British Shaker towell German andone with athat pleasing the space function as contemporary colours to choose from, youasare sure to findand the ispalette rightoffor you. benefit from their free design service.

colours to choose from, you are sure to find the one that is right for you.

f you are planning homeplanning improvementaHilda or David can If you aare home improvement Hilda or DavidThe canWinning Design - before & after rrange a no-obligation home visit or you could pop in to Husband &awife team David and arrangemeet no-obligation home visit or you could pop in to heir showroom the awardselected winning team and Hildaand were recently from enefit from their free design service. their showroom and meet of the hundreds of entries as winners theaward winning team and

Neff 'Best Regional Kitchen Design benefit from their free design service. up to £20,000’. The judges were independent journalists and said of this winning design: “A kitchen that over-delivers with a high impact, sleek layout that is just right for the space”. Whether you’re after a smooth

in-toto kitchens Swindon

Unit 3-5, Queen Victoria House, Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BG E: swindon@intoto.co.uk T: 01793 422004 www.intoto.co.uk

The Winning Desi

HOME - INTERIORS 5. Advances in technology moved towards a more ‘streamlined’ look. Every day objects such as radios became streamlined, swayed by the aerodynamic shapes cut from ocean liners and Zeppelins. 6. Choose fringed lighting and fitted furniture to incorporate an Art Deco look into your home without creating an overwhelming look. Try Tiger Moth Lighting for some wonderful fringed metal lamps and pendants. 7. Search for cantilevered chairs made popular by Marcel Breuer and Miles van Der Rohhe, who made the most of technology advances fashioning original and modern styles from new materials. The Barcelona Chair is another popular design choice, still contemporary today and found in many modern homes and offices.

TOP TIPS: ART DECO Niki Schäfer shares her tips on creating an Art Deco look: 1. The incredibly glamorous Art Deco period spans from 1920 – 1939 and epitomises the opulence of inter-war Britain. The period was characterised by modern, sleek designs with a luxurious use of materials. The New York’s Chrysler building, The Savoy and Sybil Colefax were icons of this era, look to them for inspiration on a smaller scale! 2. The luxury and decadence was increasingly noticeable in contrast to the austerity of the First World War. The use of rare and exotic woods and materials such as ivory, shagreen (imitation shark skin) and mother of pearl was familiar to this era. Decorate using an excess of mirrors, satins and pale leathers. 3. The Art Deco period was heavily influenced by international style, so perhaps use lacquer as a finish on furniture, a design style developed from China. The period also admired enormously style icons of the era such as Eileen Gray. 4. The era was nicknamed the ‘Cocktail Age’ so for true Art Deco style track down walnut cocktail cabinets in a stepped shape, symbolic of the Aztec pyramids that were also hugely popular at the time.

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ. 01793 526691 Open 7 Days a week

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

9. Rugs were hugely popular throughout this period. Search for wild geometrical shapes in a spectrum of bold colours to liven up any room. Imitation zebra and other wild animal skins are widely available as fabrics nowadays, and if you’re feeling extra brave use some flocked wallpaper in the same design. 10. If you live and breathe for Art Deco inspired design then take a visit to La Maison de Verre in Paris, or slightly closer to home stay at The Park Lane Hotel and dine in Claridges.

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ. 01793 526691 Open 7 Days a week

SALE

NOW ON

installation available Stockists of

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk 18

8. To truly emulate the ‘elite’ style you need to find the original pieces. The technology advances spurred the creation of imitation products made from cheap materials, which led to the eventual end of the era.

Huge range Over 250 fabrics Cane, Rattan, Laminated wood combinations Free local delivery

NOW ON

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

RICK STEIN - IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT CURRY

PRAWN FRITTERS WITH CHUTNEY AND KACHUMBER FROM THE ALLEN KITCHEN, KOLKATA I couldn’t work out why these prawn cutlets were so delicious; there seemed to be nothing to them, just a simple batter, a bit of lemon, some onion rings and a bottle of mustard sauce. But the very enthusiastic blogger from Calcutta called Kaniska was keen to point out that this tiny little hole in the wall was one of the most popular foodie spots in the city. They may have put a secret ingredient in the batter, but I expect the success lies in using chickpea flour and frying the battered prawns in pure ghee. I consumed a few plates of them while having a thoroughly enjoyable conversation about the almost infinite possibilities of street food in that city. Later I woke up in the middle of the night in my hotel with my head spinning, thinking the pace of life was so frenetic that I was surely locked into a madhouse, albeit with some of the tastiest food I’ve ever found. This makes a quite soft batter, not a thick, crisp batter like you’d get with fish and chips. METHOD To prepare the prawns, pull off the head and peel away the shell, leaving the tail intact. Use a small, sharp knife to run down the back of the prawns and pull out the black intestinal tracts, if visible. Then use the knife to cut almost all the way through the prawns and butterfly them open. Flatten them out a little with the palm of your hand. Pat dry with kitchen towel. For the batter, mix the flours and salt together, whisk in the egg and enough of the water to give a smooth batter the consistency of single cream.

Serves 4 12 extra large unpeeled Raw prawns For the batter 60g plain flour 60g chickpea flour ¼tsp salt 1 free-range egg 150–225ml water 70g ghee, for frying To serve Lemon wedges, Mustard chutney Tomato chutney or Chilli garlic relish and Kachumber salad

Heat the ghee in a heavy-based saucepan or karahi over a medium heat. Once hot, dip 2 or 3 prawns in the batter and carefully lower into the ghee. Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden and cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining prawns. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over and chutney and kachumber salad on the side. KACHUMBER SALAD - SERVES 8 -10 300g vine-ripened tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/2 cucumber, sliced 100g red onions, halved and thinly sliced 1 fresh green chilli, finely chopped 1/2 tsp toasted ground cumin seeds 1/4 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder Large handful of fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped Freshly ground black pepper 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice or white wine vinegar Lime wedges (optional), to finish Layer the ingredients, or gently toss together, just before serving. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

SWEET AND TANGY POTATO SHREDS Lilo chevda This is a snack beloved by Gujaratis, a sweet and sour shredded spiced potato dish. The shredded potatoes are deep fried until crisp, as are the lentils, cashew nuts and peanuts, but plenty of lime juice is sprinkled on just before you start eating so you get this tantalizing mix of crisp bits and soft bits. There’s plenty of chilli in it, sweetness from the raisins and sugar, sharpness from the lime juice, and a good sprinkling of salt too. Perfect balance in street food.

Serves 8 150g chana dal (Bengal gram or split yellowpeas), soaked overnight in coldwater 1kg potatoes, such as Maris Piper, peeled, coarsely grated Vegetable oil, for deep frying Salt 3 tbsp unsalted cashew nuts or peanuts (skinned) 1 tbsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp fennel seeds ½tsp turmeric 1½tbsp caster sugar, plus extra to taste 2 fresh green chillies, finely chopped with seeds 2 tbsp raisins Juice of 1–2 limes

METHOD Drain the chana dal and pat dry with kitchen paper. Spread out on a tray lined with a clean tea towel (or more kitchen paper) and leave on one side. Soak the prepared potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes. Drain, use your hands to squeeze out any excess moisture, then pat dry with kitchen paper. Two-thirds fill a large, deep-sided sturdy pan with vegetable oil and place over a medium heat. Test it’s hot enough by dropping in a piece of potato; it should sizzle and turn golden in about 20 seconds. (Or use a deep-fat fryer heated to 180°C.) Deep-fry the potatoes in batches until crisp and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season with half a teaspoon of salt and set aside. Using the same oil, fry the chana dal in batches for about 3–4 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and turn a shade darker. Drain on kitchen paper, and add to the fried potatoes. Heat a heavy-based frying pan over a low-medium heat. Add the cashew nuts or peanuts and fry for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. Add the sesame seeds and fennel seeds and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring all the time. Remove from the heat and stir in the turmeric, followed by the sugar, half a teaspoon of salt, the chillies and the raisins, then mix with the potatoes and lentils. Add plenty of lime juice to give a sweet-sour flavour (you may need to add more sugar and salt at this stage to balance the flavour). Serve at room temperature in small bowls as a snack.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

MADRAS FISH CURRY OF SNAPPER, TOMATO AND TAMARIND I have written at some length in the main introduction about finding this curry, which I have nominated as my favourite. I’ve used the same fish it was cooked with on that day in Mamalla puram – snapper – but in the UK I recommend using any of the following: monkfish fillet, because you get firm slices of white, meaty fish; filleted bass, preferably a large fish, because although you’ll get softer flesh it has plenty of flavour; or gurnard. I think more than anything else that this dish typifies what I was saying about really fresh fish not being ruined by a spicy curry. I can still remember the slightly oily flavour of the exquisite snapper in that dish because fish oil, when it’s perfectly fresh, is very nice to eat. I always think oily fish goes well with curry anyway, particularly with the flavours of tomatoes, tamarind and curry leaves.

SERVES 4 – 6

Method Heat the oil in a heavy-based saucepan or karahi over a medium heat. When hot, add the mustard seeds and fry for 30 seconds, then stir in the onion and garlic and fry gently for about 10 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the curry leaves, chilli powder, coriander and turmeric and fry for 2 minutes, then stir in the tomatoes, tamarind liquid, green chillies and salt and simmer for about 10 minutes until rich and reduced. Add the fish, cook for a further 5 minutes or until just cooked through, and serve with plain rice.

60ml vegetable oil 1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds 1 large onion, finely chopped 15g/3 cloves garlic, finely crushed 30 fresh curry leaves 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp turmeric 400g can chopped tomatoes 100ml Tamarind liquid 2 green chillies, each sliced lengthways into 6 pieces, with seeds 1 tsp salt 700g snapper fillets, cut into 5cm chunks Boiled basmati rice to serve

Extracted from Rick Stein’s India by Rick Stein, BBC Books hardback £25 Photography: James Murphy

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Indulge Yourself at Lindors Country House Hotel Join us for light lunches, dinners, afternoon teas, wedding receptions and celebration events...Call 01594 530283 or email our Events Co-ordinator on lindors@christianguild.co.uk Lindors is a charming 19th century property situated in the Welsh borders between Monmouth and Chepstow and lies approximately one mile on the Coleford side of Bigsweir Bridge. A leisure club and various conference facilities can be found on site. You are sure to enjoy the food and ambience at Lindors. Our kitchen, led by Head Chef Catherine Williams, is renowned for food presentation and quality. Using local ingredients where possible to add to the Wye Valley experience, Catherine offers a sumptuous and inviting daily menu in the restaurant for your enjoyment. We offer a wide range of soft drinks and wines, spirits, bottled beers and lagers to accompany your meal and we respect any dietary requirement. Lindors Country House Hotel plays host to afternoon teas as elegant as its surroundings. Once guests have made their selections from a variety of fair-trade teas and coffees, a three-tiered stand presents a medley of sandwiches, fruit scones with cream and jam and a slice of homemade cake for each diner. Those wishing to add a dash of effervescence to the afternoon tea can also opt to enjoy a glass of Prosecco.

Lindors Country House Hotel, The Fence, St. Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6RB

Bookings Call 01594 530283 Or email lindors@christianguild.co.uk | www.christianguild.co.uk/lindors

WIN A 3 NIGHT HALF BOARD

HOLIDAY FOR 2

AT A CHRISTIAN GUILD HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE

Christian Guild hotels the very best SIMPLY FILL IN YOUR DETAILS TO BE provide in Christian hospitality in some of the most ENTERED INTO OUR PRIZE DRAW TO beautiful parts of WIN A HOLIDAY FOR 2 AT THE CHRISTIAN England.

GUILD HOTEL OF YOUR CHOICE

Our five superb hotels o er a warm welcome NAME:.................................................................................... and are perfect places ADDRESS:...............................................................................to get away from it all. .............................................................................................. POSTCODE:............................................................................ TEL:........................................................................................ EMAIL:....................................................................................

Closing Date for entries 31/07/14 and winner notified by email or post. Please tick this box if you do not want to receive further correspondance from Christian Guild Holidays

CHRISTIAN GUILD, 2ND FLOOR, BUILDING 10, CROMFORD MILLS, CROMFORD, DERBYSHIRE DE4 3RQ.

e: mail@christianguild.co.uk

www.christianguild.co.uk to

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

HOME - GARDEN

“Planting flowers among the vegetables will attract pollinators.”

Companion PLANTING The idea is to grow two or more plants close together for the benefit of at least one and usually all. As well as being a form of natural pest control, judicial companion planting can be used to provide support and shade, and is a great way to make the most of limited space. Planting flowers among the vegetables will attract pollinators that may not otherwise venture among the greenery - cosmos, larkspur, zinnia, cornflowers and sweetpeas are good choices. Besides the practical advantage, the mix-and-match approach to a planting scheme is an opportunity to turn your garden into an unusual and colourful place. Experiment to see what works in the soil and conditions in your area, and bear in mind that not all plants are happy in each other’s company.

PEST CONTROL If you would rather not use pesticides in your garden, one simple way to avoid your flowers and vegetables 24

being subject to pest attack is to plant some deterrents among them. A few garlic bulbs among the roses should keep your blooms aphid-free, and also discourage blackspot. Sage among your cabbages and carrots keeps cabbage and carrot fly at bay. However, don’t be tempted to include garlic or chives among the peas or beans stunted growth may be the result. Some plants may compete for habitat, or have chemical components that don’t mix. Fennel, for instance, is a favourite of ladybirds and deters aphids, but it has a harmful effect on many plants, inhibiting growth and causing them to bolt. One of the few plants that can tolerate growing in close proximity to fennel is dill. French marigolds protect against pest nematodes. A chemical produced by the flowers’ roots kills the harmful varieties of these worms. Turn in the marigolds at the end of season so the roots decay in the soil to prevent further infestation. Do it several years running

and pest nematodes should vacate the territory forthwith. Tomatoes, potatoes, roses and strawberries are among vulnerable plants.

SCENT Strong smells can confuse or repel insect pests. It seems that aphids don’t like the odour of onions, or of any other plants belonging to the allium family. Plant your chives among tomatoes and chrysanthemums to deter greenfly and blackfly, and attract hoverflies, those greedy aphid eaters. Siting onions between rows of brassicas, such as cabbages and broccoli, is said to be effective because the onions’ aroma confuses insects intent on eating up their greens. Onions also mask the smell of carrots, as do leeks, and so reduce the threat of carrot fly; and returning the favour, carrots tend to repel onion fly and leek moth. Tansy’s strong scent puts off ants, and the lovely smell of French marigolds is anathema to whitefly, greenfly and blackfly. Lavender confuses insect pests while attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and it looks wonderful, but don’t plant any strong-

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

smelling herbs near cucumbers because they will make the cucumbers taste bitter.

“Onions’ aromas confuses insects intent on eating up their greens.”

CAUTION: Some combinations are best avoided, including the following: Alliums (including chives, garlic, leeks, onions, shallots) with peas, beans, parsley or asparagus.

l Brassicas (including broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower) with tomatoes or peppers. l Carrots with dill, parsnips, radishes or tomatoes l Runner beans with alliums, beetroot, chillies, tomatoes, sunflowers or French marigolds. l Potatoes with cucumber, squashes, tomatoes, sunflowers or asparagus.

INSECT ALLIES Many insects are beneficial, of course, and another way to control those that aren’t is to include plants that attract hoverflies, ladybirds, lacewings and predatory and parasitic wasps, all of which positively feast on aphids, as well as taking mites, mealybugs and other plant damagers. Daisies, for example, are favourites of hoverflies, ladybirds love coriander and yarrow and dill are beloved by them all. It may not be usual to preserve nettles among your vegetable and flowers, but if you can, keep a small patch of them because they will attract ladybirds to lay the eggs, and ladybird larvae eat huge numbers of aphids.

DECOYS Nettles are also favourites of cabbage white butterflies, attracting them away from your brassicas. In fact, planting one species right next to another one with the specific intention of decoying pests is a recognised ploy. Nasturtiums keep aphids off runner beans, for instance, and planting nasturiums and French marigolds among cabbages and lettuces protects

the vegetables from caterpillars and slugs - caterpillars find nasturtiums hard to resist whilst slugs prefer marigolds. Various mints have the same effect on slugs. However, you do need to keep a careful watch - if too many caterpillars and slugs flock to your decoy plants, you may have to remove the creatures to stop them wandering over to the main crop that you are trying to protect. Sunflowers can act as decoy in a rather different way - ants herd aphids on to them, away from neighbouring plants. The aphids seem to do little damage to the sunflowers, and as an added advantage the seedheads attract birds to the garden.

SHADY BENEFITS

one can provide support or shade for another. Sunflowers and sweetcorn are ideal tall plants. Cucumber, all sorts of peas and beans and parsley benefit from the shade. Some say parsley makes sweetcorn grow bigger and produce more. In another combination, runner beans provide shade for spinach. This is far from being a new idea. Native Americans, apparently, used to employ a system known as ‘three sisters’, which involved sweetcorn or sunflowers, runner beans and a squash, such as pumpkin or courgette. The corn is sturdy enough for the beans to climb up; the beans fix nitrogen in the soil for the squash and corn; the squash’s big leaves provide shade for the roots, suppress weeds and keep the soil moist.

Another strategy is to grow plants of different heights together, so that

GARDENER’S FRIENDS Some plants are said to improve yield and resistance to disease and even enhance the flavour or their neighbours. For instance, parsley increases the vigour of tomatoes and asparagus, horseradish does it for potatoes, and cabbage and broccoli love the company of rhubarb. Some also fulfil pestcontrol duties. These are among the best all rounders. Basil Borage Chamomile

Chervil Coriander Garlic

Geraniums Lavender Lovage

Marigolds Nasturtiums Yarrow

Feature taken from the 2014 Dairy Diary, Britain’s favourite home diary. This fabulous week-to-view diary is packed with useful information and delicious recipes, and is available to buy for £7.25 (plus P&P) at www.dairydiary.co.uk, by calling 0845 0948 128 or from your local milkman.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

EXERCISE FOR HEALTH .... Resistance training is often thought of as an activity reserved for those looking to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger or compete in Strong man. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Research has shown that strengthening exercises are both safe and effective for women and men of all ages, including those who are not in perfect health. In fact, people with health concerns—including heart disease or arthritis—often benefit the most from an exercise program that includes lifting weights a few times each week In its simplest terms, resistance training involves briefly working your muscles, on a regular basis, a little more than they are accustomed to working. This causes your muscles to become stronger and more toned. Also, your

There are many benefits to include resistance training

tendons, ligaments and bones will be strengthened. This

as part of a well rounded exercise regime. These

strengthening will make your joints more stable and less

include:

prone to injury. Everyday tasks will become easier, such as picking up shopping bags or grandchildren, getting

•

up from a low sofa or going up stairs.

coordination. •

Increased strength, balance, mobility, flexibility & Improved mood and self confidence & self esteem

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

•

Improves Body composition & better Glucose

If you are new to exercise or returning after a break, it is

handling (diabetes management)

wise to seek the advice of an Exercise Professional. They

•

Reduces risk of Osteoporosis (improves bone

can supervise you while you exercise, ensuring you

density)

have safe and effective technique.

•

Lowers stress and anxiety

•

Reduce blood pressure

To see the best results, it is recommended that you

•

A great way to meet people

include resistance training 30 minutes twice per week.

With so many benefits, it is never too late to start a new exercise routine (always check with your doctor or other medical practitioner before starting a new exercise or diet plan). Resistance training comes in many forms: •

Free weights, cables and machines at a health club

•

Rubber tubing

•

Bodyweight

•

Water based exercise (aqua aerobics)

So why not come and use the Velocity Health and Fitness day pass and come speak to a health professional today. - Nicole Cutting.

Getting Fit & So Much MORE!!! At VELOCITY HEALTH AND FITNESS, SWINDON Are you over 55 and looking to get some of that old sparkle back. We can help!!! If it's just building on your own activities or taking a fresh look at getting healthier we can offer you the perfect environment. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Fully air-conditioned GYMNASIUM Extensive Group Fitness Timetable - Plus Aqua Aerobics Heated indoor leisure pool with spa facilities 60+ group exercise classes Spacious changing facilities Free Parking Reciprocal use of all other Velocity Health & Fitness Clubs Discount in specific areas of hotel.

All this is yours for just £34 a Month Come Try Our Exclusive VELOCITY HEALTH AND FITNESS FREE DAY PASS Velocity Health and Fitness, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 889351 De Vere Village Swindon, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 7DW.

FREE 1 DAY VELOCITY HEALTH & FITNESS PASS

Birmingham issue BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL 30.indd 16 ISSUE 30.indd 19

! 27/06/2011 08:51 08:50

Offer to all 50 Plus Magazine readers – Come and find out for yourself how Velocity Health and Fitness can help you achieve your health and fitness goals as well as improve your health and well-being with a complimentary day pass. Offer on for limited time, so get in touch today. Name .................................................Tel No ................................................................................................................................. Address .........................................................................................................................................................................................

Send your details to the address above, or alternatively call and reserve your place on 01793 889351, or just simply come in and see us today. Offer expires 31st August 2014.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

WALKING...WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE Sarah (53) is the founder of Walking for Weightloss and Walking Works. This is her story. Sarah Liveing’s weight loss journey began at the tender age of 11 when her mother took her to a Weight Watcher’s class in order to try and lose weight before a family gathering. The message this gave Sarah was that she was not good enough as she was, triggering a catastrophic cycle of dieting and bingeing that would continue for the next 30 years of her life. At the end of 2004 Buckinghamshire mother-of-three children aged 22, 21 and 17, Sarah found herself at the lowest point of her life. Years of compulsive eating meant she was a size 26 and tipped the scales at 18 stone. As a result the former fashion PR’s self-esteem and confidence had all but disappeared, and she was suffering from depression. “I hated what I saw in the mirror. I felt worthless and ashamed of my body. I was embarrassed to be seen. For 15 years I had a reoccurring dream of a child drowning and I rescued the child each time, but until I lost the weight I never understood what this meant.” On a whim after a recommendation by a friend, Sarah signed up to the Playtex Moonwalk which was due to be

Get Walking Day 2014 Pinetrees to Seven Fields Saturday 3 May

Step out with this sociable guided community walk to explore Seven Fields nature reserve.The hour-long walk kicks off ‘Get Walking Week’ and Swindon’s ‘Let’s Get Moving’ month in May. Walk starts at 11.00am from Pinetrees Community Centre/library, The Circle, Pinehurst. To find out more, call 01793 465413.

J1852/14

Visit stalls to pick up tips and advice on getting more active and ways to be healthier, as well as information on local walking groups and routes. Collect a free pedometer* to count your steps and the calories you’ve burned when you walk with this group. No need to register in advance. To find out more, phone 01793 465413 or visit www.leisureinswindon.co.uk or www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk for tips to get walking in Swindon. *one pedometer per walker (subject to availability)

Swindon

held in June of the following year. “It was a completely spontaneous decision. I knew I was desperately unfit and it would be a huge challenge but I was hoping it would be the motivator I needed.” In January 2005 Sarah saw an article in The Sunday Times about the GI eating plan. She was curious and decided to give it a go. “Even though my place in the charity walk was not to be confirmed until February, I decided I would commit to start the training anyway, and take on board the new way of eating too”. Sarah begun to power-walk four times a week and by June 2005 she had lost a staggering five stone. Encouraged by this success, she set herself another goal by committing to a triathlon that summer. This helped her lose another two and a half stone, and the final half stone was lost in training for a 10k run. By November Sarah weighed 10 stone. “To say I felt amazing is an understatement. I felt reborn; a completely new woman. My confidence soared and the depression had lifted. I became more sociable and no longer wanted to hide away. I bought a whole new wardrobe and started making up for lost time. It felt like a new beginning.” Sarah began to feel that this happiness should be shared and that she could teach other people about losing weight through walking too. “I felt that my USP was the fact I had been big myself. I wasn’t just talking the talk, I was walking the walk! The fact that I had been overweight would mean that I could really identify and empathise with others who were struggling with their weight. I was hopeful I could inspire them.” As a result, in 2006 Sarah launched Walking for Weight Loss, a business that aimed to help clients shed pounds and tone up by teaching the benefits of walking. Sarah explains “Walking is a great exercise as it suits any age and any fitness ability. It doesn’t seem too overwhelming for those who are not used to exercise and so is a great starting point. It is also a really non-judgemental activity for some people unlike going to the gym.” The business was soon thriving and to date Sarah has helped over 200 clients lose weight this way. Inspired by Walking for Weightloss’ success, Sarah began to think that there was a gap in the market for promoting walking and wellness to businesses’ as an advantageous activity to adopt before work, in the lunchhour or after work. Walking Works was launched in April 2014, and teaches businesses about the many benefits walking can have including reducing stress, improving sleep patterns, low self-esteem, reducing blood pressure, improving posture and easing back pain. This in turn can have positive effects for the business: “When we exercise, the body releases endorphins that make us feel good. Happy and healthy staff will lead to improved performance in the workplace, greater concentration and motivation and increased enthusiasm. This is the core message behind Walking Works.” Though now a successful business woman, Sarah still has the basic love of walking on a personal level. “Walking will always be special to me as it transformed my life in the most positive way. Walking is incredibly healthy, it’s free and it will improve your quality of life – what’s not to love?”

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

SARAH’s TOP TIPS FOR WALKING 1. Make it a social event - Find a walking buddy who you can walk with on a weekly basis and use the opportunity to catch up. Walking and talking will keep you entertained while you get some valuable exercise. You could even join a local rambling group if you want to make new friends. 2. Explore the unknown - Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track. Take an ordinance map (and your mobile) and go exploring! Try a new route or look up alternative hidden (but safe) tracks online. Changing your routine will stop you getting bored as easily. 3. Ramp it up! - Walking is generally quite a leisurely form of exercise. But if you are determined to lose weight, try upping the pace. You want to aim to walk as if you’re late for an appointment. Remember to keep your posture upright and engage (suck in) your core (two inches below your naval). 4. Walk to the beat - Listening to music whilst you walk can keep you entertained and energised. Walking to a beat can also help you get a

good rhythm going. Try listening to something fast-paced to get you into a power walk. 5. Rise and Shine - Morning is a great time to walk as studies show that your brain feels fresher at this time, free from the ‘brain drain’ fatigue that comes after a long stressful day. Mornings in summer time are beautiful too as it will be cool and light. 6. Gear up - Investing in the right footwear is really important as it will prevent injuries. Get a really good pair of walking shoes or trainers depending on which terrain you are walking on. Always look at the sale rail as the shoes there are just as good but may be in last season’s colours! 7. Move on up - Add some inclines to your walk and you’ll start burning some serious calories. Uphill walking is great for working your hamstrings, calves and glutes. The more you swing your arms, the better your momentum and don’t forget to stretch at the end of your session.

8. Push yourself Challenge yourself along the way. If you see a landmark, see if you can reach it in record time. Next time you’re walking that way, see if you can decrease the time it takes you to do the distance. 9. Stay motivated - The best way to stay committed to an exercise plan is to challenge yourself with goals. Endomondo is a great app that monitors your progress so you can see how much quicker you’re getting each time. 10. Don’t be afraid of the rain Though we all like to hibernate away when the weather is miserable, try something different and go for a walk in the rain (with waterproofs obviously). There is something very calming and exhilarating about walking in the rain. At least try it!

electric biking is a great way to get around..!! Mark from e-motion, Swindon’s electric bike specialist wants to spread the word about electric biking. He says, “Plain and simple riding an ebike is just a great way to get around. Knowing that you can mosey along at 15 mph for 30 miles or more is a liberating thing. If you come up against a strong headwind or a steep hill you just increase the assistance from the motor by one tap of the finger on the handlebar display and the motor takes up the strain. You’re still pedaling at the same time as the motor assists so still getting exercise but, cleverly you can choose how much effort you want to put in. An analogy a client said was that it’s like driving a car with power steering for the first time when you’re used to driving one without, (showing my age!).” “Modern ebikes are better made, lighter and more stylish than they used to be, making them appealing to all age groups. Customers tell us how they’ve re-explored their home town, visited surrounding villages for nice lunches, the possibilities are endless ..... and in Swindon with over 60 miles of cycles paths and beautiful countryside on our doorstep we are truly spoilt for choice!“ 29

OUT & ABOUT - THEATRE FRI 30 MAY BEN WATERS BAND Swindon Arts Centre Ben Waters is the finest pianist in Britain, possibly the world and his big band shows are quite unforgettable.

THU 12 JUNE JOE MCELDERRY Wyvern Theatre For fans of Joe McElderry and X Factor this is one night not to miss!

SAT 31 MAY MURDER MYSTERY Wyvern Restaurant Join our cast of side show suspects for a sentimental journey through time to the golden age of the Circus.

THU 12 JUNE THE PAPER BOYS Swindon Arts Centre An astonishingly eclectic folk-rock quintet from Canada.

WED 3 - SAT 7 JUNE SWINDON GILBERT & SULLIVAN SOCIETY-THE GONDOLIERS Swindon Arts Centre Set in the Piazetta, Venice, the Gondoliers follows the story of two brothers, Marco and Giuseppe who decide to choose brides by means of being blindfolded.

TUE 1 - SAT 5 JULY BIRDSONG Wyvern Theatre Marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, Birdsong is the hit, critically acclaimed stage show based on the world famous novel by Sebastian Faulks.

TUE 10 JUNE SINATRA: THE MOVIE YEARS Swindon Arts Centre Happy Birthday Frank Sinatra: The Celebration Continues with Robert Habermann and his trio.

WYVERN THEATRE THEATRE SQUARE SWINDON SN1 1QN BOOKING INFORMATION Ticket Office: 01793 524481

BC-HALFPAGE-SWINDON.qxp_Layout 1 22/04/2014 14:47 Page 1

HHHH “THE GREAT DETECTIVE POIROT RETURNS” MAIL ON SUNDAY

HHHHH

“A RESOUNDING SUCCESS. CHRISTIE IS A MASTER OF THE GENRE”

PREVIOUS CAST PHOTOS

BRISTOL POST

BILL KENWRIGHT

BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH AGATHA CHRISTIE LTD PRESENTS

HERCULE POIROT in

HHHH

“THE VERDICT IS UNANIMOUS… SUPERB…” BIRMINGHAM POST

MON 1 – SAT 6 SEPTEMBER

BOOK ONLINE swindontheatres.co.uk Ticket Office 01793 524 481

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

For fun days out .... take the bus

Race for Life Swindon 5k Sat 31 May & Sun 01 Jun 2014 - 11am Lydiard Park, Hook Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 3PA Take part: Show cancer who’s boss by taking on a 5k or a 10k Race for Life event. Run, walk or dance your way through the course and help us say “cancer we’re coming to get you.” Adult entry (16+ women-only) - £14.99 Child entry (6-15 girls and boys under 13) - £10 Under 6 entry (boys and girls) - free and no registration needed. You and your friends can also take part by volunteering. Our events can’t take place without the hundreds of people who give up their time for a few hours to set up the courses and get everyone in the Race for Life mood. Find out more and register to be a volunteer. The course: Winding around Lydiard Park, the route takes in views of the house and lake. The course is primarily on pathways with two short sections on mowed grass. Meeting point: The start line is opposite the car park. Please follow the Race for Life flags and the directions provided by the volunteers. On the day: Don’t forget to bring your friends and family along to support you. They can stroll around the stalls we’ll have, including face painting, bouncy castle, catering and merchandise.

Promoting leisure travel by bus

http://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/chooseyour-event/swindon.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Places to Visit & How to get there and maybe take the Grandkids too! Coate Water Country Park Marlborough Road, Swindon. Bus Routes 12, 13, 14 Coate Water is a fantastic community resource providing a perfect setting for a simple and enjoyable family day out. Facilities include a café, children’s play area, barbeque and picnic areas, cycle hire, children’s paddling pool, pitch & putt golf, mini golf, model railway and bird hides. The park also provides a peaceful oasis for walking and cycling and can be enjoyed by everyone.

SWINDON DESIGNER OUTLET. Bus Routes 1, 1A, 19, 19A, 22 The Designer Outlet is housed in the beautifully renovated Grade II listed buildings of the former Great Western Railway Works. Shoppers will find their favourite High Street and designer labels with big price reductions, as well as a large food court, information desk and children’s play area.

Hungerford is a small historic town located in the midst of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bus Routes 46, 46A The town’s historic market status is retained by the significant number of small independent retail and commercial businesses providing visitors and residents alike with personal service across a wide range of products. Hungerford has an excellent variety of eating places. The town today is surrounded by open common land, five minutes walk from its centre where visitors may enjoy a relaxed walk and an abundance of flora and fauna. The Town hosts a number of unique annual events, including Tutti Day, a 3 week Arts Festival (including Carnival Day) and a late night Victorian Extravaganza in December.

The Link Centre Whitehill Way Westlea Swindon. Bus Routes 1, 1A, 19, 19A

The Link Centre houses an ice rink, swimming pool, climbing facility, 5-a-side outdoor football pitches, gym, multipurpose sports hall, health suite and much more to keep you active.

Lydiard House and Park Lydiard Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon. Bus Routes 1, 1A Lydiard House and Park is a Swindon treasure. Lots to see, lots to do Lydiard House has a wealth of history - beautifully restored state rooms, original furnishings and family portraits. Take a stroll around the walled garden and parkland, calling into the nearby St. Mary’s Church or the children’s play area - there’s something for all members of the family.

The STEAM Story - Museum of the Great Western Railway Kemble Drive, Swindon. Bus Routes 1, 1A, 19, 19A, 22 Experience the sights and sounds of the GWR works at Swindon and hear the stories of the men and women who worked there. Steam brings to life the exploits of Isambard Kingdom Brunel - the flamboyant engineer, and acknowledged genius, behind the creation of the GWR.

Town Gardens Quarry Road Old Town, Swindon. Bus Route 22 Picturesque town park, with formal gardens, aviary, play area, tennis courts and café. Concerts take place in the bowl and bandstand during the Summer, as well as the annual Asian Mela Festival. The Town Gardens are open dawn to dusk daily.

Other places of interest are Aldbourne: Bus Routes 46, 46A, 48, 48A Marlborough: Bus Routes 48, 48A Oasis Leisure Centre: Bus Routes 12, 15

For details of bus times contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

Promoting Leisure Travel by Bus

Here are some great ideas for places to visit, all just an easy bus ride away from Swindon Oxford

Marlborough

Travel time 75 mins

Route

Travel time 52 mins

Route 66

This beautiful city of dreaming spires, colleges and quadrangles can be explored on themed walking tours and boasts museums, gardens and a cosmopolitan mix of shops, pubs, restaurants and clubs.

Discover the remains of Ancient Britain and browse among the many individual shops from the wide High Street which sweeps through this market town. Markets are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Cheltenham Spa

Route

Chris Talbot

Travel time 100 mins

Cheltenham Gloucester

Cheltenham has been welcoming visitors for nearly three hundred years, since the discovery of the first natural spring. Visitors can enjoy an impressive range of stylish shops, restaurants, award-winning gardens and festivals of horse racing, music and literature.

Kidlington Burford

old

Witney

Oxford

Stroud

tsw

Cirencester

Nailsworth

Lechlade

Fairford

Abingdon

51 Highworth

Tetbury

Latton Cricklade Purton 53 Royal Wootton 55 Bassett 72

Malmesbury

Wroughton

Chippenham Calne

Bath

Melksham Bradford on Avon

Trowbridge

Devizes

Faringdon

Fernham

Swindon

Wantage

Longcot

71 Chiseldon

Routes in & around Swindon

70 49 Marlborough Downs Avebury

Newbury

Marlborough

80 to Ludgershall

53 operates a reduced service to Cricklade

Cirencester Travel time 55 mins The ancient capital of the Cotswolds and second largest city in Roman Britain is now a busy country town, with a good market on Mondays and Fridays and interesting shops.

Route

Whatever the journey...

We’ve got just the ticket!

Travelling around Swindon? For unlimited travel within the inner circle...

For unlimited travel anywhere on the map...

dayrider £3.40 travelpass

uni rider day uni pass travel

7 days

Avebury

£14

28 days

uni £16.50 uni

£52

7 days

£4.30 £61

28 days

Latton Haresfield Roundabout

r oute

Purton

Travel time 28 mins

Cricklade

Blunsdon

Gaze in wonder at the magnificent Avebury Stone Circles, thought to have been constructed in Neolithic times between 2500 and 2000BC. Avebury also hosts a museum with one of the finest prehistoric archeological collections in Britain.

Kingsdown South Marston Park

West Swindon Centre Freshbrook Spittleborough

Highworth

South Marston Stratton Park

Swindon Town Centre

Acorn Bridge

Wroughton Common Head Chiseldon

Royal Wootton Bassett

Chippenham Travel time 60 mins Famous for the combination of old and new building styles, including the 15th Century Yelde Hall, now home to the Tourist Information Centre. You can also enjoy a stroll along the banks of the River Avon. Markets are held on Fridays and Saturdays.

Draycot Foliat

Chippenham Rail Station Chippenham Town Centre London Road (Pewsham Estate)

Travelling around Chippenham?

Studley Calne Town Centre Calne Town Estate

For unlimited travel anywhere on the map...

Avon Valley day rider £3.50 Avon Valley megarider 7 days

£12.50

28 days

£46

Going further afield?

day Calls to the Traveline telephone number 0871 200 22 33 cost 10p per minute plus 6p connection fee from a BT land line, other networks may be higher and mobiles may be significantly more.

£6.50 Child/Senior £4.70 Family & Friends £14

Adult

Valid for any four people

Unlimited travel on all Stagecoach services in Southern England and Wales plus all Wilts & Dorset services.

WEST

mega rider 7 days

£20 28 days £76

Unlimited travel on all Stagecoach West services plus Stagecoach services in South Wales and Oxford City.

All the tickets above can be bought from your Stagecoach bus driver. Travelpasses and dayriders are also valid on Thamesdown services. Unlimited travel tickets are not valid on night buses. Longer term megariders are available online. Prices correct at time of print.

www.stagecoachbus.com/west tickets: www.buymymegarider.com

FESTIVALS

Family Day Out .... take the bus

Flour Festival The Brunel Swindon Saturday 3 May 2014 to Sunday 4 May 2014 Free This May Bank Holiday, The Brunel Swindon are hosting an exclusive home, garden & food event - featuring TV baker Tom Herbert, legendary vegan baker Ms Cupcake and TV Gardener David Domoney. Saturday 3rd May: • Tom Herbert from the Fabulous Baker Brothers will be cooking in the demonstration kitchen located in a marquee on Wharf Green at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Tom will be book signing after the demonstrations at 11.30am and 1.30pm. • TV Gardener David Domoney will be offering helpful hints and tips for your garden this summer at 12.30 pm and 2.30pm on Wharf Green • 11.00am & 3.00pm Courgettes Band at Canal Walk On Sunday 4th May: • Ms Cupcake, aka Melissa Morgan author of The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town, will be demonstrating in the kitchen located in a marquee on Wharf Green at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Melissa will also be book signing after her demonstrations. • David Domoney will be demonstrating at 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Wharf Green • 11.00 & 3.00pm Dinner Ladies entertainment at Canal Walk Be inspired by interior design and learn something new in one of the great ‘How To’ sessions from Swindon’s ‘Stitch and Bitch Group’ - try knitting, crochet and spinning! Children can enjoy a craft workshop next to Playzone, and at The Arcade on Sunday children are invited to colour in a giant picture between 11.00am and 3.00pm. For any further information visit www.thebrunel.co.uk

Devizes International Street Festival 2014 24th and 25th August 2014 Market Place, Devizes, Wilts SN10 1JG A big, two-day family event, featuring some of the very best in European street theatre and live music, kids entertainment, food, drink and festival stalls - and it's all free! See website for latest programme information.

Promoting leisure

Tel: 01380 723099

Swindon Railway Festival 13th and 14th September 2014 -10am

travel by bus 36

STEAM Museum of The Great Western Railway Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 2TA This event is popular with both families and rail enthusiasts! The Festival is an annual celebration of steam railways and there's always plenty to see and do, whatever your age. You'll get to see some of the best

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Oct 6 Oct 8

and largest model railway layouts in the country, visit the special exhibits, displays and trade stands and you can climb onto the footplate of our famous locomotives, including Caerphilly Castle where you'll be able to meet drivers and firemen who worked on the Great Western Railway. Special admission applies. Call: 01793 466646

Tenby Blackpool Illuminations

barnes

2014 Theatre Trips

Miss Saigon £79.95 Thursday 12th June Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London Since Miss Saigon’s sensational record-breaking run at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane 25 years ago it has played in 300 cities in 15 different languages, winning awards around the world. This epic love story tells the tragic tale of a young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with an American GI called Chris - but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.

Salisbury Food and Drink Festival 15th to 21st September 2014 Salisbury Festival, 87 Crane Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2PU Salisbury Food & Drink Festival is set to be a fantastic week of foodie events, family fun and gourmet produce, in and around the city. Opening with the annual Food & Drink Market Day on Sunday 8th September, local and regional stalls will fill the Market Square and spread into the Guildhall with fresh, local foods and locally made drinks. Let the kids loose at the creative cooking workshop at Dinghams Cookshop, make your own firebaked pizzas and pop into the Guildhall for professional cookery demonstrations and mini-chef cooking sessions. Look out for Hoodwink street theatre, who will be performing, and listen to the fabulous big band Young Jazz in the afternoon. In the evening, head over to Salisbury Arts Centre, for ‘Romantics Anonymous’, an irresistible French fancy of a film directed by Jean-Pierre Améris, in which a socially awkward chocolatière hires the chronically shy and withdrawn Angélique to help revive his ailing business. This endearing romance has already been snapped up for a Hollywood remake and the evening includes a chocolate tasting treat. Throughout the rest of the Food & Drink Festival, Neal’s Yard has arranged various food events for a natural and organic lifestyle, including a herb walk to the Water Meadows and tips about making medicinal home remedies and tasty cordials. River Cottage’s John Wright will take a group on a wild food foraging walk around the River Bourne Community Farm. Some of Wiltshire’s finest chefs will be joining us to share their expertise with cooking demonstrations. Local hen expert, Charlotte Fyfe, will give a fascinating talk about keeping hens and, whether or not you are keen hen-keeper or a complete beginner, this will be informative for all.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels £86.oo Saturday 21st June Savoy Theatre, Strand, London Starring Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound and Samantha Bond*. Based on the classic comedy film, be transported to the French Riviera and its decadent underworld, as two seasoned swindlers attempt to hoodwink a millionaire heiress. As the pair compete in the true art on the con, they discover there is only room for one of them.

War Horse £99.00 Friday 25th July New London Theatre, Drury Lane, London At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

Singin in the Rain £68.00

Take advantage of our exclusive Festival Feasts at restaurants, pubs and cafes around the city, offering festival-goers the chance to indulge in everything from a morning coffee and cake, to a delicious evening meal.

Saturday 26th July Bristol Hippodrome, St. Augustine’s Parade, Bristol Based on the legendary MGM movie, this is the story of the first Hollywood movie musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies, and some of its stars, behind. Packed full of all the charm, romance, comedy and tinsel town glamour of one of the world’s best loved films, Jonathan Church’s brand new production features a glorious score including Good Morning, Make ‘em Laugh, Moses Supposes and the classic Singin’ in the Rain.

Come along to Salisbury Food & Drink Festival for a rural city retreat, to sample the local foods, taste regionally made drinks and relax into some early Autumn festivity. Tel: 01722 332241

To book call: 01793 821303 www.barnescoaches.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

Mobility-SAMPLE[3].pdf

9/6/10

13:51:53

��

MUSIC - BANDS Meet at Bandstand at 3.00pm Town Gardens Quarry Road, SN1 4EN Skins and Strings Sunday 04 May 2014

CMY

The Ukey D’Ukes Sunday 18 May 2014 Malmesbury Concert Band Sunday 01 June 2014 Swindon Pegasus Brass Band Sunday 08 June 2014 Ramsbury Silver Band Sunday 22 June 2014 Wootton Bassett Brass Sunday 29 June 2014 Highworth Silver Band Sunday 24 August 2014 Big Brunch Band Sunday 07 September 2014

No Booking necessary. Further Information: please email swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk for more details.

Outset Swindon will be taking part in the following events: Thursday 15th May Swindon Business Show, The Steam Museum. Saturday 28th June Old Town Festival, The Lawns. Sunday 29th June Dragon Boat Racing, Coate Water. Saturday 19th July Stratton Festival, Grange Leisure Centre. Interested in being your own boss? Come along and have a chat with us to find out how our free-to-use guidance and support services can help you get started. Outset Swindon can also provide start up loans to people aged 30 and over who are starting a business or have been trading for less than 12 months. We are also partnering with local community radio station Swindon 105.5 to organise a roadshow in Swindon in the last week of June. We will be visiting several local venues including North Swindon Library/Orbital Park, John Moulton Hall Penhill, Cavendish Square, Broadgreen, West Swindon Library/Link Centre and Toothill. Check out our website for more details and do come along to say hello, meet our guests, and find out how you too can become self-employed. You can do it! 38

You are responsible for your own, and other people’s safety. A mobility scooter could cause considerable A mobility scooter could cause considerable damage to the user or other people if it collided damage to the user or other people if it with someone or something.

collided with someone or something.

We have written a highway code to protect the A electric highway code has been written to protect safety of people who use mobility scooters the users safety people who use electric mobility and the safety of other road andof pedestrians. If you ride a scooter, youscooters must followand the highway the safety of other road users codepedestrians. whether you ride and Ifonyou ride a scooter, you the pavement, footpath must follow the highway code whether you or on the road.

ride on the pavement, footpath or on the road. For a free copy of the publication please

contact the Road Safety Unit For a free copy of the publication please contact the Road Safety Unit 01793 466399

01793 466399 email mtester@swindon.gov.uk email: mtester@swindon.gov.uk

Could you be your own boss? Now there’s an idea. Have you ever had an idea for a business but were unsure who to ask for help?

Without Ou tset there would be no busin ess! We tried to open a shop befo but lacked the necessary bu re knowledge. siness Outset’s supp ort gave us the confide nce to succ eed.

Outset Swindon has the solution. We offer people in Swindon access to FREE support to help start their own business. Our programme is fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Swindon Borough Council.

Cynthia & Ma xime Bell, Pointe Perfec tion, Outset clients

Our range of services includes information sessions, business start-up workshops, one-to-one guidance and help with accessing finance. This is not an academic qualification but hands-on vocational support and guidance tailored for you. Funded by

Take the first step! To find out more and book your place call us on freephone 0800

080 3024, info@outsetswindon.co.uk or visit www.outsetswindon.co.uk

email us at

WALKING? Always hold hands with your young children. Make sure you can be seen —wear bright colours and reﬂective materials. Use safe places to cross the road. Teach your children to Stop, Look and Listen!

CYCLING? Make sure everyone in the family wears a helmet. Make sure you can be seen. Check your lights and reﬂectors. Never cycle into the road without looking. If you are new to cycling, or a bit rusty, get training for yourself and your family.

For further information and advice please call 01793

Safer and Smarter Journeys IN THE CAR? Make sure everyone wears their seatbelt for every journey. Use the right type of car-seat or restraint for your child’s weight and height. Remember that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs will affect your reaction speeds. Don’t take the risk! Plan your journey. Leave plenty of time and take breaks on long journeys.

466399 or email: stars@swindon.gov.uk

PET OBESITY: FIVE YEARS ON In the UK, today, 3 in 4 vets believe that pet obesity is on the rise and we, at Thameswood Veterinary Clinics, are in agreement. More often than not, our Vets and Nursing teams are finding themselves duty bound to have a discussion on weight with our clients who, more often than not, are unaware of their beloved pet’s disappearing waist line. Despite pet obesity being a potentially life-limiting condition, new research by the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PMFA), principle trade body for the UK pet food industry, reveals two in three (63%) of owners feel more important problems face their pets. Most owners are unaware of the potential health implications brought on by obesity and, therefore, do not prioritise weight loss as a preventative measure but view it as aesthetics. Zara Bowland BVSc BE MRCVS, Founder of Vet Voice Lts says “Overweight pets, like humans, can suffer from a myriad of health issues such as osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Obesity is a disease in itself. It causes discomfort and illness that can result in both emotional distress and financial pressure for owners, and it has also been proved to reduce actual life length.” PFMA’s ‘Pet Obesity: Five Years On’ research shows that although pet owners’ awareness of pet obesity has improved, cause for concerns remains – while vets feel up to 45% of all pets they see are overweight, two in three pet owners (63%) pet owners believe their pet is the correct weight. The vast majority (93%) of pet owners say they would be concerned to discover their pet is overweight, yet only one in three know how to check this, indicating that existing tools and guidelines are not clear cut. This is why we, as Veterinary Professionals, have a responsibility to educate and inform clients regarding their pets weight as well as tackle the issue early and promote healthy weight/feeding regimes before weight gain occurs.

THE CAUSES Vets consider the root cause of pet weight gain to be owners not following feeding guides, treating with leftover food (78% dogs) and insufficient exercise, particularly for cats (46%). Worryingly, nearly half (48%) of owners are feeding pets treats more than twice a day, unknowingly putting them at risk. One in three (36%) pet owners use ‘human’ food to treats some healthy human food treats (such as vegetables for dogs) are suitable, others can be too high in fat and even toxic (such as chocolate, onions and grapes). Vets advise that treats should be fed occasionally and be taken into consideration at meal times, reducing the pet’s meal ration accordingly. A daily diet suited to a pet’s life-stage and adhering to professional feeding guidelines is the best way to ensure your pet receives optimum nutrition. Exercise is key when tackling pet obesity and support the diet. Vets recommend exercise of at least 30 minutes twice daily for adult dogs, forty minutes for cats (especially indoor cats) and four hours daily for rabbits – although the level of exercise required for the pet will depend upon its age, breed and health. Owners should always seek vets’ advice on this. Encouragingly, nearly one in three (31%) owners currently provide up to an hour’s exercise a day, though there is a serious shortfall for rabbits and birds. HELP AT HAND Three in four (78%) UK vets are running obesity clinics with high success rates and at Thameswood Veterinary Clinics we are proud to be tackling the problem of obesity head on. All of us welcome questions from owners about their pet’s weight and will offer guidance on how best to stay on track. In each of our Thameswood Clinics, we offer exclusive free membership to our ‘Belly Busters Club’ providing on-to-one monthly meetings with your Veterinary Nurse, progress folder with supportive information, charts

and targets. For club attendees, we provide prescription diet food at 20% reduction to help achieve a healthy weight as quickly as possible. Regular check-ups are provided once an ideal weight has been reached to support and help maintain this. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1) I have a fat 2yr old indoor cat who is due for his yearly booster next month and I’m scared the Vet will tell me off. I don’t give him any treats and he only has his dry food but he is so lazy and just sleeps all day. What should I do? I know it can be daunting to go to see your Vet when you are already aware of the impending discussion of his weight and health implications. It is also so difficult when you have a sedentary indoor cat to get them motivated to move about, not many cats would tolerate being taken out for a walk! Firstly, make the appointment and express your worries when booking the appointment so that your Vet is already aware you would like to discuss his weight. Having him weighed and measured will give you a base line to work from and your Vet/Nurse can work out what his ideal weight is for you. They may recommend changing his food and can support you with this. The advice I give my belly busting clients on indoor cats is to increase exercise by any means possible. Cats are hunters but become very lazy if given the chance so bring out his hunting instinct by moving his food regularly and don’t feed from a bowl. Have plenty of areas for him to climb/ hide/jump and get him using his brain with feeding stations and obstacles. Don’t let him sleep for too long and play with him as much as possible.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

My cat loves to chase laser pens so find what makes him excited and run with it!

If your assessment matches the above we would consider your pet to be a BCS of 3 – ideal.

2) How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

1 = severely underweight 3 = IDEAL 5 = obese

This is the most commonly asked question and there is a simple way of telling at home without having to squeeze them onto the bathroom scales. Here at Thameswood Vets we use a really effective tool in determining healthy weight on any animal called the Body Conditioning Score (BCS). It is non-breed dependant which means we can assess every animal as an individual. It works on a scoring system of 1-5 (some people use 1-10) and assesses how the animal ‘looks’ and ‘feels’: - Run your hands along the sides of your pet’s chest. The ribs should be easily felt with only a small amount of fat covering. - View your pet from the side. The abdomen should be tucked up behind the ribs. - View your pet from above. There should be a slight hourglass to your pet’s waist.

Other things to look for on an overweight pet can also be rolls around the neck and a dimple at the base of the tail. It is always worthwhile noting your pet’s weight when you know he/she is a BCS 3 as a target to maintain. 3) My dog has been diagnosed with arthritis and so I cannot exercise her enough to help her lose weight. I have cut her food down so much she is constantly begging and I feel guilty. Along with her medications I am not sure if I can afford to change her food. What can I do? This is not an uncommon problem with overweight dogs that have other medical problems making weight loss difficult to achieve with diet and exercise alone. There is, however, a Prescription Diet you can give which we have seen amazing results in practice and you don’t necessarily have to increase

Thameswood Vets

exercise for rapid results. However, once the weight loss begins we have seen marked improvement in many of our arthritic patients who then want to go for more walks! I recommend an appointment with a trained Veterinary Nurse who can get you started on the Hills Prescription Metabolic Diet. It comes in both dry and wet and is ingredient based, meaning no treats or other food can be given. Good quality and prescription diets are not as expensive as most people think as you generally don’t have to feed as much and, as always, buying a bigger bag gives more value. To feed a 30kg Labrador the Metabolic diet works out approx. £1.50/day. Spending a bit extra now to help your dog lose weight can save money in the future on treatments/medications for any secondary health issues caused by obesity. For more help on how to introduce a new diet and other options available, please call the clinic or book with your Veterinary Nurse and we will be more than happy to advise you further. - Gemma Lockwood RVN Senior Nurse Thameswood Vets.

"Making life better for you and your pet"

We are a family run practice providing a caring and professional service within hospital standard facilities. Come and meet our staff. 62-64 Purton Road, Swindon SN2 2LZ. Tel: 01793 526780 1A Oppenheimer, Greenbridge Road, Swindon SN3 3LH. Tel: 01793 511267

W NE INIC CL

39B Station Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7ED. Tel: 01793 230 266

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

£10 OFF

Your CONSULTATION FEE with this advert

HEALTH a vital part known as the cochlea. This is a coiled tube with two fluid filled chambers. Here there are 17,000 hair cells, each with a structure known as stereocilla. The sound waves passed along the ear cause these to move which sends an electrical sign down the auditory nerve to our brain, where it is recognised as sound.

Vastly improve your quality of life for years to come Hearing loss is a common problem and many of us will experience some hearing difficulty as we get older. But this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t something we have to suffer with and there are many ways in which to seek help if you feel you need it. Action on Hearing Loss estimate that in the UK around 10 million people have some degree of hearing impairment or deafness and 6.3 million of this total are of retirement age. This problem usually develops gradually over time, due to age or repeated exposure to loud noise, although, a small group of people may experience sudden hearing loss.

The outer ear is the external part which we see on the side of our heads. This section is attached to the ear canal, which is the passage in which sound travels. The middle ear is a small cavity filled with air and contains three important bones called ossicles. When sound hits the ear drum, it vibrates and these vibrations are passed onto these bones Finally, the inner ear contains

Hearing loss is the result of sound signals not being able to reach the brain. There are two types of hearing loss. The first is where there is damage to the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear caused by either age or injury, known as sensorineural hearing loss. The second is where sound canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass through the ear due to a blockage, usually caused by a build up of earwax or an ear infection. This is called conductive hearing loss. Some people may experience both of these types and this is known as mixed signal hearing loss. The main symptoms of hearing difficulty are not hearing people clearly or misunderstanding what someone says, having to ask someone to repeat themselves several times and finding yourself needing music or the television on a high volume to be able to hear.

Our hearing is a complicated process and the ear is made up of three different parts which help us do this; the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Experts say that age is the most common cause of hearing loss. Everyone will experience some form of this as they get older and by age 80, most people will have significant hearing problems. However, noise induced hearing damage is very common. People who find themselves regularly exposed to very loud noises, usually at work, are most at risk, such as construction workers using pneumatic drills, or those who are employed in bars and nightclubs. Those regularly attending loud music concerts and events can also be at risk. This can also be a cause of tinnitus, which is where a person experiences a constant ringing or buzzing inside their ears. If you think you are experiencing hearing loss, you should see a specialist hearing aid dispenser as soon as possible as there are many

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

options out there to help. They will give you a simple hearing test and examine the inside of your ear to look for any problems and are qualified to identify any medical contra-indications for onward referral to an ENT consultant etc. In most cases, people who are experiencing hearing problems will be fitted with a hearing aid. There are many types available depending on the person and the problem. Reeds Hearing Care provide help and advice to those who are experiencing difficulties with hearing loss, as well as access to try out the technologies that may be of help – completely free of charge. Their latest technology includes an invisible hearing aid, which will help those who do have hearing issues and need a device to help them in their everyday lives, but do not want it to be visible.

Figures show that around four million people in the UK could benefit from a hearing aid but do not wear one. Action on Hearing Loss audiology specialist, Crystal Rolfe, told NHS Choices: “Many people are put off by the idea of wearing hearing aids because they think they are unsightly,” “We need a new attitude to hearing aids. Wearing them should be as unremarkable as wearing glasses.” It is important that if you are experiencing any issues with hearing loss that you get the necessary help you need. There are many options out there to make your hearing better and vastly improve your quality of life for years to come. Written by Kelly Spencer 50 Plus Magazine.

Learning about Dementia

• They lose interest in other people and activities • They blame others for taking their misplaced stuff • They’re forgetful about recent events or conversations • They find it hard to make decisions • They’re unwilling to try out new things In these situations it’s tempting to support them to help them cope, but in order to retain their independence and self-esteem, they should have the chance to do activities for themselves, with a little support if necessary. They’re likely to become agitated and distressed in this condition, so be ready to provide emotional support and reassurance to boost their confidence.

Each person experiences dementia differently so it’s helpful to sort the condition into stages to help detect the symptoms earlier. This will let you know whether you need to look for care and support for a loved one. Dementia is a progressive illness affecting a person’s mental capacity, their memory and communication will gradually decline and will require support to carry out daily living routines.

Middle stage

Stages of Dementia Early stage The early stages of dementia are very minor changes in a person’s behaviour and can often be mistaken for normal ageing attributes. Loss of memory for most recent events is an early sign that someone may have dementia. Be on the lookout for these signs: • The person becomes slower at understanding new ideas • They repeat themselves

As dementia progresses, the changes in the person become more noticeable. They need support to help manage their daily living, with frequent reminders to eat, use the toilet, wash and dress. Being forgetful of people’s names and repeating the same phrase several times are signs of decline in their memory. During the Middle stage they may lose their confidence and become clingy.

MAKE LIFE EASIER Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

Footcare: On the move: Mobility scooters shoes and slippers Mobility scooter repairs Footcare appointments Large range of mobility aids Hire services Stairlifts FREE Hearing health

check

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

You may also notice some other signs, be careful of: • • • •

Confusion about where they are and becoming lost after walking off Waking up at night because they’re mixing up night and day Putting themselves and others at risk - by forgetting to light the gas on the cooker for example Hallucinations and difficulty in perceiving events

Late stage During this time, they’ll be totally dependent on others to help care for them. Their loss of memory will become paramount, being unable to recognise objects, surroundings and their closest friends and family members. You’ll notice that they’ll become increasingly frail at this point, showing difficulty in walking and eventually they’ll be confined to a bed or wheelchair. Other symptoms are: • Difficulty in eating and swallowing • Considerable difference in weight, some people may lose weight and others may eat too much • Loss of their bladder control and sometimes their bowels • Loss of speech, repeating a few words or crying out from time to time

Your Dementia Friendly Community If your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms in the three stages of dementia and you need some help and advice, there are organisations which can support you. Royal Wotton Bassett, Cricklade and Purton are working on practical ways to help people with dementia gain access to the support they need in their local community. A memory group consisting of individuals who have knowledge and experience

caring for people with dementia are helping to develop a tool kit to build dementia friendly towns and communities across the county. Carewatch is also offering free dementia care training to the local community to support family members or independent care workers who may be supporting someone with dementia. If you want to have a chat about this, we’ll be happy to help, just call 01793 432666.

Y ou r Home, Y ou r Choice Getting older doesn’t have to mean becoming less active, less involved within the community, or with friends and family; if you need a little help and support to do what you want, Carewatch has the answer. We are here to understand and provide you with the type of support you want, when you want it. With bespoke solutions to help people remain independent within the comfort of their own home, Carewatch can give you the support you need so that you can get the best out of life. Carewatch Swindon can provide you or a loved one with: • Light domestic duties such as shopping and cleaning • Providing friendship, reassurance and companionship • Personal support, from a 15 minute check visit to 24 hour live in care • Respite care • Help and advice with direct payments and personal budgets

For more information please call:

01793 432666 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Show Your Heart Some Love 10 Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love: 1/ Eat a rainbow: Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants and phytonutrients which ‘mop up’ harmful molecules and counteract heart disease. The more colour and variety the better! Think broccoli, tomatoes, blueberries, lemons, peppers and oranges! 2/ Ditch it: If you’re a smoker – it’s time to quit! Smoking’s been linked with constricted arteries, poor blood circulation and increased blood clotting which can lead to stroke. 3/ Maintain a healthy weight: Our body burns fewer calories as we get older so it’s important to watch our weight. Carrying extra pounds forces our heart to work harder and increases our chances of suffering from heart disease. 4/ Get active: Ground-breaking research shows that walking for just 20 minutes extra a day can slash the risk of killer cardiovascular conditions. 5 / Sleep restfully: A restorative sleep is vital for refreshing and repairing our mind and body, thereby promoting a healthy heart!

6/ Cut your sugar intake by half: Sugar has recently been framed as the number one enemy in the western diet. It’s reported that refined sugars offer zero nutritional value and contributes to heart disease. Doctors suggest sugar levels need to be reduced by 50% to avoid further risk of disease and death. 7/ Get your dose of Vitamin D: Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body in response to sunlight and also found in certain types of foods such as; oily fish eggs and milk. The ‘sunshine vitamin’ appears to protect the lining of our blood vessels, reduce arterial stiffness and prevents inflammation, helping to avoid risk of heart disease. 8/ Beware of ‘fat-free’ or ‘low-fat’ labels: These foods usually contain more sugar or salt than their full-fat versions in order to make up losing the flavour from fat! Swap ‘bad’ fats found in processed foods (e.g. biscuits and crisps) with ‘good’ fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish. These heart healthy fats keep your bloods vessels in good condition and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

9/ Make time to unwind: When you relax, so do your capillaries and muscles. This allows your blood to flow more easily. Try taking a moment everyday to unwind by meditating, practicing breathing techniques or listening to soothing music. 10/ Get checked: For peace of mind, there is no alternative to being well informed so it’s a good idea to get your heart checked. If you’re interested in taking more control of your health, visit www. lifelinescreening.co.uk for more information about health screenings or www.lifelinescreeningblog.co.uk for exclusive lifestyle advice.

Call our professional team on 01793 698033 What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Alternative

qrf ree.kay wa.com (312×312)

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

Our staff Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Bluebird Care - Swindon Park House, Church Place, Swindon SN1 5ED www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Remember your grandchildren are precious so:

Care for them; Care for where they play; Protect them; Use reins; Hold their hands; Protect them in the car; Set a good example Email: stars@swindon.gov.uk Tel: 01793 466399 Web: www.swindon.gov.uk Decade of Action for Road Safety 2010-2020 Tag Artwork Usage Guidelines

BOOK A FREE QU OTE

NOW

A family business run by David, Wendy and Oliver Dukes offering 30 years experience in kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. We specialise in standard and made to measure kitchens, together with the largest range of made to measure replacement cabinet doors in Wiltshire. Our bathroom range is extensive, from cloakrooms to walk in showers and wet rooms. Bedrooms from Daval & Bella, with a range of sliders. We provide a fully project managed installation service to take all the hassle away.

REPLACEMENT DOORS

KITCHENS

Come and visit us at Manor Furniture, 109 Cheney Manor Industrial Estate Swindon SN2 2QE SHOWROOM OPEN: MON - FRI 9.00am - 5.00pm SAT 10.00am - 4.00pm SUN 10.30am - 3.00pm

For FREE computerised design and quotation without obligation

01793 644600

www.nuimagekbb.co.uk

BATHROOMS

BEDROOMS