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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s
SWINDON SEPTEMBER/NOVEMBER 2014 EDITION 25
FREE 3 Day Fitness Pass UK & European Coach Holidays
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Rick Stein’s Indian Odyssey Recipes
Dawn French The Queen of British Comedy
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2014 UK & European Coach Holidays Cornwall in Autumn Experience all that Cornwall has to offer whilst based in this lovely hotel in the unspoilt village of St. Agnes.
Hotel Information ROSEMUNDY HOUSE HOTEL 3 star property set in 4 acres of woodland and gardens. In the evenings relax in the bar or cosy snug lounge. n
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Guy Fawkes London
Suffolk Food & Drink plus Constable Country
GROUND FLOOR ROOMS
Inc. Houses of Parliament Tour and Guy Fawkes Festival!
In this delightful corner of East Anglia you’ll discover that they have a sweet tooth as well as a warm welcome! We include visits to a brewery where several well-known real ales are produced, see how chocolates are handmade and, straying into Essex, we visit a producer whose jams, marmalades and other products sit on tables throughout the world!
Hotel Information QUALITY HOTEL, BURY ST. EDMUNDS A well-appointed 3 star hotel on the edge of the charming old town of Bury St. Edmunds.
Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours.
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6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date
Price
17 October
£499 NIL
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Liverpool Legends Day Anfield Stadium Tour with 2 Legends plus National Football Museum Liverpool FC, the team that has won more European titles than any other English club, is now closer to you than ever! Take this opportunity to get to know not one but two legends from the past as you are taken on a Behind the Scenes tour of the team’s worldfamous Anfield Stadium. Our hotel is centrally located in Liverpool to allow you to enjoy the city.
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Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Tours (including Anfield Legends Day plus meal . and National Museum of Football) 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal.
Hotel Information MARRIOTT WALTHAM ABBEY 4 star luxury hotel near London with leisure facilities. n n
BAR n GROUND FLOOR ROOMS n GYM SAUNA n STEAM ROOM n SATELLITE TV
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Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Houses of Parliament Tour and Royal Gunpowder Mills inc. Guy Fawkes Festival 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal.
Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Tours (including 4 visits and guided tour) 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal.
4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date
Price
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27 October
£329 £60
Warners - Bembridge Coast Isle of Wight
Date
Price
7th November
£289 £60
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Eastbourne & The Sussex Coast Superb Turkey & Tinsel holidays in Eastbourne, one of England’s premier resorts, with a magnificent seafront, wide tree-lined streets and fine shopping centre.
Hotel Information NEW WILLINGTON HOTEL A fine family run 3 star hotel just off the seafront. n LIFT n BAR IMPERIAL HOTEL An impressive Victorian Hotel on a tree lined boulevard running off the seafront with spacious lounges and great customer service. n LIFT n BAR
Hotel Information MARRIOTT LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE 4 star hotel in a fantastic location, set within the art and cultural district overlooking Queen Square. n
The joke goes that Guy Fawkes was the last man to enter the Houses of Parliament with honest intensions! Whether you agree with that sentiment or not this is a fascinating tour based around his story where we enjoy a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and we visit the fascinating Royal Gunpowder Mills during their Guy Fawkes Festival.
Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Trip 1 - Circular tour of the Island (stops in Shanklin and Yarmouth) 3 Trip 2 - Godshill and Newport.
Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours.
4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS HALF BOARD
2 DAYS/1 NIGHT HALF BOARD
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD
Date
Price Child
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Date
Price
26 October
£199 £159
£25
27 October
£419 NIL
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Date
Price SS
14th Nov NEW WILMINGTON
£239 £18
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD 17th Nov IMPERIAL
Book online or call: 01793 821303
£279 NIL
FREE HOME PICKUP on tours 4 days and over Chatsworth at Christmas, Birmingham Christmas Market & Meadowhall Shopping Centre A weekend full of all you need to get yourself in the mood and prepared for Christmas whilst based in a luxurious 4 star hotel. This tour ran for the first time in 2012 and was a great success.
Hotel Information SHEFFIELD PARK DOUBLETREE BY HILTON A 4 star hotel located in a quiet, leafy suburb of Sheffield. n n
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Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Entry to Chatsworth inc. Christmas Lunch 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal.
3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date
Price
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23rd November
£219 £40
Birmingham Tattoo & Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Experience the pomp and pageantry at the Birmingham International Tattoo which will feature over 1,000 military musicians and other performers in massed marching bands and other spectacular displays. Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market has now run for 10 years and is a huge favourite. Traditional stalls offer the usual array of beautiful handmade toys, Christmas decorations, original jewellery and crafts. You can also enjoy traditional German food and drink as well as all the normal shopping and eating out options that central Birmingham has to offer. This tour sold out in 2012 and 12013 so book early!
Hotel Information HOLIDAY INN, WALSALL Luxury 4 star hotel with open plan bar and lounges plus extensive grounds. n SATELLITE TV n BAR n SWIMMING POOL n GYM n JACUZZI n SAUNA n GROUND FLOOR ROOMS
La Fete de Noue Weekend in Jersey by Air
Christmas in Scotland Ayrshire inc. Pantomime!
Meaning ‘Christmas Festival’ in Jersey Norman French the island is ‘lit up’ with an enchanting range of festive events, activities, walks, concerts, markets and much more! From shopping under a canopy of brilliant white lights, craft markets and music, to street theatre and even a festive version of the Battle of the Flowers, La Fete de Noue has something for everyone. On the Sunday enjoy the Spectacular Christmas Parade featuring floats as well as live music and street theatre. If you need to walk off any excesses then join a local (for free) or do a Winter ‘Wander’ Land yourself! With a lovely selection of walks to choose from you’re sure to see Jersey from a different perspective. The hotel also provides a Traditional Christmas Lunch on the Sunday lunchtime, in place of an evening meal, so that we can enjoy the Christmas Parade and we have included a half day Discovery Tour of Jersey. This tour operated for the first time in 2013 and was a great success!
This is a fantastic 4 star hotel and our holiday there for Christmas 2013 was full and a great success! They put on a great Full Board package over Christmas and we get time to explore the coast both to the south and north of Irvine. This year we also visit the pantomime on Boxing Day!
Hotel Information THE MONTEREY HOTEL, ST. HELIER 3 star centrally located hotel with a high standard of comfort and service. There are also full leisure facilities. n BAR n LIFT n SATELLITE TV n POOL n SPA n GYM n STEAM ROOM Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel to Southampton Airport 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & 3 Evening Meals plus Christmas Lunch, return flights, transfers on the island and half day discovery tour. WE ACT AS A RETAIL AGENT FOR DESTINATIONS LTD. ATOL 9503.
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date
Price
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5th December
£419 NIL
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust Secret Santa Mystery Turkey & Tinsel
This tour was a great success last year, so join us this year with 20% of takings donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The hotel will be a minimum of 3 stars and have Turkey & Tinsel entertainment every night! There will also be a day trip out from the hotel every day!
Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Tours 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal and Birmingham Tattoo ticket.
Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Turkey & Tinsel Entertainment every night including 2 live!
2 DAYS/1 NIGHT HALF BOARD
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD
Date
Price
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29th November
£139 £20
Hotel Information MENZIES IRVINE 4 star hotel with superb facilities. n BAR n GROUND FLOOR ROOMS AVAILABLE Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Tours and Pantomime ticket 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal and 2 lunches and one packed lunch.
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date
Price
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23rd December
£549 £60
Hogmanay on the Oban Seafront What better place to see in the New Year than Scotland? And especially if you are in a 3 star hotel commanding breath-taking views over water of Scotland’s magnificent west coast! There are great days out, but the highlight is of course New Year’s Eve itself. You will be served a mouth-watering array of delicious food followed by live music and then on the bells of midnight you will be able to hear the horns of the ships in the dock. The Scottish speciality of Highland Stovies will then be served.
Hotel Information Caledonian hotel This 3 star hotel is Oban’s landmark building and rises from the water’s edge. The gentle grandeur of this famous hotel has long extended a warm welcome. n BAR n LIFT Price Includes: 3 Return Coach Travel 3 Tours 3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Breakfast & Evening Meal.
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD
Date
Price
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8th December
£299 NIL
Date
Price
29th December
£469 £40
For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk
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CONTENTS
inside... 11
6-7
Venice from the Water ... Spectacular from any Angle
8-9
Exercise for health .. 3 day fitness pass at Velocity Health & Fitness
11
2-for-1 golf voucher + free leisure pass ... from Wiltshire Hotel, Golf & Leisure Club
12-13 Dawn French ... The Queen of British Comedy 28-29 Rick Stein ... In search of the Perfect Curry 30-31 Pets Corner ... Your Questions Answered 33-41 Out and About ... Places to Visit and things to Do 46-47 Vastly Improve your Quality of Life ... With Reeds Hearing Care Ltd
6-7
12-13
28-29
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50-51 Living Well with Dementia ... Plus Free Dementia Guide. McGrath Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com
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Graham Smith Twitter Column
It’s no yak An enterprising farming couple believe they are first to introduce the Himalayan yak to Britain. Helen and Matthew Worth have imported the fearsome looking bovid, usually found on the Tibetan plateau, to the rolling fields of rural Cheshire. Unlike domestic cattle yaks can be left out in all weathers happily dealing with temperatures as low as minus 40C. They also sport four foot wide horns, are very nimble on their feet and are quite capable of jumping a five barred gate if spooked. Don’t call me if they need rounding up. Mr and Mrs Worth imported a bull and three female yaks from Germany and Holland. They have already produced two pure-bred calves and hope to produce another bull. They plan to visit local gastro pubs and farmers’ markets to promote the meatsaid to be incredibly lean and low in cholesterol and saturated fat.
Binge drinking saves Charlie! Vets in Australia saved a dog from certain death - by getting him drunk in a 48 hour vodka binge. Charlie, a Maltese terrier, was taken to Animal Accident and Emergency in Melbourne suffering from ethylene glycol poisoning. The chemical, commonly found in radiator and brake fluids, tastes sweet but causes kidney failure when ingested. Staff wrote on the facility’s blog: “In Australia, the only antidote we have
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is alcohol. Alcohol alters the chemical reaction and stops the kidney failure from occurring. “Charlie had a tube placed through his nose to his stomach. Over about 48 hours, he was given successive doses of alcohol.”
Digestives held on for five seconds and Chocolate Digestives took 11 seconds to collapse, but Rich Tea was the clear winner.
“The easiest form of alcohol is vodka. In fact for the whole weekend, Charlie had a huge party with us in the Pet ICU.”
The research, led by Dr Stuart Farrimond for biscuit giant McVitie’s, also established the best dunking time for each variety and the best biscuit dunking angle.
Charlie’s owner Jacinta Rosewarne told the Herald Sun: “He was definitely drunk. “He was stumbling around, I’d go to pat him and he’d push me away like a normal drunk person, he was vomiting a little, whining like a drunk.” Happily, Charlie is now back to good health, and completely sober. Hic!
This really takes the biscuit After the most comprehensive study of its kind, scientists say they have proved that Rich Tea biscuits are the best for dunking. Boffins carried out extensive dunk-ometer tests on Britain’s five best loved biscuits and found Rich Tea were still going strong after 20 seconds. Hobnobs, by comparison, began to crumble after just four seconds immersed in a cup of tea, followed a split second later by Ginger Nuts.
Dr Farrimond also called for a traffic light system on biscuit packets warning dunkers which varieties were high risk and likely to collapse. “Given the danger of a hot biscuit falling onto a clean shirt, there should be a ‘dunk-o-meter’ traffic light advisory system for all packets of cookies and biscuits,” he said. “A red circle would indicate short dunk of under five seconds, amber would advise a five to ten second dip and green for longer.” Isn’t it heartening to know that science is being applied to such important matters?
Autumn Styles now arriving Blaylocks Shoes 1 Bath Road, Old Town Swindon SN1 4AS
Tel: 01793 534271 www.blaylocks-shoes.co.uk
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Venice from the Water Gillian Thornton has been a freelance journalist for more than 30 years, writing everything from parenting features to celebrity interviews, corporate copy to heritage articles. A member of the British Guild of Travel Writers, she has been concentrating on travel writing since 1998 ‘I never mind where I go,’ she says. ‘There’s always something new to discover.’ On this trip, Gillian stayed in Venice on a river cruiser with Voyages Jules Verne Eager for my first daylight view of the Venetian lagoon, I jumped out of bed, pulled back the curtains and quickly 6
shut them again as a water bus packed with commuters chugged past the window. Fortunately I was half decent, but when you book a lagoon-view cabin on board the MS Michelangelo, it pays to pack your pyjamas. Venice is spectacular from any angle, but it’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric or romantic place to stay than on board the river cruise boat MS Michelangelo on the waters of the lagoon. We booked the Venice from the Water package with Voyages Jules Verne, flying to Venice Marco Polo, where a coach collected the group for the half-hour drive to join our vessel at the Maritime Station. Once everyone was settled, the Michelangelo cruised down the broad
Giudecca Canal, past St Mark’s Square and the Doges’ Palace to the Riva Sette Martiri where it moored for three nights. Given the unique location, we felt it worth paying the small supplements for a lagoon view cabin on the upper deck – you simply can’t put a price on drawing those curtains (carefully!) and watching the flotilla of water vessels from the comfort of your holiday bed. VJV run ‘Venice from the Water’ on selected dates from spring to Autumn. We travelled in early November when you obviously take a gamble with the weather, but the chance to see the city without the crowds more than made up for the grey skies.
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TRAVEL- LEISURE Expect to walk if you want to see Venice properly. Hills are obviously not a problem, but there are many small footbridges up and over the canals so flat shoes are a must. From the Michelangelo’s mooring, it’s a delightful 15-minute stroll to St Mark’s Square, and I’d recommend going back at least once after dinner to enjoy the illuminated square and quiet canals at their most tranquil. By day, the cruise-boat tourists who flock to St Mark’s rarely walked up as far as our floating hotel. The MS Michelangelo is operated by French company Croisi’Europe and we shared it with French and German travellers. Cabins are compact but very comfortable with big picture windows to take advantage of that view, and if you don’t want to pay the lagoon view supplement, the quay option showcases some elegant buildings. The vessel is immaculately maintained and crew were forever cleaning and polishing, inside and out. We found the multinational staff friendly and efficient, and a lot of effort had clearly gone into the crew entertainment on the final evening in the lounge bar – music, comedy and a modest degree of good-natured audience participation. There was also dancing on two nights to international hits performed by a local singer. Or you can just sit back and watch the others strut their stuff over a drink. Venice from the Water offers full board with wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner. Our party of six had a table to ourselves, but couples and foursomes have to share, so intimate dinners are a nogo. We found the food consistently good rather than great, mostly safe international favourites, but always
well cooked and attractively presented with three courses at lunch and four at dinner. Special dietary requirements need advance notice though as there is no menu choice, which may not suit fussy eaters.
evening in a historic palazzo on their big day, simply through lack of other interest from other passengers. But they were offered – and much enjoyed – an alternative opera concert in a church.
The package includes a morning cruise of the northern lagoon, past the island of Burano to Torcello. On Day 4, the Michelangelo left its mooring before dawn, gliding silently down the lagoon side of the Lido to the working fishing port of Chioggia where we disembarked to experience a couple of hours in a very different kind of town.
But the real star of the show is the city itself. You can’t beat just walking the canals, turning off down tempting backstreets, and soaking up all those glorious buildings and iconic views from the deck of a water bus up the Grand Canal. And at the end of each atmospheric day, we carried on watching the water traffic of the Venice lagoon through the windows of the Michelangelo, right up until the very last moment when we closed the curtains on one of Europe’s most compelling views. Fabulous.
On top of that, there are optional excursions that include the Doges’ Palace, the craft workshops on Murano and Burano, Padua, and a gondola ride. Be aware though that minimum numbers are generally required. One wedding anniversary couple was disappointed to miss the musical
For further information visit www.vjv.com or call 0845 166 7034
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.
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7
Exercise for Health By Matthew Bibby. “Anything that gets your body moving” - this is what the specialists seem to say that constitutes an activity. So after retirement this means that there is a whole world of possibility of sports and leisure activities that are open to you. The basic thing to remember as you get older is to keep moving. On a basic level, making sure you don’t spend hours on end sitting down during the day. While some activity is better than none at all, to get the maximum health benefit, you should aim to do at least 150 minutes (2 Hours and 30 minutes) per week or moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. Studies have shown that outdoor activities are more effective than indoor activities, but one can adapt those activities to indoor as well. Leisure at this point in your life is very important as it replaces almost all of what you would have once done i.e. work. Aim to do about 10 minutes of activity per day. The more you do, the greater the health gains. A fun leisure activity to do could be RacketBall. It is played on a squash court with similar rules but with a bigger ball, and a shorter racket, which means you don’t have to warm up before you play and - all of
Swindon Health Walks Free guided walking groups for all ages and abilities Penhill Health Walk John Moulton Hall/Penhill library Monday 10.00am Shaw Health Walk Lower Shaw farm Monday 2.00pm Covingham Health Walk St. Paul’s Church Hall Monday 2.00pm Toothill Health Walk Toothill Community Centre Tuesday 10.00am Central Health Walk Broadgreen Community Centre Tuesday 10.00am Walcot Health Walk Buckhurst Fields Community Centre Wednesday 10.00am
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“The key to successful aging is adjusting,“ says Martha Grove Hipskind, a gerontologist.
What Could Be Better Than Walking? Walking is an ideal way to improve your all-round physical and mental health. It lifts your mood, reduces anxiety and helps you sleep, and it can help you manage your weight. Walking also cuts your risk of developing serious conditions, like heart disease, strokes, type II diabetes and alzheimer’s disease. And it’s good exercise for people of all ages and abilities, plus a great way to meet new people and socialise. Whatever your ability level, there’s a walking group for everyone in Swindon, including gentle groups for people with mobility difficulties or those recovering from illness or surgery, through to Walk Fit/ power walking groups.
Resistance Training
Train to be a Volunteer Walk Leader, phone (01793) 465413
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Sports which focus more on flexibility and movement include Yoga and Pilates. Linda Obertelli-Roden explains that these are especially important for older people because “As we get older our flexibility reduces muscles many shorten and tighten. Yoga can help get people flexible again”. It is a form of exercise that adapts to your needs and abilities and it can be done even by senior citizens, and deals with your whole being. It helps get your mind more relaxed, which is through the breathing exercises that can make you, feel more refreshed and cleanses the air passages when helps prevent respiratory ailments.
Swindon’s ‘Walking for Health’ programme is always keen to recruit new Volunteer Walk Leaders to help set up and support new and existing walking groups. The scheme offers free training and support for volunteers, so if you’d like to get involved, or to find out more about any of the local groups, please contact Amanda Rothwell on 01793 465413 or email arothwell@swindon.gov.uk
For more on Swindon Health Walks and other local walking groups, go to www.leisureinswindon.co.uk To find a local walking route, visit www.getwalking.org/swindon Sw
If you’ve been inactive for a while, you don’t have to rush into exercising. It’s important to build up activity gradually to reach recommended levels.
If you’d prefer to walk independently, Swindon is a great place to get started. There are plenty of footpaths to lovely green spaces, like Peatmoor Forest in West Swindon or Liden Lagoon in East Swindon. Look out for copies of the new ‘Get Walking in East Swindon’ magazine, which shows local walking routes and compliments the West Swindon version. It’s now available in local libraries.
Haydon Wick Health Walk Haydon Leisure Centre Thursday 9.45am & 12.45pm Wroughton Health Walk Ellendune Centre Thursday 10.00am Broadgreen Ladies Health Walk (ladies only) Broadgreen Community Centre Thursday 10.00am Pinehurst Health Walk Pinetrees Community Centre Friday 10.00am Liden Health Walk Derryck Evans House Friday 10:30am
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which makes it easier than squash. However simpler sports like Running you might prefer. Anyone can do it. Running is accessible, although you might need to start with walking and slowly build that up to speed walking and then possibly running. But speed walking might be more appropriate, especially if you have hip or leg problems. Research has even now shown that running can help slow ageing. In summary, a study was conducted in the University of California and examined 284 people, those who attended a running club and those who lived with a healthy attitude, but didn’t run. All participants were aged 50 and older, the study lasted for 21 years and the study showed that those who regularly ran lived longer and had a significantly reduced risk for heart disease, cancer, sleep disorders, and neurological diseases.
17/06/2014 14:27
By Nicole Cutting. 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
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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 tendons, ligaments and bones will be strengthened. This strengthening will make your joints more stable and less 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. There are many benefits to include resistance training as part of a well rounded exercise regime. These include: • Increased strength, balance, mobility, flexibility & coordination. • Improved mood and self confidence & self esteem • Improves Body composition & better Glucose handling (diabetes management)
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Reduces risk of Osteoporosis (improves bone density) Lowers stress and anxiety Reduce blood pressure A great way to meet people
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) If you are new to exercise or returning after a break, it is wise to seek the advice of an Exercise Professional. They can supervise you while you exercise, ensuring you have safe and effective technique. To see the best results, it is recommended that you include resistance training 30 minutes twice per week.
So why not come and use the Velocity Health and Fitness 3 day pass and come speak to a health professional today.
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 3 DAY PASS Velocity Health and Fitness, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 889351 De Vere Village Swindon, Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 7DW.
! FREE 3 DAY VELOCITY HEALTH & FITNESS PASS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS
Birmingham issue BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL 30.indd 16 ISSUE 30.indd 19
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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 3 day pass. (FIRST TIME VISITORS ONLY). Name .................................................Tel No ................................................................................................................................. Address .........................................................................................................................................................................................
Offer on for a limited time, so get in touch today. 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 30th November 2014.
Calling all dog lovers! A Swindon woman has set up a new luxury dog-boarding business and is on a recruitment drive to find carers to help look after her new canine-clients. Mother of two Hilary Coates (50) bought the franchise from award-winning Wagging Tails earlier this year and, after full training from the franchisors, has now launched the high-end dog boarding business here in Swindon and is on the look-out for home-based, loving, responsible dog-lovers, to be her very special ‘doggy carers’. Hilary, who is mum to two and owner of a beloved beagle, Bandit, has lived in Swindon all her life and is confident about bringing the new business to the area. Hilary explains, ‘As the owner of a dog myself I know how much I worry when I have to leave him so when I heard about Wagging Tails I knew it would be a great business to get involved in not only because they have won awards and their other franchisees are all highly successful but also because they fundamentally understand how important the happiness of dogs are to their owners.’ She continues, ‘At Wagging Tails we don’t agree with ‘mass boarding’ system; each one of our dogs is looked after individually by a dog-loving carer, who’s at home all day and who’ll welcome them into their home making sure they get the same exercise, love and affection they usually get from their owners. We even have a ‘sniffing-out meeting’ before the stay so dog, owner and carer can all meet each other and make sure they get along. Finding the right carers is really important and I’m crossing my fingers that I’m going to meet some wonderful carers in the Swindon area soon.’ Hilary says, ‘I’m looking for dog-lovers who would like to earn a bit of ‘pocket money’, who are at home all day, who may or may not still have their own dog and who enjoy the exercise of a daily walk and the company that a dog in the house can bring. It often suits people whose own dog has passed away and don’t feel they can take on another dog full time but enjoy the company every now and then.’ Commenting on the future Hilary says, ‘With 8.5 million dogs in the UK and 25% of households owning a dog this is a great time to be involved in a dog-care business and I’m really excited for what the future holds.’ To find out more about becoming a carer for Wagging Tails give Hilary a ring on 01793 874777 email her sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk or visit the website www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn
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!“ 10
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The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf & Leisure Club is a 200 acre property incorporating and overlooking some of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. The property lies in an elevated position just to the south of Royal Wootton Bassett on the outskirts of the rapidly growing regional town of Swindon, within easy access of the M4 motorway at Junction 16. It comprises of a 58 bedroom hotel, state of the art leisure centre, beauty spa, two golf courses – the 18 hole Lakes course and the 9 hole Garden course, club facilities include a restaurant and bar as well as a function suite that can accommodate up to 200 people. The new owners, who took over the property in February 2013, have being working very hard to re-establish The Wiltshire as one of the top destinations of choice in the county. They are a highly committed, hands-on team, whose aim is continual improvement of every aspect of the business with particular emphasis on excellent customer service. Hotel - The perfect hotel for business travellers, for families wanting a break, for tourists visiting Wiltshire and for golfers in search of great golf. All room rates include full English breakfast and guests can enjoy preferential green fees. There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and each room has a flat screen TV, trouser press and tea and coffee-making facilities. Golf – The two golf courses have great views across the Wiltshire landscape. The 6,642 yard, 18-hole Lakes Course was originally designed by Peter Alliss
in 1991 and updated by William Swann in 2006. It is a par-72 jewel that has been sculpted out of the typical county terrain with rolling, well-textured and welcoming fairways leading to challenging greens. The 9-hole Garden Course is 3,300 yards long and when played from two sets of tees, it sets up a par-71 course with three par-five’s. This course is ideal for beginners, high handicappers or anyone wanting a relaxed round of golf. Leisure Club - The Club has spacious cardio and free weights areas, a large 18-metre swimming pool, kiddie’s pool, sauna, steam room, spa and modern spacious changing rooms. Classes (pilates, yoga, aqua aerobics, step and spinning) are free for members and are great for making new friends and keeping motivated. Beauty Spa - The Dermalogica Spa offers you a wide range of treatments and bespoke Spa, Pamper, Bridal and Party packages. We welcome the opportunity to relax and de-stress you, from a manicure to a pedicure, massage or facial, haircut or dye, you will leave feeling on top of the world. Weddings * Conferences * Events We realise how important a wedding day is so whatever your dream or need we
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Pavilion Restaurant & Lounge/Sports Bar - The Pavilion Restaurant provides an eclectic mix of food served in elegantly casual surroundings with views across the golf course. The menu changes with the seasons, all the meat served is sourced from farms in the UK and wherever possible local fresh produce is used. Our friendly and attentive staff are happy to help with your selection and are here to ensure that dining at The Pavilion is a pleasure. The Pavilion Restaurant is open to members and non-members and therefore gets very busy. It is recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment by calling 01793 849 999.
We invite you to experience the “NEW” Wiltshire Golf Club
2-FOR-1 LEISURE PASS
will organise a day that is tailor-made for you in a style that is both memorable and trouble free. The Wiltshire is licensed for Civil Ceremonies and offers a complimentary Bridal Suite and reduced hotel rates for guests. We have three Conference Suites, The Marlborough, The Avebury and The Boardroom and each can accommodate up to 60 delegates. These three rooms can be combined to create a large and spacious room for all your requirements. This is known as the King Suite and has the capacity to seat approximately 200 delegates. Day and 24-hour delegate rates are available.
2-FOR-1 GOLF VOUCHER* Tel: 01793 849999
SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. *Terms & Conditi ons: This voucher can be redeemed by the bearer for a 2 ball to play The Lakes (18 holes) or the Garden (9 holes) Courses at The Wiltshire Hotel, Golf & Leisure Club, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 7PB, for the price of one. It is imperative to call The Wiltshire on 01793 849999 to book a tee time quoting the following reference number: 50Plus . This voucher cannot be exchanged for cash or goods and is non-refundable/transferable . Defaced , altered, cancelled or photocopied voucher will not be accepted. OFFER ENDS 31st March 2015.
31st March 2015 ners in February Valid until2013 Vastern | Royal Wootton Bassett One voucher per person hen to make sure the SN4 7PB www.the-wiltshire.co.uk ses and Hotel and Leisure “We have many different membership options available involving vel. The golf courses have golf and leisure. These include individual, couple, partner, family and
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DAWN FRENCH The Queen of British Comedy We’ve got so used to seeing comic actress Dawn French in roles where she’s anything but Dawn French that her latest solo tour is proving a bit of a revelation – both to audiences and to Dawn herself. 12
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INTERVIEW It’s called “30 Million Minutes”, which is the amount of time she reckons she’s been on this earth. But in what she describes as a “sliver of time between the madness of my menopause – now thankfully over – and the impending madness of my dementia” she’s boldly, and at times bawdily, going where she has never gone before. Dawn is 56 now, arguably the long-term holder of the title Queen of British Comedy, and an award-winning actress, best-selling novelist and all-round funny lady. She’s written this new show based on her life and career, all with a sharp eye for comic detail as you would expect and a wicked ear for the absurdities of life. Dawn French of Cornwall shares how she misguidedly spent her whole life vigorously attempting to be a fully functioning female human. “It’s not a stand-up show. It’s not a play. I guess it is a monologue because it’s just me talking,” she states. “It’s a slide show to an extent. But not JUST a slide show. It’s not like your awful, most feared auntie who’s just come back from Egypt where you have to sit and watch everything. It’s quite autobiographical so I show you the people that have made me – so to speak.”
Growing up, she and her brother had been shielded from his depression. It was, she states, “just like a bomb went off in our family. My mum, of course, would have known there was danger. He’d lived his whole life with it but this was in a time when you didn’t say you had mental illness if you were the head of a family. I still have sadness about it. Massive sadness. And I think it’s been a centre point of my life, what happened with my dad.” Soon after her father’s suicide, Dawn started at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London to do a teaching course. There she met Jennifer Saunders, with whom she would form a hugely successful comedy double act. The pair began to make names for themselves on the alternative comedy scene in the 1980s and their longrunning TV show, “French and Saunders”, launched in 1987 introducing us to their madcap world. Roles in TV - including the iconic lead part in The Vicar of Dibley - and in the theatre have followed. She also has an autobiography and two novels to her name, not to mention high-profile TV advertising appearances that have kept her in the public consciousness and firmly associate her with chocolate oranges and insurance. Three years ago, Dawn revealed that she had lost seven and a half stone. She has since said that she’s put some of it back on and admits that eating is very comforting. “It’s a lovely thing to do,” she states. “We love tasting things. You don’t get to be spherical without liking eating things.”
Reviews of the show, now touring until the end of November from Nottingham to Southend and Bournemouth to Manchester, reveal a national ongoing affection not just for the characters that Dawn has played which have passed into entertainment folklore but also for Dawn herself. All of which is just as well because the show is a riveting 120 minutes about her life and, being Dawn, it’s not only larger than life but also deeply affecting. She was born in Holyhead, Wales, in 1957 when her father was stationed there with the RAF, but she spent much of her childhood in Cornwall and went to boarding school in Devon. At home, Dawn was a performer and her dad was, too. “He would tease me to discipline me,” she recalls. “Very loving teasing. Lots of things were dealt with at that quite sophisticated level of lots of fun.” Her father gave her confidence, and she remembers a “key moment” when she was leaving for a party. “I’ve always been a big girl and shouldn’t really have been wearing hot pants,” she says. Her father, though, was supportive. “He told me I was completely beautiful and how amazing I looked in them and that I would get loads of attention. So my dad gave me a sort of telling off that was about totally infusing me with confidence and I went on cloud nine to this party, and I’ve never actually left that party. It was armour.” Bearing in mind that closeness, however, it’s not difficult to imagine how devastated she was at 18 when her father killed himself.
And, although these days she is far from spherical and is a beautiful woman, she will only admit that she is “less than I was.” Fortunately, there is a generally held theory that Dawn French is rightly not defined by her weight, simply by her talent. She had a much-publicised divorce from comedian Lenny Henry after 25 years together, but they have an adopted daughter and she says they still have a “great” relationship. After the split, she found – in her 50s – that she was going on dates. “I’m not good at flirting. I’m good at being coy. What I’d rather do is give a questionnaire out and get people to tick boxes,” she says, laughing. Now, though, she has finally found happiness with Mark Bignell, who runs a charity, and when she talks about him she shuts her eyes in delight. They have recently had their first wedding anniversary and she says: ”It’s so new. It’s completely thrilling. It’s almost too delightful. I could almost burst with it.” And, for the thousands of fans who will see Dawn in person around the country, discovering more about who she really is, this is a wonderful – and very happy – postscript to her life so far.
* For ticket and venue information about Dawn French’s 30 Million Minutes UK tour go to dawnfrenchontour.com
The Problems and Pitfalls of DIY probate In these times of austerity dealing with a probate yourself might seem like a good way to maximise your inheritance but beware. Here we set out some of the pitfalls of administering an estate which may make you think again about going it alone. The Basics When someone passes away, with or without leaving a Will, their money, property and belongings need to be dealt with according to law and accounted to the beneficiaries. Normally you need to obtain probate if the value of the deceased’s estate (after paying the funeral account) is over £5,000.
The Will A problem that usually only comes to light after a person has passed away is the issue of whether or not the deceased left a Will and, if they did, is it valid. A Will must be executed according to strict criteria for it to be legally valid. The executors must be sure that the Grant of Probate they are extracting is based on the last Will of the deceased and there are no issues surrounding the mental capacity of the testator which may mean an earlier Will is still valid. Wills can often set up trusts, sometimes on purpose as part of tax planning and sometimes inadvertently because of the wording used. Further complications can arise when beneficiaries to a Will have already died. Where there isn’t a Will or one cannot be found, the estate passes according to the Intestacy Rules which do not necessarily follow the order that relatives might expect and sometimes a professional opinion is required.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) As part of the application to obtain a Grant of Probate an Inland Revenue Return needs to be submitted. If the estate is relatively straightforward with no lifetime gifts and does not exceed the IHT threshold, then the ‘short form’( IHT205) may be used. As it is only a few pages long, the short form doesn’t seem too daunting, however guidance notes that stretch to around 40 pages show that it is not as straightforward as it seems. 14
Where estates exceed the IHT threshold or the estate has business or agricultural property within it then a full Inland Revenue account needs to be submitted and this can prove a very time consuming and complicated affair for lay executors. If the account has been submitted incorrectly and the Revenue determine that this has been done negligently, they are likely to issue penalties which can be severe.
Claiming Reliefs There are many different reliefs and exemptions that can be claimed in respect of IHT. If you do not claim them you will lose them as the Revenue will not point them out to you so a professional opinion is recommended.
The main ones are: • • • • • • •
Spouse exemption Transferable IHT nil rate band Annual exemption Normal expenditure out of income Gifts in consideration of marriage Charity exemption Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief
Paying Tax Whilst an Inland Revenue Account does not have to be submitted by the Personal Representatives until 12 months after the end of the month in which the death occurs, the IHT (or at least the tax that is due on the deceased’s personal estate e.g. personal effects, cash, investments etc) must be paid 6 months before that. Accordingly if the estate is taxable the Account should normally be submitted within 6 months of the end of the month of death to prevent interest running.
Payment by instalments over 10 years is permitted in respect of certain assets which include: • • •
Land and buildings wherever situated Some quoted or unquoted shares or securities of a company A business or an interest in a business
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The first instalment is due 6 months after the end of the month of death and thereafter annually by equal instalments. However, notwithstanding the making of an election to pay by instalments, the whole amount of the IHT due becomes payable forthwith if, at any time before the end of the 10 years, the property in question is sold. Interest is generally chargeable on any overdue IHT but there are exceptions that need consideration. The current rate is 3%.
Peace of Mind As you will have ascertained from this article, the administration of an estate can present issues and traps for the unwary. They can be particularly hazardous for those acting as Personal Representatives as they will be held personally liable by the beneficiaries if exemptions or reliefs are not claimed in full or penalties are imposed by the Revenue for the negligent completion of an Inland Revenue Account. By ensuring that proper advice is obtained the executor can avoid personal liability. And there are other advantages. A professional advisor will produce a set of estate accounts so that all the beneficiaries can see the value of the estate and be certain that they have received the correct entitlement. They can also, where necessary, arrange specific types of insurance, for example Missing Beneficiaries insurance and Unoccupied Property insurance, and prior to distribution of the estate will be able to conduct bankruptcy searches on the beneficiaries to ensure that they are entitled to the monies rather than their Trustee in Bankruptcy. In addition, a solicitor will be able to advise on the appropriate application of a Deed of Variation, a method of changing the terms of a Will within 2 years of the date of death. A Deed of Variation can be used to improve the Inheritance Tax position of a beneficiary or to resolve disputes or potential problems with the Will.
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Instructing a Solicitor Many people are tempted to obtain probate themselves because they are concerned about the potential costs of instructing a professional, particularly on an hourly rate basis. However, more firms like ours now offer a fixed fee service so that the client knows exactly what to expect. Remember, you can seek assistance from a professional at any stage and a review of the Inland Revenue Tax Return is particularly advisable. If you are thinking of instructing a firm of solicitors then try to find one that specialises in this type of work – it will be quicker and cheaper in the long run. Beware of probate specialists who may use sales tactics or apply pressure to sign up there and then to get a “good deal”.
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first and then decide on your paint colour. Once you find something you like, limit the number of colours in a room to no more than three or four. Too many colours can make a room look busy or cluttered. Paint is fairly inexpensive and transforms a room more quickly than anything else, so you can afford to experiment a little.
Room Colour and How it Affects Your Mood The colours of the rooms within your home need to bring out your personality. While most of us may not spend a lot of time thinking about room colour, it affects every day of our lives. Room colour can influence our mood and our thoughts. Colour affects people in many ways, depending upon one’s age, gender, ethnic background or local climate. Certain colours or groups of colours tend to get a similar reaction from most people – the overall difference being in the shade or tones used. So when it comes to decorating, it is important to choose wisely. In order to have a beautiful home, you do not have to worry about trends. Colour trends will come and go. The people who live in a home make it beautiful by choosing colours that reflect their likes and their personalities. The trick is to blend those colours you like into a pleasing combination. Choosing colour combinations is one of the most intimidating steps for beginners. Colour has the power to change the shape and size of furnishings as well as the shape and size of the room itself. Selecting colours is not
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difficult if you equip yourself with some basic information about colour and its effects, so let’s find out more about room colours, and how these influence your mood. Choose Wisely! Keep in mind that each colour has a psychological value. Think about how those colours make you feel- they can influence any feeling from tranquility to rage. So when trying to create peace and harmony in your home, choose your colours wisely. Some colours in large amounts will have just the opposite affect on you and your loved ones’ moods. What mood do you want to create? Which colours will help you achieve that mood? Find clear answers to these questions. If you find this task difficult try to look at magazines, decorating books, blogs and websites for ideas, or let your fabric be your guide. In fact, this is a good approach to take even if you’re starting from scratch. Fabric, carpeting, furniture and tile are available in a more limited range of colours than paint, so choose them
Room Colors and Their Effects Understand that colours behave in three basic ways : active, passive, and neutral. You can easily match every room’s colours to your personal desires, to your taste taste and to the room’s purpose. Light colours are expansive and airy, making rooms seem larger and brighter. Dark colours are sophisticated and warm; they give large rooms a more intimate appearance. Now let’s find out more about colours and what they can do to a room: Red raises a room’s energy level. It is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement, particularly at night. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. In an entryway, it creates a strong first impression. Red has been shown to raise blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate. It is usually considered too stimulating for bedrooms, but if you’re only in the room after dark, you’ll be seeing it mostly by lamplight, when the colour will appear muted, rich, and elegant. Red, the most intense, pumps the adrenaline like no other hue. Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. It is perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms, where happy colours are energising and uplifting. In halls, entries, and small spaces, yellow can feel expansive and welcoming. Even though yellow although is a cheery colour, it is not a good choice to use in main colour schemes when it comes to designing a room. Studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior. Babies also seem to cry more in a yellow room. In large amounts, this colour tends to create feelings of frustration and anger in people. In chromotherapy, yellow is believed to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
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Purple is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated.
same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, but without the risk of feeling chilly. Orange evokes excitement, enthusiasm and is an energetic colour. While not a good idea for a living room or for bedrooms, this colour is great for an exercise room. It will bring out all the emotions that you need released during your fitness routine. In ancient cultures orange was believed to heal the lungs and increase energy levels.
Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That is why it is considered calming, relaxing and serene, and it is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. Be careful, however: a pastel blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly when it is on the walls and furnishings, especially in a room that receives little natural light. If you opt for a light blue as the primary colour in a room, balance it with warm hues for the furnishings and fabrics. To encourage relaxation in the social areas (family rooms, living rooms, large kitchens) consider warmer blues, such as periwinkle, or bright blues, such as cerulean or turquoise. Blue is known to have a calming effect when used as the main colour of a room. Go for softer shades of blue. Dark blue has the opposite effect, evoking feelings of sadness. So refrain from using darker blues in your main colour scheme. Stay with the lighter shades of blue to give you and your loved ones a calm effect. Green is considered the most restful colour for the eye. Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, green is suited for almost any room in the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down; in a family room or living room, it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness. Green also has a calming effect when used as a main colour for decorating. It is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax. Also believed to help with fertility, making it a great choice for the bedroom.
Neutrals (black, gray, white, and brown) are basic to the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add colour to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down. Black is best used in small doses as an accent. Indeed, some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground the colour scheme and give it depth.
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Purple in its darkest values (eggplant, for example) is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated. It is associated with luxury as well as creativity, and as an accent or secondary colour, it gives a scheme depth. Lighter versions of purple, such as lavender and lilac, bring the
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To make the job easier, you can rely on the interior designer’s most important colour tool: the colour wheel. Crimson can make some people feel irritable. Invoking feelings of rage and hostility, this is a colour that should be avoided as the main colour of a room. Sitting for long periods of time in a room painted in this colour will likely affect the peace and harmony you are striving to create in your home. Colour Effects on Walls and Ceiling The ceiling represents one-sixth of the space in a room, but too often it gets nothing more than a coat of white paint. In fact, for decades, white has been considered not only the safest but also the best choice for ceilings. As a general rule, ceilings that are lighter than the walls feel higher, while those that are darker feel lower. Lower need not mean claustrophobic: visually lowered ceilings can evoke cosy intimacy. As a general rule, dark walls make a room seem smaller, and light walls make a room seem larger.
Some experts maintain that every room needs a touch of black to ground the colour scheme and give it depth.
Conclusion These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint colour. But remember that colour choice is a very personal matter. You are the one who has to live with your new paint colour, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
Mood lighting for an emotional bathing experience It has been known for centuries that light and colour have a positive effect on body and soul, and when used in conjunction with water they have an even more intense
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deep relaxation effect. That is exactly what a calming bathroom that easily adjusts to your mood can do for you. Light is key to this design, with the Kaldewei LED spotlights that can change colour by a touch of a button, allowing you to choose the colour that best represents your mood. The lighting systems and the individual spectral light combinations are operated with a gentle push of a button on a control panel on the rim of the bath so the desired effect can develop to its full potential in the course of a relaxed bath. And those who do not want to limit themselves to a particular colour can simply opt for the automatic colour spectrum which starts a fascinating show of the various colours and lighting effects.
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Get some satisfaction It’s clear that no one in The Rolling Stones ever did any crafting, because if they had, they would know the feeling of joy and personal satisfaction that comes with designing and making your own cards. Nothing fills you with pride like completing a project and then seeing the delighted face of the special recipient when you hand it over. Socialising If you think crafting is a solitary pastime, think again. Stampin’ Up! demonstrators are known for their fun and exciting parties, classes and general get-togethers. Whether it’s mums in a café or an evening at home with friends, card making could be your window into a diverse and busy social life. Get the family involved If anyone loves a bit of colourful crafting, it’s kids. You’ll be happy to have them stamping and punching things in the name of creativity and whilst enjoying some quality family time. It’s trendy!
Reasons to get crafting rights. While your hands are busy piecing together place settings and wedding invitations, you’re free to slow down and relax. Add that special touch to gifts and cards
With more than 23,000 crafting businesses in the UK and many more enthusiastic individuals, there has never been a better time to try your hand at some creative paper craft. So why is it so popular? Paula Gorry, UK Business Development Manager, Stampin’ Up! UK offers 10 top reasons to get a cup of tea, get comfortable and get crafting. In times of stress, craft and make a mess Crafting is a great way to de-stress, think and generally put the world to
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Bored with choosing from the same few generic supermarket birthday/ wedding/thank you cards? Let loose the artist within and make friends and family feel extra special in the process. Nothing says ‘thinking of you’ more than a handcrafted masterpiece. Gain a few pounds…the good kind! If you love being creative and helping others do the same crafting can offer the opportunity to grow a flexible home-based business at your own pace alongside parenting, studying, the arduous 9-5, or as a full time career. With the help of our Stampin’ Up! family you could be demonstrating your cool and crafty creations to friends and neighbours as a great way of earning some extra cash.
Crafting is a growing market and just as knitting has exploded in popularity over the last few years, paper-based crafting is heading the same way. So if you pride yourself on staying ahead of the curve, now is the time to get creative and get crafting. Free your creative energies Most people don’t get to express their creative side in their jobs or their dayto-day chores. Crafting is a great way to release that artistic flair that you’ve been bottling up and channel it into something fun and productive. Back to Basics With the technological boom encroaching on every aspect of modern life, many of us have forgotten the joy of making something with our hands. Crafting is a great opportunity to switch off your phone, ignore your email and connect with something real. Develop new skills Most people will underestimate the marvels that can be achieved with some raw materials and a bit of innovative thinking. Card making can help you become a master artisan, capable of creating technical and impressive delights. 19
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INTERIOR DESIGN – FROM OPULENCE TO AUSTERITY
Does your home reflect your true personality? Is it full of rich textures, warm colours, and interesting memories? Interior Designer and Author of ‘Creating Space’ Niki Schafer asks why we no longer adopt the creative and opulent designs in our homes that we used to throughout history, instead settling for a combination of magnolia and functional furnishings.
Many homes today are devoid of all individuality; are vague and punctuated only with functionality. Why do we no longer embrace parts of the Georgian, Art Deco or Vintage styles once adored? Or at least add our spin using beautiful pieces found in vintage shops or lucky finds from a car-boot sale. Why are we so apathetic or may I say it dull in our design choices especially when considering the advances in manufacturing over the past few decades allows for virtually anything to be recreated?
If you were to compare interior design today with how it looked in the 14th Century, you’d be forgiven for thinking we have well and truly lost our marbles. Interior design has changed beyond all recognition. No longer do we lavishly dress our homes in beautifully rich and ornate fabrics, enjoying every single detail.
Our homes should represent our own personalities and life experiences. What could be more apt than our home showing who we are and where we have been, rich in family history and meaningful experiences. Instead I so frequently walk in to people’s homes and see blank walls, bare furniture and minimalistic designs,
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which tell me nothing of their lives. Why have we become so afraid of letting our personalities out? A feature wall just isn’t enough. There are so many different textures, fabrics, patterns and furniture styles available that can be used to add character to our homes and yet so few choose to adopt them. Of course a home needs to be functional, but there’s functional and then there’s functional without personality. You can still create space and allow for the practicalities of everyday life whilst designing a fun, relaxing environment. We all need coat-hooks but we can choose beautiful, interesting coat-hooks can’t we? We need to draw inspiration from a whole range of experiences, like and dislikes, and create an environment that is worthy enough to be called home which is uniquely based on the
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people who live there. We don’t want to walk through a front door and only see an Ikea showroom, let’s see a slice of you, your family and your history. Drawing from the history of interior design perhaps could help.
HISTORY OF INTERIOR DESIGN The history of interior design stems way back from the evolution of man where caves were decorated by drawings of plants, animals and human forms. However, it is elements of Egyptian, Greek and Roman history that impacted the strongest on subsequent style periods. The 12th century marked a gothic style with a heavy emphasis on verticals, open interiors and windows to capture light. Between the 14th and 16th centuries design focus was on art and beauty, this period of Renaissance was immersed with velvet tapestries and carved furnishings. The following Regency period across the 17th -18th Centuries was a time of extreme opulence and exaggerated attention to detail capturing the drama and lavishness of those ruling. The turn of the 18th Century signified the start of the industrial revolution, opening the concept of interior design to the modern man. The revolution had an enormous impact on design style; it stemmed the way for a less extravagant era in design. Art Nouveau in 1890 drew inspiration from its surroundings and as 1900 approached interior design became recognised as a profession. The end of World War I brought about an eclectic mix of geometric shapes, bold patterns and elegance – this Art Deco genre not returning until the end of World War II. The end of the War saw demand for air travel heighten rapidly and the speed of communications increase. The 1960’s were a time of rebellion in fashion, music and interior décor - established traditions were ditched and colour exploded on to the scene. The 1990’s saw interior design shows such as ‘Changing Rooms’ burst onto our TV screen, paving the way to a contemporary and an extremely colourful style. Today’s contemporary style is totally eclectic depending on the person – bold and bright colours matched with neutrals, minimalism and a heavy focus on statement furniture and walls is key.
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DESIGN TIPS FROM HISTORY FOR TODAY 1. The colours used in Art Nouveau interior design are turquoise, sage, emerald green, peacock blue, mustard, olive, pale lilac, black, silver, gold, white and pink. Together they form an ethereal look to walls and psychedelic effects in glasswork. 2. Windows should be the focal point of any Georgian inspired home. Expansive sash windows, tallest on the first floor of a home was almost as important as the interior. Inside windows should be covered by a pair of curtains and, more typical at the beginning of the period, pull up blinds too. Pelmets were also being introduced and the focus for fabrics should be on damask, velvet, chink, silk and brocade. 3. Floral patterns are a must in a Victorian themed room. Small floral patterned wallpaper is a great choice.
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HOME Choose wallpaper that is coloured with greens, blues and reds. 4. Tiles were often used in the Arts and Crafts movement, and bright colours such as cobalt blue, turquoise, greens and reds were popular. Tiles with motifs such as galleons and stylized flowers are also typical of the style, and original ones can still be found in salvage yards. 5. Red was a very fashionable colour embodying the opulent and extravagant ways of King George IV. Choose a deep, rich red complemented by other colours common of the era such as sulphur yellow, royal blue and deep green.
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6. 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.
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proud of or that impart a vision of the past — a plaque, medals, a painting, anything of yours that you’d like your grandkids to see. Keep photo albums available on a prominent bookshelf or a coffee table.
TOP GRAND-PARENTING TIPS By Dr Lynda Shaw
1. Keep advice to a minimum Having had children yourself, you can use your experience to help your son or daughter but be warned – don’t offer it if you are not asked unless you really feel you need to. Try not to be too dictatorial, they may opt to do things differently which you must appreciate. This new stage means many visitors and lots of attention on the baby so be intuitive and resourceful and offer help when needed. 2. Reward and treat carefully Treating your grandchild and making them smile is what everyone wants. However, buy things in moderation and with the clearance from the parents. Overdoing treats can become more of an expectation rather than a reward. 3. Grand-parenting V. Child Care You may find at times you are asked to be a child carer. It is really important to find the time to spend with your grandchildren. However, know when
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it’s too much for you and be fair to yourself too. 4. Brainstorm Brainstorm day trip ideas with your grandchild. Let them be involved so you end up doing what they truly would like to do (within reason!). There are lots of things you can do for little money like going for a walk in the woods using a compass and map, having a home-made picnic in the hills, making a campfire in the garden, cooking and arty things. 5. Reading Record yourself reading a few of your favourite children’s books and send the recording along with the books, or make a tape of songs you would sing if you were together with your grandchild for holidays. 6. Share Treasured Keepsakes Don’t litter your home with trinkets but a picture is pretty worthless unless it’s seen. Display the things you are
7. No Favourites This Rule is a Golden One: Do not play favourites amongst your grandchildren. In reality it may be that you do click with one grandchild over another but it is essential that you do not let any preferences show. Children pick up very quickly if they are the favourite or not and it can affect a child’s self-esteem and can result in long-term negative feelings and jealousy between the children themselves. 8. Love To love and accept love from a grandchild is magnificent and inevitably this comes with responsibility. Not the type of responsibility that parents have, but more of being part of a ‘team’ to support the foundations of a healthy child. The young brain develops and changes at an incredible rate whilst learning and soaking up new information and experiences, but this means they are vulnerable to negative input which can have an adverse affect on their well being. This is why a child needs love, encouragement and sensible boundaries in order to mature into a well balanced adult and this is something the whole ‘team’ can help with. However, remember that a team only works well when working together, so agreement and clarity are always needed. www.drlyndashaw.com
25
Insulation Grants and Discounts Do you find it difficult to keep warm in your home? l Are your fuel bills high but you don’t see the benefit? l Are you unsure of how to reduce your fuel bills cost-effectively? l
Free
If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, then maybe you need to have your insulation checked out. These are tough times for people, with rising fuel bills making this Winter a worrying prospect for many. With households now facing gas and electricity bills of up to £1,300 per year and further increases predicted can you your afford to no-obligation miss out on huge by the notonly having your cavity walls or scheme lofts insulated? To arrange free surveysavings through Local Authority backed in Swindon contact David Miles on 01793 463679 or email dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk. Making sure your home is properly insulated can immediately increase the comfort levels within the home, as well as slashing Theyour survey will also check to see if you have “hard to treat” cavity walls which could attract 100% funding also. fuel bills.
“Don’t miss out on this opportunity
Cavity wall insulation could save you upSwindon to& War£145 a year, while loft Safe m insulation could save up to £150 if you have none currently. What’s more, these saving will increase as fuel bills increase. Insulation schemes have changed a lot in recent years, with free offers appearing and disappearing sometimes overnight. Eligibility criteria has changed and funding has been reduced, leaving most people uncertain if any help is still available. Although cavity wall and loft insulation are highly effective ways to reduce heat loss in the home and reduce fuel bills, people may miss out because of the confusion. Safe & Warm aims to remove this confusion through the only Swindon Borough Council backed insulation scheme for Swindon residents. Funding may be limited for this scheme, and could be withdrawn at short notice so enquire now to avoid disappointment. The table below gives an idea of the eligible groups we can help:
Cost for cavity wall insulation
Cost for loft insulation
Receiving income or disability benefit
Free
Free
Over 80 years old or Registered disabled or capable of being registered disabled
Free
Free
Over 70 years old or Council Tax Band A or B property or Child under 4 (and must be Council Tax Band A, B or C)
£50
£50
Part funded by Swindon Borough Council - home would need to be built before 1992 to qualify. All households living in a home built before 1992 qualify for this group regardless of other eligibility criteria
£99
£99
Swindon resident not in any of above groups
£199
£199
All grants are subject to available funding, eligibility criteria and technical survey, and homes may need to be built before 1992 to qualify. Loft insulation will only be included in above offer if there is between 0 and 99mm of existing loft insulation.
Case study Mr & Mrs Carter are one couple in Swindon that are reaping the benefits of having both cavity wall and loft insulation installed free through the scheme. Despite living in a reasonably modern well-kept house, a lack of adequate insulation was resulting in high expenditure on fuel bills to keep the home warm. With both having had problems with their health in recent years, a warm home is now essential.
“The improvement in the temperature was obvious within a week” said Mr Carter, “and over time we will see the financial benefits too. We also hope it will help us to stay healthy”.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your fuel bills, act now and feel the benefit!
Warm Home uce your scheme fuel Reduce yourbills fuelthis bills Discount
this erwinter with great value value with great ehome insulation through insulation through &Safe Warm! & Warm! The Warm Home Discount scheme can provide extra help towards your fuel bills this winter. A rebate of £140 could be given on your electricity bill this winter if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit as of 12th July 2014 then you automatically qualify in this core group and the rebate should be paid into your electricity account directly when the payments are made. You should get a letter before 24th December 2014 to say if you will either automatically get this discount or you need to apply.
m has introduced anintroduced improved insulation offerinsulation offer Safenow & Warm has now an improved nterfor only, help those households meet thewho meet the thistowinter only, to help thosewho households riteria: following criteria: Cost for cavity Cost Costfor forcavity Cost for If you don’t meet this requirement, you may still qualify as
insulation loftyour insulation insulation loftThis part of a broader group but wall you will have to applywall to Energy Supplier forinsulation the rebate. MostThis of the main suppliers offer is expected to endisenergy by offer expected to end will offer the warm Homes Discount but some of the smaller ones may not. ome Receiving or disability benefit Freebenefit Free income or disability Free Free
by 31st March 2014 (unless funding is used 31st March 2014 (unless fun before then),tosoenergy enquire now to upplease before then), so please For the broader group for the Warm Home Discount, eligibility can vary fromupenergy supplier supplier. If you are on enqu rs oldOver or Registered disabled 80 years old or Registered disabled Support, Income Based Job Seekers a low income this could qualifyFree you (such as Income Free Allowance, or Income Related Employment and offe Free Free avoid disappointment. offer has beenThis avoidThis disappointment. being registered disabled orSupport capable of being registered disabled Allowance), or you may qualify because of any disabilities you may have or a long term condition. introduced as these measuresasare still measures the introduced these a rs oldOver or Council Taxold Band 70 years or Council Tax Band most effective ways of reducing most effectiveheat waysloss of reducing To find out more about Insulation Grants and Discounts and the Warm Home Discount erty or Child under 4 or (and £50 4 (and £50 A or B property Child under £50 £50 in the home, yet due to national insulation in the home, yet due to nationa scheme including the broader group eligibility please contact: ncil Tax Band A, B or C) must be Council Tax Band A, B or C) scheme changes many households are now scheme changes many househo David Miles Tel: 01793 463679 missing out on anymissing help. out on any help. ect to funding, criteria and technical maysurvey, All available grants are subjecteligibility to available funding, eligibility survey, criteriaand andhomes technical and homes may
Affordable Warmth eforeneed 1992 totobequalify. built before 1992 toCoordinator qualify.
Email: dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk Swindon Borough Council our free no-obligation survey through the only through Local Authority scheme inbacked Swindon contact To5th arrange free no-obligation survey the onlybacked Local Authority scheme in Swindon contac Floor your Wat Tyler House Beckhampton es onDavid 01793Miles 463679 or email463679 dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk. onStreet 01793 or email dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk. Swindon SN1 2JH will also seealso if you haveto “hard treat” whichcavity couldwalls attract 100% funding also.100% funding also Thecheck surveytowill check see iftoyou havecavity “hardwalls to treat” which could attract
on’t miss out“Don’t on thismiss opportunity out on this opportunity Swindon Act now and feel benefit” Actthe now and feel the benefit” Safe & Warm www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
Swindon Safe & Warm
27
FOOD & DRINK
CHICKPEA CURRY Chana masala
Rick Stein shares recipes from his latest book My Indian Odyssey
SERVES 4 – 6 250g dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water overnight, or 625g (drained weight) of tinned or jarred chickpeas 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 25g/5 cloves garlic, finely crushed 25g/5cm ginger, finely grated 2 fresh green chillis, finely chopped, with seeds 2 tsp ground coriander 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 300g vine -ripened tomatoes, chopped 2 tsp salt 1 tsp Garam masala 1 tbsp lemon juice Handful of coriander leaves, chopped.
I would hazard a guess that chana masala or chickpea curry is the most popular vegetarian curry in India. I sternly instructed my son Jack, who tested this recipe for me, only to use proper dried chickpeas soaked and boiled. He stole down to the deli, grabbed a jar of Spanish garbanzos and used the liquid with the chickpeas in place of some of the cooking water. It was a triumph. Maybe I’m too strict on tins and jars. Method If using dried, soaked chickpeas then first drain them. Bring a large pan of water (without salt) to the boil, add the chickpeas and simmer over a medium heat for 45 minutes to an hour, or until soft but still holding their shape. Drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid to add to the sauce if needed. If using chickpeas from a can or jar, omit this stage. Heat the oil in a sturdy pan or karahi over a medium heat. Add the onions, and fry for 10-15 minutes until softened and golden brown. Stir in the garlic, ginger and green chillis and fry for 1 minute, then add the ground coriander, cumin, chilli powder and turmeric and fry for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, salt and 300ml water or chickpea cooking water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, stir in the garam masala and lemon juice, scatter with the coriander and serve.
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YESTERDAY’S FISH CURRY
SERVES 4 – 6 60ml vegetable oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 15g/3cm piece ginger, finely grated 50g/10 cloves garlic, half crushed to a paste, half thinly sliced 8 fresh curry leaves 1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder 1/2 tsp ground tumeric 1 tbsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp toasted ground fenugreek 1 tbsp rice flour or plain flour 2 tomatoes sliced 2 tbsp sliced smoked kokum, washed and soaked in 100ml boiling water for 15 minutes 500ml water 11/2 tsp salt 1 tsp sugar 500g salmon fillet, cut into 3cm chunks 1 tsp coconut oil, warmed to its liquid state, to finish.
Method
This recipe comes from a book called The Suriani Kitchen. The author, Lathika George, who took me on a fascinating trip round a frenetic market just outside Cochin, is an authority on Keralan cooking. She explained that it’s called ‘yesterday’s curry’ because everybody thinks it’s much better the next day. I came across the same curry all over the place - in a kitchen so smoky I couldn’t stay in there for more than a minute at a time, where it featured a giant kingfish head; at the house where I was filmed cooking lots of the recipes in the book, where the cook Mallika had one on every day; and in the hotel where we all stayed for about two weeks. The hotel was the sort of place of air-conditioned comfort where you go quietly mad for want of the warp and weft of everyday Indian life; we had to leave at six o’clock every morning to work a twelve-hour day in enervating humidity. As a matter of interest, I first tasted this dish years ago in a restaurant in central London called Rasa Samudra, and then as now, was taken by its spicy redness and the smoky flavour and souring effect of kokum. As if it wasn’t hard enough to get hold of kokum anyway, now you need to make sure it’s the smoky sort - but don’t worry, tamarind is nearly as good.
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Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan or karahi over a medium heat, add the onion and fry for 5 minutes until softened. Add the ginger, crushed and sliced garlic and curry leaves and fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the chilli powder, ground spices and flour and a splash of water, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, kokum (plus soaking water) or tamarind, water, salt and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the salmon and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, drizzle with coconut oil and serve.
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Pets Corner
Your questions answered Why do we need a Passport for Pets?
As summer holidays roll into Autumn, soon enough the Winter holiday season will creep up on us all again. Whether you prefer to vacate in the heat or the cool of the year, the prospect of going away as a pet owner can be tricky, especially when deciding what to do with our furry family members. For my vacation this year I opted for a house sitter and, although my pets’ daily routine/surroundings had not changed, I found myself worrying and calling daily to check up on their well-being. This meant that much of the relaxation time was spent looking forward to seeing their expectant little faces and missing them terribly. Upon my return, I found out that the oldest dog had not eaten for 3 full days after we departed. Full of guilt we decided never go away without them again….. So do we never leave the country or have a holiday again? Only last year, thousands of pet owners cancelled or post-poned their holidays due to their pets. Either due to illness, the cost of kennelling/cattery, stress of leaving them with someone else, temperament of the animal or any number of reasons which cause us to delay a break away from it all. This needn’t be the case as options for an enjoyable time away within the United Kingdom with your animals are now vast; with pet friendly websites, hotels and cottages with the popularity of holidaying with the entire family on the increase. Most are reasonably priced and will provide you with doggy bags, bowls and treats on arrival! If, however, your interests stretch beyond our shores, you’ll be pleased to know that DEFRA (Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs) introduced changes in 2012 to the Pet Travel Scheme which make travelling with your pet to the EU a walk in the park! What is the Pet Travel Scheme? It is, effectively, a Pet Passport for your dog/cat/ferret which allows you to travel within the EU (and certain nonEU countries and territories) without quarantine. 30
The UK has been officially rabies-free since 1922 which is fantastic and really important that we maintain this status. There are also parasites not currently found in the UK which spread fatal diseases. The rules and guidelines set out in the Pet Travel Scheme are imposed to protect the health and safety of not only pets travelling abroad but also those remaining in the UK when others travel back into the country. Pet Travel Scheme explained: Pets entering or re-entering the UK from the EU must have the following; a microchip This can be inserted by your Vet or Nurse a rabies vaccination Boosters are given every 3yrs not annually like other vaccinations a pet passport Only certified vets can stamp pet passports so always check this when booking for your vaccinations There is usually a fee to have your passport issued. Tape worm treatment Must be given to your pet 1-5days before re-entering the UK, this must be administered by a Vet. You must wait 21days after vaccination before re-entering the UK so planning is important. Your pet no longer requires a rabies blood test following vaccination. Tick treatment before re-entry is highly recommended along with other parasite treatments depending on where you are travelling – your vet can advise on preventative treatments. Insurance This is not a stipulation on the Pets Travel Scheme; however, it is strongly advised. Even if you are already insured I recommend checking that your policy covers your pet abroad. Be mindful of how your pet will cope with the environment on holiday – an elderly dog may not wish to hike up Mount Everest and a thick-coated husky may not cope in 40 degree heat!
Some pets get travel sick and some may become distressed if kennelled so research which would be best for you. Advice on all aspects of travelling with or without your animals can be obtained from your Vets and we can discuss methods of keeping them, and you, stress-free on your holidays. For further advice on the Pet Travel Scheme please contact your vet. Here at Thameswood Vets, we have leaflet on the scheme as well as information on parasites (internal and external) to be aware of when travelling abroad with your animal. We can also provide you with an estimate for setting up your pet passport, after this you will just need to update the rabies vaccination every 3 years along with your usual booster and parasite treatments. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS My puppy keeps chasing bees. What should I do if she gets stung? The sting of a bee and of a wasp has an opposite pH so it is important, if possible, to decipher which they have been stung by. They are more likely to be stung by a wasp but if your puppy chases bees and catches one you will likely find the bee nearby as they die afterwards. A wasp sting is alkaline, whereas a bee sting is acidic, therefore, you need to neutralise the pH. For a wasp sting you can use vinegar and for a bee, bicarbonate will neutralise the pH. If the sting is still present, always remove with a flat edge e.g. credit card, not tweezers or else more of the sting will be excreted. There will usually be a localised reaction, for facial stings it is important to monitor for swelling around the throat. For any respiratory problems or swelling around the face/throat seek Vet attention immediately. I don’t have much time to spend with my rabbit. Should I get a Guinea Pig to keep her company? Rabbits do indeed require company and can become lonely and stressed on their own. However, guinea pigs, although sociable creatures are not appropriate company for a rabbit. I recommend getting a rescue rabbit from a registered charity and ensuring
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both are neutered before introducing. For lots of tips and useful information have a look on the RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund) website: www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk
know exactly how long the ‘quick’ (blood vessel in the nail) is. Sometimes you can shine a light behind the nail and see the blood supply to simply cut below it.
Rabbits are known to grind their teeth and stop eating or moving around. Dental pain may present in all animals as anorexia, head pressing and pawing at the mouth.
My cat gets diarrhoea every time I buy a new bag of food, why is that?
What I find useful is to look at how low the dogs nails grow when he/she is standing still and only cut enough that they no longer touch the floor, sometimes this means only taking a small tip off.
Depending on your individual animal, some may vocalise more and aggression in all animals is a big sign that something is hurting, especially if this is out of character.
This is a common occurrence in foods which do not have a ‘fixed’ formula. This means that the ingredients and nutritional values in each bag of food can vary, so although you may feed the same brand, the actual food is not the same. When changing diets, we recommend doing this slowly, over a week, to avoid such digestive upsets. When the new bag is opened, there can be a sudden change onto an entirely new food which causes the poorly tummy. Our veterinary professionals can help point you in the right direction of ‘fixed formula’ diets, such as Hills, to help prevent this and keep your cat’s digestive system in the best health possible. My dog has black nails, how should I cut them? This is a tricky task! Both of my dogs have black nails and it is difficult to
If in doubt, always get a veterinary professional to clip them as we have special chemicals to stop them bleeding if the quick is particularly long. How do I know if my animal is in pain?
Unfortunately, signs of chronic pain can be subtle so if you notice something unusual and you are concerned, your Vet can give a full check over and feel for any pain responses which may shed light on the problem.
Other than the obvious leg injury in which the pet will not place their paw on the floor and looks at you as much as to say “this hurts a lot!” this is very much down to you, as owners, recognising changes in your animals behaviour/demeanour/stance. Dogs which have abdominal pain will usually perform the ‘prayer position’ with head bowed down and rear in the air and restrict their own movement. Cats will generally keep quiet and hide away trying not giving any obvious signs of pain.
Written by Gemma Lockwood Senior RVN.
If you have any pet related questions please email them to mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com
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
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Your CONSULTATION FEE with this advert
Can you make a change?
Be the Samaritan and Pay it Forward? If purpose is something that you are struggling to find after retirement, children have left, and bills paid for, then volunteering would provide enrichment beyond belief. Everyone has skills to offer, but those who after retirement have trained and spent time and money into becoming qualified for a job; the teachers, the doctors, the cooks, the nurses, the plumbers and electricians will all still be able to use their expertise to help their community on a wider scale. Spending time helping people, those who are less fortunate, can enrich your life, can provide purpose, but will guarantee recognition, not for reward, but because another person is helped. Humans seem to have an innate ability to help one another. This ability may very well be the aspect of “us” that promotes the survival of our species. A compassionate sense of existence drives us to be there for one another; even strangers.
After retirement the world becomes our oyster, travel, holidays and extended leisure become regular activities. And it is what we all hope to work towards. Due to life expectancy now on the rise to at least eighty-one, further research has shown that further activity after retirement can extend this number, and also help to not only continue good health, but also in maintaining purpose.
COULD YOU HELP ME TALK IT THROUGH? A lot of people need us. are That's why our volunteers one any give always around to e who is struggling to cop . talk to e tim and ce spa the
Find out about joining us
www.samaritans.org/ volunteer-us swindon@samaritans.org
TRICT SWINDON AND DIS Samaritans is a registered charity. Swindon volunteer ad A4 AD.indd 1
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25/04/2014 11:29:36
Causes to get involved in that would provide your new purpose would be Samaritans. Samaritans is a charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline. The name comes from the Biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, although the charity itself is not Christian, the same ideas of love and loving others are at the centre of their ideals. Another cause that is accessible and tries to reach people on a global scale is Pay it Forward. Aiding in this foundation will give your retired life extra meaning because you would have started a positive chain of events to help create an environment where people help people. Just as depicted in Hollywood in 2000 they hope to help people so they will Pay It Forward They ask that, their gifts and donations are simple. You can request anything that you, someone you know, someone you are related to or a complete stranger needs and they will do their best to help. In return they ask that you let that person know how they are being helped and that their mission is to Pay it Forward with something of equal or greater value.
Volunteering: The happiness effect Helping others kindles happiness, as many studies have demonstrated. When researchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and measures of happiness in a large group of American adults, they found the more people volunteered, the happier they were, according to a study in Social Science and Medicine. Compared with people who never volunteered, the odds of being “very happy” rose 7% among those who volunteer monthly and 12% for people who volunteer every two to four weeks. Among weekly volunteers, 16% felt very happy - a hike in happiness comparable to having an income of £75,000–£100,000 versus £20,000, say the researchers. Giving time to religious organizations had the greatest impact. What most people want from life is to be happy and this seemingly selfish goal actually has selfless means. Through your help you can regain your purpose by giving someone else theirs! By Matthew Bibby.
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OUT & ABOUT
Places to Visit & things to do ... EVERY SUNDAY EVENING. Live Music @ 20 At The Kings Time: 20:00 Top local bands and acts.
For fun days out .... take the bus
20 at The Kings, Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4AB Contact: 01793 522156. EVERY SUNDAY Jazz at The Plough Time: 15:00 Enjoy some smooth sounds at Old Town’s newest bar Plough Inn, The, Old Town, Swindon 26 Devizes Road, Swindon, SN1 4BQ Contact: 01793 535603. EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY Swindon Shin Splints Weekly Runs Time: 18:15 Coate Water Country Park Open to all standards of runner Marlborough Road, Swindon, Wilts, SN3 6AA. Contact: 01793 490150. 17 SEPTEMBER A Night At The Dogs! Time: 17:30 At Swindon Greyhounds. FREE Entry + FREE Racecard for upto 4 people on us! Plus SUMMER OFFERS Swindon Greyhounds Abbey Stadium, Lady Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, SN25 4DN. Contact: 01793 721253. SEPTEMBER The Axis of Awesome Time: 20:00 A comedy band with over 60 million hits on YouTube returns to the UK - 17 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481 19 SEPTEMBER A Railway at War Time: 10:00 A brand new exhibition at STEAM to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War. STEAM Museum, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2TA Contact: 01793 466 646
Promoting leisure travel by bus
19 SEPTEMBER Twelve Ten Fifteen Time: 19:30
www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
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OUT & ABOUT Hard hitting, intelligent and contemporary, the play lifts the lid on one of the great untold stories of World War One. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon. Contact: 01793 614837. 24 - 27 SEPTEMBER Oh! What a Lovely War Time: 19:30 The Phoenix Players present a musical filled with popular songs of the time which bring the story to life Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon. Contact: 01793 614837. 24 SEPTEMBER Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee Time: 19:30 A brand new show heading to the Wyvern Theatre this Autumn. Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481. 26 SEPTEMBER Live Music at The Victoria Time: 20:00 Vic, The (The Vic) Old Town
Sep 10 Sep 10 Sep 10 Sep 11 Sep 12 A charity night of live music in Old Town featuring Tin Spirits and Sound Sep 12 Bites. Sep 13 88 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BD13 Sep Contact: 01793 535713. Sep 16 Sep 18 26 SEPTEMBER Devizes Comedy Festival Sep 18 Time: 8.30pm Sep 19 Sep 20 A triple bill of unique, talented and award-winning comics. Tickets Sep £15. 21 Corn Exchange, Market Place Sep 23 Devizes, Wilts SN10 1HR. Sep 24 Sep 25 28 SEPTEMBER Sep 25 Wedding Fayre at The Marriott Time: 11:00 Sep 27 Wedding planners, exhibitions stands & Sep 27 fashion show. Sep 27 Marriott Hotel, Pipers Way, Oct 1 Swindon, SN3 1SH. Oct 1 Contact: 01793 512 121. Oct 1 Oct 2 28 SEPTEMBER Oct 2 Snow White Time: 19:30 Oct 3 Vienna Festival Ballet’s production Oct 6 of the timeless fairytale arrives at the8 Oct Wyvern.
Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481.
Far North of Scotland Colchester, Constable Country Peak District Bantry Bay & Gulf Stream Coast Grange Over Sands, Lakes & Dales 30 SEPTEMBER Sixties Gold End St Ives & Land’s Time: 19:30 Scarborough & Yorkshire Moors For loversDelightful of Sixties music, this is the Weymouth, Dorset ultimate, and probably never to be Douglas, Isle of Man repeated, line-up. Jersey & Guernsey, Channel Islands Featuring record breaking Merseybeat Sandown, Isle of Wight band Gerry & The Pacemakers. The first Llandudno & Snowdonia act to reach No. 1 and the first act ever Ilfracombe, & first Exmoor to top theNorth charts Devon with their three singles. Sorrento & Pompeii Also from Liverpool and tipped to be Newquay, Atlantic Cornish Coast as big as The Beatles, The Searchers’ Tenby & Pembrokeshire single also went to No. 1 and led to Far first North of Scotland, inc Orkney five more Top 5 hits and a total of 128 Pennine weeksExplorer in the charts. Boats & Trains of Norfolk Controversial, ponytailed P.J. Proby, Eastbourne & thesplitting Sussex Coastthe whose trouser shocked Irvine, Singles in Scotland nation, was a Melody Maker teen idol award winner in 1964 and spent 91 Blackpool Illuminations weeks in the charts. Eastbourne & the Sussex Coast The Fortunes 10 Patterdale, Lakestormed Districtthe & Top Pennines with You’ve Got Your Troubles, Here It Killarney, The Kingdom of Kerry Comes Again, Freedom Come Freedom Tuscan Riviera, dei Marmi Go and StormForte in a Teacup. Gwbert, Cardigan Bay West And finally, Brian Poole&and ChipWales Tenby Hawkes. On stage together bringing Blackpool you theIlluminations very greatest hits of The Tremeloes.
Malthouse Lane, Salisbury Wiltshire SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434
barnes THEATRE TRIPS 2014
Sat Nov 1
Disney on Ice - 100 years of Magic
NIA, Birmingham
£55.00
Sat Nov 1
John Bishop
BIC, Bournemouth
£63.95
Dominion Theatre
£67.00
Sat Nov 15 White Christmas Sat Nov 15 Made in Dagenham the Musical
Adelphi Theatre
Sun Nov 16 Spanish Riding School of Vienna
Wembley Arena, London
Sat Nov 22 Top Hat
Bristol Hippodrome
Sat Nov 29 Les Miserables
Queen’s Theatre
£104.00 £104.00
Sat Nov 29 Miss Saigon
Prince Edward Theatre
Sat Nov 29 The Phantom of the Opera
Her Majesty’s Theatre
Sun Nov 30 Birmingham International Tattoo
NIA, Birmingham
Sun Dec 7 Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
£104.00 £92.95 £67.00
£69.00 from £48.20 £98.95
Sat Dec 13 Cats
London Palladium
£89.00
Sat Dec 13 Urinetown the Musical
Apollo Theatre
£94.00
Sat Dec 20 Carols by Candlelight
Royal Albert Hall, London
£69.00
To Book Call 01793 821303 or visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk 34
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02 OCTOBER Derek Acorah at Wyvern Theatre Time: 19:30 The most time-honoured and respected Spirit Medium in the UK today Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481 03 OCTOBER Vin Garbutt Time: 20:00 His songs are inspired by the folk tradition, but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon.
03 OCTOBER The Drifters - The Optimum Tour 2014 Time: 7.30
04-05 OCTOBER The Great Western Brick Show Time: 10:00
This is our most spectacular show to date as we present ‘The Optimum Tour’, featuring the current line up Michael Williams, Ryan King, Damion Charles and Daniel Bowen-Smith.
An event showcasing the very latest and best models built by Brickish Association members.
Following on from the success of the 60th Anniversary Diamond Dynasty World Tour, we are proud to bring a fast moving, exhilarating show bringing the optimum of our own historical legacy along with events, people and culture over the decades of the dynasty, along with brand new recordings released late 2013.
Contact: 01793 466 646.
Including songs such as ‘Under The Boardwalk’, ‘Saturday Night At The Movies’, ‘Up On The Roof’, ‘Kissin In The Back Row’, ‘Come On Over To My Place’, ‘More Than A Number In My Little Red Book’ ‘The One’, ‘Think Twice’ and many more from The Drifters vast back catalogue, “The Optimum Tour” promises to be our best yet! Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434
STEAM Museum, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2TA. 04 OCTOBER Chris Ramsey Time: 20:00 Chris Ramsey wonders whether he really is the Most Dangerous Man on Saturday Morning TV Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481. 05 OCTOBER Wedding Fayre at The Mercure South Marston Time: 11:00 Mercure South Marston Hotel and Spa Getting married and need a little help with the plans? Well look no further! Old Vicarage Lane, South Marston, Swindon, SN3 4SH Contact: 01793 833700.
Contact: 01793 614837.
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Catch a little luxury with
Route 66 • Swindon • Shrivenham • Faringdon • Oxford Operating up to every 20 minutes Monday-Saturday daytimes and hourly on Sundays
www.stagecoachgold.com
Route 66 to Oxford Just eighty minutes from Swindon, on Stagecoach Gold Route 66, this beautiful yet compact city of dreaming spires, colleges and quadrangles can be explored on one of the many themed walking tours. The ancient city also boasts several museums, gardens and a cosmopolitan mix of shops, pubs, restaurants and clubs.
Why not try..? Oxford Ghost Trail This intriguing walk of old Oxford is conducted by a costumed professional actor. Illustrated with props and illusions, your costumed guide will entertain and horrify you through the historic streets of the city. Tours start outside Oxford Castle (New Road) and last 1 hour 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can join at Oxford Tourist Information Centre 30 minutes later for a shorter tour. www.ghosttrail.org
Hertford Bridge, popularly known as the Bridge of Sighs
Museum of Oxford Visit Explore Oxford – the only museum exhibition, in a city of world-class museums and heritage offers, telling the story of Oxford and its people. 01865 252761
Harry Potter Trail Oxford locations; the Bodleian, New College and Christ Church famously feature in many of the early Harry Potter films, helping to create the iconic gothic backdrop that became the unmistakable Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Inspector Morse Trail
The oldest botanic garden in the UK displays over 7,000 different species in a grade 1 listed garden. With exotic glasshouses, water & rock gardens and beautiful borders.
Oxford has long been home to Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter and became the backdrop to his popular murder mystery novels, so it’s not surprising that the 33 Morse films were shot there. Enjoy a stroll around the city centre, retracing the steps of the Inspector and his long suffering sidekick, Sergeant Lewis.
01865 286690 www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk
Film trails: 01865 244274 www.locationoxfordshire.co.uk
University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Oxford’s “dreaming spires”
email: west.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com
The Bodleian Library
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
OUT & ABOUT
OVER 50s LIFE INSURANCE Are you currently paying too much for your life insurance? Or if you haven’t sorted it out yet, are you unsure which policy is for you? Do you want a policy that does not ask any medical questions, or are unsure how your medical conditions may affect it? Are you worried about how to pay for your funeral? Average UK funeral prices can range from £2500 - £4000!
Why not give Bon Accord Life a ring for a free consultation?
Call now on 01793 683309 or email tim.lewis@bonaccordlife.com
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Contact: 01793 524481. 8 OCTOBER Let’s Hang On Time: 19:30 The show returns by popular demand, capturing the original magic of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481.
Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN
Bon Accord Life is a trading name of Lifetime Protection Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 9/6/10
Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN
Join the original and the best celebration of Motown’s Greatest Hits at the Wyvern.
Speak with your local broker, Tim Lewis, who will give you all the facts to make the right decision, so that it is no longer a weight on your mind. Mobility-SAMPLE[3].pdf
A feel good comedy that follows three mature but
09 OCTOBER Dancing In The Streets Time: 19:30
We are a whole of market broker who can answer all your questions so that you can make an informed decision about which is the best way forward for you.
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Contact: 01793 524481. 10 OCTOBER Limehouse Lizzy at the Arts Centre Time: 20:00 One of the hardest working bands in the UK comes to Swindon. Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon Contact: 01793 614837. 11 OCTOBER Katherine Ryan: Glam Role Model Time: 20:00
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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
For a free copy ofcontact the publication please the Road Safety Unit contact the Road Safety Unit 01793 466399 email mtester@swindon.gov.uk 01793 466399
Contact: 01793 614837. 12 OCTOBER Wedding Fayre at Lydiard House Time: 11:00 Getting married? Or just thinking about it? Wedding fayre and open day Lydiard House - Conference Centre, Lydiard Tregoze, West Swindon, Swindon, SN5 3PA Contact: 01793 770062. 12 OCTOBER The Sensational 60’s Experience - 50th
Greyhounds make great pets
retiredgreyhounds.co.uk
email: mtester@swindon.gov.uk 40
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Anniversary Tour Time: 19:30 Without doubt the ultimate 60’s extravaganza touring the UK on its 50th anniversary. Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481 13-14 OCTOBER Shakespeare Schools Festival 2014 Time: 19:00
Family Day Out .... take the bus
The UK’s largest youth drama festival returns to the Wyvern. Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN Contact: 01793 524481. 10 OCTOBER Italian Market Time: 10:00 The UK’s largest youth drama festival returns to the Wyvern. Guildhall Square, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1JH. Contact: 01722 342860. 17 OCTOBER Jim Davidson: No Further Action Time: 7.30pm Plus special guest. Very few comedians could turn the worst year of their life into a resounding success, but fresh from winning Channel 5’s Big Brother, comedy king Jim Davidson has done exactly that. ‘No Further Action’ will see Jim tell the story of his arrest and the nightmare 12 months that followed, the clearing of his name and winning the heart of the nation all over again. It promises to be the most outrageous, hilarious and insightful show Jim has ever performed, but most of all it will be the truth. Tickets: £23.50 and £20 with selected concessions available. Strictly 16+ only. City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434 08 NOVEMBER The Gig to Remember Oasis Leisure Centre Time:19:30 Live music from The Bootleg Beatles and Duke Beatbox Oasis Leisure Centre, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1EP Contact: 01793 445401. 14 NOVEMBER Talon - The Best of Eagles Time: 20:00 This new production will feature all the classic Eagles hits from the timeless back catalogue.
Promoting leisure travel by bus
Wyvern, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN. Contact: 01793 524481.
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With snow and ice on the way the Road Safety Team has issued advice to ensure that you keep safe when driving this Winter.
accelerator and steer, never use the brake as this may lock up your wheels resulting in total loss of control.
Follow these tips and safety advice in order to make your Winter driving incident free...
• Handbrake - Check for damage to handbrake cable covering. Cables should be changed if water has penetrated.
Avoiding a Skid Skidding on ice is the main concern for those driving in freezing conditions. Quite often drivers do not anticipate the impact that snow and ice can have on the handling to your vehicle. The main tip is to keep your speed right - not too fast so that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it – and brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible. Always start gently from a stationary position and avoid high engine revs. If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the 42
Protecting Your Car for the Winter • Engine/cooling system - Check antifreeze levels. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water will protect the engine down to –34ºC.
• Washers and wipers - A 50/50 mix of additive to water is needed in very cold weather. Switch off wipers when parked in frost - doing so prevents damaging blades or overheating the wiper motor when the car is started. • Locks - Oil door and boot locks and spray with water repellent to prevent freezing. Similarly for bonnet and fuel cap. • Diesel - Can become waxy and unusable below –15ºC. Some additives can lower this temperature. If possible, garage your vehicle in extreme cold. • General - Check oil level, battery, lights, and tyre tread and pressures www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
Quick Check - Top 10 Winter Driving Tips 1. Always carry a survival pack in the car, including food, water and a blanket. This should include extra warm clothes. 2. Ensure your phone battery is fully charged and you have an in-car charger. 3. Put a shovel in your boot – in case you need to dig yourself out of trouble. 4. Consider fitting Winter tyres, but even if you don’t, have your summer tyres checked. Winter driving means that tyres should have no less than 3mm remaining tread.
More advice for Winter driving • Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front. • Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. • On motorways stay in the clearest lane where possible, away from slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks if you can. • Stay in a higher gear for better control. • As conditions improve make sure your foglights are only on if necessary – they can dazzle other drivers. • In falling snow use dipped headlights to make yourself visible to others (especially pedestrians)
Preparation • Check the weather in advance – don’t ignore police warnings about closed roads. • Make sure you have an emergency kit so you are prepared in the event of a breakdown. This should include a torch, food for energy, water and a blanket. On longer journeys always let someone know you have set off and tell them your planned route. • Ensure your mobile is charged up so you can make a call in an emergency – but don’t use it when driving! • Do a proper Winter check of your vehicle, looking at washer fluid, de-icer/scraper and tyres.
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5. Have your battery checked. Batteries have to work extra hard in the cold and are more likely to fail. 6. Make sure your windscreen washer fluid is topped up with the correct concentration of screenwash. Windscreens get particularly dirty in the Winter months and screenwash will help prevent the liquid from freezing. 7. Have your coolant checked – the antifreeze needs to protect your engine against the lowest of temperatures. 8. Have your air-con system serviced. It’s not just for summer – an effective air-con system will demist windscreens much more quickly, helping visibility. 9. Adjust your driving style to the conditions – be sensible in the rain, snow and ice. 10. Above all, in bad conditions consider whether your journey is really necessary.
For further information, advice and guidance on Winter driving and all other Road Safety related matters, please contact us on
01793 466399
stars@swindon.gov.uk
ORTHOPAEDICS
OUR JOB ONLY ENDS WHEN THE PRUNING BEGINS THINKING OF HAVING A HIP REPLACEMENT?
Mr David Hollinghurst, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital in Wroughton, provides some helpful guidance about total hip replacements.
If you’re not moving as freely as you would like, pain is preventing you from doing what you love, or you are facing a long wait on the NHS for what you need, we are here to help.
ports of call. At this stage, non-operative measures such as taking simple analgesia or anti-inflammatories by mouth, or using topical anti-inflammatory gel, may be useful. You are also encouraged to lose weight if appropriate and to alter your activities or lifestyle if at all possible. Aerobic exercise that does not involve impact on the hip, such as swimming, cycling, yoga or Pilates are useful.
Hip replacement surgery is just one of the procedures available at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, whether you have Private Medical Insurance or are looking to pay for your treatment yourself.
What can I do to avoid it?
If you have pain in your hip that is interfering with your lifestyle and normal activities of daily living and you have tried nonoperative measures, then you could be a good candidate for a total hip replacement. In the UK, over 60,000 total hip replacements were performed last year.
You should try non-operative measures as above. In addition, Glucosamine tablets and a fish oil supplement may be helpful. Seeing the Surgeon
Who needs surgery? Surgery is generally for patients over the age of 65 who suffer from osteoarthritis of the hip. There are other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or even a fracture of the neck of the femur which may lead to a hip replacement.
occasions. This is worse with ambulation. Stiffness and difficulty with walking can also occur. The pain that is located mainly in the lower back or the buttock area is not generally due to the hip and is more pain referred from the lumbar spine.
What are the symptoms?
Who should I see first?
Patients will generally notice pain that is located in the front of the hip or the groin down to the thigh and the knee on
You should seek advice from your general practitioner or a physiotherapist. These are the usual primary care first
At your consultation, your surgeon will enquire as to the history and duration of your symptoms. Your surgeon will assess the movement of your hip and the length of your leg compared with the other side. X-rays will be examined to check for the degree of arthritis, the type of arthritis and the structure of the bones around the pelvis and the hips. Once the decision has been made that non-operative measures have been tried then the procedure is discussed in more detail.
Your surgeon will explain the run up to the surgery including the pre-operative tests, the procedure itself and after care. The possible complications will also be explained to you in detail. Your surgeon will explain the different types of artificial hips. These suit varying types of individual and different types of bone quality. The total hip replacement involves removing the head and the top part of the neck of the femur and inserting a stem into the marrow cavity onto which fits a ball. The acetabulum is replaced with a cup and lining. It is generally manufactured from high grade medical polyethylene material articulating with cobalt chrome metal heads. A ceramic articulation is also possible. The Birmingham hip resurfacing method is also available to young active male patients who wish to remain active.Your surgeon will explain which of these procedures is best for you based on your age and lifestyle. Your hospital stay You are generally admitted early on the morning of your planned surgery. Prior to this you will have visited the pre-admission clinic for appropriate tests and advice
On the day of surgery your surgeon will visit you and obtain informed consent and mark the appropriate side with an ink marker pen
Air travel is permitted after 6 weeks post-op for short haul and 12 weeks for long haul on account of the increased risk of DVT
The surgery generally takes between 1–1 ½ hours and, following this, you will spend a further hour in the recovery room
You can generally return to work after 6 weeks
Post-operative physiotherapy exercises and mobilisation are key to early and rapid discharge. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis with the TED stocking, (calf compression device) and relevant medication to help reduce the risk of blood clots are routinely prescribed. Patients generally stay for 3 days, depending on their mobility. Your recovery You will go home when passed fit by the physiotherapists You will have an exercise sheet to follow and you will normally be free of walking aids at the 3–4 week stage Help will be needed at home for the first 2 weeks Driving is not allowed until 6 weeks following surgery
You can return to play golf and most sporting activities at 6 weeks Hip replacements generally last for 10–15 years depending on the activity level of the patient. Paying for your treatment is more affordable than you might think. With fixed price packages you know the total cost of your treatment up front, with no unexpected bills. There is also the option to spread the cost over 12 months interest free with our unique BMI Card. For more information on paying for yourself or to make an appointment with Mr David Hollinghurst at BMI The Ridgeway Hospital please call 0800 096 2605. BMI The Ridgeway Hospital Moormead Road, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 9DD
Serious about health. Passionate about care. 032012 © BMI 2014
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 isn’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 can’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.
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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
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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.
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Swindon health watchdog is on the move A health watchdog which gives Swindon people a powerful voice in how health and social care services are run is moving to a one-stop advice centre for the town.
“We really do make a difference, but we need the support of the local community to do so, this is why we’d like more people to join the Board. They don’t need any health background, they just need to live in Swindon and want to make a difference.”
Healthwatch Swindon, which marked its first anniversary this spring, is relocating to one of Swindon town centre’s historic buildings, Sanford House, in Sanford Street, which has begun a new lease of life as the Swindon Advice and Support Centre. As an independent organisation, Healthwatch Swindon allows local people to have their say. It represents people’s interest and acts as a channel for the views and experiences of health and social care services users, covering any area of health, from GP practices and dental surgeries, to the Great Western Hospital, and it can also support and advise people who’ve come across problems with their care provision.
The role of director is voluntary, and involves a few hours each month plus a requirement to attend Swindon Council’s health quality committee meetings. Already on the Board are Ben Curtis and Iain Watts.
Standing: Rossanne Hamilton & Jason Ferris Sitting: Pete Rowe & Jo Osorio
Iain said: “I joined the Board through the Zurich Community Trust, as I was looking for a way to contribute to the community. I’ve found it very rewarding, and on a personal level now have a much greater understanding about health and social care services in Swindon.” Ben added: “Healthwatch Swindon is an excellent platform for giving the people of Swindon a voice, which is vital to help influence the design and delivery of health and social care services – not just for now but also for the future.”
The new centre is designed to help local people in most need, and is home to a number of organisations which specialise in providing information, advice and support, including Voluntary Action Swindon, the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Swindon Advocacy Movement and Swindon Mind. Pete Rowe, Healthwatch Swindon manager, said he and the team were very excited about the move and were also looking for members of the community to join their board of directors.
care services and service providers, and worked with NHS England to develop an effective patient participation model for GP surgeries.”
“In our first year we have already made an impact and raised issues to local commissioners of health and social
Anyone interested in joining the Board should email Pete for an information pack to pete.rowe@healthwatchswindon. org.uk. For further information about Healthwatch Swindon, please visit www.healthwatchswindon.org.uk.
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.
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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.
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www.bluebirdcare.co.uk Bluebird Care - Swindon Park House, Church Place, Swindon SN1 5ED www.50plusmagazine.co.uk
Helping you start a new business in Swindon The Centre for Cities’ recent report placed Swindon in fourth place, behind Cambridge, Edinburgh and Brighton, for growth and innovation strategies in the small business sector. Outset Swindon’s experience certainly bears out the fact that small business is booming in Swindon, and the over 50s are playing a key role in this growth. Outset Swindon has now supported the creation of more than 100 new business and 110 jobs, and £100,000 of start-up finance has been raised through various schemes including the Start Up Loans service Outset Finance. But it doesn’t stop there; the not-for-profit organisation has also helped around 50 clients who are already self-employed or running their own business but felt they could benefit from some additional help to navigate a range of challenges and opportunities. Almost 25% of Outset’s clients are aged 50 plus, with an even split between men and women. These entrepreneurs are putting their skills and experience to good use, starting up new businesses across a broad range of sectors.
Robert Buckland MP tried his hand at the buzz wire game during the roadshow
One example is Cynthia Bell who, together with her daughter Maxime, has set up Pointe Perfection to supply pointe ballet shoes and other dance items to local ballet schools and dancers who otherwise would have to travel to Reading and London to buy such specialist equipment (featured in advert opposite). Outset Swindon has been commissioned by Swindon Borough Council and the European Regional Development Fund to provide free guidance and support services to local people who are interested in finding out how to start their own business, or have recently started a new business. The fully-funded programme is open to everyone over the age of 16 and living in Swindon Borough. Services include information sessions, business start-up workshops, one-to-one client mentoring and help with accessing finance. Outset Swindon’s sister company Outset Finance is a governmentaccredited Start Up Loans provider offering personal loans at a fixed rate of 6% to people in the UK who have not yet started trading or have been trading for less than 12 months. Community outreach and innovative marketing are a core part of Outset’s strategy. SWINDON 105.5 community radio and Outset Swindon recently joined forces to run a Community Roadshow that visited key areas in North, Central and West Swindon. The “Doctor Who” theme featuring a Dalek and K9 certainly attracted a great deal of attention, enabling staff to interact with the local community, talk about the new businesses that are being created and encourage people to come along to an information session to explore their business ideas. The national Outset programme is celebrating the creation of 3,000 new businesses across the UK. Established by the YTKO Group in 2009, and currently operating in seven locations, Outset is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and various local councils. This latest milestone is a result of engaging over 16,000 individuals in the South West and the East of England; almost 20% of these businesses have been created by the over-50s.
If you would like to know more about the free business start-up services available through Outset Swindon, check out www.outsetswindon.co.uk or freephone 0800 080 3024.
Justin Tomlinson MP with Outset Swindon Marketing Manager Jane Pearce and a Dalek during the roadshow at Asda North Swindon
The Mayor of Swindon Teresa Page visited the roadshow in West Swindon
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. Cynth
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.
ia & Maxime 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
Living well with dementia Life doesn’t end when a person has been diagnosed with dementia. There will still be plenty the person can do. Encouraging them to get on with life as normal and to continue enjoying their usual activities will help. Evidence shows that keeping active, both physically and mentally, is good for slowing down the onset of the condition. It’s a good time for them to think about taking up a new interest or a hobby to keep their mind and body active such as visiting museums, going swimming or joining an art class. It might be something a family member or a friend could do with them. Avoid scaring yourself with too much material about everything that could happen. It might not. The progress of dementia is very difficult to predict. Also, you will encounter differing views, which can be confusing. Research enough to get an overview and then deal with each situation as it arises.
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Living in the now Don’t predict the future, focus on the present. Make plans for the future but live day-to-day. Take each day as it comes and enjoy it to the best of your ability. What course dementia will take is hard to predict and may not follow an expected path. Live in the present, make the most of each day, be ready to adapt and make changes to deal with anything that might occur but don’t focus on these changes. Encourage the person you are caring for to do the same.
Focusing on strengths Concentrate on taking advantage of what the person with dementia can still do. If they always loved gardening, find gardening projects to do together. If they enjoyed going fishing, go with them or arrange for someone interested to go. It can be difficult to judge ability to do things as it may vary from day to day. Pushing too hard to do things can result in the person becoming irritable. Be adaptable and adjust activities to suit. In the early stages, using memory aids
such as lists and notes will help. Later you will need to use other tactics such as always beginning a conversation, laying out their clothes in the right order, and so on.
Using activities to maintain well-being and self-esteem Continuing to participate in daily life and doing things, contributes to maintaining self-esteem, general wellbeing and a feeling of being in control of life. It also acts as a distraction from the condition and helps the person focus on positive aspects of life. However, the tension caused by declining ability and the need for involvement can make it a constant struggle for you, as carer, to help the person find appropriate ways to stay active and pass the time without being bored. Balancing this, you will find that using your creativity to find different ways to stimulate someone with dementia can bring you closer together, help you find new ways of relating to each other and be very rewarding and satisfying.
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Caring for yourself Caring for someone with dementia can have a significant effect on your own health and life. You may often put your loved one’s needs before your own but unless you look after yourself you will find it more and more difficult to cope. This in turn will impact on how you look after the person with dementia. You may cope well to begin with but, be aware that as time goes on it becomes more and more physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s best to be prepared, safeguard your own health and well-being, ensuring that you’ll be able to continue to cope in the future.
Finding further help Carewatch Swindon has a dedicated and compassionate team of trained dementia care and support workers. They are able to help support you and your loved one in a way that best suits you. It can help to know that you have a support system, especially for when you need to take a break. You can call their friendly team on 01793 432 666.
Free Dementia Guides This article is taken from Carewatch dementia guides, written for Carewatch by Robin Dynes, who has worked in the National Health Service, Social Services and Adult Education for over 30 years as a counsellor and trainer. You can subscribe to receive a free five-part series ‘Activities for People with Dementia’ from www.carewatch.co.uk/dementia-care and download their dementia guides for free: • What to do after a dementia diagnosis • Learning to live with dementia • Creating a family crisis plan • Caring for yourself
Supporting independent living at home with a flexible and reliable home care and support service
Choice, Support & Independence
Our staff are highly trained, compassionate people who like to make a real difference in the lives of those we support. We can help with most things around the home: P Tidying, cleaning & washing up P Laundry and ironing P Preparing and cooking meals P Managing household bills P Grocery shopping P Making/changing the bed P Organising days out/social activities
We help with personal care routines: P Getting dressed/undressed P Washing/bathing/showering P Personal appearance P Managing continence P Prompting to take medicine For more information about our home care services, please call us on:
01793 432666 www.carewatch-swindon.co.uk
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HEALTH reduced by 50% to avoid further risk of disease and death4. • Stay hydrated: Having a glass of water before and after a meal can make you feel fuller, helping to prevent overeating. Water is also essential for removing toxins from the body, aiding concentration and boosting energy levels! • Shop with a list: You are more likely to keep weight off and stay healthier if you go shopping with a list, as you are far less likely to succumb to those special deals which are great for your purse or wallet, but not so good for the waist line.
Highlighting Public Health: The Obesity Crisis in the UK Understand Your Risk Factors with Life Line Screening. As a nation, it appears that we are becoming more overweight. With the number of obesity cases tripling in the last 25 years, it’s no surprise that this growing health concern has taken centre-stage in recent news stories. Researchers now warn that obesity is reaching worrying epidemic proportions and that over 50% of England could be obese by 20501. Why are health officials so worried about obesity? Being overweight puts people at an increased risk of a wide range of avoidable health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. Recent research suggests that last year, there were 163,000 new cases of diabetes and that the increase is largely due to the rise of obesity2. There is also growing concern about the increasing burden on the NHS, as obesity-linked health conditions are said to cost the NHS over £5 billion per year3. 52
The good news is that practicing a healthy lifestyle can help to improve or prevent obesity and its associated health problems. Dietitian and health coach Andrew Wilson is working with Life Line Screening to help people make little changes to their diet which can have a big impact on their health. “Diet and lifestyle habits play an important part in preventing obesity and substantially reducing our risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type-2 diabetes. There are simple ways you can improve your diet without cutting out the foods you love altogether; it’s about developing healthy habits that will help you stick to a new routine.” Top Tips to Prevent Obesity and Achieve a Healthy Weight: • 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 obesity. Doctors suggest sugar levels need to be
• 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. • Get active: Exercising can help to boost your metabolism – making it an easy and natural way to maintain a healthy weight! Try to incorporate more physical activity into your day by using the stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus a stop earlier or parking your car further away from your destination. • Get checked: A health screening is a good way to learn more about the status of your health so that you can tackle any issues and make positive lifestyle changes with the help of your GP. Life Line Screening offers a range of reliable, affordable and preventive health screening services including heart disease and type-2 diabetes risk assessments, carried out by a team of highly trained healthcare professionals. For more information visit: www.lifelinescreening.co.uk.
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Choosing a stairlift can sometimes be a confusing process. Knowing what questions to ask and the factors to take into consideration are important. Many factors can determine which type of stairlift best suits your needs. General considerations: Before deciding on the most suitable form of stairlift consider the following: It’s advisable that the stairlift covers the whole staircase. Some people will attempt to save costs by installing a straight stairlift on a curved staircase and attempt to manage the first or last few steps. However, if their condition deteriorates, they will no longer be able to manage this. Bending knees: Is the user able to bend their knees sufficiently to travel in a seated position? Who will operate the stairlift?: Does the lift need to be operated by the user, their carer or both? Remote controls are available to allow users and carers to operate the lift but it will be easier to have these fitted during the initial installation. The environment: This includes doors or thresholds near the staircase, or banister rails, and radiators near the staircase. Other users of the stairs: Think about children, pets, elderly visitors. Other members of the household Can other members of the household easily use the stairway when the lift is folded against the wall? Travelling position: Sitting or perching? Will the user want to perch or sit on a seat? If perching is preferred, is there sufficient headroom when the stairlift travels up the stairs? Controls: Will the user be able to operate the standard controls of the wheelchair lift, usually push button controls sited on the end of the armrest, or is an alternative method required, for example a joystick or toggle controls?
thousands of people with a reliable stairlift. Brooks have brought safety and independence on the stairs to thousands, through their innovation, commitment and inspiration. Brooks stairlifts are a reliable, safe and comfortable alternative for people who may have difficulties getting up and down their stairs. Brooks stairlifts are simple to operate and do not damage your home as the threads are attached to your stairs and not your wall. As well as these advantages, Brooks stairlifts are not obtrusive to others as they have a slim-line design which enables others to use the stairs as normal.
Swindon Stairlift Services @ Swindon Mobility Centre We have a local stairlift engineer who is here for all of your stairlift needs - Installation, Servicing & Repair. Our friendly fitter will assess your needs, look at the options available to you and if you go ahead perform a quick and clean installation at a time that suits you.
We offer: l
New stair lifts 2 years warranty included l Quality reconditioned stairlifts - 1 year warranty included l Servicing l Evening and weekend call out l Stairlift assistance for carpet change
Financial help: You may be able to obtain specialist equipment or to have your home adapted by the local authority following an assessment of your needs.
For a free no obligation quotation please contact us on
In 1972, Mr Frederick Brooks designed his first stairlift for his wife Grace when she started to find the stairs too difficult due to her rheumatoid arthritis.
or email on swindonstairliftservices@gmail.com
Over the years, Brooks Stairlifts have worked closely with homecare professionals to turn ideas into reality and provide 54
01793 423484
Swindon Stairlift Services @ Swindon Mobility Centre 125 Rodbourne Road, Swindon SN2 2AX www.swindonmobility.co.uk
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Choosing the right care means understanding all your options
That’s why we offer free advice on elderly care to the people that need it – whether you have questions about yourself, a friend or family member. Our team of specially trained advisors are on hand to answer questions on all aspects of elderly care. It’s free, you don’t need our health insurance and lines are open seven days a week.
Discover what care could mean for you in Swindon
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0333 331 7760†
www.50plusmagazine.co.uk † Lines open Monday and Friday, 8am – 8pm Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 5pm. Calls to 03 numbers from any line are charged at no more than local rates and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.
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NEW BEDROO M SHOWR OOM NOW O PEN
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. Our new bedroom showroom includes the award winning Daval bedroom pictured above, as well as our range of sliders. We provide a fully project managed installation service to take all the hassle away.
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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 Nuimage don’t employ commission only Salespeople, like a lot of their competitors. There is no pressure, just help and advice.
For FREE computerised design and quotation without obligation
01793 644600
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