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FEBRUARY - ARPIL 2015

SWINDON EDITION 26

Torvill & Dean

Through the years

Hairy Bikers

Healthy Low Calorie Recipes UK & European Coach Holidays From Barnes Coaches THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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CONTENTS

INSIDE...

8-9

24-25

12-13

26-28

8-9

Rambling Holidays ...

Time to tread a new path?

6-7

2015 UK & European Coach Holidays ...

Free home pickup on tours 4 days and over

12-13

Torvill & Dean ...

Through the years.

24-25

New Year, New You? ...

What's going to change in your life

26-28

The Hairy Dieters...

‘Eat For Life’ recipes.

36-45

Out and About ...

Places to visit and things to do.

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

3

Can you make a change?

Be a Samaritan and make a difference

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.

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.

Causes to get involved in that would provide your new purpose would be Samaritans. Samaritans is a charity aimed

4

at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, through their telephone helpline, email and in branches. The first call to the Samaritans was made on 2nd November 1953 and this date is recognised as Samaritans’ official birthday. The service received lots of press coverage and on December 7th, 1953 the Daily Mirror coined the term “Telephone Good Samaritans” and although Samaritans is not a religious organisation, the name has stuck and become synonymous with the idea of people being there for others struggling to cope.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact: 08705 62 72 82 or emaill: volunteering@samaritans.org.

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.

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 the spa

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

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

25/04/2014 11:29:36

TWITTERING ON

Cooartin’ bother For those unfamiliar with the vagaries of Lancashire dialect the headline means “courting trouble”.

I am probably doing just that by venturing into commenting on how we treat our language and regional accents but it does get on my wick.

Social media, especially Twitter, has a lot to answer for and there has to be a distinct possibility that in 20 years’ time today’s younger generation will have completely lost the power of speech and communicate through fingers, thumbs and a series of guttural grunts.

Even my wife has taken to e-mailing me her weekly schedule and I’ve occasionally been in the same room when she’s sent it! Kids text and e-mail instructions to parents in the same house. The once treasured English language and its many

dialects and accents is in its death throes!

I have a few major gripes and the incorrect use of the possessive apostrophe (that’s a comma) has to be the main one. A sign outside a café in my village proudly announces that they sell tea’s, coffee’s, hot meal’s, sandwiche’s, cake’s and soft drink’s !

What’s that all about?

Some educationally challenged airhead suggested recently that it doesn’t matter about spelling any more. Oh, right, let’s scrap English from the school curriculum and replace it with a Diploma in Social Media shall we? Standards aren’t just falling they’re plummeting faster than a text book launched from an upstairs window.

Now, to dialect. I met someone recently who has often reminded me of the wonderful Lancashire phrases we must never lose.

“I haven’t christened tea yet,” “He’s ett’n miggle eawt un left or’t theawtsides.

He has eaten the middle out and left all the outsides.

Graham Smith

Mi yeds aw muggl’t up.

My head is in a muddle.

Am beawn’t bey a new moggle.

I am going to buy a new model.

Hers figglin’t books.

She is fiddling the books.

Wonderful stuff. This should be taught in schools as mandatory. I spent some time back in Lancashire recently and noticed the kids of today are more Neighbours than Nelson. Keep these great sayings alive….nuff said.

Fancy a quick one?

An Australian man has been charged by police after parking a plane outside a pub while he went inside for a beer.

The 37-year-old had just bought the wingless Beechcraft two-seater and was on his way home when he decided to stop for a drink.

He taxied the light aircraft down the main street in Newman, Western Australia, and then parked it outside the Newman Hotel, leaving the engine running.

Give yourself a lift

Police said he passed a breathalyser test, but was charged with endangering the life, health and safety of residents because the propeller was still spinning.

Local residents were amused to see the sight of a plane parked outside the well-known local hostelry.

A bar tender at the Newman Hotel said the man was a “local character” who entertained pub patrons by “playing dumb” when questioned by police.

But Newman police sergeant Mark McKenzie said: “Kids were coming home from school. It could have been very ugly.

“People think it was a bit of a laugh but it was very dangerous and we’re not very happy with it.”

And finally…

At the time of writing this column, Christmas was approaching.

Could someone please tell me what the connection is between Christmas and sofas?

Why the hell is every TV advert geared towards spending £999.99 on a blasted sofa? Some bimboesque voice over, with a voice like a corn crake, keeps screaming at me that I need a new sofa. Why? And nothing to pay until 2027. Oh, do me a favour love, sit down and shut up.

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01793 821303

www.barnescoaches.co.uk

2015 UK & European Coach Holidays River and Rail in Ireland ... Wicklow This short break to the East Coast of Ireland is filled with treats including a guided rail tour, a scenic river cruise, tea and scones and 2 nights entertainment at the hotel. This holiday operated for the first time in 2014 when it sold out and was a great success!

Hotel Information ROYAL HOTEL, BRAY 3 star hotel with leisure facilities.

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price 19 April

SS

£389 NIL

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

Venice & The Adriatic

Includes Lake Garda, Verona & the Dolomites Lido di Jesolo is a purpose-built beach resort on the Adriatic Sea close to Venice and has miles of sandy beaches. This tour gives us two free days to enjoy the beach whilst at resort and there are 3 differing yet fantastic days out to Venice, Verona and into the Dolomites to view some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere.

We take a different route to and from Italy both offering great scenery.

Hotel Information CABARFEIDH HOTEL, STORNOWAY Stornoway’s finest hotel is a luxurious 3 star.

9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Date Price The Dolomites

30 May

£679 £76

SS

£479 £87

&Price TheIncludes: Ring of Kerry

3 Return Coach Travel 8 days - 3 Ferry Crossings 7nts dinner, bed & breakfast.

3 Hotel Accommodation of Bed, Includes 2 excursions.

Breakfast & Evening Meal 3 Tours.

Wild Brittany Everything about Brittany is distinctive, from its geography to its traditions and language. The region stands apart from the rest of France, its long peninsular reaching out into the Atlantic.

We spend 3 nights in Fouesnant, a truly typical seaside town with long sandy beaches.

Hotel Information BEST WESTERN CAP COZ HOTEL, FOUESNANT 3 star hotel in a quiet location overlooking the sea.

Hotel Information KINGS ARMS, SKYE In a charming village with views across the Kyle of Lochlash.

03 May

Th of co sur

Killarney

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

Visit the Outer Hebrides Isles of Lewis and Harris on this great tour as well as the Isle of Skye! It is a circular tour so you see the best of the Scottish mainland as well. This tour operated for the first time in 2014 when it sold out and was a great success!

SS

Kil tou wi the lak Na

Hotel Information RIVER ISLAND, CASTLEISLAND Ireland ~ 3 star hotel centrally located in this vibrant market town.

The Outer Hebrides & the Isle of Skye

Date Price

Group Benefit

This County Kerry tour combines a generous entertainment package with an exciting boat cruise and dolphin-watching experience around Dingle Bay. Our base is the busy market town of Castleisland famed for the width of its High Street and at this main hotel there is a free drink and entertainment every evening.

£669 £121

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD

SS

£959 £156

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

* 5 year diary for all in instalments Delightful Dingle Bay and Ring*ofPay Kerry * Own chosen pick-u includes Dolphin Cruise and Blarney Castle * Sole use of coach f

SS

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

The islands off the coast of Scotland hold a wealth of worldclass prehistoric monuments, a legacy of early settlers who built their villages and monuments, a legacy of early settlers who built their villages and monuments way before Stonehedge! In fact a visit is included to “Scotland’s Stonehedge” on the Isle of Lewis, as well as two remarkable village settlements on Orkney and Shetland. 2 nights are spent onboard Northlink ships and accommodation is in twins so no bunk beds! This amazing tour is now operating for its third year and shouldn’t be missed!

16 May

9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS HALF BOARD 25 April

Group To

Date Price

Hotel Information HARRY’S HOTEL, LIDO DI JESOLO 3 star hotel set directly adjacent to the ocean with sun terrace.

Date Price

Wonder of Scotland includng Orkney, Shetland and Isle of Lewis

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

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price

SS

31 May £599 £145 4 berth outside cabin £20pp

Ireland

Scotland ~ Romantic Highland Railways

5 days -

S S S

Bre the Inv Ky the Hig ba kn Eu mo

Bas wit Hig

M

Price Includes: 4nts dinner, bed & breakfast. excursions.

3 ReturnIncludes Coach 2Travel 3 Channel Crossings 3 Hotel Accommodation BROCHURE O of Bed, Breakfast NEW & Evening Meal (except on the first evening where evening meal is not included) 3 Tours.

Book online or call: 01793 821303

0800 785

FREE HOME PICKUP on tours 4 days and over The Outer Hebrides

Isle of Lewis, Harris, Barra, Benbecula & The Uists A journey of discovery visiting no less than 8 of Scotland’s Western Isles!

Some are linked by causeway and there are ferry rides between others amidst stunning and ever changing scenery. This is a circular tour travelling up and back by different routes so you see the best of the Scottish mainland as well.

Hotel Information CABARFEIDH HOTEL, STORNOWAY Stornoway’s finest hotel is a luxurious 4-star.

ISLE OF BARRA HOTEL The most westerly hotel in Britain overlooking the beautiful white sandy beach of Tangasdale Beach.

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price 03 June

SS

£729 £105

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

Fermanagh Lakes and Sunset Dinner Cruise inc. Florence Court, Belleek Pottery and Ulster American Folk Park The landscape of crystal clear lakes scattered with islands and peninsulas makes this the perfect retreat and this is enhanced by our staying in an elegant 18th century manor house, now a 4 star hotel.

The highlight of the holiday is a 2 hour sunset dinner cruise on the peaceful waters of Lough Erne.

Hotel Information MANOR HOUSE COUNTRY HOUSE, KILLADEAS Located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands this is a superb retreat with a superb sense of tranquillity, superb Lough views and full leisure facilities.

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price 07 June

SS

£499 £86

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

River Rhine & Heidelberg Rudesheim am Rhein

Our charming 3 star hotel is situated just a few steps from the Rhine and the famous Drosselgasse which is a hive of activity day and night. Whilst at the hotel we will have a Rhine Theme on one night and a Wine Growers Themed night on another.

Hotel Information HOTEL LINDENWIRT, RUDESHEIM Traditionally decorated 3 star hotel with an abundance of character built around a courtyard.

5 DAYS HALF BOARD Date Price 28 June

SS

£399 £58

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

Giant’s Causeway & Titanic Belfast including Dublin City sights, award winning tourist attractions and exceptional scenery throughout a great tour. 2012 marked the 100th Anniversary of the famous sinking of the Titanic and to commemorate its most famous icon a wonderful £100 million tourist attraction was opened in Belfast. We have included a visit to the Titanic Museum following our 2.5 hour guided tour of Belfast and we also visit the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway.

Hotel Information STORMONT HOTEL, BELFAST A 4 star hotel overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Stormont Estate.

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price 19 July

SS

£519 £94

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

Swiss Trains and Italian Lakes includes the spectacular Bernina Express!

With a combination of outstanding mountain scenery, a spectacular rail journey and serene Italian Lakes, this tour is sure to suit all tastes! In Switzerland we stay in the renowned resort of Davos and in Italy we stay on the shores of Italy’s secret treasure, Lake Iseo. We also visit Lake Garda and even spend a short time in the Tyrolean Alps in Austria!

Hotel Information CENTRAL SPORTHOTEL, DAVOS 4 star hotel within walking distance of the resort’s lovely shopping arcade.

ISEOLAGO HOTEL, ISEO 4 star hotel located near the lake and 1/2 mile from town.

9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price 20 July

SS

£875 £142

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

Hidden Railways of Scotland~ Keith & Dufftown, Caledonian and Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway In addition to Scotland’s lovely scenery, this holiday travels on 3 restored railways and visits Scotland’s finest railway museum!

There are also excursions to see Angus and the Highlands and en route we enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Pass of Glenshee and the serene beauty of Royal Deeside.

Hotel Information PARK INN HOTEL, ABERDEEN Located in the heart of the city and its impressive architecture.

7 DAYS/6 NIGHTS HALF BOARD Date Price 29 July

SS

£479 £105

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

For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Time To Tread A New Path?

By Paul Brown from Silver Travel Advisor Now, if I were to say to you that I could advise you of something that could: •

Improve your heart and lungs

•

Improve your muscles

•

Help to prevent osteoporosis and the risk of broken bones in falls

•

Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke

•

Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol

•

Reduce body fat and improve flexibility

•

Enhance your mental wellbeing,

you would think that I had invented a new wonder drug or that I had become delusional.

Wrong. Quite simply, walkers live longer!

The physical and mental health benefits of walking are at long last being recognised by the Government, who are advising the medical profession to promote exercise to their patients.

8

Our busy modern lifestyles mean that the daily exercise our parents and grandparents took as a matter of routine in walking or cycling to work and then performing physical jobs is, for the most part long gone. Nowadays more and more jobs are sedentary, sitting at a desk, operating computers or telephones, supplemented by a home lifestyle of television and computer games. The easy option of unhealthy (but tasty!) snacks or takeaway meals delivered to your door don’t help. A record number of cars sold in the U.K. this year and burgeoning numbers of passengers using buses and railways all point to less exercise being taken by the general population.

This is being observed in obesity figures, with a quarter of the population being classed as obese. In fact, a recent study

by Manchester University students of a single medical practice discovered that 29% of patients who were encouraged to take exercise were able to give up anti-depressants, 92.5% reported improvements in mood, almost all patients had reduced blood pressure, whilst 61% said they had lost weight.

(Walk magazine, Autumn 2014).

Paul is a retired Police Inspector who has held a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He is an experienced fell and mountain walker who has completed many challenge walks and National Trails. He is also a frequent contributor to Silver Travel Advisor, and the author of The White Rose Way (www. whiteroseway.co.uk), a 100 mile walking trail from Leeds to Scarborough.

My own introduction to the great outdoors came at thirteen years of age, when I was persuaded by a school teacher to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Tackling Beamsley Beacon (1289ft, 393m) just outside Ilkley was a gentle enough introduction, but I was soon hooked on the fresh air, panoramic views and wildlife I encountered and walking became a lifelong passion.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Being fortunate enough to live in God’s Own County of Yorkshire, I was on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales and took advantage of this whenever I could.

As my interest grew, so did my walking challenges and I began to explore more hard-core walks and climbs in the Lake District and Scotland.

City dwellers need not despair however as every town and city has open spaces, parks, canal towpaths and networks of public footpaths on which to get started.

Neither is age a barrier, both young and old can take part. I frequently encounter walkers well into their 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s on the hills and moors.

Even if it is a short, easy going stroll for a couple of hundred yards or so to start with, the benefits will soon be felt and as the distance increases so will your physical well-being. The secret to it, is to have the mind-set that you WILL do it on a regular basis, daily or every other day or even weekly. Stick to a routine if you can so that it becomes second nature. Do it rain or shine, after all, as Roald Amundsen said, “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing”.

There is no need to go to great expense in getting the right waterproof clothing either. There are many good suppliers of outdoor jackets, trousers and boots at very reasonable cost. Look for breathability and water- repellency as a first step. If walking becomes a serious hobby, gear can always be upgraded later.

Soon, you will gain in confidence as your fitness improves and will be looking further afield.

The Rambler’s Association can help you to find local walking groups and give further advice. They can be found at www.ramblers.org.uk. Their preferred holiday partners at www. ramblersholidays.co.uk can even

provide walking holidays led by experienced walking guides. All ages and abilities are catered for, from complete beginners to experienced walkers.

One of the most refreshing aspects of walking has been the friendliness and camaraderie of fellow walkers. Everyone is just SO friendly. Some of the people I have met whilst walking have remained friends for a lifetime.

From kingfishers to stoats, rare flowers and birds, sunrises and sunsets from the peaks of mountains, blizzard white-outs, to snow drifts over my head, diamonddust airborne frosts, myriads of stars and satellites in inky black skies and even the Northern Lights, these are just some of the life enhancing sights I have seen over the years whilst out walking.

You could too, and gain all the benefits highlighted at the beginning of this article without really trying.

So, what are you waiting for?

Is television really that good? Get your boots on and get healthier!

For more information contact Ramblers Holidays Worldwide on 01707 331133 or info@ramblersholidays.co.uk

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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9

Great south coast holidays SELF-DRIVE & COACH INCLUSIVE BREAKS

£109

GREAT VALUE 5 DAY HALF BOARD BREAKS

from

per person

When it comes to inviting, relaxing breaks in the south, we have the ideal holiday for you.

Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway or a group break with like-minded people, our seven hotels cover the south’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.

Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in comfort, while our self-drive holidays offer the freedom of having your own car.

Every break includes: • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation • Breakfast & 3-course evening meal • Live nightly entertainment

Trio awarded Certificate of Excellence We are proud to announce that three of our group – the Barrowfield, Devonshire and Daish’s hotels – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Six fabulous locations, seven great hotels

newquay

Barrowfield Hotel

torquay

Devonshire Hotel

weymouth

Hotel Prince Regent

weymouth

Russell Hotel

Request your new 2015 brochure now!

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham, Swindon and Trowbridge make it easy to get away.

COACH DAYS BOARD INCLUSIVE PRICE

DATE DESTINATION HOTEL

February 22

DATE DESTINATION HOTEL

COACH DAYS BOARD INCLUSIVE PRICE

September

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£109

March

01

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Half

£229

04

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

Half

£229

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

Half

£169

07

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

Half

£129

28

13

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

Half

£169

October

30

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

Half

£189

01

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£169

08

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Half

£179

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

6

Half

£179

10

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

6

Half

£229

16

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

Half

£179

April 28 May 05

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£159

November

06

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

Half

£184

06

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

4

Half

£119

18

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£164

06

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth 4

Half

£129

21

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

6

Half

£249

20

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£169

21

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

Half

£169

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

Half

£179

June 05

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

4

Half

£144

23

05

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth 4

Half

£194

December

22

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

Half

£164

02

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£169

07

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

Half

£159

17

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£199

16

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Half

£159

24

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Half

£209

23

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

Full

£399

29

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

Half

£249

23

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Full

£399

23

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth 5

Full

£419

July

August 07

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

4

Half

£154

27

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

4

Half

£159

07

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth 4

Half

£169

27

Hotel Prince Regent – Weymouth 4

Half

£179

19

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

Half

£299

7

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a Standard Room. Supplements apply on twin/double rooms with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates available in 2015.

If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

bournemouth

Bournemouth Sands Hotel

isle of wight

Daish’s Hotel

eastbourne

Claremont Hotel

Call 01803 201 432 or visit daishs.com quote 50PLUSSWI facebook.com/daishs @daishs _ holidays

Torvill and Dean: Through The Years...

THERE are iconic moments in sport that define a career and Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are known internationally for theirs.

It was, of course, that wonderful movement at the end of their four minutes and 28 seconds’ dance at the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia when they flung themselves on the ice as the finale of their performance to Ravel’s “Bolero.”

The 24 million TV viewers in the UK, and the millions more around the world, were totally transfixed. And that turned to uplifting delight when the judges all scored them perfect sixes.

There has, quite simply, never been an ice moment like it before or since.

Certainly, their story on the ice is the stuff of dreams. They were teenagers 12

when they first met in 1968, but it was not until seven years later at Nottingham ice-rink that the two first danced together.

coach Janet Sawbridge they won their first competitions together in Sheffield and Bristol and then in St Gervais, France.

A school trip to the local ice-rink at the age of eight had been enough to show Jayne that skating was what she wanted to do. At the age of 14, she and her then partner became the British National Pairs Champions but they later parted and Jayne continued skating solo.

They came second in an international competition followed by a fourth place finish at the British Championships. In 1979, they were placed sixth at the European Championships in Zagreb, Yugoslavia (now Croatia) and eighth at the World Championships in Vienna.

Their main focus was skating and there was little time for a social life when early mornings and late nights were spent at cold ice-rinks. But all this paid off when they became British champions again.

Chris started skating at the age of 10 after getting skates as a Christmas present; he was sporty at school and saw ice-skating as athletic and graceful.

He began skating with another partner at 14 and they became the British Junior Dance champions, but they also split up.

Perhaps fate was simply waiting for its moment to put them together, but one thing is certain: when they teamed up in 1975 under the watchful eye of

Jayne was working in insurance and Chris was a policeman but success was already threatening to eclipse other careers and, after placing fifth in the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York, they both gave up their jobs to skate together full-time.

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Championships only weeks later. It is to their great credit that they surpassed their performance the previous year with top marks. With the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo less than 12 months away, the signs were good.

In 1984, thanks to the ambitious and mesmeric dance to “Bolero” that Chris had choreographed, they stepped into the pages of sporting history.

They also stepped into the full glare of the media spotlight and we wanted to know all about them: were they a couple? Who were they as individuals away from the ice?

Little personal detail escaped into the public arena, but career-wise, they turned professional to start the next phase of their working lives together.

Jayne and Chris have continued to entertain through ice-dance over the years, and just eight years ago started the phenomenally successful TV series “Dancing on Ice.” This pairing of celebrity would-be skaters with professionals, the expert input of Jayne and Chris and their still-beautiful dancing together to show everyone how it should be done proved to be a ratings’ winner.

The move paid off. They were not expected to win the European Championships in Innsbruck in 1981 as the Russians had dominated the sport for the previous 12 years. But, on a special night for British skating, Jayne and Chris became the European Ice Dance Champions, and six weeks later in America they won their first World Championship Medal.

Suddenly, we were all more aware of ice-dancing. And we were very aware of the young Nottingham couple with the clean-cut image.

In 2013 they announced that the 2014 series would be the last, citing the 30th anniversary of their iconic Sarajevo win because “it seemed a fitting time to say goodbye to ‘Dancing on Ice’. We wanted to go out on a high!”

It’s quite likely other projects will keep the busy pair in the public eye.

The important thing is that they reject any suggestion they will be hanging up their skates.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have undoubtedly raised the profile of ice-dance over the years, both in the pubic consciousness and at the very levels of this demanding and beautiful discipline.

Could they ever eclipse that “Bolero” moment? It’s hard to say but all we know for sure is that this exciting pair have smoothly skated into our lives bringing excellence at every turn. And who knows where that demanding journey will take them next?

“...it seemed a fitting time to say goodbye to ‘Dancing on Ice’.

We wanted to go out on a high!”

At the 1982 European Championships in Lyon, France, they retained their title and scored their first sixes in an overseas competition. They were also triumphant in the World Championships in Denmark.

The following year, Jayne fell in practice just days before the Europeans in Germany and they had to withdraw, but they arrived in Finland for the World

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13

Safer Driving this Winter With snow and ice on the way the Road Safety Team has issued advice to ensure that you keep safe when driving this Winter.

Follow these tips and safety advice in order to make your Winter driving incident free...

14

More advice for Winter driving •

Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front.

•

Engine/cooling system - Check antifreeze levels. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze to water will protect the engine down to –34ºC.

•

Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted.

•

Handbrake - Check for damage to handbrake cable covering.

Cables should be changed if water has penetrated.

•

On motorways stay in the clearest lane where possible, away from slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks if you can.

•

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.

•

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)

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 accelerator and steer, never use the brake as this may lock up your wheels resulting in total loss of control.

General - Check oil level, battery, lights, and tyre tread and pressures

Protecting Your Car for the Winter

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.

•

•

•

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.

Preparation •

Check the weather in advance – don’t ignore police warnings about closed roads.

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ROAD SAFETY •

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.

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

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.

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.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

15

HOME floor looks dingy, some of the wall tiles are cracked, and the whole room is unwelcoming, even though, when installed, it was a good kitchen, and the cupboard carcasses are still sturdy and high quality.

Unfortunately, the cost of a brand new kitchen could be way beyond the budget. But how about a kitchen face-lift? If the cupboard carcasses are good, by adding new doors and new worktops you can make your kitchen look modern and up to date at a fraction of the cost of ripping out and starting from scratch. And before you start, you could think about incorporating more labour saving features. Maybe you’re arthritic, or less agile than you once were. If that’s the case, then you might want to look at innovations which make life easier. Gadgets such as pull out waste bins, sliding towel bars or cupboards fitted with shelves on tracks, which slide forward as you open the door. Another trend is for kitchen drawers without jutting handles or knobs. Some have push-touch release catches, or handles are concealed within grooves on the edges of drawers and doors. For worktops, the trend seems to be away from polished granite, which can be difficult to keep clean, and expensive to cut and fit, while a good laminate is much less expensive, and easier to keep clean.

Transform your kitchen without breaking the bank People change their kitchens for a variety of reasons.

They may be selling their house, and are aware that prospective buyers are put off by an outdated kitchen.

Grandparents may find their kitchen no longer suitable for the times when the family comes to stay. Or for older home owners, the extra work involved in trying to keep a run down kitchen looking bright and clean becomes irritating and time consuming.

As a general rule, if you’ve lived in your house for over twenty years, then your kitchen has a dated look. That linen finish on the doors. So trendy at the time, but you’ve since discovered how easily the surface traps stains which even the hardest scrubbing won’t remove. The

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If you decide to change your sink, pay as much as you can afford, as the amount you pay determines the thickness and quality of the stainless steel.

Maybe there are things about your present kitchen which are irritating and old fashioned. Does it work as well as it should. Do you have plenty of storage space for pots and pans, or would you find an extra deep pan drawer the solution, and are you utilising every inch of space with revolving fittings for corner cupboards. Plan for the dishwasher next to the sink, one large, uncluttered worktop for preparing food, and plenty of storage space for dry goods. Then consider the oven you need. Would a double oven be useful, or maybe a hob with five burners would be more useful than the usual four, and would a bigger microwave be high on your priority list. An ideal kitchen is one with plenty of room for meals, easy care surfaces to work tops, and a floor surface which can take hard traffic and still come up looking good after a quick session with a mop.

I’ve been having a look at kitchen styles. It seems that the sky’s the limit on variety these days. From stark streamlined to country style homely, there’s something out there to suit all tastes. Wooden cabinets still seem to be the most fashionable, sometimes painted cream or white, and some customers also go for ways of obtaining the complete ambience of a country kitchen by fitting cabinet fronts on refrigerators and washing machines.

One attractive colour trend seems to be Buttermilk, which

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is a light, warm cream, perfectly in keeping for a family kitchen, and bronze is the new look for taps.

enough to make sure that I was happy and discuss every stage with me.”

Next you need to decide on the new floor. If your kitchen is small, then light colours make the room seem larger, and the range of flooring is enormous. For strict budgets, vinyl sheets or tiles are popular and come in a huge variety of styles and colours to match your decorating scheme. Laminate flooring is very popular, and easy on the budget. It can look like stone, or wood or marble because the top layer is a photographic imprint of the real thing. A hardwood floor is warm and natural, and teams perfectly with most decorating schemes. It can be bought in several different styles, from planks, strip flooring or parquet, but is more expensive than laminates, and must be fitted by an expert.

Another customer in Devizes who chose the same simple door replacement service gave Dream Doors top marks, writing: “Exceeded expectations! We particularly liked the fact that the estimator/surveyor (Ian) was on site at start of work and at varying times during fitting. All rubbish cleared away and we are delighted!"

One of the areas most overlooked when restyling a kitchen is the lighting, which can make such a difference to the look and efficiency of a kitchen. Work areas need task lighting, recess or spotlights can be used over sinks and a more decorative type of pendant lighting can be used over the breakfast table. The age of your home can be a big influence in the type of lighting you use, as inconveniently placed ductwork and pipes in the ceiling can be a problem. In this sort of situation, track lighting is useful, since it requires just one power source, the track is mounted to the ceiling, and can be a straight line, or shaped. Lighting heads are fitted along the track, and a huge selection is available, from modern glass shades with halogen bulbs to simple spotlights. Another recent innovation is the flexible track, which encloses wiring in a flexible tube. This gives scope for even more creativity when it comes to placing your lighting, and adding lighting controls with a dimmer allows you to vary the mood of your kitchen, from day time, to more relaxed lighting over supper.

Bringing your kitchen up to date has never been easier or more economical, and on a strictly practical note, a modern kitchen adds value to your property. So take the plunge and go for it, because the kitchen is the heart of the house, and everyone deserves it to be bright and welcoming to cook in, and come home to.

Kitchens in Wiltshire will never be the same again UK’S LARGEST KITCHEN FACELIFT RETAILER COMPLETES A SUCESSFULL FIRST YEAR IN NORTH WILTSHIRE Ian Sturton and his team, have completed a very successful first year in their Dream Doors showroom on the High street in Royal Wootton Bassett. And he has an order book full of customers, all impressed by the franchised company’s time and money-saving kitchen makeover service.

A customer who had her kitchen doors, drawers and worktops swapped in just 2 days gave a glowing testimonial on the independent consumer monitoring website, Checkatrade, commenting: “Excellent service, very happy with all work carried out. Fitters couldn’t do

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Dream Doors was established in Hampshire in 1999 and now has more than 50 locally-owned franchised showrooms throughout the country. Ian’s showroom – which opened last summer – is the first to cover the SN postcode area.

An experienced retailer in his own right before joining Dream Doors, Ian says that, as a franchise, the company offers something other kitchen operators can’t. “I’ve visited plenty of businesses in my time, and this is definitely the most professional and well-run franchise I’ve ever seen,” he says. “It offers the best of both worlds for customers; they’re buying from a national brand that’s won numerous awards and built a fantastic reputation, but they’re also dealing with a local business owner who has their own reputation and livelihood at stake.”

Made-to-measure and manufactured in the UK, all Dream Doors kitchen doors and drawers are usually fitted in a single day. It’s a convenient solution that leaves kitchens looking like new, but without the stress and upheaval of a full refurbishment. Most customers also choose new worktops and a sink, and while that might take a little longer, it is still at least half the cost of a comparable new kitchen.

Dream Doors also supplies appliances from the best manufacturers and some of the most innovative storage solutions on the market, all making the best use of space in the kitchen. Ian offers a free guarantee on the doors and installation and asks for just a 50 percent deposit, only collecting the balance when customers are completely satisfied.

Contact Ian on 01793 213021 or visit www.dreamdoors.co.uk

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Home insulation measures value for money?

Mid-way through another winter season, are you wondering how high your fuel bills will be this time? l Did you know that the insulating of your home is still one of the most cost effective ways to reduce your fuel bills? l

Free

Reduce your fuel bills this winter with great value home insulation through Safe & Warm!

To arrange your free no-obligation survey through the only Local Authority backed scheme in Swindon contact Swindon Borough Council, through its Safe & Warm scheme, continues to offer David Miles on 01793 463679 or email dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk. help to residents who want to get great deals on insulation for their homes.

The survey will also check to see if you have “hard to treat” cavity walls which could attract 100% funding also.

To show what good value the insulation measures are, compare some of the typical costs of things we may spend our money on below:

“Don’t miss out on this opportunity

Swindon Family trip to the cinema: £35 Safe & War m (Empire family ticket – 4 people minimum 2 children plus snacks) Family trip to the football: £78 (STFC Gold, Side Stands, 2 adults & 2 juniors) Family meal out: £60 (Estimate - 2 adults & 3 children inc drinks and desserts) Family Season Ticket for the football £900 (STFC FAM 3 offer - 2 adults & 2 juniors) Full year Sky TV/phone/broadband package: £1,052 (Complete Bundle plus broadband and line rental) Now look at the great offers below and see how they compare: Swindon Borough Council has now reopened its insulation scheme for this winter and is looking to help those households who meet the following criteria:

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

Swindon resident not in any of above groups

£99 £99

Annual savings for typical 3-bed semi-detached house

£145

£150 (if no insulation present)

This offer is expected to end by 31st March 2015. These measures are still the most effective ways of reducing heating bills, so act now and feel the benefit!

All grants are subject to available funding, eligibility criteria and technical survey, and homes may need to be built before 1992 to qualify.

This shows the insulation can be really good value. For a maximisation service, all of which will help households to duce your fuel bills this winter relatively small outlay, you can make your home warmer combat rising heating bills.” and more comfortable to live in.

The potential savings can h great value home insulation“We also provide advice and support to reduce the risk outweigh the costs of having the insulation works done of falling in the home and work closely with Wiltshire Fire within Safe the first year.& Insulation measures can also help to ough Warm!

Service to deliver a fire safety service. Having a warm, safe reduce damp and mould problems in the home resulting

ngBorough has now reopened its insulation scheme for from Council condensation. criteria: Costis limitedwho Cost ter andFunding is looking to insulation help those households for the scheme so these for cavity for loft e following offers criteria: may be withdrawn at short notice if the funding Cost Cost wall insulation insulation

limit is reached. Homes may need tofor be cavity built beforefor loft 1992 to qualify for these offers, and expression of insulation wall insulation interest in the scheme is no guarantee of being able to ng income or disability benefit Free Free proceed to the installation stage. or Registered disabled

Free

Free

g0 registered Free in certain parts of Swindon may qualify forFree free years Homes old ordisabled Registered disabled

cavityregistered wall and loft insulation regardless of eligibility ble of being disabled Free Free criteria. This is determined by location and is part of or Council Tax Band A Communities or B the Carbon Saving Obligation. When 0under years making old or Council Tax Bandeligibility A or B for this scheme will be 4 (and must be Council an enquiry your y or Child under 4 (and must be Council £50 £50 C) automatically checked. d A, B or C) To arrange your free no-obligation survey through the not in any of above groupsbacked scheme in Swindon contact onlynot Local Authority n resident in any of above groups £99 £99 David Miles.

£50

£99

£50

£99

What else can Safe & Warm help me with?

ed end by to 31st are still r isto expected endMarch by 31st2015 March. These 2015.measures These measures are still

David Miles, the Affordable Warmth Coordinator and effective ways of reducing heating bills, so act now and feel the benefit!

Manager of the Safe & Warm scheme said “We offer help residents insulate homes, fixcriteria broken heating systems grants areavailable subject to to available funding, eligibility and ubject for to funding, eligibility and criteria hnical survey, and homes may need to be built before 1992 and improve personal finances through our free income y, and homes may need to be built before 1992 to qualify. to qualify. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

home is something that every person should have and we are doing our best to make this possible for people in Swindon.”

There are also a range of free advice guides available including energy saving in the home, reducing condensation and mould problems, controlling your heating, fuel tariff guide, and reducing To arrange yourinformation free no-obligation surveyyour risk of falling the home. IfAuthority you would like any of these through theinonly To arrange yourLocal free no-obligationbacked survey guides, or would like any further information on anything scheme in inSwindon contact: through the Local Authority mentioned thisonly article, please contact: backed

scheme in Swindon contact:

David Miles David Miles David Miles t: 01793 463679 t:Affordable 01793 Warmth 463679Coordintor e: dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk

Borough Council e:Swindon dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk

5th Floor Wat Tyler House, Homes in certain parts of Swindon Homes in certain Beckhampton Streetparts of Swindon attract 100% funding regardless of the Swindon SN1 2JH attract 100% funding regardless of the above criteria - we’ll this well! above criteria - 01793 we’llcheck check this as as well!

Tel: 463679 Email:

dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk

Swindon Swindon Warm Safe &Safe War &m

19

HOME patterns or big stripes – go for plain in smaller areas as you keep the feeling of space.” And only go for wooden floors in areas practical for them: “Remember that outdoor shoes and stiletto heels can leave marks, so pick your area carefully.”

If you want to put a feature wall in, for example, the LOUNGE, “think twice before using the fireplace wall as your feature wall – this could bring the room in. And go for the best wallpaper you can afford for this wall as it’s meant to last. You can often buy ends of lines from stores which are good value.”

Re-covering an old suite can look amazing – as can adding accent soft furnishings and tasteful pictures

MODERN LIVING Every now and then we feel like completely changing the rooms in our home – but we don’t want to spend a fortune.

Only the truly rich can afford to dramatically alter their properties and interiors on a whim; the rest of us have to plan and even then have to do it piecemeal, as and when we can afford it.

But there are always methods to improve your home and give it a new look without the need for a Lottery win.

If you need more space at home and want to invest in an added room, a conservatory can fill the bill. It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of creating extra rooms, and one with the least disruption to daily life.

They come in all types and sizes but fall into three main groups: Traditional, Victorian or Edwardian. Think carefully about the type that most suits your house and what you want it for. If you’re looking to maximise space, one that goes right across the back of your home might prove more useful than a smaller version.

Remember that you might need planning permission or building control approval, depending on your property type and the sort of conservatory you want to build.

Check this on the Government website www.planningportal.gov.uk Consider improving space by removing walls to create an open plan dining/ kitchen or a large family room. Even 20

the removal of a load-bearing wall is a relatively straightforward job to a competent builder. Ask for recommendations for good professionals in your area - they can often find clever ways to make the most of your home.

Allyson Houghton is an interior designer, with her own company, Ideas Interior, and she offers several useful tips on changing your home for the better on a sensible budget.

“If you’re changing things, it’s worth trying to look at your home with a fresh eye,” she explains. “Start at the front of your house with the approach to the front door. Do you need a new front door or does the current one just need re-painting, perhaps adding new door furniture? Hanging baskets or pots can result in fragrance and colour here, too.”

Creating more light in your property can make rooms look fresh and attractive.

“Begin with the HALLWAY as it’s the gateway to your home,” states Allyson.

“Unless you’ve got a massive hallway with plenty of space, don’t go for wallpaper with big designs.

“The idea is to push the walls back so go for plain, light colours and use mirrors to add to the illusion of space and reflect available light.”

Paint all ceilings white, she advises.

“Don’t be tempted to have colour on any of the ceilings as you lose precious light and start to bring the ceilings down.”

To create a contrast wall, go for a deeper shade of the same colour as the other walls. “When shade and colour testing, don’t make the mistake of lining up your test colours side by side on the same wall. How can you get a true idea of the colour? Test each one separately, one at once,” states Allyson.

“Use lining paper to achieve a true shade match if you are painting over magnolia walls.”

Invest wisely in appropriate lighting for individual area, “Changing the lighting in a room can make a really big difference,” states Allyson.

“For your lounge, select relaxing lighting perhaps with additional lamps. Don’t have a huge chandelier, for instance if the room isn’t very big and ensure the bulbs are pointing upwards. If you’ve got a really high hallway, though, a beautiful chandelier can look wonderful.”

Strategic use of big mirrors throughout the house can make a real difference to a dark or narrow area.

In the lounge, go for neutral shades on the walls but pick out accent colours in cushions and other soft furnishings.

Investing in rich materials for your curtains can also give a room a new, opulent look.

If your sofa or three-piece suite is looking a bit dowdy, rather than buying a new one, why not have the old one recovered? “This can look amazing,” states Allyson.

Just clearing surfaces and putting things away can make a great difference to a room. Rather than have laptops and computers kept out in a lounge, put them away in a desk or drawer and relax away from technology for a while.

If you’re having a large, wall-mounted TV in your lounge, consider installing a studded wall to hide all the wires.

Adopt the same principle for flooring.

“If you’ve having carpet, avoid bold

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Fireplace Solutions will make your room glow this Winter Visit our showroom for some amazing deals Neutral, relaxing shades work in the bedroom, complemented by gentle lighting

“It’s tidier and gives you more wall space and clean lines,” advises Allyson. “Putting glass into doors between rooms can also really open up a room and affords more light.”

Re-paint old doors otherwise – “and it’s surprising the difference that just changing the door handles can make,” she says.

Replace old wooden panels in staircases with glass. “If you don’t want to use a specialist company, a glass merchant can help and can cut the panels to size,” adds Allyson.

Rather than buying new units for your KITCHEN, how about changing the doors? Or you could buy cheap bases and get a local carpenter to copy the latest styles at a fraction of the price.

Another way is to change the worktops which can make the kitchen look much more contemporary. And, while new appliances will help upgrade the kitchen, just buying the latest type of freestanding fridge, for example, will give it a more modern look.

“Don’t necessarily go for an island unit just because everyone else does if you haven’t really got the space,” states Allyson.

Changing the tiles – not necessarily going for expensive ones – can also refresh a kitchen’s style, as can changing the colour of your kettle, toaster etc for instant impact.

BATHROOMS always benefit by looking pristine so ensure all surfaces are clutter-free and sparkling clean. If you can’t afford to change the suite, change the taps which can make a great difference and modernise the look of the suite.

Alter the flooring to plain, light-reflecting tiles to maximise space here. Take a look at the latest shower panels and put in the odd splash of colour with bathroom accessories. Lighting is also really important here so consider installing inset ceiling lights which free up more space.

And if you’ve still got an old water tank or boiler in the bathroom, buy a combi boiler - better value all round and it can be installed in the loft out of the way. * For more information email allyson.ideasinterior@btinternet.com

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U-value figure, the lower the heat loss.

Remember! for an energy efficient conservatory, compare U-values and GO FOR LOW. With our latest range of intelligent Smart Glass for roofs in active blue, aqua, neutral or bronze tints and our Wall Glass: Total 1.1-1.2 U-Value crystal clear ‘planitherm’, argon gas filled cavity double glazed units. Europe’s top selling solar controlled ‘Low E’ glass made in Britain.

The Conservatory Centre’s Large Showroom at Cheney Manor

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

Those familiar with well designed glazed sun rooms, may suggest they are not really suitable for that purpose.

However, the many thousands of people who have such buildings and find them to be by far their most popular and well used room, thoroughly wish to disagree!

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

If you’re pushed for space, and have considered moving to a larger home, think again. For a fraction of the cost of moving, you could install a conservatory. You’ve acquired a new room, full of light. A fabulous place to have your morning coffee and enjoy views into the garden. You can also 22

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

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

Can a Conservatory be energy efficient?

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

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

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

Furthermore, crystal clear Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 does not suffer the hazy sheen often associated with Pilkington K glass. As an added bonus, Planitherm Total 1.1-1.2 glass reduces 70% of harmful radiation passing through the glass, protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects, and reducing fabric fading. In summer this amazing glass technology with a .74% solar factor and a .85 shading coefficient keeps your conservatory comfortably cool. (g ISO905 M1) Frames: Bowater ‘Esthetique’ 1.1 U-value, 5 chamber PVCu frames.

A few years ago, virtually all the PVCu frames systems incorporated 3 lateral internal insulating chambers, which gave the frames a U-value of around 1.8 Advances in glass technology resulted in a glass centre pain U- value as low as 1.1-1.2 a clear gap between the energy efficiency of glass and PVCu frames. In many European countries, 1.1-1.2 centre pane u value glass is the norm (Austria, for example is 100% 1.1-1.2 U-value glass). Taking into account the close proximity of the glass to the frame, this clear disparity in u values presented a problem for the more responsible PVCu frame designers. Moisture in the air is attracted to the coolest surface (the frame) forming condensation, just one reason why frames and glass should have similar U-values.

The ideal conservatory will have 1.4 U-value frames 1.2 U-value glass. As a major European manufacturer, selling

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frames across Europe, Bowater Group Laboratories accepted the challenge to match the frame and glass U-values, a few years ago Bowater announced the development of it’s top of the range ‘esthetique’ - Europe’s first fully sculptured 5 chamber frame, driving down the U-value to just 1.4 with zero air leakage, an incredible achievement. The majority of PVCu frames (even those of many leading brands still being sold in 2015) still incorporate the old 3 chamber design, with a U-value of 1.8, losing 60% more heat through the frame, creating dreaded condensation! Many rival companies who copied the 5 chamber design have still only achieved U-values of around 1.4-1.5 illustrating the technological superiority of the Bowater Group testing laboratories.

Our ultraframe roofs with vented eaves and ridge beam : 1.2 U-value polycarbonate, 35mm thick 7 wall

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

SUNSHIELD prevents most of the sun’s heat passing through the roof. Now as standard for 2015 secure ventilation can be achieved through your roof ridge and around the perimeter.Both create thermal air flows in the conservatory, cooling and relieving stuffiness in hot weather, these may be closed as required.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy a conservatory and get an eco-friendly room with up to * £2,000 Free...

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

Telephone 01793 526691 - OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.conservatorycentres.co.uk email: conservatoryworld@btconnect.com 23

New Year, New You? Making New Year resolutions to improve our lives in 2015 is a typical reaction to what’s gone wrong in the old year and how we want to make a fresh start.

How many of us have resolved to really change things dramatically once we’ve finished a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne”? So perhaps it’s time to stop making New Year resolutions and to action them and finally improve our lives.

You might want to tackle something minor about yourself, or you may be considering something life-changing. The key here is planning and determination - and enlisting the help of experts in the relevant field.

For, while you can do much yourself to improve the way you live by using commonsense and a plan, there’s nothing like finding others who know what they’re doing to assist you in reaching your goal.

To improve your GENERAL LIFESTYLE, for example, there are counsellors around who can help you identify the areas for change that will make you feel happier. Look for those qualified by the CPCAB (Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) and members of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) which maintains standards.

If you’ve long been vowing to shed some WEIGHT, getting expert help is straightforward. Organisations like

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WeightWatchers and Slimming World not only work on accessible and practical weight-loss plans but also have groups all over the country. There are also private weight-loss experts and hypnotherapists who may be able to help you if you don’t want to be in a group situation.

Walk Your Way To A Healthier New You in 2015 Walking is an easy way to achieve the recommended two and half hours of moderate physical activity a week. You can do it in your own time, at a pace to suit you, and you don’t need any special equipment or gym membership. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and you’re good to go!

Walking is not only a great way to help manage your weight, but it can cut your risk of developing serious conditions, like heart disease, strokes, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It will reduce anxiety, help you sleep, improve your flexibility and the strength of your muscles, joints and bones, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis for women.

There’s a wealth of hidden green spaces in and around Swindon to explore on foot, and joining a walking group is a great way to discover new walking routes and to make new friends. Swindon Health Walks are free, friendly volunteerled walking groups, which meet at various times of the week, returning to local a community centre for socialising and refreshments. You can choose from shorter walks of up to 20 minutes, combined with seated exercise sessions, as well as longer walks of 50 – 60 minutes. To find out more, phone 01793 465413 or go to www.walkingforhealth.org.uk It may be less a matter of losing pounds than toning up the pounds you’ve got. In that case, consider joining a GYM and getting an exercise plan created for you by staff. Many establishments also offer personal training sessions if you want one-to-one intense help.

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Don’t worry that the gym will be full of lithe, young bodies and that you may feel self-conscious about your more mature shape. Most gyms these days are so inclusive there are a variety of ages and all shapes and sizes doing exactly what you’re doing and trying to improve their health.

When it comes to overall HEALTH, a New Year may offer a great opportunity for peace of mind when it comes to your health by investing in a private healthcare plan. There are so many these days that they suit every pocket, and health cover is offered on a wide variety of treatments as well as conditions to kickstart that feeling of confident wellbeing.

Sometimes, it’s not the drastic changes that make the difference but the small ones. And just having a change of HAIRSTYLE or colour may transform you and update your style.

Hairdressers these days are very knowledgeable, not just about styling but also about hair health and how to make the most of your locks whatever condition they are in. Products and colours also now come in a much wider range and are kinder to your hair. Take advantage of other services that many hairdressers offer now, like new nails. Forget the old ideas of false nails: modern nails come in acrylic and gel in every colour imaginable, and patterned.

If your hairdresser doesn’t offer skin treatments, pop along to your local BEAUTY SALON for some pampering to revive the body and the spirit. Having a regular, relaxing massage or treating yourself to skincare treatments that make you look glowing are an investment in the way you feel – and you will feel good!

An extension, conservatory or orangerie can turn a small, unprepossessing house into a striking home, tailor-made for you and your needs. Take advice from architects and planners if a big scheme is involved and listen to their suggestions, which probably come from a wealth of experience.

Or, if you just need to brighten up a room, call in a professional DECORATOR. Don’t rule out having your own interior designer to come up with clever ideas – they are not as expensive as you might think and can not only create beautiful rooms but can source attractive bargains for you as well.

And if you really do want a big change in where you live this year, consider MOVING house. Local estate agents and mortgage advisors understand the market – and they’re experts in making dreams come true!

If your smile isn’t as bright or as even as you would like, DENTAL CARE today offers a startling range of first-class services that not long ago only Hollywood celebrities could access.

Correcting crooked teeth, using implants to fill the gaps of missing teeth or just teeth whitening can brighten up your whole face, and prices for these treatments are now equally competitive.

The same applies to your EYES. You may have been putting up with inconvenient glasses for years, wishing to abandon them but worried about your limited sight. Eye care has come a long way these days and you will be surprised at what’s available on the high street.

Contact lenses provide the kind of freedom you never thought possible, and laser surgery offers many people lasting results and clear vision. Go along for a chat to your favourite ophthalmic store to see what is possible for you, and take a much happier look at the future.

If you’re desperate to improve your FASHION STYLE, building up a capsule wardrobe for work or play has never been easier. Even the cheapest labels pride themselves on being fashionable and usually boast several items in the same range. So, if you buy a well-cut jacket there will be a skirt, trousers and even a dress to match that, teamed with different tops and accessories, provide several differing and dazzling looks for 2015.

If you want to spread that New Year resolutions’ feeling to your HOME, there are plenty of experts available to give sound advice. Going on a referral is often a good idea when it comes to large building projects, and it gives you the chance to see examples of your chosen tradesman’s work, too.

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Train to be a Volunteer Walk Leader, phone (01793) 465413

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FOOD & DRINK THE HAIRY DIETERS EAT FOR LIFE "We've cooked the recipes in our first book over and over, and they've become much loved standards in our kitchens, along with our other favourite dishes. We enjoy them so much that, like you, we wanted, more so now we've come up with some new ones that we hope you're going to like just as much."

CHICKEN TAGINE WITH PRESERVED LEMONS 391 calories per portion (if serving 4); 313 calories per portion (if serving 5) Saffron, chilli, preserved lemons, coriander - our version of this North African stew is a winner. It’s fragrant, filling and fabulous, so enjoy. You can buy jars of preserved lemons in large supermarkets.

METHOD Put the saffron in a measuring jug with the stock cube and pour over the 250ml of just-boiled water. Stir until the stock cube dissolves and set aside. Put the chicken thighs on a board and trim off all the visible fat, then season the chicken with salt and pepper. Slice the preserved lemons into very thin strips, flicking out any pips as you go.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick saucepan. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, cumin, paprika and chilli flakes. Season with lots of black pepper and cook for 2 minutes, while stirring.

Add the 2 tablespoons of cold water and steam-fry for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions are lightly browned. Add the chicken and preserved lemons to the saucepan and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning the chicken until it’s lightly coloured on all sides.

Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into rough wedge shapes or chucks of about 4cm. Roughly chop the tomatoes and cut the pitted olives in half. Put the potatoes, tomatoes and olives in a large bowl and toss with the herbs and plenty of salt and pepper.

Scatter the vegetable mix over the chicken, pour over the saffron stock and cover the pan tightly with a lid. Simmer over a very low heat for 35-40 minutes, without removing the lid, until the chicken and potatoes are tender.

Serves 4-5 Prep: 15 minutes Cooking time: 45-55 minutes pinch of saffron threads 1 chicken stock cube 250ml just-boiled water 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 preserved lemons (size of a walnut in its shell), rinsed 1 tbsp olive oil 2 medium onions, sliced 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced

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1 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 2 tbsp cold water 600g medium potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers 3 large ripe tomatoes 50g pitted green olives in brine, drained 20g bunch of fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped 20g bucn of fresh parsley, leaves roughly chopped flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

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SAUSAGES AND RICH ONION GRAVY 242 calories per portion Thank goodness, we can still have a dash of the bangers and mash our mothers used to make. If you choose lean sausages with the minimum of fat, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include this tasty dish on your menu and still drop the pounds.

Look for sausages containing about 100 calories each and make sure they’re good quality for the best taste.

METHOD Brush a large non-stick frying pan or sauté pan with the sunflower oil and fry the sausages over a medium heat for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown all over. Add the onions to the pan, turn down the heat slightly and fry for 8-10 minutes or until the sausages are cooked and the onions are softened and golden brown, stirring regularly.

Pour the stock into the pan, add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mix the cornflour with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pan with the sausages and return to a simmer, then cook for 1-2 minutes more until the sauce is thickened, stirring. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with our lower-cal colcannon.

LOWER-CAL COLCANNON

Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 1/2 tsp sunflower oil

8 lean pork sausages 1 1/2 medium onions, thinly sliced 300ml beef stock, made with 1/2 beef stock cube 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp cornflour 1 tbsp cold water flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

157 calories per portion METHOD Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks of about 3cm. Put them in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until very tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, brush the oil over the inside of a large non-stick frying pan and fry the bacon and onion together over a medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes or until the onion is softened and the bacon is lightly browned, stirring regularly.

Remove any damaged leaves from the cabbage and cut in half.

Cut out the tough central core and thinly shred the leaves. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the bacon and onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan every couple of minutes to prevent the cabbage burning. Remove from the heat.

Serves 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes 500g floury potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers or King Edwards 1/2 tsp sunflower oil 2 rashers of rindless lean smoked streaky bacon, cut into 2cm pieces 1/2 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 medium Savoy cabbage (about 300g) 3 tbsp semi-skimmed milk flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

Drain the potatoes in a large colander and tip them back into the saucepan. Mash with the milk until smooth and season to taste. Tip the potatoes into the same pan as the softened cabbage and stir together over a low heat until hot and well combined. Transfer to a warmed dish and serve.

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CREAMY PRAWN KORMA 273 calories per portion (if serving 3); 205 calories per portion (if serving 4) Ready in no time, this korma will satisfy your takeaway yearnings. Rich, creamy and satisfying absolutely prawnographic.

METHOD Heat the oil in a medium non-stick deep frying pan or sauté pan and stir in the onions, garlic and ginger. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the onions and garlic over a medium heat for 10 minutes until pale golden brown, stirring occasionally.

LIGHT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH RASPBERRIES 147 calories per portion Everyone needs some chocolate from time to time so we had to come up with a chocolate pud for this book. We’re happy with this one - see what you think. It’s a little indulgence from us to you with our love and has mercifully few calories!

Remove the lid and stir in the curry paste. Cook for a further minute, while stirring then add the water and bring to the boil.

Lower the heat slightly and simmer for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced by half and the onions are very soft.

Remove the pan from the heat and, using a stick blender, blitz to a smooth sauce. Stir in the cream and sugar, season with a little salt and put the pan back on the heat.

Add the prawns to the pan, bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the prawns are completely pink and beginning to curl.

Sprinkle the fresh coriander over the top, stir well and serve the korma immediately with a small portion of rice.

Serves 6 Prep: 10 minutes plus cooling and chilling Cooking time: 5 minutes 100g plain dark chocolae (70% cocoa solids) 300g low-fat ready-made custard, preferably fresh 3 large egg whites 150g fresh raspberries 1/2 tsp icing sugar.

Serves 3-4 Prep: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 medium onions, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely sliced 20g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped 3 tbsp Korma curry paste 500ml cold water 2 tbsp double of single cream 2 tsp caster sugar 400g peeled raw tiger prawns, deveined if necessary and thawed if frozen 20g bunch of fresh coriander, leaves roughly chopped flaked sea salt.

METHOD To make the mousse, break 95g of the plain chocolate into pieces and place these in a large heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water until almost melted.

Remove the bowl carefully from the pan and stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon until it’s smooth. Leave to cool for about 15 minutes but don’t let the chocolate set.

Stir the custard into the melted chocolate until smooth. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric whisk until fairly stiff but not dry. Stir a third of the egg whites into the melted chocolate mixture with a large metal spoon to loosen, then fold in the rest.

Divide the mixture between 6 dessert dishes or coffee cups.

Cover them with cling film and chill for at least 1 hour. When you’re ready to eat, take the dishes out of the fridge and uncover them. Tumble a few raspberries into the centre of each one, dust with sifted icing sugar and grate the remaining chocolate over the top. Serve this on the day of making.

Please note: this recipe contains raw egg whites.

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Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring …

Choosing the ideal retirement location can be challenging, particularly when trying to find that perfect property in an interesting location, which also offers long-term security, comfortable living and friendly neighbours.

If you love Wiltshire, then have you considered Westbury? We are delighted to announce a new addition to our Diamond Collection: Chantry Court.

Located in the town of Westbury, just a matter of minutes from the world famous Westbury White Horse, Mill House, Merchant House and Weaver House, all form part of Chantry Court - a charming and intimate retirement village for people that love life at the heart of a vibrant and likeminded community.

Just like any village, Chantry Court has a choice of amenities to help meet residents’ needs, and add to the feeling of community and companionship.

Within the village you will find the services of a visiting doctor’s surgery, together with massage, aromatherapy and a range of alternative therapies. There is also a hairdressing salon and even a cinema, as well as a restaurant, bar and café, sun terrace and garden patios.

If Westbury is not for you then we also have properties in Swindon, Marlborough, Warminster and Salisbury.

Many retirement developments feature a communal residents’ lounge in which residents are welcome to socialise and relax and there is also a guest suite for visitors’ use. Residents also have plenty of options to keep busy, with coffee mornings and afternoon tea events taking place within most developments.

An added benefit for older renters is that Girlings lets the majority of its properties out on an assured tenancy, which allows the tenant to stay in the property for as long as they wish.

Mr & Mrs Honour, Girlings’ residents commented: “Renting in retirement has given us greater financial freedom and the flexibility to relocate. We have saved so much in terms of moving costs. We sold our house and we have retained that capital which has given us an investment for the future. We are now committed to renting and we love the fact that we have an assured tenancy so we essentially have the same security as homeowners.”

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Girlings Chairman, Peter Girling said: “An assured tenancy offers security and long-term peace of mind. In the private rental sector, it is common for properties to be let on an assured shorthold tenancy basis which enables the landlord to regain possession of the property after the initial agreed fixed term. Renting on an assured tenancy basis offers the same security of tenure as most social housing providers, only without the associated waiting lists. What’s more, services and property maintenance are included in the monthly rent.”

For more information, please visit www.girlings.co.uk or contact the lettings team on 0800 525 184.

“Without doubt the best property decision we have made!”

Discover the freedom renting in retirement can bring 55+? Did you know you can rent private retirement property on a Life Long Tenancy which gives you the right to remain living in the property for as long as you wish, with service charges and maintenance included in the rent?

Peace of Mind Independence Flexibility Choice

0800 525 184

www.girlings.co.uk 29

Planning For The Future Everyone should consider some basic legal planning to make sure that their families and loved ones are protected in case of future events which can affect anyone. Here we consider the “essentials” of making a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney and Gift of Property into Trust.

REASONS TO MAKE A WILL Making a Will is important, particularly when you realise that without a Will, the Government will decide who will receive your money and possessions after you die. Unfortunately this can cause many difficulties for your surviving family and relatives at an already distressing time. By making a Will you can help alleviate additional pressures on your family.

The myth that ‘my wife will receive everything anyway’ is not true. Your estate would be shared out in accordance with the ‘Statutory Legacy’ rules and your wife may not receive the whole estate or even enough to enable her to keep the matrimonial home. When it comes to ‘common law husband or wife’, there is no such thing. Only people who are legally married or have formed a civil partnership will be classed as husband, wife or civil partner and only they can enjoy the benefits of automatically inheriting part of their spouse’s estate. If you are not married you would have to go to Court to claim part of the estate which will come with the usual costs and expenses.

Children are another reason why it is important to make a Will. If something was to happen to you and your children were still minors or disabled, you can appoint Guardians to look after them. It is also important if you are married for a second time and have children from a previous relationship. If you were to die first and your estate was below the ‘Statutory Legacy’ your whole estate would pass to your second spouse and your children would have no absolute right to anything.

If you are legally separated the ‘Statutory Legacy’ will still apply until the divorce is finalised so if you want your estate to pass to someone else then you must make a Will.

You should have your Will prepared by an experienced Lawyer who will make sure all the relevant points are covered especially if your Will is complicated and Tax Planning Advice may be required.

WHAT IS A GRANT OF PROBATE? After a person dies with or without leaving a Will, their money, property and belongings need to be dealt with and administered to the beneficiaries.

If you have been chosen as an executor of someone’s Will (or an administrator, if the deceased has not left a will), you are the person whose duty it is to identify the assets and debts

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of the deceased’s estate and ensure they are distributed correctly and any debts paid from the monies remaining.

If it is a sizeable estate, you may need to apply for a grant of representation (this is called a Grant of Probate when there is a Will and a Grant of Letters of Administration when there is no Will) called intestacy. An application has to be made to a district probate registry of the High Court. This has to be applied for to the court.

It is normal to feel lost when someone close to you dies, adjusting to these changes is often challenging Pooleys Solicitors have years of experience handling the sensitive and delicate matters that arise when a loved one passes away.

Pooleys Solicitors like to assure all their clients that all matters relating to Wills and Probate will be dealt with in a professional manner giving clients the peace of mind knowing that the affairs and wishes of their deceased loved ones are in safe hands and will be brought to a conclusion as soon as possible.

WHEN IS A GRANT OF REPRESENTATION REQUIRED? A Grant of representation is required if the value of the deceased’s estate is over £5000 after paying funeral expenses.

However, banks and building societies have their own discretionary limits as to when they need a Grant of representation and sometimes will release funds up to £10000.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY Most people know they should have a Will, but have you considered what would happen if you were to become unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime? Who would make difficult financial and personal decisions on your behalf? You can protect yourself by making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).

The LPA is a legal document in which you can appoint another person or persons as Attorney(s) to act on your behalf in relation to your financial affairs and/or personal welfare if you become unable to do so for yourself. The LPA was introduced under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be registered with the Court of Protection before it can be used. It is useful if you are ill or in hospital or residential care when it is difficult for you to look after your personal finances or welfare. The LPA comes in two parts - one deals with your financial affairs i.e. managing your Bank Accounts and Investments and also selling your property if required.

The other part deals with your personal welfare i.e. issues relating to your personal care and where you should live and also giving or refusing consent to certain medical treatment.

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FINANCE It is important to note that you can only make an LPA if you have sufficient mental capacity and this has to be confirmed by a Certificate Provider. In some cases it may be necessary to obtain a Doctor’s opinion if there is any doubt.

It is also important to note that it does not take away your independence as one of the main principles of the Act is that capacity is decision specific and Attorneys should assist people to make their own decisions wherever possible. If you should lose capacity without having an LPA in place then it will be necessary for someone to apply to the Court of Protection for authority to deal with your affairs which can be a very slow and expensive process.

An LPA is an important legal document which should be properly prepared and explained to you by an experienced Lawyer.

GIFT OF PROPERTY INTO TRUST Most people are concerned about the costs of long term residential care. Currently if your assets exceed £23,250 including the value of your property then you will be self funding and have wto pay for the cost of your care yourself.

The biggest concern for most people is that you may have to sell your house to pay for the care. However it is possible to avoid this by giving your property away during your lifetime, usually to your children. The gift however must be made in good time and not simply with the intention of avoiding future care fees otherwise it may be caught by the Local Authority’s anti-avoidance measures.

You could simply make an outright gift to your children but as you will probably wish to continue to live in your property this could cause problems if you were to fall out with them or they were to experience matrimonial problems or bankruptcy. It could lead to someone else making a claim against their share of your property. Additionally, it could also cause problems for your children as owning a share of a second property could give rise to possible Capital Gains Tax implications on the eventual sale of the property.

We would therefore always recommend that a gift of property should be a gift into Trust which would protect you and your children from most of these potential difficulties.

The Trust would provide for you to remain living in the property for as long as you wish on the basis that you continue to be responsible for all the outgoings as at present.

The Trust can also provide for the property to be sold and a replacement property purchased for you to live in if you so wished. When you no longer live in the property for whatever reason, the Trust would come to an end and the property could be sold with the proceeds divided between your children.

In this way you would no longer be treated as the legal owner of the property if you were to be assessed for long-term care fees and also as you are occupying the property which is held in trust this usually means that main residence exemption from Capital Gains Tax can be claimed although this is decided by the Revenue on a case to case basis.

Obviously giving away your property is a major decision and is irrevocable which requires specialist legal advice.

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Pooleys Solicitors LLP will be pleased to help you with

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Conveyancing & Energy Performance Certificates

Wills

Probate & Trusts

Tax Planning

Matrimonial & Family Law

Lasting Power of Attorney

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10-15 Regent Circus Swindon SN1 1PP.

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

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L I V E F R O M T H E PA L L A D I U M

Neil Sean is a TV presenter, writer and variety performer – He has appeared on both the West End stage and Broadway bringing his long held dream of his own one man show to the Palladium this year …Here in his brand new book “Live from the London Palladium, By the stars who appeared there“ he tells the story of the many bill topping names who have trod the boards of this Frank Matcham gem of a theatre and why it means so much to those who have been lucky enough to do so.

It’s with grateful thanks to my mother and father who were both in the variety theatre world that I have met, performed and interviewed some of the all-time greats of showbiz. My personal favourites? All of them really because each one has a great story to tell and once talking become so revealing. All the interviews are from my TV and radio interviews so listening and looking back has been great fun tinged with sadness as many are simply not here anymore. Here are just some of my favourites that I hope will be yours too.

Mike Winters was without doubt a comedy legend. As one half of the very successful “Mike and Bernie” who enjoyed fame across all bands of showbiz from TV, Radio, Panto and film it appears that they could do no wrong ... so being given the chance to sit down and invite Mike in for a chat about his latest projects was too good an opportunity to miss ...This though turned out to be his last ever TV interview.

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Mike and Bernie Winters were a great comedy double act who played just about every major theatre going and along with their hit films and TV series cemented their place in British comedy. But as Mike told me it was another comedian that he enjoyed more; “Al Reed was a super guy but quite reserved off stage and enjoyed the good life. Quite a few of the set felt he had conned his way in because he had other wealth outside the world of showbiz as they say but for us he was funny ... Simple as that ... When you work with big stars like we did, Tommy Trinder, Bruce etc. you’re not in awe as much as you’re all kind of starting out and foolishly believe that you will be as big as they are with the right breaks and such. But for us we just tried to learn from them... Our act, (laughing) truthfully we would work many aspects out while travelling. It was that bad really but after a while we had a great set up and mainly we would ad-lib around what we had.”

Mike also set to rights the true story of his infamous fall out with his brother and comedy partner Bernie and one that Mike addresses in detail in the film... “Truth is we never really fell out, I mean not in the way the media said... I wanted to do other things and so did he but what mattered was we were still brothers and remained so ... I loved him and adored him but it was a business, you know it’s called show business, and sometimes the lines can get blurred, but truthfully we always remained pals and that was so important.”

Sadly Mike Winters passed away in Gloucestershire aged 82 in August 2013.

Barry Humphries aka Dame Edna Everage “When I first came to London in the late 50s and 60s trying to break into the world of showbiz to me the Palladium was the mecca... You know it was the one place you really wanted to appear but even in my wildest

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dreams I had no idea that one day I would play it... I mean I ended my tour at the theatre last year simply because it was my last tour ever, and of course I figured, is there a better place to say goodbye to everyone?”

“I often just take a peek when I am walking past and always stand in awe at the dream that came true... I appeared and starred at the London Palladium... What more can a performer ask?”

Meeting Des O’Connor is like, well, meeting someone you have known for years, thing is I have never met him before & here I am standing on the stage of the Palladium Theatre in the heart of London ... Des who reaches a golden era very soon could easily pass for a man in his late 50’s and I ask him what is his secret, “Genes and of course taking good care of myself ...

I don’t deny and I don’t overindulge, that is the secret, plus I enjoy life and my career. I really do, it’s been such a ride and such fun.”

Keen to know more about his appearances that total over one thousand at the theatre I ask what it’s like to compere a Royal Variety show “Ah they were good. I mean I loved doing them and we had such great stars to introduce, the list was endless, we really had the pick of the crop in those days... Nervous of course but I am a big fan of the royal family and I figured they must have liked the act as I was never sent to the tower.

But seriously I think it’s the biggest honour for everyone to be invited to perform on the show, it’s the pinnacle of your career, after all there is no higher audience now is there?” Des told me he plans to come back to the Palladium and would if asked“ Do the show for free ... I adore the place, why not? If I am not paid at least I would have starred at the Palladium again - it has that pull about it.

Donny Osmond was just a teenager when he was given the opportunity to appear at his favourite theatre “I look back now at the arrogance of my youth and know I took it all in my stride but now I think like, Wow how lucky was I ? ... We were big then, like One Direction now, so my memories are that I think some of the acts found us a tad annoying with all the screaming girls but I do recall how serious the Royal show was and what it meant to

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us .. I stood there quietly in the centre of the stage and wondered if like me so many other people like Judy, Frank and Dean had been this nervous... it gives you a good feeling though just to get that far .. I will always consider the theatre to be one of my all-time favourites.”

Writing the book has been a real pleasure and dare I say you forget meeting some wonderful people along the way, real stars like Larry Grayson who remarked “I never thought stardom would happen for me you know ... I was an overnight discovery and yet I had been at it for years and year then bang. Suddenly I was up there with the rest of them.

Tommy Trinder who I met towards the end of his life told me that the key to success as a star and comedian was publicity “Oh yes my son, truly it was ... I used to have massive billboards plastered around London with my image and my catchphrase on “You Lucky People.“ It worked and people would recite it back to me all the time.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with not getting a laugh but trying your best to is the key to it all.

got the booking to the Royal show at the Palladium I was shocked ... I kept thinking is this a joke, is this for real?“ It was of course and Joan was a sensation but she told me “You know one star that has yet to play that stage ... Streisand and you know she was stunned when I told her I had gotten there first ... truly, because at drama club together she was no great shakes in the looks department but she had that voice and she always thought she would beat me to the Palladium but yep I did one thing Ms Streisand “she laughed.

Finally 60s pop icon Lulu told me that she was a mere “nipper“ when she landed a slot on the stage “ I was a wee thing enjoying my first pop success and yes my mam and dad were thrilled because it was the show and all that, but age is great that way, you look back and think … “Wow I did it you know and I was so full of vim and full on confidence which I think changes as you get older” .. She had this to say for her older fans though “Don’t ever give up on your dreams no matter what age you are because life moves along all the time ... they can just be around the corner so snap it up and enjoy it.“

Meanwhile the late Joan Rivers told me that “I think when I finally The full and exclusive interviews plus many more are in Neil Sean “Live from the London Palladium“ Out now via Amberley Books e.store@amberley-books.com 33

ISOLATION EPIDEMIC CAN BE FIXED BUT WE NEED OUR COMMUNITY BACK but they are no replacement for a sense of community in the real world. We are turning more and more into a work and electronic gadget obsessed nation, who are losing our green spaces for children to play in and our local amenities, spending less time with our families and with different generations, and older people are losing their independence and dignity.”

Forget terrorism and a lack of savings, feeling lonely is keeping us awake at night according to neuroscientist and cognitive psychologist Dr Lynda Shaw who says isolation of the elderly and the vulnerable is becoming an epidemic and the only solution is trying to rebuild a sense of community that has been largely lost in the UK this century.

“Facebook and online social networks may encourage ‘virtual’ communities

Shaw says: “The elderly, the bereaved, the disabled and individuals suffering from either mental or physical illness feel isolated which has a profound effect on their health and well-being and on us as a society. Whilst it is commonly acknowledged that isolation is rife, intervention is not forthcoming and we need to start combatting the growing problem by mixing age groups, religions and so on. We need school classes to visit care homes or go on a meals on wheels outing. We need different religious groups to socialise.

We need to have more local events raising money for more local projects.

“If we carry on with our day to day lives oblivious to those in need around us, particularly within our own community, we are losing key structures in society including trust, understanding, patience and open-mindedness. We are also losing our feeling of belonging. We are all going to need our community at some point so it is important to give whilst you can, be it something as simple as giving someone a lift somewhere, or knocking on someone’s door for a chat if they know you.”

Shaw describes that whilst over the years a community often changes, sometimes for better but sometimes for the worse, we need to be able to adjust whilst falling back on good old fashioned values of welcoming new neighbours, helping someone in need or hosting a pub quiz for a community project.

The Local Magazine For The Over 50s SUBSCRIPTION FORM To receive the next two issues of 50 Plus Magazine hot off the press, either for yourself or to treat a friend, please fill in the form below and post with a cheque for £3.40 made payable to McGrath Media: 6th Floor, 120 Bark Street, Bolton BL1 2AX

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TOP TIPS FOR TACKLING LONELINESS Whether your family has flown the nest, you’ve moved to a new area or you’ve lost your loved one, we can all find ourselves lonely at times. Sandy Sidhu, Founder of Silver Villages suggests tips to tackle loneliness.

By Sandy Sidhu, Founder of Silver Villages

Helping people realise their business dreams The award-winning Outset service has now engaged with more than 18,000 individuals across the UK, supporting the creation of over 3,900 new businesses and 4,300 new jobs.

This total includes more than 160 new businesses that have been set up in Swindon in the last two years, creating over 180 jobs in the area.

The Outset programme offers a friendly informal approach that helps clients to validate their business idea, builds confidence and self-belief and supports people in overcoming potential barriers to starting a business.

For many, access to finance is one of the biggest barriers to becoming self-employed. To overcome this hurdle, new startups and companies trading for less than two years can apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan through Outset Finance.

New for 2015, Outset is now available online and can support both existing clients in Swindon and individuals in the surrounding area. Outset Online is an interactive online learning platform designed to help people navigate the essential steps of starting a business. As users work their way through each stage of Outset Online, they can put their learning into practice with a range of activities and exercises that help them construct a ready-made business plan.

Outset Online also includes an online network of mentors, advisors and other business owners who can connect with each other in the chat rooms and discuss any questions or ideas.

For more information about how Outset can support you, visit www.outsetswindon.co.uk or call 0800 080 3024.

1. Find the time - Think about old friends you may have fallen out of touch with who you think might just love to hear from you! Websites such as Facebook make it much easier to track old friends down. If you haven’t already sign up for an e-mail account and skype to make free video calls.

2. Be around children - Children have a natural joy and exuberance that makes us feel good and smile, so make time to play with your grandkids or family - their innocence and joy is infectious!

3. Holiday – Arrange a holiday either abroad or in this country with either your friends or family. Or consider going on your own. Companies such as Solos travel specialise in packages for single travellers. It’s wonderful to have something so exciting to look forward to.

4. Consider a pet - Having a pet is more often that not a very loving experience. Getting an easy to look after pet dog encourages you to get out the house and get some fresh air. If you can’t have your own dog, help someone else out and help look after their dog at www.borrowmydoggy.com.

5. Start something new - Why don’t you take up a hobby or learn something new? It provides an opportunity to meet people and start a friendship. Join a group, club or a community to have lovely things to look forward to. If you have the time, voluntary work is also a wonderful way to give back and to meet new people.

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 before but lacked the ne ce ssa ry business knowledge.

Outset’s supp ort gave us the confide nce to succ eed.

Outset Swindon has the solution.

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

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

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

Funded by

Take the first step!

To find out more and book your place call us on freephone 0800

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

email us at

OUT & ABOUT

Dreamboats and Miniskirts 23-28 February - 7:30 PM The sequel to Dreamboats and Petticoats.

What happened to ‘Bobby & Laura’ and ‘Norman & Sue’…?

Their story continues... inspired by the 7 smash hit multi-million selling albums of Dreamboats and Petticoats.

It’s 1963, and the world is changing.

Bobby and Laura’s single “Dreamboats and Petticoats” has not taken off.

Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss – and a baby! But Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy…

Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Ticket Office: 01793 524 481.

Sep 10 Sep 10 Sep 10 Sep 11 12 JINSKI IN THE PLACE Sep Sep 12 Sat 28 February - 7:30 PM Sep 13 Song-writer and lead vocalist Stephen Sep 13 Wegrzynski and musician Dave Sep 16 Kennedy are the duo who form Jinski.

Sep 18 Their music draws upon acoustic roots Sep 18 and country music whilst remaining resolutely modern. The duo playSep songs19 that tell stories of love, joy, loneliness Sep 20 and longing; intricate, soulful, beautiful Sep 21 songs, foot-stomping, sing-a-long, Sep raucous songs; music for the head and23 Sep 24 the heart, full of passion and originality.

Sep 25 Tickets: £10.00 Sep 25 There are no booking fees on this performance. Delivery charges may Sepstill27 apply.

Sep 27 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Sep 27 Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Oct 1 Ticket Office: 01793 524 481.

Oct 1 Oct 1 Mini Chefs - Around the Oct 2 Oct 2 Globe - Indian Oct 3 28.2.15 - 10.30am.

Oct 6 Mini chefs is designed to give your Oct 8 child a firm foundation that will provide

Far North of Scotland Colchester, Constable Country Peak District Bantry Bay & Gulf Stream Coast Grange Over Sands, Lakes &School Dales Vaughan’s Kitchen Cookery St Ives & Land’s End 8 White Horse Business Centre Hopton Road, Devizes, Wilts SN10 2HJ Scarborough & Yorkshire Moors Tel: 01380 530203 Weymouth, Delightful Dorset Douglas, Isle of Man Jersey & Guernsey, ASTOR BIG BANDChannel Islands Sandown, Isle TO of Wight SWINGING VICTORY Llandudno & Snowdonia Sunday 8 March - 3:00 PM Ilfracombe, North Devon & Exmoor A celebration of the moral boosting hits Sorrento & Pompeii performed by the star singers and big Newquay, Cornish Coast bands ofAtlantic the 1939 to 45 period – many of Tenby & Pembrokeshire which have become the classics of today.

Far North of by Scotland, inc Big Orkney Performed a full 17 piece Band and 4 Explorer Singers the performance features Pennine memorable songs including We’ll Boatsover & 30 Trains of Norfolk Meet Again, I’ll Be Seeing You, Moonlight Eastbourne & the Sussex Coast Serenade, Serenade in Blue, What a Swell Irvine, Singles in your Scotland Party, Ma I miss apple pie, I’ve Got Blackpool Illuminations Sixpence.

Eastbourne Sussex Coast There will & be the Big Band Classics from Count Basie, Tommy Duke Patterdale, LakeDorsey, District &Ellington, Pennines Benny The Goodman plus many more, as well Killarney, Kingdom of Kerry as hit songs of the period as sung by Bing Tuscan Riviera, Forte and deiAnn Marmi Crosby, Frank Sinatra Shelton.

Gwbert, Cardigan Bay & West Wales Please note 50% of the Astor Big Bands Tenby Profits and proceeds of a collection at the performance will go to the Royal British Blackpool Illuminations

them with the skills and knowledge they need to grow into competent and confident cooks. It is also lots of FUN and they will bring home the results of the session to share with the family.

Legion Poppy Appeal.

Tickets: £15.50, £17.50 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Ticket Office: 01793 524 481.

barnes THEATRE TRIPS 2015

Her Majesty’s Theatre

£69

Thurs 5 February Les Miserables

Thurs 5 February

The Phantom of the Opera

Queen’s Theatre

£74

Thurs 5 February

Prince Edward Theatre

£79

Miss Saigon

Sat 7 February

Cats

London Palladium

£89

Sat 21 February

Matilda the Musical

Cambridge Theatre

£99

Fri 13 March

War Horse

New London Theatre

£76

Fri 13 March

Mamma Mia Novello Theatre

£69

Fri 20 March

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Theatre Royal Drury Lane

£76

Fri 20 March

The Lion King

Lyceum Theatre

£77

Thurs 26 March

Made in Dagenham the Musical

Adelphi Theatre

£76

Sat 11 April

The Phantom of the Opera

Her Majesty’s Theatre

£69

Sat 11 April

Les Miserables

Queen’s Theatre

£105

Sat 11 April

Miss Saigon

Prince Edward Theatre

£107

Thurs 23 April

Billy Elliot

Victoria Palace Theatre

£61

Thurs 23 April

Thriller

Lyric Theatre

£59

To Book Call 01793 821303 or visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk 36

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w

OUT & ABOUT

Family Day Out .... take the bus ALAN CARR YAP YAP YAP Sunday 15 March A comedian who owns the space he is working in so much, he could put a flag up The Independent No stranger to yap Alan Carr will be yapping his way around the UK & Ireland with his brand new stand up show ‘Yap, Yap, Yap!’ The BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life.

Yap it up!

An absolute natural on stage… a born storyteller, sheer entertainment London Evening Standard Tickets: £28.50 Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Ticket Office: 01793 524 481.

SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Sun 22 March and 3rd May 2015 Sing-a-long-a Productions are delighted to announce that Disney’s Frozen is the new Singalonga must see!

A full screening of Disney’s Frozen with lyrics on screen to help you sing along with Anna and Elsa during the film. Introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing voices and teach you some hand actions and heckles before you sit back and “Let it Go”. YOU the audience are the stars as you interact with the film.

Remember to dress up as your favourite character and be a snow queen, Sven the reindeer or Olaf, the coolest snowman ever!.

It's the most popular comedy-adventure to hit the big screen this year and, with the fairydust of Singalonga added, you are guaranteed a great time. Come on an epic journey to find Anna's sister Elsa, the Snow Queen and put an end to her icy spell.

Age recommendation 5+ Sooooo ‘do you wanna build a snowman…..?’

Tickets: £15.50* Children £5.00* off

Promoting leisure travel by bus

Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Ticket Office: 01793 524 481.

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37

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

OUT & ABOUT

Swindon and Cricklade Railway Easter Egg-Spress 3 - 6 April Our first major weekend of the year brings quality chocolate eggs for the children, handed out by the Easter Bunny.

Blunsdon Station Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon Swindon, Wiltshire SN25 2DA Tel: 01793 771615

Easter Activities

Lydiard House and Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon Wilts SN5 3PA Tel: 01793 770401

31st Mar - 9th April Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre Childrens Easter Activities.

Ticket prices: FREE Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre, Market Place, Chippenham To book & more details contact 01249 705020.

The Great Lydiard Park Easter Sunday Trail 5 April Join in a great Easter family activity to find the clues hidden around the park.

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The Elvis Years 1954 - 1977 11 April - 7.30pm.

You ready to rock ’n’ roll?

An outstanding concert production of the West End musical Jailhouse Rock featuring original star Mario Kombou and his incredible band led by legendary producer, musical director and Ivor Novello award-winner David Mackay, in the UK’s number one Elvis show.

Images of the King World Champion Mario delivers a tour de force performance in this spectacular show packed with over 50 greatest hits, from the early days of Sun Studios and That’s Alright Mama, through the Hollywood years of GI Blues and It’s Now or Never, the ‘68 TV special with All Shook Up, culminating in the legendary Las Vegas concert, with In The Ghetto, Suspicious Minds and American Trilogy.

City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434

Macmillan Grand Spring and Plant Fair

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11 April - 10.00am - 6.00pm.

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Imaginative stalls, offering accessories and plants for your home and garden. Light refreshments available.

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Ticket prices: Admission £3.00 under 16's free

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

email: mtester@swindon.gov.uk 40

Ingleside House, 5 Beeches Road, Cirencester. GL7 1BN Contact: 07825885068.

WBCT Race Night 18 April 7.30pm start with the 1st race at 8pm Ticket prices: Entry is free Woodlands Social Club, Calne.

Calne Spring Sing 18 April The Calne Spring Sing 2015 follows on from the success of the first event in 2014. With over 10 different choirs from Calne and the surrounding area taking part singing throughout the day at the Town Hall, Marden House and the Library. Workshops are also available fro the public to join, free of charge. The end of the day sees all the choirs join together to perform as one outside in the town centre. This is a free event open to all.

Calne, Wilts SN11 0EN Tel: 01249 814000

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For fun days out .... take the bus Swindon German Beerfest 2015 18 April This is a fabulous night out not to be missed. Join in the great atmosphere of a traditional German Beer fest.

Buzzing with live ompha music, vocalist, steins of real German ale, sumptuous sausages and pretzels all served by traditionally dressed mädchens. Entertain your clients, colleagues, or make it a special occasion with your friends at an affordable price. Get your tickets now to secure your places at this unforgettable event.

MECA, Regent Circus Swindon Wilts SN1 1PR

Port Isaac's Fisherman's Friends 25 April - 7.30pm The Fisherman’s Friends are shanty singers from Port Isaac who have delighted visitors and locals there for more than 15 years, with almost 300 live performances under their belts.

Down on the harbour front of the tiny fishing village of Port Isaac on the north Cornwall coast, the authentic sound of the shanty can be heard loud and clear via the mighty, brawny chorale of The Fisherman’s Friends.

At around eight in the evening during the summer months, tourists and locals gather to hear this nine-man group mesh their voices in an incredibly rousing and joyful set of shanties and Cornish folk songs.

There’s no gang leader, no choirmaster and no holds barred in the singing of The Fisherman’s Friends, and fisherman’s friends they truly are. Each and every member of this unique group are or have been fishermen, lifeboatmen and coastguards (as well as builders, artisans, hoteliers, and shop keepers) in Port Isaac.

They’ve known each other since childhood and learnt their powerful brand of Cornish harmony singing at the local Methodist chapel. Now the pottery of Fisherman’s Friend Billy Hawkins (baritone), where the group get together with a crate of ale and a good deal of bonhomie to rehearse their repertoire and try out new songs.

English folk music has enjoyed a renaissance in the last decade, especially in the West Country, with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Jackie Oates, Show of Hands, and Jim Causley achieving widespread acclaim. Now, with Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends, the Shanty Man is back in business. Be prepared to have your ears blown clean off…

Promoting leisure travel by bus

City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434

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41

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

Chippenham Folk Festival 22 - 25 May 44th Festival and we still maintain it's original core objective "... to be primarily a participatory festival promoting and presenting some of the best in English Folk Song, Music and Dance ...". It does this by presenting over 200 individual events and workshops, all in one weekend on the Spring Bank Holiday.

Ticket prices: visit www.chippfolk.co.uk www.chippfolk.co.uk or 01249 657 190.

Chippenham Lions Cherished Vehicle Show 7 June This is our fourth year and the previous years have all been very successful. As before it will be combined with a local farm open day and you can expect the Cherished Car Show with Family Fun, Farm Food, Craft, Charity and Trade Stands, ‘Ted The Tractor’, ‘Digger Dan’ and Farm Animals and Farm Machinery will be on show. We

expect to have in excess of 200 cherished cars attending. The entrance will be £5 for adults (children under 10 go free) and all money raised will go to Lions Charities.

Ticket prices: £5 Adults. Under 10's free Allington Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ Contact: Chippenham Lions on 01666 838 391

Cream Tea in The Moonraker at Swindon and Cricklade Railway 26 April 17 May 19 July 16 August 04 October Enjoy a cream tea on The Moonraker.

Please call the number above for more information.

Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Lane Blunsdon, Swindon Wiltshire SN25 2DA Tel: 01793 771615

Cycle Wiltshire 9 & 10 May Cycle Wiltshire is a two day cycling event.

The event which has been organised

by Wiltshire Council in partnership with British Cycling aims to encourage people to keep fit and active, bring local people together and boost the local economy – the three aims of A Legacy for Wiltshire – the programme of events organised following the local interest and enthusiasm generated by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Starts Five Rivers Community Campus Hulse Road, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 3NR.

e-motion adver 125x90 nov2014 photo 2 copy.pdf

This Year I’m going to get fit, lose weight, beat the traffic…..!?

Not so much a new me as a modified one to make life that little bit better, simpler, more enjoyable. One thing that gets us all down is wasting time in traffic. We’re all envious when we see cyclists cruise by while we’re sat helpless staring at the bumper in front that’s also spitting out lots of nasties from the exhaust. The latest ebikes have new super efficient motors from Bosch, Yamaha and Panasonic that can take you 50 miles or more on one 2.5 hours charge of the battery. You can choose exactly how much or how little effort you want to put into pedaling and let the motor do the rest. Those nearby hills which put you off cycling you’ll breeze up like Bradley Wiggins with a tail wind, the lycra! is optional of course. These new lighter stylish machines are brilliant for commuting to work and when the warm sunny days return you’ll be confident enough to go on long rides into the countryside, safe in the knowledge you’ll get back again. So if your New Years resolution is to get fit, lose weight, save money or beat the traffic the solution is obviously an ebike, they’re amazing!

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08/12/2014

I’m fed up with traffic...

I’d like an e-bike

The electric bike people www.e-motionevc.co.uk (01793) 251200 373 Cricklade Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1AQ

If you would like to know more please call Mark at E-motion.

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11:56

Dr. Feelgood

Celebrate the Summer – Evening Concert

9 May 8pm

6 June - Gates open at 6.30pm

Formed on Canvey Island in Essex in the early 1970s Dr. Feelgood remains one of the most popular and exciting live rhythm and blues acts in the world. The raw and uncompromising style of their performance resulted in the album Stupidity that immediately went to the number one position in the U.K. charts.

After a successful 1st appearance at the Gardens in 2014 we welcome back the fantastic City of Southampton Orchestra who will be helping us celebrate the start of the summer. Come and enjoy an evening of classical music in the beautiful surrounding of the Gardens, finishing with a firework finale.

The last album to feature Lee Brilleaux - Down at the Doctors, was recorded live at the Dr. Feelgood Music Bar on Canvey Island, (now the site of the Oysterfleet Hotel) just two months before he died.

Picnic hampers are available for ordering by calling 01794 369619 Booking is essential

The current line up features the rhythm section Kevin Morris on drums and Phil Mitchell on bass, both 29 years in the band and Steve Walwyn on guitar who has been with the band for 23 years.

Vocalist Robert Kane (formerly of the Animals) is the most recent addition – joining in 1999.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane Ampfield, Romsey, Hants SO51 0QA Tel: 01794 369318

City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434

Devizes Food Festival 2015 16 - 24 May Devizes hosts it's annual food and drink festival. For a full programme of events will be announced soon. Please visit website for more details.

Price - Adult £15.95 and Children £8

Swindon and Cricklade Railway Kids Go Free Weekend 6-7 June Any adult or senior buying a ticket may take a child with them free of charge on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.

Swindon and Cricklade Railway, North Wiltshire

www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on/devizes-food-festival-2015 Market Place, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1JG Tel: 01380 829770

Marlborough Food & Drink Festival 16- 17 May (provisional) Over 100 local and regional exhibitors the two day event promises visitors a display of cuisine delights, with producers tantalizing your taste buds. International Wine education talks, join Mark Lloyd and Rachel Green with cooking demonstrations, Cider Garden, Real Ale, Food Lovers Talks and much more. Visit our web site for more information www.garden-events.com Tickets in Advance can be purchased from: www.garden-events.com Advance tickets: Adults £6 each per day.

Marlborough Common, Frees Avenue, Marlborough Wilts SN8 1PL Tel: 01242 521997

Wilton & District Brass Band 25 May Afternoon Wilton & District Brass Band entertain on the Singing Theatre during the afternoon.

Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Salisbury Wilts SP5 5PY Tel: 01725 516871

Devizes Festival 2015 25 May Afternoon A three week festival of music and the arts taking place in various venues around Devizes.

Devizes, WILTSHIRE SN10 1BN Tel: 01380 860344

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Swindon Railway Festival 2015 Saturday 12 September 2015 Sunday 13 September 2015 Visit www.steam-museum.org.uk

My Bronte Book Your autobiography captured in a beautiful, illustrated volume for your family to treasure.

Complete with a web site of your pictures and recordings of your stories. Written in Haworth, home of the Brontes.

Haworth gave birth to the historic novels of the Bronte sisters and it can become the birthplace of your personal story.

Makes a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Bronte Book will publish your personal autobiography, written and published in Haworth, to pass on as a living legacy after making detailed recordings.

Within the four month long process comes your own web site (also available separately) containing recordings, pictures and special stories. Your own living legacy which we know you will enjoy compiling.

You may choose a book and/or a web site and an e-book within the package which starts from £300 ranging to £2,750 for the full process, which can include up to 20 books. A deposit with instalment payments plan is available.

Details from www.brontebook.com or Bronte Media, brontemedia@outlook.com Tel: 01535 959002, Mobile: 07866 626090 45

Hobbling Hounds and Crippled Cats Arthritis is something that affects most people and this is the same for our pets. Most people accept arthritis as part of ‘getting old’ but it can often be a painful condition yet with practical management at home and appropriate treatment (not always medication) pets can often live a longer happier life.

Within veterinary practice and in your own homes it can be easy to assess your canine companions as we are aware of their normal routine and quickly notice if mobility is impaired. They may be less able to get up quickly to greet us or we may also observe changes in their exercise tolerance. Many owners initially bring their dog in for simply ‘slowing down’ and can be totally unaware of any mobility pain.

But what of cats? I would find it difficult to know if my feline friend found it a trial to climb his usual tree.

After years of climbing, pouncing and, sometimes falling; their joints have been through a huge amount of shock absorption; therefore, it is unsurprising that studies show 1 in 4 older cats have arthritic changes in at least one joint. Unfortunately, cats will often compensate quietly and never bring their discomfort to their owner’s attention.

These pesky aches and pains shouldn’t mean then end of Pumpkin’s bird catching or put a stop to Dylan’s ball chasing days! There are many therapies, clinics, supplements and much more which can help and support you to keep arthritis at bay and improve mobility in your pet’s golden years.

The following treatments are primarily used on dogs and cats; however, this does not mean that our small furry exotic companions should be exempt.

If you have an older rabbit or rodent approaching their senior years it is worth seeking help if you feel their mobility is reduced. I had a wonderful pet rat, Rooney, who became severely arthritic as he approached his 4th birthday but was made more comfortable with medications and simple changes to his cage layout.

What help is available?

Firstly, I always recommended a chat with your Veterinary Nurse to see if there are any signs of arthritis and the degree of severity. We can assess your pet and suggest interventions that can help. If your pet is showing signs of arthritis it is likely the nurse will provide you with information of treatment options before referring you to see a 46

Veterinary Surgeon for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Excess weight can strongly increase chances of arthritis as animals get older and can be even harder to manage once arthritic changes are present.

Weight management programmes are recommended to all patients with arthritis.

Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain, reduce inflammation and can be used long-term. However, long-term use comes with side-effects requiring regular monitoring of liver and kidney functions. Therefore, I advocate as many management options as possible to reduce and/or delay the need for these medications: Nutraceuticals - A foodstuff or a supplement that can provide health or medical benefits.

Food - There is a fantastic prescription food available from Hills which has proven to help mobility (it is not recommended for dogs in the growth phase). Improvement is usually seen within 21days.

‘Hills J/D’ (Joint Diet) contains a proven combination of nutrients and is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acid and EPA to nourish cartilage. It is also available in low calorie to help those struggling with their weight.

Supplements - Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been widely accepted as helpful joint supplements in both humans and animals. ‘Nutraquin’ incorporates both of these ingredients and is recommended prophylactically.

Where arthritis is already present they have introduced ‘Nutraquin +’ which has an additional natural anti-inflammatory called, Boswellia extract, hopefully reducing the need for prescription medications.

Supplements usually take 4-6weeks loading dose before an improvement is seen.

Although a prescription is not required, Nutraquin + is only available through your Veterinary Clinic.

Physiotherapy The aims of physiotherapy on animals with arthritis are much the same as with humans; to help lessen pain and improve the functions of the affected joint and limbs.

Referral from your Veterinary Surgeon is required to a qualified animal osteopath/physiotherapist.

K Laser This revolutionary light laser therapy is a proven analgesic (pain relief) that can be used in conjunction with other treatments to reduce arthritic pain. Once pain free, your pet should use their limbs more effectively and consequently build their muscles to support the affected joint(s).

The treatment can be administered by your Veterinary Nurse after prescription from your Veterinary Surgeon and is well tolerated by both dogs and cats. There are minimal side effects and can be performed on multiple joints.

Acupuncture Only a qualified Veterinary Surgeon is allowed to provide this treatment to animals and, here at Thameswood Vets, we are lucky enough to have an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is qualified in this technique.

As with K Laser, the therapy is generally well tolerated by both dogs and cats and is promoted as part of a multimodal treatment plan.

Hydrotherapy Exercising on hard ground puts added stress on joints so hydrotherapy can be a fantastic tool to build muscles, improve fitness, help lose weight and provide mental stimulation for dogs with arthritis. The buoyancy of the water provides a reduced-weight bearing form of exercise allowing easier movement and helps to reduce pain.

Specially designed canine hydrotherapy centres are open to referrals from Veterinary Surgeons with trained staff to assist your pooch in the pool and/ or on the water treadmill. The warm water encourages circulation and the hydrostatic pressure has an antiinflammatory effect.

Insurance As with all Veterinary treatments, whether they are medicinal or complimentary, it is always best to check with your insurance provider to see if your individual policy will cover any or all of the above treatments.

ARK clinic – Arthritis, Rehabilitation, KLaser Here at Thameswood Vets we have a unique clinic combining a team of independent professionals and our own senior surgeons and nurses working together in a practical way to help reduce pain and rehabilitate family pets and working dogs.

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hydrotherapy, or an oral flea control which would not be affected by regular hydrotherapy e.g. nexguard or comfortis

All of the above therapies (apart from Hydrotherapy) are carried out within our 3 clinics enabling us to extend the level of care given to our pets beyond that provided by most veterinary cases by: * Having a holistic approach to treatment of arthritis, pain management, rehabilitation and sports injuries * Enabling us in some cases to reduce the level of medication prescribed * Facilitate pet owners to have a better understanding of their pets needs and be able to participate in the practical management of pets quality of life

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1) My vet has recommended my dog goes to hydrotherapy but I’m worried about her flea control if she gets bathed twice weekly. Is it still effective?

I presume that you are currently using a spot-on treatment for this to be a concern and yes there is a risk that every time your dog’s coat is stripped of product that there is a time slot (about 24hours) where flea control is less effective.

I recommend either a seresto collar which can be removed prior to

2) My cat is nearly 14years old and doesn’t go to his usual spots up high.

I have also noticed he has more matts around the rear end. Could this be because of arthritis?

Yes it is a definite possibility. Cats are great at changing their routine if they are in discomfort so this could be a reason why he is no longer choosing high areas. Also, cats with arthritis have a reduced range of movement in the affected joint(s) so depending on which joints are affected it could inhibit his flexibility and prevent his normal grooming habits. I would recommend having a check-up with the vet to assess for arthritis and rule out any other possible causes for his change in routine.

However, arthritis could be a cause for this behaviour because it can be really uncomfortable for an older arthritic dog to hold the correct position to pass faeces for any length of time. They ‘crab’ along and can sometimes seem to give up half way through then soil themselves indoors.

It is definitely worth getting him checked over with your Vet and see if there is anything we can do to help.

Some owners will notice a change in a few areas of an older animal’s life once treatment for arthritis has begun indicating that arthritis has had a gradual yet subtle effect on their quality of life.

3) My older dog doesn’t poo in one place anymore but walks along whilst squatting. Why is this?

It is impossible to say a definitive reason without examining him and ruling out other causes e.g. constipation, muscle weakness in the rectal muscles commonly associated with entire males.

Written by Gemma Lockwood Senior RVN, Thameswood Veterinary Clinics.

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

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

www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

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An amazing 8 months for Wagging Tails Swindon Steve, a carer since May, commented ‘Hilary will often pop over to visit if passing to see how the dogs and I are getting along and will offer advice when required’.

Barbara also likes the fact that Hilary is ‘so supportive and ensures that everything is going well’. One of the nicest parts of being a carer is summed up by Niki – ‘being greeted by a waggy tail in the morning’.

If there are people out there with a doggy sized hole in their life and they can say yes to the following questions, then get in touch with Hilary to find out more about becoming a valued carer: Are you at home all day (which can be working from home); have had experience as a dog owner; have no children under the age of 6 (10 in the Swindon Borough Council area); have a secure garden; and enjoy walking?

Don’t hesitate, give Hilary a call and have a chat, fill that dog void in your life or give your current canine friend someone to play with once in a while!

After only establishing Wagging Tails in Swindon at the end of April, Hilary Coates was awarded the accolade of Franchisee of the Year by the directors, Lisa & Jim Suswain at the annual company conference in October last year.

Hilary was both astonished and very proud to have achieved this recognition. ‘When I was chosen to run a Wagging Tails branch in Swindon, I could never have imagined how much I would enjoy it, but hearing from the many satisfied owners makes me realise just how much a service like ours can bring peace of mind to dog owners’.

Simply put, Wagging Tails offers dogs their very own holiday, in the homes of carefully selected, licensed and insured carers, who have had many years of experience with dogs. Hilary would like to pass on special thanks to her wonderful team of carers. ‘I have found some dedicated people who will go the extra mile for the dogs staying with them, whether it is for 3 days or for 3 weeks.

Owners can clearly see how much affection the carers have for their dog, which is their priority.’

She added ‘I try my best to ensure that becoming a carer is easy, by taking care of all the paperwork involved in licensing and insuring people, as well as being there should a carer need advice. I have great back up from our directors too, which is very reassuring. However, one of the most enjoyable aspects is calling in to visit carers with their canine guests, as a dog lover how could you ask for anything more?’

Contact Hilary on 01793 874777 or 07436 796115, alternatively go to www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn and look at the carer page.

Dog lovers wanted: Welcome a dog into your home for his holiday!

While owners are away you will give their dogs love,exercise and companionship within your family home.

If you are at home all day, have no children under the age of six, have no more than one dog of your own and would like to enjoy the companionship of guest dogs please get in touch AWARD WINNING HOME DOG BOARDING

Give a dog a holiday!

Where happy dogs holiday

Hilary Coates Phone: 01793 874 777 / 07436 796 115 Email: sn@waggingtailsuk.co.uk

www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/sn/carers A franchise owned and operated under licence by Hilary Coates Ltd like us facebook.com/WaggingTailsUK

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Tomatoes, Prostate Health and the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is often associated with healthy living. Research suggests that the humble tomato is a key constituent of this diet and may play a significant role in human health, especially of the prostate.

The belief that tomatoes have health benefits can be traced back to South American Indians, ideas that were brought to Europe by Columbus in the 15th century. Tomatoes were also thought to be aphrodisiacs, sometimes being referred to as Pommes d’Amour or “love apples”.

The key ingredient of tomatoes is lycopene, one of the world’s most powerful, naturally occurring antioxidants.

Responsible for tomatoes’ distinctive red colour, it is a member of a large family of coloured compounds called “carotenoids” that are found throughout the natural world.

Humans possess no mechanism to make carotenoids, instead we accumulate them from our diet. Some, such as betacarotene, are easily accumulated whereas others are much less easily absorbed.

Our bodies are hardly able to take up lycopene from raw tomatoes and need the fruit to be cooked or processed prior to eating. Alternatively, “bioavailable” lycopene supplements are becoming increasingly popular.

Lycopene is sometimes presented in the National media as a panacea, a miraclefood that cures almost everything. Whilst many claims are exaggerated, there is a large and credible research base that reports lycopene health benefits, particularly in relation to prostate cancer, heart disease, breast cancer and skin health.

The most extensive research has been conducted in the area of prostate cancer.

Lycopene is known to accumulate in the prostate gland and this has driven scientists to try to investigate its impact on the disease.

Some of this research has shown not only a positive association between high lycopene intake and a reduced risk of prostate cancer, but also benefits for those who already have the disease.

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Professor Ed Giovannucci from Harvard Medical School has been following the progression of 50,000 men since 1986, investigating the relationship between prostate cancer and lycopene consumption. In his latest 2014 report he notes: ‘Dietary intake of lycopene was associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer, especially lethal prostate cancer’.

A smaller trial at King’s College Hospital, London concluded: ‘Our clinical study lends weight to the probability that dietary supplementation from lycopene slows disease progression in men with prostate cancer.’

Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, many researchers think that lycopene’s antioxidant properties help to protect the body’s DNA from damaging free radicals. Others believe that lycopene improves cell-to-cell communication, reducing the risk of the uninhibited growth seen in cancer cells.

In all likelihood, several mechanisms are at work.

Every time a damaging free radical is removed by a lycopene molecule, the antioxidant becomes “spent” – the lycopene sacrifices itself to protect the body’s DNA. However, research has shown that the presence of plenty of vitamin C allows the “spent” lycopene molecules to be reactivated, rejuvenating them and preparing them to quench another poisonous free radical.

Staying Informed Professor George Truscott and two internationally renowned colleagues formed George & Partners back in 2000. The company provides readable, up-to-date, scientifically robust information about lycopene research, particularly that related to prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and skin health. The company also develops food supplements based on the latest research.

To sign up for a free newsletter, please call 08000 234 235 or visit www.lycoplus.co.uk.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR 50 PLUS READERS

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All prices include free UK postage & packing

To order call 0333 088 0331, visit www.lycoplus.co.uk or write to Freepost PROSTATE, Keele University Science Park, Staffordshire ST5 5NL

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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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CARE

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 52

and then deal with each situation as it arises.

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 well-being 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

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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.

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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53

HELPING YOU STAY INDEPENDENT

PAT ON BACK FOR MOBILITY STORE The Mobility Store has won the stamp of approval from Trading Standards thanks to its caring approach and quality products.

With the store’s help people with disabilities can remain independent.

The Mobility Store, that has its headquarters in Wroughton, is now an Approved Trader in the Trading Standards Buy With Confidence scheme.

Willie McIvor, director of The Mobility Store, said: “We offer high quality, affordable living aids to suit all needs. We provide mobility scooters, wheelchairs, stairlifts, rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds or even the smallest of daily living aids to help you live your life to the full.

“In our fully equipped workshop we offer professional service and repairs to all makes of mobility equipment, including a collection and delivery service.”

In Wroughton and Marlborough stores they have fullyqualified podiatrists who offer everything from a simple nail-cutting service to making and fitting a variety of orthopaedic insoles. The footcare department also stocks a wide-range of Cosyfeet wide-fitting shoes and slippers.

Both staff and owners are proud to have won the Approved Trader status.

For more details of the services on offer call 01793 815083.

Other services include continence aids and free hearing tests.

MAKE LIFE EASIER Rise and recline furniture Adjustable beds

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

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The Mobility Store | Unit 9a Ellendune Shopping Centre | WROUGHTON | SN4 9LN NEXT TO TESCO - FREE LEVEL PARKING | Tel: 01793 815083 56 George Lane | MARLBOROUGH | SN8 4BY | Tel: 01672 511550 Lansdowne | BOURTON ON THE WATER | GL54 2AR | Tel: 01451 810088 www.thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

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Getting to know your elderly care options in Swindon A guide to help you plan for your needs in later life.

If you’re concerned about the care of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn. It’s not always easy to talk about elderly care and you may go through a range of emotions, or feel that you’re on your own.

Aside from the emotional strain, families also have to get to grips with the implications of paying for care, which can be complex. There’s also the decision about which care to choose, which will depend on a number of factors, including the level of care required.

Many care homes provide a range of care types at one location giving the home the ability to meet individuals’ changing care needs within a single setting. This means that residents may not need to relocate to another care home should their care needs change in the future.

There are several types of care that homes can provide, such as short-stay, residential, nursing and dementia, each of which offers a specific kind of support to meet individual needs.

Choosing the right care home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. For this reason, it is important that you research and fully understand all the different options available to you, including the likely costs, to ensure you make the right choice.

It’s common for someone needing a care home to feel a burden and for relatives to feel guilty about not being able to provide the care themselves. However, life in a care home can bring great benefits; helping people to stay independent for longer in a safe and homely environment, while ensuring help is at hand when needed.

Care homes can also offer a real community spirit, where people can interact with their fellow residents, families and friends and enjoy a more active social life based on their interests and hobbies.

If you would like advice based on your personal circumstances, or you are just not sure where to start, whether it’s queries about funding, getting help to look after someone at home, or just starting the conversation with a loved one about care, Bupa offers a free advice service run by experts.

They are there to listen to your circumstances and, by explaining your options, help you to make choices that are right for you and your loved one.

To discover what care could mean for you in Swindon, talk to an expert today.

Call 0333 331 5797 †

READER OFFER For your free ‘A Guide to Making Choices for the Years Ahead’, send this coupon to: Care Journey Experts, Bupa Care Services, Bridge House, Outwood Lane, Leeds, LS18 4UP Name: ........................................................

Address: .................................................. ...................................................................... ....................................................................... .......................................................................

Tel No: .......................................................

Email: .........................................................

Tick this box if you do not wish to receive further information about Bupa’s products and services.

†Calls to 03 numbers from any line are charged at no more than UK national rates and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles.

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