Swindon issue 30

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MAY - JULY 2016

SWINDON EDITION 30

Barry Manilow ONE LAST TIME: THE TOUR

Sweets Treats FROM JAMES MARTIN DO YOU SUFFER WITH HIP OR KNEE PAIN? VISIT BMI THE RIDGEWAY HOSPITAL 23rd JUNE - FOR A FREE INFORMATION CONSULTANCY EVENING

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The UK’s largest stocks of Collection

Discover the largest selection of superb quality rugs in the UK. We travel far and wide to find the finest rugs in theworld. Every one of our showrooms is home to the most exquisite array of designs. Thousands of designs in every size, shape and colour. When it comes to rugs, we’ve got everything covered.

Service

If you are looking for something special to make the finishing touch to your room you are sure to find it at FrithRugs. With our “Bring to home” service we can even bring a selection to your home for you to choose in situ, so its never been easier to find the perfect quality large rug

Colour

Enjoy a rainbow of shades. Our rugs come in every tone from subtle neutrals in cream and beige to fired-up reds, gorgeous greens and bold blues. Calming and invigorating colours create the right mood for any setting. Bring in samples of your existing colour scheme and find the perfect match.

Warmth

Turn up the heat with a beautiful rug. There’s no faster way to add a warming focal point to any room in the home. Choose a vibrant shade and introduce rich tones to lift your mood and warm your heart. Select a deep pile design and sink into softness and cosy indulgence.

Beauty

Every rug is a work of art. Each hand made rug is unique and has been beautifully created by master craftsmen. This is exceptional quality and skill that has to be seen to be believed. Visit a showroom and the sheer beauty of our designs will take your breath away.

Over 30,000 rugs in stock, with free next day delivery

quality Rugs & large Rugs Style

What’s your style? Traditional, floral, tribal, modern, plain? We source rugs from all over the world with designs from the Middle and Far East and a vast range of machine made wool rugs from Europe. Most rugs are made especially for us. Our exclusive Laura Jade Designer Collection features a dazzling display of contemporary designs and colours.

Ideas and inspiration for everyone.

Quality

It’s our watchword. We search the world for fine rugs and only the best meet our exacting quality standards.

Our buyers inspect every rug before dispatch to our showrooms. This kind of attention to detail is unmistakable. Step inside a showroom and discover the largest collection of superb quality rugs you’ve ever seen.

Comfort

Beautiful to the eye. Warm and comfortable underfoot. All our rugs are made from only the finest materials and come in a range of thicknesses to suit any room. Choose from sleek rugs in fine silk to long pile shaggy rugs. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the sensation. Comfort is guaranteed.

Choice

See rugs in every size, shape and colour. Our vast selection of sizes ranges from a modest 31 cm sqaure to a huge 8m by 5m. Even larger rugs are available to order.

Choose from rectangles, squares, circles, ovals and octagons as well as hall runners in a variety of lengths.

Custom

Most of our designs are available to order in any size, any shape and any colour. So, if we don’t have the right rug in stock for you, we will arrange for this to be custom made, exactly as you want it.

Tel: 0845 4 900 600 Showrooms at: FrithRugs Kaydon House, Kinmel Park, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales LL18 5TY FrithRugs Lythgoes Lane (A49) Warrington WA2 7XE FrithRugs Ridings Park, Eastern Way, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 7FJ Lifestyle Furniture Plus, Snugborough Trading Estate, Union Mills, Douglas, Isle of Man IM4 4LH Floor Style Canterbury, Nason’s, Maynard Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3RQ

• 30,000 RUGS IN STOCK • ORDER TODAY, HAVE IT DELIVERED FREE TOMORROW* *Excludes weekend delivery.

• FREE PARKING • BESPOKE SERVICE • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Open: Mon-Sat: 10.00-5.00, Sun & Bank Hols: 10.00 - 4.00 Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & Easter Sunday FrithRugs is a trademark of GH Frith (Bodelwyddan) Ltd.

DPSv2

INSIDE...

Begin your park home life at Blunsdon Abbey Park

14-15

Beautiful bungalow style homes for the over-50s

Blunsdon Abbey NORTH SWINDON

A phase of five luxury executive residential homes overlooking the historic abbey ruins Modern single-storey homes l Low-maintenance l Over-50s community l Downsize and release equity

VISIT US Blunsdon St Andrew, Swindon, Wiltshire SN25 2DU

NO STAMP DUTY TO PAY

call us on 01793 722100 www.parkhomelife.com

6-7 TO CRUISE OR NOT TO CRUISE?

The Cruise industry has changed wholeheartedly 14-15 THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR THOSE

WHO PREFER A GENTLER BIKE RIDE

Electric Pedal Power 16-17 barry manilow

One Last Time 14-15 CHANGE THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME

Interior design hints and tips 20-21 CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME

Improve your lifestyle this year 30-35 Out and about

Places to visit and things to do!

36-38 sweet treats

Desserts to delight by James Martin 40-41 WHY WALKING IS THE BEST EXERCISE

Lead a healthy lifestyle.

To read more titles of the magazine, enter our competitions or to subscribe to our regular newsletter visit our new look website:

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

6th Floor | 120 Bark Street | Bolton | BL1 2AX T: (01204) 860 194 | F: (01204) 860 213 e: admin@mcgrathmedia.co.uk

TWITTER

T w itte r in g O n with Graham Smith Graham Smith

Cavalier approach to the weather!

I forget who sang about “it might as well rain until September”, well in my part of the world it has been doing and right through to Spring.

Prolonged wet weather gets us all in different ways. It’s a treat for my sciatica for instance. I’ve just spent three months walking like a ruptured duck thanks to pins, needles and pains and the urge to emigrate to warmer climes has crossed my mind more than once as I’ve performed an inelegant pose to put socks on in the morning.

Being part time guardian to six spaniels has its moments too as the rain has turned their garden into something resembling a boating lake and a toilet trip followed by 24 muddy paws trooping back in the house can be traumatic. Sometimes it’s nearly a fire engine job. Some perform their ablutions on dry land but others feel the urge to go on an Amazonian safari without a boat to the farthest flung corner of the quagmire and return looking like a mud wrestling competitor and they’re not fussy where they wipe their feet. Towels are to be avoided if they prefer wiping their feet and mud-soaked torsos on the best carpet and a shake of the head can lead to half an hour’s wiping down of tiles and paintwork.

There’s brainless Ben, the largest of the group, who thinks he’s God’s gift to the

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female sex even though he’s long since been separated from the equipment to do anything about it. He considers himself the only five-legged specimen of the breed and will aquaplane across the garden to offer his lustful ministrations to the nearest female, also devoid of the equipment and usually the inclination, so, thwarted, he’ll lunge back inside to attempt procreation with a stuffed rabbit or teddy bear. Not a pretty sight.

Whether the vet had a bad day when performing Ben’s neutering I don’t know but the sad animal has a fascination for vigorously licking my good lady’s leg, whatever she may be doing, which has alarming similarities to Sarah Ferguson’s fascination with having her toes sucked as a prelude to other delights. I worry about him. The look on his face if you remonstrate with him is reminiscent of an errant drunk on a Saturday night but he seems happy in his own world.

Milly is the senior member of the pack and rather like a dotty dowager. She is blind and deaf but that doesn’t prevent her finding the filthiest corner of the garden, ploughing through it until she resembles an outsize mud pie and gazing sightlessly at you afterwards as much as to say, “It’s your fault, clean me up and where’s my food?”

It’s a dog’s life? It certainly is for those who have to care for them during this monsoon season. Roll on summer!

When I’m 65 I officially become an OAP this year and although thoughts of retirement are far away it’s becoming noticeable that my bodily functions are no longer matching my mentality.

You know the feeling, you lose control.

You can cough, break wind and pass water all at the same time but not always voluntarily and invariably in the wrong place. Hair which long since stopped growing on your head sprouts from ever other bodily orifice and often in places where scissors or

a razor could be positively injurious.

Your mind wanders back to your youth but your legs wander in odd directions and young people are opening doors for you even if you don’t want to go through them.

I’m still having sex at 64 although I live at 58, it’s no distance! But as we strive to do all we once did through advancing years isn’t it amazing what aids we needs to do it! Now cleanse your minds I didn’t mean that although I note that those who do need a pill of the aphrodisiac variety still have to pay for them on private prescription.

Develop a bad back though and you’ll get a cocktail of drugs over the telephone from your doctor for free even though he may never have met and diagnosed you.

You put more by the side of the bed than in it. Hair gel and aftershave are replaced by hair restorer and various embrocations to aid mobility and by the time you’ve reached the bathroom you’ve forgotten why you set off, and if it’s really bad you’ve maybe done it in the hall anyway.

Age is only a number they say. Indeed it is but a number of things are starting to happen which I could well do without.

A recurrent bad back, the front’s not so good either, blood pressure pills in a world where standards would give anyone blood pressure, the list is endless and growing daily.

Pass me the pension book but I refuse to go gently into that goodnight and intend to grow old disgracefully.

Food on the move Is it really necessary to drink coffee and eat on the move?

The modern trend is to ponse along with a cardboard cup of whatever in the mornings, in the street, the car or at a desk, and as the day goes on it seems the modern generation cannot be without some sort of drink in their hands whatever they are doing.

In my day we ate at tables, used knives and forks and drank sitting down, what’s wrong with that?

5

TRAVEL

To Cruise or not to Cruise?

BY DEREK CUR Z O N

My first thought of cruising was made by my Father 10 years ago when discussing possible Honeymoon destinations for my fiancée and I. The upshot was we embarked on a 13-night cruise to the Canary Islands and have not looked back since.

We were slightly nervous with the whole experience but after the first day at sea we really became settled into our 'moving home' for a fortnight. We were rather sceptical over the thought of dressing up, but after a day of relaxing at sea or doing shore excursions in

6

wonderful destinations, we actually

also the more exclusive companies like

looked forward to coming back to the

Oceania and Regent Seven Seas.

ship and adhering to the ship’s dress code each evening.

Although every cruise company will try and tempt you to sail with them, they are

The cruise industry has changed

all offering much the same … beautiful

wholeheartedly even since our first

ships, five-star service, excellent value

cruise. It is no longer just for the elderly

for money, fantastic food prepared by

and/or wealthy, in fact the cruise

culinary chefs, West End style shows and

companies have reached out towards

entertainment, activities for children …

the young couples and family market.

the list goes on.

Nowadays there is a cruise out there for everyone.

Meeting up with fellow passengers at evening dinner is also a delight,

There are also several cruise companies

exchanging stories about what we had

to choose from with some having

all been doing that day or just simply

recently celebrated 175 years of

finding out about each other. We tended

cruising like P&O and Cunard. Some

to find (or certainly the wife did) that it

companies have brought out ‘monster

could become a little emotional on the

sized’ ships able to carry in excess of

last evening, when you had shared so

5,000 passengers; Royal Caribbean

much together over the holiday period

and Norwegian Cruise Line. There are

and no one else, no matter how you described it would ever understand

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it like your evening dinner passengers had.

Needless to say since our first cruise, we have embarked on a further 4 cruises taking us all over North and West Europe and even venturing as far as Greenland where we experienced very rough seas together with hurricane strength winds! In a scene that wouldn’t have looked out of place on Titanic, the band did play on despite their instruments and certain items of furniture, rolling across the floor!

One thing is certain though; cruising aboard your floating hotel is like no other holiday you’ll ever experience. There is no other environment where you can wake up in a different country every single day, having only packed once. There is normally no luggage allowance (unless you fly cruise) and on arriving to check in, the next time you see your luggage is in your cabin.

the crew doing all they can to assist

Inspired by our experiences on board

you and make your cruise the most

these amazing ships, I have written my

enjoyable experience possible.

first fictional book. ‘Surprise Sailaway’ tells the story of 2 sisters who embark

For anyone considering a cruise I

on their first cruise together and the

would strongly recommend trying

adventures that await them. It is the

one for yourself, even if it is just for

first of a trilogy and is a celebration of

2 nights. Most cruises out of the UK

the cruise industry.

sail from Southampton and in our experience, it is an efficiently run military operation from the time you leave your car to embarking on your

Once you step on board, you really are treated like royalty with

You can also follow my blogs all about cruising at www.sailaway.voyage

ship for the first time then meeting up with your luggage again in your cabin.

GOING ON HOLIDAY and need NEW CLOTHES Whether it’s the local beach, walking or sunnier climes or even that long awaited CRUISE

WHEN YOU’RE READY, COME AND SEE US Suppliers of suits by DIGEL the largest suit manufacturer in Europe, huge range of styles, colours and sizes.

We sell branded clothing that you have heard of and are confident with: Tootal, Vyella, HJ Socks, Skopes, Brook Taverner, Gabicci, Kam, Peter England, Rael Brook, Gurteen. etc

PRESENT THIS ADVERT FOR 10% DISCOUNT OFF YOUR PURCHASE Offer expires 30th September 2016.

Jensons of Gorse Hill Ltd | 124 Cricklade Road | Gorse Hill Tel: 01793 642211 | www.jensonsofgorsehill.biz

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|

Swindon

7

barnes

Ring for your copy!

01793 821303

www.barnescoaches.co.uk

NEW HOTEL

NEW TOUR

NO

NO

Single Supplement

Complete Isle of Wight

Shanklin No island comes close to this island with almost half of the island designated as an area of outstanding beauty! There are a variety of landscapes, including high chalk downland, woodland and lovely coastline!

Single Supplement

Cornwall plus a taste of Poldark

St Agnes including Trerice Elizabethan Manor Experience all that Cornwall has to offer whilst based in this lovely hotel in the unspoilt village of St Agnes. Nearby Agnes Head is Nampara Valley in Poldark and we visit other sites that relate to the series.

Llandudno including Snowdonia & Shrewsbury

With the option of riding the Snowdon Mountain Railway! Llandudno is one of the finest traditional seaside resorts in the world with a sweeping promenade and Victorian architecture that dominates the seafront.

Sat 4th June.......... 8 Days..............£549

Sun 5th June..........5 Days..............£389

Fri 10th June..........4 Days..............£299

The Ocean View, Shanklin A charming, well appointed hotel in a premier location

Rosemundy House Hotel 3 star property set in 4 acres of woodland and gardens. In the evenings relax in the bar or cosy snug lounge. l BAR l GROUND FLOOR ROOMS

St Kilda Hotel Lies between the two headlands in the very centre of the promenade with great views. l LIFT (please request) l BAR

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours (inc. Trerice) l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

LIFT BAR l POOL l l

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours l Ferry crossing l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

NEW TOUR

NO

Single Supplement

The Best of Cornwall in a weekend

Based in Looe Explore Cornwall’s Harbour Towns and Villages from the historic fishing port of Looe, where two rivers create a tidal harbour. The bustling harbour is the hub of the town and home to fishing vessels as well as pleasure craft.

Fri 10th June......... 4 Days..............£309 Portbyhan Hotel The hotel is situated in an unrivalled position, right at the heart of Looe.

LIFT BAR

l l

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

8

Suffolk Villages & Coast Tour

On this tour we explore the countryside that inspired two of the nation’s finest painters, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. We have a local guide for the whole day whilst we explore the Suffolk Villages and we have included entry to Lavenham Guildhall plus a river cruise including river and sea.

Sun 19th June....... 5 Days..............£389 Best Western Marks Tey Hotel 4 star hotel located on the outskirts of Colchester l POOL l BAR l STEAM ROOM l SAUNA l SPA l SATELLITE TV l GROUND FLOOR ROOMS AVAILABLE Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours (inc Lavensham Guildhall, Boat Cruise and full day guided tour) l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Tea, Tudors and Quintessentially English Villages In this delightful corner of East Anglia you’ll be transported back to 1556 at the UK’s largest re-creation of everyday Tudor life.

Kentwell Hall is taken back to an era when it was built with around 250 people in costume.

Fri 1st July.............. 4 Days..............£289 Hallmark Hotel Cambridge Set in 200 acres of picturesque grounds with great leisure facilities l l

BAR l SATELLITE TV l LIFT l POOL SAUNA l STEAM ROOM l JACUZZI

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours (inc. Kentwell Hall and a cream tea) l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk

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FREE HOME PICK-UP ON TOURS 4 DAYS AND OVER NO

Single Supplement

Beauty on the ‘Edge of the World’

Austrian Lake District St Wolfgang is situated in the middle of one of the most beautiful Lakeland areas in Europe and is well known for ‘The Sound of Music’.

Our hotel is a charming 4 star establishment located on the shores of the lake, a short walk from the heart of the village.

Italian Lakes & Swiss Trains

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 resort of Davos and in Italy we stay on the shores of Italy’s secret treasure, Lake Iseo, plus a visit to Lake Garda.

Exmouth & Devon Coastal Towns Exmouth commands a wonderful position where the River Exe joins the sea. Devon’s oldest seaside resort, it is renowned for its red cliffs and has a long, level promenade with fine views to sea and along the coastline.

Sat 2nd July........... 8 Days..............£799

Mon 18th July....... 9 Days..............£889

Fri 22nd July..........6 Days...............£419

Hotel Forsterhof, St Wolfgang 4 star hotel in a traditional Austrian style.

Central Sporthotel, Davos 4 star hotel within walking distance of the town’s lovely shopping arcade.

Iseolago Hotel, Iseo 4 star hotel located near the lake and 1/2 mile from town.

Manor Hotel 2 star hotel situated close to the beach and town with stunning views across Exmouth bay.

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours (inc. Bernina Express & Davos Card) l Channel crossings l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

LIFT BAR

l l

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Channel crossings, tours (inc. train ride, guided tour, Imperial Villa & Eagles Nest) l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal NEW TOUR

BAR

l

NEW TOUR

Secrets and Treasures

Inc. Bletchley Park & Hatfield House & Gardens Bletchley Park has been in the news recently after starring in the film ‘The Imitation Game’ and is the historic site of secret British codebreaking during WWII. Hatfield House is a Jacobean Mansion and one of the Treasure Houses of England.

Fri 29th July........... 4 Days..............£289 Mercure Letchworth Hall 4 star hotel and Spa in a converted manor house. Great leisure facilities. l LIFT l BAR l SATELLITE TV l POOL l GYM Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours (inc. Hatfield House and Bletchley Park) l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Blackpool - Family Special

Britain’s largest holiday resort with a flat 6-mile promenade and three piers. The trams on the sea front are the only survivors of their kind in England.

We return to the ever popular Vernon Hotel and this time during the school summer holidays so we can offer families some great prices!

Mon 1st Aug............5 Days.................£259 1st child under 12 sharing ............................£99 Further children under 12 sharing .............£149

Vernon Hotel 3 star hotel ideally situated close to the promenade and all the attractions l BAR Holiday includes l One adult at least is required per room. Rooms can sleep 1,2,3, or 4 (double plus bunk beds) l Return coach travel l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Book online or call:

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The Celtic Connection

Scotland, Ireland and Wales Wonderful circular tour linking the lands of the Celts; Scotland, Ireland (North Republic) and Wales.

Fri 12th Aug........... 8 Days..............£599 Maldron Hotel, Belfast Spacious and stylish rooms.

Esplanade, Bray Located on the seafront offering fantastic views.

Kinmel Manor, Snowdonia 4 star hotel set amongst rolling parkland with spectacular views of the coast.

Holiday includes l Return coach travel l Tours (inc. all ferry crossings and entry to Giants Causeway and Knowth) l Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

01793 821303

9

TRAVEL

Is Camping Fun for Empty Nesters?

Steve Aldridge from Silver Travel Advisor explores the Loire Valley from his very comfortable mobile home with Canvas Holidays

B Y S t e v e A l d r i dge

Camping, without kids? That’s intense! (well not “in tents”, as we were actually staying in a mobile home but never let the facts spoil a good joke).

Canvas Holidays helped us choose somewhere relatively flat and quiet, with interesting surroundings and booked that alongside Eurotunnel reservations. With a few essentials packed (Baked Beans and toilet roll) we were off to the Château des Marais site in the Loire Valley.

With the cries of “are we there yet” missing, a leisurely drive west of Paris took us to our destination. We admired the largest Gothic cathedral in France at Amiens and stayed at the picture perfect Honfleur. Many painters still follow in Monet’s footsteps and easels abound at the Vieux Bassin (old dock).

ARCHAEOLOGY & TRAVEL Perfect Combinations of Leisure and Interest • Minoan Crete & Santorini • Cyprus: North & South • Pompeii & Campania • Malta's Millennia • Ancient Greece

RESERVE YOUR PLACE FOR 2016 www.hiddenhistory.co.uk enquiries@hiddenhistory.co.uk tel: (UK) 0121 444 1854

10

• Informed Travel • Beautiful Locations • Bespoke Itineraries • Expert Guides • Local Airports

Upon arrival, friendly Canvas staff familiarised us with our 2 bedroom mobile home, which was set in a quiet wooded area, with plenty of dappled shade. We had a comfortable lounge to relax in, well equipped kitchen and welcome ensuite facilities. Outside was a raised decking area with table, chairs and umbrella, perfect for outdoor dining, cups of tea and sampling the local produce such as cheese and wine (it would be rude not to support the local economy wouldn’t it?).

Chairs, sun loungers and BBQ completed the “ahhh this is all very relaxing” kit. The grounds were very well maintained and the woodland nature of the site allows for the tents and mobile homes to be broken into a succession of quiet secluded areas. Open grassy areas, flower beds, swimming pools, reading and games room, restaurant, bar and shop complete the generous facilities on site.

Close by is a jewel of the French Renaissance, Château de Chambord, the largest in the Loire Valley. When Francois I started the build in 1519, he set out to impress everyone who came here and WOW did he get that right. This Château sports an amazing collection of turrets, chimneys and lanterns, which make Cinderella’s castle look a bit boring really. The English audio guide navigates us around this architectural wonder, following a route that did its best not to miss any of the selection of 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases and 4500 works of art covering paintings, tapestries and furniture that were accessible to visitors. The most impressive staircase is the doublehelix staircase that Leonardo da Vinci may well have had a hand in designing. A wonderful outing is concluded with a picnic in the vast and impressive grounds that surround the Château, claimed to be the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, with 5440 hectares to enjoy.

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The area around the campsite is relatively flat and there are something like 550 Km of cycle friendly paths, trails and back roads to enjoy, perfect for us to go walking. The Loire Valley between Sully-surLoire and Chalonnes is a UNESCO World heritage site and is described as an outstanding cultural landscape of great (I would say exceptional) beauty. We walked for hours along the river Loire and there are some handy parking spots so you can pick up where you left off the day before, without walking the same route again. For a couple of days the temperature was perfect, the sun shone, the dragon flies danced above the reeds with electric blue reflecting in their wings, wild orchids beamed from the bank, trees shed their fluffy white blossom so that occasionally it seemed we were walking through a snowstorm. Hand in hand, at that moment in time, there was no place in the world we’d rather be. The walking paths/ bike trails were fairly deserted and we’d walk for quite some time before passing another soul. Nearly all greeted us with a cheery bonjour.

Luxury Park Home living for the over 50’s

• Are you aged 50+ and considering moving home?

With so many Châteaux in the Loire Valley, we chose Château de Chenonceau, for a second day out. Building began in the 16th century and it is significantly smaller than Château de Chambord, but its outstanding feature is that it spans the Cher River using a number of elegant arches. The gallery that sits above it is said to have been the venue for many an interesting party in its day. There were also beautiful gardens, a maze and waxworks to admire. It took about an hour to get to the Château de Chenonceau from the site and we stuck to the minor routes to get a look at some of the smaller towns and villages along the way. This made for a really interesting drive, on which we saw smaller Châteaux, churches and were impressed by some of the villages that take a real pride in beautifying their homes with flowers and shaped hedges.

Canvas Holidays offers luxury self-catering tent, mobile home and lodge holidays at over 100 of the finest campsites in Europe. Destinations span across 8 European countries including France, Spain and Italy. Canvas Holidays provides accommodation to suit all budgets, offering flexibility on dates, duration and travel arrangements.

With plenty of activities tailored for adults, more and more couples are enjoying the flexibility that camping holidays with can offer. Many of their campsites are ideal for an over 50s holiday and offer activities from luxury spas and wine tasting to golf and scuba diving. Camping really does offer something for everyone.

Contact www.canvasholidays.com or call 0345 268 0827

LILLYB

We have a variety of new homes arriving on both parks over the coming year. For further information please contact us.

R

OO

K

PA

R

Eco

INITIATIVE

HOMES

Factbox

Lillybrook is a long established family business which runs two Park Home Estates for the over fifties in the countryside on the outskirts of Lyneham. We’ve been here for over fifty years and have aimed to make home quality and customer satisfaction our prime target.

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With the horrors of outdoor toilets and showers avoided by having a comfortable mobile home, this proved to be an excellent base to explore this beautiful area and a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Sign us up for the next camping trip.

• Thinking of downsizing and want to live in an area with like-minded people?

OUR ECO INITIATIVE Here at Lillybrook we are keen to make our homes as eco efficient as possible. In recent years we have designed our homes with a range of energy saving features: Air Source Heat Pump Extra Insulation n Rainwater Harvester n LED Lighting n Triple Glazing n

n

Our aim is to drastically reduce running costs for residents by using eco friendly technology

Lillybrook Estate Ltd, Lyneham, SN15 4AA

Telephone: 01249 890250 living@lillybrook.co.uk

www.lillybrook.co.uk

Great south south Great coast holidays coast holidays Coach SELF-DRIVE & & COACH COACH INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE BREAKS BREAKS SELF-DRIVE

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

Whether you’re after family-friendly holidays, a romantic getaway Whether you’re after holidays,our a romantic getaway or a group break withfamily-friendly like-minded people, seven hotels cover or a group break with like-minded people, our seven hotels cover the south’s finest locations. From the popular beaches of Cornwall the south’s finest locations.

From the popular beaches of Cornwall to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone. to the cosy Isle of Wight, there’s something for everyone.

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

have our own fleet of executive ches that enables us to offer el from a selection of pick up Every break includes: Every break nts across theincludes: UK. • Return coach travel (self-drive option available)

• Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation vehicle features conditioning and on board • Comfy en suiteair accommodation • Breakfast & 3-course evening meal o make your &journey as comfortable as possible.

• Breakfast 3-course evening meal • Live nightly entertainment also boast friendly drivers who will warmly greet • Live nightly entertainment

elp you settle into your pre-allotted seat and let now of any planned comfort breaks. We aim to Trio awarded Certificate of Excellence ou to your hotel between on We are proud to3-5pm, announce thatdepending three of our group – the Barrowfield, Devonshire and Daish’s hotels – have been awarded the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. ngth of the journey.

Six fabulous locations, seven great hotels

Seven locations,weymouth eight greatweymouth hotels. newquayfabuloustorquay Every break includes: Isle of Wight

Torquay

Bournemouth

Eastbourne

• Return coach travel (self-drive option • Comfy en suite accommodation

Request your new 2016 brochure now!

Barrowfield Hotel Daish’s Hotel

Devonshire Hotel Devonshire Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

Russell Hotel

Bournemouth Sands Claremont Hotel • Breakfast & 3-courseTheevening meal

Don’t miss

Request your new 2015 these coach brochure now!

inclusive breaks!

Local pick up points from make it easy to get away.

DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

Don’t miss these coach inclusive breaks!

MAY

01 pick up points Claremont – Eastbourne 5 £199 Local from,Hotel Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, 02 Russell Hotelmake – Weymouth 6 £209 Tewkesbury and Worcester it easy to get away.

DATE

08

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

DESTINATION HOTEL 08

COACH DAYS BOARD DATE Somerset Hotel INCLUSIVE – PRICE Llandudno

January 09 08 12 16

5 DESTINATION HOTEL

March Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5 5

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

Half

£89

01

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

Half

£104

09

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

Half

£109

11

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

10

11

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

5

17

17 Claremont Eastbourne Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay 5 Hotel Half – £89 12

23

Russell Hotel – Weymouth 4 Regent Half £89 14 Barrowfield Hotel – 4Newquay 20 Hotel Prince – Weymouth

23

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

22

February

5

Half

£104

5 Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

24

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

30

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

£179 COACH DAYS BOARD INCLUSIVE £219 PRICE

£219 £179

5

Half

£124

5

Half

£164

5

Half

£129

£229 5 Half

£139

5 Half £204

£129

6

Half

£174

5

Half

£169

£189

5

£189

5

£184

01

24 Barrowfield Hotel £124 – Newquay Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne 5 Half April

02

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay Half – Isle £99 26 Daish’s5 Hotel of Wight02

Devonshire Hotel –5Torquay

7 Half £219

£214

04

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Half

£119

06

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

5

Half

£154

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

5

Half

£109

09

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£144

05 11

04

JUNE

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

Half

£109

Half

£179

11 Devonshire Hotel£139 – Torquay23 Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne 5 Half

Daish’s Hotel – Isle 5 of Wight

£199 6 Half

£184

22

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay Half £109 24 16 Sands 5Hotel – Bournemouth

Russell Hotel – Weymouth

5

4 Half £219

£114

5

£204

27

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

5

Half

£139

May

Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight

5

Half

£124

05

19

Devonshire Hotel – Torquay

24

Sands Hotel – Bournemouth 20

30

21 Eastbourne

Claremont Hotel –

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a

Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne

£209

17

25

22

5

Barrowfield Hotel – Newquay

5

Half

£154

Daish’s Hotel – Isle 4 of Wight

£189 5 Half

5

£184

Claremont Hotel – 5Eastbourne

6 Half £264

£244

June

Price includes return coach from: Standard Room. Supplements apply on travel twin/double rooms 04 Devonshire Hotel – Torquay 5 Half with sole occupancy. Optional local excursions can be booked Worcester, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Bristol. at the hotel. Many more coach or self-drive holiday dates 09 Daish’s Hotel – Isle of Wight 6 Half available in 2015.

If you wouldtoprefer to self-drive,and deduct All offers are subject availability standard terms and conditions (see brochure or £20 per person from prices shown.

27 Claremont Hotel – Eastbourne 7 Half website for T&C’s).

bournemouth Llandudno

£174 £244 £334

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 2016. If you would prefer to self-drive, deduct £20 per person from prices shown.

isle of wight Newquay

eastbourne

Weymouth

n available)

Call 01803 201 432 or visit daishs.com Weymouth Call 01202 638840 or visit daishs.com quote 50PLUSCHE quote 50PlusGB

facebook.com/daishs facebook.com/daishs Bournemouth Sands Hotel Somerset Hotel

Daish’s Hotel

Barrowfield Hotel

Claremont Hotel

Hotel Prince Regent

@daishs_holidays

@daishs

Russell Hotel

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Electric pedal power The perfect choice for those who prefer a gentler bike ride

B y J enn i e C a r r f r o m S i l v e r T r a v e l Ad v i so r and the feeling of freedom with some serious bonuses! Speeds of up to 25km an hour can be reached, a real plus should you go further off the beaten track than anticipated or fancy taking in a castle or market that is miles out of your way. And of course, that hideous hill becomes a concern consigned to the past. The electric bike will take all the hard work out of cycling upwards, leaving you free to enjoy the view and take glorious photos once you’ve reached the top, not to mention the enjoyment of overtaking a few “manual” cyclists on the way up!

Cycling holidays are becoming more popular every year, and especially amongst Silver Travellers. The success of British athletes in this sport has brought out the Bradley Wiggins and Laura Trott (plus a few years) in many of us, especially for leisure time. The wonderfully exciting Tour de France in the UK in 2014 has also added to the growing passion we have for cycling at home and abroad.

All well and good for those fitness fanatics who can don skintight lycra and pedal off on weekend mornings before most of us have had a coffee or thought of exercise. However for many, the more appealing notion is a cycling holiday; quiet lanes in warm European

14

countries, right off the beaten track with wonderful scenery taking in sleepy villages, orchards and grazing cattle, with the sparkling Med enticingly close.

Until of course you spy, ahead in the distance, gently rolling countryside, which the closer you get, turns into the equivalent of Mont Blanc for the infrequent cyclist. Gone are all thoughts of the divine scent of the lavender fields and the photos you plan to take of stunning vistas. Suddenly a gentle spin on a bike turns into something rather more challenging.

Fortunately, help is at hand and not in the form of a farmer with a tractor.

The electric bike! These marvellous inventions, originally designed in a basic form in the 1890s, operate using a battery although they still need to be pedalled to move onwards, and indeed, upwards. So you have all the joys of a normal bike, fresh air, exercise

The pedal assist allows you to cycle without a struggle, as you can choose the speed and amount of assistance the battery gives, all very simply. If you wish to use the battery, turn it on, if you are happy under your own leg power, it can stay off. This certainly makes for a really pleasant ride for the leisure cyclist. Added to this, the ‘sit up and beg’ position of the bikes makes for a relaxing cycle, and avoids the back breaking, horizontal crouch used by the sportsman. The actual body of the bike is, without question, heavier, however the battery alleviates this once you get going, so don’t be put off if the first few moments make your legs feel a little leaden. All will soon be well!

Should you be one of a couple or group who have differing levels of fitness, the e-bike may well allow everyone to enjoy a holiday together, with the infrequent pedellar able to keep up with the more dedicated cyclist. Or perhaps it could enable you to take a slightly more ambitious, in terms of hills and distance, trip than you might have done. No longer restricted to river valleys, you could be enjoying the hills of Tuscany or coastal paths of Portugal.

Concerns about your physical ability will

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TRAVEL Are you confused?

If you’ve looked for an electric bike on the internet recently you may have been overwhelmed by the number of brands and sheer choice available. Bosch alone who are now the market leader of ebike drive systems supply over 60 brands.

Some of the old motorcycle names have resurfaced as ebikes. Francis Barnet, Benelli and even a Ducati ebike are now on the market. But are they any good? With the relative success of ebikes a few large corporations have entered the market and the quality of drive systems and batteries has gone up and the weight of the bikes is down considerably.

vanish and a great sense of well-being will complete a day’s exercise, as opposed to fears about aching muscles and the application of embrocation.

Electric bikes have had a slight image problem historically, being seen as somewhat uncool and not for ‘real’ cyclists.

The pragmatic amongst us have taken another stance and sales of the electric bike are soaring! The Chinese, famous for their passion for cycling, have bought more than 120 million and in Germany, BMW have brought out their own version of the e-bike. Surely there can be no finer endorsement. Add to that the Dutch enthusiasm for this mode of transport and you can see how well it’s catching on! Little did Ogden Bolton Junior of the USA know what he was starting when he patented the battery powered bicycle in 1895. And frankly, the need never to wear lycra on an electric bike, unless you so choose, must surely be the greatest advantage known to other road users.

Should you go for a hub motored bike which have a motor in the front or rear wheel and tend to be at the cheaper end (£600+) and almost certainly made in China or should you take a look at the centre drive motor bikes powered

by Bosch, Yamaha or Shimano which are at the higher end (£1500+) and mostly come from Germany.

There are many reasons why people choose what they do but, in our opinion the best way to find out what you need is to be talked through the pro’s and con’s of the different bikes with your local independent ebike specialist, if you have one!

Above all you should try one out before you buy as there are huge differences in the way they work, handle and perform.

You should be comfortable and confident on your bike. A good shop will talk you through all the issues and ensure you get exactly what you need. Happy ebiking..ding! ding!

So for all of us who desire the joys of a cycling holiday, without the pain or strain that Sir Bradley endures, the electric bicycle must surely be the way to go!

Silver Travel Advisor recommends Walking and cycling specialist, Headwater Holidays, is offering electric bikes to customers on selected selfguided cycling holidays in France, Italy, Portugal, Austria and Switzerland, with an e-bike supplement from just £50 per person for those wanting to upgrade to an electric bike on their trip.

Visit www.headwater.com for more information or call 01606 822671.

Mercurio Bike Travel www.mercurio-bike-travel.com offers gentle guided cycling holidays in Germany and Austria with an electric bike option available too.

Call 020 8144 1199.

For more information, articles and reviews, visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or contact service@silvertraveladvisor.com

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

15

Barry Manilow “One Last Time” BARRY Manilow’s latest UK tour may be entitled “One Last Time” but it’s very unlikely that the British public will ever let one of their favourite artistes simply disappear from view.

At 72, the singer who specialises in lush, sentimental ballads and orchestrated upbeat songs and has long been dubbed the consummate showman, is still as popular as ever on both sides of the Atlantic – and in many other countries around the world.

He will play only eight dates in the UK – from Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena to the Manchester Arena and London’s O2 Arena – which will no doubt each be a sell-out. But his music is an enduring currency that few fans will ever stop needing, and that ensures that, even if this is “one last time” on tour, his records and TV appearances will be as much-prized as ever.

His life has been all about the music.

As he explains: “I am a musician. My passion for music has obliterated everything in its path for my entire life.

“Whenever there was a choice between music and anything else, music won hands down every time. No one person or material thing could ever come close to the feeling I get when the music is right.”

16

Barry was born to Edna and Harold Pincus, of Russian-Jewish descent, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943. His father left when he was just two and young Barry later adopted his mother’s maiden name of Manilow.

His musical interest started early: at the age of seven he learned to play both the accordion and the piano, preferring the latter, and was singing by 13.

After graduating from high school, he was accepted into the well-known Julliard School of Music and paid for his own schooling by working in the CBS mailroom.

It took time for Barry to meet the right people but he was eventually given the chance to become musical director of CBS show “Callback”. To supplement his income, he also wrote, produced and performed advertising jingles for clients including Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds.

In 1971, a then unknown singer, Bette Midler, hired him as her pianist, arranger and musical director and it was a collaboration that brought the young

man his real break into the music world.

He supervised Bette’s first two albums - her debut album won a Grammy award - and in 1972 at the Carnegie Hall, had the chance to showcase some of his own material. This led him to a new label, Bell, offering a record deal; his debut album “Barry Manilow” was released in 1973 although it didn’t sell well.

After Bell itself underwent a transformation and became Arista, however, his fortunes changed. New label head Clive Davis asked Barry to record pop tune, “Brandy”, a UK hit for Scott English. Barry altered the tune to a ballad and renamed it “Mandy”, to avoid confusion with a similar-sounding hit. The haunting song really struck a nerve with the record-buying US public and went to No.1 in early 1975, remaining one of Barry’s best-loved songs of all time even today.

His second, equally successful offering in early 1976 was “I Write The Songs” from the “Tryin’ To Get The Feeling” album which went triple platinum. Barry was becoming an established star.

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CELEBRITY NEWS His concert double LP “Live” in 1977 was his first and only No.1 album with sales of more than four million copies. ABC aired his first prime-time programme “The Barry Manilow Special” in 1977, for which he won a Grammy award, and the same year he won a Special Tony award for his Broadway show.

The following year, he had another triple platinum album with three Top Ten singles including the legendary “Copacabana”, and his reputation as an entertainer who delivered was made.

Seven albums and five years later, he inevitably decided to change musical direction and released a swinging jazz album, “2:00 AM Paradise Café”, featuring big jazz names including Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme and Gerry Mulligan. He continued to show his versatility with swing, vocal jazz and traditional pop through various albums including “Manilow Sings Sinatra” – proving the man can sing anything from standards to showtunes and give it that Manilow magic.

As he admits: “My style of music is the great American songbook meets the pop world of the Seventies and Eighties.”

In 1985, he played the role of Tony Starr in the TV series “Copacabana.”

In 1994, he enjoyed stage musical success with a show of the same name and followed it with another musical, “Harmony”, which toured both the US and UK extensively.

Since then, the hits, the touring and the TV appearances have all continued in large amounts for the boy from Brooklyn. He’s performed in two-hour “specials”, and guested in popular shows like “Ally McBeal” and “Will & Grace.” His career has also been littered with awards; in 2002, he was inducted into the US National Academy of Popular Music’s Songwriters Hall of Fame, alongside Michael Jackson, Randy Newman and Sting.

At the same time as these glittering accolades, though, and the millions of fans he attracts, he has always had his detractors who never saw his brand of music as being contemporary enough.

Go to any of his shows or conventions, however and Fanilow Fever is strictly

the order of the day. The singer makes himself very accessible to fans, and many of them have followed him for the nearly three decades of his career and are intensely loyal.

“I will still make albums and do onenighters here and there. This is the last of the big tours that keep me away from home and living my life. It’s time to stop the big tours, not time to stop.”

He’s had a couple of health scares and, like many artistes before him, probably finds extensive, regular touring exhilarating but tiring. However, Barry himself is keen to point out that the title of this latest tour does not mean he is quitting his singing career.

And that’s good news for the millions for whom Barry Manilow is their singer, their showman of choice. And when worldwide pop trends of all kinds have come and gone – for them, Barry is still No.1.

As he told the American newspaper the Kansas City Star just recently: “I’ve been roaming the earth for 40 years, and it’s not that I’m retiring.

Photos: Mary A Lupo/Shutterstock.com s_bukley/Shutterstock.com

To find out more about tickets for the One Last Time Tour go to www.manilowuk.com www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

17

Friendship, Peace of Mind, Independent Living for people over 60* Sheltered Housing provides Many people may think of our 33 Sheltered Housing aCouncil sense led of independence in schemes as ‘Care Homes’ but a happy environment with they’re quite thethat opposite. the knowledge help is on hand if required.

Shelterered Housing provides a sense of independence in a

You’ll get your own happy environment with the self-contained flat with a hand reassurance that help is on lounge, kitchen, bedroom and if required. private bathroom.

You’ll get your own selfIfcontained repairs are we take flat needed, with a lounge, kitchen, and the private care of it,bedroom giving you bathroom. freedom to simply enjoy your

living space.

If repairs are needed, we take

care of it, giving you theCouncil freedom All Swindon Borough to simply enjoy your living Sheltered schemes have a space. dedicated officer who you can All Swindon Borough call on for help.

This,Council coupled Sheltered schemes have with a 24-hour back up a dedicated officer who you can service provided by our call on for help. This, coupled Homeline team, means that with a 24-hour back up service support available at any providedisby our Homeline team, time, day or night. means that support is available at any day orschemes night.

All our time, sheltered are All our sheltered schemes situated in the heart of are situated in We’ll the heart of help communities. even communities.

We’ll help you get the best ofeven the local you get the best of the local services available such as services available such as healthcare, leisure and social healthcare, leisure and social activities. activities.

**Or Or for forpeople peopleover over 5050 and and receiving Disability receiving Disability Living Living Allowance/Personal Allowance/ Personal Independence IndependencePayment Payment

For more information, please contact us: Housing, Swindon Borough Council, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH Tel: 01793 445503 Email: housing@swindon.gov.uk Web: www.swindonhomebid.org.uk

Housing

It’s not sheltered living in our sheltered homes Many people may think of our 33 Council led Sheltered Housing schemes as ‘Care Homes’ but they’re quite the opposite.

Sheltered housing in Swindon is available for many people with a variety of housing needs and downsizing is quite often the reason to choose this type of housing.

JIM DAY from Charles MacPherson Gardens ‘I often tell people I love living in my Sheltered Housing scheme, Charles MacPherson Gardens and I do.

The complex is very security conscious and has been very friendly since the day I moved in 10 years ago. The flats here make it very easy to live independently and I’ve been able to make it my home’.

We have an excellent Sheltered Housing Officer on site and a committee in operation for those who wish to take part and enjoy with us our many trips, parties in the lounge and other events’.

The committee Jim is referring to is the Tenants Association for Sheltered Housing (TASH) who support, inform and act as the voice for tenants in sheltered housing. Discussing service delivery with the landlord Swindon Borough Council is one of their key roles but so if the happiness of the schemes they represent – many of which have regular free activities in the communal lounges provided by the Tenant Academy.

Entertainment This year Elizabeth House, Queen’s Drive knew that one of their weekly coffee mornings was going to be extra special by celebrating Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday. A swing band was booked and delighted the residents with some favourites, and followed by a very union buffet.

Mushin Mushin is a gentle exercise class and proving popular in many of our schemes as it greatly improves your health and mobility.

Personal Safety Training We train residents of sheltered housing schemes in how to keep themselves safe at home and out in the community.

Lesley, had previously been pushed over while two young men had tried to

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rob her purse in the town centre, so she took these sessions seriously, and was keen to gain new tips for the future. She says; “I thought that the Personal Safety Sessions were really good and Ken was really friendly and easy to talk to.

It made us all more aware of our surroundings and the sessions got me and others thinking about their safety, and we use some of the tips from the training”.

John also enjoyed the sessions and learnt some valuable tips for keeping safe, “I really enjoyed the training, I would rate it a ten out of ten. I have been spreading the tips I learned to my friends and my parents. For example, I now write down the amount I need from the bank so they don’t have to speak out loud and everyone know how much money you have. I also only take out the amount of money that I need and don’t carry around more than that”.

Our trainer Ken, and his sidekick “Big Merv” (a dog the size of a pony!), have been such a hit that we are currently arranging more personal safety training to meet demand. Feedback has been excellent with tenants commenting on how they use simple techniques to improve their safety. We have just started programmes in an additional four schemes and will be starting drop in sessions for all tenants soon!

Gardening Our Sheltered schemes have some amazing gardens which are designed, planted and looked after by the tenants at the scheme. RE:FRESH bids have helped many with raised beds and new patio areas so all of the tenants can enjoy the outdoors with many a social BBQ.

Craft Workshops and Sporting Clubs Many schemes have their own clubs set up such as breakfast and /or lunch clubs, card making, knitting and darts…with a bit of a competitive streak! Tenants have asked for help in setting up some new craft groups within schemes or at neighbouring ones. We’ve had a great time at Crochet, and Christmas crafts so far.

First Aid for Sheltered Housing We encourage our tenants to come forward with ideas to help improve not only the service they receive but also the livelihoods for themselves and their neighbours. In a Tenant Academy survey one of the courses they felt strongly in receiving at schemes was First Aid which has been successfully delivered at some of the 33 schemes with more to follow.

Sheltered Housing provides a sense of independence in a happy environment with the knowledge that help is on hand if required. All our sheltered schemes are situated in the heart of communities.

We’ll even help you get the best of the local services available such as healthcare,leisure and social activities.

With Swindon Borough Council Sheltered accommodation you’ll get your own self-contained flat with a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and private bathroom. If repairs are needed, we take care of it, giving you the freedom to simply enjoy your home.

All Swindon Borough Council Sheltered schemes have a dedicated officer who you can call on for help. This, coupled with a 24-hour back up service provided by our Homeline team, means that support is available at any time, day or night.

For further information visit: Swindon Borough Council, Sheltered Housing at www.swindon.gov.uk/ shelteredhousing

19

HOME

CHANGING THE MOOD OF YOUR HOME B Y A N G E LA K E LL Y

CHANGING the mood of your home is a definite way to alter and improve your lifestyle in 2016.

The wonderful thing about this positive decision is that it can cost as much – or as little – as you want it to, involving differences to your home that are radical or merely minor.

“It really all depends on your budget and how much change you want, your circumstances and your surrounding space,” explains interior designer Allyson Houghton from Ideas Interior.

She has noticed that a major trend in improving homes today involves glass and letting in plenty of natural light

through glass walls and roofs. “This is

Try panels on the walls that reflect

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now that you can change the mood whenever you want,” he adds. “There is even a switch with eight different

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“Conservatories and orangeries are also very popular these days,” says Allyson, ”and you can often finally achieve the lifestyle you dreamed of by having this improvement in light and space.”

There are many varying styles of both available and, again, choose your supplier carefully. Go online and study the styles that would both complement your own home and will provide the changes you want or visit local showrooms.

“Sometimes, just painting your home, improving the garden or patio and adding colourful pots of plants and flowers can change the whole look of your home and lift your mood, too,” states Allyson.

Take a look at your existing front-door: does it need sprucing up with a lick of paint or do you need a new one?

A modern front-door, often with smart glass panels, can make quite a difference to your hallway – “and this area is the gateway to your home as it’s the first thing visitors see

If you’ve definitely got a generous budget for changes, investing in a new lounge suite that offers a more comfortable way to relax is worth the effort.

But, Allyson advises that if you have a really good suite or sofa that’s more than 15 years-old but looking the worse for wear these days, consider having it re-upholstered

so it really needs to give a good impression,” says Allyson.

Lighting around your home is a major improver of mood and feelings. Allyson advises investing in dimmer switches to change the lighting as your own mood changes, and use good-quality candles around the home. “These not

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ

only give out a lovely light but can also scent your home – and the senses need soothing in this way so they are a definite mood-changer.”

If you’re buying new light fittings, while it’s useful to see what is available by going online, it’s always best to go into shops and stores and see light fittings for yourself and the effect they have on an area.

Be careful about choosing wall colours and décor throughout your property. Bold colours like reds and greens can be harsh but if you want a more relaxing ambience, neutral shades and gentler colours like blues and lilacs can soothe and improve how you feel as soon as you step through the door.

Colour is vital in your home. Introducing colour will change a room, and different rooms need different colours which send out different messages, so it’s important to get it right.

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HOME A new bathroom might be your dream – and a great place for relaxing. Baths are a real style item today and it’s worth having a look around for just the right shape and style. The same goes for your bathroom tiling and décor – “but sometimes just having candles lit in your bathroom can make a difference,” insists Allyson.

Your bedroom is definitely a place that needs to reflect a relaxing mood, so does it need a revamp? New units completely change this room, and improve your lifestyle by having a place for everything. instead. “Older furniture can be particularly well-made and some good suites are certainly worth keeping – I never advise throwing away one like that,” she says. “Find a good upholsterer to give your suite or sofa a more modern look and you’ll be amazed at the difference this makes. And if you can’t afford re-upholstering, invest in a couple of attractive throws to alter the way they look.”

Changing a room’s colourscheme by getting the help

On a simpler level, new bedding, cushions and a new carpet can make this room into a wonderfully restive place – and investing in a new bed is definitely an ongoing mood-changer that gives you the right level of sleep, every night.

• For more information go to: www.ideasinterior.co.uk Allyson Houghton Ideas Interiors is an established Interior Design Studio based in the heart of Lancashire, and their client geographic stretches from The Highlands to London and further afield in Europe.

of a recommended painter and decorator – or simply doing it yourself – can bring a main room like a lounge into the 21st century. Use a central colour, adds Allyson, and accentuate this with toning cushions and other soft furnishings and you’ll be surprised at how fresh your home is starting to look.

New curtains and drapes that frame windows beautifully can also open up a room, adding to that lovely new décor.

This new style can be repeated around the home in varying ways. Having a new kitchen is a welcome, major addition to your property and certainly worth the investment if yours is looking jaded and old-fashioned.

“Or adding new unit doors and work surfaces can also re-vamp a kitchen,” states Allyson. “Smart new flooring,

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a new sink and taps can really cheer up your kitchen and make it look modern.”

Floor coverings generally can alter the look and mood of your home – and you don’t need to spend a fortune to make rooms smarter and feel so much more comfortable, which improves your quality of living.

22

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

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check to see if you have “hard to treat” cavity walls which could HOME

Are energy s out on your this opportunity bills high? and feel too the benefit”

5 signs your home insulation is not working Some insulations can lose performance over time, sustain damage or simply no longer meet updated building regulations. It’s an issue that can be costly, because if your home’s insulation isn’t doing its job you could be wasting money and resources.

You don’t have to be a trained professional to know you have a problem. Here are several signs that your insulation is lacking.

1. Energy bills - High energy bills are the biggest red flag, especially relative to the size, age or condition of the home. If you have a run-away energy bill, your insulation may need to be upgraded. This can be the case, even in a new home.

2. Drafts - do you need to put on a sweater even with the heat on, or constantly need to turn the heating up.

That’s a sign of a deficiency in your building insulation.

3. Inconsistent temperatures - is it warm in one room, but cold in another? Are your walls cold to touch? It’s possible that while your whole home may not need attention, certain rooms may need to be addressed.

4. Condition of insulating materials - Consider the age of your insulation. Would it stand up to today’s building regulations. Is it in good shape or is it crumbly? If your insulation has degraded or isn’t performing, it’s time for an upgrade. This should not be a do-it yourself job.

5. You detect pests and/or moisture - insulation - and your building - can be compromised by the presence of pests. Moisture is an even bigger obstacle to optimal thermal performance, as some types of insulation can sag or collapse when damp, leaving voids and causing air to flow in and out of the building.

While some solutions may be more complicated, requiring the opening of the existing wall cavities, other can be addressed more easily. The best way to improve thermal performance and increase energy efficiency is to upgrade loft and cavity wall insulation.

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Swindon Safe & Warm

NEED HELP WITH CAVITY WALL INSULATION FOR HOMES BUILT SINCE 1992 Have you struggled to keep your home warm over the past winter? Is this despite your home being built relatively recently, say in the past 20 years or so?

If so, there may be some help available for you.

Shouldn’t my home already be well insulated?

Although energy efficiency standards in housing have improved over the years, there are still homes out there that are fairly new yet are still difficult to keep warm. Due to previous insulation scheme rules, these homes may have been refused funding for insulation measures that could’ve helped, particularly cavity wall insulation. This situation has now changed for the better.

New insulation partnership Swindon Safe & Warm has entered into a new partnership with Crest Surveying, which will help homeowners to access free cavity wall insulation. This scheme is specifically targeted at homes built from 1992 onwards, but it may also be able to help with homes built before this. This can make it easier to keep your home warm while reducing your energy costs. Cavity wall insulation can save up to £145 per year on heating bills for a typical 3 bed semi-detached house.

How do I find out more?

For more information on this, or to be referred for a free no-obligation survey through this scheme, please contact: David Miles - Affordable Warmth Coordinator Swindon Borough Council, 5th Floor Wat Tyler House, Beckhampton Street, Swindon SN1 2JH Tel: 01793 463679 Email: dmiles3@swindon.gov.uk www.swindon.gov.uk/safeandwarm 23

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 24

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

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

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

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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 ‘Rustique’ - Europe’s first fully sculptured 5 chamber frame, driving down the U-value to just 1.4 with zero air leakage, an incredible achievement.

The majority of PVCu frames (even those of many leading brands still being sold in 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...

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

Conservatory Furniture Collection Comprehensive FREE SCATTER CUSHIONS range of Cane, Rattan, Laminated Wood combinations.

Over 300 fabrics.

Free local delivery AND FREE SCATTER CUSHIONS

The

Experts in home improvement. With over 50 years experience we can project manage your new conservatory from start to finish, creating an additional room - tailor made to suit your needs - all year round.

Conservatory Centre www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Market Leaders in conservatory technology

*Terms & conditions apply

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 25

The Flyer

Focus on V.S.F.

At V.S.F. Ltd we have been helping people turn their old, impractical garages into modern and useful spaces for the last decade. Our experts can take on pretty much any project, from refurbishing your rundown concrete garage ensuring you have a secure storage space for years to come, to erecting a completely new one for you, or transforming your garage into an up-to-date and ultra-functional utility room.

It doesn’t matter how old your garage is or what condition it is in, V.S.F will give it a new lease of life or totally transform it to add value to your home.

Whether it’s just a replacement roof that is needed or a full refurbishment, V.S.F. will take care of every aspect, from the technical survey through to the installation.

You don’t even need to empty your garage we will empty it for you if necessary, do the job and then leave everything spotless when we have gone. You won’t even know we have been there, apart from the wonderful space that we leave behind.

V.S.F. can reduce or extend your garage, block up doors with panels, take out panels and add new doors.

We can reduce or increase garage door sizes, install new windows or change your roof from flat to apex. The options for your garage are virtually endless - and we will work with you at every stage to ensure you get just what you want.

Marcus Jeffreys, strategic consultant for the company, said: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that from your initial contact to completing your installation, whether it be a refurbishment or a replacement garage, every aspect of your installation is managed correctly, ensuring that the installation and completion dates are met.

“In present times, when the building industry has a reputation for not fulfilling deadlines and shoddy workmanship, we take pride in offering you a pleasant buying experience.

This means providing quality products installed by trained personnel and on the date promised.

“We are also proud to be able to provide quality products at a fair market price. We are always continuing to improve our products and negotiate the best prices so that we can offer our customers value for money.”

Before

After

Safety, too, is paramount for us. With so many garages of the age and type that we work on containing potentially hazardous asbestos, our experience is all the more important. All our operatives are certified asbestos removers meaning that they can remove the asbestos safely and legally from your garage and also hold valid

waste carriers licences to allow legal transportation of your asbestos to our depot. And on top of all this, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. So, for the best storage, utility or living space you can get, contact V.S.F. For more details, visit our website at www.vsfgaragerepairsuk.com or give us a call on 0800 917 9550.

For your 50 Plus Discount quote ref: SWI-9 P le a s e m e n t i o n ‘ T h e F l y er ’ wh en r esp o n d in g t o ad ver t isements

T H E FLY E R | A P R IL 2 0 1 6

5

Fostering in Swindon leads to new lease of life Liz has three children who are now grown up and it was her daughter Rebecca, who urged her to make the idea a reality.

“I had been on my own for a couple of years and knew I had more to give. I also had the spare room, which meant there was nothing stopping me,” she said.

“I’m quite a sociable person and relate to people well, so I knew I could do this.

The training was very comprehensive, which boosted my confidence and gave me extra skills.”

A campaign has been launched in Swindon to encourage people of all ages to consider becoming foster carers and discover how fulfilling it can be.

After initially taking on emergency placements, Liz currently helps a teenage girl, who already has high ambitions.

That has certainly proved the case for Liz Butler, who wanted to give something back after retiring from her career in pub management and office work.

Liz said: “She’s very driven and has big plans for the future. She’s already preparing for university and I’m there to support her through any wobbles and with practical things.”

Liz, aged 64, from Wootton Bassett, said: “I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I’ve learned so much and it has given me a new lease of life. It is such a great feeling to be able to help someone and watch them fly.”

Liz also provides respite for two other teenagers, which means life gets particularly busy on some weekends.

She said: “I like a challenge and the variety new people bring. I’m quite relaxed and hopefully a very welcoming

person. I fully integrate them with my family, so we’ll often go to visit my own children for weekends and enjoy meals and trips all together. We have a great time.”

Asked what qualities a foster carer needs, Liz thinks understanding and a sense of humour really help.

She said: “I take time to talk to them and explain that nothing surprises me and I won’t judge them. I can also laugh at myself, which puts people at ease. But above all you just need to really care and give your time and attention.”

Foster carers are needed for children of all ages, with placements lasting anything from a few days to many years.

The Council is looking for carers from a range of ethnic backgrounds to reflect Swindon’s population and children’s needs. Carers must have a spare room and they will receive payment and allowances to help cover their time and expenses as well as free ongoing training.

Help is also available 24/7 so carers feel supported every step of the way.

Liz said: “I would highly recommend it.

There’s a brilliant support network, so you can get together with other carers over coffee or lunch to share experiences.

Fostering has definitely changed my life for the better and I hope I’m doing my bit to help others too.”

Have you ever wanted to make a real difference?

Do you like new challenges?

When someone needs a hand, do you reach out to help?

If so, 201 6 could have something very special in store for you!

We need foster carers of all ages for children of all ages, sometimes just for a few days, or for several months or many years.

Carers receive payment and allowances to help cover their time and expenses as well as free ongoing training.

Help is available 24/7 to support you every step of the way.

Fill yourself in and get in touch s01793 464329

fosteringrecruitment@swindon.gov.uk www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering

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27

LEGAL

Make Your Will or Risk Losing More Than You Think estate will go to the people you want to have it, rather than who the law states should get it.

It’s never too early to start planning. Providing you’re over 18 you can draw up your will anytime although, more often than not, most people only start thinking about it in older age or after a bereavement.

Making your will shouldn’t be about focussing on your end; it’s about taking control of your future. A will ensures your final wishes are made clear and are legally recognised. More importantly, dying without a will means your estate will take longer to finalise, which is not what your loved ones need to be dealing with at such a stressful and emotional time.

Drawing up a will is not top of most people’s agenda, but it’s probably one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.

People don’t like to think about wills because it reminds them of their own mortality but, other than taxes, the only certainty in life is death - and no one can avoid that.

You never know what’s around the corner; you may live to be 100, but sometimes people’s lives are cut tragically short. That’s why it’s important to make arrangements now so that, should the worst happen, you know your

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Be careful though; you need to be aware of advisers that are unregulated, uninsured and untrained. There’s no law surrounding will drafting so anyone is able to hold themselves out as an expert and if you choose to use an unregulated will writer, you risk leaving your loved ones in a legal minefield.

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Doing it yourself online can be equally as perilous.

Your will needs to be expressed in a way that’s legally watertight and internet wills don’t take into account the complexities of the law. People drafting a will in this way often learn, to their family’s cost, things are never as straight forward as they appear.

With this in mind, it’s always better to use a qualified solicitor as they’re bound by the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s code of conduct and are legally obliged to maintain high levels of service. As well as being regulated, solicitors are required to have insurance to protect the public and can provide guidance on more complex financial issues, such as inheritance tax and trusts planning.

If you already have a will, don’t assume everything is in order. If you’re planning on tying the knot you should change your will to reflect your new circumstances. Getting married automatically invalidates your existing will and if it’s not updated and you die, you’ll die intestate, leaving a painful, and potentially costly, legacy for your other half.

The same caution goes for anyone separating. While divorce rates are generally falling, the number of over 50s splitting up is actually rising. There’s a variety of reasons behind the trend of so-called ‘silver splitters’ but what’s important to remember here is to make sure your will is up to date.

If you’re estranged from your husband or wife and have entered into a new relationship with someone else, it doesn’t matter if you live together; if you’re not married or in a civil partnership, you’re new partner isn’t legally entitled to anything if you die.

Even more worrying is that if you have split from your ex acrimoniously and you die without having changed your will, your ex stands to inherit everything as, technically, you’re still married.

Another good reason to draw up your will is that dying without one can leave an estate liable for inheritance tax. It’s estimated that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs will pocket nearly £6 billion from inheritance tax by 2018. Leaving money to charity in your will is just one of the ways to help reduce the amount of tax payable on your estate and this is something a solicitor can advise you on.

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Pooleys Solicitors LLP will be pleased to help you with l

Conveyancing & Energy Performance Certificates

l

Wills

l

Probate & Trusts

l

Tax Planning

l

Matrimonial & Family Law

l

Lasting Power of Attorney

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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OUT AND ABOUT Vintage/classic cars, Veteran Cycles, Vintage Fashion, antiques, rusty automobila, dance and music, There is something for everyone at VNS whether your 8 or 80!

With Live bands, Ringwood fine Ale bar, cocktail bar and dance troupe, Vintage Village and traditional children's entertainment its not to be missed!

The festival is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and is a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends in beautiful surroundings.

2 June 2016 @ 8pm Swindon parkrun Every Saturday at 9:00am.

5km run - it’s you against the clock.

It’s run in Lydiard Park.

What does it cost to join in?

Nothing - it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.

How fast do I have to be?

We all run for our own enjoyment.

Please come along and join in whatever your pace!

Swindon parkrun needs you!

It is entirely organised by volunteers email swindonhelpers@parkrun.com to help.

We’re friendly!

Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee at Lydiard Park Cafe in the Visitor Centre (situated by the main car park)

www.parkrun.org.uk/swindon

WIN A £25 M&S GIFT CARD! SIMPLY VISIT OUR COMPETITIONS SECTION ON WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK TO ENTER

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Romesh Ranganathan: Irrational 2 June 2016 @ 8pm Presented by Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival in partnership with City Hall, Salisbury.

Plus support from Phil Jerrod Romesh Ranganathan is back with a brand new show exploring the rationality of his worldview. ‘Irrational’ will see Romesh examine the issues close to his heart, and explains why everybody else is wrong about them. Romesh has come a long way since quitting his career as a maths teacher making a real name for himself appearing on BBC1’s ‘Live At The Apollo’, ‘Have I Got News For You’, BBC2’s ‘Mock The Week’, ‘The Apprentice: You’re Fired’, ‘The Jonathan Ross Show’, and Channel 4’s ‘Alan Carr Chatty Man’. This autumn will see the launch of Romesh’s very own six-part series for BBC Three ‘Asian Provocateur’ where we will see his mum sending him off to Sri Lanka in search of his roots on the trip she has always hoped he would make. … his ability to produce bitingly fresh gags marks him out from the crowd. The Guardian Please note that this show may contain material that may not be suitable for under 14s City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7TU Tel: 01722 434434 The Vintage Nostalgia Festival is a hidden gem in the heart of the Wylye valley....."sssh don't tell everyone!"

4th, 5th 6th June

The event focuses on the past and celebrates all that was great from before the turn of the century up to the 1980's. So whatever your interest,

We are situated just off the A36 in Wiltshire, in the beautiful Wylye Valley between Warminster and Salisbury.

West of the Codford bypass, there is a turning south signed to Stockton. Take this turning and follow the lane over the River Wylye. Once over the river you will see the signs for the show and we will direct you into the show ground.

Tel: 01985 850970 Mobile: 07771 643227 Email: topham63@gmail.com Cherished Vehicle & Farm Fun Day

5 June 2016 Chippenham Lions will be holding their Cherished Vehicle and Farm Fun Day on 5 June from 11am at Allington Farm, Chippenham, SN14 6LJ, (A420). This is our fifth year and the previous years have all been very successful. As before it will be combined...

Car & Motor Vehicles Stanton St Quintin, Chippenham 01666 838 391 Swindon and Cricklade Railway Kids Go Free Weekend

11 June 2016 to12 June 23 July 2016 to 24 July 2016 3 Sept 2016 to 4 Sept 2016

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 Blunsdon, Swindon 01793 771615 Magic of Motown

10 June 2016

Magic of Motown Celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary touring the UK.

Join us as we celebrate the music of one of the best genres in the world.

MOTOWN.

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Sep 10 Colchester, Constable Country Sep 10 Peak District Sep 11 Bantry Bay & Gulf Stream Coast Sep 12 Grange Over Sands, Lakes & Dales All your favorite in one The show is part of a series of UK Sep 12 SthitsIves & massive Land’s End night out, want to miss Sep you 13 won’t Scarborough & it.

Yorkshire dates Moorsbeing played by the multi-awardwinning, best-selling British artist who Trowbridge Civic Centre, Delightful Dorset Sep 13 Weymouth, won an Oscar in 1994 for the music for 8 St Stephen’s Place, Sep 16 Douglas, Isle of Man Disney’s ‘The Lion King’.

Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AH

Sep 18 Jersey & Guernsey, Channel Islands 01225 765 072 Elton’s live show will also coincide with Sep 18 Sandown, Isle of Wight Longleat Safari Park’s 50th birthday. In SepCancer 19 Llandudno & Snowdonia 1966 Longleat hit the headlines around Breast Care Pink Sep 20 Ilfracombe, North Devon & Ribbonwalk theExmoor world when it became the first

drive-through Safari Park outside of Sep 21 Sorrento & Pompeii 11 June 2016 Africa.

Sep 23 Newquay, Atlantic Cornish Coast

Join Breast Cancer Care at Stourhead Tickets will start from £40.

Sep 24 Tenby Pembrokeshire on a guided 5, 10 or 20&mile walk in Sepcountryside 25 Far North of Scotland, incLongleat Orkney Safari & Adventure Park beautiful and support people living breast cancer.

Breast Longleat, Warminster, Wilts Sep 25with Pennine Explorer CancerSep Care27 willBoats provide & everything Trains of Norfolk BA12 7 NW you need along the route, from loos 01985 844400 Sep 27 Eastbourne & the Sussex Tel: Coast and water to free snacks and lots of Sep 27 Irvine, in ScotlandSalisbury Artisan Market encouragement!

All youSingles need to do...

Oct 1 Blackpool Illuminations Stourhead, Near 3 July, 7 Aug, 4 Sept, 2 Oct 2016 Coast Oct 1 Eastbourne Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD & the Sussex Salisbury’s Artisan Market offers Oct 1 Patterdale, Lake District & Pennines high quality products, across many Elton John Oct 2 Killarney, The Kingdom of stalls, Kerryincluding exciting fresh food,

Oct 2 Tuscan Riviera, Forte dei Marmi 12 handmade arts and crafts, jewellery, June 2016 home furnishings and much more.

Oct 3is toGwbert, Cardigan Bay & West Wales Elton John play live at Longleat in Oct 6 of Tenby 2016 as part the Safari Park’s 50th Tel:01722 342860 anniversary celebrations.

Oct 8 Blackpool Illuminations

The music legend will perform an open-air concert at the Wiltshire estate on Sunday, June 12th set against the famous backdrop of Longleat House.

NGS Wiltshire Open Gardens Sharcott Manor

6 July, 3 Aug, 7 Sept 11am

barnes

Bantry Bay & The Gulf 6-acre plantsman’s garden on Sept 7 Da greensand,11th planted for year-round interest. Wide range of trees and shrubs, densely planted mixed borders, with many unusual plants and climbers.

Magnificent tree ramblers. Woodland walk carpeted with spring bulbs around ½-acre lake. Good autumn colour. Small vegetable garden, ornamental water fowl. Some gravel paths, grass slope, narrow grass paths.

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff Adult £5.00 per ticket Child Free Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Sharcott, Pewsey, Wilts, SN9 5PA Tel: 01672 563485 THE ELVIS YEARS

Fri 15 July

The Elvis Years is an outstanding musical production which brings to the stage the incredible and compelling story of the ‘king of rock and roll’ - Elvis Presley.

Sorrento & P 21st Sept 10 Da

With a top line-up of actor-musicians, multiple costume changes and nostalgic film footage, this glittering two-hour production charts the musical and emotional highs and

Ring for your copy!

01793 821303

www.barnescoaches.co.uk

Theatre Trips 2016 KINKY BOOTS

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

Sat 16th June £77 at ALDELPHI THEATRE

Sat 9th July £116 at SHAFTESBURY THEATRE

Sat 16th July £69 at BRISTOL HIPPODROME

LES MISERABLES

THRILLER

Sat 9th July £74 at LYRIC THEATRE

DISNEY’S ALLADIN

Thurs 7th July £75 at QUEEN’S THEATRE

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

CHICAGO

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Thurs 7th July £75 at HER MAJESTY’S THEATRE

Sat 9th July £67 at BRISTOL HIPPODROME

GUYS AND DOLLS

Sat 23rd July £79 at PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE

Sat 30th July £69 at NEW WIMBLEDON THEATRE

TO BOOK CALL: 01793 821303 OR VISIT www.barnescoaches.co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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OUT AND ABOUT lows of Elvis’ amazing journey from poor truck-driving teenager from Tupelo, Mississippi through the army, Hollywood and finally the legendary Las Vegas concerts Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Ticket Office: 01793 524 481 GREASE SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT 2016

Thu 25 - Sat 27 August

Slick back your quiffs and start your engines, Swindon’s own Pink Ladies and T-Birds are preparing to put on the show of the year in 2016’s Summer Youth Project production of Grease!

Set in 1950’s America, the musical Grease follows ten working-class teenagers from Rydell High School as they navigate the complexities of peer pressure, politics, personal core values and a side of Summer Lovin’!

This legendary musical is packed full of unforgettable numbers such as You’re The One That I Want, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You and Greased Lightnin’.

The aim of Summer Youth Project is to provide up to 250 local young people, aged 9 – 21, with the opportunity

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to work together in a professional theatre. The project culminates in five performances of a full-scale musical under the supervision of a highly skilled creative team including a professional director, choreographer, musical director, musicians and technical team all in less than 2 weeks!

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

So come and join the Dancin’ Party…

You’ve Got What It Takes!

Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN Ticket Office: 01793 524 481 Corsley Show 2016 29 Aug 2016 10:00 - 17:00

SHOWADDYWADDY

Fri 29 July

The Corsley Show has been enjoyed by villagers and visitors since 1909. Come and enjoy some fantastic events in and around the main arena – ‘Roll, Dash and Bash’, children’s sports, dog agility (with Rally-O), tug o’ war, hawk displays, live music in the beer tent, archery, vintage car show.

Formed in the 1970’s in Leicester from several local bands, they have sold more than 20 million records and have toured all corners of the world extensively.

Family ticket (two adults and up to three children) £20 Children under 6 go FREE Children 7-10 £3 Adults £8 Senior citizens (60+) £6 Big savings if you book in advance online!

‘The Greatest Rock & Roll Band In The World’ is a bold statement but Showaddywaddy has lived up to that title for the last 4 decades!

Their live show is dynamic and uplifting featuring all of their biggest hits, many of which reached number one in the pop charts of Europe, including Under The Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll, When, Blue Moon, Pretty Little Angel Eyes and many, many more.

Corsley, Nr Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7QH Tel: 0845 3670120

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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, 16

Promoting Leisure Travel by Bus

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 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

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.

Lydiard House and Park is a Swindon treasure. Lots to see, lots to do

The town today is surrounded by open common land, where visitors may enjoy a relaxed walk and an abundance of flora and fauna.

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 everyone.

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.

For details of bus times contact

Lydiard House has a wealth of history beautifully restored state rooms, original furnishings and family portraits.

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

Traveline on

0871 200 22 33.

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.

Save on TravelPass tickets What is StagecoachSmart?

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Please note, a Smartcard purchased through the Stagecoach website must be activated on a Stagecoach bus on its first use.

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• Registering is a must if you wish Stagecoach to replace any electronic tickets stored on the Stagecoach Smart travel card due to the card being damaged, misplaced or stolen. Stagecoach Smart travel cards administered as part of our online purchasing process will automatically be registered to the card holder.

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Where your TravelPass will take you...

LATTON CRICKLADE

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BLUNSDON STRATTON PARK

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Please note, destinations in orange show the boundary for the inner circle ticket area.

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Registering your card To register your card and for full terms and conditions visit:

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35

FOOD & DRINK JAMES MARTIN’S

S W E E T T R E AT S The secret to a perfect panna cotta lies in having a slight sharpness – here from buttermilk – to balance the sweetness. The consistency is also important: too much gelatine will give you something you could bounce off the kitchen wall; you want to use just enough for the panna cotta to hold its shape when unmoulded. Combined with raspberry jelly, raspberries and warm, sugar-dusted doughnuts, this is a really delicious dessert on the plate. The remaining doughnuts are great with coffee.

B U T T E R M I L K PA N N A C O T TA W I T H D O U G H N U T S A N D R A S P B E RR Y J E L L Y For the doughnuts 1 quantity enriched yeast dough, made to the end of the first prove vegetable oil, for deep-frying caster sugar, for dusting For the mascarpone cream 100g mascarpone cheese 25g caster sugar 50ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped First make the panna cotta. Place the double cream in a small pan with the vanilla pod and seeds, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and whisk through until dissolved.

Set aside to cool, then add the buttermilk and whisk gently to combine.

Carefully pour into 8 small pudding basins or ramekins, making sure you distribute the vanilla seeds equally.

Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set.

Serves 8 250g raspberries, plus 100g for garnish 1 tbsp water 1–2 tsp icing sugar 6 mint sprigs For the panna cotta 300ml double cream 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped 5 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 450ml buttermilk For the raspberry jelly 50g caster sugar 100ml water 300g raspberries 4 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes 36

For the sauce, place the 250g raspberries, the water and icing sugar in a blender and blitz to a purée. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl and add more icing sugar if necessary. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

For the jelly, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a pan. Add the raspberries and heat until they just start to break down. Remove from the heat and pass through a fine sieve. Don’t press, just let the juice drip through.

Measure 300ml juice and return to the saucepan to warm through. Add the drained, squeezed gelatine and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the

heat. Line a shallow baking tray (20cm x 15cm) with clingfilm and pour the jelly over it to a depth of about 3mm. Chill in the fridge until set.

For the doughnuts, divide the dough into 40 equal portions and roll into balls. Line a tray with silicone paper and space the balls evenly across it. Cover with a tea towel. Set aside at room temperature to prove for 20 minutes.

When the dough has proved, heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 150°C/320°F. Alternatively, heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown immediately when dropped in.

CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous.

Never leave unattended.

Carefully lower the dough balls into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 3–4 minutes, until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to drain. Transfer to a plate and dust generously with the sugar.

For the mascarpone cream, whisk the mascarpone, sugar, cream and vanilla seeds together in a bowl until smooth.

To serve, cut the jelly into squares (about 2.5cm). Briefly dip each panna cotta mould in hot water, then turn out onto a large plate. Place two spoonfuls of the cream on each plate and top with a jelly square. Place two doughnuts on each plate and scatter the remaining raspberries and the mint around. Finish with a drizzle of raspberry sauce.

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I first came across really good palmiers when I was working on the pastry section in a restaurant in the south of France. The trick is to get an even dusting of sugar, so that as the palmiers cook it caramelises to a nice glaze.

Palmiers are often offered as a petit four to end a meal, but sandwiched with raspberries and cream, they’re hard to beat for afternoon tea. These are best served at room temperature – once they go into the fridge, the butter in the pastry solidifies, making them less pleasant to eat.

BUTTERFLY PALMIERS WITH RASPBERRIES AND CREAM Serves 6 650g puff pastry or good-quality, bought all-butter puff pastry flour, for dusting 60g caster sugar 100ml stock syrup glaze (optional) For the filling 300ml double cream, softly whipped 200g raspberries Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with silicone paper.

Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle 25cm x 40cm and about 3mm thick, with the long side facing you, like a landscape picture.

Dust the pastry rectangle with 20g of the caster sugar then fold one long side of the pastry into the centre.

Repeat with the other long side to meet it, so you now have a piece half the width.

Dust with another 20g of the caster sugar, then repeat, folding each side into the centre, leaving a 5mm gap in the centre. Dust once more with the remaining sugar and repeat – you should now have three folds on each side with plenty of sugar sandwiched in between. Fold both sides together gently as you would close an open book, then transfer to a tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.

Remove the roll and cut into 12 x 1cm-thick slices. Lay on a lined baking tray, spacing them so that they are at least 6cm apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.

Remove the palmiers from the oven, turn them straight over, place back on the tray and brush them with a little stock syrup glaze, if liked. The palmiers are best eaten on the day you make them.

When cold, spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle and pipe the cream over half the palmiers. Top with some lightly crushed raspberries and another palmier. Serve immediately.

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FOOD & DRINK I love this simple little dessert that one of my chefs came up with – cherries and chocolate are a great combination.

As with any tart, it’s vital to make sure the pastry is nice and thin, so you get plenty of filling and not too much pastry. Otherwise it can be more like eating a biscuit!

C H O C O L AT E A N D C H E RR Y TA R T WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE SORBET Serves 8–10 butter, for greasing 1 quantity pâte sucrée 1 egg yolk, for blind-baking flour, for dusting 400g tin cherries in syrup 400g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa solids), roughly chopped 250ml double cream 100g caster sugar 2 tbsp crushed Hazelnut Praline and edible flowers 1 quantity Crème Fraîche Sorbet Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Butter a 23cm x 4cm loose-bottomed tart tin.

Roll the pâte sucrée out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 3mm and use to line the tin. Blind bake the pastry.

While the pastry case is baking, drain the cherries through a sieve into a saucepan and place the syrup over a medium heat. Cook the syrup until thick and sticky, and reduced by half. Chop the cherries in half, then add to the pan with the reduced syrup and allow to cool.

Put the chocolate into a large, heatproof bowl. Heat the double cream and sugar together in a saucepan until just simmering then pour over the chocolate and whisk continuously until smooth.

Spread the cherries and their syrup over the base of the tart case, then pour the chocolate filling over the top. Glaze with a blow torch or place under a hot grill until bubbling, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove and leave at room temperature until ready to serve. Place a line of the crushed praline and edible flowers on each plate, then slice the tart and serve with a scoop of Crème Fraîche Sorbet.

Sweet by James Martin (Quadrille £20) Photography: Peter Cassidy

38

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LEISURE

Why walking is the best exercise Count your steps The first step is to get a pedometer (or download an app to your phone) to find out how many steps you take during a normal day. Track your steps for the week and work out a daily average.

Even if you have a sedentary desk job, you might be surprised by how many steps you take walking to the water cooler!

The NHS recommends that you should aim to take 10,000 steps a day. There are plenty of ways to gently introduce more steps into your daily routine — getting off at an earlier bus stop, for example, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Why not try taking a stroll during your lunch break, or visiting a colleague at their desk instead of emailing them?

Perfect your posture Forget hydro-cycling and doga classes (that’s yoga with dogs) — one of the best types of exercise you can do comes completely for free, and you can do it absolutely anywhere. Researchers have found the simple act of walking to have a whole host of health benefits, from reducing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of diabetes to improving self-esteem.

Stanford doctoral graduate Marily Oppezzo and Professor Daniel Schwartz in their study, published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition.

“The benefits are wide ranging — and they go above and beyond making people more physically active,” says Sarah Hanson, health practitioner and researcher at UEA’s Norwich Medical School. “What’s more, people find it relatively easy to stick with this type of exercise regime.”

As Peter Owen-Jones, Walking Correspondent at The Sunday Times and author of Pathlands: Tranquil Walks Through Britain, puts it:

Walking can even increase creativity, as a study from Stanford University discovered in 2014.

“Many people anecdotally claim they do their best thinking when walking.

We finally may be taking a step, or two, toward discovering why,” wrote

40

“We’re not saying walking can turn you into Michelangelo,” says Oppezzo.

“But it could help you at the beginning stages of creativity.”

”When we walk, we walk through two landscapes: an exterior land of trees, seas, cities, mountains and fields but we also follow the paths that lead into our own interior world.”

All in all then, walking is good news.

So how can you make the most of your new healthy hobby? Here’s our top tips on walking technique, the best tools, and the most scenic routes to discover the best bits of Britain’s beautiful countryside.

Even though walking is something everyone can enjoy, there are still some guidelines you need to follow. You not only need to pay attention to how far and fast you walk, but the way in which you do it. Whether you’re trying to stay fit or just go out for a stroll, walking with the proper form can help you move more efficiently and prevent injuries and stress to the body.

‘Learning to use good walking posture will help you breathe deeper, relax your shoulders and neck, and avoid back and hip pain,’ says marathon coach Wendy Bumgardner.

‘Imagine a string attached to the top of your head. Feel it lift you up from your hips so you are tall and straight,’ explains Bumgardner.

‘Now engage your core muscles by slightly sucking in your stomach. This will help you maintain good posture while walking.’

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Buy the proper shoes Walking shoes come in many varieties and it’s important to find a pair that will offer you support, flexibility and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and protected.

While there is no one best shoe for all walkers, there are certain things to look for in your shoes that will ensure your feet are happy wherever they roam.

As you’ll be on your feet for a long period of time, shoes with ample cushioning are essential to prevent foot fatigue. If your walking shoes aren’t flexible enough, your ankle and shin muscles won’t be able to fulfil their natural movements, and you may set yourself up for an injury.

through ancient landscapes, secluded valleys and luscious woodland.

The Pennine Way One of the most famous and popular walks in the country, the Pennine Way is a 268-mile walking route from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the

Scottish Borders. Crossing some of the finest upland landscapes in England, it’s one of the best places in Europe to observe birds and other wildlife in the spring.

Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to make the most out of your newfound hobby of walking, which can improve your health and wellbeing more than almost any other exercise long into your retirement.

In contrast, too little flex can lead to injuries such as plantar fasciitis and heel and foot pain caused by over-stretching the foot’s tissue. This is especially true for older walkers, whose feet may be losing their natural flex.

Where to walk The Thames Path Following England’s longest river from its Cotswold source out to the sea beyond London, this 180-mile National Trail footpath is flat for easy walking.

With the chance to take in some of the capital’s most spectacular sights, this much-used route will keep you entertained as you wander.  Hadrian’s Wall Starting in the suburbs of Newcastle and finishing at the Solway Firth and stretching over 60 miles, it’s unlikely you’ll walk the length of Britain’s most iconic Roman monument in a single outing. Instead, take a stroll along a stretch and stop to see the excavated remains of the forts along the way.

The Ridgeway It’s been called Britain’s oldest road and starts at the Neolithic site of Avebury in Wiltshire, following a series of paths northeast to the Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. Used since prehistoric times by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers, the Ridgeway will take you

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Please note patients must be referred by their consultant, GP or practice nurse and meet the course critieria.

41

DON’T SUFFER WITH HIP OR KNEE PAIN Playing golf, gardening, even walking upstairs or simply putting on shoes and socks can be a pain when your hip or knee starts to cause you problems.

We don’t tend to think about our hips or knees until something goes wrong, which can be a risky strategy.

How frustrating is it when you struggle to do the everyday activities that you used to take for granted?

Many people are affected by hip or knee problems at some point and even mild pain can make life miserable, especially at this time of year when we’re enjoying spring walks or getting the garden ready for summer.

The good news is that hip or knee pain doesn’t have to be something you live with. Come along to our free information evening with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Venkat Satish, to find out what to do if you suffer from hip or knee pain, how to manage pain at home and when to see a healthcare professional.

Call 0800 096 2605 to book your place.

Mr Satish from BMI The Ridgeway Hospital shares his top tips on how to ease hip or knee pain: n Keep active. Too much rest can weaken your muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Find an exercise programme that is safe for your hips and knees.

If you’re not sure which movements are safe or how much you can do, talk with your doctor or a physiotherapist. n Cycling or using an exercise bike can strengthen the hip which can reduce pain, but be careful of high-impact exercises that can further injure painful knees. n Losing weight will cut down on the force that goes through your hips and knees as you walk. n Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can be highly effective if taken regularly over a period of time.*

MR VENKAT SATISH Venkat undertook his undergraduate training in Bangalore, India and then his initial orthopaedic training in north India. He came to the UK in late 1993 and did his Specialist Registrar orthopaedic training in Glasgow, Leicester and Oxford.

He served as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon for the RAF for three years and saw active service in Bosnia and Iraq. He took up his current post of Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon in June 2005, at the end of his military commission.

BMI THE RIDGEWAY HOSPITAL BMI The Ridgeway Hospital has 50 beds. All rooms offer the privacy and comfort of en-suite facilities, satellite TV, telephone and free wi-fi. These facilities enable our consultants to undertake a wide range of procedures from routine investigations to complex surgery. This specialist expertise is supported by caring and professional clinical staff, with dedicated nursing teams and a Resident Medical Officer on duty 24 hours a day, providing care within a friendly and comfortable environment. Open MRI and CT scanning are also available at the hospital.

He performs surgical treatments for all knee conditions including total and uni-compartmental knee replacement, sports injuries of the lower limb, keyhole surgery (arthroscopy), cruciate ligament reconstruction, revision knee replacement, joint cartilage culture and transplantation, limb re-alignment (osteotomy), meniscal repair, patellar stabilisation and patellofemoral replacement.

At BMI The Ridgeway Hospital you will experience consultant-led care, private rooms and a wide variety of treatments and specialities.

He has a special interest in computer navigated knee replacement, having introduced it to Swindon and uses it in complex cases. He also performs primary hip replacement surgery and trauma/fracture surgery.

n Fast access to consultants

n Your choice of consultant n Comprehensive women’s health services including breast health, gynaecology and varicose vein treatment n Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy in our dedicated gymnasium and pool, delivered by chartered physiotherapists

Always check the package or patient information leaflet for dosage information and details of when paracetamol use may not be suitable. Your GP or pharmacist would also be able to provide further information on whether or not regular paracetamol use might be appropriate for you

*

For more information please call 0800 096 2605 548_3014/CL04.2016

ORTHOPAEDICS

GET bACk TO wHAT yOu lOvE bEST Hip or knee pain? Miss doing the things you love?

Pain and stiffness in your joints could be signs of osteoarthritis but this can be treated.

Come along to our free information evening with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Venkat Satish, to find out what to do if you suffer from hip or knee pain, how to manage it at home and when to see a healthcare professional. n

Information and guidance on keeping flexible and looking after your joints

n

How physiotherapy can help with pain or stiffness in joints

n

Information and demonstration of our gym and equipment

Call us now for more information or to book your place

0800 096 2605

THuRSDAy 23RD JunE 7PM - 8:30PM AT bMI THE RIDGEwAy HOSPITAl, wROuGHTOn, SwInDOn.

bmihealthcare.co.uk/ridgeway BMI The Ridgeway Hospital, helping you stay flexible, active and doing the things you love.

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CARE

DEMENTIA EXPLAINED memory, perception, emotional behaviour such as anxiety or agitation, and cognitive skills such as abstract thinking, judgment and disorientation.

Most types of dementia are nonreversible (degenerative) but some causes of dementia can be prevented if identified soon enough, including after brain injury or chronic alcohol abuse.

CARING FOR THOSE WITH DEMENTIA But who cares for those suffering with dementia? According to the Alzheimer’s Society:-

Dementia is an age-related syndrome that affects 850,000 people in the UK. It is estimated that there will be one million people with dementia in the UK by 2025 and that two thirds are women.

Dementia is becoming increasingly important because we are living longer and it is now the most common disease in the elderly with one in six people aged 80 and over with dementia.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s Disease and there is currently no cure but many believe we can help ourselves prevent or at least slow down a decline into dementia, so that we can enjoy those precious later years. Alzheimer’s Disease destroys brain cells and nerves disrupting the neuro transmitters which carry messages in the brain, particularly those responsible for storing memories affecting memory, understanding, judgment, emotions and even personality and can be both frightening and exhausting for those with Alzheimer’s Disease as well as their loved ones.

Vascular Dementia affects men more than women and is due to cerebrovascular disease, which occurs where oxygen supply fails or is no longer efficient in the brain, brain cells die, leading to strokes. Dementia with Lewy bodies are abnormal collections of protein deposits, found in the nerve

46

cells of the brain. Fronto-temporal dementia is relatively rare and affects people at a younger age when damage to brain cells usually begins in the frontal lobe of the brain.

HOW DO WE DIAGNOSE DEMENTIA? Currently it’s difficult for doctors to make a clear diagnosis for dementia because in the early stages the clinical symptoms can be quite ambiguous as cognitive impairment needs to be distinguished from brain changes during normal ageing. Dementia usually first appears as forgetfulness. Other symptoms may include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including language,

Cognitive Psychologist and Neuroscientist, Dr Lynda Shaw www.drlyndashaw.com

• There are 670,000 carers of people with dementia in the UK. • Family carers of people with dementia save the UK £11 billion a year.

• 80 per cent of people living in care homes have a form of dementia or severe memory problems.

• Two thirds of people with dementia live in the community while one third live in a care home.

PREVENTION Most causes of dementia are not preventable but there are many things you can do to best protect yourself or slow down the rate of dementia including:1. Regular physical exercise 2. Quitting smoking 3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes 4. Eating a low-fat balanced diet may reduce the risk of Vascular Dementia.

5. Sleeping well 6. Managing stress 7. There is also treatment with vitamin B which has had notable effects.

Folic Acid, B6 and B12 seem to help reduce the rate of brain atrophy.

8. Early identification of dementia In recent years, however, treatments that can improve the symptoms of dementia are becoming available, as well as treatments that may slow down the progression of the disease.

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HELPING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA • Understand and respect the person with dementia - help them feel valued – be tolerant; listen properly and slow down; be affectionate; address them with the name they prefer e.g. Mr or Mrs … be courteous, kind and non judgemental • Respect cultural values and privacy • Regardless of how bad the dementia is people still have feelings, so help the person feel good about themselves • Help them express their feelings.

• Choice is confusing – so keep it simple and easy • Remember each person with dementia is still a person with unique and valuable experiences • Isolation as a direct result of dementia is rife. Help those with dementia still be sociable and connect with their loved ones and people of all ages.

HELPING CARERS & THE FAMILY • Understand that caring for a person with AD can have physical, emotional and financial costs.

• The demands of day to day care, changing family roles, and difficult decisions about placement in a care facility can be hard to handle.

Offer support, information and a listening ear.

• Becoming well informed is really important.

• Help them develop their own coping strategy with a strong network of family and friends

When you need extra support for continuous care, you may not want the added stress of having to leave your home. Bluebird Care gives you the option of high quality care without moving to a care home. Our live-in care or care visits service offer the reassurance of care and support in the comfort of your own home.

• A proper introduction to make sure we have found the right person for you

We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to care, our customers’ unique needs are considered every step of the way, meaning you stay in control of your care and support at all times.

A member of our team will ask what is important to you so we can provide the care you want, the way you want it.

Choosing Bluebird Care means: • No need to move to a care home • A personal service where your unique needs are considered every

step of the way, available as and when you need it - day or night

• Fully trained, compassionate staff who respect your home and your privacy • A flexible service, where every day can be different • A wide range of care and support– personal care, housework, social activities – you choose

• Regular follow up from a Bluebird Care manager to check you are happy with our service As a nationwide provider, Bluebird Care work to accredited training and induction standards and are able to provide full support and supervision in person with the management team on hand to oversee any issues and to offer a fully supported care service. Bluebird Care completes all the necessary employment checks, such as with the police or criminal records authorities and care worker references. Each care worker receives on-going training and support while they are looking after you at home.

Live in care - keeping your familiar friends, family and belongings around you. No upheaval. No stress. No trouble.

CARE VISITS AT HOME We care passionately Bluebird Care (Swindon)

Suite E6, Gemini House, Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon SN25 5AJ

Telephone: 01793 239499 What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care.

With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

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

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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KITCHENS

BATHROOMS

BEDROOMS

your Book no free ation oblig visit site today

nuimage is a family run business with 30 years experience, offering good old fashioned service and values with modern ideas and solutions.

Our Design Service is free of charge - we listen to your ideas and requirements, take measurements then design a 3D graphic that shows you how the room will look.

Our Installation Service, where we provide free of charge Project Management, can include: Wall alterations, Plastering, Electrics, Carpentry, Plumbing and gas work, Tiling, Flooring, Decorating.

All our services are fully insured and guaranteed. We’re looking forward to working with you to create a brighter home.

Call us on 01793 644600.

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

www.nuimagekbb.co.uk