Swindon issue 34

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017

SWINDON EDITION 34

John Bishop THE CHEERY SCOUSER GOES ON TOUR

Indian Cooking

ANJUM ANAND'S DELICIOUS RECIPES

Simple Ways

TO UPDATE YOUR HOME

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barnes

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01793 821303

www.barnescoaches.co.uk

New Tour NO

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Tatton Park, Erddig Hall & Chester

Exmouth & Devon Coastal Towns

Llandudno, Snowdonia, Anglesey & Chester

Thur 26th Oct - 3 Days - £239

Mon 30th Oct - 5 Days - £349

Mon 13th Nov - 5 Days - £359

Spectacular scenery, glorious gardens, plus a rich culture and heritage are just a few things on offer in charming Cheshire!

Crewe Hall A majestic 4 star hotel in the heart of Cheshire countryside with full leisure facilities • Bar • Sat TV • Pool • Sauna • Jacuzzi • Steam Room • Gym Holiday includes • Return coach travel • Tours • Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

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.

Manor Hotel 2 star hotel situated close to the beach and town with stunning views across Exmouth Bay. • Bar Holiday includes • Return coach travel • Tours • Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

NO

Llandudno is one of the finest traditional seaside resorts in the world with a sweeping promenade and Victorian Architecture that dominates the seafront.

St Kilda Hotel Lies between the two headlands in the very centre of the promenade directly opposite the bandstand with great views.

• Lift (please request) • Bar Holiday includes • Return coach travel • Tours • Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

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The English Riviera

Eastbourne

Complete Isle of Wight

Fri 17th Nov - 4 Days - £269

Fri 17th Nov - 4 Days - £249

Fri 24th Nov - 4 Days - £239

Paignton is one of our favourite resorts, especially in the run up to Christmas when all of the hotels offer a full entertainment package! Paignton is a lovely seaside resort with a level esplanade leading to a small harbour.

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Superb Turkey & Tinsel in Eastbourne, one of England’s Premier seaside resorts.

There is a magnificent Victorian seafront and there are beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy.

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

Headland Hotel 3 star elegant hotel situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Torquay sitting majestically on the headland.

• Lift • Bar • Sauna • Gym

New Wilmington Hotel A fine family-run 3 star hotel just off the seafront.

• Lift • Bar

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

• Lift • Bar • Pool

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

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

Holiday includes • Coach travel • Tours • Ferry crossing • Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

For full details visit www.barnescoaches.co.uk | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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Three Belgian Christmas Markets

Bournemouth

The Best of Cornwall

Fri 24th Nov - 3 Days - £229

Mon 4th Dec - 5 Days - £339

Wed 6th Dec - 5 Days - £329

This time of the year, some of the prettiest squares in Belgium turn into Christmas Wonderlands full of chalets, food and entertainment!

Renowned for its golden beaches and beautiful parks and gardens, Bournemouth blends the contemporary with the traditional to ensure you are truly spoilt for choice.

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.

Hilton Brussels City Central location with great amenities • Lift • Bar • Sat TV • Gym • Sauna

The Queens Hotel & Spa 3 star hotel in a prime position a short walk from the beach and town.

• Bar • Lift • Pool • Sauna • Steam room • Spa • Gym

Portbyhan Hotel The hotel is situated in an unrivalled position, right at the heart of the Looe • Lift • Bar

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

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

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

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New Tour

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Christmas on the Rhine in Boppard

Peaks and Panto

New Year in Staffordshire

The Rhine is one of the most scenic areas of Germany and here the river cuts through the steep mountains with castles and wine terraces looking over.

Fill that boring gap between Christmas and New Year with something exciting!

We visit Bakewell and Buxton in the Peak District and also get to see the Beauty and the Beast at the panto. We even sneak in a stop in Stratford-upon-Avon on the way!

Fri 22nd Dec - 6 Days - £769

Thur 28th Dec - 3 Days - £189

Sat 30th Dec - 4 Days - £399

Elbertor Hotel, Boppard 3 star superior hotel is a unique gem overlooking the Rhine.

• Bar • Sat TV • Sauna • Spa

Hallmark Hotel Derby Midland A 4 star hotel in a landmark building within walking distance of Derby’s centre.

• Lift • Bar • Sat TV

Holiday includes • Return coach travel • Tours • Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal and 3 lunches

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

Discover striking Staffordshire with inspiring landscapes and its unique and stirring history and heritage. We also encounter the serenity of the UK’s yearround Centre of Remembrance.

Best Western Plus Stoke on Trent Moat House 4 star hotel with full leisure facilities • Bar • Lift • Pool • Sauna • Steam room • Spa • Gym Holiday includes • Return coach travel • Tours • Hotel accommodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal, 1 lunch

Book online or call: 01793 821303 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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TWITTER

inside

Twittering on With Angela Kelly The battle of the sexes 2017 I THOUGHT we’d moved on in the battle of the sexes into an uneasy peace but these days it doesn’t feel like it.

JOHN BISHOP NEW TOUR PAGES 22-23

TRAVEL...

Prague, Vienna and Budapest with Trafalgar PAGES 6-7

HOME...

SIMPLE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME PAGES 15-18

INDIAN COOKING ANJUM ANAND'S DELICIOUS RECIPES PAGES 26-29

It only seems like a short time ago that the whole issue was so debated that we never thought we would have to go to war again to get female equality.

Yet, here we are, in 2017, and still some men are paid more than women in broadly similar jobs and there are still skirmishes around everything from shoes to toilets relating to gender equality.

Tesco is the latest organisation to be accused of sexism for selling girls’ school shoes with “sensitive soles” while boasting about its boys’ shoes being tough enough to last in the playground.

We do seem to have become sensitive souls ourselves over this, though. All right – it isn’t in the spirit of equality to create different types of shoes. What about boisterous girls and shy, retiring boys? But is it really worth a fuss?

Tesco have taken the diplomatic route and promised to update the wording on their website about the properties of the school shoes. No word yet from the children.

Probably more sensible is Marks & Spencer being forced to change its toilet signs because the pink female signs show a woman with a baby (denoting baby changing facilities) while the men’s toilets’ signs just show a man with a tie. The great thing is that they do have baby changing facilities in some men’s toilets.

Now, the giant store has bowed to social media pressure over the subject when it was criticised for implying that

women are the only parents looking after children. The signs on both toilets will now also show a child.

Interestingly, before the turnaround, M & S said that some people “walk around wondering what to get offended at”, and you do wonder sometimes if they don’t have a point with this.

These days, we are much more open to the equal nature of boys and girls in particular and try to treat them flexibly. Girls don’t have to play with dolls and boys don’t have to play with fire engines. Fortunately, children have a way of finding the middle ground themselves and don’t need to rely on over-sensitive parents.

Buckingham Palace – a saga of royal folk Soaps may come and go but there is one enduring “soap” saga that keeps on giving: the Royal Family.

The 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana this year has prompted plenty of articles and photos across the media, especially information culled from her diaries. This shows the depth of her despair over Prince Charles’ continuing relationship with the then Camilla Parker Bowles and the rest of the family’s response, or otherwise, to it.

It comes as the Queen, now 91, appears to be making plans for Charles to succeed her with Camilla, now his wife, by his side. It can’t be an easy time all round, especially for Prince William and Prince Harry.

Over the years, there have been plenty of widely-publicised scandals concerning the Royal Family and, whatever your individual views on the monarchy, it’s hard not to be fascinated.

The huge leaps in communication

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

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technology now mean that little stays secret for long and that photos of any indiscretion of any kind are swiftly passed around the world.

This is the key, of course. The scandal with American socialite Wallis Simpson and King Edward VII led to his abdication in 1936 but, if we’d had the internet then, we’d have known about her rather eventful life in full detail.

As it is, we can now watch footage of the royals in action and scrutinise it carefully and hear about every dalliance or utterance more or less just after it’s happened. Fortunately, the Royal Family is full of interesting characters who continue to provide us with total fascination. In fact, we can’t wait for the next episode!

Make plans for your new park home life

Living beyond my mildest expectations Have you got a bucket list? You know, things you plan to do before you die? Increasingly these days, people have a bucket list like visiting all seven continents, sky-diving from 12,000 feet up, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef or going to all the Harry Potter locations.

Me? No chance. Why on earth would I want to do terrifying things like running with bulls or swimming with sharks?

I get vertigo on a high pavement and at times of stress I yearn for the quiet solace of the frozen vegs section at Asda.My idea of a heart-pounding experience is when Pinot Grigio is on BOGOF. But I am completely in awe of those who take trapeze classes or enjoy bungee jumping in New Zealand.

Just the idea of flinging myself from a high platform secured by nothing more confidence-boosting than a large rubber band and a pair of incontinence knickers makes me want to leap onto the sofa with a mug of tea and a large bar of Cadbury’s Wholenut and hide from the world.

There are a few things I’d vaguely like to do before I shuffle off into the after-life. I’d quite like to make a successful meringue or go for a tour around a film studio. I might enjoy being in the audience for The Jeremy Kyle Show although I wouldn’t want to be too close to anyone who’d failed their lie detector test unexpectedly in case they turned a bit nasty.

My husband once described me as “timid” to which I took some exception. Not great exception, of course, because that would be a bit extreme. I’m not an extreme person. I don’t hanker after mad rushes of adrenalin from life or want to suddenly jet off abroad on an adventure.

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As for ultimately “kicking the bucket”. Well, that sounds a bit violent to me, too. I suspect that when the final call comes, I’ll just push over that particular bucket until the life runs out of it. Then on my gravestone they might inscribe the words “Born To Be Mild”. That seems about right.

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5

50 Plus Travel

sponsored by Budapest Night Lights

Christmas. Music oozes from every street and over the centuries the city has become the most important music capital in the world. Mozart, Beethoven, Mahler, Brahms, Haydn and Schubert all called Vienna home. Bohemian Rhapsody.

If you are hungry then head for Hungary. Not that we were, but the food is superb. Budapest has the best ice cream this side of Italy. The capital and the powerhouse that drives this great country. And if the daily papers are to be believed the dental capital of Europe too!

Prague, Vienna and Budapest with Trafalgar

By Dave Harcombe from Silver Travel Advisor A delighted throng below. The skeleton rings a bell and inverts an hour glass.

Life is short, life is finite. Be happy and sprinkle your life with humour. On the Vltava river swans glide by with panache. The famous skyline reflects in the still waters stunningly beautiful and magical.

A five star road trip right in the heart of Europe. With a cast of forty eight, a pot pourri of nationalities and the best driver and tour director in the world.

Ten days. Three perfectly preserved cities of romance, rich in history and diverse in culture. Five star hotels in perfect locations - three nights in each.

Prague never fails to impress. An attractive city with picture book moments. Brimming with charm. Turrets and spires reach high into the sky.

Closer to God, almost touching heaven.

Crowds gather at the famous 600 year old astronomical clock. On the hour robotic figures traipse out, do their business and traipse back in. Job done.

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Vienna is much bigger than Prague.

27 palaces, 20 markets and 850 parks.

Streets so clean and litter free. Does a powerful Dyson emerge at night to remove the daily detritus? Presumably the sewers are immaculate too with rats wearing bow ties and expensive leather shoes. Vienna has 160 plus museums too. Cherry pick the best and you will not be disappointed.

The Uhrenmuseum - the clock museum - is tick tock perfect. A timeless delight. The Snow Globe museum is wacky and offbeat and not just for

The old cobbled streets are a delight beckoning to be discovered. Once again there are museums aplenty including “ The House of Terror”, “The Hospital in the Rock” and “The House of Houdini “- we had difficulty founding our way out! There are 120 geothermal baths to choose from.

Arrive jaded, depart refreshed. And the most exquisite building in the world is here too- The Hungarian Parliament is jaw-dropping perfect.

Extraordinary castles, wonderful palaces, amazing cathedrals. The crown jewels. A madcap restaurant. Gorgeous cakes. A dancing house. Gothic Charles bridge. Bratislava was a revelation, Gyor even more so. A sensational Strauss concert in Vienna. An almost private classical recital in a candlelit monastery too. The Blue Room. Esztergom Basilica. The Fisherman’s Bastion. The Spanish Riding School. Heroes Square.

The Millennium underground- the first European metro line.

Prague Cityscape View

TRAVEL Street theatre. Tram rides, boat trips, river cruises, walks with witty and knowledgeable guides. Stunning gardens. Wine tasting, a brewery visit.

Fabulous art. Steamy hot coffee. Big skies and an ever-present sun. Oh did I mention the cakes?

Tour director Paul Wormsbacher and driver Gabor Imre worked incredibly hard to ensure a superb holiday experience for all. Gabor is Hungary’s answer to George Clooney or maybe George Clooney is America’s answer to Gabor. Both Paul and Gabor have big hearts, big personalities, incredible local knowledge and always big smiles.

Everything planned to perfection.

Gabor’s driving was excellent and from the start we knew we in safe hands. If all travel companies had reps as good as Paul then the world of travel would be more enjoyable and the world so much smaller and friendlier. No wonder Trafalgar have been awarded more accolades than any other company globally. Trafalgar are consistently setting new standards in world travel.

Simply the best. Just turn up sit back and they do the rest.

Erzherzog Karl Memorial - Vienna

The 10 day, 9 night tour to Prague, Vienna and Budapest starts from £1,271 per person, based on two people sharing.

For more information about Trafalgar Tours to Europe and worldwide, visit www.trafalgar.com/uk or call 0800 533 5616.

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

Alcoholics Anonymous has over 4,000 groups throughout Great Britain dedicated to helping those with a serious alcohol problem learn how to stay sober. Groups are made up of people from all walks of life and all age groups. Through friendship and mutual support, members assist each other in coping which is made easier by meeting others with the same problem. There are no dues or fees for membership and anonymity is carefully preserved.

Anyone who believes they have a drink problem you can contact Alcoholics Anonymous by using the helpline number above.

Further information may be obtained from the web site above or from the General Service office at the address below.

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

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have our own fleet of executive Our coach inclusive option allows guests across the UK to travel in ches that usoffer totheoffer comfort, while enables our self-drive holidays freedom of having your own car. el from a selection of pick up Every break includes: nts across the UK. • Return coach travel (self-drive option available) • Comfy en suite accommodation

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DATE

HOTEL

DAYS

PRICE

OCTOBER 18

Barrowfield Hotel - Newquay

5

£199

22

Sands Hotel - Bournemouth

6

£274

27

Somerset Hotel - Llandudno

5

£224

28

Daishs Hotel - Isle of Wight

5

£214

NOVEMBER 22

The Prince Regent- Weymouth

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26

Claremont Hotel - Eastbourne

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27

Barrowfield Hotel - Newquay

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DECEMBER 01

Sands Hotel - Bournemouth

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07

Daishs Hotel - Isle of Wight

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24

Hotel Prince Regent - Weymouth

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JANUARY 15

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Claremont Hotel - Eastbourne

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FEBRUARY 22

Barrowfield Hotel - Newquay

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Santorini and Crete – slices of Greek island paradise Santorini Silver Travel Advisor writer, David Graham, tells us why it’s one of his favourite places. Cliche time, but there’s one Greek holiday island that really deserves its place on any ‘must see’ list before you take the final trip no traveller ever returns from.

No surprise to be told that it’s Santorini, which stakes a firm claim to being the inspiration for the mythical paradise of Atlantis and still manages to cast a spell on everyone lucky enough to go there.

The approach is simply stunning, especially by sea, as you sail in under the towering, multi-coloured cliffs, with the picture-postcard clusters of gleaming white houses and bluedomed churches icing the top at the capital, Fira, and picturesque Oia. Once ashore, the first thing that strikes you about the beaches is that the sand is black. Or sometimes white. Or even red – but mainly black, for mile after unspoiled mile. It becomes even more bizarre the more you look at what you’re walking on – and realise you’re visiting one of the most amazing places on the planet – the remains of a volcano that erupted around 1,500BC.

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Visitors are astounded by wind-carved rocks which look like a Star Trek set, cave houses dug into hillsides all over the island, and cliffs sculpted into shapes which would be impressive in the Tate Modern.

That said, there are vineyards too which produce very drinkable wines, offered in settings just perfect for the most romantic of Santorini sunsets. There are trendy new establishments on the island, although it’s not too hard to find a traditional taverna, where the

whole family is involved in cooking and serving exceptional local dishes.

Akrotiri on the south coast is a good spot for such an experience. Perissa and Perivolos are also here and cater very much for the tourist market, which might not be for everyone’s taste, but are certainly worth a look.

We stayed in Kamari, just around the huge, high headland which is the site of the island’s ancient capital – a five-minute trip by handy water taxi from Perissa, or a scenic drive by car,

TRAVEL The serene charms of Crete and Santorini provide the perfect setting for an archaeological odyssey into the deep-rooted antiquity of European culture. Meet the Minoans, Europe’s earliest civilisation. This creative, prosperous society, named after the legendary King Minos, was the forerunner to Classical Greece and has been shrouded in an aura of mystery and mythology ever since. Here was the birth of Zeus, the seduction of Europa, the labyrinth of the Minotaur and the fabled city of Atlantis.

via Emporio and back to Pyrgos, gateway to the rest of the island. It is a bustling resort in summer and also an established little town with family life at its heart, where locals live all year round. Excellent for the more authentic Greek holiday.

Get off the beaten track to where myth and reality converge in one of the Mediterranean’s most significant and sought after destinations. There is a fascinating array of archaeological sites to explore, including the palaces of Knossos and Phaistos, and a wealth of artistic treasures to see in the island’s museums, including superb frescoes, snake goddesses and golden-horned bulls. More details from Hidden History Travel.

If you love the high life, you can also discover that luxury hideaways in Fira, its upmarket neighbour Imerovigli, or sunset spot Oia. Spoiling yourself in such a stunning place is easy to do!

CONTACT

Crete

Sunvil offer wonderful holidays on Santorini. www.sunvil.co.uk Telephone 020 8758 4758

Silver Travel Advisor’s Jennie Carr visited Crete, where she was thrilled by the peace and quiet to be found on the western side of the island, with weather still perfect in October.

For archaeological discoveries in Greece, Hidden History Travel offer super escorted tours. www.hiddenhistory.co.uk Telephone 0121 444 1854

Heading up into the White Mountains, there are villages which step out of previous centuries, and a languor in the air which induces relaxation within seconds. Although the roads and switchbacks here do require a wide-awake driver, with an inclination to rallying! We happened upon a Byzantine church, open every other Tuesday afternoon, with original icons, and several tiny cave chapels that seemed to have grown from the ground.

ARCHAEOLOGY & TRAVEL

One of the great games in Crete is spelling because place names need to be translated from the Greek alphabet into Roman letters. What is seen on a road map may not reflect, by quite a few letters, what is seen on the actual road sign. And given that some road signs have suffered the odd bullet scar due to historic feuding, finding where you want to go can be a cross between orienteering and good guesswork. We loved it!

• Minoan Crete & Santorini • Cyprus: North & South • Pompeii & Campania • Malta's Millennia • Ancient Greece • And More...

Back on the more popular coast, the city of Chania has everything you’d expect from a former capital: Venetian harbour and lighthouse, a well-stocked produce market and restaurants ranging from Italian to tiny tavernas literally in archways. There’s a strong cultural life too, the English National Ballet were due to visit. Rethymnon charmed us – cobbled streets, wooden doorways aplenty and a flock of black-coated Orthodox priests popping up on every square.

The Fortezza here is impressive, with Venetian origin and Ottoman overtones including a masque within the fortress walls.

For a relaxing beach afternoon we sampled Kalives, good sand and a warm sea – wonderful in the warm October sun.

What could be better?

Simpson Travel offer villas and hotels on Crete www.simpsontravel.com Telephone 020 3393 0610

Perfect Combinations of Leisure and Interest

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

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

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U-value figure, the lower the heat loss.

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

The Conservatory Centre’s Large Showroom at Cheney Manor

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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Free local delivery AND FREE SCATTER CUSHIONS

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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.

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

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

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HOME Fireplace Solutions Ad 2017

27/9/13

17:51

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BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACES, WHERE YOU CAN REALLY CHILL-OUT. Fireplace Solutions Ad 2017

27/9/13

17:51

Page 1

ACES,BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACES, What better when it’s chilly outside and you’ve had a hard day, than chilling out in front of a beautiful fire. And with our extensive range of classic and contemporary fires there’s no better place to choose the right one for your home.

WHERE YOU CAN REALLY CHILL-OUT. BEAUTIFUL FIREPLACES, WHERE YOU CAN REALLY CHILL-OUT.

On display we have a huge range of electric fires, gas fires, solid fuel fires, hole-in-the-wall fires, plus multi-fuel and wood burning stoves.

Then there’s our range of stunning fireplaces, again traditional and modern, with stone, marble, or wooden surrounds. You can even have a bespoke fireplace, specially created to suit your living room and décor, and to suit every pocket there are models from £300 to £3000.

an ge e

What’s more we have expert fitters on tap (including Gas Safety What And better when it’s you’vewith had over a hard14day, than Technicians). because wechilly are aoutside family and company chilling outwe in can frontgive of ayou beautiful And and with tips our extensive range years experience, all thefire. advice on the type of classic and contemporary fires there’s no better place to choose of fire and installation that you need. It’s the kind of valuable the right one for your home. support and advice you won’t get if you buy online or from most large retail stores. we That’s because specialise in fires, fires gas and fires, fireplaces.

On display have a huge we range of electric solid fuel (We can fires, advise you on your central heating requirements hole-in-the-wall fires, plus multi-fuel and wood too). burning stoves.

uel Then there’s our range of stunning fireplaces, again traditional and es. So why not pop intowhen our showroom. that right it isthan What better it’s chilly outside andsurrounds. you’ve hadYou abehind hard day, modern, with stone, marble, orRemember wooden can even have d a big Free car park, which why we’ve made our main entrance outfireplace, in front isof a beautiful fire.to And extensive range achilling bespoke specially created suitwith yourour living roomatand ave the rear.décor, of classic contemporary fires there’s no better place to choose Our opening times forpocket weekdays and are£300 listed andand to suit every there are Saturdays models from to £3000. thewhenever right one for below, but youyour visithome. us, we’re sure you’ll be walking out

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And because are aoffamily company with over 14 fuel fires, hole-in-the-wall fires, plus multi-fuel and wood burning stoves. years experience, we can give you all the advice and tips on the type Then our it’s range of stunning fireplaces, again and than chilling out in front of a beautiful fire. And with our of firethere’s andwhen installation that you need.

It’s you’ve the kind oftraditional valuable What better chilly outside and had a hard day, modern, withadvice stone, marble, wooden can even have place to choose the right one for your home. support and you won’t get if you surrounds. buy online or from most extensive range of classic andorcontemporary firesYou there’s no better a bespoke specially created to suit your livingand room and large retail fireplace, stores. That’s because we specialise in fires fireplaces. décor, to suit pocket there are models from £300 to £3000.

(We canand advise youevery on your central heating requirements too).

GORSE HILL SN2 8AF fireplacesolutions.co.uk 01793 640485 LARGE DISPLAY FREE PARKING On display we have a huge range of electric fires, gas fires, solid fuel fires, hole-in-the-wall fires, plus multi-fuel and wood

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Then there’s our range of stunning fireplaces, again traditional and modern, with stone, marble, or wooden What’s we into have fitters on tap (including Gas Safety So why more not pop our showroom.

Remember that right behind it is surrounds.

You can even have a bespoke fireplace, specially created to suit your living room and décor, and to suit every because are we’ve a family company withentrance over 14 at aTechnicians). big Free carAnd park, which we is why made our main pocket there are models from £300 to £3000. years experience, we can give you all the advice and tips on the type the rear. Our opening times for weekdays and Saturdays are listed of fire and installationyou that youus,need.

It’ssure theyou’ll kind of below, but whenever visit we’re bevaluable walking out

What’s more weadvice haveready expert on (including Gas most Safety Technicians). And because we are a family company with support and you won’t get ifchilly youtap buy online or from with a warm smile, forfitters really nights ahead. retail experience, stores. That’s we because we specialise in fires and and fireplaces. overlarge 14 years can give you all the advice tips on the type of fire and installation that you need. It’s the can advisesupport you on your requirements too). kind(We of valuable and central adviceheating you won’t get if you buy online or from most large retail stores. That’s because we specialise in fires and fireplaces. (We can advise you on your central heating requirements too).

GORSE HILL SN2 8AF fireplacesolutions.co.uk 01793 640485 LARGE DISPLAY FREE PARKING

So why not pop into our showroom. Remember that right behind it is a big Free car park, which is why we’ve made our main entrance at So why not pop into our showroom. Remember that right behind it is a big FREE car park, which is why we’ve made our the rear. Our opening times for weekdays and Saturdays are listed mainbelow, entrance at the rear. opening for weekdays but whenever youOur visit us, we’re times sure you’ll be walking and out Saturdays are listed below, but whenever you visit us, we’re FIRES, FIREPLACES & INSTALLATIONS surewith you’ll be walking out with a warm a warm smile, ready for really chillysmile, nightsready ahead.for really chilly nights ahead.

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FIRES, FIREPLACES & INSTALLATIONS

14 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Open: Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm

Simple Ways To Update Your Home WHEN it comes to updating your home

regularly deals with people revamping

they have made – and suggests a cool

and changing the décor and furnishings

rooms – and sometimes fixing mistakes

head when it comes to making changes at home.

we tend to view it as stepping into a major minefield.

First of all, Vicky points to mistakes that How can we alter our rooms without

people often make when they upgrade

spending a fortune? What are the latest

rooms and change furniture, furnishings

design trends and will they be suitable

and décor. “One of the most common

for our house or apartment? How can I

is not measuring items of furniture, TVs,

really bring a fresh look to rooms easily

beds and especially sofas,” she states.

and without major disruption?

“People also buy for how these items look and if they’re on trend and don’t

At this point, it’s worth taking a deep

think about whether they will suit their

breath and doing some research. It’s

purpose and fit in with their lifestyle."

also important to ensure that any new look to your home is something that

“You wouldn’t buy a cream carpet if you

you’re going to be happy with every

had four children, two dogs and lived

single day.

on a farm, or a large corner sofa and lived in a tiny high-rise apartment, would you?”

“Don’t panic!” is the advice from interior design consultant Vicky Callan. She

interior design consultant Vicky Callan

Another mistake is painting a wall in a colour you have seen in a magazine or

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| 15

HOME

Kitchens

|

Bathrooms

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Bedrooms

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

on TV “and realising it looks totally different in your own home and doesn’t work with the lighting or wall texture.”

Vicky also warns against taking on complex DIY projects, thinking that you’re an expert. “If you see something like creating shelves on TV, Facebook or Pinterest and then just go ahead and try it, it may well not work out,” she states. “Leave it to the professionals.”

However, there are many areas in the home you can tackle for yourself that will transform your rooms and enhance daily living.

A new FRONT DOOR can make a major difference to your home. It’s not only an important part of the outside look of your property but is also the welcoming gateway to your home. A fresh coat of paint might suffice to fresh up your door but it may be worth investing in a new one, especially one with glass to allow in more light. Consult a local supplier with a good reputation and get advice on what will

Book your FREE no obligation home visit today

work in your home.

HALLWAYS can soon become dark places unless you work to maximise every bit of light. So, opt for very light wallpaper or paint and use mirrors to open up

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.

even the most cramped hall.

In a small hall, try to avoid cluttering it up with too much furniture. Go for wall hooks rather than a hallstand and a built-in cupboard for shoes and wellies rather than a freestanding one. Ditch old carpets and choose something fresh and practical like a wood or smart vinyl flooring. You’ll be surprised at the designs and colours available in the latest floor coverings so it’s worth consulting a local flooring expert.

Be objective about your LOUNGE or living-room.

This is somewhere you will probably use a large part

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 9am - 5pm & Sat 10am - 4pm

www.nuimagekbb.co.uk

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of the time so you want it to look and be comfortable and inviting.You may want to upgrade furniture or invest in a new suite. Vicky suggests keeping colours light and airy “but add a contrast colour to occasional furniture with pictures and cushions.”

Use the room’s features to their best advantage. “If you have a bay window, for example, make the most

If you can’t afford a new kitchen currently, why not change doors on your units or opt for new work surfaces? It’s surprising what a big difference that can make to a kitchen. Treat yourself to professionally measured and made curtains or blinds here, and make the window into a real feature.

The current trend for BATHROOMS is still to go for pristine white suites. But you can add your signature touches through tiles or painting doors or walls in a clean, sharp shade. Take this new colour through into towels and even clever ornaments, strategically placed.

Investing in a new mirror will also give your bathroom a fresh and appealing of it and use it as a feature, moving

throws is also very popular, along with

curtains back into the wall, letting more

lots of designs with butterflies.”

look.

light in. Floor to ceiling curtains will give the room height,” adds Vicky.

And if you are thinking of updating your Texture is important in fabrics for sofas

bathrom here is our guide to creating

and also textured rugs. Made-to-order

the perfect family bathroom

Cushions and throws in different textures

furniture and lighting are also now much

“keep things interesting,” she says, “and

more accessible through independent

HAVE Plenty of storage

mirrors will reflect light into the room

businesses for homeowners to find and

Bath time needs to transform from

and give the illusion of space.”

commission.

fun playtime to serene relaxation so adequate storage is really important. As

If you want to be bang up-to-date with

KITCHENS can gain a brighter look

well as toys you’ll need to accommodate

your décor, Vicky states that a bright,

with painted walls or by investing in

the extra Toiletries, cleaning products,

refreshing green called Greenery is the

new items like a kettle or storage jars.

towels and linen. Pull out draws and

2017 Pantone Colour of the Year. The

Continue a new colour scheme with a

shelves makes storage stylish but

industrial look is also still on trend.

piece of suitable artwork on the wall and

practical (nothing can hide at the back,

new floor covering in something durable

meaning mollies favourite bath toys

but attractive.

doesn’t got lost).

“Mixing patterns in fabrics like patchwork effects for cushions and bed

Transform your kitchen!

Give your kitchen a new look...

With our made to measure replacement doors HUGE CHOICE Our Range of replacement doors and drawer fronts are available in vinyl wrapped, acrylic, solid woods, painted and made to any size.

WORKTOPS All types of worktops supplied.

beat We will al all loc rs ito compet and e ic r p n o service

BEFORE

* Subject to terms and conditions

EXTRA UNITS AND APPLIANCES Additional cabinets can be ‘made to measure’ and we can supply all major appliance brands, sinks and accessories.

GUARANTEE All our work is insured and guaranteed.

AFTER

Call 01793 644600 now for a FREE computerised design & quotation www.nuimagekbb.co.uk

At Nuimage, Unit 109 Cheney Manor, Industrial Estate, Swindon SN2 2DS SHOWROOM OPEN: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat: 10am-4 pm

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| 17

HOME install Heated towel rail & Electric under floor heating With so many family members using the bathroom on a daily basis heated towel rails are a fabulous way of keeping a nice temperature in the room as well keeping towels fluffy, warm and dry. Electric under floor heating will assist in keeping the room a nice ambient temperature but also helps dry the floor preventing slips after splish-splash bath time.

Easy clean & maintenance Busy family life means keeping your bathroom clean and tidy should be easily maintained. Your design choices can make all the difference. Make sure you have the best fan, this will protect you against nasty mildew. Innovative product design means toilets can be rimless and include quick release easy clean seat (because we all want that chore to be as quick and easy as possible) Also your tile choice, try to go floor to ceiling, a well fitted, quality tile will be there forever and takes the pain of painting every few years away.

and double ended baths come in useful in these situations.

Separating the WC proves popular, too.

We spend a large part of our lives in our BEDROOMS so it’s definitely worth getting everything just right here. Vicky advises buying new sheets as “what you use to cover your bed will set the room. Keep it simple – go for fresh white or cream sheets and up-to-date cushions or even change your headboard.

“One of my favourite modern additions to any bedroom is an upholstered headboard,” insists Vicky. “It’s just the go-to

Think Child Friendly Opt for products like soft closing toilet seats, thermostatic showers reduce the risk of scalding as well as mono mixer taps can have temperature regulators them too.

piece.” Change bedside lamps and add a feature light – “a chandelier is perfect,” she add. “And re-position your bed if you can and make a new feature wall with wallpaper.”

Anti-slip shower trays, baths and tiles are also readily available and can reduce the risk of slips and falls. Think about design, perhaps more curved features on baths and vanity units, reducing scrapes or bumps.

Plan for the morning rush hour If possible consider some of these time and queue saving ideas, to avoid the manic morning rush. Twin basins get

Manor Garden Centre Cheney Manor, Swindon SN2 2QJ

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Scatter Cushions

two dirty faces washed and ready to go, twin showers

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Free local delivery l Open 7 days a week

Tel: 01793 526691

www.conservatorycentres.co.uk

Are you ready for a new future?

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Friendly training and employment support for the over 50s We’ll work with you to develop a personalised learning plan and you’ll have regular progress reviews to keep you on track.

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For more details: learndirect @learndirect learndirect @learndirect Email: glynwen.chetcuti@learndirect.com This project is financed byby thethe European Union Visit: This project is learndirect.com/LED financed European Union learndirect Ltd. All rights reserved. learndirect is a registered trademark of learndirect Ltd All information correct at time of going to press. IN1428V01 November 2016

learndirect Ltd. All rights reserved. learndirect is a registered trademark of learndirect Ltd learndirectcorrect Ltd. Allat rights learndirect is a registered trademark All information timereserved. of going to press. IN1428V01 November 2016 of learndirect Ltd All information correct at time of going to press. IN1428V01 November 2016

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| 19

o h S as

m t s i hr

C

g n i pp

Cut the Fuss

Days Out

Eating out

Cinema

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bus

John Bishop The Cheery Scouser IF you ever needed an example of a cheery Scouser it’s a pretty safe bet that comedian John Bishop would come to mind. He is 50 now but with the boyish looks and toothy grin that he’s probably always had and, judging by his three sons, has passed this particular gene pool on to the next generation.

He still enjoys playing when he can and is an avid fan of Liverpool FC.

Analysing what makes so many people from Liverpool good comedians, it’s been said that it’s a defence against the wind whistling through the Mersey Tunnel or off the Irish Sea. Whatever the reason, it’s certainly all around this bustling city – in the pubs and clubs, the streets and football grounds.

He didn’t start performing stand-up comedy in clubs around the North-west, though, until he was 34. In front of the tough club audiences, he honed his act and people began to enjoy colourful tales about his life and family told in his engaging conversational way.

And the latter could well be where John Bishop’s humour was honed. He was always a keen footballer and played for non-league teams Hyde and Southport.

22 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Brought up in Huyton on Merseyside and in Winsford and Runcorn in Cheshire, John worked as a pharmaceutical rep. Plainly, however, he always had that dry Scouse humour.

His first appearance was in Manchester and the following year he made it to the final of major new act competitions including So You Think You’re Funny, the Daily Telegraph Open Mic Awards,

the BBC New Comedy Awards and the City Life North West Comedian of the Year Award – which he won.

His first TV appearance was on RTE topical comedy show The Panel and he went on to the popular Channel 4 show 8 Out of 10 Cats. What really elevated him in the public consciousness and boosted his career, though, was an appearance on BBC’s Live at the Apollo comedy series when national audiences really began to warm to the likely lad from Liverpool.

Unlike many comedians, John Bishop is also a talented writer, presenter and actor. In 2009, he started his own TV show on LFC TV called John Bishop Meets …. where he interviewed former Liverpool footballers.

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW In 2010, he was a celebrity team captain on What Do Kids Know? on Watch TV and also appeared on BBC’s Mock the Week and Radio 4’s Act Your Age. Revealing his acting talents for the first time, he appeared in two series of Skins and in 2010 was in Ken Loach’s film Route Irish, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

Quick-witted John has appeared as a regular panellist on Sky 1’s A League of Their Own and been a panellist on BBC’s Have I Got News For You. He also wrote and presented the BBC One series John Bishop’s Britain.

Since he first broke through into the professional comedy field, John has seldom been off TV screens or radio prorammes. He’s been on Desert Island Discs, appeared in genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? and has been the presenter of choice for various one-off programmes.

Although he has notched up plenty of major successes and showcased his talents in a variety of ways, John Bishop remains grounded. And he is keen to keep his family grounded, too.

He recently revealed to The Mirror his advice to his sons: “When you grow up, try to be a good man. “I don’t want them thinking money is more important than people. I hate the idea that ambition needs to be more important than reality. You can end up at the top of the tree and be on your own. I don’t think that’s worth it.” And with that philosophy, it’s clear that John Bishop, his warm personality and his pleasantly cheesy grin, will be around for a very long time.

His easily identifiable thick Scouse accent lends itself to voiceovers but he is actually a multi-talented man with a modest streak and had his own autobiography How Did All This Happen? published in 2013.

He hosted the Royal Variety Performance that same year and in 2014 appeared in A Night In with Olly Murs. In 2015, he presented his own variety show on BBC One called The John Bishop Show.

Early last year, he took part in the BBC series Stargazing Live, from the European Astronaut Centre, following Tim Peake’s astronaut training programme – right down to a simulated spacewalk underwater.

Last year, he also started the notoriously difficult task of presenting his own chat show on W, formerly Watch TV, John Bishop: In Conversation With ….

Here, he showed his likeability and easygoing chatty style with James Corden, Charlotte Church and Lenny Henry. The second series, which started in March this year, featured Lindsay Lohan, Russell Brand, Louise Redknapp and Jason Manford among the guests.

This year, he also surprised TV viewers by appearing in the suspense drama Fearless where he offered an absorbing professional acting performance.

He is currently on a warm-up tour for his Winging It tour which takes place later in the year and which has shows from Brighton to Belfast and many places in between - no doubt pleasing his many fans around the country.

* For more details about John Bishop’s 2017 touring go to www.johnbishoponline.com/ WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

| 23

Get on your bike: 5 health benefits that’ll make you want to start cycling in your 50s It gets you outdoors There really is nothing like getting outdoors into nature and the fresh air – and on a bike is the perfect way to do this. Studies have found that people who regularly spend time in nature tend to report greater levels of happiness and vitality. Similarly, it’s recognised that our environment can impact on our moods and wellbeing – so it’s little surprise if spending time somewhere green and serene leaves you feeling calmer and less stressed.

Even if you live in an urban area, are there pockets of green nearby you could escape to? There are countless cycle routes across the UK that will enable cyclists to immerse themselves in the great outdoors while avoiding traffic and busy roads. Sustrans, the National Trust and CTC are all good sources.

A new way to see the world While part of the beauty of bikes is that they can be enjoyed at any age, cycling can be especially appealing to the over50s; not only does it get you from A to B (and cheaply!), it brings a range of health and wellbeing boons too. Here are five reasons to hop on the saddle this summer – and beyond…

Better health and fitness Regular physical activity makes a big difference to health, lowering the risk of major conditions like heart disease and stroke, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, as well as improving mental health.

As exercise, cycling ticks lots of boxes, providing both an aerobic (cardio) workout and working muscles.

“The workout it gives to the major muscle groups in the legs is great for aerobic exercise, causing the heart rate and respiration to increase in order to supply the muscles,” says Sam Jones, campaigner at the national cycling charity CTC.

24 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

A recent Leeds University study commissioned by CTC calculated that, by 2025, if cycling made up 10% of all journeys taken (it currently accounts for 2%), the health benefits would amount to more than £5 million of savings a year.

Further research found that people who cycle regularly in mid-adulthood typically have a ‘fitness age’ that’s 10 years younger than their actual age, while people who cycle to work tend to take fewer sick days and live longer.

It’s low impact Cycling can also be a good option for people with dodgy joints! Of course, this depends on the severity and nature of your joint problems (and warming up properly beforehand is essential), but if other activities like strenuous walking and jogging have become difficult due to joint pain, a low-impact option like cycling is worth checking out.

“If you suffer with joint problems, cycling could well be for you,” says Sam. “Due to taking the body’s weight off the legs, there’s much less pressure on your joints – especially in comparison to running.”

Activity-based holidays don’t just help you keep fit and well, they’re also a great way of seeing the world and being truly immersed in the scenery - and there are endless cycling holidays to choose from.

A touch of adventure It’s not just those ‘feel-good’ endorphins from all the exercise and fresh air that leaves people on a high after a good bike ride. “It’s a little bit of adventure too,” adds Catchpole. “With a cycling holiday, there may be a little bit of map reading, and that sense of having to get to the next hotel – come rain or shine! That taste of adventure is really rewarding.”

The same goes for a day out in the saddle with friends or a local cycling group, exploring the local area in a new and exciting way.

Already a bike fan? Why not try an electric bike?

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 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!

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!

do I need a 300Watt or 500W battery? Low step, Crossbar or folding frame? Would I be better off getting my current bicycle converted to electric? How much money could I save by doing this? There are lots of variables to consider before purchasing. A good bike shop will hold your hand through the process, ask you all the relevant questions, offer you a test ride on one or more bikes (we stock over 80 models of ebike) to make sure the bike fits properly and that you are comfortable riding it.

Modern electric bikes are an amazing product and help many, many people worldwide to get to where they want to go quickly and efficiently. If you choose the right bike it will serve you well for years to come. So don’t be bewildered by the choice, embrace it, get informed and get cycling! I haven’t even mentioned aftercare, service and warranty…

Written by Mark Butler Director of E-motion EVC

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

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 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.

“I’m spoilt for choice, what electric bike should I buy?”

We’ve been selling ebike’s at E-motion EVC since 2009. When Keith and I started the choice of ebikes was very limited and the first two manufacturers we worked with back then was Powabyke and Wisper.

Both are UK based businesses who’ve weathered ups and downs but I’m pleased to say that we still supply products from both of them today. Since then however the number of manufacturers has rocketed and subsequently the choice of ebike’s today can be quite bewildering! Bosch is the market leader for motor’s, batteries and control systems and they alone sell to 72 different bike manufacturers.

Should you go for a bike with a motor built into the wheel (hub motor) if so is rear or front wheel drive better? Is a Centre Drive motor better than a Hub one,

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| 25

FOOD & DRINK

Anjum Anand's

'I Love India' Steamed Nepalese meat momos Momos are a Nepalese dumpling similar to a Chinese one, but made with Nepalese/Indian ingredients.

Calcutta is full of momo houses and, whenever I go, I have to eat in them at least once. You are given a menu full of options, steamed and pan-fried and stuffed with as many fillings as the chef can imagine, everything from mutton to vegetables – even paneer. The traditional dipping sauce is fiery and tomato-ey, but I often mix some finely chopped ginger, garlic and green chillies into soy sauce and that normally hits the spot without much fuss. Momos are easy to make, fun and really satisfying.

The dough can be made in advance, but will soften as it sits. You can form the momos just before your friends arrive and have the steamer ready and the kettle boiling so, when your friends are settling in, all you need to do is light the fl­ame.

Makes 24 Mix together all the ingredients for the filling. (You can fry a little of it to test the seasoning, if you like.) Cover and leave this one to rest for 1 hour in the fridge.

For the dough, mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl and add the water slowly, mixing well to create a medium-stiff dough. Knead well and add a little more water if the dough splits. Cover with a damp dish towel, or wrap in cling film (plastic wrap), and leave to rest for 20 minutes.

Take out the dough and knead well again. Roll it into 2 long sausage shapes about 2cm in diameter. Mark the halfway point with a knife and then further mark each half into 6 sections, giving you 24 equal pieces.

Cut one sausage of dough at a time, covering the remainder each time to prevent the rest drying out. Roll each piece out thinly, on a lightly floured surface, into a 7.5cm circle about 1mm thick.

Place 1½–2 tsp of the filling into the centre of each skin.

I hold the momo in my left hand with my thumb on the stuffing. With my right hand I seal the tops together, folding a little as I go. My thumb from the left hand presses the filling down to make sure there is none in the sealed edges. Basically, you need to enclose the filling in the dough without any tears; you can do it any way which feels easy.

Oil the surface of a steamer basket, or line with greaseproof paper. Arrange the momos on the oiled surface as you make them, leaving some space between them as they expand a little. Cover and steam on a rolling boil for 11–13 minutes. Serve immediately.

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Ingredients: For the filling 250g (9oz) minced (ground) pork, lamb or chicken thigh 10g (1⁄2 packed cup) coriander (cilantro) stalks and leaves, finely chopped handful of green peas, defrosted (optional) 1⁄4 small red onion, finely chopped 20g (1⁄6 cup) spring onions (scallions), finely chopped 1⁄2–1 tsp green chillies (chiles), finely chopped 3 large garlic cloves, finely grated or finely chopped 15g (1 tbsp) finely chopped root ginger (peeled weight) 3⁄4 tsp garam masala (fresh if possible).

2 tsp dark soy sauce 1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 good pinches of salt vegetable oil, for the steamer basket (optional) For the dough 100g (3⁄4 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus more to dust good pinch of salt 5 tbsp cold water, plus more to seal

you have friends over. You can also make it just with peas, just with carrots, or even add some chopped green beans. Serves 4–6 350g (2 cups) basmati rice, well washed 4 tbsp vegetable oil 13⁄4 rounded tsp cumin seeds 10cm (4in) cinnamon stick 4 cloves 2 black cardamom pods 2 bay leaves 1 onion, sliced 1 small carrot, cut into 1cm (1⁄2in) cubes 120g (3⁄4 cup) frozen peas, defrosted salt 3⁄4 tsp garam masala

Spinach and garlic raita 75g (21⁄2 packed cups) baby spinach 450g (11⁄2 cups) Greek yogurt salt lots of freshly ground black pepper 1⁄2–1 garlic clove, to taste, finely grated 1⁄2–3⁄4 tsp roast and ground cumin seeds I have been eating garlic flavoured Greek yogurt with my food ever since I visited Greece years ago. Add as much or as little garlic as you like, or to suit what you are eating it with (spiced meats can take more than vegetables).

Serves 4: Place the spinach in a saucepan with 2–3 tablespoons of water and cook until soft, 1–2 minutes. Drain and squeeze out the excess water. Stir the spinach into the yogurt with the salt, pepper, garlic and cumin. Serve chilled.

Place the rice in a saucepan and pour in at least 8cm (3in) of water to cover. Bring to the boil and simmer for 6–8 minutes. Try a grain at 6 minutes: it should be nearly soft. If not, cook for another minute and taste again. Drain the rice in a sieve, then pour it back into the pan. Cook for another 40 seconds over the heat to dry off any excess water and then turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the rice steam for 8–10 minutes. It should now be fully cooked through.

Heat the oil in a wide frying pan and add the spices and bay leaves. Cook until the cumin is aromatic, around 20 seconds. Add the onion and fry until just soft. Add the carrot, peas and salt, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Finally, cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover the rice pan: there should be no water left (if there is, cook it off over a high heat). Add the rice and garam masala to the frying pan and stir well. Taste, adjust the seasoning and serve.

Classic cucumber and mint raita 1 tsp cumin seeds 200g (1⁄2 large) cucumber 400g (11⁄2 cups) Greek yogurt salt and freshly ground black pepper 8g (11⁄2 tsp) shredded mint leaves small splash of milk and/or a pinch of sugar (optional) A lovely, refreshing raita that is really versatile, lovely with Indian food, great with grilled meals and very refreshing just with some naan or pitta bread.

Serves 4: Place the cumin seeds in a small dry frying pan over a medium heat and stir just until they turn a shade darker and smell aromatic. Remove and grind to a powder in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Grate the cucumber on the coarse side of a box grater. Squeeze out all the excess water and place the cucumber in a large bowl.

Add three-quarters of the cumin and all the remaining ingredients except the milk or sugar and stir well to mix.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding the milk or sugar if the raita tastes too sour for you. Sprinkle over the remaining cumin and serve chilled.

Fragrant pea and carrot pilaf

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A colourful, lovely rice pilaf that goes with everything and smart enough to cook when

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| 27

FOOD & DRINK

Coastal crab and coconut curry Ingredients: 5 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp brown mustard seeds 15 fresh or dried curry leaves 1 onion, finely chopped salt 40g (2 rounded tbsp) roughly chopped root ginger (peeled weight) cloves from 1⁄2 large head of garlic 400g (14oz/4 medium-large) tomatoes, blended until smooth 1⁄4–1⁄2 tsp chilli (chili) powder, or to taste 1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp ground coriander 3⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 3 tsp garam masala (fresh if possible) 80g (3⁄4 cup) fresh grated coconut (you can buy this frozen in Asian supermarkets as well as fresh in some supermarkets now), plus more to serve (optional) 2–3 green chillies (chiles), stalks removed, pierced with a knife 1 medium-sized crab, around 1.2kg (2lb 12oz) cleaned, lightly broken up in places 2 tsp tamarind paste, or to taste handful of chopped coriander (cilantro, optional), to serve

Having grown up with a father who absolutely loved good food (I’m sure most of our holidays were based around a city he wanted to eat at) and also had a general passion for travel and eating, I have had my fair share of the world’s delicious crab dishes. I’ve eaten fried soft-shell crabs by the Potomac in Washington, crab cakes in New York, chilli crab in Singapore… and just American-style, cooked and served with a butter sauce. But, I have to say, none are quite as delicious as India’s Malabar Coast crab dishes. Cooked with local spices and coconut, you are literally licking your fingers as you break bits open. Many feel that cooking an expensive crab with Indian spices is a waste and that the flavours would be drowned out. I think that cooking it any other way is a waste of good crab! This is not a watery curry; here the sauce is thick but not so dry it clings.

Serves 4 Heat the oil in a large non-stick karahi, wok or saucepan.

Add the mustard seeds and, as they are popping, add the curry leaves and cook for another 10 seconds or so. Add the onion and a little salt and cook until it is soft and has a good golden brown colour on the edges, around 10 minutes.

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Meanwhile, make a paste in a blender of the ginger and garlic with some water. Add to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes or so, or until the water has dried off and the garlic smells cooked.

Add the tomatoes, seasoning and powdered spices and cook well until the masala releases oil into the pan, around 15 minutes, stirring often. Once it has released oil into the pan, stir-fry over a high heat to darken a little. This will deepen the flavour and colour.

Meanwhile, blend the coconut with some water until smooth. Once the tomatoes are done, add the coconut and chillies, bring back to the boil and add the crab. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then add enough water to come just halfway up the crab. Return to the boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Once the crab is done, add most of the tamarind, taste and adjust the seasoning and add more tamarind or chilli powder for more tang or heat respectively. There should be a lot of thick sauce; this is not a watery curry, you should be able to eat the creamy sauce with rice.

Serve sprinkled with coriander or coconut, or both.

Sticky saffron dumplings INGREDIENTS Makes 18 (serves 1–2 per person) For the dumplings: 400ml (12⁄3 cups) whole milk powder (measure it in a measuring cup), plus more if needed 100g (1⁄2 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour 2⁄3 tsp baking powder 2 tbsp ghee, plus more to form the dumplings 5 tbsp plain yogurt 5 tbsp whole milk vegetable oil, to deep-fry sliced pistachios, to serve (optional) For the syrup: 450g (scant 2 cups) granulated sugar 650ml (22⁄3 cups) water 2 good pinches of saffron threads 1⁄2–1 tsp rose water, depending on strength

India has a whole genre of sweet desserts which were once made in the home, but are now mostly made by specialized halvaies – Indian pâtissiers. Gulab jamun are one of India’s favourites: little syrupy doughnuts made from thickened milk instead of flour and soaked in sugar syrup rather than stuffed with jam or sweetened in the batter. I use dry milk powder which I rehydrate, not the traditional thickened, solidified milk, as that takes too long and needs too much attention to make. There are only two tricks to getting these doughnuts right: the right consistency of dough (not too soft, not too hard); and frying them over a very low heat so they cook all the way to the centre, stirring the oil almost continuously so they brown evenly. I like them warm as they will be softer, and you can reheat them in their syrup, but you can equally eat them cold. Serve as they are, or with a little ice cream.

Mix together the dry ingredients for the dumplings. Spoon in the ghee, yogurt and milk. Mix well with your hands to bring the dough together; it will be moist. Set aside.

For the syrup, heat the sugar, water and saffron together in a saucepan, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. Once boiling, simmer for around 3–4 minutes, then turn off the heat. Add the rose water, using the smaller amount first and tasting until you have a strength you prefer.

Meanwhile, pour 8–10cm (3–4in) of oil into a medium-large karahi, wok or wide saucepan. Heat gently.

Divide the dough in half. Wet some kitchen paper and place on top of the dough you aren’t working with. Grease your palms well with ghee, take half the dough and form it into 9 small balls; I like to make them slightly oval rather than round, but you can shape them as you like. The surfaces should be smooth and crack-free. (If the dough is too soft to shape, add a little milk powder.) Repeat to make and shape the remaining dumplings.

To check if the oil is ready, put a tiny pinch of the dough into the oil.

It should only sizzle very slightly. When it is ready, add the balls in batches so as not to crowd the pan, stirring the oil as you put them in. Cook over a gentle heat, stirring and turning them very often for even browning, they should take 15–17 minutes per batch to reach a lovely golden brown.

Once done, take them out with a slotted spoon and place straight into the syrup. Repeat with the next batch.

Cover and leave to soak for 2 hours, or overnight, in the fridge. They should last 10 days or more. Serve as they are, or sprinkle them with sliced pistachios.

I Love India by Anjum Anand (Quadrille, £20) Photography © Martin Poole

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LEGAL

Things to think about when making your will A number of high profile cases have put the need to make a will firmly back in the spotlight recently. Yet, despite the growing number of inheritance disputes, many of us still don’t bother until we absolutely have to.

A study carried by unbiased.co.uk found that nearly a fifth of people it surveyed didn’t think they needed a will because they believed they had nothing to leave. But, with the average homeowner having a property worth around £200,000, there’s a lot at stake.

Around 70% of people in the UK fail to make a will. Reasons for it are varied, but generally it falls into two categories; the cost and finding the time to do it. Failing to make your will, however, can have serious consequences. Not just in terms of the expense of getting a grant of probate, but also in the sense of who gets what.

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It’s an unfortunate truth, but let’s face it, money changes people. Fact. If you die intestate, the legalities and cost of obtaining a grant of probate can dwarf the cost of preparing your will. But, perhaps more importantly, a will helps prevent family disputes over your estate.

It’s irrelevant whether you’ve promised certain possessions, property or money to specific people, if you have no will, the law decides who benefits from your legacy, not you. Put simply, dying without a will means you’ll have no control over who stands to inherit your assets so loved ones, who aren’t blood relatives, could inherit nothing.

Making your will is usually a fairly straightforward process, but if it’s not done properly it can have repercussions. Using an online website to do it yourself can backfire as they don’t take into account the complexities of the law, so your family could end up having to pay to rectify things retrospectively.

Equally, will writers aren’t regulated. This means they can promote themselves as experts without actually having any qualifications or accreditations at all. Whilst it’s not always the case, it could potentially leave your loved ones dealing with a legal minefield after you’ve gone if things have been overlooked or the terms of your will aren’t set out according to the law.

Solicitors, on the other hand, are 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, they’re required to have insurance to protect the public and can provide guidance on more complex financial issues, such as inheritance tax and trust planning.

While writing a will is all too often seen as one of those jobs you’ll get round to ‘tomorrow’, the benefits of planning ahead can be invaluable. It helps to focus your mind on what you want to leave and who you want to leave it to, rather than letting the law decide. It’s also not as expensive as you might think, especially if you’re planning to draft a joint will (also known as a mirror will) as they’re often discounted.

Once you’ve made your will, you need to make sure you keep it up to date. If you change your mind about who you want to inherit your estate, it will need updating, otherwise the arrangements and beneficiaries set out in your original will stand. Also, 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 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.

Finally - and this may seem obvious, but it’s surprising just how many people neglect to do it - make sure you sign it.

Without your signature at the bottom, your will isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.

If you’re thinking about making, or changing, your will, Pooleys Solicitors can help with all aspects of wills and probate. We offer a free consultation where we can talk through your circumstances and advise on what’s best for you.

Pooleys Solicitors LLP will be pleased to help you with

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Conveyancing & Energy Performance Certificates

Wills

Probate & Trusts

Tax Planning

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10-15 Regent Circus Swindon SN1 1PP.

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

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OUT AND ABOUT

A guide to the amazing events around the region in 2017/18 10th November

That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show Topped with lashings of Christmas spirit, get ready to party as That’ll Be The Day returns with its brand-new 2017 Christmas Show!

7th November

Elaine Paige In Concert The first lady of musical theatre, elaine paige has performed live in concert all over the world. As a recording artist elaine has released 22 solo albums, including 4 multi-platinum and 9 gold, has featured on 7 cast recordings and has had major worldwide hits with songs such as memory (cats) and i know him so well (chess).

This very special date at the Wyvern Theatre see’s Elaine perform many of the hits that made her a global star and some of her favourite songs are given the Paige treatment. An unmissable evening!

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ticketselaine-paige-swindon-2017 9th November

Thank You For The Music This international smash-hit tribute show brings all of ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by an all-star cast that’ll have you thanking ABBA for the music again and again!

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ tickets-thank-you-for-the-musicswindon-2017

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The UK’s most popular Rock ‘N’ Roll variety show celebrates the festive season with all your favourite Christmas classics from the 50s, 60s & 70s, plus plenty of hilarious comedy!

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ticketsthatll-be-the-day-swindon-nov-2017

1st November - 19th December

Christmas Parties Christmas at The Farm Cookery School: We can host Dinner Parties - you cook with your friends and family in our spacious cookery school and then enjoy your meal together or we can do a demonstration.... Call us for a menu or to discuss your ideas!

Netherstreet Farm, Bromham, Chippenham 18th November

Swindon Christmas Lights Switch On One of Swindon's biggest and most popular events, the annual Swindon Town Centre Christmas Lights SwitchOn is the highlight of the local festive calendar.

From 12.00pm on November 18th, Swindon Town Centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland!

Expect brand new Christmas lights, bubble-blowing elves, flash mobs, living Christmas trees, a town crier, children’s characters from Skywalkers, and the Scrooge and Scratchet Comedy Carol Duo entertaining people all over the town centre.

11th November

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for this classical extravaganza, bringing world-class music to your doorstep.

Here Come the Classics brings you a selection of enjoyable and familiar works, so whether you are a regular concert-goer or just getting into classical music, this concert has something for everyone! The programme includes dramatic and thrilling works, including Ballet Music from Schubert’s Rosamunde and the fourth movement from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5 alongside spinetingling pieces such as Grieg’s Peer Gynt: Morning and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No.1.

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon goo.gl/XMw5YC

Swindon Town Centre goo.gl/vZSbFw7 25th November

The Wurzels After a sell out show last year, the West Country’s much-loved scoundrels The Wurzels announce their return to The Neeld in Chippenham!

Armed with chart-toppers ‘Drink Up Thy Cider’ and ‘Combine Harvester’, as well as the now nationally infamous cover of Kaiser Chiefs’ ‘Ruby’, The Wurzels have been signed to label heavyweights such as Columbia and EMI, and still continue to play over 100 sell-out shows annually all over the UK. Chippenham Town Hall neeld.co.uk/whats-on/wurzels-2017/

22nd November

Christmas through the ages, preview event Have you ever wondered how Christmas was celebrated in Tudor times, or wanted to wander back through memory lane to see Christmas in the 1930's?

Be the first to see Avebury Manor decorated for Christmas throughout the ages.Each room in Avebury Manor is set in a different period, reflecting the lives of people who lived here from the 16th century to the early 20th century.

Malborough, Wiltshire

2nd December - 3rd December

8th December

Christmas at STEAM

Sleeping Beauty

December without the Museum's traditional Christmas at STEAM event would be unthinkable! So rest assured, on the 2nd and 3rd of December, the Museum will be filled with all the magical delights of Christmas, including Santa's Santa's Story Time when children can listen to short stories and join in with festive sing-a-longs. These sessions are held in the Museum's atmospheric Hawksworth Hall (for a small extra charge that includes a wrapped gift).

A classic fairytale set to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes all combine to portray the struggle between good and evil.

This event includes entry to STEAM at a bargain price that includes live music on stage in the Great Western Hall, with a seated area, plus over 50 artisan stalls to browse throughout the Museum.

So here's the chance to shop 'til you drop and then enjoy some festive refreshments as you listen to some of the best live Christmas music in the region.

Firefly Avenue, Swindon

A century later Prince Florimund revives the Princess with a kiss, the Palace awakes and a parade of fairytale characters attend the wedding.

Barnes THEATRE TRIPS

BARNES

The wicked Carbosse casts a spell on Princess Aurora proclaiming that she will one day prick her finger – and die.

The Lilac Fairy changes the spell, and instead on the fateful day the Princess and the entire Palace fall into a deep sleep.

Following the traditional tale of Sleeping Beauty, this ballet is sure to enchant audiences of all ages.

Chippenham Town Hall, Chippenham

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

Mamma Mia Sat 18th Nov New Theatre, Oxford Price: £83

Les Miserables Thur 30th Nov Queens Theatre, London Price: £72

The Phantom of The Opera Thur 30th Nov Her Majestys Theatre, London Price: £72

An American in Paris Thur 7th Dec Dominion Theatre, London Price: £69

War Horse Sat 6th Jan New Theatre, Oxford Price: £69

Matilda The Musical Sat 13th Jan Cambridge Theatre, London Price: £97

Dreamgirls Thur 18th Jan Savoy Theatre, Strand, London Price: £69

42nd Street Sat 27th Jan Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London Price: £99

School of Rock Sat 27th Jan New London Theatre, London Price: £87

Kinky Boots Fri 2nd Feb Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London Price: £72

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OUT AND ABOUT 2nd December - 31st December

30th November - 2nd December

9th December

PETER PAN

A Spooky Christmas A Geoff Marsh Pantomime

A Christmas Cabaret

Set sail with your shipmates and head for Neverland this Christmas where you’ll be hooked on the swashbuckling pantomime adventure - Peter Pan. Featuring magnificent scenery, beautiful costumes, an abundance of comedy and stunning flying sequences, it’s the perfect treat for the festive season and outstanding entertainment for all the family!

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon goo.gl/yjUxGf

What do monsters do for Christmas?

Following last year’s smash hit panto The Princess and The Dragon Geoff Marsh and his crazy gang are back with an all new fun-filled panto set in a haunted castle. When Little Orphan Megan is taken by two villains to help them rob a spooky old castle, she has no idea of what is in store.

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ticketsa-spooky-christmas-swindon-2017

The Flaming Feather’s return for a fourth year of feathers, burlesque and cabaret. Not to be missed for fans of all things Burlesque.

This glamorous line-up of festive fun includes: Stage Door Johnny - Compere & Singer Kat Collett - Hula Hooping Extrordinaire The Flaming Feathers - Vintage Showgirls Enjoy a three-course Christmas Dinner alongside an evening of vintage glamour - a Christmas Party with a twist!

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ticketschristmas-cabaret-swindon-2017 14th December - 24th December

Santa Claus and the Magical Christmas Journey WITH SONGS, STORIES, A MEET AND GREET WITH SANTA & A FREE GIFT! It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus is flying high above the clouds delivering presents to all the good boys and girls around the world.

Hiding in the back are two naughty elves Charlie and Kara who have snuck on-board for the ride…!

All is well until suddenly the Sat Nav goes haywire and breaks leaving him stranded without his list of postcodes to deliver presents to!

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With the clock ticking and morning fast approaching it’s down to Charlie, Kara and Muffin the bear to come up with a clever plan to save Christmas. As an added Christmas treat, all of the good boys and girls in the audience will meet Santa after the show and receive a special present of their own.

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon swindontheatres.co.uk/Online/ tickets-santa-claus-and-the-magicalchristmas-journey-swindon-2017

HEALTH

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

The Mobility Store has branches in Swindon (Cricklade Road and Old Town), Wroughton, Marlborough and Bourtonon-the-Water.

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

If you like to stay on the move then go in and view their range of mobility scooters from Pride, TGA, Invacare & most other leading manufacturers. Prices start from £495 with a range of brand new and second-hand scooters available.

If you’re visiting family or just out for a day trip they also hire out mobility scooters and wheelchairs and if any of your own mobility equipment is in need of a repair or maintenance give them a call.

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

01793 701313

swindon@thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

THE MOBILITY STORE 54 Devizes Road Old Town Swindon SN1 4BG

01793 436800

otmobility@thehearingandmobilitystore.co.uk

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HEALTH

HOW TO RETIRE HEALTHILY This becomes more apparent as we age. Here are ways to help you retire healthily:

At any stage of life, it is important to keep healthy and happy. Drinking water, eating well, regular exercise and getting plenty of rest is usually the key to sustaining the best possible lifestyle.

Reduce stress to reduce the possible risk of Alzheimer’s.

In the UK, one in 14 people over the age of 65 are estimated to be at risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have shown those affected by chronic stress in mid-life are more likely to develop the illness, due to the degenerative effect stress has on the brain. It is believed to be a result of increased inflammatory processes. During retirement, have

By Dr Riccardo Di Cuffa, Director and GP at Your Doctor www.your-doctor.co.uk a financial plan to help stop money troubles and reduce stress. Budgeting for essentials and being careful with luxury and lifestyle purchases can ease the transition from working to retiring.

Reduce your risk of retiring with Diabetes. It is estimated that five

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

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36 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

million people in the UK have diabetes, 85% of whom are recognised as obese.

Start today by controlling what you eat and drink. There are hidden calories in sugary drinks and cutting down on alcohol reduces your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

Get your five-a-day fruit and vegetables to limit the impact dementia has.

Quit smoking to prevent having a stroke. It has been found that smoking single-handedly doubles your chances of having a stoke – 52% of those affected by stroke in the UK last year were active smokers. A happy retirement is a healthy one; consider quitting smoking to stop the thickening of blood and clogging of arteries.

Speak to your GP for the safest way to quit.

Safeguard your home to limit accidents. As we age, we tend to spend more time at home. Keep

yourself safe from falls by maintaining flooring like worn carpet, avoiding leaving items in entrances, hallways or on the stairs, and if needed consider fitting support bars in bathrooms.

Manage your weight to slim down the chance of developing cardiovascular disease. Heart failure is a common cause of death across Europe (and leads to irregular heart rhythms and heart attacks) and excess weight is a major risk factor, as the heart has to work harder. As we age, less calories are needed so try to cut back on foods high in saturated fats or sugars.

See exercise as fun. Being physically active cuts your chances of cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest happens when your heart stops pumping blood around the body. Try making exercise something you look forward to rather than a chore. Working out with a friend or with your favourite music can help motivate.

Tackle loneliness and social isolation.

Addressing the problem of isolation can be a big step towards a happy retirement. If you fear losing friends and lack social interaction – actively keep in touch with loved ones. Join local groups such as coffee mornings, voluntary work or even dance lessons!

Learn a new skill to slow memory loss. Retiring brings the blessing of more free time so now could be the time to learn a new skill like cooking, starting a DIY project or learning how to play an instrument. Keeping your brain busy can help maintain and even improve memory.

Include loved ones in your retirement plan. Be it your partners children, friends or family members – it is important to keep close ones in the loop. Set a retirement plan as a household, rather than an individual.

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| 37

CARE Late stage During this time, they’ll be totally dependent on others to help care for them. Their loss of memory will become paramount, being unable to recognise objects, surroundings and their closest friends and family members.

You’ll notice that they’ll become increasingly frail at this point, showing difficulty in walking and eventually they’ll be confined to a bed or wheelchair.

Other symptoms are: • Difficulty in eating and swallowing • Considerable difference in weight, some people may lose weight and others may eat too much • Loss of their bladder control and sometimes their bowels • Loss of speech, repeating a few words or crying out from time to time

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

Stages of Dementia Early stage The early stages of dementia are very minor changes in a person’s behaviour and can often be mistaken for normal ageing attributes. Loss of memory for most recent events is an early sign that someone may have dementia. Be on the lookout for these signs: • The person becomes slower at understanding new ideas • They repeat themselves • They lose interest in other people and activities • They blame others for taking their misplaced stuff • They’re forgetful about recent events or conversations • They find it hard to make decisions • They’re unwilling to try out new things

38 | WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

In these situations it’s tempting to support them to help them cope, but in order to retain their independence and selfesteem, they should have the chance to do activities for themselves, with a little support if necessary They’re likely to become agitated and distressed in this condition, so be ready to provide emotional support and reassurance to boost their confidence.

Middle stage As dementia progresses, the changes in the person become more noticeable.

They need support to help manage their daily living, with frequent reminders to eat, use the toilet, wash and dress. Being forgetful of people’s names and repeating the same phrase several times are signs of decline in their memory.

During the Middle stage they may lose their confidence and become clingy.

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

•

Confusion about where they are and becoming lost after walking off Waking up at night because they’re mixing up night and day

• Putting themselves and others at risk - by forgetting to light the gas on the cooker for example • Hallucinations and difficulty in perceiving events

Support to stay in your own home If you want to live as independently as possible, you may need support to stay in your own home. The health and social care trust in your area can provide services to help you.

Health and social care assessments A range of support is available. For example, you might need help with cleaning, or you may find it useful if you had a bath rail fitted. You may be entitled to financial help to maintain your own home. To find out what sort of help you could get, your local trust will assess your health and social care needs. It is important to tell the health and social care trust what will make your everyday life easier.

You may also be entitled to ‘direct payments’. These are trust payments available for anyone who has been assessed as needing social care, and who would like to buy services instead of receiving the trust’s services. For example, direct payments could be used to pay a home help.

Care in your own home Care in your own home is offered to people who require help with personal care like washing or dressing, or help with other daily domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning, or help in managing finances.

Direct payments - arranging your own care and services Direct payments are local Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust payments for people who have been assessed as needing help from social services, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services

instead of receiving them directly from the local trust.

A person must be able to give their consent to receiving direct payments and be able to manage them even if they need help to do this on a day-today basis.

Who is eligible?

If you already receive social services Your local trust is obliged to offer you the option of direct payments in place of the services you currently receive.

There are some limited circumstances where you are not given this choice and your local trust will be able to tell you about these.

If you’re not receiving social services To get direct payments you’ll need to contact your local trust to ask them to assess your needs. Direct payments are normally available if you: • have a disability and are aged 16 or over • are a carer aged 16 or over, including people with parental responsibility for a child with disabilities • are an older person

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 care visits service offer the reassurance of care and support in the comfort of your own home.

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.

• 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

• A proper introduction to make sure we have found the right person for you • 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 ongoing training and support while they are looking after you at home.

Home is where the care is Home & live in care from Bluebird Care

We provide home care from 30 minute visits to 24 hour live in care.

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

Email the Bluebird Care team swindon@bluebirdcare.co.uk or call us on 01793 239 497

bluebirdcare.co.uk/swindon

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