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WEST SURREY JANUARY - MARCH 2013 EDITION 25

The

Hairy

Bikers

LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

Jean Christophe -

Novelli

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE FRENCH CHEF

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

e

Home to Holiday ďŹ nest escorted holidays

Cruising with Fred Olsen: We have a selection of cruises with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Sailing aboard world class vessels, these are excellent, quality, traditional cruises

Grand Tour of Scotland Sunday 14th April 2013 ~ 5 days

Enjoy a Victorian steamer cruise on Loch Katrine. Explore beautiful Scottish scenery of mountains, lochs and moors. Staying at a highly rated hotel in Pitlochry

Cruising with Fred.Olsen: We have a selection of cruises with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines.

Sailing aboard world-class vessels, these are excellent quality traditional cruises.

Cruising with Fred Olsen...

Easter in the Canaries Visit the Garden City of Las Palmas and the Jardim de Olhao of Agadir. Enjoy a scenic walking tour of the medieval town of Obidos Cruise on board Braemar

Mon 25th March | 15 Days

You pay the same price as advertised by Fred.Olsen, but have the added benefit of a home pick up included

For a free brochure on all our fantastic cruises or further details call Anna our dedicated cruise advisor on 01372 731705

We offer a door to door service on all our holidays

8 Days

7 Days

Hamelin, Harz Mountains & the Fairytale Road

Florence and the Treasures of Tuscany by air

Saturday 13th July

Wednesday 16th October

Visit the historic town of Hamelin and meet the Pied Piper! Travel along the ‘Sleeping Beauty Route’ of the ‘Fairytale Road’ and visit the world’s largest collection of roses.

Staying in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Visiting Pisa, Lucca, Siena and Montecatini Alto. Escorted by our popular Tour Director, Derek Eade.

8 Days

3 Days

Lake Garda, Venice and the Dolomites

Lygon Arms Connoisseur Break

Saturday 11th May

Sun 13th October

Visit the beautiful and romantic city of Venice. Explore the spectacular Brenta Dolomites. Stay in a lakeside hotel in charming Riva del Garda.

Staying at one of the most famous inns in England. Enjoy a full day exploring the Cotswolds and visit the University City of Oxford

Epsom Coaches, Roy Richmond Way, Epsom, Surrey KT19 9AF t: 01372 731705 or visit us online www.epsomcoaches.com

CONTENTS

inside...

TRAVEL & LEISURE

22-23

2-3

2-3

Finest Escorted Holidays...

From Epsom Coaches

8-9

Travels around Tuscany...

By Maria Meredith

26-27 Visit your local Leisure Centre Better membership and activities for over 55

INTERVIEW

8-9

24-25 Russell Grant ... the comeback kid

20-21

FOOD 12-13 The Hairy Bikers ...

How to love food and lose weight 14-15 The Nations Favourite French Chef...

Jean Christophe Novelli

24-25

HEALTH 16-17 Keeping Warm and Well in Winter ... plus tips on saving energy 22-23 AD Dental Laboratories ...

Get your dentures direct from a qualified clinical dental technician

12-13

24-25 Problems below the belt ...

Don’t ignore it ... fix it with Nuffield Health.

14-15

McGrath Media.

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26-27

e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

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THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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HAVING A TWITTER with Graham Smith Born to be King or Queen Well didn’t that cause a media kerfuffle? No sooner had the ink dried on Lord Justice Leveson’s pen to give the British press a kick in the rear when all hell breaks loose as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that Kate is expecting. No doubt as the new year wears on there will be many more scramblings and in summer expect carnage as the race is on for the first picture of the newborn.

Cameramen and reporters were almost killed in the media scrum to take up pole position outside King Edward VII hospital where the Duchess had been admitted with morning sickness in the early stages of her pregnancy. Why do they do it? All they are going to see is a hospital door for goodness sake. Kate’s hardly likely to come tripping down in her nightie to pose for pictures in between retching, is she?

Some of the words which come out of media mouths on such occasions can make you equally sick. Charged with filling three minutes on the main news they come out with all manner of tripe. Under new laws, even if this baby is a girl, it will be third in line of succession to the throne. Bearing in mind the longevity of the Royal Family I reckon she could be around 87 before she comes to the throne and I certainly don’t think I’ll be at the street party to celebrate.

One conversation between media types discussed what would happen if she had twins. Eventually the concensus was that the first child to emerge would be third in line to the throne. Fascinating, they go to college for this you know.

It’s been over 2,000 years since we had such fervour over an impending birth, and look at the trouble that caused. Every guest house was closed and the poor beggar ended up in a stable jostling for position with cows, sheep, singing shepherds, camels, a donkey and a confused surrogate father who claimed he hadn’t done anything to Mary anyway! (Oh dear, there will be letters).

Joking apart, good luck to the Royal couple, they were one of the few bright spots in the year 2012 and let’s hope the chastised media minds its manners with them and their future family as we go into 2013.

Dogs in the driving seat Given that they have usually four perfectly good legs why would you want to teach a dog to drive?

A New Zealand animal charity is doing just that because it reckons that owners will be more encouraged to adopt them if they show signs of increased intelligence.

Right then. I’ll admit it’s handy if you’re out to a party and don’t want to drive.

Instead of your wife you could take the dog to drive you home but if the police stop you don’t count on being home before morning, they will have questions.

The charity put Porter, Mont and Ginny behind the wheel of an adapted Mini Cooper and after just eight weeks are reported to have put it in gear, accelerate and steer, something which is beyond many humans after they have passed their test!

So far the dogs have been driving with the help of an assistant inside the car but the next move is to let them try solo, on live television. Simon Cowell wait for this. According to an instructor, they will hop in, start the car, put it in gear and use the accelerator. Thankfully this is being done on an off-road track but the charity has visions of carrying it further.

When I see a Jack Russell driving a Mini Cooper down the motorway I will know it’s time to hand in my licence.

When Irish eyes are smiling!

We recently rented out a property after receiving quite a bit of Internet interest but it was the last enquiry which made me chuckle. It said simply by text, “Would you consider renting to an Irish escort?”

I didn’t reply and the following day received another text with a link to the escort’s web site. Checking, as you do, I was staggered at the rates she was charging, £170 an hour….she could certainly have paid the rent!

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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British & Continental Holidays Welcome to the Truemans Travel selection of holidays for the coming months. Truemans Travel has been offering leisure travel and holidays to the people of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire since 1953. We continue to offer our popular and stress-free Door-to-Door Taxi Service at the start and finish of your holiday. On most holidays we also include excursions and admissions to places of interest or special events within the advertised price.

Sunday 17th March 5 DAYS

4 DAYS

FROM

FROM

£329

Friday 29th March

Friday 29th March 4 DAYS FROM

£295

Bournemouth

Easter

ALL INCLUSIVE SPRING BREAK

Holiday includes ... l 4 night’s dinner bed & breakfast l 3 lunches (either, buffet at hotel or packed) l Choice menu at dinner l Air-conditioned coach travel l Porterage Suncliff Hotel, Bournemouth AA/RAC ★★★ Located on the East Overcliff, a short walk from the town and enjoying superb sea-views. The hotel has a restaurant, lounge bar, conservatory, lift, indoor pool and en-suite bedrooms with TV, phone, hairdryer and hospitality tray. Many rooms have sea views at extra cost.

£285

Easter

IN NORWICH & NORFOLK

IN WEYMOUTH & DORSET

Holiday includes ... l 3 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Single train ride on North Norfolk Railway l Admission to Bressingham l Air-conditioned coach travel l Porterage l Choice menu at dinner

Holiday includes ... l 3 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Single journey on the Swanage Railway from Norden to Swanage l Air-conditioned coach travel l Porterage l Choice menu at dinner

Holiday Inn Norwich ★★★ The hotel features en-suite bedrooms with TV, hospitality tray, hairdryer and phone, as well as a bar, restaurant and indoor pool. There is no lift, but ground floor bedrooms are available on request.

Hotel Prince Regent, Weymouth AA ★★★ Located on Weymouth's level seafront a short walk from the town centre and old harbour. There is a lift to most floors, as well as a bar, lounge seafront dining room and en-suite bedrooms with TV and hospitality tray.

Friday 5th April

Thursday 4th April

Friday 12th April

5 DAYS

5 DAYS

4 DAYS

FROM

FROM

FROM

£319

£299

£399

Sidmouth

Harrogate

Cardiff

EAST DEVON

AND THE YORKSHIRE DALES

AND WELSH HERITAGE Holiday includes ... l 3 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Guided coach tour of Cardiff l Admission to St Fagans and to Castell Coch l Porterage l Choice menu at dinner l Air-conditioned coach travel

Holiday includes ... l 4 night’s dinner bed & breakfast l Admission to Harewood l Porterage l Choice menu l Air-conditioned coach travel

Holiday includes ... l 4 night’s dinner bed & breakfast l Seaton Tramway return journey l Choice menu at dinner l Porterage l Air-conditioned coach travel

The Cairn Hotel, Harrogate AA/RAC ★★★ Set in its own grounds close to the centre of Harrogate, this elegant hotel offers a warm welcome to this spa resort. The hotel has a lift, bar, restaurant, lounge area, en-suite bedrooms with TV, phone, hairdryer and hospitality tray.

The Royal York & Faulkner Hotel Sidmouth, RAC ★★ Situated on Sidmouth's elegant esplanade, this hotel offers a warm welcome and fine cuisine and is conveniently situated for the town's shops and attractions. Lift, bar, dining room, leisure facilities, indoor bowls, en-suite bedrooms with TV, phone and hospitality tray.

Truemans Tourline

l

Truemans End

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Lynchford Road

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Angel Hotel, Cardiff AA ★★★★ An historic hotel in the centre of Cardiff, and situated opposite the Castle and Bute Park, and close to the city's shopping area, the Millennium Stadium and the National Museum and Art Gallery. The hotel has a lift, restaurant, cocktail bar and air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms with satellite TV and hospitality tray.

Ash Vale

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Hampshire

l

GU12 5PQ

Monday 15th April 7 DAYS

5 DAYS

FROM

FROM

£599

6 DAYS FROM

£379

Scottish Isles Trio - MULL, IONA AND ARRAN

Holiday includes ... l 6 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l All ferry travel l Admission to Duart Castle l Porterage at Mull and Irvine l Choice menu at main hotels l Air-conditioned coach travel Your Holiday Hotels ★★★ Standard All three hotels used during the course of this tour are of a good 3-star standard, with either a lift or ground floor en-suite bedrooms available. Bedrooms have hospitality tray, TV, and phone, each hotel has a bar, restaurant and lounge area. The Erskine and Irvine hotels are modern in design, while the Mull has been refurbished over the last 3 years, and offers panoramic sea views.

£409

Hythe, Kent

AND A TOUCH OF BRUGES Holiday includes ... l 4 night’s dinner bed & breakfast l Excursion to Bruges via Channel Tunnel (PASSPORTS REQUIRED) l Return Journey on Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway l Choice menu l Porterage l Air-conditioned coach travel Mercure Hythe Imperial, Hythe AA ★★★★ A traditional 4-star hotel enjoying a fine position on Hythe seafront close to the town centre and Royal Canal. The hotel has a lift, bar, lounge, restaurant, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and extensive private grounds, plus en-suite bedrooms with satellite TV, hairdryer, hospitality tray and phone.

5 DAYS

5 DAYS

FROM

FROM

£419

Cromer

Scarborough YORKSHIRE’S COAST & MOORS

Holiday includes ... l 5 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Open top bus tour of York l Admission to Castle Howard l Porterage l Choice menu l Air-conditioned coach travel The Esplanade Hotel, Scarborough AA ★★★ Situated on the South Cliff with spectacular views across the South Bay to the town and castle headland, and within easy reach of the gardens, esplanade and local shops. The hotel has a lift, bar, lounge, restaurant and en-suite bedrooms with TV, phone and hospitality tray.

Monday 20th May

Monday 29th April

£429

Sunday 21st April

Monday 15th April

Lake District Sail

Saturday 25th May 8 DAYS FROM

£599

Romantic

Holiday includes ... l 4 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Admission to Sandringham House & Gardens l Broads Cruise l Choice menu l Porterage l Air-conditioned coach travel

STEAM AND DREAM Holiday includes ... l 4 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Admission to Hill Top l Train journeys and boat rides l Choice menu at dinner l Porterage l Air-conditioned coach travel

JOURNEYS IN SCOTLAND Holiday includes ... l 7 night’s dinner, bed & breakfast l Train journeys and boat rides l Choice menu l Porterage l Air-conditioned coach travel

Cliftonville Hotel, Cromer AA ★★★ An Edwardian grade II-listed building close to the town centre and enjoying commanding cliff-top views across the North Sea coast. Original features include the Grand staircase, stained glass windows and period furnishings. The hotel has a lift, Edwardian dining room with marble fireplace, lounge, bar and en-suite bedrooms with TV, phone and hospitality tray.

Shap Wells Hotel, Shap AA ★★★ Set in its own wooded grounds on the edge of the Lake District, this well-respected hotel features a bar, lounge and restaurant with views over the fells, lift to some floors, games room and en-suite bedrooms with TV, phone, hairdryer and hospitality tray. Ground floor bedrooms with step-free access are available on request.

The Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore ★★★ Situated in the Highland village of Newtonmore, the hotel includes a traditional Highland Evening with dancing pipes, haggis and Scottish music. The Highlander has a bar, lounge and restaurant and ensuite bedrooms with TV, hospitality tray and hairdryer.

The overnight hotel in Carlisle is of a similar 3-star standard.

& THE NORTH NORFOLK COAST

For Bookings Call 01252 373303

y n a c s u T

Travels around

veladvisor.com)

ver Travel Advisor (silvertra

By Maria Meredith from Sil

Italy is one of my favourite places not only because I have family there (Parma) but also I love the many different areas- the Puglian trullis, the fabulous scenery and breath taking drives around the Amalfi coast, the Sicilian culture- not forgetting the fabulous food and wine! We had never been to Tuscany and decided it was time to go and see what all the fuss was about!

My Week in Tuscany Our Easyjet plane landed on time at Pisa, it’s much cheaper to fly here than to Florence and we picked up our hire car from Budget, which was a bargain £99 for the week. The car hire collection point is accessed via a 2 minute free bus ride and was one of the easiest car hire pick up/returns 8

we have had along with the bonus of being given a free upgrade. This was a very positive start.

Il Castelle, Certaldo Alta We set out for our first stop, La Fonte in Certaldo, where we were staying for four nights. Our first visit was to San Gimignano, which we did like but we found it very touristy and much preferred the old town of Certaldo. Here we were lucky enough to witness an Italian wedding which provided a great opportunity to experience a true Italian event and watch all the characters enjoy themselves. Sadly, we did not discover the relevance of the various metal life-sized men placed around the town, one of which was perched on top of a high tower, an art installation perhaps?

Certaldo Alto was accessed via a funicular railway which stays open until late (costs 1 euro each way).

It was far less touristy than San Gimignano and therefore was not as crowded. We enjoyed two excellent meals in Certaldo Alto– at Il Castello

and L’Antica Fonte - both with lovely views.

The owner of La Fonte strongly recommended taking the train to Florence (about 10 euros for a return ticket, the journey takes just under an hour to Santa Maria station, where you get off). It’s vital to check and double check train times as these can change at the last minute somewhat unpredictably.

Siena Siena was next on the agenda and this was the only place where we hadn’t pre-booked accommodation.

We found a brilliant hotel within 10 minutes’ walking distance of the Duomo, main square, restaurants & bars etc. It is the Hotel Villa Liberty and cost only 133 euros for B&B in a very good location. The only downside of our stay in Siena was that minutes after getting seated “al fresco” in our chosen restaurant that evening, the heavens opened!

En route to Lucca the following day we decided to take a detour to

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Volterra which I had read about in the tour guide. Volterra is another walled city and most definitely worth the journey. The countryside views en route were stunning and sadly I conceded that many were better than in the UK! And it wasn’t raining……

Our arrival at Albergo Villa Casanova was far later than we planned so we did not really have that much time to relax – this 5 star boutique hotel certainly had the “Wow” factor but at a price! Leaving the luxury of Casanova behind we set out for a morning sightseeing in Lucca before making our way to our last destination of Pisa.

We wished we had allowed more time for Lucca - we noticed many people cycling around the city walls and would have liked to have done the same. We did manage to get lost in the maze of streets but fortunately the lady I asked understood my Italian…. and more importantly. I understood her directions!

We had decided to return the car a day early as the cost of parking the car in the hotel garage was around the same price as taxis to/from the airport. We also felt it would be less stressful than the usual car hire return palaver, but I must say it was one of the easiest car hire returns ever!

The Royal Victoria Hotel in Pisa cost only £99 for B&B. Described as a very old antique hotel we appreciated it was going to be vastly different to the luxury we had experienced at Casanova but it was perfect for a short stay.

The Fields of Miracles was within 1015 minutes walking distance from our hotel with many bars & restaurants en route - obviously the closer to The Tower the more you pay. We chose a bar on the corner directly opposite the Tower and were pleasantly surprised to receive four delicious mini paninis along with our Peronis!

Leaning Tower of Pisa I had wanted to see the Leaning Tower for as long as I could remember and l was not disappointed. It has benefited from a “wash & brush up” and looked

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marvellous. We could not believe the extent that tourists were going to get wacky photos - what a laugh! And … yes…we got a few of our own too-it must be infectious. We will definitely return …in Spring or Autumn maybe.

That evening we chose La Buca restaurant near the Tower – the meal was nice but sadly the service did not match the quality of the food.

After a few more hours in The Fields of Miracles the following morning we returned to our hotel for the taxi to the airport to catch our late afternoon flight.

Our only regret is that we hadn’t booked a further two or three days in this beautiful part of the world with the ever present scent of Jasmine.

We returned feeling like we could do with another more relaxing holiday to totally “chill out”! We hardly had time to read more than a few pages of our books as the sightseeing, travelling and staying at four different accommodations was quite wearing - not to mention that I was suffering from “photography fatigue” after taking over 800 photos! In future I will bear this in mind or make a point of sightseeing only until mid pm returning to our accommodation for a spot of sunbathing, swimming and to read a few chapters.

Maria Meredith

writes for the over 50’s travel review and information website silvertraveladvisor. com. Maria is an active Silver Traveller; when her husband retired two years ago, she decided to join him at the age of 54 (one benefit of marrying an older man!). She has worked in banking, catering and for the last 28 years for M&S at a variety of stores.

She has many hobbies, entering competitions and photography being two of them. Travel has always been a big part of her life - visiting many places in Europe and also destinations further afield such as New Zealand, India & Mauritius. Her first ever cruise was last year to see the Northern Lights. She particularly enjoys reading about different customs and traditions and has many funny stories to share, hence Maria is delighted to be able to contribute to Silver Travel Advisor.

For more details see silvertraveladvisor.com

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M O B I L E

D E N T U R E

S E R V I C E S

Expert denture services

in the convenience of your home!

What do we offer at Changing Smiles?

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

We are a professional mobile and postal denture service provider operating within and around Kingston-Upon-Thames.

Clinical Dental Technicians are a relatively new concept within the UK.

We offer a full range of services including; Complete and Partial Dentures; Repairs, Relining and Cleaning; and Mouthguards.

Well-fitting dentures not only boost your self-esteem, but are also vital for daily activities such as eating, talking and laughing.

They rejuvenate the original face shape, add volume to the facial muscles, and bring a tremendous sense of wellbeing. Changing Smiles are offering competitively priced services, with the convenience of travelling direct to your location.

Who is your Clinical Dental Technician at Changing Smiles?

Changing Smiles is led by our fully qualified Clinical Dental Technician, Ryan Cedras.

Ryan has been working within the industry for over 12 years, and is registered with the General Dental Council. He has a wealth of experience, knowledge and technical expertise in the construction of Cosmetic and Natural Dentures. He is committed to providing a professional, comfortable and caring service, and is dedicated to offering the best patient care.

These Technicians are dental care Professionals, who are trained and qualified to provide a range of denture services direct to patients – services that were previously only available through your Dentist. The benefits for this include a dramatically reduced waiting time to complete the treatment, a more accurate mould of the mouth and choice of treatment, cheaper treatment costs, and, in an event of a denture emergency, a quick direct service.

With many years’ experience working as Dental Technicians, CDT’s have the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design and hand-craft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient. Their position allows them to offer patients direct treatment for the construction, repairing and fitting of removable dental appliances.

Changing Smiles offers professional mobile and postal denture services.

All dentures made by Changing Smiles are bespoke, hand-crafted natural-looking dentures made using the very latest techniques and materials. We know that every smile is individual and unique to each patient, and our experts will create or restore your natural looking dentures in the comfort of your home to bring you confidence and wellbeing.

Our Services include: • Friendly and professional service from clinical dental technician • Appointments in the convenience of your home • Affordable and efficient emergency repairs • Denture cleaning and repairs by post

What our clients say...

“I had been having increasing jaw problems for several years; it was becoming a chore to eat, and I wouldn’t smile for lack of confidence. I called Changing Smiles on recommendation from a family friend and Ryan, the CDT, arranged a time to visit me at my home for the initial free consultation. Despite my first apprehensions, he offered a wealth of advice in the best possible manner that made me feel immediately at ease. I cannot express enough how much it impacted my lifestyle. I am so grateful and I would not hesitate to offer that recommendation to others.”

–Terttu, Kingston-Upon-Thames “It was the day of my daughter’s wedding, and I dropped and broke my dentures – what luck! I thought it would completely ruin the day. A friend told me about Ryan and the services at Changing Smiles, so after a quick call Ryan came over and repaired my denture within an hour! It was truly outstanding work, and it saved what became one of my most treasured memories.”

– Irene,Teddington

To book a FREE consultation, please call us on

0800 158 8316 or 07437 012 349 www.mobiledentureservices.co.uk | info@mobiledentureservices.co.uk

THE HAIRY DIETERS HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT THE HAIRY DIETERS

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

by Dave Myers and Si King Published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson in trade paperback at £14.99, eBook £7.99

The Hairy Bikers were back last summer with a new book to accompany the exciting 4 x 60 minute food odyssey on BBC Two that started on Thursday 2 August. Si King and Dave Myers have made their names cooking real food for real people, creating mouth-watering dishes big on flavour and calories - and it’s taken its toll on their bodies.

All of that had to stop, as they returned to our screens with The Hairy Dieters: How To Love Food And Lose Weight.

Loving the food they eat is a cornerstone of Si and Dave’s lives and they know they won’t succeed in shedding the pounds if the food they eat is dull and repetitive. The Hairy plan: to create some delicious healthy recipes to help them on their way and so persuade Britain to lose weight with them.

The Bikers set out to discover how to enjoy the best great British food at home, creating new dishes and adapting some culinary treasures to make them and us fitter for life. THE HAIRY DIETERS: How to Love Food and Lose Weight includes a healthy eating plan with mouthwatering recipes for eating at home, eating out, and of course, entertaining. It is filled with all of the dishes that

have made Si King and Dave Myers two of the nation’s favourite cooks. From perfect pies, curries, roast dinners and delicious desserts, the Hairy Dieters prove that cooking without the calories doesn’t have to compromise on taste.

Now for an excerpt from their best selling book.

FOOD ISN’T JUST FUEL FOR US — IT’S OUR LIFE. WE SPEND MOST OF EVERY DAY COOKING, THINKING ABOUT FOOD AND COMING UP WITH RECIPE IDEAS, NOT TO MENTION EATING! GREAT-TASTING FOOD IS OUR PASSION AND WE’RE NOT ABOUT TO GIVE THAT UP. But we have to admit that we’ve overdone it a bit. Years of enjoying endless gorgeous meals has taken its toll and we’ve piled on the pounds. Like many middle-aged blokes — and ladies — we found that we’d got too hefty and our health was suffering. It was time to face facts and take a good hard look at ourselves so we took a deep breath and got on the scales. Ouch! It was a long time since we’d weighed anything except ingredients and it was a shock.

We were both a couple of stone or more overweight and over 40% of our body mass was fat. It was time to diet.

Now we have to be honest, we’re never going to be skinny minnies and we don’t want to be. It’s just not us.

THE HAIRY BIKERS’ BIG BOOK OF BAKING, published in March 2012 is currently this year’s biggest selling hardback non-fiction book. Other cookery books by the Hairy Bikers include: THE HAIRY BIKERS’ FOOD TOUR OF BRITAIN, MUMS KNOW BEST, THE HAIRY BIKERS’ 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, MUMS STILL KNOW BEST, 12 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE HAIRY BIKERS’ PERFECT PIES

But we’ve made the effort to lose weight to stay healthy and enjoy life to the full. We want to be walking up hills and down dales without getting out of breath, and to be riding our big bikes when we’re 70 so we need to keep mobile and trim. And that means every now and again watching what we eat and reining it in a bit.

Okay, we’re not going to diet for ever — we’re still greedy and we’ll always love our pies and curries — but our weigh-in was a wake-up call to act before we got dangerously big. Losing weight has been quite a journey for us but we’ve done it and we’re proud of ourselves.

Now we know we can drop the pounds when we need to and this will help us keep a check on things in the future.

If we can do it so can you.

Look at losing weight as an investment in yourself and the people you love. The benefits far outweigh the sacrifices.

SO THIS IS WHAT WE DID...

We didn’t want to sacrifice the pleasure of cooking and feel deprived or hungry so we knew we had to come up with meals that we would enjoy making and eating if we were to stick with the diet.

With the advice of healthy eating experts, we discovered that by making small changes in our cooking habits we could still enjoy big flavours and the food we loved while dropping the pounds. And it’s true. We’ve shed weight and we feel the better for it. Our blood pressure and cholesterol levels are down, our waistlines have shrunk, we have more energy and we look HOT — but not as sweaty as we used to!

And even more importantly, we’ve done all this while still eating some of our favourite, great-tasting dishes that we now cook with less fat and sugar, but bags of flavour. We think our recipes are fantastic. Yes, they’re lower in fat and sugar but they still taste amazing and we’re still just as enthusiastic and creative about our cooking as ever.

COUNTING THE CALORIES

IT’S WORKED FOR US AND IT CAN WORK FOR YOU We’ve found a way of eating ourselves slimmer and we want to share our discoveries with you. The secret is to make better choices and use little tricks to reduce your daily calorie count. Calorie counting might have fallen out of favour somewhat over recent years, replaced by all sorts of wacky dieting ideas, but it does work. We’re the living proof. We’ve lost pounds and inches!

We’ve made all the recipes in this book as low in calories as possible while not compromising on the taste. And we’ve had a nutritionist check them out and do calorie counts for each one so you know exactly where you are. If you eat these, without cheating, you will lose weight — and you’ll love us for it.

We have to confess we’ve never really thought too much about calories and the amount of food we were taking in but we know a lot more now. As many as a quarter of us Brits are obese and it’s not good for us, so it seems that many of us are taking in much more than we’re putting out.

Our experts explained to us that in order to lose weight, you have to take in fewer calories so the body has to use its stores — makes sense so far doesn’t it?

Spanish-style chicken bake This is a brilliant recipe and you’ll notice that there’s no additional fat needed – all the fat comes from the chorizo, and the tomatoes make it lovely and juicy. A low-fat fiesta of a dish.

Serves 4 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges 1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges 500g new potatoes, quartered lengthways 8 whole garlic cloves, unpeeled 8 medium tomatoes, quartered 75g chorizo (preferably picante) 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika ½ tsp dried oregano 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into strips flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper

ONLY 370 calories per portion

Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6. Put the onions, potatoes, garlic and tomatoes in a large roasting tin and season with sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Toss everything together lightly and roast for 20 minutes.

While the vegetables are roasting, skin the chorizo and cut the meat into thin slices – 5mm is about right. Put the chicken thighs on a board and carefully slash each one 2 or 3 times with a knife. Season all over with black pepper. Mix the paprika and oregano together and set aside.

Take the roasting tin out of the oven, scatter the chorizo over the veg and turn everything a couple of times. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and chorizo and sprinkle with the paprika and oregano. Season with a little salt and return to the oven for 20 minutes.

Take the tin out of the oven. Holding one corner carefully with an oven cloth, lift the tin a little so all the juices run to the opposite end, then spoon and drizzle the juices back over the chicken. Tuck the pepper strips loosely around the chicken and vegetables.

Turn the oven up to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Put the tin back in the oven for another 20 minutes or until the peppers are just softened and the chicken is golden and crisp. As you eat, squeeze the garlic out of the skins and enjoy the deliciously soft and fragrant flesh. Just don’t kiss anyone afterwards!

13

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE FRENCH CHEF Jean-Christophe Novelli is a 5 out of 5 AA Rosette and Michelin award winning chef and he has been dubbed the “the nation’s favourite French chef ”.

Exclusively for Port Salut, Jean-Christophe has created two French themed recipes and a series of tips for creating the perfect cheeseboard.

“Port Salut is a classic French cheese which I have always enjoyed, so I was delighted to be asked to work with the brand. For the recipes I have used Port Salut to give traditional French dishes a new twist and I hope my cheeseboard tips will give your cheese course a whole new lease of life.”

CHAR GRILLED CHICKEN, LEEK, PORT SALUT AND BUTTON MUSHROOM FRICASSEE, WHOLE MEAL CROUTON INGREDIENTS 4 x skinned and boneless chicken supreme’s (cut into thin strips) 2 leeks, trimmed, washed and cut into thin slices 2 x spring onions (trimmed and chopped into thin roundels) 1 clove of garlic (peeled and crushed) 100g chestnut or button mushrooms (sliced) 100g grated Port Salut 50g breadcrumbs 50g grated Port Salut 75ml double cream 25g butter 1 bunch of chives (chopped) 4 slices of wholemeal bread (cut into fingers) 25ml olive oil 1/2 tsp dried herbs 1/2 glass white wine

METHOD 1.

Heat a char grill skillet until very hot, brush the chicken strips with some of the oil and season with salt and pepper and your favourite spice, paprika is good as is cumin or garam marsala.

2.

Quickly char grill the chicken pieces until well coloured and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

3.

In a large saucepan melt the butter over a low heat.

4.

Add the leek and spring onion and sweat until tender.

5.

Add the garlic and the mushrooms and continue to cook until the mushrooms are tender and softened.

6.

Add the white wine and the cream and allow to boil

7.

Add the 100g of Port Salut and continue to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick. Add the chives.

METHOD

8.

Add the strips of chicken and stir in to coat with the sauce.

1.

Place the bread fingers on a baking tray.

9.

Place in an oven proof serving dish.

2.

Brush with olive oil & dried herbs and season with cracked pepper

3.

Bake in a hot oven until crisp and golden brown.

Serve on a side plate with the chicken and leek fricassee.

10. In a small mixing bowl combine the 50g of Port Salut with the breadcrumbs and scatter this over the top.

11. Bake in a pre heated oven until the crumbs are crisp and golden and the cheese has melted.

FOR THE WHOLEMEAL CROUTONS

Jean-Christophe Novelli has produced these tips exclusively for Port Salut. Visit www.portsalut.co.uk for more info.

CRISPY GRANARY BRUSCHETTA, POACHED EGG, SPINACH AND A PORT SALUT GLAZE. INGREDIENTS 4 eggs (free range, large) 2-3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar 4 thick slices of ciabattas bread 25ml olive oil 1/2 tsp dried herbs 400g washed baby spinach leaves 100ml double cream 4 egg yolks 100g Port Salut (grated) 50g butter (optional) Sprinkle of ground nutmeg

METHOD 1.

Place the slices of ciabattas on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil and season with dried herbs, salt and pepper.

2.

Place in a hot oven and bake until crisp and golden brown.

3.

Place on four plates or a serving dish.

4.

In a large sauce pan heat plenty of water to boiling point.

5.

Add a couple of tablespoons of white wine vinegar and season to taste with salt.

6.

Once boiling stir with a whisk to start a circular motion in the water and crack in the eggs one at a time, bring to the boil and immediately turn down to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes if a soft egg is required, a little longer for a firmer egg and 5-7 minutes for a hard poached egg.

7.

Keep the eggs warm in the water until needed.

8.

In a sauce pan bring the cheese to the boil, reduce for a few minutes to thicken. Remove from the heat.

9.

Stir in the Port Salut and the eggs, allow the cheese to melt

10. In a frying pan add half the butter if used and add the spinach cover with a tight fitting lid and bring to the boil allow the water from the spinach to cook the leaves and when soft and wilted strain to remove any excess water remaining.

11. Season with salt and pepper and spoon an equal amount onto each ciabatta bruschetta.

CHEESEBOARD THEATRE TIPS 1.

Add some flavoured texture to your cheeseboard by dropping plain bread in favour of a fruit & nut bread such as apricot & walnut or prune & hazelnut and serve it slightly stale, cut into thin wafer slices

2.

Fruit and cheese are a classic combination but give your grapes some extra character by serving them frozen – simply wash a bunch of grapes and shake off any excess water, place on a plate and pop in the freezer, serve directly once frozen onto the cheeseboard giving a more interesting texture with extra bite

3.

Add a simple twist on the traditional by pairing your cheese with fruit that has a sharp acidity such as: cherries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, nectarines and tangy plums – these work well frozen too

4.

Turn your cheeseboard into a visual feast by serving long celery stems in a vase of ice water. Team with a small bowl of rock salt too for dipping

5.

Radishes are a tasty substitute to celery providing a peppery bite, leave a little stem on each on to hold on to and these can also be dipped in the rock salt

6.

A fashionable alternative to the classic chutney is quince jelly – its sweet flavour will add a different dimension to your cheeseboard

7.

Spice up your cheeseboard with a handful of sliced chillies or jalapenos, to give a flavoursome punch.

This works particularly well with hard cheeses – these will complement the quince jelly too

8.

Tantalise tastebuds with a rollercoaster ride of textures and flavours by adding olives and nuts to your cheeseboard

9.

For an unexpected flavour, add some ground coffee beans to your board. A little sprinkle will give your cheeseboard a delicious edge

12. Top with an egg and mask with the cheese and cream mix.

13. Place under a hot grill until bubbling and golden brown.

14. Garnish with some snipped chives and serve.

10. Use dried vine leaves, herb sprigs and edible flowers to add more drama, aroma and taste to your cheeseboard

15

Keeping Warm and Well in Winter ...

KEEPING well is more important than ever in Winter because it’s a time of nasty bugs that can lay you low and cold weather than can depress your immune system.

There are, though, plenty of easy things you can do to ensure that this Winter is a healthier and happier one for you.

First of all, do ensure that you keep well and flu-free.

Injections that prevent flu are given free right across the country to people over a certain age or with particular preexisting conditions. So it’s definitely worth checking with your GP about availability.

Failing that, branches of Boots and supermarkets including Tesco provide a flu jabs’ service in their pharmacy departments for a very reasonable fee. Flu is a major seasonal killer in this country so it’s definitely worth taking this easy preventive step. Find out more about this year’s flu strains and other relevant details at NHS choices on www.nhs.uk Keeping in good health during chilly months also means ensuring, for example, your eyesight is good so book an eye test if you’ve not had one for a while. Poor eyesight can lead to falls, especially outside the home, which can result in major injuries and mobility problems.

Eat and drink well, whatever your household finances. It’s also vital to keep hydrated properly with six to eight glasses of liquid like water, juice, milk or fruit squash each day. Avoid fizzy drinks as they contain a lot of sugar and calories, but do have plenty of hot drinks.

Ensure you maintain a balanced diet by eating from the five main food groups: fruit and vegetables; starchy foods;

meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans lentils and nuts; milk and dairy foods and fat, sugar and salt.

Fruit and vegetables are particularly important as they’re full of minerals, fibre and antioxidant vitamins to help bodies work efficiently and support our immune systems. They can be fresh or frozen, dried, canned or juiced and should make up around a third of our diet – aim for five portions a day.

Do have valuable protein in meat or fish. You don’t need to buy expensive cuts to eat well – invest in a slow cooker, or pop a dish in the oven early and cook it slowly to make the most of cheap cuts of meat. Add plenty of vegetables for an easy, cheap dish that makes a warming, nutritious meal.

And if you don’t think your diet is giving you all the vitamins you need, start taking a supplement. Supermarkets have their own good-value ranges and taking one or two well-chosen supplements can make a real difference to your wellbeing.

Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain our health and independence and help keep muscles strong. Walking, gardening, Tai Chi and dancing are great examples of exercise for any age and state of health but check with your GP first.

Karen Pheasant, who runs Ladies Workout Express gym in Swinton, Greater Manchester, stresses the importance of getting out and about in Winter, too. “Being closer to nature gives us a psychological boost – with greenery, water and mountains especially cheering,” she states. “When added to the natural mood enhancement we get from exercise, and the self-satisfaction from doing something that takes more selfmotivation, then the Winter blues don’t stand a chance!”

Exercising in daylight also increases production of Vitamin D, you get a boost to your immune system - the good news is that you also burn more calories by exercising in the cold, around 12 per cent.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather, dress in layers so you can take them off as you warm up, and wear a hat and gloves to reduce heat loss from extremities.

Exercising in a gym can also be a sensible part of your regular routine. Many local councils run sessions in gyms so go on your local authority website to see about available sessions, and about free swimming sessions in your local pool.

Private gyms often have advantageous rates for people attending at off-peak times, and they usually run special sessions, too, often with the emphasis on overall health.

Warmth is also vital in the Winter months so, as well as ensuring you’ve got good clothing and footwear when you go out, don’t stint on home heating in spite of concerns about energy bills.

Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to stop heat escaping and draughts coming in. Keep any windows and internal doors closed when it’s cold to keep heat inside and if you’re sitting for any length of time, pop on a shawl or blanket for extra warmth. Have a look around the stores currently and you’ll see that “onesies” or all-in-one fleecy garments are everywhere and offer real cosiness at home.

Ensure your heating system has been serviced, that your water stopcock is working properly, and invest

16

in a keyhole cover – it’s amazing how this can keep out draughts! Fit thermal linings to your curtains if you can, and check out all the benefits and grants available to help with insulation and energy efficiency like cavity wall insulation.

Turn your thermostat down, reducing your room temperature by 1oC could cut your heating bills by up to 10% and save you around £50 per year.

If the temperature is any higher it is a waste of energy and there is an increased risk of scalding.

When you are cooking, always use the right size pan for the job, and the right sized hob ring for each pan. Remember to use a lid.

Consider taking a shower instead of a bath.

If you have a timer, set your heating and hot water to come on when you need it rather than all the time.

Also, if you have radiators with valves you can control individually (thermostatic valves) it is worthwhile doing, as this helps you to direct warmth in the places you need it, can save money and be more energy efficient. Put thermal reflectors behind your radiators to reflect heat back into your room.

Top tips on water. Use less hot water with a lower temperature setting for the washing machine, dishwasher and shower.

Don’t overfill the kettle, boil only as much water as you need.

If you boil your kettle with only a cupful of water it will cost you about 1/3p, but make sure you cover the element Over a full year this will cost you £5.61 If you boil a full kettle it will cost you 11/2p Over a full year this will cost you £29.08.

Using the sunshine to power your home. If you are lucky enough to have a photo-volatic system fitted to your roof, you will be able to make the most of the green electricity generated.

Top tips on appliances. If you are buying new, always chose A rated or A+ rated equipment which use less energy and reduces emissions.

Things to remember:l The low cost energy is generated during daylight hours, and must be used during the same day, as it cannot be stored overnight l Use your washing machine and other fuel hungry appliances during the day l Think differently, using your washing-line, if you have one, instead of your tumble dryer.

Defrost your freezer regularly, an iced-up freezer costs more to run.

Washing machines use a surprising amount of energy l

Always fill the drum with laundry to get the most value from the water and energy you’re using. l Avoid using the extra rinse as this is a water waster. l Switch to a 30oC wash instead of 40oC which can save you around £9 a year.

Using water wisely. If you have a water cylinder you should turn it to 60oC. This is hot enough to kill any harmful bacteria, and heat your water sufficiently for household use.

GET IN THE KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Winter weather affects travel and services Get informed, get prepared www.surreycc.gov.uk/highwaysinfo t:0300 200 1003

@surreytravel

www.surreycc.gov.uk Making Surrey a better place CS2422 - Highways Campaign 190mm x 125mm _50+.indd 1

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30/11/2012 12:43

17

O UT

&

ABOUT

Coffee and Wine Tasting Experience Thursday 7th March

Unravel the complexities of two of our most popular drinks. Denbies have partnered with local coffee roasting company Coffee Real to offer an informative day learning about both the technique of coffee roasting and tasting, taking place at the brand new roastery, based in Rusper.

Denbies Wine Estate Events Based in Dorking, Surrey Denbies Wine Estate is the largest vineyard in England representing over 10% of the plantings in the whole of the UK.

‘A Taste of Romance’

Your day will include: An overview of how coffee is roasted (hands on for those that wish) • Introduction to coffee in the roast area • Brewing and learn to brew by three different brew methods • Taste a selection of different coffees You will then return to Denbies for a tutored wine and food tasting (including a three course lunch) hosted

by Denbies Wine Expert, including an introduction to English wine together with a walking tour of the winery £79.50 per person

Thursday 14th February Reservations from 7.30pm Romantic Sparkling Wine Reception with canapes Dinner in the third floor Gallery Restaurant £49.50 per person

One Day Wine Workshop

Saturday 16th February 11am – 4pm Hosted by Denbies wine expert, the day will cover all aspects wine tasting & appreciation, grape varieties and wine regions. All levels of knowledge are welcome.

All refreshments & lunch with wine is included. £95.00 per person

Cheese & Wine Making Experience

Thursday 24th February Learn all about cheese making with local Norbury Blue cheese maker, followed by an insight into wine making with Denbies wine specialist.

Full refreshments provided throughout the day £89.50 per person

Denbies Wine Estate, London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA Tel: 01306 876 616 18

SHARE YOUR HOME AND HELP SAVE LIVES

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One ye ar ol and he d Sarah r granny

from onths e 6 m up for the ns ag Dicke a wrapped er Ugand ritish weath B

Can you help care for a child from a developing country for 2-4 weeks?

One in every 100 children worldwide suffers from heart disease. Many of these children can be treated with routine operations. Chain of Hope aims to provide this treatment either in London or by organising medical missions abroad.

We urgently need more host families to care for children who come to the UK for surgery. Each child needs a family to provide a supportive and caring environment for them, and their parent or guardian during their temporary stay.

If you live within easy reach of London, why not help bring hope to many more children waiting for a chance of life. A small allowance is payable.

For more information, please phone Sue on 020 7351 1978, or email sue@chainofhope.org Chain of Hope, South Parade, Chelsea, London SW3 6NP

www.chainofhope.org Chain of Hope is a registered charity in the UK/1081384

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Surrey County Show attracts up to 40,000 visitors and features hundreds of top quality animals from giant beef bulls to bantam hens. It takes place annually on the late May Bank Holiday Monday on Stoke Park, Guildford, bringing the best of the countryside to the heart of the town. The Show is a fantastic day out for the family, combining entertainment, food and fun with the opportunity to see first hand the many aspects of country life and farming.

Surrey County Show is organised by Surrey County Agricultural Society, a membership society dedicated to supporting local farming and food production.

Surrey County Show The Show will open from 8am - 6pm on Spring Bank Holiday Monday 27th May 2013 at Stoke Park, Guildford.

A hop and a skip from Guildford’s bustling High Street and you enter another world: Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, donkeys, dogs, hens and ducks reign supreme here on Stoke Park, at the largest one-day agricultural show in the country.

In September, the Society runs Surrey Farm and Food Week, a programme of free farm walks and events.

The climax of the week is the Surrey County Ploughing Match and Country Fair held at Loseley Park outside Guildford. The classes involve vintage to modern tractors and horse drawn ploughs and rural sports and activities range from fly fishing to terrier racing and dog agility.

Our web site offers lots of information about the various activities of the Society so please visit us at www.surreycountyshow.co.uk and give us your feedback.

Looking for somebody you can trust to do a good job?

Take a look at the Buy with Confidence scheme.

You’ll find businesses in Surrey that have been vetted and approved by your local Trading Standards team.

For details of traders you can trust, please visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/buywithconfidence or call 08454 04 05 06.

www.surreycc.gov.uk

SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL

Making Surrey a better place CS1889 50+ Ad-Nov12.indd 1

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09/11/2012 11:26

19

CHANGING ROOMS

IN THE HOME IS SOMETHING MANY OF US LONG TO DO BUT ARE HAMPERED BY THOSE TWIN PROBLEMS: LACK OF MONEY AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

BEFORE

Writes Angela Kelly We may know what we DON’T want around us, but probably have only a vague idea of what we do. The way we proceed next tends to relate either to the structure of the house – knocking through to give bigger rooms, adding a conservatory or building an extension – or the interior décor which includes everything from light fittings and wallpaper to furniture and paintings.

For the first, often more sweeping, approach, architectural consultant Gary Willis from Novensus says always remember the importance of light. “Daylight directly affects our wellbeing and living in dark conditions can add to our lethargy,” he states.

Deep rooms can appear dark as natural daylight can’t penetrate to the furthest reaches, so Gary suggests perhaps adding more windows. If privacy is an issue, consider use opaque window film, opaque glass or even glass blocks. “High level strip windows can also be used to provide natural light without sacrificing privacy,” he adds.

A pitched roof with a flat internal ceiling could be opened up to a more interesting space, enhanced by exposed roof structure and effective roof lights.

“Remove a wall to create an open plan dining/kitchen and a more adaptable space,” says Gary. “Even the removal of a load-bearing wall – one that has a structural purpose – is a relatively straightforward task to a competent builder.”

For bigger projects, consider a garage or loft conversion.

“Only around half of us really utilise our garage,” insists Gary. “Put this space to good use. Rather than just turning the garage into a room, how about thinking more laterally? Could you use part of the garage to extend an adjacent room to create a larger kitchen, whilst still reserving part of the garage for garden storage, a utility area or a study?”

A conservatory can add both light and space to a home, “but a sun room or orangery is a much better option. It 20

AFTER will be insulated to current standards that will provide a usable room in all seasons and ultimately add more value to your home.

“Another alternative is a pre-built garden room which can be brought onto site in one piece, or built quickly in a modular format with limited disturbance.”

Maximise garden views “and minimise rubbish ones!” advises Gary. “Create a cosy oasis of space with a smaller patio. Dress it up with flower boxes and a beautiful chair or swing to provide visual interest throughout all seasons.”

Indoors, bring in the light with brighter, lighter colours on walls, floors and ceilings to maximise available light.

Gloss and satin finishes will reflect more light than dull, dark colours and mirrors can be used imaginatively to bring much-needed light into a room or brighten a dark hallway also giving the illusion of space.

When cash is short, home stylist and project manager Jill Brimley from Changing Spaces advises looking carefully at what you’ve already got and adapting where you can.

“Dark walls can be painted a light, neutral shade like Dulux Natural Calico,” she says.

Take a close look at doors as these can give a dated feel to a room, and invest in new, white ones to add to light. For the Living Room makeover (pictured), Jill also had new panelled cupboard doors made for the meter cupboard.

The electrical socket was removed and re-sited to get rid of ugly trailing wires and storage added within the cupboard.

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JILL’S TIPS FOR UPDATING

ANY EXISTING KITCHEN ARE:

BEFORE

AFTER A “gorgeous little chair” was bought from TK Maxx, the dark legs painted in white satin wood. The original curtains were dry cleaned and a new complimentary fabric panel was added to lengthen them to the floor.

“Additional fabric was bought to cover existing cushion pads to co-ordinate the look,” says Jill.

She recycled accessories from around the home - “We also decluttered, removed the old carpet and put in new oak wood-style laminate flooring and painted the dark mahogany fireplace, mirror and cupboard in white satin wood to provide a brighter and nicer co-ordinated room.”

For this Kitchen makeover on a budget, Jill kept the original units, unifying them to a cream satin wood and then adding freestanding furniture with doors almost identical to the existing units and bought at a clearance shop to add to the fitted look.

Modern inexpensive cream brick tiles were used around the necessary areas, the walls were painted lighter with Dulux’s Javan Dawn, and the original back door was replaced with small French windows to bring in extra light and a view of the garden. Jill also replaced the original work top with a solid oak butcher’s block.

In the Bedroom, use relaxing light neutral colours. If space is limited, go for sliding wardrobe mirror doors to reflect light back into the room. Shop carefully for complementary bargain soft furnishings – go online, visit mill and clearance shops or use sale curtains to make Roman blinds or a bed throw.

For more details visit www.changingspaces.org.uk and www.novensus.co.uk

•

declutter work surfaces, tops of cupboards and walls

•

Steam clean kitchen area

•

Update white electrical sockets with chrome

•

Replace worktops with new, more modern items and/or change cupboard doors

•

Inexpensive plain tiles can make the look fresher and more modern

•

Chrome tile trims give a more upmarket look

•

Emulsion the walls to compliment the décor

•

Invest in new floor covering

•

Change the colour of your kettle, toaster etc for instant impact

“For a contemporary look, change the door handle and light switch to chrome,” adds Jill. “Inset halogen lights in the front and inside of the wardrobe, and upgrade the radiator and radiator cabinet.”

Use old pillows that have flattened as cushion pads or cut up old duvets, and plump up curtains with crumpled tissue paper.

The Bathroom can improve if you knock through an old bathroom and separate toilet into one modern area. Add a heated towel radiator to save on space and for a more stylish look.

It’s worth investing in a combi boiler which gets rid of the old water tank and is more efficient. Try bricking up the original toilet widow externally and reduced it in size internally to give a useful shelf/recess.

Investment in a white modern suite is really worthwhile.

Use floor and wall tiles in the same neutral colour but different sizes - bigger tiles with smaller grout lines also give the illusion of space.

And if you struggle to see new potential in your home – call in the experts!

Meet the

EXPERTS

GARY WILLIS Architectural Consultant Novensus JILL BRIMLEY Home Stylist Changing Spaces

Why choose Dentures from a Clinical Dental Technician?

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

A Clinical Dental Technician or CDT is a registered Dental Care Professional who is trained and qualified to offer a range of Denture Services – services that were previously only available through your Dentist.

As well as replacing any missing teeth, Partial Dentures also look after the future health of your mouth by preventing your remaining teeth from rotating, tilting and moving into positions that prove unsightly and awkward for eating and talking.

What qualifies a CDT to work on my Dentures?

Depending upon your individual needs and preferences, your CDT may recommend Chrome Cobalt dentures.

With many years experience working as Dental Technicians, CDTs have the advanced technical and clinical skills needed to carefully design and hand-craft every denture to the individual requirements of the patient.

Every Clinical credentials:

l

l l l

Dental

Technician

has

following

Graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons Holds a Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology Is registered with the General Dental Council as a Dental Technician and CDT Has appropriate insurance to work with patients

Never seek Denture advice or treatment from someone who is not trained or qualified to practice as a Clinical Dental Technician or Dentist in the UK.

Complete Dentures If you are experiencing the total loss of all your natural teeth, a Clinical Dental Technician can help you.

As well as taking its toll on daily activities like eating, talking and even laughing, total tooth loss can impact heavily on self-esteem and quality of life. A CDT will create and fit the Complete Denture that replaces your missing teeth and adjacent tissue in your lower and upper jaws.

A CDT can help you find the Complete Dentures that will: l Help you to form sounds and bring new clarity to your speech l Feel more secure about eating the food you want l Countering sagging facial muscles and sunken features that can make you appear older (especially around your mouth, lips and cheeks)

Partial Dentures If one or several of your teeth are lost or missing, a CDT can help you restore your smile with a Partial Denture.

By replacing your individual missing teeth, Partial Dentures can give you back the look and function of a full set of healthy, natural teeth.

22

Following your initial consultation, a Clinical Dental Technician will assess your mouth and develop a personal treatment plan. Working with a Dentist, they will identify any possible problems. In this way, your Denture will be designed correctly and for the longterm, and ensure that you receive the highest standards of care and the right treatment for you and your teeth.

Denture Relines If your dentures tilt, wobble or rub, a Clinical Dental Technician can reline your denture, making the small alterations that make a big difference to the way they fit and feel.

Please be aware that a Denture Reline will normally require that you leave your dentures with your Clinical Dental Technician so be prepared to be without them for a short period of time.

Denture Repairs If your Denture fractures or breaks, the CDT can mend your dentures as follows, making them wearable once more.

Repairing cracks or multiple fractures Repairing chipped false teeth l Repairing your Denture base l l

Over time, the shape of your mouth can change as part of the natural ageing process, as a result of the under use and lack of stimulus for your jawbone. If your Dentures break while you are wearing them, it is probably for one of the following reasons: l l

Poor fit as a result of bone resorbtion (shrinkage) Excessive force possibly due to tooth grinding

If you would like your new dentures to replicate all the favourable aspects of your existing Dentures, then a Clinical Dental Technician can help you. From copying exact tooth position and shape, to improving the way they fit with your mouth and gums – your Copy Dentures will be just like the Dentures you have now, only better.

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Get your dentures direct from a qualified clinical dental technician AD Laboratories is an established, homely prosthetics clinic, based in Woking, Surrey.

Roland Jones has, after already 20 years working as a dental technician graduated from the George Brown College in Canada and the UK’s Royal College of Surgeons and has become a Clinical Dental Technician.

At AD Laboratories we take referrals from local dentists as well as working direct with the public. By coming to AD Laboratories direct the patient is often able to get their dentures much faster and we are often able to help out in emergency denture requirements.

At AD Laboratories we listen to our customers and together create the denture that would best suit you. All our staff are dedicated to make you really feel at home! You only have to read our visitor’s book to see how grateful our customers have been so far; achieving results that people did not think where possible.

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FRIENDLY, EXPERIENCED AND PERSONAL SERVICE At AD Laboratories we have the advantage of being able to offer Get your dentures direct from a flexible appointment times to suit the individual.

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RUSSELL GRANT: THE COMEBACK KID When Russell Grant first danced into the hearts of the viewing millions on “Strictly Come Dancing” last year his stars might well have predicted great success and a comeback of cosmic proportions.

For arguably Britain’s favourite astrologer may not have won the series – well, let’s face it, his dancing was more entertainment than excellence – but the live audiences and those at home loved him. And for Russell this TV appearance provided a passport back to fame.

Born in Middlesex, Russell was brought up in a council house by his set designer father Frank and secretary mother Joan who both worked at Pinewood Studios. His parents separated when he was 11 and he moved in with his maternal grandmother but, in spite of the upheaval, Russell has always said he had a happy childhood.

He worked as a Butlins’ Redcoat and trained as an actor, appearing in a variety of shows. While working in Blackpool, Russell met his partner Doug Beaumont and the two have been together for almost 40 years.

Although Russell first came to prominence in 1978 after he held an astrological reading for the Queen Mother which led to him being dubbed “Astrologer Royal”, his theatre, TV and film career was surprisingly comprehensive and successful.

It spanned more than 30 musicals and comedies, including work as varied as touring with “The King and I” to TV’s “On 24

The Buses”, “Please Sir!” and “The Fenn Street Gang”. He’s been in “Tom Brown’s Schooldays” in the West End and was an effective panto dame in shows all over the country.

However, TV beckoned and it was Russell’s fascination with astrology and his exuberant personality that brought him before the nation, first on Yorkshire TV and then on Granada TV where he was a regular onscreen explaining the daily horoscopes. From there he moved to breakfast TV with BBC’s “Breakfast Time” and later to TV-am as resident astrologer on “Good Morning.”

A broadcasting natural and popular presenter, this role soon broadened to presenting other shows including celebrity quiz “Star Choice”. He later had his own six-episode series “Russell Grant’s All Star Show.” He worked for Channel 5 just after it was launched and directed and starred in “Russell Grant’s Postcards”, a collection of more than 100 five-minute travelogues produced by his own company Russell Grant World Productions.

Russell worked solidly on a number of TV projects, with his astrology skills ever present, and he wrote a number of popular newspaper columns and horoscopes in regional newspapers throughout the country as well as in various magazines.

Like many TV personalities, however, his star waned for a while. In 2006, he took part in the fourth series of “Celebrity Fit Club” and lost over three stone, but he later suffered from depression and his weight rocketed, this time to 26 stone.

He became something of a recluse at the 30-acre Snowdonia estate that he shares with Doug but, being Russell Grant and

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INTERVIEW a trouper, determined that the show must go on, he began losing weight – around 10 stone in two and a half years by disco dancing each day for half an hour!

In 2011, an online group called “Get Russell on Strictly” finally persuaded TV executives to have him as a contestant on the show. In September last year, he burst onto our screens with his lovely professional dancing partner Flavia Cacace. Surprisingly light on his feet and with genuine rhythm, Russell sported a number of colourful and outrageous costumes and certainly won the day with viewers.

highly successful run followed which enhanced and revived Russell’s theatrical reputation once more.

The production also brought him under the dancing wing of choreographer and dance teacher Arlene Phillips – “She even had me dancing the Charleston”, said Russell.

Following his memorable appearance in the hit musical, Russell has been brought in as a guest star for a new tour of the show “Grease”, taking the role of Teen Angel at various venues including Newcastle, Llandudno, Southseas, Wimbledon, Dartford and for a one-week run in Manchester in October.

In fact, they kept him in the knock-out programme until late November – in spite of much criticism from the judges, in particular the often acerbic Craig Revel Horwood. The abiding memory of Russell from the series, however, is of him being shot from a cannon as part of one particularly fun number!

He’s back working with Arlene Phillips, whom Russell insists is his “dance sister.” “Arlene brought out the very best in me working on ‘The Wizard of Oz’,” he stated. “So when she said I was right for Teen Angel and, if I took the part, she’d create the choreography, how could I resist!”

This great revival by the “comeback kid” caught the attention of the famous musical writer and producer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. He invited Russell to return to the West End stage – and the Palladium Theatre where he’d last performed 34 years before – and take part in a three-month stint replacing Michael Crawford as the “Wizard of Oz” in a new production.

The sparkly suit and no doubt mesmerising performances are bound to leave the audience hopelessly devoted to Mr Grant’s special charms again. And it’s one more dancing role which he now loves, as he explained: “Teen Angel has a Strictly twist and shimmy which captures the joy of dance I’ve been lucky enough to have discovered.”

“I was worried as I was due to have an operation on my knee,” commented Russell. “I’m 61 now. At this age you know your limitations. But you also sense your mortality.

So there was a two-way thing going on. I was trying to talk myself out of it, thinking ‘Can’t I just go back to Wales?’”

As for the future, who knows? Russell hasn’t set himself any special showbiz boundaries and his fans are never surprised – just happy to see their favourite star once more ascending.

Fortunately, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Russell’s close friend Lulu convinced him the part was right for him, and a

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better memberships and aCtiVities FOr OVer 55 A Better way to keep active at leisure centres in Epsom & Ewell. Take part in our over 55 activities programme, it’s a fun way to socialise and keep fit at the same time.

We offer opportunities to try out new sports and activities at a level suitable for everyone. So whether you enjoy swimming, group exercise, racquet sports or a session in the gym, we have the activities to suit you.

Over 55 Memberships Better prepaid memberships let you enjoy our facilities without paying each time you visit.

Simply pay a one-off annual fee or monthly direct debit and enjoy most of the facilities as often as you want.

• No minimum contract • Inclusive access to the gym, group exercise classes and swimming • Inclusive personalised fitness induction and personal exercise programme • Up to 30% off non member prices for any other activities • Access to courses and other member only facilities and activities

In partnership with

Over 55 Activities Are you 55 or over? Our Club Activities sessions are just for you! Our centres offer a wide range of facilities, including the gym, which provides a range of equipment and supervised sessions to help to improve health and wellbeing. There’s also a range of group exercise classes to choose from, including yoga and aerobics, plus plenty of other activities.

Please note that in order to use the gym, you must be a member and complete an induction. You can also relax in specialised sessions at our swimming pools, or enjoy the water workout classes.

Below is what a typical Club activities day can consist of. Programme varies during the week. For further information please contact the Club activities Coordinators.

Rainbow Leisure Centre Club Aerotone 10.30am-11.15am

Easyline Fitness Circuit 1.00am-11.30am

Pilates 11.30am-12.30pm

Visit Rainbow Leisure Centre: East Street Epsom Surrey KT17 1BN Tel: 01372 727277 Email: rainbow@gll.org To join or enquire, speak to a member of staff or visit www.better.org.uk

Table Tennis 12.00noon-2.00pm

Bowls/Badminton/ Short Tennis Various Times

Let’s talk about problems below the belt Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Bladder Control

Urinary tract infections are very common. They can be painful and uncomfortable, but they usually pass within a few days or can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It is a very common problem and is thought to affect millions of people worldwide.

They’re more common in women than in men – it’s estimated that half of all women in the UK will have a UTI at least once in their life and one out of every 2,000 healthy men will develop one each year.

Children also get UTIs, although this is less common.

If you develop a UTI, you are likely to feel: pain or a burning sensation when urinating (doctors refer to this as dysuria) l a need to urinate often l pain in the lower abdomen (tummy)

It is not clear exactly how many people are affected, but it is estimated that between three and six million people in the UK have some degree of urinary incontinence.

Urinary incontinence affects about twice as many women as men and becomes more common with age.

The symptoms of urinary incontinence depend on the type of condition you have.

l

There are several types of urinary incontinence, but the most common are:

Prostate Enlargement

l

Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition that affects older men. It is usually not a serious threat to health.

The prostate is a small gland found only in men, located between the penis and bladder. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and urethra, the tube through which urine passes. This can affect how you pass urine, because it may cause: l

difficulty starting urination l a frequent need to urinate l difficulty emptying the bladder fully.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Many men worry that having an enlarged prostate means that they have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. This is not the case. Men with prostate enlargement do not have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men without an enlarged prostate.

Impotence Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

ED is a very common condition, particularly in older men.

It is estimated that half of all men between the ages of 40 and 70 will have it to some degree.

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stress incontinence – when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to prevent urination, causing urine to leak when your bladder is under pressure, for example when you cough or laugh l urge incontinence – when urine leaks as you feel an intense urge to pass urine, or soon afterwards

Kidney Stones Kidney stones are stone-like lumps that can develop in one or both of the kidneys.

The waste products in the blood can occasionally form crystals that collect inside the kidneys. Over time, the crystals may build up to form a hard stone-like lump.

After a kidney stone has formed, your body will try to pass it out of the body in urine. This means it will often travel through the urinary system (the kidneys, kidney tubes and bladder).

Small stones may be passed out painlessly in the urine and may even go undetected. However, it is fairly common for a stone to block part of the urinary system, such as the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) or the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body). If this happens, it can cause severe pain in the abdomen or groin and sometimes causes a urinary tract infection.

If you are worried about any of the conditions described above, or any other urological condition, contact your GP today and arrange a consultation with one of specialists here at Nuffield Health Woking Hospital.

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PROBLEMS

below the belt?

urinary tract disorders bladder control

prostate enlargement kidney stones

impotence

Don’t ignore it, fix it Nuffield Health Woking Hospital provides personal care before, during and after treatment to guarantee you a comfortable recovery.

Talk to your doctor today about seeing one of our consultant urologists or contact us directly on

01483 378997 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals

Woking Homes Residential Care with a Railway Heritage Started as a Children’s Home (for fatherless children) in 1885 in Clapham, London. It was founded by the Canon Allen Edwards who was the Railway Chaplain and Vicar of All Saint’s Church Lambeth. In 1907 a plot of land was purchased in the country and the building was completed for the children to move into in 1909. At that time it was known as the London and South Western Servants Orphanage. We have changed our name several times and finally became “Woking Homes” in 1982. As time went on needs changed and children were being admitted from broken homes. However it always remained a Railway Charity.

All our rooms have ensuite facilities, a conservatory was added to our bar area in 1999, a swimming pool was built in 2000 providing hydrotheraphy for our residents, and we have continued to keep the buildings and grounds maintained to a very high standard.

In 1947 the Board of Management opened a home across the road caring for retired railway employees and their spouses. From that date until 1990 (when the children’s home closed) we continued caring for children and older people.

However, with all of these changes we have not lost sight of our roots and still remain a charity caring primarily for people with railway and other transport backgrounds. The residents' accommodation charges are subsidised from our investment income, which unfortunately has been effected by the drop in the stock market, but our high standards of care, catering and accommodation remain the same.

A major development took place from 1987 when the old Children’s Home was demolished and a new home for the elderly was built, and an existing building was totally refurbished.

Since that time we have continued to maintain and improve the standards.

At the beginning of August 2009 a redevelopment project commenced. Two wings of Grace Groom were demolished and rebuilt.

The rooms are larger than average, once again with ensuite facilities and plenty of light. The garden areas have been re-landscaped with accessibility for wheelchairs and plenty of seated areas.

Our staff are trained to the highest standards of care and we received an "Excellent" from the Care Quality Commission.

Watch this space for our next venture .... or send for our brochure

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Where the warmth of our welcome is matched only by the highest standards of care • Caring, professional staff • Excellent menu choices • Superb accommodation • All rooms en-suite • Indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa • Residents’ bar • Full programme of activities • Frequent outings We are a charity providing residential and respite care for former railway employees and their spouses.

You can find out more about our happy caring community and wonderful facilities on our website www.woking-homes.co.uk For a brochure or to arrange a visit please telephone: 01483 763558 Or write to: Woking Homes, Oriental Road, Woking, Surrey, GU22 7BE. Email: administration@woking-homes.co.uk

wPrivacy

wDignity

Community w Independence w Choice w Fulfillment w

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Claremont Court Specialist Dementia Care Residential & Nursing Harts Gardens, Guildford Surrey, GU2 9QA Queen Elizabeth Park Nursing, Residential & Dementia Care Home 1-72 Hallows Close Guildford, Surrey, GU2 9LL

You’re unique.

So are we.

We believe that it’s through taking time to understand each individual, their likes and dislikes and their life stories that we can provide personal care with a real difference.

We not only offer the highest standards of nursing, residential and dementia care, but a vibrant community where our residents can connect and enjoy their time together. It’s just one of the ways we help your loved one lead a better life.

To find out more information about either of our Guildford homes or to arrange a visit please call 0208 879 6567 or email info@carebase.org.uk

www.carebase.org.uk