Wrexham & North Wales issue 33

WREXHAM & NORTH WALES MARCH - MAY 2012

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EDITION 33

Ruth

Madoc

TALKS ABOUT LIFE AFTER GLADYS PUGH

Inside LEISURE

ACORN ANTIQUES THE UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE DISCOVER DUBROVNIK A TIMELESS BEAUTY

Rick Stein

SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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Acorn

Antiques & Collectables

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01978 754090

Open every day 10am - 5pm Coffee shop open 10am - 4pm Late night opening Thursday until 8pm We offer an unrivalled choice of gifts, antiques and collectables creating a unique shopping experience.

Two floors to discover!! Selling everything from antique furniture, jewellery, silver, ceramics and porcelain, militaria, clocks & watches, glassware, collectible books and reference books, dolls and teddy bears. Plus soft furnishings and accessories, 19th and 20th century rugs.

Come and visit us and wander through our vast array of bygone treasures. You may find that antiques bargain you've been searching for.

At the end of your search or indeed in the middle, stop and enjoy a coffee or tea in our coffee Shop. We serve freshly made sandwiches, baguettes and light lunches, hot and cold beverages and a selection of delicious home made scones and cakes. Bring this ad

and enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee with your homemade cake

We are open every day from 10 a.m. to 5p.m.

Late night -Thursday till 8p.m.

Forthcoming events planned for Thursday evenings, please telephone for details.

We are situated on the A541 Wrexham to Mold Road, behind the Heart FM radio station.

Follow the signs for 'Acorn Antiques'

BERWYN BOOKS

NEW larger book unit now open with a vast collection of books old and new!

Situated behind Heart FM on the A541 Mold Road Westminster Estate, Mold Road, Gwersyllt, Wrexham, Clwyd LL11 4AF

www.acornantiqueswales.com

RETIRED MAGAZINE | SPRING/SUMMER 2011

3

Graham Smith has a Tweet But what is he twittering about?

Inside this issue ...

12-13

16-17

When is it Christmas?

If it’s June when you read this don’t worry Christmas isn’t coming any time soon.

Astronomers have calculated that Christmas should be in June by charting the “Christmas Star” which the Bible says led the Three Wise Men to Jesus.

The have decided that the bright star pinpoints Jesus’ birthday as June 17th rather than December 25th. Well that’s just going to upset a few turkey farmers and artificial snow manufacturers isn’t it?

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28-29

And what a mess they’ve made of the carol service. How can “snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”, and what about the poor old beggar bringing in his winter fuel?

There’s no holly and ivy, the shepherds can’t be watching their flocks because it’s still day light and I just cannot listen to Bing Crosby in June!

Welcome to the latest local 50 Plus magazine which we hope you will sit back and enjoy at your leisure. Our journalists Angela Kelly, Graham Smith and Sheila Alcock are continuing to keep you well informed with their celebrity interviews and up to date everyday tips.

Which silly old goat with a white beard and a red suit is going to traipse reindeer and a sleigh about in 20 degrees of heat? I don’t eat sprouts in December so I’m surely not about to in June. “All is calm, all is bright”, well it will be in June, new legislation could mean it’s daylight until four in the morning so the poor little beggar will be throwing his swaddling clothes off and tipping the sheepdog out of the manger.

We know you will also be left with a smile on your face after reading Graham’s observations on life!

Why can’t they leave things as they are?

I’m dreaming of a White Easter.

Dear Reader,

TRAVEL & LEISURE 8-9 Dubrovnik A Timeless Beauty.

10-11 Coach Tours 2012 From Robinsons Holidays.

He should have ducked!

An American duck hunter had to be taken to hospital after being shot in the buttocks by his dog!

FOOD & DRINK 28-29 Rick Stein Mediterranean Escapes Recipe.

HOME & GARDEN 16-17 Gardening...

What will you grow this year?

22-23 What is an Interior Designer?

McGrath Regional Media.

Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594

The hunter was climbing out of his boat to place decoys in nearby marsh when his “excited” dog trod on a shotgun firing 27 pellets into his backside from ten feet.

The man managed to walk to a nearby road and call an ambulance and was not seriously injured.

He should have ducked.

e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com 4

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

RPM Fitness Studio offers one of the best equipped Gyms in Wrexham.

Our Personal Trainers are all fully qualified to help you develop your own exercise plan, taking into account your personal ability and level of physical fitness.

We are proud of the personal & friendly service we offer, and all of our members receive continual guidance and support, allowing you to monitor your own progress and ensure that your personal goals and milestones are achieved.

Personal training Personal training is all about you and your specific goals and we're dedicated to helping you achieve these goals. Our personal trainers are qualified, experienced and some of the friendliest trainers in Wrexham, who are solely focused on their client's needs.

The RPM Fitness Studio continually develops and trains our trainers through workshops, external courses and in-house training to ensure you are receiving the highest level of training and service.

The benefits of being fit and healthy from personal training are immediate. The body loves nothing more than 100% attention. The experience of taking your fitness to a new level will have a positive effect on your whole life.

FREE GYM PASS For your free gym pass, just come along and quote '50 Plus Magazine'

Call us on 01978 262146 to find out more...

Tel: 01978 262 146 www.rpmfitness-studio.co.uk North Wales Regional www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Tennis Centre, Plas Coch Road, Wrexham LL11 2BW

If you live in the Wrexham County Borough area and are:

Os ydych chi'n byw yn Ardal Bwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam ac:

Aged 60 years or over

Disabled (telephone 01978 266166 for further details)

Anabl (Ffonlwch 01978 266166 am manylion)

You will be entitled to a pass, which will enable you to travel free on all local bus services.

Free Travel for the Elderly and Disabled

Yn 60 oed neu hyn

Bydd hawl gennych i docyn a fydd yn eich galluogi i deithio ar yr holl wasanaethau bysiau lleol am ddim.

Teithio am ddim i'r henoed a'r anabl

Your pass will be valid all day, every day not only in Wrexham, but also for travel throughout Wales.

Bydd eich tocyn yn ddilys drwy'r dydd, bob dydd, nid yn unig yn Wrecsam, ond ar gyfer teithio ar hyd a lled Cymru.

How do I get my pass?

Sut ddylwn i gael fy nhocyn?

You can apply in person at the Busline enquiry office located at King Street Bus Station. You will need to take with you the following:

Gallwch wneud cais yn bersonol yn swyddfa ymholiadau y Llinell Fysiau. Bydd angen dangos y canlynol:

A completed application form

Ffurflen gais wedi'i chwblhau (Gweler drosodd)

A recent passport size photograph (Full face)

Llun maint pasport diweddar (Wyneb llawn)

Proof of residence such as a Council Tax bill, phone bill or gas bill

Prawf o gyfeiriad, megis bil Treth y Cyngor neu ffon

Proof of entitlement such as your pension/allowance book/letter, birth certificate or passport to show your age

You can also apply by post, sending your application form to: Concessionary Travel, Wrexham County Borough Council, Transport Co-ordination, Abbey Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wrexham LL13 9PW

www.wrexham.gov.uk/bus 6

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Wrexham Bus Line Llinell Fysus Wrecsam

Prawf o hawl megis eich llyfr/llythyr pensiwn/lwfans, tystysgrif geni neu basport i ddangos eich oed.

Gallwch wneud cais drwy'r post drwy anfon eich ffurflen gais i: Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam Is-Adran Cydlynu Cludiant De Ffordd yr Abaty Ystad Ddiwydiannol Wrecsam Wrecsam LL13 9PW www.wrecsam.gov.uk/bws

01978 266166

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

retired magazine winter/spring 2009/10

Senior Rail Card Savings

Wrexham County Borough Council offer Senior Railcards, at the discounted price of £22.50, a saving of £3.50 off the current recommended retail price of £26.00.

Cost equivalent to around £1.88 per month.

The offer is exclusively available to all persons aged over 60 years, and who are residents of Wrexham County Borough.

Senior Railcards are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and allow the cardholder 1/3 off all Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares across the National Rail Network.

Senior Railcards can be purchased from Contact Wrexham, 16 Lord Street, by showing proof of residence and age.

Senior railcards also offer savings on a variety of other products such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and some of the top attractions in London.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk retired magazine winter/spring 2009/10

Arbedion Cardiau Rheilffordd i Bobl Hyn

Mae Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam yn cynnig Cardiau Rheilffordd i Bobl Hyn, am bris gostyngol o £22.50, sy’n arbediad o £3.50 oddi ar y pris manwerthu argymelledig presennol o £26.00.

Cost gyfatebol o tua £1.88 y mis.

Mae’r cynnig ar gael i bobl dros 60 oed, ac sy’n byw ym Mwrdeistref Sirol Wrecsam yn unig.

Mae Cardiau Rheilffordd i Bobl Hyn yn ddilys am 12 mis o ddyddiad eu rhoi ac yn caniatáu 1/3 oddi ar deithiau Unrhyw Bryd, Allfrig ac Ymlaen Llaw ledled y Rhwydwaith Rheilffordd Cenedlaethol.

Gellir prynu Cardiau Rheilffordd i Bobl Hyn o Galw Wrecsam, 16 Stryt yr Arglwydd, drwy ddangos prawf o’ch cyfeiriad a’ch oedran.

Mae cardiau rheilffordd i bobl hyn hefyd yn cynnwys arbedion ar amrywiaeth o gynnyrch eraill megis gwestai, bwytai, caffis, a rhai o atyniadau pennaf Llundain.

Dubrovnik

Timeless

Beauty

Sitting proudly on the calm blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent fortified cities. Today a UNESCO world heritage site and Croatia’s most upmarket destination, it was once the capital of the wealthy seafaring Republic of Ragusa (1358-1808). During its Golden Age in the 16th century, it had one of the largest merchant naval fleets in the world.

Dubrovnik is clearly special. Lord Byron was not overstating the matter when he proclaimed Dubrovnik ‘the pearl of the Adriatic’. Magnificent curtains of walls surround marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, Placa, is a melange of cafés and shops with outstanding monuments at either end.

Churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.

As the sun rises over the terracotta roofs the square awakens to the sound of barrow loads of fruit and vegetables bouncing over the stone cobbles. The ‘green market‘, as the locals call it, offers freshly picked produce as well as jars of homemade jams, pickles and spices. However, Dubrovnik shows her true magnificent colours during the winter months as well as the city looks wonderful “out of season.” True beauty is ageless and timeless.

Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands.

Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace.

It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. The original palace was modelled after the Roman imperial palace, with some influences from Venetian palaces. In 1435 there was a gunpowder explosion that demolished the structure. It was rebuilt in a late-gothic style. There was another explosion in 1463, and a an earthquake in 1667 that severally damaged the city. What you see now is the final redo that took place at the 8

end of the 17 century. The central portico features beautiful archways and a second story mezzanine.

Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. Some great shots are to be had with your camera from Pile Gate.

War Photo Limited: Dubrovnik’s sturdy fortifications have been put to the test several times during the centuries, most recently during the bloody break-up of Yugoslavia. This modern gallery is dedicated to stunning photojournalism from war zones around the world, and attempts to offer unbiased reporting with a human element.

Antuninska 6. www.warphotoltd.com. Daily 9am-9pm (JunSep); Tue-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 10am-2pm (May and Oct); closed (Nov-Apr). Entry is 30Kn. Dubrovnik Cable Car: The best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are seen from the top of the Srd Hill where the Dubrovnik Cable Car was built back in 1969 and boasts the most beautiful panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see up to 60 km (37 miles)!

For this reason the neighbouring Fort Imperial was strategically built on this privileged spot way back in the early 19th century. http://dubrovnikcablecar.com.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival (www.dubrovnik-festival.hr) runs from mid-Jul to mid-Aug, staging concerts, theatre and opera at various open-air venues in the old town. Pat line-ups have included the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra, Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas, and Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams.

Nearby places worth visiting include the Renaissance gardens of Trsteno arboretum, the vineyards of Peljeac peninsular, the seaside resort of Cavtat, the tiny car-free Elafiti islands ,

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

the island of Mljet (one-third of which is a national park), and neighbouring Montenegro.

EATING/DRINKING There is a wide range of restaurants in the Old Town, mostly offering a very similar menu of local seafood and some meat dishes. The cuisine may not be very imaginative, but it is usually of good quality and very fresh.

Restaurants can be crudely separated into (slightly) cheaper tourist-trap haunts, and more expensive but first class gastronomic restaurants. There are a few pizzerias, mostly wood-fired and acceptable. The Kraš chocolate sold at stores is delicious too!

Note that in the off peak season of November to March nearly all the top-end restaurants close, leaving only a handful of desperate tourist trap enterprises operating and still charging high prices. You can however still eat well and best of all, discounts can be negotiated.

Dubrovnik cuisine is characteristically not very spicy and is famous for traditionalism. Many popular meals are characteristic of Dubrovnik such as zelena menestra (it is the name for many sorts of cabbages and other vegetables with meat), pasticada and the famous delicacy dubrovacka rozata.

The most popular alcohol in Croatia is homemade rakija. This is a very strong distilled tipple made from a variety of fruits.

Examples include sljivovica, made from plums, loza, made from grapes, and orahovica, made with walnuts. There are many excellent local wines from both the Peljesac Peninsula and Konavle and it is often less expensive than soft drinks. However, be careful when purchasing wine from unlicensed dealers as it can sometimes be of low quality!

SLEEPING Hotels in Dubrovnik include two, three, four and five-star hotels.

Private rooms are a good option for those on a budget; the downside is that they may be far from the Old Town, so make sure to check the location. Owners letting out these rooms accost buses at the bus station, so you can ask around and even bargain a little.

DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING… Cafe Buza: This place is little known but definitely the find in Dubrovnik.

Indeed, you will have to wander down an alleyway along the main western wall where you’ll find a nondescript door. Enter it to find the most amazing bar you might ever enjoy a beer in.

The cafe is built on the side of the rocky cliffs, hiding inside the Dubrovnik wall. Relax and enjoy the view as the dramatic wall rises above your head; or, as you are so near the small beach why not dip your toes in the water!

Fact file: Dubrovnik has an international airport, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) from Dubrovnik city centre.

There is no train to Dubrovnik. A narrow gauge line used to link Dubrovnik to Sarajevo but was closed in 1976; however, buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik old main bus station in Gruž and Croatia Airlines even operates buses between the airport and the main bus station in Kantafig (takes approx. 45 minutes), which is 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Taxis from the airport to the centre will cost 220 kn. The bus passes close to the Old Town en-route to the airport; you can board the bus at the stop on Petra Kresimira 4 just above the Old Town, by the lower cable car station. Make sure you wave furiously otherwise the driver may not stop!

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The main bus station is in Kantafig, near Port Gruz and the Tudjman Bridge, 2.5 km northwest of the Old Town. Local bus 7 operates between this station and Babin kuk, and bus 1 serves the Old Town. On buses you pay a separate fee of 10 Kn to the driver for luggage, so keep some change handy.

Taxis in Dubrovnik are available around the clock and you can easily pick one up at one of the many taxi stops. The good news is that a taxi service will never cost you more than 100 Kn (approx. £11) in any direction within Dubrovnik city limits!

If you are planning to drive a car in Dubrovnik, be aware that lots of streets are one way. If in doubt, passersby will gladly direct you.

Dubrovnik is easy to cover on foot; in fact it will take the averagely fit person less than 1.5 hours to walk from the historical centre to the very end of Lapad peninsula.

Climate: The climate along the Dubrovnik Region is a typical Mediterranean one, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. However, it is perhaps distinct from other Mediterranean climates because of the unusual winds and frequency of thunderstorms. The Bura wind blows cold gusts down the Adriatic coast between October and April. The air temperatures can slightly vary, depending on the area or region.

Typically, in July and August daytime maximum temperatures reach 29°C (84°F), and at night drop to around 21°C (70°F). More comfortable perhaps, is the climate in Spring and Autumn when maximum temperatures are typically between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F).

Language: Croatian is the official language spoken in Dubrovnik. English is taught as a second language in schools however, and other international languages are also fluently spoken.

Currency: Kuna (Kn.) £1 British pound is worth approx. 8 Kuna.

The word “Kuna” means “marten” in Croatian since it is based on the use of marten pelts as units of value in medieval trading.

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Est.1923

FULL 2012 BROCHURE OUT NOW

Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

COACH TOURS 2012 LOCAL PICK UP POINTS

ABBEY LAWN HOTEL, TORQUAY

IMPERIAL HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

OCEAN VIEW HOTEL, ISLE OF WIGHT

Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AAHHH Torquay is most certainly one of the UK’s Finest resorts and the heart of the English Riviera.

If you are looking to unwind in style, this elegant Georgian hotel is the place to stay. Located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey, overlooking Torbay, there are superb facilities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym, steam room, sauna and a spacious conservatory. As with all our own hotels a night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne Robinsons HHH Eastbourne is an ideal holiday destination, it has one of the top sunshine records in the UK and has been awarded the Seaside Award for its clean safe beaches for the past eight years.

An impressive Victorian hotel, situated at the seaward end of Devonshire place, less than a hundred yards from the seafront, on a delightful tree-lined boulevard less than five minutes walk from the main facilities and town centre amenities. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin Robinsons HHH Take a short boat ride across the Solent and discover the Isle of Wight, an island of great natural beauty and superb weather, with a wealth of attractions for visitors of all ages. Shanklin, on the south coast of the island, is home to a variety of safe, golden beaches and a quaint collection of shops housed in traditional thatched cottages.

An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, the balconies provide the perfect place to enjoy the sunset on summer evenings. Guests can unwind in the piano lounge before enjoying an evning meal in the spacious restaurant. A night porter ensures 24 hour reception service.

Freephone : 0800 0839086 10

www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

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Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

1501

8 Days/ 7 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

5 Days/ 4 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

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Monday £345 £345 £345 £355 £355 £355 £365 £365 £365 £375 £375 £375 £385 £385 £385 £389 £389 £389 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £399 £389 £389 £389 £379 £379 £379 £359 £359 £359 £339 £339 £339

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19-Mar 26-Mar 02-Apr 06-Apr 11-Apr 16-Apr 23-Apr 30-Apr 07-May 14-May 21-May 28-May 04-Jun 11-Jun 18-Jun 25-Jun 02-Jul 09-Jul 16-Jul 23-Jul 30-Jul 06-Aug 13-Aug 20-Aug 27-Aug 03-Sept 10-Sept 17-Sept 24-Sept 01-Oct 08-Oct 15-Oct 22-Oct 29-Oct

7 Days/ 6 Nights Dinner Bed & Breakfast, includes at least 2 Excursions and FREE Insurance

Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

Monday 19-Mar 26-Mar 16-Apr 23-Apr 08-Oct 15-Oct 22-Oct 29-Oct

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£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

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Turkey and Tinsel 05-Nov 12-Nov 19-Nov 26-Nov 03-Dec 10-Dec 17-Dec 23-Dec 29-Dec

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Abbey Lawn Imperial Ocean View Mystery Tour

£199 £195 £189 £185 £179 £175* £169* £395 £375

* Unlimited Singles

Abbey Lawn and Ocean View Hotels Front facing/seaview supplements 7 Days £13 per person. 8 Days £15 per person.

5 Days £10 per person

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk Freephone: 0800 0839086 Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk 11

Calendar Girl RUTH Madoc had just been having lunch with her five year-old granddaughter in St Albans when she broke off from encouraging her to eat pizza for a chat with Angela Kelly about the theatre and life after Gladys Pugh.

“I’m in the South for two weeks with ‘Calendar Girls’,” she explains in those familiar warm, now-muted Welsh tones.

“So I’m staying with the family here and love being out for lunch with Seren (Welsh for “star”) because this little girl and I have a real connection.”

After she graduated, Ruth – a talented singer and performer as well as an actress – spent three years with the “Black and White Minstrel Show” and various summer seasons with Lesley Crowther, Max Wall and Bruch Forsyth in the final days of provincial variety.

Ruth, now 68, has five grandchildren under the age of five (“hard work sometimes, although lovely”). Three of them live in Gibraltar and it’s plain that Ruth thoroughly enjoys being a grandma.

She became a theatrical favourite appearing in leading roles in musicals like “West Side Story and “Man of La Mancha” and appeared in both the stage and screen versions of “Under Milk Wood.”

It may be hard to see her in this role as, for many TV viewers, she remains fondly in the memory as the man-hungry Maplins’ Yellowcoat and the mere mention of her name has usually restrained people shouting out “Hi-De-Hi!”.

After her high-profile success in “Hi-DeHi!”, Ruth was in the stage version of the show which enjoyed huge success in

This wonderful portrayal in the enduringly popular BBC 1 comedy series revealed her comic talents to thousands at home. But her career, even by then, had already covered a startling variety of theatre.

Although Ruth is well known for her Welsh roots she was, in fact, born in Norwich because her parents consistently travelled around Britain. However, she spent much of her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Llansamlet in Swansea.

From the little mining village she made the unlikely but determined leap to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, guided in this by the man who became an early mentor, Sir Harry Secombe. “I was in East Yorkshire with my parents and the head of drama at school sent a tape of me to Harry Secombe’s agent with the intention of interesting Huw Weldon who used to have a BBC children’s talent programme called ‘All Your Own,’ she states.

Instead, the agent showed it to the famous singer and comedian, and he began helping the young Ruth, offering practical advice on her career.

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I N T E RV I E W Bournemouth, Blackpool and at the Victoria Palace in London.

“I never felt, though, that I was going to be typecast

by Gladys,” she says. “I’d already done so much in the theatre I knew that I would go on to do many other, different roles.”

And indeed she did. She has been in a large number of stage productions including “A Taste of Honey” and “A Murder is Announced”, and in West End musicals like “Niteclub Confidential” and “Bless the Bride.”

Ruth had great personal success with her portrayal of the indomitable Mama Rose in the musical “Gypsy”, toured Japan and the Far East as Madame Giry in “Phantom of the Opera” and was a wonderful Mrs Bardell to Harry Secombe’s “Pickwick” at the Chichester Festival Theatre, Sadlers Wells Theatre and on an extended national tour.

She was also Dorothy Brock in the hit musical “42nd Street”, Miss Hannigan in “Annie”, and Maria in “Twelfth Night” at Regent’s Park Theatre in London.

Her film appearances vary from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “The Prince and the Pauper” and “Very Annie Mary”, and she has also enjoyed an extensive radio career on programmes like “Some of these Days,” “Woman’s Hour” and “This Family Business.”

Other TV roles over the years have included guest appearances with Morecambe and Wise, Bob Monkhouse and Les Dawson. And, more recently, she was the mother of the infamous Daffyd (the only gay in the village) in the Bafta award-winning comedy series “Little Britain.”.

Ruth has appeared in more than 30 pantomimes in every major city in the UK – as everything from principal boy in “Robin Hood” and “Dick Whittington” to Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the Wicked Queen in “Snow White.”

For the past 18 months, she has been touring in “Calendar Girls” as Marie – the WI protagonist who tries to stop the nude calendar – “and I love it!” she declares with a throaty laugh.

“I think I enjoy playing not so nice people because it’s more interesting. But I really love this play and Tim Firth (the writer) is so clever. While the humour is Northern it works on so many levels and is a great piece of writing.”

Ruth will remain in the production until May, 2012, when, she says, she and her manager husband John will go to Spain to visit their grandchildren.

She states that she “won’t do theatre after I’m 75” because she doesn’t want to spend time learning lines.

“I think when you get older there is a great pressure in learning lines. I’ve seen this happen to many other people, and I don’t want that,” she insists.

“I keep my mind sharp now by doing crosswords each day and, although I’ve got lines in ‘Calendar Girls’, I still learn pieces of poetry.”

Her only career regret is that she didn’t take the “Under Milk Wood” role she was offered at the National Theatre “because I was with Harry in ‘Pickwick’ and didn’t want to let him down.”

Ruth would, though, still love to play the part of Madam Horrible in the hit musical “Wicked!” which re-imagines the Land of Oz. And that inquiring, lively mind, she suspects, will continue until her deathbed. “I think my final words will probably be ‘Eureka!,” she laughs again.

Then it’s back to life as grandma, and that perennial dilemma of how to get small children to eat their lunch.

13

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‘Fy Nghyfrifon’ mynediad ar-lein at eich…

Cyfrif y Dreth Gyngor Cyfrif Ardrethi Busnes Hawliad Budd-dal Tai Hawliad Budd-dal y Dreth Gyngor

Edrych pryd mae’ch Treth Gyngor yn ddyledus, gweld gwerth

unrhyw ostyngiadau yr ydych yn eu cael neu i wneud taliad; Darganfod pryd mae’ch taliad Budd-dal Tai nesaf yn ddyledus neu faint yr ydych wedi’i dderbyn yn barod a phryd (ar gyfer hawlwyr a landlordiaid); Ein hysbysu o unrhyw newidiadau neu i holi ynghylch eich cyfrif ar-lein.

A llawer rhagor...

Ar gyfer eich busnes neu’ch cartref pryd y mynnoch - ble bynnag y boch Mae’n hawdd ... ‘‘Fy Nghyfrifon’

Am fwy o wybodaeth ac i gofrestru ar-lein heddiw Ewch i: www.siryfflint.gov.uk/fynghyfrifon

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15

The vivid blue of cornflowers goes well with marigolds for a later summer display.

What will you grow this year?

The beginning of the gardener’s year is always a challenge. There are decisions to make. More vegetables or a new planting scheme?

Minimum maintenance or a whole new layout? And what about the lawn?

out the moss by hand, or with an electric scarifyer sometimes helps, as does spiking and incorporating sand, but if the moss persists, then you may need to get more professional advice.

Vegetables Even the smallest plot can provide a plentiful supply of salads. A newcomer on the scene includes Suttons multigreen lettuce, which has a short crown and no wastage. Sow seeds little and often at fortnightly intervals from March to July, and you’re guaranteed a regular supply, and while you’re sowing your lettuce, find a space for a succession of plantings of radishes from March to September. Sew these in a cool position, and thin early. Water well in dry weather.

The Lawn Nothing sets off a well tended garden as effectively as a lush green lawn, or detracts from the effect if it’s patchy and sparse.

Particularly at the start of the year, the lawn needs a lot of attention and unfortunately, it’s not always enough to mow regularly and feed correctly. Shaggy edges should be kept neatly clipped. Worn areas lightly forked over and re-seeded, then covered with a fine layer of compost. Creeping buttercup and field daisies may need the use of a selective weed killer. Moss is another problem, and generally means the drainage is poor. Raking

16

No salad is complete without the sharp refreshing taste of radishes

For variety in your salads, a welcome addition is spinach. Sow from March to mid April, thin early,

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and use these baby leaves in your mix.

Rocket is another easily grown plant, to add that wonderful peppery taste to a green leaf mixture, spring onions give salad rolls an extra zing, and chives are a must with scrambled eggs.

2011 was a bad year for tomatoes, so this year, take extra precautions by siting French marigolds in pots around them.

Planting basil nearby also helps, as it’s natural repellent to flies.

Soft Fruit in pots We all love soft fruit, and I’ve just discovered a new range which have a more upright habit, so gooseberries and blackcurrants can be potted up and sited on the patio. Try blackcurrant Noiroma, which is a very sweet, large fruited variety, and gooseberry Lady Sun, an almost thornless yellow variety, both available from Suttons Seeds.

The Flower Garden Dahlias are making a big comeback.

Grown as part of the general planting scheme, the canny gardener knows that when perennials such as delphiniums and lupins are past their best, dahlias will be coming into their own, continuing to flower at full pitch until the first frost. The tall varieties can provide dramatic accents of colour at the back of the flower beds, and the smaller varieties add interest throughout the garden, and provide plenty of cut flowers for the house. Taller dahlias need to be staked, so position these before planting the tubers, to avoid any accidental damage. I’ve found that although the large flowered pompom

varieties look sensational, in a wet summer the flower heads retain too much rain and become too heavy for the stems, which bend under the weight. I generally go for the single flowering varieties, which also look more at home in a mixed herbaceous planting.

Dahlias grow in almost any location, and on any soil, although, for best results, good drainage is essential. They can be obtained in almost any colour and any height, as singles, doubles, cactus or dwarf, and at the end of the year, the tubers can be lifted and stored for next year so they’re very economical to grow.

And finally, don’t forget the pleasure of growing flowers from seed. As soon as the soil has warmed up, rake over odd bare patches and scatter a mixture of marigolds and cornflowers.

Surround the sown area with a drizzle of sand, to remind yourself of where they were planted, and be rewarded with a wonderful splash of colour later in the summer. This works in pots as well. Love in the Mist seeds scattered amongst the geraniums, candytuft in troughs, and nasturtiums amongst the tomatoes. All you need is a packet of seeds and a little imagination, and sometimes, the results are spectacular.

Gardening can be hard work, but consider the rewards. All those seeds producing food to eat, and beauty to enjoy. Is there anything that comes close?

Happy gardening.

✁

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

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

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   

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                

Edrychwch ar y ddwy enghraifft o pobol, dros 60 oed, sydd wedi cael ceisiadau llwyddiannus am Fudd-dal y Treth Cyngor: Have a look at these two examples of people, over the age of 60, who have had successful applications for Council Tax Benefit: Mae Mr Davies yn 78 oed ac yn byw ar ei ben ei hun. Mae’n talu cyfanswm o £21.00 yr wythnos mewn Treth Cyngor. Cysylltodd Mr Davies â’r Cyngor i weld a oedd yna unrhyw help ar gael iddo fo. Hysbysodd Mr Davies y Cyngor o fanylion ei incwm a’i gyfalaf fel a ganlyn: Pensiwn Ymddeol y Wladwriaeth - £114.00 yr wythnos Pensiwn Galwedigaethol £60.00 yr wythnos Cyfanswm cynilion o £15,000.00 Roedd gan Mr Davies hawl i ad-daliad o £14.83 yr wythnos. Mae hyn yn £771.16 y flwyddyn.

Mr Davies: “Mae’n ffantastig, feddyliais i ddim am y byddwn i’n gymwys i gael dim…”

Mae Mr a Mrs Evans sy’n 75 a 70 oed yn talu cyfanswm o £29.00 yr wythnos mewn Treth Cyngor. Ar ôl sylwi ar hysbyseb yn y papur lleol, penderfynodd Mrs. Evans hefyd i gysylltu â’r Cyngor i weld a oedden nhw’n gymwys i gael ad-daliad Treth Cyngor. Hysbysodd Mrs Evans y Cyngor o’u hincwm a’u Cyfalaf fel a ganlyn: Pensiwn Ymddeol y Wladwriaeth - £222.00 yr wythnos Pensiwn Ymddeol y Wladwriaeth - £58.50 yr wythnos Pensiwn Galwedigaethol £54.00 yr wythnos Cyfanswm cynilion £14,205.00 Roedd Mr a Mrs Evans â hawl i ad-daliad o £6.20 yr wythnos. Mae hyn yn £322.40 y flwyddyn.

Mrs Evans: “Rwy’n hapus iawn bod fy nhaliadau misol wedi lleihau…”

Mr Davies is 78 years old and lives on his own. He is required to pay a total of £21.00 per week Council Tax. Mr Davies contacted the Council to see if there was any help available to him. Mr Davies advised the Council of his income and capital details as follows: State Retirement Pension - £114.00 per week Occupational Pension £60.00 per week Total savings of £15,000.00 Mr Davies was entitled to a rebate of £14.83 per week. This is £771.16 per year.

Mr Davies: “It’s fantastic, I didn’t think for one minute that I would be eligible for anything…”

Mr and Mrs Evans who are aged 75 and 70 are required to pay a total of £29.00 per week Council Tax. After noticing an advert in their local paper, Mrs Evans decided to contact the Council to see if they might be eligible for a Council Tax rebate. Mrs Evans informed the Council of their income as follows: State Retirement Pension State Retirement Pension Occupational Pension Total savings of -

£222.00 per week £58.50 per week £54.00 per week £14,205.00

Mr and Mrs Evans were entitled to a rebate of £6.20 per week. This is £322.40 per year.

Mrs Evans: “I’m very happy that my monthly payments have reduced…”

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21

W H A T

I S

A N

INTERIOR DESIGNER?

By Sheila Alcock

Sometimes, it’s a raw new house which needs a designer touch. Or a beautiful old home which needs interior remodelling and modernising. Sometimes, a change of lifestyle has created the need for a new look for your home, or maybe your home is looking tired and old fashioned and could do with a serious update. But you have a busy lifestyle, and very little time. The thought of sourcing builders, plumbers and decorators is overwhelming.

So where do you start? Simple. Bring in an expert. Bring in an Interior Designer/Project Manager who can lead you through the intricacies of finding reliable tradesmen, and leave you free to consider ways in which your home can reflect your personality and lifestyle.Â

22

Not Just About Cushions and Curtains The title Interior Designer can be misleading, and in fact, anyone can give themselves the title of Interior Designer by taking a six week study course on how to build a samples board. This does not cover the skills acquired from undergoing a degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. Louise Putman BA (Hons), MCSD, is a graduate from Middlesex University, having completed a four year degree course in Interior Design and Furniture. This covers the full design process from concept to completion, and she also provides project management, which includes liaison with electricians, builders, furniture manufacturers/ suppliers, fabric and lighting. This is followed by costings, quote comparisons, a programme detailing time scales and completion dates. After graduating, Louise worked on a number of large corporate Headquarters and hospitality projects, including hospitality areas for All England Lawn Tennis and

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HOME

MY WORK BEGINS WITH THE CREATION OF A MOOD BOARD, WHICH SHOWS A VARIETY OF INTERIORS OF DIFFERENT STYLES AND COLOUR SCHEMES. THIS IS ACCOMPANIED BY SAMPLES BOARDS SHOWING FABRIC SWATCHES, WALLPAPER SAMPLES,

oards

eb Mood and sampl Croquet Club at Wimbledon, and Executive areas at the London Headquarters of Royal Bank of Scotland.

In 2009 Louise set up her own design consultancy, Recreate Interiors.

Eureka Moment “My first priority is to understand my client’s taste and vision for the style they want to achieve. Recently, I had a client who wasn’t sure of the sort of interior she wanted,” Louise told me. “The Eureka moment arrived when she studied my mood boards, beamed, and said, “ I didn’t know what I wanted, until you showed me.” That was the moment when I could really focus on the work in hand, and establish rough guidelines on general style, budget and timescale.

CARPETS, FINISHES AND OPTIONS.

We’ve all heard horror stories of missed completion dates, shoddy workmanship and nerves at screaming point over incorrect fittings and soaring costs. A qualified Interior Designer will ensure this never happens. From the update of a single room, to the remodelling of a complete house, an Interior Designer will take the drudgery out of your project, inject flair and creativity to produce the wow factor you’re looking for, and ensure that it’s completed on time, on budget, and exactly how you imagined it.

My work begins with the creation of a mood board, which shows a variety of interiors of different styles and colour schemes. This is accompanied by samples boards showing fabric swatches, wallpaper samples, carpets, finishes and options. These are discussed, the client makes a choice and at that point, I can set up a detailed summary of costings for each room to be treated by providing a detailed schedule of works to obtain ‘like for like’ quotes from tradesmen, followed by a cost plan including furniture, window treatments, finishes, fixtures and fittings, and my designer’s fees.”

“So there’s a lot more to interior design than sourcing fabrics and carpets,” I said. Louise smiled.

“We’re the ones who plod across the site with the builders. We produce detailed space plans to indicate now the space can be better utilised. We’re the ones to sort any problems with decorators and plumbers or the electricians. We discuss their problems and resolve them quickly, so that everyone knows exactly where they are, and completion dates are as stipulated.” www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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We are furniture and carpet/ Karndean specialists, situated in Chirk drawing customers from Oswestry, Wrexham, Llangollen, Shrewsbury, Chester the Wirral and beyond.

Dining & Occasional furniture, mirrors, pictures & lamps

Classic & Contemporary Suites

Large Selection of bedroom furniture, beds & new nursery department

Fully fitted carpet, vinyl & Karndean flooring

VAT FREE Traditional Sofas & fireside chairs

SHANNON SALES

Lift/Rise Recliners

Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5NA | Tel. 01691 773257 | www.shannonsales.co.uk 24 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk OPEN MON - SAT

CREATE THE PERFECT HOME With Shannon Sales If you are finding your old sofa or chair has seen better days, you’ll be amazed at our choice of new ones. Again whether your prefer to laze on a large soft sofa or require a bit more support from your chair, we have everything you might need, three seaters, two seaters, sofa beds, chairs, recliners, swivel chairs and a large selection of electric lift/rise recliners, we will even bring a couple of lift/rise reclining chairs out to your home for you to try if you are unable to visit the shop.

If you’ve never been to Shannon Sales, it’s well worth a visit. We are an established, over 40 years, furniture and carpet store, situated in the pretty village of Chirk (winners of Wales in bloom 2011) The showroom is delightful to walk around, being set as it is in a Victorian school, the building itself is grade ll listed, designed

by A.W. Pugin and built in the mid 1800’s.

If it’s your bedroom that needs a makeover, we sell a selection of beds to fit all price brackets, and Debbie and Cindy are on hand to advise you on your choice of bed, it is an important choice - you spend, on average a third of your life in bed! Also how long have you had your bed? Most bed manufacturers recommend changing your bed every 10 years. We have at least a dozen bedroom furniture displays in store and if you require Fred, Mark or Colin can come out and measure up to make sure you maximise your space. Any assembling required is also free of charge.

The business was started in 1970 by a local couple, Sonny and Ann Jones and is now run by their daughter Debbie, assisted by a very helpful and capable team of staff. Debbie and Cindy are on hand to give you any help you require with making your purchases.

We are happy to lend out both fabric and carpet samples so you can make your choice in your own home. We also happily lend out mirrors, pictures, lamps, coffee tables, nests, even small chests of drawers so you can see them in situ and thus reducing the chances of buying a white elephant!

Enough about our lovely female staff, what about the men!!? Fred, Mark and Colin have a combined experience with the company of at least 40 years, nothing is too much trouble for them.

When fitting your carpet, they will empty your room, take your old carpet up and dispose of it, trim any doors that need trimming, and then replace your furniture back on to your brand new carpet. One thing to remember though is they’ll never say no to a cup of tea!

When ordering a sofa or bedroom furniture, our lads are on hand to come out and check it will go in, again avoiding an expensive mistake. These days a lot of furniture on sale needs self assembly of some degree, but no need to rush for the screwdriver because our prices include any assembly required, so you can sit back and look forward to your new purchase, hassle free.

Enough about our wonderful service, what about the goods we sell. We

Whether you have a separate dining room or just a kitchen we stock tables and chairs to fit, and if you haven’t got space for a dining set we even sell a supper table. have an extensive range of carpets on sale from hardwearing, stain resistant berbers to the best quality axminsters and wiltons, many at special promotional prices. We also have several different underlays and will advise you on which is best to use on your floor. If you want to avoid carpet we also stock a vast range of vinyl flooring which is especially suitable for both kitchens and bathrooms, and comes in small widths, thus minimising any waste. If your budget will stretch a little further, we are also recommended Karndean stockists. Karndean is a vinyl product, which is not only cleaner, warmer and quieter but is a realistic copy of either wood boards or natural stone tiles. It can even be designed by yourself, thus making your new floor totally unique to you!

What about an attractive display cabinet to hold all those precious family mementoes and photographs, we have a substantial selection of woods and wood effects to choose from, ranging from light oak, teak, cherry, mahogany and dark oak.

And to finish the new look we also sell lamps, mirrors, pictures, rugs, coffee tables, and nests of tables, bookcases and pouffes.

Last but not least we have recently opened a nursery department, selling cots, chests of drawers, children’s robes, children’s beds, and beautiful bedding.

So as you can see we have everything you’ll need to create the perfect home, and remember our delivery is free within a 40-mile radius.

Aquarius Wet Room

the ultimate answer to bathing difficulties exclusively available from Bathing Solutions Glass side panel secured to wall

No shower tray to step over – floor is same level throughout the room

Mosaic tiled floor with fast drain; choice of colours

Open, easy-access entry; no doors

For a free copy of our 28 page brochure call free on

Say goodbye to bathtime struggles when you completely replace your existing bathroom with the Aquarius Wet Room.

By waterproofing and then tiling the entire floor, it means there’s no tray to step over and no door to open or close; it’s the ultimate in easy-access, safe showering.

Complete the totally new look by choosing sanitary ware from our superb range and make bathing difficulty a thing of the past with the Aquarius Wet Room.

www.safebathing.co.uk

Optional fold up seat for added comfort

Completely replaces all your existing bathroom fixtures and fittings

Choice of colours for wall panels & floor tiles

0800 783 1912

Please send me a brochure on your range of easy-access showers and walk-in baths.

PLEASE quotE oFFER REFEREncE RMWR91

RMWR91

Name Tel No. Address Postcode Bathing Solutions and other group companies may send you information and offers in the future.

Please tick box if you do not wish to receive information from us or third parties in the future.

Post coupon to: Bathing Solutions, FREEPOST SWC3136, Ledbury, HR8 2ZZ

Are you 55+ Looking for housing in North Wales?

Immediate Vacancies The Old Palace, High Street, St Asaph, Denbighshire, LL17 0RQ The Old Palace offers warm and friendly retirement housing set in a beautiful grade listed building surrounded by mature grounds.

Located just off the A55 in St Asaph, the scheme benefits from having local amenities within a 5 minute walk; plus a regular bus service runs from the end of the drive.

Each self contained property has its own kitchen with cooker and fridge, bathroom and front door; plus access to a 24 hour emergency call system and a manager on site during the week.

With a relaxed and sociable atmosphere you are free to enjoy the companionship of others and join a variety of events and activities; for those quieter times you have the privacy of your own home and the beautiful gardens.

For more information please call:

26

“My main reason for moving into a “Johnnie” Johnson Housing Trust retirement property was security.

Having my own front door enables me to come and go as I please and gives me independence. If I am ill there is the call system and I never feel I am on my own. It’s the best thing I ever did!”

Joan Bramwell, JJHT tenant.

0845 604 1095 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Rick Stein's Mediterranean Escapes Recipes Rick Stein’s passion for fresh well-sourced food has taken him from continent to continent, across magnificent shorelines and to the very best produce the coast has to offer. Rick remarks “My greatest enthusiasm in life has been finding dishes that change my perception of cooking, that reveal a whole new vista of flavour combination.

I think we all enjoy that. I’m just someone with an enthusiasm for food and a curiosity that’s sent me sniffing around all over the place looking for lovely dishes in all corners of the globe” Taken from his book ‘Mediterranean Escapes’ (BBC Books, £20) here are two of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours of the Med.

SERVES 4 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1/4 teaspoon crushed dried chillies 1 mild green chilli, stalk removed and thinly sliced 225g fresh porcini mushrooms, cleaned and thickly sliced 2 large, ripe vine tomatoes, skinned, seeded and sliced 400 g dried spaghetti 1 kg small clams, such as carpet-shell, washed 60 ml dry white wine A large handful flat-leaf parsley, leaves finely chopped Salt

Vittorio’s Pasta with Clams and Porcini Bring 4.5 litres water to the boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoon salt.

Meanwhile, put the oil and garlic into a deep sauté or frying pan and place it over a medium heat. As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle round the edges, add the crushed chillies, green chilli and sliced porcini and cook briskly for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute or two. Set to one side and keep hot.

Add the pasta to the pan of boiling water and cook for 9 minutes or until al dente. Heat another large pan over a high heat. Add the clams and the wine, cover and cook over a high heat for 2-3 minutes until they have all just opened. (Discard any that stay closed.) Tip them into a colander set over a bowl to collect the clam juices.

Add all but the last tablespoon or two of the clam cooking liquor (which might be gritty) to the porcini sauce, return to the heat and simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half to a well-flavoured sauce.

Drain the pasta and return to the pan with the cooked clams, the porcini sauce and parsley and toss together well. Serve immediately. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Pastitsio: Beef and Macaroni Pie with Cinnamon, Red Wine and Kefalotiri Cheese SERVES 8-10 500 g tubular pasta, such as rigatoni, tubetti or tortiglioni 2 eggs, lightly beaten 50 g finely grated Greek kefalotiri cheese or parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons melted butter 10 g fresh white breadcrumbs For the white sauce 115 g butter 115 g plain flour 1.2 litres full-cream milk, plus a little extra 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg For the meat sauce 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, finely chopped 1kg lean minced beef 200 ml red wine 400-g can chopped tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato purĂŠe 10-cm piece cinnamon stick 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible 2 tablespoons fresh copped oregano 3 fresh bay leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the meat sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pan, add the onion, garlic and celery and fry until just beginning to brown. Add the minced beef and fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any lumps with the wooden spoon as it browns. Add the red wine, tomatoes, tomato purĂŠe, cinnamon stick, ground cloves, dried cloves, dried and fresh oregano, bay leaves, 100ml water, 11/2 teaspoons salt and some black pepper, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce has thickened but is still nicely moist.

Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.

Bring 4.5 litres water to boil in a large saucepan with 8 teaspoons salt.

Add the pasta and cook until a al dente - about 13 mins, but take care not to overcook as it will cook a little further in the oven. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl and leave to cool slightly.

For the white sauce, melt the butter in a medium-sized non-stick saucepan, add the flour and cook, stirring, over a medium heat, for 1 minute. Gradually beat in the milk, then bring to the boil, stirring, lower the heat and leave to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season with the nutmeg and some salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the over to 1800C/Gas Mark 4. Stir 250ml (about one-fifth) of the white sauce into the warm pasta with the beaten eggs and half the grated cheese. Keep the remaining sauce warm over a low heat, stirring now and then and adding more milk if it begins to get a little thick.

Use the melted butter to grease a large, shallow ovenproof dish that measures about 23 x 33 cm across and 7cm deep. Spread one-third of the pasta over the base of the dish and cover with half the meat sauce. Add another third of the pasta and then the rest of the meat sauce, then cover with a final layer of pasta. Spoon over the remaining white sauce. Mix the remaining grated cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the top. Bake for 40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

Need a New Hip or Knee?

A return to mobility ...

IF there’s one thing that has helped keep us fit and on our feet in the last 50 years it’s the increase in the technology and availability of hip and knee replacements.

Hip replacements began to be performed commonly in the 1960s, with knee and ankle replacements since the 1970s. In England and Wales each year, around 160,000 of us are able to enjoy a new lease of life and mobility thanks to our new hip and knee joints and, if you’ll forgive the pun, ankles are quickly catching up.

For many people, hip or knee surgery not only signals a return to mobility but usually leaves behind grinding daily pain.

If hip pain is so severe it interferes with quality of life including sleep, medication is not working and everyday tasks are difficult, it might well be the right time for a hip replacement. Most adults having them are over 65, and women tend to need them more than men.

The most common reasons for hip replacement are: osteoarthritis (when the connecting tissue between the joint is damaged, causing the bones to rub together painfully), rheumatoid arthritis (when the immune system attacks the

lining of the joint resulting in pain and stiffness), septic arthritis (when the joint becomes infected), Paget’s disease (affecting bone growth), bone tumours and other joint injuries.

raised toilet seat (the latter two can be loaned by your occupational therapist).

Equipment to help you get dressed safely and without bending too much is also available.

Osteoporosis can sometimes cause hip joint fractures which need a replacement, as can late developmental dysplasia (which prevents the ball and socket hip joint from developing properly).

Before your surgery, you’ll visit the hospital’s Pre-operative Assessment Clinic to ensure you’re fit for surgery and that you understand the nature of the operation. There will be medical checks like blood and urine tests and you’ll be screened for MRSA as well as possibly having further x-rays.

Always speak to your GP about hip problems because they will know your history and examine you, and may want to have an x-ray to confirm their diagnosis. Your overall health is important before any major surgery, so your GP will want you to be as fit as possible beforehand.

Breathing exercises will help to prevent chest complications, foot and ankle exercises maintain circulation and leg exercises aid maintenance of muscle strength. Before surgery, a physiotherapist will also discuss your rehabilitation programme and how to use walking aids like crutches and sticks.

After surgery, you’ll need some help at home for up to six weeks and you won’t be allowed to bend down to your feet so you’ll need some assistance with washing. You’ll also need help with the shopping for a while.

You’ll need a suitable armchair to sit in, a high stool for use in the kitchen and a

This is also an opportunity to discuss your surgery and what happens afterwards and talk about the aids you’ll need to help recovery. At some stage, your written consent for the surgery will also be taken.

Patients are usually admitted either on the day of surgery or the day before. Your leg will be prepared for surgery with the correct side marked, and you’ll be seen by the anesthetist who will discuss the different types of anaesthesia.

The most common are: a general anaesthetic when you are unconscious, a spinal anaesthetic where you go numb from the waist downwards, or an epidural anaesthetic which reduces all feeling in the lower body.

The surgery replaces both the natural socket and the rounded ball at the top of the thigh bone with artificial parts. The surgeon will remove the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) and the natural socket for the head of the femur is hollowed out.

A plastic or ceramic socket is fitted into the hollow in the pelvis and a short, angled metal shaft with a smooth ball on its upper end is placed in to the hollow of the thigh bone. The plastic cup and the artificial bone head may be pressed into place or fixed with acrylic cement.

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to replacement and involves replacing the diseased or damaged surfaces in the

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

H E A LT H joint with metal parts. It involves less bone being removed, so less implant is needed.

Most candidates are over 65, and just over half are women.

On the day of the hip operation, you’ll be given a pair of surgical stockings to be worn day and night, to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. You return to the ward, or recovery room, lying on your back probably with a triangular pillow between your legs to keep your legs apart and protect the new joint.

The process is very like hip surgery - starting with your GP and his assessment of you, and continuing through x-rays, the Preoperative Assessment Clinic, admission to the hospital and anaesthesia.

For both hip and knee replacement surgery, you may have a catheter inserted into your bladder to help drain urine You will possibly have an intravenous line in your arm, and probably be given oxygen – all of which are normal for major operations like these. Some Surgeons use wound drains but not always.

You may be started on an anticoagulant; some consultants use mechanical devices called calf compressors which wrap around the legs and blow up with air intermittently to encourage blood circulation in the leg.

Expect to begin mobilising on the day of surgery or the next day once the wound drains have been removed. The physiotherapist will help with mobility and teach you how to get in and out of bed correctly to prevent any damage to your new hip.

You’ll be prescribed medication to control the pain and it’s important to take it regularly initially as progress is better if your pain is under control.

As your confidence and leg control improve, you’ll progress to walking with crutches or sticks – all with physio help – and probably be in hospital three to five days. You may need to use your walking aids for up to six weeks but this varies from person to person.

Hip replacements may last 20 to 30 years, sometimes longer.

A damaged, worn or diseased knee – arthritis is again the chief culprit - is an ideal candidate for knee replacement surgery. There are two major types of surgery involved – total knee replacement and partial knee replacement depending on the amount of damage.

And, as for hip surgery, candidates need to be well enough for both a major operation and rehabilitation afterwards.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Surgery involves removing the worn ends of the bones in your knee joint and replacing them with metal and plastic parts. In total knee replacement, both sides of the knee joint are replaced in a procedure lasting one to two hours.

You’ll begin moving about either the same day or the next day, once the wound drains have been removed, and the physio will help with mobility. Like hip surgery, you’ll be discharged once you are able to get up and down the stairs safely and have regular physio afterwards.

With proper care, the replacement knee can last over to 20 years.

Unlike hip or knee arthritis, most ankle arthritis is post traumatic.

The commonest causes for ankle replacement is following severe ankle fractures or recurrent severe ankle sprains.

The worn out joint surfaces of the ankle are replaced with shaped metal and plastic components to allow continued movement of the ankle.

There are several different types of ankle replacement available.

Awaiting Orthopaedic Treatment?

Are you suffering from joint pain, fed up with being on a waiting list or concerned about the standards of care and cleanliness in hospital? Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital in Chester has an orthopaedic service which features a team of specialist Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, highly trained nursing staff, experienced physiotherapists and consultant radiologists.

consultant believes MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), X-ray or ultrasound would be most appropriate to support your diagnosis; you will be able to take advantage of highly sophisticated technology within a comprehensive hospital setting.

Treatment at Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Chester is available to all, whether you have private medical Insurance or are looking to self pay for your treatment.

The hospital offers all of our patients: • • • • • • •

Flexibility of appointment times and priority referral to treatment Choice of Consultant Consultant-led clinics Diagnostic Imaging Refurbished Physiotherapy and fitness facilities Excellent Nursing Care Safe and clean surroundings and low infection rates

If you have any questions or would like to enquire about any of our services please call our Customer Services Advisor on 01244 684305 or e -mail chester.enquiries@ nuffieldhealth.com www.nuffieldhealth.com Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital, Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 7QP.

The hospital can provide rapid access to diagnostic imaging, so whether your 31

Why wait? Rapid access to Orthopaedic Surgery.

You don’t need to stay in pain. Ask your GP to refer you to one of our Consultants in Hip & Knee Surgery at your local Nuffield Health The Grosvenor Hospital in Chester.

In most cases we will be able to arrange an appointment within 2 weeks and if surgery is required this will usually be within 2 weeks.

• Mr R Banim • Mr V Bobic (Knee Surgeon only) • Mr M Chawda

• Mr A Phillipson • Mr J Rao

• Mr R Thonse • Mr JP Whittaker

Don’t just go private, go personal.

We welcome insured and self pay patients. Finance options are available.* For more information on orthopaedic surgery, call Nuffield Health Chester Hospital on 01244 684343.

* 0% APR typical. There will be a £55 admin charge. All loans are subject to status. Exclusions apply.

Nuffield Health © 2012.

We have a range of expert Physiotherapy Services to meet your specific needs.

Standard Services: Joint pains l Muscle strains l Ligament sprains l Joint replacements l Back pain l Neck pain l Acute and chronic sports injury management l Post operative orthopaedic rehabilitation l

Specialist Services: Women’s & Men’s Health Services l Vestibular rehabilitation (dizziness) l Acupuncture for pain relief l Jaw & Facial Pain service l Pilates: APPI registered Pilates instructors l Back Class rehabilitation l

Clinic’s open Monday-Friday 8.00am-7.30pm & Saturday 9.00am-12pm Should you require any further information or wish to book an appointment, please contact the department and we will be happy to assist.

01244 684314. !

10% Discount on Physiotherapy* 10% Discount on self pay physiotherapy treatments.

(Voucher valid March 2012 - July 2012).

*Voucher needs to be produced at initial appointment.

Terms & Conditions apply. Nuffield Health © 2012

HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT

ARE YOU MISSING OUT? You could be paying less Rent and Council Tax!

ISN’T IT TIME YOU FOUND OUT! If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to Benefit even if you are working or own your home.

▼

THE BENEFITS SECTION, COUNTY HALL, MOLD CH7 6NA

▼ ▼

For further information/advice or an application form please contact:

Tel: 01352 704848 OR visit our website www.flintshire.gov.uk/benefits for all information on Benefits including a Benefits calculator, to see if you qualify, and an on-line Housing and Council Tax Benefits claim form.

CLAIM IF IN DOUBT, DONʼT GO WITHOUT!

BUDD-DAL TAI A BUDD-DALY DRETH GYNGOR

EFALLAI EICH BOD YN GYMWYS I’W HAWLIO! Efallai y gallech fod yn talu llai o rent a threth Gyngor!

BETH AM YMCHWILIO I’R MATER? Os ydych ar incwm isel maeʼn bosibl fod gennych hawl i hawlio budd-dal hyd yn oed os ydych yn gweithio neuʼn berchen ar eich cartref eich hun.

▼ ▼

▼

Am fwy o wybodaeth neu gyngor neu i gael ffurflen gais, cysylltwch â: IS-ADRAN BUDD-DALIADAU NEUADD Y SIR, YR WYDDGRUG CH7 6NA Ffoniwch: 01352 704848 NEU edrychwch ar ein gwefan www.siryfflint.gov.uk/ budd-daliadau am unrhyw wybodaeth am fudd-daliadau gan gynnwys cyfrifiannell iʼch helpu i weld a ydych yn gymwys, a ffurflen i hawlio budd-daliadau tai a’r dreth gyngor ar-lein.

PEIDIWCH Â LOETRAN, HAWLIWCH EICH ARIAN

CAR E

The Dilnot Report - The Most Ambitious Report into Long Term Care since 1999 Andrew Dilnot’s report takes the view that the existing funding system for long term care is confusing, unfair, and unsustainable. His proposals for change would cost an initial £1.7bn a year, but he claims this is a price well worth paying.

At present, anyone with savings and assets of more than £23,250 has no help from the state for care costs.

The Dilnot report recommends that this limit should rise to £100,000.

No individual should have to pay more that £35,000 towards their care costs, regardless of savings, although they would still be liable for costs of accommodation and food in a care home, but this would be capped at £10,000 a year. If these proposals were implemented, no individual would have to spend more than 30% of their assets on care.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has described this report as an “immensely valuable contribution” but the government would need to consider this against other funding priorities. Ministers considered the plans ambitious and costly, but were impressed with proposals for a simplified means testing system, better national standards, and the cap, which could enable a viable private insurance market to work.

Government response will be published next spring, and proposals for the reform of adult social care will be published in a white paper.

So we wait, and hope, that government acts promptly on this report. Twenty three leading

charity organisations issued a joint statement, in which they urged that the government “sets out a clear timetable for change and does so quickly.”

At present, we cannot insure against future care costs, for the simple reason that we have no idea how much we may need. Once the cap on costs is implemented, insurance companies can become involved, or savings can be considered, so that the worry over where money will come from for long term care can be alleviated.

In the meantime, the rules for long term care are complex and confusing.

Various factors, such as restrictions on mobility, behaviour changes brought on by the illness, and speed of deterioration, all count in the assessment process, and a patient may not automatically qualify for NHS funding. Over the past ten years there have been many cases where people have been forced to sell their homes to pay healthcare fees, and in some cases, later discovered they were entitled to state support. At present, levels of care and criteria vary from borough to borough and Age UK says that councils are rationing services. The outlook for the elderly looks bleak. We’ve all been appalled over cases where vulnerable older people have been neglected and mistreated, and hopefully, the Dilnot report will help to ensure that this can never happen again However, this will take time. In the meantime, how can elderly people, and their families, ensure that they’re given dedicated care and kindness in their most vulnerable years.

1. It is essential that the correct level of funding is established.

Relatives of the elderly should make sure that they

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are aware of the rules, and that these are correctly interpreted when funding for care is established.

2. Funding can be provided through the Direct Payment Scheme, allowing the individual to make his/her own arrangements for care. Use this tailored to your own requirements. In order to qualify for this, the amount of care you need is assessed, and for more information on this you can obtain a leaflet: Guide to Direct Payments From Local Council, free from the Department of Health. Tel: 0870 1555455. A fact sheet has also been produced – Paying for Care and Support at Home by Age UK. 3. Be realistic. The number of people over 85 has risen by two thirds since 2004, but local authority budgets for social care are being cut. It is becoming more and more apparent that help in an individual’s later years is, in part, down to their own efforts in preparation and funding. Good sources for information on this is Age UK. 4. Check out private care agencies.

If you need help in the home, but are still mobile, this is the perfect stage in your life to establish a relationship with a care agency. Using your Direct Funding, you can assess if this particular agency is efficient, caring and responsible. You can also assess the capability of the agency to provide more long term care, should that become necessary. A reputable Care Agency will have your best interests at heart. You can build up your trust in your Carers, and relax.

You’ve worked hard all your life, and need to be sure that your later life will be happy and free from worry. A little forward planning now, can help to ensure that this is the way it will be. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Support for Family Carers when and where it is needed

We understand there are many reasons why people require extra help at various times in their lives. Through our Care at home, Training and Care Home teams we can provide flexible, tailored care to support family carers.

From Short Visits to 24 hour Care at Home • Personal care and medication management • Domestic help and companionship • Medical appointments and trips out • Dementia and mental health specialists

Free Training for Family Carers • Wide range of topics including personal care, dementia and challenging behaviour

Flexible Day, Respite and Rehabilitation Care • Friendly highly trained staff • Music, art and laughter therapies and many well-being activities • Beautiful en-suite rooms and many lounges • Extensive, safe landscaped gardens

New residential and nursing dementia care rooms available To discuss how we might be able to support you now or in the future.

Please call 01978 720242, visit www.pendinepark.com or just call in.

Hillbury Road, Wrexham LL13 7ET Summerhill Road, Wrexham LL11 4YE

The Right Care, at the Right Time, in the Right Place

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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Caldecott & Sons INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Established 1872

Established in Wrexham 140 years ago, Caldecott & Sons is owned and run by the fifth generation of the family. We provide a professional and dignified service to all areas. We are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors and strictly follow their Code of Practice to assure you that we provide the very highest standard of service and facilities, together with the personal care and attention to detail that only an independent family company can deliver.

'We care that we get it right for your family on every occasion' We offer advice and support and are committed to arranging a funeral that meets your particular needs, whether it be traditional or contemporary.

Our staff are empathic and here to listen and will look to help relieve some of the stress and anxieties that can be experienced during the difficult time of bereavement.

You can be assured that your call will be answered by a member of our staff 24 hours a day, every day.

TELEPHONE: (01978) 261764

12 PENYBRYN, WREXHAM LL13 7HY email: admin@caldecottandsons.co.uk www.caldecottandsons.co.uk

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www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Caldecott & Sons

Independent Funeral Directors

recommends

Peace of mind from your local independent funeral director A pre-arranged funeral plan is the ideal way to remove the emotional and financial worry and anxiety for loved ones: • Choice of funeral plans with flexible payment options to suit your needs • Guaranteed acceptance and no upper age limit • Exceptional financial security • Fix your funeral director’s costs at the outset* • Expert help and advice from our experienced staff

For more information please contact: Caldecott & Sons Independent Funeral Directors, 12, Penybryn, Wrexham, LL13 7HY

Telephone: (01978) 261764 Email: admin@caldecottandsons.co.uk

* Terms and conditions apply. Perfect Choice Funeral Plans are managed and operated by NAFD Services Limited.

Registered office: 618 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1AA. Company number 02644860.

£100 OFF This voucher entitles the bearer to £100 off one Perfect Choice Funeral Plan when purchased through Caldecott & Sons.

REF: OV2012 - Valid until 31st July 2012

Dental Implants The Chester Dental Implant Centre In the heart of the city of Chester has been established since 1993 as a centre for all aspects of dental Implant treatment. Many Dentists refer their patients to us for Implant treatment.

Our fully trained team provide friendly advice, help and support to patients from the point of Initial contact right thorough to treatment and aftercare.

We aim not only to provide the treatment necessary to address patients' needs but also to give that personal Individual care and attention people deserve.

Why Chester Dental Implant Centre?

• • • • •

Anything from a single tooth to a full set of teeth All forms of dental implant dentistry Established 1993 Friendly, personal service Relaxing & comfortable surroundings

Are your dentures comfortable? Why not consider fixed titanium implants

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL VAL ON:

01244 340177 www.greatteeth.co.uk

12 White Friars, Chester CH1 1NZ