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WREXHAM & NORTH WALES JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2013 EDITION 34

The world according

to Joan Hairy Bikers

Delicious Summer dishes

Suggs hits 50!

What you need to know about Care Home Fees www.50plusmagazine.co.uk THE LOCAL MAGAZINE

FOR THE OVER 50s

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Affordable peace of mind ..... Holidays

ROBINSONS OWN HOTELS 2013 l

All tours include half board accommodation with 2 excursions l Local Joining Points l Complimentary Insurance The Abbey Lawn Hotel, Torquay AA3H Stylish hotel located in the grounds of the former Torre Abbey. Facilities at the Abbey Lawn Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool/Outdoor Pool, Lounge, Large Conservatory, Sea View Rooms available*, Lift, Porterage. The Imperial Hotel, Eastbourne, Robinsons 3H An impressive Victorian building set amidst a beautiful tree lined boulevard. Facilities at the Imperial Hotel include: Two Residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bars, Ballroom, TV & Complimentary Tea & Coffee in all Bedrooms, 2 x Lifts, Porterage. The Ocean View Hotel, Shanklin, Robinsons 3H An elegant hotel commanding magnificent views across Sandown Bay, Golden Beaches and a quaint collection of shops. Facilities at the Ocean View Hotel include: Indoor Heated Pool, Indoor Bowling Green, Table Tennis, Snooker Room, Sea View Rooms available* Lift, Porterage.

FREEPHONE 0800 083 9900

BOOK ONLINE www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

2013

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

15 June

16 June

8 DAYS

9 DAYS

£399 £439

2013

5 DAYS 7 DAYS

9 DAYS

07 Sept

- £369 £399 -

08 Sept

- £369 £399 -

22 June

14 Sept

23 June

- £369 £399 -

15 Sept

- £369 £399 -

29 June

21 Sept

30 June

- £369 £399 -

22 Sept

- £369 £399 -

06 July

28 Sept

07 July

- £369 £399 -

29 Sept

13 July

05 Oct

14 July

- £369 £399 -

06 Oct

- £289 £339 -

20 July

13 Oct

£215 £269

21 July

- £369 £399 -

20 Oct

£209 £255

27 July

27 Oct

£205 £245

28 July

- £369 £399 -

03 Nov

£219 £249

03 August

10 Nov

£215 £245

04 August

- £369 £399 -

17 Nov

£209 £239

10 August

24 Nov

£205 £235

11 August

- £369 £399 -

01 Dec

£199 £229

17 August

08 Dec

£195 £225

18 August

- £369 £399 -

15 Dec

£189 £219

24 August

23 Dec

£399 -

25 August

- £369 £399 -

29 Dec

£389 -

31 August

Turkey & Tinsel

01 Sept

- £369 £399 -

£399 £439

8 DAYS

- - -

£399 £439 £399 £439 £399 £439 £399 £439

£369 £399 -

£339 £359

Supplements per person: Abbey Lawn Hotel: Front View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 9 days £17, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 & 9 days £50, 5 days £30. Ocean View Hotel: Sea View 7 days £13, 8 days £15, 9 days £17, 5 days £10 Premier Room 7 days £45, 8 & 9 days £50, 5 days £30. Imperial Hotel: Premier Room 7 days £30, 8 & 9 days £35, 5 days £20.

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Park Garage, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7SP.

inside... Hassle-free holiday Whether you plan to go abroad or to take a “staycation” in the UK this year, taking care of the basics – like travel insurance – can remove the financial worry should something go wrong. We spoke to Caroline Wells, head of outreach, at the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service that you can talk to if you’re unhappy with a travel, or any other kind of insurance policy – for some tips to ensure you’re covered.

Compare costs: It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of

TRAVEL & LEISURE 2-3

Robinsons Holidays... Celebrating 90 years.

6-7

Say ‘Aloha’ to Hawaii... The ultimate dream destination.

INTERVIEWS 10-11 The World According to Joan... Joan Collins strolls through the highlights of her life.

booking a holiday and leave the “boring” bits like insurance until the last minute. Taking the time to check and compare prices can stop you paying over the odds for your cover. Comparison sites can be a good starting point, but it’s always best to do a full quote from the insurer’s website, as the questions they ask may be slightly different.

18-19 Suggs Hits 50... and discusses his life and his latest show.

Get the right cover: While it can be tempting to pick a policy

23-25 The Hairy Dieters... Delicious Summer Dishes!

based on price it might not necessarily be the best cover for your needs. Make sure that your policy covers your trip and any activities that you plan to do. Remember that the cheapest policy isn’t necessarily the best one for you.

Tell me everything: It’s important to answer all of the

insurer’s questions the best that you can. The ombudsman regularly receives complaints from consumers who have had their claims rejected by insurers as they did not disclose important information – for example about a previous illness or injury. If you are not sure exactly what a question is asking you – ring the insurer and double check.

Pricey package: If you’re going to be carrying valuable items such as jewellery or electronic items, make sure you keep them secure. Check the limits that apply under your policy as they can vary and may not be covered. If you have separate insurance for a mobile phone check that the policy covers you while you are away – and remember to factor in any additional call charges for making or receiving calls or texts while abroad.

FOOD 22

Healthy Food Tips For Over 50s ...

HOME 15-16 Creating Space... Ideas on storage solutions.

6-7

10-11

15-16

23-25

All in hand: Once you’ve found your perfect policy keep a copy of your documents and a list of important numbers to hand – such as the international helpline for your bank and travel insurer – just in case! While you’re sorting out the formalities remember to let your bank know in advance if you’re planning on using your card abroad. This can help you avoid any difficulties in accessing your money.

Wherever you chose to escape to, we hope you have a trouble-free trip! If you do have a problem the financial ombudsman may be able to help on 0300 123 9 123 or www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk. 4

McGrath Media. Unit 6 | Moses Gate Workshops Gladys Street | Bolton | BL3 2QG. T: (01204) 796 494 | F: (01204) 791594 e: mcgrathadmin@btconnect.com

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Graham Smith... TWITTERING ON Twittering Pope I could of course make some very irreverent remark about the fact that the Pope has opened a Twitter account. But he’s got something going for him for he picked up over 300,000 followers in the first 24 hours of tweeting putting Stephen Fry and others in the shade. I have a sneaking admiration for any 85-year-old who takes up social media but note that he has a new media department who will doubtless be handling his tweets before publication. It remains to be seen if congregations dwindle in the light of this innovation or whether many turn over in bed on Sunday morning and reach for their lap top!

The self-titled “bacontrepreneur” has also come up with other pork inspired products such as bacon roses, bacon lip balm and bacon baby formula. And, for those “who love bacon to death”, he has created a £2,000 bacon-wrapped coffin. Mr Esch added: “Bacon is delicious, people get excited when they smell it. When you walk into a room don’t you want people to be excited to see you?” I told you they weren’t all locked up.

Coffin therapy Next time you fancy a lie down try a little coffin therapy! A Ukrainian man is encouraging people to lie down for 15 minutes in one of his coffins to “prepare for the afterlife”. Now why would I want to do that? The coffin maker has been in business for ten years and says the feeling is just like being in a bed. It’s the same sheets and pillows with its own special aura. You can choose from one of ten coffins in a special room with birdsong, falling water and he says you go home in a completely different mood. Err, no thanks

Little lit up donkey! Hundreds of donkeys are to be fitted with glow-in-the-dark ear tags in Botswana to stop accidents on rural roads at night. About 500 of the animals will be fitted with the reflective tags in the north of the country where one in ten crashes is donkey-related. I think it’s a wonderful idea and also recommend the tags for those barmy joggers who tear around in pitch blackness. The UK-based Society For The Protection Of Animals Abroad is paying for the Maun Animal Welfare Society, in Botswana, to carry out the project.

Is your man a pig? A US company has created a gift for the man who has everything - bacon flavoured shaving scream. J&D’s new product is described as “high end, luxurious bacon-scented shaving cream” and is on sale for about £9. Inventor Justin Esch said: “There is nothing more powerful than the smell of bacon, nothing. Bacon is the smell of champions. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and bacon is the best part of breakfast. Why not smell like it and be the best?”

Laura Higham, outreach veterinary advisor for SPANA, said: “The people that own working donkeys are some of the very poorest in Botswana’s society and often have no choice other than to let their animals roam freely in search of food in the sparse desert environment. “This practice is essential, but obviously makes the donkeys vulnerable to accidents and we hope that this simple solution will help reduce the number of collisions caused by the animals every year.” The charities hope the project will be adopted in other parts of the country, and will be the first step towards making reflective tags a legal requirement for freely roaming livestock. Isn’t science wonderful?

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50 Plus Travel

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SAY ‘ALOHA’ TO HAWAII By Sally Dowling from Silver Travel Advisor

Kauai © (HTA/Tor Johnson)

Palm trees swaying in the gentle trade winds of the Pacific Ocean, endless stretches of sandy coastline, volcanoes, rainforests and more – the Hawaiian Islands are the ultimate dream destination. The journey to Hawaii is not to be underestimated – it is a long way. So when you finally get there you need to make the most of this incredible group of diverse and beautiful islands strung out like pearls in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There are countless itineraries and combinations with each island offering a different holiday experience and its own individual charm. Arriving into Honolulu on the island of Oahu immediately gives you a sense of anticipation. The warm air greets you as it wafts through the mainly open buildings and the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. Honolulu is the centre of business and culture and the capital of Hawaii. It is a bustling city with a strong Polynesian influence and is home to museums, galleries and elegant public gardens all steeped in the history of the islands.

The world famous resort of Waikiki Beach is just a few miles along the coast. At first glance not quite the tranquil tropical resort you would expect but this is a town that welcomes a huge number of tourists each day. Modern skyscraper hotels front the pristine beach set against the magnificent backdrop of Diamond Head volcanic crater. At night Waikiki comes alive with Sunset Hula shows, street performers, lively bars and restaurants. A velvet breeze wafts in from the ocean, mixes with the soft sound of the Hawaiian guitar and beckons the crowds to linger amongst designer boutiques and street markets. As soon as dawn breaks the surfers take to the water to catch the waves that roll in throughout the year. Sit on the beach and be amazed by their prowess or take a lesson and have a go yourself, there are plenty of beach boys happy to give surfing classes and surfboards can be easily rented. When it is time to move on to another island, a great contrast to Oahu is Maui, known as the Magic Isle. Although it appears at first glance to be flat and uninteresting, travel away from the airport and you will find the dormant volcano of Haleakala Crater with its lunar landscape, or take the scenic road to the town of Hana through rainforest and waterfalls. The picturesque town of Lahaina was once the heart of the Hawaiian Islands where the whaling ships docked. Today the town attracts the tourists with quaint shops, galleries and restaurants housed in the old wooden shop fronts that were once the

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saloons and brothels of times gone by. Set along a pretty coastline with a dramatic mountainous backdrop and with spectacular sunsets over the small offshore island of Lana’i - the town is picture postcard perfect. If it is adventure you are after then the island of Kuau’i beckons visitors with a host of exciting activities, watersports, 4x4 land tours, mountain tubing and zip line tours to name just a few. Take a helicopter tour to appreciate the awesome interior of Kaua’i. The imposing Waimea Canyon is more than 3,000 feet deep and known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’. The Waimea River flows through the canyon and is fed by cascading waterfalls swollen by the almost daily rainfall. When the sun shines through shimmering rainbows appear giving the area a truly magical feel. Hold onto your seat because the experienced pilots know how to get really up close and personal to some of the highest waterfalls and deepest valleys.

Hawaii Island © (HTA/Tor Johnson)

Maui © (HTA/Tor Johnson)

In common with the other islands, Kauai has its fair share of stunning beaches. Holiday makers flock to the eastern and western shores but only intrepid hikers or sailors can access the secluded hidden coves, nestling beneath the dramatic cliffs along the Na Pali Coast on the western side. With its lush, rainforest interior and above average rainfall Kaua’i is aptly named the Garden Isle and has been the setting for many famous movie locations over the years. The largest island is confusingly named Hawaii – or Big Island. You could easily spend your entire holiday here as it has an amazing diversity in geography and climate. Take a drive around the island and you will pass through tropical rain forests, lava fields, volcanic mountains and rolling hills. At Kona on the west coast and you will be amazed by huge expanses of black lava stretching into the sea.

The area is famed for diving and snorkelling and a visit to Kealakekua State Park is a must. Further along the coast the land is dotted with coffee plantations, each producing the world famous Kona Coffee and most are happy to give tours to visitors and sell the freshly roasted beans. The active volcanoes for which the island is so well known can be explored at fairly close quarters from the Volcanoes National Park. Check current conditions with the park rangers at the Kilauea Visitor Centre where you can also pick up maps and guides to the area. The island capital is Hilo, situated along the crescent shaped Hilo Bay on the East Coast where frequent and heavy rainfall has created a tropical environment of lush valleys and gushing waterfalls. Hilo is a commercial centre but does have an attractive ‘old town’ area full of shops, galleries and restaurants as well as museums, parks a cultural centre and a great programme of seasonal festivals and events. It makes a great base for exploring the Volcanoes National Park and the beaches along the coast.

So pick one or pick ‘em all, whichever islands you choose to visit, I guarantee you will want to return to see the rest. For more information on the Hawaiian Islands contact Hawaii Tourism Europe website www.gohawaii.com or call 44 (0)207 6446 127.

Silver Travel Advisor is a travel review, information and advice website exclusively for over 50’s, packed with articles, suggestions, tips and ideas. For free and independent travel advice as well as reviews about holidays, hotels, restaurants and days out, please visit www.silvertraveladvisor.com or email service@silvertraveladvisor.com. It’s free to register as a member of Silver Travel Advisor, and you could win a fabulous holiday prize.

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ASESIAD GYRRU AM DDIM i phawb dros 60

Mae nawr yn bosibl i ddynion a merched 60 oed a throsodd gael asesiad gyrru cychwynnol yn rhad ac am ddim gan diwtoriaid hyfforddedig Gwasanaeth Asesu Symudedd a Gyrru Cymru.

• Gwasanaeth o ddrws i ddrws yn eich ardal • Trwy apwyntiad

Wrth heneiddio, mae’r newidiadau canlynol yn debygol o ddigwydd: • amser ymateb yn arafu • mae penderfyniadau’n cymryd mwy o amser • mae gyrru yn fwy blinedig ac yn fwy o straen • ni fydd golwg a chlyw cystal â chynt • mae mwy o angen cael ffisig neu gyffuriau ar bresgripsiwn • mae ffitrwydd yn lleihau Mae’r newidiadau hyn yn digwydd yn raddol o ganol y pum degau ymlaen ar y cyfan ac efallai nad ydynt yn amlwg iawn. Mae’r newidiadau’n parhau hyd nes y byddant yn amlwg iawn mewn gyrrwyr yn eu saithdegau. Yn aml iawn, mae pobl yn cymryd yn ganiataol eu bod yn well gyrrwyr nag ydynt mewn gwirionedd. Felly mae’n bwysig sylweddoli, pan fydd y newidiadau hyn yn dod i’r amlwg, y gallant effeithio ar eich gyrru. Dylai’r rhan fwyaf o bobl fedru parhau i yrru’n fwy gofalus drwy addasu eu harddull gyrru ar ôl cael cyngor gyrrwr proffesiynol.

Rhowch gynnig arni heddiw … 01352 704498 neu rhowch eich manylion a phostiwch y bonyn gyferbyn.

Gwasanaeth lleol o ddrws i ddrws yn eich ardal chi Enw................................................................................... Cyfeiriad............................................................................ .......................................................................................... .......................................................................................... .......................................................................................... Côd Post............................................................................ Ffôn................................................................................... Dyddiad geni.................................................................... Llofnod.............................................................................. Byddwn yn gofyn i chi gyflwyno trwydded yrru gyfredol ac i gymryd prawf golwg fel y disgrifir yn Rheol 92 Rheolau’r Ffordd Fawr. Postiwch hon i: Cyngor Sir y Fflint Uned Diogelwch y Ffyrdd Cyfarwyddiaeth yr Amgylchedd Neuadd y Sir Yr Wyddgrug Sir y Fflint CH7 6NF

GALLWCH CHI NAWR GAEL ASESIAD GYRRU CYCHWYNNOL YN RHAD AC AM DDIM GAN DIWTORIAID HYFFORDDEDIG GWASANAM ASESLI SYMUDEDD A GYRRU CYMRU

North Wales Older Driver Development Scheme

FREE DRIVING ASSESSMENT for men and women aged 60 and over Men and women aged 60

and over, can now have a free initial driving assessment by Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service trained instructors. • Door to door service in your area • By appointment

As we get older the following changes are likely:

Local door to door service in your area Name ................................................................................ Address............................................................................. .......................................................................................... .......................................................................................... .......................................................................................... Post Code.......................................................................... Tel...................................................................................... Date of Birth...................................................................... Signature.......................................................................... You will be asked to produce a current driving licence and undertake a vision test as described in Rule 92 of the Highway Code. Post to: Flintshire County Council Road Safety Unit Environment Directorate County Hall Mold Flintshire CH7 6NF

• reaction times get slower • making decisions takes longer • driving is more tiring and more stressful • eyesight and hearing will deteriorate • greater need for prescription medicine or drugs • overall mobility decreases These changes generally start from the midfifties and may not be particularly noticeable. They continue until they become very noticeable in a driver’s seventies. People can often assume they are better drivers than they actually are. So, it is important when these changes become recognisable that you should realise that your driving will be affected. Most people should be able to carry on driving – more safely – by adapting their driving habits following the advice of a driving professional.

Go on, find out more today … 01352 704498 or fill in your details and post the tear-off portion opposite.

YOU CAN NOW HAVE A FREE INITIAL DRIVING ASSESSMENT BY WALES MOBILITY AND DRIVING ASSESSMENT SERVICE TRAINED INSTRUCTORS

The World according to Joan

Joan Collins returned to the UK in April with her her sell-out show “One Night With Joan” and this stroll through the highlights of her life brings a touch of genuine glamour into our humdrum lives writes Angela Kelly. The British actress, writer and columnist who famously turned down Richard Burton and bested Joan Crawford may unbelievably now be 79 but - being Joan - she never misses an opportunity to show real Hollywood glitz at its best and most enduring. As she insists in her down-toearth way: “I’ve often been accused of over-egging the pudding in the costume and make-up department, but that’s one of the illusions that form a part of what this person called Joan Collins is all about.” To discover the real Joan Collins, though, it’s necessary to go back to her roots and trace her rise to fame and fortune. She was born in May, 1933 in London, to a former 10

nightclub hostess and a successful talent agent. She was one of three children – her sister Jackie is a successful novelist whose books have sold more than 400 million copies. Joan was a very pretty child and grew up into an attractive dark-haired beauty. She had her first theatre appearance at the age of nine and obviously developed a taste for acting through her teenage years. She became a Rank starlet and appeared in a host of relatively forgettable films, occasional TV appearances and pin-up shoots but, to improve her budding career, she moved to Hollywood in the 1950s. Her first film role was in 1951 in B-movie “Lady Godiva Rides Again.” For the next three decades, she became a Hollywood fixture, driving her signature pink Thunderbird and keeping the gossip columnists happy with a reported succession of high-profile liaisons with famous men including Dennis Hopper and Warren Beatty. She impressed, however, in the films “The Stud” and “The Bitch” which were both adapted from sister Jackie’s

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best-selling novels. In 1978 she published her first memoir, “Past Imperfect” about her life – unsurprisingly, also a best-seller. In 1981, she went for an audition for struggling primetime drama “Dynasty”, for a part that Sophia Loren had already turned down. Alexis Carrington Colby was the vicious, vengeful ex-wife of family patriarch Blake Carrington, played by John Forsythe. Joan got the part, and was absolutely brilliant in the role. Ratings immediately started to rise. As the show’s creator Aaron Spelling insisted: “We didn’t write Joan Collins. She played Joan Collins. We wrote a character, but the character could have been played by 50 people and 49 of them would have failed. She made it work.” In fact, she made it work so well that Alexis - with her seductive glamour, gorgeous clothes and make-up and great storylines - became the character with whom Joan has become enduringly associated. She was nominated six times for a Golden Globe before finally winning one in 1983. “Dynasty” ended its run in 1989 but Joan appeared as Alexis in the 1991 mini-series “Dynasty: The Reunion.” The original series, though, remains warm and familiar in the minds of the public and there are regularly calls for its revival. Speaking on TV’s “Loose Women” programme just recently, British actress Stephanie Beacham - who also went into the series - said she and Joan had been talking about just such a revival, and regular TV watchers know it’s “never say never” when it comes to bringing back successful soaps.

research, and remains a true celebrity in a sea of passing wannabes. She has always looked after her figure and continues to be as glamorous as ever, taking her own advice on everything from eating meals from a smaller plate to keep her weight down to avoiding sunshine on her face to protect her looks. Her outspoken and witty pronouncements on various subjects have helped keep her in the public eye and she has had a variety of regular opinion columns in newspapers and magazines. In her 2011 book “The World According to Joan”, she admits that she has “always been extremely frank, perhaps too much so. Often friends say to me sarcastically ‘Oh why don’t you say what you mean, Joanie!’ Well, I’m afraid I usually do which is why I have been called opinionated, stubborn, obdurate, headstrong, prejudiced and politically incorrect. “Perhaps I am, but I have now reached an age and a stage when I basically do what I like as much as I can, without trying to hurt anyone.” While being Joan Collins is much about a life lived in the spotlight, it’s plain that not only is she a clever actress and a genuine icon but that she’s discovered the secret of longevity when it comes to engaging with the public.

And audiences from Manchester’s Lowry to London’s Leicester Square Theatre discovered that “One Night With Joan” is also a unique and memorable experience.

Of course, much of Joan Collins’ fame has come from her life away from the film and TV cameras. She married her first husband, Irish actor Maxwell Reed, in 1952 and divorced him three years later. She married British actor Anthony Newley in 1963 and they had two children before she divorced him in 1970. Joan was married for 11 years to Apple Records’ president Ron Kass, with whom she had daughter Katy. Her fourth marriage was to Swedish pop singer Peter Holm, which ended after just 13 months with a messy divorce. Then in 2003 she married her fifth husband, theatre company manager Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior. Here, finally, Joan seems to have found her soul-mate and the couple renewed their marriage vows in 2009. She says that today’s “metrosexual-looking” actors don’t compare with the stars of yesteryear although she believes that Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jude Law are “wonderful actors.” Joan makes the exception “on the macho front” for George Clooney and she also likes Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr. Her all-time sexiest star, though, is Marlon Brando – “unforgettable” is her verdict. After “Dynasty” helped give Joan the highest profile of her career, she continued to act and write both romance novels and self-help beauty and lifestyle books. She’s become involved in a variety of charity work, mostly linked to children with disabilities and aiding breast cancer

For more information on Joan Collins’ go to www.joancollins.net www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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

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

retired magazine winter/spring 2009/10

Senior Rail Card Savings

Wrexham County Borough Council offer Senior Railcards, at the discounted price of £24.50, a saving of £3.50 off the current recommended retail price of £28.00. Cost equivalent to around £2.04 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.

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 £24.50, sy’n arbediad o £3.50 oddi ar y pris manwerthu argymelledig presennol o £28.00. Cost gyfatebol o tua £2.04 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.

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Looking after your mobility needs! WINDOWS • DOORS • ORANGERIES • CONSERVATORIES • SOFFITS • FASCIAS • CLADDING

Established 20 years providing solutions for all your mobility needs. We provide full sales and service with our fully trained engineers, and latest test equipment. We have bases in Prestatyn and Llandudno supplying the North Wales coast and the North West. • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Prestatyn 01745 850479 Llandudno 01492 874350 web: coastal-mobility.net email: coastal.mobility@aol.com

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Visit our large lifestyle showroom in Mold: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm MOLD: Bromfield Industrial Estate, Mold Flintshire CH7 1HA

Tel: Mold: 01352 758812 Chester: 01244 879818 Email: info@snowdoniawindows.co.uk

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Beautiful Handcrafted Conservatories from

Elizabethan Patio Doors

BESPOKE | TRADITIONAL | CONTEMPORARY A SIMPLE AND COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION TO INCREASE THE SPACE AND VALUE TO YOUR HOME Conservatories today are built for multiple uses, ranging from a new Lounge, Dining Room, Playroom or Office to a Snooker/Games Room. Extending your home with a Conservatory is a quick and cost effective solution as in most cases planning permission is not required. As we tailor-make all our own conservatories, we can design and build a conservatory for you, that not only suits your purpose and requirements, but enhances the appearance and ambience of your property.

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Creating Space... Why on earth is it that we never seem to have enough space in the home – however big or small our property?

space for storing the vacuum cleaner, suitcases and other small items. If these spaces are tall, shelves could be placed at higher levels to make the most of this space. Small under-stair cupboards could be transformed into drawers for all sorts of things.”

Space is always at a premium. When the family is young we seem to accumulate cupboards full of toys and games, when they’re teens – if you can get them to put anything in a wardrobe – hangers and drawers are crammed with clothes and the latest fad. Even as we get older, the space problems don’t seem to diminish as we hoard a lifetime of happy memories and items we just can’t bear to throw away.

He also suggests high-level shelving for narrow hallways which don’t encroach on floor space. And these sentiments are echoed by chartered architectural technologist Gary Willis. “When lack of storage becomes an issue, the automatic response is to box up the items and attempt to hide them away, but let’s think out of the box for a moment. Most people will consider what is directly in front of them on a horizontal plane; look upwards for your storage needs.”

So before you start taking an objective look at potential new storage space around your home, take a long, hard look at your current cupboards, shelves and wardrobes and de-clutter. It’s quite cathartic to free up space, and local charity shops will definitely benefit from items you no longer use. To house the rest, and as a temporary solution, there are plenty of clever storage systems around - from clear plastic boxes and wicker baskets to racking and wooden chests. There are even mobile baskets that can house items you may need in the kitchen. But for longer term ideas, examine all those corners, walls and open areas in your home for possibilities involving new shelves or permanent storage units. Interior designer Arvin Rodrigues says: “Most houses have under-stair cupboards and these provide useful

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Gary also says that garages and sheds often provide ample storage already “but just require some organisation. Very cheap, heavy duty racking or spur shelving in a garage or shed can generate substantial storage space. Just ensure that brackets and racking are securely fixed to the walls first.” In the kitchen, why not free up space by putting your microwave on a glass shelf above the work surface? Hang sharp knives inside a high cabinet to save drawer space and keep them out of children’s reach, or store wooden spoons and other utensils bouquet-style in a handsome pitcher or canister. “Kitchens are typically built to a fixed height,” states Gary, “leaving at least 300mm (12”) of space above wall cupboards that could be used for

storage. Exploit this space by placing charming storage boxes to hide away items like old cook books, sewing kits etc.” Take a fresh look at living room furniture. “Coffee tables that have storage for magazines and bric a brac are useful, as are sofas with storage in the armrest,” suggests Arvin. Consider furniture you can buy relatively cheaply that you can improve. Arvin’s own home boasts cost-effective but beautifully restored second-hand chests of drawers which add to storage space and also create much-admired pieces of furniture. He states: “Shelves around doors and windows and even beside radiators, if safe, could provide storage and look nice, too. A coat cupboard in the entrance is really handy and doesn’t need to be very big or deep. It could also function as a shoe cupboard at the lower level, and the sides employed to hang keys, scarves and hats.” Gary looks to unusual areas for help with storage: “The bay window area in a living room is another great place that often has under-used space. Rather than use loose furniture that is often set into the room, consider a bay window seat with integral storage.” Bathrooms again offer more storage potential. “Consider shelves over the toilet water tank, cupboards under the wash basin and even a shelf over the bathtub,” advises Arvin. “Bigger cabinets could be hung from the wall above mirrors or even over the entrance door.” 15

EST OVER 15 YEARS

Utilise under-bed storage in bedrooms or consider buying a bed with built-in storage space. A bed headboard can be built for additional bedding storage, plus somewhere to put books, lamps or a radio on top. An ottoman or upholstered cube can double as a dressing table chair and offers extra space, and an artistic pile of pretty, unusual hat-boxes can complement the bedroom décor and provide further storage solutions. Lofts are often under-used areas in our homes but can be altered at reasonable cost to become an effective storage room by boarding out. “Floorboards also help to insulate the house, preventing heat loss and reducing your heating bills,” explains loft expert Chris Waldron. “We’re not looking at making the loft habitable and so needing Building Regulations’ approval,” he adds. “Just comfortable enough to sit in for an hour now and again with plenty of light and an absence of spiders hanging from the rafters!”

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Aluminium loft ladders or a folding wooden ladder make access easy and fitting a light in the loft – “a pendant light with an energy saving bulb and pull switch is ideal” – makes this an easy, accessible area that can add substantially to your house storage space. And an added bonus is that floor boarding helps insulate the house, preventing heat loss and reducing your heating bills. So you get much more storage space and kinder heating bills as well!

Whatever you decide about storage, it’s worth acknowledging that you don’t always need to hide items away to keep them stored tidily. Sometimes – as with books, ornaments or lamps – it’s worth putting them somewhere where their “storage” actually creates an attractive room feature. Now that’s thinking outside the box! CONTACT THE EXPERTS: Arvin Rodrigues, Transform Interior Designs go to www.transforminteriordesigns.co.uk Gary Willis, Novensus architectural design services go to www.novensus.co.uk Chris Waldron, Bolton Joinery go to www.chriswaldron.co.uk 16

Fitted Kitchen £3575 inc VAT

For example 10 Wood Units with integrated fridge/ freezer, dishwasher, built in oven, hob, hood, sink & taps. All worktops with trims, soft closed doors and drawers. (*excludes gas, electric and plumbing)

Showroom at Unit 10/11 Parc Fforddlas, Rhyl, LL18 2QD Opening Times: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10.30am - 2.30pm

Tel: 01745 344355 Email: sales@jkbrhyl.co.uk www.justkitchensandbedroomsrhyl. co.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

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

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SUGGS - MY LIFE STORY I’VE JUST TURNED 50, THE KIDS HAVE LEFT HOME, AND MY CAT JUST DIED

Suggs – still best known as the legendary frontman of feelgood band Madness – was 50 last January. He was lying in the bath on his birthday, nursing an epic hangover from the celebrations the night before when there was the most almighty crash.

‘I jumped out of the water,’ he says, ‘and there, lying amid shards of broken glass, was our four-year-old cat, a British blue called Mamba. I’d put up the glass shelf myself and it must have given way. I knew he was dead from the strange angle of his body. I couldn’t believe it. I loved that cat. ‘I was 50. My kids had recently left home and now the cat was dead. I was really upset. It triggered a deluge of emotion, an event that somehow tipped me over the edge. I began to consider my own mortality and, out of that, the idea for exploring my own past somehow crystallised.’ The result was a fantastic stage show that delighted audiences up and down the UK. Speaking before the show launched, Suggs says ‘It’s a memoir, It’s not stand-up. It’s not An Evening With… I toyed with calling it Mad-Life Crisis. In the end, though, having gone all round the houses, I’ve called it My Life Story which won’t win any prizes for originality but does at least tell you what you can expect, the good bits and the darker moments.’ It turns out there have been plenty of both. Born Graham McPherson in Hastings, he’s the only child of a jazz singer called Edith and a father, William – but everyone called him Mac – who worked for a photographic developers but whose life was increasingly overtaken by drugs. ‘Dad left home when I was about three. I have no recollection of him and he never featured in my life. My mum later told me she’d come home and found him with needles sticking out of his hands. Heroin was his drug of choice and it’s a one-way street that takes you further and further away from real life. In the end, it did for the marriage.’ Mother and son then moved to Liverpool where Edith sang in the clubs, winning the accolade of Melody Maker’s Jazz Newcomer of the Year in the mid60s. She performed regularly at the

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INTERVIEW

Blue Angel to where The Beatles and Cilla Black would repair after sessions at The Cavern. Moving south to London, Suggs’ life was unstructured, to say the least. Soho was his mother’s stomping ground where she both sang and worked in bars for extra money. They lived in a succession of rented rooms, the young lad trailing around after her when she went drinking in famous watering holes like the Colony. ‘I’ll never forget it,’ says Suggs. ‘You’d walk up this rickety green staircase and enter a room full of artists and actors and various hangers-on, all drinking and smoking. But, amid all the booze, it was a creative hotbed. Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, George Melly, Jeffrey Bernard – they were all regulars. ‘Was it an unsuitable place for a young child? Absolutely. I clearly remember staring up through the thick fog of tobacco smoke, the occasional hand ruffling my hair or giving me a florin, sometimes even a ten bob note. I couldn’t really understand what was going on at an adult level which was probably all for the best. But there was a feeling of community and I was never in any danger.’ Even so, in time Edith decided that her son would do better living out of London in Pembrokeshire with her sister, Diana, and her three children. ‘It was nice to have other kids around but I missed Mum. She was doing what she thought was the right thing. She was finding it difficult to find the two of us somewhere stable to live so she thought I’d be better off in Haverfordwest.’ Three years later, Suggs was back in London, living with Edith, and about to go to secondary in Swiss Cottage. It’s where he acquired his nickname. ‘The other kids used to call me Gray or Mac and I wanted something a bit more distinctive. I was looking through a book of my mum’s about jazz musicians. ‘I took a pin and, eyes closed, stuck it into the middle of a page. It went through the name Peter which didn’t seem especially memorable and then I noticed his second name was Suggs which somehow resonated with me. He was the drummer in an obscure jazz band in Kentucky. Graffiti was becoming popular and people had these amazing names – or tags, as they were called. Now I had mine.’ Had he known it, this was the moment when his estranged father was on the point of bowing it. ‘I didn’t find this out until many years later when I was

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researching the new show. It’s a tragic story. My father started injecting himself with paraffin and was then sectioned under the Mental Health Act. ‘When he was eventually released, he moved to Birmingham where he married again. He died aged 40 from a whole variety of drug-related conditions, his wife following him, probably from a drug overdose, a year later. So just as I was getting together with the band that became Madness, my father’s time was up. I’ve always found that rather poignant.’ These revelations prompted him recently to ask his mother about his father. ‘She told me he was a very nice man. “Just like you,” she said. That was the most shocking thing she could have said in many ways. I’d had him down in my mind as some sort of wayward old wastrel who’d just pushed off. The fact that he was really nice upset me. But then heroin is an unforgiving mistress.’ Given his colourful upbringing, it is perhaps not too surprising that Suggs married young. By 21, he had a wife, a baby daughter and a mews house in Camden bought with the money he’d made from Madness’s regular appearances in the Top 10. ‘To some extent, I think it’s true to say that I deliberately created Fortress Suggs to give my life a bit of structure. Having said that, I’d fallen in love with Anne. I wanted to be married to her.’ A professional singer who works under the name Bette Bright, the two are still together three decades later. They have two daughters – Scarlett, 29 and Viva, 25 – who now sing as a duo under their own names. ‘My mother, my wife, my daughters – I’m surrounded by women who sing,’ says Suggs. Nor has he hung up his own microphone. ‘2012 was an extraordinary year for us. You wouldn’t have anticipated the Queen was going to invite us on her roof to play or that we were going to play at the Olympic closing ceremony. Like any human being we were insecure but we realise now we’re pretty good.’ The band have just release their tenth album Oui Oui, Si Si, Ja Ja, Da Da and are planning a series of gigs in the UK this summer. ‘Madness have always been about accentuating the positive,’ says Suggs. ‘It’s no accident our songs are still played, still enjoyed 30 years down the line. They’re upbeat, timeless, a clear-eyed celebration of life as it’s lived. And we’re still together, still making music. For me, the band has always been a bit like a surrogate family. We’re all a bit dysfunctional, all a bit stronger for being together.’

PUZZLE PAGE Word Ladder Move from the word at the top of the box to the word at the bottom using the exact number of rungs provided by changing one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter).

F O O T

ACROSS 8 Geographical group including Yell and Unst (9) 9 World’s second‑largest bird (3) 10 US city associated with Al Capone (7) 11 Aircraft location system (5) 12 Main division of geological time (3) 14 Engineer Brunel’s first name (8) 16 Car’s starting mechanism (8) 18 Outward motion of the tide (3) 21 Famous 1836 battle in Texas (5) 23 White‑faced clown (7) 25 Hawaiian garland of flowers (3) 26 Spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism (5,4)

I S O P I I

K G I N G E

E R A N W

R F U U D L E

T C O N R

R S E C T

C OO O M U N S

L D D E A Y

L E R D A I D

D I S N V A L

K E T H R AM I

T E A E N D OO

P E L I L L E Y

C O N D M O

L O C N R I G

ACROSS 1 Pendant containing a picture 2 Sixtieth part of a minute 3 Japanese paper‑folding art

20 21

17 Slender reddish‑brown antelope of South and East Africa (6) 19 Comic‑book hero whose real name is Bruce Wayne (6) 20 Golf score of two under par (5) 22 Racing probability (4) 24 Five hundred sheets of paper (4)

Sudoku

Fill the grid with the numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains the numbers 1 to 9.

2 3

8 4

5 1 5 6 7 2 4 1 7 8 4 7 3 5 2 7 8 7 8 3 1 5 6

5 6

8 9

11 12

4 Make disappear 5 Giving for a limited time 6 Low area between hills 7 Less warm

6 9

With the help of the Across clues only, can you fit the pieces into their correct positions in the grid?

O E N D O

DOWN 1 Mind, as distinguished from 5 Old Russian emperor (4) 6 French police officer (8) the body (6) 2 Legendary creature of the 7 Liquid measure of two Himalayas (4) pints (5) 3 Horse Bob Champion 13 Sprinkled with cheese and rode to win the Grand browned (2,6) National (8) 4 Variety of wool from a goat 15 Britain’s highest or a rabbit (6) mountain (3,5)

Y A R D

Pieceword

Try our general knowledge crossword

8 9 10 11 12

High female voice Not talked about About to weep Church officer Scribble aimlessly

Solutions on page 30

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

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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

FOOD & DRINK

Healthy Food Tips For Over 50s 1. Chili peppers may be small but are mighty in terms of health benefits. They contain capsaicin, an analgesic compound which helps with a variety of health issues including pain, cancers and high cholesterol. Add a bit of spice to your suppers and reap the rewards. 2. Adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts to your diet can have great brain health benefits. They all contain antioxidants which help protect the brain. 3. Make sure your diet contains plenty of calcium which can help prevent osteoporosis. If you’re over 50 you need 1,200 mg of calcium each day. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yoghurt, almonds and pulses. Try and have three servings of calcium rich foods or drinks each day. 4. Yoghurt is not only a great source of calcium, but is also beneficial in maintaining a healthy gut. Your body needs to have a healthy amount of ‘good’ bacteria, so look out for probiotic yoghurt which contains those precious living organisms. 5. Turmeric contains curcumin which has antiinflammatory properties. Turmeric has been used as a cleanser for thousands of years and is believed to help relieve pain and prevent the build of up amyloid beta plaque which is a major cause of Alzheimer’s. Turmeric is found in many curries and other Asian dishes. 6. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fats which are important for brain function. Having a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to improved memory and preventing the build up of cholesterol. It can also lover the risks of dementia, stroke and age related macular degeneration. Try and eat two fish dishes per week. 7. Other types of spices also provide great health benefits. Cinnamon is anti-microbial and antiinflammatory, and may help boost brain function and control blood sugar levels. Cumin is rich in iron and can aid digestion. Coriander has antiinflammatory properties and can help lower cholesterol. So reach for your spice rack when you cook and pack these health benefits into your meals. 8. Strawberries are not only delicious, but each serving contains lots of vitamin C which could help ward off wrinkles and age related dry skin. Treat yourself to some strawberries and cream for your vitamin C and calcium needs all at once!

9. Ginger has lots of anti-inflammatory properties which can be useful in fighting heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. It is also high in antioxidants which help fight other diseases, and the gingerol in it is commonly used as a digestive aid. Ginger can add delicious flavour and heat to all kinds of dishes. 10. Tofu and other soy foods can help preserve the skin firming protein collagen as they are rich in the compounds ‘isoflavones’. Try adding some tofu to your diet and your skin may stay smoother for longer. 11. Treat yourself to a bit of chocolate. Yes! The cocoa used in making chocolate is rich in flavanols which can help preserve the healthy function of blood vessels. Healthy blood vessels can lower the risk of high blood pressure and dementia as we get older. Look out for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. 12. Blueberries contain a diverse range of micronutrients which can provide great health benefits as we get older. They can reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. Try sprinkling blueberries on your cereals or add them to your yoghurt for some delicious variety in everyday foods.

Kavita Pal is the Managing Director of the Tree Hotel Group. www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

HOW TO LOVE FOOD AND LOSE WEIGHT

delicious summer dishes

MUSHROOM, FETA AND TOMATO BAKED PEPPERS It’s always important for food to look good, whether you’re dieting or not, and these peppers are a delight to the eye as well as the tastebuds. A great vegetarian recipe, this has lots of strong flavours that come together in a beautifully colouful and well-balanced dish.

SERVES 2 4 sun-dried tomato pieces in oil, drained well 2 tsp sunflower oil 175g chestnut mushrooms, wiped and diced 20g blanched hazelnuts, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 50g dry white breadcrumbs 1/2 small bunch of parsley, leaves finely chopped 1 tsp dried chilli flakes 100g feta or soft goat’s cheese, drained 2 smallish peppers, red or yellow freshly ground black pepper 401 calories per portion Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and stir-fry the mushrooms over a high heat for 4 minutes. Add the roughly chopped hazelnuts and fry for a further minute until the nuts are lightly toasted. Season with a good grind of black pepper and remove from the heat. Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley and chilli flakes until thoroughly combined. Break the cheese into small chunks and toss them through the stuffing lightly. Cut the peppers in half from top to bottom and carefully remove the seeds and membrane. Place the peppers in a small foil-lined roasting tin, cut side up, and fill each half with the mushroom and feta stuffing. Cover the surface of the stuffing with a small piece of foil. Bake for 35 minutes until tender, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time. Serve warm with a lightly dressed mixed salad. www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

MAKES 8 KEBABS 700g lean lamb leg (or leg steaks) 2 small yellow peppers 2 small red peppers 2 small red onions 150m1 low-fat natural yoghurt 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint or 1 tsp mint sauce 6 pitta breads 1 romaine lettuce heart, shredded 1 medium carrot, finely grated 3 ripe vine tomatoes, sliced 15cm piece of cucumber, thinly sliced flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges and hot chilli sauce, to serve Marinade 2 tsp cumin seeds 203 calories per portion 381 calories per portion (with pitta)

LEMONY LAMB KEBABS There’s nothing better than the scent of lemony, herby lamb cooking on the barbecue. It’s a healthy way of cooking too, as much of the fat drips away. We like to eat these kebabs tucked into warm pitta bread, but you can also enjoy them with just a side salad or some vegetables.

2 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp fennel seeds 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves finely grated zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp fine sea salt freshly ground black pepper

To make the marinade, put the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in a pestle and mortar and pound to a coarse powder. You can use 11/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander if you prefer, but the flavour won’t be quite as good as freshly ground spices. Add the thyme leaves and crush them into the spices for a few seconds. Tip the spices and thyme into a large non-metallic bowl and stir in the lemon zest and juice, garlic, oil, salt and lots of black pepper. Trim as much fat as possible off the lamb, then cut the meat into rough 3cm chunks — you should have about 40 chunks. Add the lamb to the marinade and toss until well coated. Cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables for the kebabs. Deseed the peppers and cut them into 3cm chunks. Cut each onion into 8 wedges with the root intact. Remove the lamb from the fridge and thread the meat on to 8 metal skewers — these should be about 25cm long — alternating with the pieces of pepper and onion. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Cook over a hot barbecue or under a preheated hot grill (close to the element) for 6-8 minutes. Turn once or twice until the lamb and vegetables are lightly charred — the meat should be pink in the middle. Mix the yoghurt, garlic and chopped mint or mint sauce together in a small bowl to make the yoghurt sauce. Warm the pitta bread on the barbecue, in the toaster or under a grill and carefully cut down one side with a sharp knife. Pull the bread open and stuff with shredded lettuce leaves, grated carrot, tomatoes and cucumber. Slide the meat and vegetables off the skewers and into the pittas using a fork. Drizzle a little of the minty yoghurt sauce and serve with some chilli sauce and lemon wedges too if you fancy. 24

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SERVES 6

358 calories per portion

BEACHSIDE PAELLA We cooked this on a beach in Northumberland and some said it was the best paella they’d ever tasted — dieting or not. You know what? We have to agree. Heat the oil in a 38cm paella pan — ideally non-stick. A paella pan is best, but if you don’t have one, use a very wide, shallow non-stick saucepan, flameproof casserole dish or saute pan. Place the pan over a medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper and fry them for about 5 minutes, turning every now and then until lightly coloured. Add the chorizo and cook for 30 seconds more, turning once. Transfer the chicken and chorizo to a large heatproof bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan.

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I tbsp olive oil 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in half 75g chorizo (we like picante) skinned and cut into 5mm slices 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped 1 red pepper, quartered, deseeded and sliced 1 yellow pepper, quartered, deseeded and sliced 150g green beans, trimmed and cut into 2cm lengths 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2 tsp smoked paprika 2 good pinches of saffron threads 1 bay leaf 175g paella rice (medium-grain rice) 1 litre hot chicken stock, made with 1 chicken stock cube 500g live mussels, well scrubbed and beards removed 1 medium squid, cleaned and sliced into rings or 225g prepared squid rings 12 raw king prawns, peeled or shells on, thawed if frozen flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper lemon wedges, for squeezing

Add the onions to the pan and fry gently for 4-5 minutes until softened and very lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Add the peppers and green beans to the onions and cook for 2 minutes until they are beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, saffron, bay leaf and rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is glistening all over. Return the chicken and chorizo to the pan, along with any juices. Stir well, then pour in the chicken stock and season with black pepper. Stir once or twice and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip the mussels into the partly cooked rice mixture and stir once more, making sure they are well tucked into the hot rice and steaming liquid. Return to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes or until most of the mussels have opened, stirring occasionally.

Scatter the squid and prawns over the top of the paella and stir well. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the squid and prawns are cooked, the rice is tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed. The prawns should be completely pink when cooked. It’s important not to keep stirring after the squid and prawns are added — you want the rice to become lightly browned and a bit sticky at the sides of the pan as this adds flavour. Keep an eye on the heat though, as you don’t want the rice to burn. Add a splash more water if the paella begins to look very dry before the rice is ready. Pick out any mussels that haven’t opened by the end of the cooking time and chuck them away. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing.

OUT & ABOUT

NORTH WALES COUNTRY FAIR, BALA 3rd & 4th August 2013

This years Country Fair is taking place on the Bala By-Pass B4391, Bala LL23 7NJ What to expect: Camel Racing, Falconry, Gundog Events, Craft Fair, Food Hall, Archery, Paintball, Terriers & Lurchers, Muzzle Loaders, Air Gunning, Hounds, Flycasting, Have A Go Fly-Tying, Ferret Racing, Basc Shooting School, Vintage Tractors & Cars, Axemen Demonstration, Mobile Saw Demonstration, Ferrier Demonstration, Wood Carving, Over 150 Different Trade Stands, Children’s Play Area, Fair, Donkey Rides, Bar & Food available.

Contact Alan Evans for more information on 07879227819 or email northwalescountryfair@gmail.com

ACORN ANTIQUES FAIR 28th, 29th, and 30th of June 2013

There will be approximately 15 to 20 traders offering their antique and collectable wares for sale. From small pieces of furniture to rather tasty pieces of jewellery (modern and old). Militaria, linen, vintage clothing, art deco pieces, collectable Moorcroft, Majolica, Wedgewood. A truly vast array of items to view. Admission is £1.00 and it is an adults only event. This event takes place at Bellis Brothers Garden Centre Wrexham Road Farm, Holt Village, Wrexham LL13 9EH.

For more information on Acorn Antiques please visit www.acornantiqueswales.com

NIGHTINGALE HOUSE HOSPICE - LADIES MIDNIGHT WALK 22nd June 2013 at midnight! Wrexham, Wales

Join this years' Midnight Memory Walk! Experience a night like no other with this fully marshalled 10km walk though Wrexham. The walk begins at midnight, Saturday 22 June 2013 from Llwyn Isaf green at the Guildhall and finishes with a bacon or vegetable sandwich on your return.

It's £12 for registration and you can do so online at www.nightingalehouse.co.uk/ events/6/ladies-midnight-walk 26

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THE NEXT ISSUE OF

WREXHAM & NORTH WALES IS PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER

FUN DOG SHOW

22nd June 2013 at Ty Mawr Country Park

Entries from 11.00 am. Judging starts at 1.00pm (£1.50 per class or £5.00 for four classes). For more information contact Ty Mawr on 01978 822780 or email countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk

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For details of advertising CALL 01204 796 494 or email mcgrathartwork@btconnect.com today.

Care Home Fees… What you Need to Know

Taliadau cartrefi cymorth - Pob dim fydd angen gwybod Is your loved one paying for care that should be funded by the NHS? Individuals with a primary health care need are entitled to receive Continuing Healthcare Funding by the NHS. While there is no legal definition of a healthcare need in the context of NHS Continuing Healthcare, in general terms it can be said such a need is one related to the treatment, control or prevention of a disease, illness, injury or disability, and the care or aftercare of a person with these needs (whether or not the tasks involved have to be carried out by a healthcare professional). Thousands of people have been unlawfully forced to pay for long term nursing care, which should have been funded by the NHS. Many families have been incorrectly assessed, or just believe they do not qualify to have fees paid by the NHS. Your (or a family member’s) circumstances could make for a justifiable claim and therefore

qualify to have all the care and nursing home costs and fees already paid, refunded in full. With recent surveys indicating the average length of stay for residents in care at four years at an average cost of care at £540 a week, it means those requiring care will pay in the region of £112,000.00 in fees. Very often the costs of care means savings quickly reduce and the family home has to be sold in order to meet costs. NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is a complex area of law and requires specialist advice. Our highly experienced team work with families to review their situation, and if there is a case for reclaiming care home fees, we act on a no win no fee basis. In many cases we recover monies for families after the resident in care has passed away. Claims may be brought on behalf of a resident by an attorney, close family member or executor of an estate. At the moment we can recover incorrectly paid fees dating back to ten years in Wales, including fees paid on behalf of a deceased person’s estate (in England we can recover fees dating back to 1st April 2012).

TAKE THE NEXT STEP NOW CYMERYD Y CAM NESAF If you believe a member of your family is entitled to NHS Continuing Healthcare they are not receiving, take the next step and contact our experts Dawn Joughin and Krystal Lewis at Canter Levin & Berg on

0151 239 1000.

Dawn Joughin

Krystal Lewis

0151 239 1000 www.clblaw.co.uk

Care Home Fees

Could you make a Claim? NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is a complex area of law and requires specialist advice. NHS Continuing Healthcare should be there to help you and your family when you need it most. However, thousands of people in care have been finding that the NHS has withheld payments, forcing them to sell their homes and other assets to afford care home fees. If you are concerned that you or a family member may have been wrongly charged for care costs, Canter Levin & Berg can help. We will undertake a free no obligation assessment and advise if you have a claim.

Find out if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eligible Please contact us on 0151 239 1000 or visit www.clblaw.co.uk

Canter Levin and Berg Solicitors are approved and authorised by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.

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Smile! Get your teeth fixed in Smile! your teeth  xed in Smile! Get your teeth xed in Budapest and save £1000s Budapest and save Budapest and save £1000s £1000s

In In 2013 thethe dental tourism industry is isset 2013 dental tourism industry 2013 the dental tourism industry is set toIncontinue to grow with more and more set to continue to grow with more and tomore continue to grow with more and more people traveling to Budapest in Hungary people travelling to Budapest in traveling Budapest in Hungary topeople have their xed. Hungary toteeth havetotheir teeth fixed. to have their teeth xed. 2012 Treatment Abroad Medical In In 2012 thethe Treatment Abroad Medical InTourism 2012 Survey theSurvey Treatment Abroad Medical revealed that 20,000 Tourism revealed that 20,000 Tourism Survey revealed thatoverseas 20,000 people from UK travelled overseas people from thethe UK travelled for dental treatment. people from the UK travelled overseas for dental treatment. for dental treatment. Budapest has long been established as Budapest long been established as the mosthas popular destination in Europe Budapest has long beendestination established as the most popular dental in because of the high standards of dental the most popular dental destination in Europe of the high standards care, because the rigorous training and education because ofrigorous the hightraining standards ofEurope dental care, the and of Hungarian dentists, and the huge of dental of care, the rigorous training education Hungarian dentists, andand the savings on offer to UK patients. education of on Hungarian dentists, and the huge savings offer to UK patients. huge savings offer to UKfrom patients. Direct flightsonare available Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh Direct ights are available from Direct ights are and London for available asBristol, little asfrom £60 return. Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh

and London for as littleisasthe £60 return. Kreativ Dental Clinic most and London for as little as £60 return. advanced dental clinic in Hungary, Kreativ Dental Clinic is the most dedicated to providing its patients with Kreativ Dental Clinic advanced dental clinic inthe Hungary, the highest quality of is care atmost prices that advanced dental clinic in Hungary, dedicated to providing its patients with are on average 50% to 70% cheaper dedicated providing its patients the highest of care at priceswith that than in thetoquality UK. theon highest quality prices that are average 50%oftocare 70%atcheaper than are onKreativ average 50% Team to 70%arecheaper than The Dental specialists in the UK. in the Dental in UK.Implants, Artificial Bone Replacement, SinusTeam Lifting, The Kreativ Dental are Porcelain specialists Crowns, Bridgework, Veneers, Root The Kreativ Dental Team areBone specialists in Dental Implants, Articial Canal Treatment and Periodontal in Dental Implants, Arti cial Bone Replacement, Sinus Lifting, Porcelain Surgery.Bridgework, Replacement, Sinus Lifting, Porcelain Crowns, Veneers, Root Crowns, Bridgework, Veneers, Root Canal Treatment and Periodontal UK aftercare is provided for all patients Canal Treatment and Periodontal Surgery. and their guarantee is the strongest Surgery. available in Budapest. UK aftercare is provided for all patients UKtheir aftercare is provided for all patients and guarantee is the strongest and their guarantee is the strongest available in Budapest. available in Budapest.

How much canI IIsave? save? How Howmuch muchcan can save? This 32 year old male saved more than £9000

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Faced with unaffordable quotes ininthe UK or Faced withtreatment unaffordable quotes the UK or Th e same in the UK can cost over the prospect of wearing unwanted dentures, this the prospect of wearing unwanted dentures, £16,000. The patient received multiple high this patient travelled to Kreativ Dental and received patient dental travelled to Kreativ and received quality implants, andDental full upper and lower multiple quality dental and full multiplehigh high quality dentalimplants, implants, and full porcelain crown and bridge work at the Kreativ upper and lower porcelain crown and bridge upper and lower porcelain crown and bridge Dental Clinic in Budapest. work. work.

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Do you need legal advice? At Lampkin & Co we have expertise in the legal matters you may face in later life. We know that things don’t always go to plan. It can be particularly disheartening if you or a loved one find yourself unable to get about and do the things you’d like, all through no fault of your own. We also understand these things may happen at a time when the care of elderly parents or relatives can be an additional worry. It’s the unexpected and difficult things that we’re here to help with.

We are regularly instructed by clients over 50 to seek compensation in the following matters: • Defective Metal-on-Metal hip implants • Abuse or failures in care for the elderly • Slips, trips or falls whilst shopping or at appointments • Road traffic accidents Lampkin & Co Solicitors

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Committed to delivering an outstanding service Members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Members of The Law Society

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 301 730)

For free advice call 08081 782110 click www.lampkins.co.uk

Aled House, St. David’s Park, Ewloe, Flintshire CH5 3XA