50 Plus Magazine Wycombe, Maidenhead & Slough

WYCOMBE, CHILTERN, WINDSOR, MAIDENHEAD & SLOUGH AUGUST - OCTOBER 2012

|

EDITION 31

Bernie

Nolan

BOUNCES BACK IN TRUE CHICAGO STYLE

Inside WELSH WONDERS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY STAYING SAFE ONLINE DON’T LOSE YOUR VOTE

Rick Stein SHARES HIS FAVOURITE DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

FREE

Please t

ake on

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

e

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

CONTENTS TRAVEL & LEISURE 6-8

Welsh Wonders Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

FOOD & DRINK

Inside this issue ...

ALI 4BASTIAN TUPELE DORGU

S

STEFAN BOOTH BERNIE NOLAN

14-15

HOME 16-17 Staying Safe Online Advice for consumers 18-20 Is it time to Downsize?

Tips on furnishing something smaller

HEALTH

16-17

6-8

14-15 Rick Steins' Recipe Pages Rick's favourite recipes

24-25 Need a Hip Replacement Talk to the experts 30-31 Care Visits at Home From Bluebird Care

18-20

The Sleeping Beauty

10-11

‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST SHOW ON THE BLOCK’

‘WHAT A TRIUMPH’

THE TIMES

SUNDAY EXPRESS

MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL

TUE 30 OCT - SAT 3 NOV

McGrath Regional Media.

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

★★★★

Don’t lose your vote...

3017 Are atgtickets.com/liverpool you on the Register of Electors? *

*

MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM)

If not, you won’t be able to vote in any elections. We re-publish the Register annually but we can add your name at any time of year so if you aren’t registered, just ring or email us and ask for a registration form.

Elections in 2012 This year on 15 November, we will be electing a Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley police force. Make sure you are registered and don’t lose your vote!

Got your hands full on polling day?

Apply for a postal vote in advance!

Anyone who wants to can now vote by post at any election. It’s easy to do – just complete a simple application form. Ring or email us and we’ll post one out to you, or you can download one from our website.

Tel: 01494 421223 | email:elections@wycombe.gov.uk | Website:www.wycombe.gov.uk Electoral Services, Wycombe District Council, Queen Victoria Rd, High Wycombe HP11 1BB

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

3

Graham Smith has a Twitter Life is just a tweet!

Do you tweet? Twitter seems to have become all the rage but don’t some people make themselves look twits by what they say?

Even David Cameron is tweeting, and for once it’s not about Nick Clegg. As I write he’s just popped up to announce that Prime Minister’s Question Time is about to start. A sure cue for everyone to switch off their computers and phones and hide in a darkened corner before this adult version of Children’s Playtime starts.

Does the Queen tweet? Well not officially but someone assuming her name, @Queen_UK, and claiming to be Elizabeth Windsor, gives me many a chuckle with irreverent comments and quips at various member of the Royal Family and the government.

Waiting for a Princess!

Joining a small crowd waiting to see the Princess Royal in Keighley I had to laugh at some of the comments as time ticked by and she did not emerge from the Civic Centre she was opening.

“I suppose she’s had her dinner, I’m on the wrong side of mine,” growled one elderly lady.

“Who does she think she is being so late, royalty?”, from one man.

I was curious to see this much travelled, often criticised member of the Royal Family whose dog has a penchant for eating geese and who can be a bit nippy behind a steering wheel.

Her catchphrase is “gin o’clock” and he or she has an astonishing 646,553 followers and counting. The latest tweet,“ Camilla on the phone, worried that “the interweb has gone”. The DoE (Prince Philip) thinks she’s trying to find Ceefax”. Then there was this little gem, “Alvin and the Chipmunks (Mr Cameron and Co) are back from their Burma holiday. The poor Burmese still have no idea who they are”.

Or “Bungle (Boris Johnson) on the phone. Not really sure what he’s saying, partly due to one having hung up”. She creases me!

The “gin o’clock” bit comes in when our supposed monarch announces at 5pm each day that it’s home time and “gin o’clock”. And one of my favourites, “Just been out with the dogs. The DoE is trying to dry Linnet the corgi off with a hairdryer”.

To me this is great humour and I am an avid follower. Others make me laugh for other reasons. They tweet before they’re out of bed and I even know the flavour of one southern lady’s toothpaste thanks to her being retweeted by one of my followers.

Then there are the dodgy ones. I sat at my machine one morning and discovered I was being followed by three brothels in San Diego and a dispensing chemist for some very suspect stuff in India, duly deleted. Be very careful if you click any links to these kind of people or you will find your computer or mobile phone infected with something which spreads like mumps and ruins any social standing you ever had.

Last word with the Queen after the budget, “Text from Nick Clegg: “I didn’t agree with the tax on fruit machines. People shouldn’t pay tax on their apples and bananas”.

4

Security was tight for the only royal to have been close to being kidnapped some years ago. On the centre door were two local security people who collectively must have weighed 50 stone but when Anne’s exit was signalled they were dwarfed by her own security men, and women, one of whom could have been seven feet tall with a tell-tale bulge under his immaculately tailored suit jacket.

Then there she was, initially wearing that so serious look she is known for but she kindly broke into a half grin and her eyes lit up as a lady beside me made a light hearted comment about how long she had been inside before leaping nimbly into the back of a Range Rover.

She certainly has the “royal” look and for a woman slightly older than me, in her early 60s, she is still youthful.

“I’ve immensely enjoyed my trip to Yorkshire,” she said to us all.

We enjoyed having you Ma’am, but next time could you save us a sandwich if we have to wait so long?

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Your gift will make a difference and help Thames Hospicecare look after future generations

Leaving a gift in your Will gives you the opportunity to support a cause that mattered to you during your lifetime and helps to provide and care for those you leave behind.

Email: info@thameshospicecare.org.uk www.thameshospice.org: 08456 128812 Charity Reg: 1108298

WELSH WONDERS The Gower

In 1956 The Gower (a peninsula in south Wales jutting from the coast into the Bristol Channel) was named the very first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in the UK by the Countryside Agency and it’s not hard to see why.

Its rugged coastline boasts some of the cleanest water in Europe and with the Gulf Stream keeping the water warm the Gower is a tempting place to take a dip. The

spectacular landscape also makes the Gower perfect for rambling walks, country cycling or even horse riding along the golden sands. Despite all this, the Gower has remained one of Wales’ best-kept secrets and is all the better for it.

GORGEOUS GOWER

Rhossili Visitors to the area should head straight for Rhossili, which has been described on numerous occasions as one of the best beaches in the UK, and even the world!

Rhossili is located at the most Western part of the Gower Peninsula.

The most photographed part of Gower, The Worms Head, stretches out to sea and becomes an island when the tide comes in. History buffs can investigate the wreck of the Helvetica, which ran aground in 1887. For the best panoramic views, walkers should head for the top of the Downs where they will be able to see for miles in each direction.The breathtaking view is completed by the long sandy beach and the towering cliffs and this makes it a popular destination throughout the year with surfers, paragliders and ramblers. However, Rhossili still manages to maintain its tranquillity and unspoilt beauty.

Back To Nature For those wanting to get back to nature, there are a number of companies that can get you on the right track. Dryad Bushcraft offers a range of courses in the art of bushcraft (learning to live in a wilderness environment). Courses include Wilderness Gourmet, 6

Prehistoric Gower, Introduction to Bushcraft and Family Bushcraft. www.dryadbushcraft.co.uk

Village Life Amongst the Gower’s many other charms are its tiny fishing villages, from Llangennith to Horton. Perhaps the most well-known is The Mumbles, a delightful Victorian village with lovely views over Swansea Bay, boasting little boutique shops and a plethora of pubs and restaurants. Up on a hill overlooking the town is Oystermouth Castle, a picturesque and atmospheric 12th century castle that used to be the chief residence of the Lords of Gower and merges perfectly with the dramatic landscape. In fact, the area is so picturesque that Catherine Zeta Jones chose to build a house there not so long ago.

Bright Lights Nearby Swansea offers a vibrant nightlife, with the Wind Street area turning from a modern café quarter during the day to a party zone at night. The city is also home to Wales’s must see largest indoor market which is a huge and buzzing expanse selling cockles, lava bread and fresh Welsh cakes. Swansea city is also the birthplace of poet Dylan Thomas, (for information about his house then visit www.5cwmdonkindrive.com). www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

T R AV E L

Eating and Drinking The Gower is spoilt for choice for quality when it comes to eating out locally but the Gower itself is limited to the number of establishments that it could viably sustain; however, Swansea certainly offers everything that you could hope for and all within driving distance.

Sleeping The rugged nature of the landscape is offset by The Gower’s many attractive places to stay ranging from one or two rooms in a family home to self-contained en-suite rooms with dining and sitting room facilities reserved especially for guests.

The Gower may only be 70 square miles but it seems vast. With its huge deserted beaches, isolated landscapes and tiny, pretty villages, the peninsula will envelop you – and you won’t want it to let go.

Snowdonia Lakes, castles and waterfalls create a surreal experience which could be right out of Lord of the Rings as you enter Snowdonia National Park. Located in north-western Wales, the national park was established in 1951, which made it the first national park in Wales - it covers 840 square miles! www. snowdonia.org.uk Local signs are often both English and Welsh and many aspects of traditional Welsh life, including food, clothing, and crafts are still to be found. The region is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, amongst other outdoor pursuits. It also features the magnificent Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 m (3,560 ft).

narrow gauge railway designed for use with steam locomotives. It was built to serve the slate industry but also carried passengers almost from the outset. The quarry closed in 1946, but the railway’s owner pledged to keep the line open for as long as he lived. He died in 1950, but the line was saved from closure by a group of enthusiasts who formed a preservation society (the world’s first) dedicated to safeguarding its future.

Riding The Footplate Whilst on the Talyllyn Railway and if you are very lucky, you can ride part of the way on the locomotive footplate - a sensational experience! Not wanting to disappoint, the Railway also offers members of the public the opportunity to drive one of its historic steam locomotives. For information see either: www.talyllyn.co.uk or www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk

Picture Perfect The picturesque town of Barmouth rests just within the south west corner of Snowdonia National Park.

Barmouth’s location lying between a mountain range and the sea on the mouth of the river Mawddach is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Wales. The old town is well worth a visit with its steep steps and slate-roofed cottages set on the side of a mountain. The harbour is beautiful and you can walk across the spectacular Barmouth Bridge spanning the river which can be an ideal spot for an evening stroll.

The beach is large and perfect for sunbathing; surfers can often be seen here depending on the swells and time of year. It also has a large range of shops, pubs, hotels and other accommodations including caravan parks. A funfair and amusement arcades are open from March to October.

Talyllyn Railway The Talyllyn Railway is one of The Great Little Trains of Wales, a group of Welsh narrow gauge railways which offers bargain travel through its Discount Card scheme.

The Talyllyn operates over 7 miles of 2ft 3in gauge track along the Fathew Valley from Tywyn Wharf near the coast of Cardigan Bay, to Nant Gwernol, three miles from the lake which gives the railway its name.

Much of the route is within the Snowdonia National Park, and leaflets are available detailing scenic walks from many of the stations.

The line opened in 1865 and still uses two of the original locomotives and coaching stock, in fact three of the locomotives are over a century old!

The Victorian train runs on Saturdays and offers the unique experience of travelling in the original coaches behind a Victorian locomotive. The line was the first www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BARMOUTH7

Eating and Drinking

Sleeping

The foodie scene in this area has come a long way in the last 20 years or so. The Snowdonia mountains and coast are bursting with quality local produce, from Welsh lamb and black beef to farmhouse cheeses and Dyfi salmon, not to mention the sensational seafood from the rich waters of Cardigan Bay. This freshly sourced and home-grown produce has helped transform bistros and fine dining restaurants, cafés and country inns throughout the region.

Snowdonia has a wide-range of hotels, B&B’s traditional or fashionable boutique, country houses or even campsites to satisfy even the most discriminating visitor, whether you choose to stay in Llanberis, Betwsy-Coed, Beddgelert, Abersoch, Harlech, or any of the other pretty towns and villages.

DON’T LEAVE WALES WITHOUT ...

hangs all ten toes over the nose of the board – easier said than done! For people fortunate enough to have their own equipment popular surfing spots include: Sumpters near Overton, Boilers Reef near Port Eynon or Pete’s Reef not far from Pilton, but for those who don’t or would like a ‘taster’ session, there are a number of companies who can hire boards and wetsuits, or provide you with more information

Hanging Ten On The Gower!

The Gower lends itself to a large range of water sports, such as surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Most of the beaches do NOT have a lifeguard, so don’t forget to stay safe and check the tides. Surfing is very popular in this area so whether you’re a novice or more advanced, try ‘hanging ten’ on the Gower - Hanging Ten is a difficult surfing maneuver when the surfer walks to the front of the board and

Try these websites:

www.samssurfshack.com or gowersurfing.com

GETTING AROUND...

By Rail As previously mentioned, there are a large number of local steam railways, rescued by railway enthusiasts during the Beeching era, known collectively as The Great Little Trains of Wales. Passport tickets are available, giving access to all the railways for the whole season (email addresses supplied above).

By Road Many of the smaller roads are slow, and in upland areas may become impassable during bad weather.

The latest traffic information is available from Traffic Wales www.traffic-wales.com

Climate Wales has a temperate climate, which means, like the rest of the UK, it never really gets very hot and never gets really cold. The best times to visit is during the summer months. May, June, July and August are generally the sunniest and driest months. During the winter it can rain frequently, but temperatures rarely drop below zero. They’re normally between five and seven degrees. A raincoat and a thick jumper will usually cope with the worst that the Welsh weather has to offer!

WHY NOT TRY SOME SURFING?

Take a slice out of your Rent and Council Tax Up to 4 out of 10 people entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit miss out.

Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit is help towards paying your Rent/Council Tax Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit are national welfare benefits These benefits help those people on low incomes to meet the cost of their rent and/ or Council Tax If you pay rent and /or Council Tax for your home, then you can apply for help if you are: l l l l

On a low income, earnings or pension A student with children or a partner Disabled On Benefits

For pensioners with savings (who are not in receipt of pension credit guarantee) the first £10,000 is ignored. There is a maximum of £16,000 above which there is no entitlement to Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit. Those in receipt of guarantee credit are automatically entitled to maximum benefit.

Don’t miss out.

What should you do next?

Apply now. You can get a claim form by contacting us on 01494 421 325 or visit our website at www.wycombe.gov.uk where you can use the on line calculator to see if you qualify or email us at: benefits@wycombe.gov.uk

If you are in any doubt - apply! It won’t cost you anything and it could save you money

I N T E RV I E W

Bernie bounces back in true Chicago style

B

ernie Nolan has taken on the pivotal role of Mama Morton in multi awardwinning musical ‘Chicago’ this year.

In 2009, the singer and actress played the fairy godmother at Manchester Opera House, following on The Nolans’ reunion tour which proved a spectacular success and filled arenas around the UK. But between then and now, Bernie, aged 51, has fought a dramatic battle against breast cancer which saw her having to have a mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

In true showbiz style, Bernie has bounced back from this traumatic time to entertain us once more. All of which is no surprise when you consider her strong family background, and the way she has lived much of her life in the spotlight.

Bernadette Therese Nolan came from an Irish family, the second youngest of eight children, and was brought up in Blackpool. Showbiz was in her blood and her sisters, brothers and parents would often perform in clubs and pubs around the resort.

It was when Bernie teamed up with four of her sisters, however, as The Nolans that fame and success finally came their way. The pretty, harmonious pop group sold millions of records worldwide in the ‘80s and ‘90s including more than nine million albums.

They had chart hits like ‘I’m in the Mood for Dancing’ and were regular guests on some of the top TV shows of the time. Their appeal – apart from singable, danceable hits – was their wholesome niceness and visual charm, which proved a pleasant antidote to the extreme vagaries of the pop scene.

10

Bernie had one of the strongest voices in the group, but when she first tried her hand at acting she showed that she also had talent in this direction. She became a presenter on BBC Saturday morning children’s show ‘On The Waterfront’ , and pleasantly surprised critics by her gift for comedy and the ability to laugh at herself.

In 1993, she appeared in the stage play ‘The Devil Rides Out’, and left The Nolans in 1994 to pursue a solo career, scoring solo hits and an album ‘All By Myself.’ She also had noteable success in the Willy Russell musical ‘Blood Brothers’ which brought her to the attention of TV bosses, and in 2000 she joined the cast of popular Liverpool soap ‘Brookside’ as Diane Murray.

Bernie played this role successfully for two years before leaving to play Sheelagh Murphy in ITV’s iconic police drama series ‘The Bill’ where she was given several strong storylines. Her character proved popular and, although she left in 2005, the door was left open for her character’s return.

In 2006, she took part in the Channel 4 series ‘The Games, raising funds for Alzheimer’s and children’s charities, and the following year starred in the play ‘Mum’s The Word’. During the summer, she appeared at Blackpool’s North Pier Theatre in ‘Soap Queens’ , enhancing her reputation as a reliable stage star when she went on to play Hannah Owens in ‘Flashdance The Musical.’

The Nolan family had already been affected by cancer previously: sister Anne had breast cancer in 2000 and Linda suffered from the disease in 2006. However, little could really have prepared Bernie for her own breast cancer diagnosis in April, 2010.

As she recalls: “The day I found out, I cried my eyes out for about two or three minutes with my husband, Steve.

After that, I didn’t cry again the whole way through my treatment.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

“ At the very beginning, though, it’s important to let out every feeling you’ve got. Cry, scream, shout, do whatever you want because it’s one of the biggest things that will ever happen to you.”

As a strong woman, however, Bernie very quickly adopted a positive attitude. “I thought ‘ there’s no way I’m going to die from this’. Once you make that decision, you can get on BY PRESENTED BYARLENE ARLENE PHILLIPS with&beating it. From thePRESENTED start, it’s a case of taking PHILLIPS things DBERG LDBERG & AND ADAM SPIEGEL AND ADAM SPIEGEL one day at a time.

AINMENT

TAINMENT

NT

NG G

Don’t worry about what’s coming up in two weeks’ time.

Deal with today, you’ve got enough on your plate.”

Inevitably, though, there were terrible times. One of the ©© worst for Bernie was telling her children. “I was diagnosed a week before my daughter Erin’s 11th birthday and we didn’t want to tell her until that was over. But kids aren’t daft – she knew something wasn’t quite right,” she recalls.

ALI BASTIAN TUPELE DORGU

STEFAN STEFAN BOOTH BOOTH BERNIE BERNIE NOLAN NOLAN

‘So we just sat her down and told her the truth. She knew about cancer because of Anne’s and Linda’s experience and she knew they were OK, which helped. Erin asked if I was going to die. I told her no and then she asked me if the lump was big. Again, I said no, and explained they’d found it early. One little tear ran down her cheek and she accepted it.’

Bernie had great support from her large family, and especially from her husband Steve in spite of the understandable initial shock and fears for the future. Much of the optimism surrounding Bernie, however, emanated from herself. When her hair fell out from the treatment, she didn’t hide but spoke out publicly about the problem and campaigned for early diagnosis and better understanding of the disease.

BLACK LACK STARKE STARKE

She believes in check-ups and self-awareness in the battle against cancer, and has a practical approach to the disease itself. “You’ve got to take every bit of support you’re offered, whether that’s from the doctors, your family or friends,” STARRING she insists. “And, take it from me, none of it is as scary as it STARRING sounds. I wouldn’t lie.”

VINCENT SIMONE VINCENT SIMONE FLAVIA CACACE Given that strength and determination, it’s logical that & &FLAVIA CACACE she has now returned to the stage and performing, and

SAT 2 JUN MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN is reportedly “excited” about her role in one of the most AT 2 JUN MON 25 & TUE 26 JUN enduringly successful hit musicals of recent times.

‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST ‘THE SHARPEST, SLICKEST SHOW ON THE BLOCK’ SHOW ON THE BLOCK’ THE TIMES THE TIMES

MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL MON 2 - SAT 7 JUL

T

10-15th September Milton Keynes Theatre Book Tickets * * 0844 871 7627

In fact, Bernie has followed the advice of one of The Nolans’ biggest hits “Gotta Pull Myself Together”. And in Check the website for other dates and venues 2012 she *BOOKING FEES APPLY (MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM) is certainly one together lady!

*BOOKING FEES APPLY (MON - SAT, 9AM - 10PM. SUN, 10AM - 8PM)

0844 871 3017 atgtickets.com/live atgtickets.com/live 0844 871 3017 www.chicagothemusical.co.uk

Angela Kelly www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

11

Who are the victims ? d u a r F t i f e n e B f o

YOU ARE !

• The actions of these people affect every man, woman & child in the U.K. • It is costing the country over £900million per year.

• It costs every household in the UK about £36 per year, this money could buy: • 13,000 Doctors.

• 20,000 Police officers.

• 23,000 Teachers.

Housing Benefit helps many people on low incomes. Sadly there are many people who claim when they are not entitled. These people make fraudulent claims by: • • • • •

Withholding information Exaggerating details Forgetting to report changes Overlooking savings or investments Setting out to commit fraud

This could be • Working and not declaring this income • Claiming as a single person but living with a partner.

• Claiming for an address, but not living there.

• Not fully declaring financial position at start of claim.

WE ALL HAVE A MORAL DUTY TO REPORT BENEFIT FRAUD, TO PROTECT YOUR HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS AND LOCAL SERVICES

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

0800 015 8995

fraudinvestigations@wycombe.gov.uk www.50plusmagazine.co.uk 24

13

FO O D

&

D RI NK

Rick Stein's French Odyssey 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 ‘French Odyssey’ (BBC Books, £25) here are three of Rick’s favourite recipes inspired by flavours from France.

SERVES 4

French Onion Soup

60 g butter

Heat the butter in a large, heavy-based pan. Add the onions, garlic and sugar and cook over a medium heat, stirring regularly, for 2530 minutes until the onions are really soft and well caramelized.

1 kg onions, halved and thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 teaspoons caster sugar 300 ml dry white wine 1.5 litres Beef stock, browned Bouquest garni of bay leaves, thyme and parsley stalks 4 x 2.5-cm-thick slices French bread 225 g Gruyére or Comté cheese, coarsely grated Salt and freshly ground black pepper 14

Add the wine and leave to simmer rapidly until it has reduced by half.

Add the beef stock and bouquet garni, cover and leave the soup to simmer for at least another 30 minutes. Then remove and discard the bouquet garni, and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, preheat the over to 150oC/Gas Mark 2. Place the slices of bread onto a baking tray and leave them for 30 minutes to dry out but not get at all brown. Then remove the tray and increase the oven temperature to 220oC/Gas Mark 7.

To serve, place a slice of bread into the bottom of each of 4 deep ovenproof soup bowls and ladle the soup on top, making sure the onions and stock are distributed evenly. Cover the top of the soup thickly with the grated cheese, place the bowls onto a sturdy baking tray and bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. You can also place them under a hot grill for 5 minutes if you prefer or are short of time. This soup should be served scalding hot.

SERVES 4 4 trout, each weighing about 300g 40g butter 60g rindless streaky bacon, chopped 175g fresh ceps, trimmed and cut into 4-mm-thick slices 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon roughly chopped parsley 25g plain flour 2 tablespoons sunflower oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE BEURRE NOISETTE: 75g unsalted butter 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 heaped tablespoon chopped parsley

Fried trout stuffed with sliced ceps, garlic and diced bacon First you need to remove the bones from the fish. To do this, remove the head of each one, and then, working with one fish at a time, start to cut the top fillet away from the bones until you can get the whole blade underneath the fillet. Then rest a hand on top of the fish and cut the rest of the fillet away from the bones until you are about 2.5cm away from the tail. Turn the fish over and repeat on the other side. Then pull back the top fillet and snip out the backbone, close to the tail, with scissors. The fillets will still be attached at the tail. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Melt the butter in a large frying pan and as soon as it is foaming, add the bacon and fry briefly until lightly coloured. Add the sliced ceps and the garlic and toss over a medium-high heat for 1 minute until lightly cooked. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.

Lay the prepared trout on a chopping board and pull back the top fillet of each one.

Season the outside of each fish with a little more salt and pepper, then dredge with the flour and pat off the excess. Heat the sunflower oil in one very large or 2 slightly smaller frying pans over a moderate heat. Add the fish and fry for 21/2 minutes without moving them until nicely golden. Carefully turn the fish over and cook for another 21/2 minutes, until golden brown on the second side and cooked through. Lift the fish onto warmed plates.

Discard the frying oil (from one of the pans if using two) and wipe the pan clean. Add the butter for the beurre noisette and allow it to melt over a moderate heat. As soon as the butter starts to smell nutty and turns light brown, add the lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Pour some of the butter over each fish and serve.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

15

The Trading Standards Service is part of RBWM’s Public Protection Unit, we are committed to achieving a fair and safe trading environment to benefit local residents, businesses and visitors to the area.

Staying Safe Online good anti-virus software that includes Firewall Protection, and a Spam Filter.

The BBC Webwise site provides a useful no-nonsense helpful guide. www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/guides/virusprotection.

Phishing

Do you use a computer on a regular basis?

This information could help keep you and your information safer.

Many of us use the internet every day and although it is generally safe, it can be all too easy to become a victim of scams or e-crime - just by an unwilling click on a link.

Phishing refers to any email or online scam that ‘hooks’ users and cons them into supplying personal data. Phishing scams usually take the form of an unexpected email or website that looks like it comes from an official body - for example, your bank - which requests that you input logins, passwords, credit card numbers, dates of birth and the like into an online form.

Viruses

The term ‘virus’ is often used as a catch-all to describe all kinds of security hazards but, in fact, it refers to a specific type of problem.

A true computer virus is a program that works in the same way as a biological virus, infecting and replicating itself without the user’s knowledge.

These programs, which can be attached to emails or come from files you load onto your computer e.g. via USB sticks or simply from accessing some websites. They can take many different forms e.g. attacking your computer and making it inoperable, causing irritation by copying themselves to the email contacts on your computer, or running in the background collecting vital data about yourself.

What you can do The best advice is to take time to gain a wider appreciation to the threats that are out there - the more you understand the threats the better prepared you will be. This advice stands for all the threats covered in this article. To protect yourself from viruses you need some 16

This is a major problem and is not just about computers. The National Fraud Authority has estimated that every year in the UK identity fraud costs more that £2.7 billion and affects over 1.8 million people.

Your dustbin is as much a source of information as your PC. Here villains will seek to collect all manner of personal information about you and then use it for a wide range of fraudulent purposes from acquiring a passport to taking out credit cards in your name.

What you can do Be very cautious about supplying personal details including photographs to anyone, even your friends, and do not throw things such as bank statements in your dustbin without shredding them.

Fortunately, the Home Office has set up an excellent site which advises on all aspects of Identity Fraud from which you can download advice leaflets. www.identitytheft.org.uk

Some IT Jargon Explained

Online crime includes identity theft, virus attacks and unsolicited emails enticing you to reveal personal and financial details.

The Royal Borough has developed this information to highlight the simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of e-crime.

Identity theft

The information is then passed on to crooks who can use it to steal your identity or access your finances. Many phishing emails and websites look just like the real thing and it can be hard to tell a fake. If you use a spam filter, however, it should catch the majority of these messages before they reach your inbox. The latest internet browsers have built-in phishing filters. However, some phishing emails will always get through, so take care. Always delete unexpected emails asking for any personal, IT, or financial details.

What you can do Check on the internet sites below which provide advice. But if in doubt, simply delete the email. Reputable organisations will never ask for banking details unless it is part of a financial transaction you have agreed to conduct.

The commercial sites below will provide very useful advice and tips, but we must emphasis we do not endorse products advertised on the sites: www.cymru1.net/extra/security3.php www.technicalinfo.net/papers/ Phishing.html www.technicalinfo.net/papers/ Phishing2.html

Anti-virus (AV) software - these are programs which protect your computer from viruses. Typically, as well as being able to remove or isolate viruses that attack your computer from viruses.

Typically, as well as being able to remove or isolate viruses that attack your computer, they also set up firewalls to prevent virus attack in the first place.

AV software also normally has programs which spot Phishing emails.

Firewall - A firewall is a piece of software (or hardware) that sits between a user’s PC and a network, such as the internet, protecting the computer from unauthorised traffic and potentially malicious attacks. Put simply, a firewall acts as a block between your PC and the outside world.

Phishing - an attempt at identity theft in which criminals lead users to a counterfeit website in the hope that they will disclose private information such as user names and passwords.

Spam filter - normally a program that is sold as part of an AV package. It detects emails that come from potentially risky sources and either deletes or gives you the option of doing so.

Millions being lost to sophisticated new card fraud phone scam · New ‘card fraud phone scam’ records a three-fold increase in financial losses so far in 2012 · “Would you spot it?” – a worrying 80% of consumers feel anyone could fall victim · Simple advice to help combat this crime is available from payyourway.org.uk A sophisticated type of fraud – where people are telephoned by fraudsters and duped into revealing their PIN and handing over their bank card to a courier – is on the rise.

same amount - £750,000 - stolen in the first four months of 2012 that was stolen during the whole of 2011. This equates to a three-fold increase.

The scam involves a person being called by someone claiming to be from their bank and told that their debit or credit card needs collecting as it needs replacing following fraud on their account. The caller often suggests the person hangs up and calls the bank back if they want to ensure the call is genuine, but stays on the line, tricking the person into thinking they’re calling their bank.

The criminal will then ask the person to key in their PIN number, before sending a courier to collect the card. The victim is told the card is going to the bank to be changed but is actually delivered to the fraudster to use along with the PIN obtained during the scam.

With 91 per cent feeling that older adults would be particularly at risk, the campaign is encouraging people to make sure that older relatives and friends are also aware of the scam in order to stamp out this kind of crime and help older generations to keep their finances secure.

Pay Your Way, the Payments Council’s education campaign, is working with The UK Cards Association and Financial Fraud Action UK, to raise awareness of how to avoid becoming a victim of this type of crime. More than £1.5 million has now been lost to this crime, with the

In response to the newly-released figures, tips to help people arm themselves against fraud can now be found at www. payyourway.org.uk, where a whole range of guidance on safer payments and banking is available.

DCI Paul Barnard, head of the bank sponsored Dedicated Cheque and Plastic Crime Unit (DCPCU), the specialist police unit that tackles UK card and cheque fraud, said: “Many of us feel confident that we can spot fraudsters but this type of crime can be sophisticated and could happen to anyone. If you have friends or relatives who you feel may be vulnerable, please help them to be more aware of the potential risks and what to look out for.

If you think you have become a victim of fraud on your account you should contact your bank in the first instance, although if there is a crime in progress you should call 999 straightaway.”

Follow these simple tips to avoid becoming a victim: 1. Never hand over your card: Your bank or the police will NEVER ring you and tell you that they are coming to your home to pick up your card, so never hand it over to anyone who comes to collect it.

2. Never share your PIN: Your bank will NEVER ask you to authorise anything by entering your PIN into the telephone.

NEVER share your PIN with anyone – the only times you should use your PIN are at a cash machine or when you use a shop’s chip and PIN machine.

3. Always speak to the bank securely: Before calling your bank, make sure you can hear the dial tone and only ever call your bank on an advertised number.

Any Doubt? Keep them out!

How to Beat the Rogue Step Caller • • • • • • •

Keep front and back doors locked Use a door viewer or window to see who your caller is Put your chain or bar on before you open the door Never agree to have work done by a stranger who turns up on your doorstep Don’t trust ID offered by the caller, it can easily be faked.

Never let uninvited callers into your home Never agree to be taken to the bank to withdraw cash

Rogue doorstep callers appear trustworthy and genuine; if you let them in they’ll expect a sale and won’t give up easily.

If you require any further information or advice about doorstep callers contact trading standards.

( 01628 683802 www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/trading_standards.htm trading.standards@rbwm.gov.uk

If you see any suspicious characters going door to door phone the police non-emergency number 08458 505 505. For advice on any other consumer issues you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 111 444 or by e-mail via their website www.adviceguide.org.uk

IS IT TIME TO DOWNSIZE?

THE children have all left home for lives of their own or you suddenly realise one day that the house you’re in is simply too big for your needs. Whatever the reason, it’s time to DOWNSIZE! Once, downsizing carried a bit of a stigma, almost as if you couldn’t afford the home you had so you had to go for something less. But, in today’s cost-conscious, energy-efficient and finance-orientated world, many more people are downsizing for all the right reasons.

Along with finding a smaller property to live in, however, comes some unusual dilemmas – along with the usual dilemmas of how to furnish the new home and what is surplus to requirements.

Interior designer Chrissy Halton from Innerspace offers some simple advice: “When downsizing, don’t try and replicate the house you had – go for a new look.

Interior Designer Chrissy Halton Ask your relatives and friends if they would like to have particular items that you don’t want to take with you. There’s a growing trend for mixing old and new furniture currently so they may be glad to be offered a piece they’ve coveted or that may fit in their home. Or look to sell items on ebay and start afresh in your new home with some new furniture.

The National Association of Estate Agents says that downsizing offers a chance to have “a thorough springclean and focus on exactly what you want in your new home, and what you don’t.”

“You may have furniture which isn’t suitable for your new home, or that could do with replacing. So think ahead and make sure you have taken proper measurements of your new property so you don’t struggle on moving day with items that you probably shouldn’t have brought with you.”

“And only take with you items that really mean something to you. Off-white walls look great with more antique furniture items, for example. Less is more!”

For many of us, the pull of our old home is all about the memories that we’ve shared as a family within those bricks and mortar. Our children may have grown up here, and every room can be associated with personal milestones or events that matter to our own family history.

The advantages of moving to a smaller property can be that your bills are likely to be smaller and there will be less housework needed. The first big minus, though, is that you’ve probably got far too many possessions to fit into your new home.

“If you’re worried about losing all the history behind your old home, think about using photos to show your life,” adds Chrissy. “It’s easy to make them into beautiful collages, and that way you can ‘take’ the items with you without having the real thing.”

“You can’t take everything with you,” says Chrissy, “so start by having a really good de-clutter so that you can really see what you have that you love. That way you can more easily make the decision about what to take – and you don’t have to pay the removal company too much!”

When it actually comes to chucking out much-loved – and possibly worn – furniture or other items, contact a local charity which might be glad of household goods and especially furniture in good condition. The national homeless charity Emmaus, for example, may have a local collection service for unwanted furniture, or

18

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

LOVELY LOUNGE – Relaxing toning, muted shades, a lack of clutter and plenty of light can be the hallmark of your new lounge when you downsize.

BEDROOM BEAUTY – Go for pretty fabrics in blinds and warm shades that can be picked up in bedding to create this attractive smaller bedroom.

another charitable organisation may be willing to pick up your item to sell for funds or to give it a good home with someone else who really needs it.

It’s important to plan ahead with your new space.

“Think about how you’re going to use the space you are moving to,” says Chrissy. “What is the purpose of each room? How many people will you need to fit in to sit? Will you really need a dining room specifically?”

“Situations change and what you once needed you FISHER require.

FUTURE HEAT WYCOMBE.pdf 1 28/05/2012 09:17 may no longer If you actually look at how

much time you spend in each room of your current home now, you may be very surprised at how little space you actually use on a regular basis. Take this – and what items you use – as a gauge for what you need to take with you.”

For example, she points out, if your new bathroom is smaller than you’ve been used to, is it worth removing the bath and having a larger shower? This may not only make more sense for your daily living but can help with any current or future mobility issues.

Providing a warm future

Controllable Heat

50 years of industry experience

The future of modern, instant heat Beat the rising energy costs: ACT NOW! The unique fischer 40mm chamotte clay core for extended storage, saving you even more in energy...

C

M

Y

www.fischer-futureheat.co.uk Call 0116 216 6186

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

• High quality German engineering • Economical 40mm fire clay • Heatwise, Economy 7, Solar PV compatible

Fischer-Future Heat UK, 1st floor, Gateway House, 4 Penman Way, Grove Business Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SY

Request your free catalogue now!

• Easy to install – uses 13 amp

Please complete your details below, cut out and pop into an envelope with this address: FREEPOST FISCHER FUTURE HEAT No stamp or address required. Or call us on 0116 216 6186, quoting 50PLUSMSHWJUL

• Instant heating for one room or the whole house

Address:

• Modern 110mm slimline design

Name:

• Wireless, Intelligent Room Temperature control system

Telephone/Mobile:

*Refers to energy savings possible compared to night storage, if installed with our programmable electronic controls.

Your information will not be sold or exchanged with any other party.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Post Code:

19

Whatever style of décor you choose for your new home, it’s worth trying to avoid clutter and opt for today’s cleaner lines and minimalist approach – if only to cut down on housework!

Take a look at current interior styles and how these can be easily achieved. Open up a dark room or small bathroom with a roof window or skylight, for example.

BATHROOM BRIGHT – Ensure your new bathroom has plenty of light with the help of a clever skylight window

Take advantage of the wealth of modern flooring including natural woods that can make a room warm and homely in Winter and cool and calming in Summer. You might like to team this type of flooring with a handsome rug in a shade or pattern that tones with your room’s chosen colour scheme.

Plain walls matched with attractive fabrics in curtains or blinds give a room a modern look and allow smart furniture and impressive pictures or photographs to really come into their own.

If the downsizing also applies to your pocket, then you don’t have to spend a fortune on your new place. In fact, there’s often an enjoyable challenge in keeping within a tight budget yet coming up with something fresh, new and comfortable even if the items are cut-price or second-hand. Again, ebay can be a boon here.

A local company Mr Handyman provide tradesmen who are multiskilled and fully trained and fully insured. A range of small jobs or larger projects can be taken on including adapting homes for disability, covering flooring, bathrooms and kitchens.

With head office in Chesham and branch offices at Gerrards Cross, Maidenhead, Henley on Thames, Windsor, Bracknell and Weybridge, Mr Handyman cover South Bucks, Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire. Telephone 0800 043 0400 or visit their website www.mrhandymanservices.co.uk

The key to successfully moving at this crucial stage is to take a fresh look at your lifestyle, and decide to make a new start. That way you can downsize the costs – but upsize your enjoyment of your new home!

For more information on Innerspace Interior Design go to www.innerspaceinteriordesign.co.uk

£50 OFF

This coupon is valid for £50 worth of services provided by Mr. Handyman.

Limited promotion offer only Mr. Handyman charges by the hour with no hidden charges. This special offer is based on a minimum of 4 hours of service.

Offer valid one time per household.

Available at participating locations only.

Not valid with any other offer.

0800 043 0400 We accept all major credit and debit cards

20

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

Win Tickets to The Telegraph CRUISE Show!

SECC, Glasgow: 6-7 October 2012 NEC, Birmingham: 20-21 October 2012 The UK’s biggest event for discovering a world of voyages Be sure not to miss the UK’s biggest cruise showcase - perfect for those new to cruising and needing help to plan their first voyage, or seasoned cruisers looking for inspiration for their next holiday at sea.

This is the only place where you will find all the major and specialist cruise lines under one roof, hear directly from the cruise experts about what’s new for 2013 and save thousands of pounds with the exclusive show only offers! So whether you enjoy sailing in six-star comfort, visiting remote destinations, have a spirit for adventure or prefer relaxing in the most modern resort style ships perfect for the whole family, then The Telegraph CRUISE Show is the place to be.

We are giving 5 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the show!

Just answer this simple question below:

Where is the Birmingham Telegraph CRUISE Show taking place?

- ExCel - NEC - The local village hall

READER’S TICKET OFFER: We are also offering 50 plus magazine readers reduced price advance tickets to the show! Get your tickets for only £5 (that’s saving £5 off the door price!!) by quoting ‘50PLUS’ when booking tickets online at www.cruisingshow.com or when calling 0871 620 4024. (Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)

✁

Win Tickets For a chance to win a pair of tickets to The Telegraph Cruise Show at either Birmingham or Glasow simply answer the question above and send slip to: McGrath Regional Media: Unit 6, Moses Gate Workshops, Gladys Street, Bolton BL3 2QG.

Name:.......................................................................................

Address:................................................................................... ..................................................................................................

Postcode:..................................................................................

Tel:.............................................................................................

Email:........................................................................................

Answer:....................................................................................

Closing date for entries 24.9.12 and winners will be notified by telephone or email.

Spire Thames Valley Hospital We all know how important it is to look after our own health and the health of our families, so it is reassuring to know that Spire Thames Valley Hospital and the Spire Windsor Clinic are able to offer private healthcare to patients of all ages.

Set in secluded grounds, Spire Thames Valley hospital located near Gerrards Cross offers both adults and children treatment across a wide range of specialties including, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, urology, ear, nose and throat and cardiology.

Cardiology is one of the specialities at Spire Thames Valley and we have a full service cardiology unit, which can provide cardiac pacemaker implantation. Dr Al-Obaidi, Consultant Cardiologist since 2006 has been implanting these devices at the Spire Thames Valley since 2008. Dr Al-Obaidi comments “these devices transformed the lives of many patients who otherwise were previously at risk from collapsing and blackouts”.

During their stay at Spire Thames Valley, all patients can expect private en-suite facilities and an excellent level of nursing care from a hospital which has more than 25 years’ experience. Younger patients will be cared for by the specially trained paediatric nursing team who are on hand to ensure that both the patient’s and their family’s experience is relaxed and comfortable.

Dr Al-Obaidi in addition provides other services at the hospital, including Transesophageal ECHO (TOE) procedures which is a more advanced ECHO giving clearer pictures of the heart, DC cardioversion, which restores to normal heart rhythm abnormalities and implantation of “loop recorders” which are tiny recording machines which help continuous (24/7 up to three years) monitoring of the heart to investigate unexplained episodes of palpitations or dizzy spells.

Dr Al-Obaidi also runs regular general cardiology out-patient clinics as well as special clinics for patients fitted with pace makers for the purpose of interrogating the devices.

Located in the heart of Windsor, the Spire Windsor Clinic offers patients a convenient second location for their out-patient appointments and any imaging diagnostics which they may need.

The Spire Windsor Clinic houses the local area’s only open MRI scanner. Open MRI Scanning can be a great comfort to patients who suffer from anxiety and claustrophobia and who often find it difficult to be scanned in the more commonly used tunnel shaped MRI scanners.

If you would like more information about the services available at Spire Thames Valley Hospital or the Spire Windsor Clinic, including cardiology, please call the enquiry line: 01753 665 404, or email: cservice-tv@spirehealthcare.com

“It was well worth the one-off payment to get better sooner.”

Choose one-off private treatment from Spire Thames Valley Hospital.

Call 01753 665 404 www.spirethamesvalley.com Get instant access to the finest clinical expertise in our award-winning hospitals, with a broad range of one-off private treatments from Spire.

Because you only pay for what you need, when you need it, there are no monthly premiums, no policy tie-ins, and it doesn’t matter if you have a pre-existing condition. Whatever you need treated, you just pay one amount – and best of all, it might cost less than you think.

Wexham Street, Wexham, Buckinghamshire, SL3 6NH

This is not an actual quote but accurately reflects the views of our patients.

Do you need hip replacement surgery?

Mr Rakesh Kucheria, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital in Windsor, explains about osteoarthritis of the hip, the symptoms and the possible solution of a hip replacement.

What is Osteoarthritis of the hip?

Osteoarthritis of the hip is one of the most common causes of pain in hips. Although it affects both the young and the old, it mainly affects people over the age of 40, predominantly those who have been active all their lives. In the elderly, it comes on more slowly but can deteriorate very quickly.

What are the typical symptoms?

Patients who have osteoarthritis of the hip usually display the following symptoms: • Pain in the groin • Pain on load bearing activities such as walking • Pain in joints which become stiff after time • Early morning stiffness which usually gets better after time

Usual symptoms for needing surgical treatment or a hip replacement are: • Pain – predominantly in the groin, thigh and knee needing regular analgesia • Inability to walk more than a quarter of a mile • Diffi culty in putting their shoes or socks on • Diffi culty getting out of the car • Waking up with pain during the night and need painkillers to get back to sleep.

What is a hip replacement?

About 70,000 people in the UK have hip replacement surgery every year. It involves the worn and arthritic parts of the hip being removed and replaced with an artificial joint.

As Mr Kucheria explains “The operation usually takes between an hour and an hour and a half. I will make a cut on the side of your hip and remove the damaged ball and socket. I will replace these with an artificial ball and socket made of metal,

24

plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials.

An acrylic cement or special coatings on the hip replacement bond it directly to the bone.”

Mr Kucheria confirms that “the results of a hip replacement are excellent and patients usually wake up after the operation without pain and a high percentage of my patients do very well”. All operations carry a small risk of complications and these will be discussed with you prior to surgery.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after three to five days and you will need to use crutches or walking sticks for a few weeks. Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities following hip replacement surgery as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery, have less pain and can enjoy a new lease of life!

For more information on hip replacement surgery or to get a quote please ring 0800 096 9462.

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

NEED A HIP REPLACEMENT? Don’t move until you’ve talked to an expert.

At BMI you will always see an experienced consultant surgeon because we only work with experienced consultant surgeons.

Call 0800 096 9462 to book an appointment.

Visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/pmh to find out more, including details of our flexible finance.

BMI The Princess Margaret Hospital Osborne Road, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3SJ

BMI HEALTHCARE IS THE LARGEST PRIVATE HOSPITAL GROUP IN THE UK. CDS03723

A Guide to Dentures ....

The Importance of Dentures

Choice of Dentures

The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

There are three main quality standards in denture materials:

Natural teeth grow in proportion and in harmony with your facial features and your dentures should be made accordingly.

Your teeth, or your dentures, have many important functions: to support your facial muscles, to help formulate your speech, and most importantly to chew your food and start the digestive process.

It is very important to chew food properly, as poorly chewed food will take longer to digest, especially for the elderly who could risk problems in the digestive system.

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures Constructing a functional and aesthetically pleasing set of dentures is the most difficult task in dentistry.

We are not only replacing lost teeth, but also lost tissue matter and bone.

In other words, we have to re-create your facial features as they were before the loss of your natural teeth.

In most cases we do not know what your teeth looked like, what size they were or what position they were in originally. We have a few indications but mostly we have to rely on our visual and artistic judgement.

At the same time we have to use our technical expertise in order to make the denture stable and functional.

Denture construction is more art than science.

26

Denture Base Acrylics: standard quality, high impact much stronger non brittle and the latest thermoplastic.

Denture Teeth: 2-layer acrylic very basic and cheap, 3-layer acrylic re-enforced much harder, 4-layer composite extra hard and natural looking.

However, good materials on their own will not make good dentures.

A skilful and experienced clinician and technician are required. The best results are achieved when the whole job is done by the same person.

Removal Partial Dentures It was long thought that removable partial dentures had to be rigid to be effective. The innovation of the Valpast flexible partial denture allows the appliance to adapt to the constant movement and flexibility in your mouth.

The preparation is relatively simple as your natural teeth don’t need to be altered. The Valpast flexible partial denture is virtually invisible, no telltale metal clasps and the material itself blends with the tissue in your mouth so that the only thing that shows is your beautiful smile.

How Long Should Dentures Last?

The question we should ask is, how long will my dentures be functional for? Dentures can last twenty or

more years, but will lose their function (chewing ability, proper fit etc.) probably after two years. This will depend on many factors: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Quality of dentures.

Age of Patient.

General health of patient.

Any drastic change in weight.

Dentures Need Regular Servicing Dentures are in constant use almost 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

They are also in a pretty hostile environment in the mouth, being attacked by strong acid, bacteria, hot, cold and spicy food. Denture material absorbs liquids and food odour.

Daily cleaning is essential as well as professional ultrasonic cleaning in a dental laboratory at least once a year. Due to constant bone resorbtion dentures will become loose sooner or later.

Loose dentures will increase damage to the gums and bone structure, and increase the risk of breakage. Have them re-lined as soon as possible to get a good fit. It only takes a day or two.

Have your dentures inspected by a dentist or denturist at least every two years, or more frequently if necessary.

Your Dentures need Attention 1. When they become loose.

2. When teeth or denture base discolours.

3. When tooth surfaces become flat.

4. When denture base does not fit around natural teeth (in partial dentures). www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

5. When you develop deep lines around your mouth.

6. When your chin sticks out, and the corners of your lips are constantly wet, developing sores.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

Loose Dentures Can be re-lined by adding a thin layer of the new acrylic to fit the surface of the dentures, making them fit better (takes one or two days).

Dentures with worn down teeth Teeth can be replaced with a new set.

Major improvements in Facial Features Padding dentures to reduce lines and fill up sunken cheeks will require a new set of dentures. It is advisable to have a new set of dentures made every 5 to 10 years.

Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?

Yes, it is very important to have

a spare set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

Where do I go to have a good set of Dentures made?

Every dentist can make dentures, but not all of them will specialise in denture making.

Ask your Dental Technician for recommendations of suitable Dentist.

Summary 1. Clean your dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cream.

2. Have your dentures inspected every two years, and re-lined or ultra-sonically cleaned.

3. Have a new set made every 5 years if possible.

4. Keep a spare set for emergencies.

5. Remember, dentures do not have to hurt and do not need to be uncomfortable.

6. With a new set of dentures, you should receive a written guarantee, a detailed prescription of the materials used in your dentures, cleaning and servicing instructions, and a cleaning kit.

7. Dentures so life-like you’d think they were real.

What is a Clinical Dental Technician?

Professional Clinical Dental Technicians are members of the Dental Health Care Team. They have undergone specific training and education in the skills and knowledge necessary to provide a removable appliance service directly to the community.

Equipped with solid technical training as a Dental Technician - plus post-technician training in sciences, clinical skills, and interpersonal skills - the Clinical Dental Technician can design, create, construct and modify (repair and rebase) removable appliances to ensure optimal fit, maximum comfort and general wellbeing of patients.

These skills enable the Clinical Dental Technician, whilst remaining a member of the Dental Health Care Team, to work independently of other Dental Health Care providers.

A fully qualified local Clinical Dental Technician is Paul Moorcroft of Abacus Dental Studio.

Abacus Dental Studio NEW DENTURES DENTURE REPAIRS l

Do your dentures make you look older?

Do they hurt?

Clinical Dental Technician l

While you wait - Express Service One hour Denture Repairs l Alterations, Relines and Cleaning l Home Visits l Appointments arranged as necessary l Friendly l Informal atmosphere with prices guaranteed not to frighten the most nervous patients l l

Your Complete Mobile Denture Service - 1 Firs Close, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7LX. 07970 058506 / 01494 864120 / 01628 603010 15 High St, Theale, Reading, Berks RG7 5AH - Just off Junction 12, M4. (0118) 930 3965 81 Church Street, Crowthorne, Berks RG45 7AW. (01344) 777 751 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

27

NEWS & EVENTS

Bucks County Show Thursday 30th August 2012

September Snowstorms!

Normally, as the nights get longer and cooler, our thoughts turn back to heating our homes properly. Due to the fact Sunflow heaters are made in Germany, demand from Russia, Northern Scandinavia and Eastern Europe is driven by hard frosts and September snowfalls. Sounds cold and it is. Therefore, in order not to miss out on warm weather installation, the time to prepare is now.

Do you want to continue with oil, lpg, gas or night storage heaters? Or, do you want to consider a different type of heating, one with a massive pedigree in Europe and rapidly growing in popularity in Britain. Sunflow radiators are slim, economical and extremely efficient. A real alternative with no maintenance and a full twelve year guarantee.

Built to suit your home, they can form an impressive energy management system that individually controls the temperature and timing of every room. Sunflow offers expertise to combat cold exposed locations so your living areas will never be uncomfortable, even if temperatures drop significantly.

Our surveyors are located where you are and will give you all the advice you need to plan a warm and comfortable future.

Our secret is simple, we do the mathematical equations that guarantee the heat you require in living areas. By calling now, you have time to obtain a quotation and book a summer/ autumn installation.

For further details call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272.

This year’s Bucks County Show will be taking place on Thursday 30th August 2012 at the usual site of Weedon Park, Nr Aylesbury.

The Show starts at 8.00am all the way through until 6.00pm and is still considered one of the best One Day Agricultural Shows in the Country.

Attractions for this year will include: l Bolddog Lings Motocross Stunt Team l RAF Halton Pipes and Drums l The Sheep Show l Vintage Tractors l Home & Garden Marquee l Shopping Marquee l Food Hall l Rural Crafts l Countryside Area l Over 200 Trade Stands l Rural Demonstrations l Horse & Livestock Showing Classes l Show Jumping Along with much, much more for all the family and all ages and interests, so do not miss out and visit us this year for another fantastic day out.

Bus Service: There is a free bus service running continuously throughout the day from Station Way, Aylesbury to the Showground. First bus leaves Aylesbury at 9.30 am and the last bus leaves the Showground at 6.30 pm.

CONSIDER GERMAN HEATING NOW - WARM WEATHER INSTALLATION Simple to install, Powerful, and no more servicing - EVER!

A lifetime of heating, amazingly efficient, fully controllable, slim and attractive.

Heating is a major purchase in our life. Not just the cost of buying a system but the cost of the energy to run it and, just as importantly, the costs to maintain it.

Maintenance - get rid of the maintenance costs all together. A Sunflow guarantee of 12 years will do the trick - nobody inspecting every year - with heating that has a life expectancy of 40 to 50 years! A Sunflow heater is well made and hand finished in Germany. So if you add maintenance and depreciation prevalent in other systems this could easily be a 30% reduction in costs in the first 12 years. That’s just the start!

Over 200 beautiful colours On feet, castors or wall mounted

Energy Management - often called modular heating, Sunflow German built electric heaters allow total control of heating costs.

Every room can be time and temperature controlled, far more accurately than any form of wet system. We have a range of controls from simple manual thermostats and timers, to switching on your heat from remote locations. Ask for advice. Whatever controls you choose you will be able to decide where and when to use energy.

A ReAl AlteRnAtive 28

to

Efficiency - the reason a Sunflow heater is incredibly efficient is the naturally occurring refractory clay core. Called chamotte, we embed a pure tungsten element into the clay and this combination allows us to heat large surface areas with a comparatively low electrical input, thus making our heaters very economic to run.

It all sounds very scientific but to the sceptical we offer a simple demonstration. (See our brochure).

Get your FREE brochure by calling our 24hr Brochure Line on: 0800 158 8270 or email: info@sunflowltd.co.uk

Questions?

Call Suzanne on 0800 158 8272

Hea ^t

oil/GAs HeAtinG - Ask About ouR ReplAcement seRvice www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Marriage: Voids any existing Wills.

Common-law Partners: Are treated as unmarried couples with no inheritance tax relief and without a Will and proper planning in place, they could inherit nothing from each other.

CORNERSTONE WILLS

Step-Children: If not legally adopted, inherit nothing without a Will.

Simultaneous Deaths: Couples who die together without a Will – it’s the younger of the two who is deemed to have died 2nd and all jointly-held assets pass to their family only.

For All Your Will, Probate & Estate Planning Needs

Care Home Fees: Thousands of homes are sold each year to pay for long term care. With proper planning in place some of these homes could have been saved.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA): Without an LPA, if you become unable to manage your affairs either through mental of physical disability, your family have to deal with the Court of Protection.

If any of these matter to you then please call Cornerstone Wills

How we can help: Writing your Will doesn’t need to be a chore. At Cornerstone Wills arranging a Will is easy. We offer a home visit service and will make it a quick, painless and cost effective experience.

We are ideally equipped to deal efficiently and costeffectively with drafting Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) and can give you expert Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning advice for you and your family.

About us: Cornerstone Wills has been responsible for the careful preparation of over five thousand Wills, providing Estate Planning advice and LPAs. We are members of the Society of Will Writers and STEP and all of our Will-drafters are CRB checked and have passed the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation. We are founder members of the TAS network, a National network of expert Will writers.

Probate: Probate can be a difficult thing to deal with when you are already managing your family members’ affairs. Let us help you with this. We have fully trained Probate Specialists who can help in all aspects of Probate, to make this process simple and easy for you.

Simply call us on the number below or send us an email and we’ll arrange for someone to visit you at home or work.

If you would like to arrange us to draft your Will or Power of Attorney or if you have any questions regarding any of our services, please contact us:

Office: Kings Court, 91-93 High Street, Camberley GU15 3RN T: 01276 482850 E: info@cornerstonewills.co.uk

ARE YOU ONE OF THE SANDWICH GENERATION? In 1957, Harold McMillan told the British public ‘we’d never had it so good’ and it was true we were enjoying better health and prosperity.

Inevitably, this led to longer life spans, and the phenomena of the sandwich generation.

At the beginning of the 20th century, around 6% of people in their sixties still had one parent living. Today the figure is around 50%. At the same time, in 2000, 52% of young adults were living with their parents, and this figure is still rising. This has led to a situation where couples coming up to retirement are caring for ageing parents, while still supporting their adult children. This is the sandwich generation, worrying about financing their own retirement, their parents and their children. While many 80 year olds are still hale and hearty, there are many who need constant care and attention, resulting in huge stress levels for those responsible for them. If you’re one of these, it’s time to take stock and explore all avenues which could help.

PLAN AHEAD Difficult as it may be, you need to discuss issues with your parents. Discuss their assets, check with them where they want to live, and who should make legal and medical decisions if they are no longer capable of handling their affairs.

The decision of where they wish to live may be taken out of your hands, if they reach a stage when they need full time care. At this stage, it’s important to find a care home with staff who treat their older residents with respect, and which provides a pleasant environment for your parents, the other alternative is Live-in Care which enables your parents to live out their remaining years in their own home. To assist you through this process you first need to research available government help to fund care, and ensure that your parents are correctly assessed to ensure they’re getting all the funding they are entitled to, such as Attendance Allowance. Age Concern provides a number of detailed booklets on this issue.

Take full advantage of your computer. Search websites for ratings, send for brochures, and most importantly of all, pay several visits to possible care homes or companies providing Live-in Care. In an effort to help families looking for care homes or ‘care at home’ companies, a new online system is planned, to be published on a website which will also disclose official inspection reports.

ORGANISATIONS TO EXPLORE NHS Choices provides a comprehensive health information service on finding and using NHS services in England.

The Directgov website contains information about public services all in one place.

Age Concern and Help the Aged have combined to become Age UK, which provides a huge body of information and advice to older people and their relatives.

30

CARE IN THE HOME It may be that care in the home is the preferred option, and this is where you need to spend time making sure that all available help from your local council is fully explored, and a correct assessment of necessary care is arrived at.

Check out the Care Quality Commission. This is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It registers care services that meet standards and make constant inspections to check that these standards are kept and take action if standards fall.

Direct Payments are a Government initiative designed to give people the freedom to purchase their own care and support, so since 2002 all Social Services departments offer the option of a Direct Payment to people who receive a social care and support service.

Following an assessment by their local Social Services the person receiving the direct payments can use the money for different types of services.

These include: • Personal care and support • Day care (including domestic help) • ‘Mixed’ packages of support • Short-term respite care • Live-in Care • Items of equipment Direct Payments can also be used for employing a ‘personal assistant’ or arranging care from a private care company. Your local Social Services team will be able to advise you further. There are many benefits to Direct Payments – they allow a greater level of flexibility and freedom for the person who needs the care and support.

By employing a care and support worker directly, there is greater choice as to whom the person has looking after them; what times they come and what tasks they perform.

People who are eligible to receive a Direct Payment, instead of their ‘usual’ support include:

www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

CARE • • • • •

Older People who need social care services People with physical disability who are over 16 People with a learning disability who are over 16 People who require Live-in Care Disabled Parents would receive payments for the needs of their children (non educational) • Carers over 16 How can Bluebird Care help? Direct Payments allow such a variety of choice that in some cases the chosen personal assistant or Live-in Carer may even be someone that the person already knows. Greater choice, however, may come with greater employment responsibility.

Social Services departments typically provide advocates or support brokers to help someone recruit a personal assistant. Bluebird Care can assist people who receive a Direct Payment, either by using it to purchase your care and support directly from Bluebird Care or by employing a personal assistant on your behalf.

PRESERVE YOUR ASSETS The only person who can save for your retirement is you.

To avoid many sandwich generation problems - and help your parents and your children - you first have to keep

your own financial house in order. Try not to raid your own retirement savings to pay for your children’s college education or your parents’ long-term care. Students should take out student loans if necessary, and you should use your parents own assets to finance their care for as long as possible.

And finally, remember you’re all in this together. Don’t be a martyr. Take control and get the whole family on board to help. Getting stressed is counter productive, so make sure you get some time for yourself. Young adults still at home can occasionally take over household duties and visit their grandparents. They could accompany them on hospital visits or doctors’ appointments, and gain enormously from increased contact with an older generation.

This is a time in your life when your parents and your children are dependent on you, so look after your health, take time out to keep up with your friends, and keep your sense of humour.

Nothing lasts forever, and sooner or later, your children will find their independence and fly the nest. You’ll miss them when they go. Make the most of your time with them.

Cherish your parents. They won’t be with you forever, so while you’re coping with their problems, remember how they once helped you with yours, and give them a hug from time to time.

Call our professional team What we offer We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. In fact everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home.

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

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

Bluebird Care : South Bucks & Slough 31 Summers Road, Burnham, Bucks SL1 7EP. Telephone: 01628 605797 www.50plusmagazine.co.uk

31

Do you live with: • Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Haemophilia

• Heart Disease

• Osteoarthritis

• Depression

• And Many Others

Your Opinion Matters Leadopinion is a rapidly growing internet community for people living with illnesses or disabilities.

We want you to share your care experiences with us. We work with medical industry, government

agencies and pharmaceutical companies to determine the best way to deliver healthcare. The number one way to do so is by speaking to the people that know best - people who live or care for someone with an illness. Take part by joining our health panel.

You will be rewarded for your time and your opinion will make a difference.

0800 012 8888 Quote 30074

*Network charges may apply

It's free to join. Visit www.leadopinion.com and start helping today.