Wycombe issue 34

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HIGH WYCOMBE, WINDSOR, MAIDENHEAD & SLOUGH JANUARY - MARCH 2014 EDITION 34

Gloria Hunniford Talks of the early days, health & more...

Win a Weeks Holiday for 2 At a Christian Guild Hotel of your Choice

Free Consultation - call 01628 521003

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR THE OVER 50s

WWW.50PLUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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st Orrjujus im?? O swim C Caann’’tt sw It’s never too late to learn how to swim, no matter how nervous or uncomfortable you may be in the water.

Swimming a fantastic form of exercise: • • • • • • •

It’s gentle on your joints It aids flexibility It’s great for your heart and lungs It works all the major muscle groups It burns lots of calories It’s refreshing and relaxing It’s a great way to meet new people

At Bracknell Leisure Centre we offer adult lessons which are devised to get you swimming as soon as possible. Held at convenient times in one of our two fantastic 25m pools our lessons will enable you to: • Learn how to swim • Improve technique • Gain confidence in the water • Be part of a small class of likeminded learners • Enjoy our friendly and qualified instructors Learning to swim can help make holidays more enjoyable, give you the opportunity to swim with friends/family and give you a great, low-impact way to keep fit. So strip off (into appropriate attire!) and get into our pool!

F R EE Swimming le

at Brackne sson ll Leisure Centre Voucher be low

Want to give it a try?

Exclusivetoto5050 Plus readers weWycombe, are offering a FREE &taster Exclusive Plus readers (High Maidenhead Slough) we arelesson offeringvoucher a FREE taster swim lesson voucher swim (see below) in order for (see youbelow) to seein order to see whatadult our exceptional adult whatfor ouryou exceptional classes are like.classes are like.

✃

FREE adult swimming lesson (choose from daytime, evening or Saturday morning) at BLC subject to availability to book your space before on 01344 454203 to book your space Phone Sally Dawes on 01344 454203 14/03/2014 lesson then bring this voucher to reception on the day of your lesson.

Terms & Conditions apply. Offer valid until 31/12/2013 30/03/2014.

Reception Flex code: WRP

?? imim t swsw n’n’t st t dodo Maybe you can swim but feel uninspired? Don’t worry, we have plenty of different waterbased activities that will remove the boredom of plodding up and down the lanes. Water can be used as a way to add resistance to movements whilst keeping your exercises low-impact.

Why not challenge yourself with something a bit different?

Swimming Lessons If you’d like to be a better swimmer then look no further, we have plenty of courses for all levels so improve your skills which could help you go further much faster!

Swimfit (free voucher below!)

Bored of swimming your ‘usual’ 10/20/64 lengths? Try something different with Swimfit sessions. Pick a session card for the distance you would like to swim and allow our Swimfit Instructors to transform your pool time. They will keep an eye on your progress, provide motivation and support. Our Activator will show you how to use the provided training aids, and help you with invaluable tips on swimming for fitness.

This social and fun workout will change your routine forever!

Over 50’s / Fit for Life Sessions If you are one of our lovely visitors aged over 50 years then why not attend one of our Fit for Life Sessions? Not only do we offer swimming during Fit for Life but you can also take part in many other Activities such as Zumba, Yoga, Bowls, Tennis, Badminton or just a relaxing visit to our spa. These sessions are a great way to save money, socialise and keep active.

✃

L’eau Robics L’eau Robics (or water aerobics) is a fun way to exercise in the water, using equipment and water as resistance. Listening to a wide range of music you will work at your own pace whilst supporting your joints in the water.

FREE Swimfit session with this voucher!

Tues 11.30am-12.45pm • Weds 9.15am-10.30am* • Thurs 11.30am-12.45pm Simply cut out this voucher and hand over to Reception at the above times. To get the most out of your workout arrive at the start of the session so you can talk to our Swimfit Activator. *Term-time only. Terms & Conditions apply.

30/03/2014.

Offer valid until 20/11/2013 Flex Code: WRS

Bracknell Leisure Centre Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 9SE

Tel:

01344 454203

email: blc.enquiries@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/be

CONTENTS

inside...

6

14-15

6

Top Tips...

Art Deco.

8-9

Ancient Turkey ...

Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia.

10-11 Five High Quality Hotels ...

From Christian Guild 12-13 The Great British Holiday...

Plus a chance to WIN a holiday for two

8-9

14-15 Gloria Hunniford ...

talks of the early days, health & more

16-17

16-17 Make 2014 Your Year! ...

Change those areas of life your unhappy with 18-19 Low Fat Winter Warmers ...

Recipes from the Hairy Bikers 20-21 Keep your car WARM this winter...

With the help of a local trusted garage 22-23 Staying Safe Online ...

With tips from Trading Standards

10-11

24-25 Keeping Ageing at Bay ...

Stay Younger for Longer 26-27 Quality Dentures mean a Quality Life ...

A guide to Dentures

12-13

28-29 How to best support those suffering with

Dementia ...

And their families.

26-27

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Mobile moments of madness

There have been moments recently when I have been sorely tempted to launch my mobile telephone into orbit, pre-programmed to crash to earth on Richard Branson’s head.

Since the beginning of the year my signal from the Virgin network had been gradually worsening often to the point where using a carrier pigeon would have been more effective. Of course the first line of defence for all mobile phone companies are the foreign call centres where everyone is called Godfrey or Marion and you know they’ve never been called that in their life. They’re irritatingly polite and heavily scripted on how to deal with awkward customers going ballistic down the phone and threatening to do all manner of unspeakable things.

“Oh we’re very sorry for the inconvenience Mr Graham,” trilled

one after 45 minutes on the helpline which was the cut off, probably because a passing pigeon had blocked the one bar of signal which I was using. They want you to give in and go away don’t they?

“Oh we’ll be giving you another 3,000 texts as compensation Mr Graham, isn’t that wonderful?”

No! I want to speak to someone not write everything in text, I replied, quietly steaming and thinking of what I’d like to do with the operator’s headset.

Many calls later I was allowed permission to speak to the technical department and, amazingly, I actually understood what he was saying. Virgin had decommissioned a mast close to our area and the signal was weakened because of it and there were no plans to recommission it in the future. Oh

Spreading the news A North Shields man loves Marmite so much that he’s changed his surname by deed poll to match the yeast spread.

Mr Marmite, 38, says he easily gets through a jar a week and also collects Marmite paraphernalia including limited edition jars, cufflinks and a recipe book dating back to the Second World War.

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I was in a quandary about who to go to for service, or should I revert back to the two syrup tins and a length of string which had been so effective in my youth? And cheaper. I settled for Talk Talk but for three days that was precisely what I couldn’t do, talk, until numbers had been ported, sims transferred and I had to threaten to separate at least three help line operators from their important bits.

My wife opted for a package with one of those tablet come Kindly wotsit gadgets. It’s amazing the stuff they have now, even a phone that reacts when you look at it. I’m hanging on until they have one which soothes you when you can’t make a phone call, brews tea and makes a bacon sandwich. Sorry, just having another moment of mobile madness!

Tyred of wasted money It seems to me that an incredible amount of money is wasted on rather useless items, many in the name of education.

Saire May - now Marmite - made the leap to show his ‘devotion and passion’ to the dark brown paste.

“I’m not exactly sure how old I was when I first tried Marmite, but I just remember eating it as far back as I can remember,” he said.

“I like the smell, the taste, the texture.

I think I pretty much like everything about it.”

nice, I live high on the Yorkshire moors and Graham Smith would have thought there Twitter Column was plenty of room for a new mast, but no, said the technical man. I was put through to the public relations department and a very polite chap confirmed that my signal would not improve and I was free to leave Virgin without penalty!

Our local school has just unveiled a “tyre park” which has cost a staggering £10,000. Now how many swimming lessons or creative activities could that money have bought instead of dumping a pile of old painted tyres for pupils to clamber across?

“My family think I’m mad. However my mum just shrugged her shoulders, she expects this kind of thing from me,” he added.

It’s the sort of silly idea which could spread.

In my schooldays we were quite happy with a playground area where we fashioned wickets from a dustbin, chalked goalposts on the wall and if anyone had dumped a load of old tyres there we’d have thrown them out.

Progress?

5

HOME - INTERIORS

By Niki Schäfer, MD of Dwell-Being Interior Designer, Speaker and Author of ‘Creating Space’ www.dwell-being.co.uk

8. To truly emulate the ‘elite’ style you need to find the original pieces. The technology advances spurred the creation of imitation products made from cheap materials, which led to the eventual end of the era.

TOP TIPS: ART DECO Niki Schäfer shares her tips on creating an Art Deco look: 1. The incredibly glamorous Art Deco period spans from 1920 – 1939 and epitomises the opulence of inter-war Britain. The period was characterised by modern, sleek designs with a luxurious use of materials. The New York’s Chrysler building, The Savoy and Sybil Colefax were icons of this era, look to them for inspiration on a smaller scale!

2. The luxury and decadence was increasingly noticeable in contrast to the austerity of the First World War. The use of rare and exotic woods and materials such as ivory, shagreen (imitation shark skin) and mother of pearl was familiar to this era. Decorate using an excess of mirrors, satins and pale leathers.

3. The Art Deco period was heavily influenced by international style, so perhaps use lacquer as a finish on furniture, a design style developed from China. The period also admired enormously style icons of the era such as Eileen Gray.

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4. The era was nicknamed the ‘Cocktail Age’ so for true Art Deco style track down walnut cocktail cabinets in a stepped shape, symbolic of the Aztec pyramids that were also hugely popular at the time.

9. Rugs were hugely popular throughout this period. Search for wild geometrical shapes in a spectrum of bold colours to liven up any room.

Imitation zebra and other wild animal skins are widely available as fabrics nowadays, and if you’re feeling extra brave use some flocked wallpaper in the same design.

5. Advances in technology moved towards a more ‘streamlined’ look.

Every day objects such as radios became streamlined, swayed by the aerodynamic shapes cut from ocean liners and Zeppelins.

6. Choose fringed lighting and fitted furniture to incorporate an Art Deco look into your home without creating an overwhelming look. Try Tiger Moth Lighting for some wonderful fringed metal lamps and pendants.

7. Search for cantilevered chairs made popular by Marcel Breuer and Miles van Der Rohhe, who made the most of technology advances fashioning original and modern styles from new materials. The Barcelona Chair is another popular design choice, still contemporary today and found in many modern homes and offices.

10. If you live and breathe for Art Deco inspired design then take a visit to La Maison de Verre in Paris, or slightly closer to home stay at The Park Lane Hotel and dine in Claridges.

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50 Plus Travel

sponsored by

Patara Ruins

By Mathew Simpson Simpson Travel www.simpsontravel.com

us with a fascinating insight into the burial customs of the inhabitants of this ancient city. The location of the tombs also helps us to understand the way of life in ancient Lycia and Caria, as they believed that a winged creature carried the deceased to the after world, therefore the burial chambers were constructed on a cliff face. Whilst the entire landscape of Lycia is scattered with a selection of

Ancient Turkey:

Discover the Great Empires of Caria and Lycia Turkey is home to numerous ruins

landscape, diverse wildlife and ancient

dating back to ancient times and the

ruins. However, the delta gained

country’s south western coastline is

international fame after developers

one of the most historically populated

attempted to construct a luxury hotel

areas. Dubbed as the ‘Turquoise

close to the breeding ground of the

Coast’ for its stunning scenic colours,

endangered loggerhead turtles. As

this vast area spans two significant

a result, the Dalyan Delta became a

and influential regions in antiquity,

protected area, thereby maintaining

namely Lycia and Caria. From

the unspoilt nature of the region.

intricately carved tombs to underwater

Nowadays, visitors head to Dalyan

towns, this area of Turkey has much to

not just to observe this endangered

explore!

species, but also to see the other

impressive attractions the area has to

The charming resort of Dalyan –

offer.

close to the regions’ main airport,

Dalaman – straddles the delta and

One such attraction is the Dalyan

is an area rich in natural beauty and

Tombs that are set high up in the cliff

historical attractions. Until the late

face above the Dalyan Delta. They

1980s, this traditional fishing area

were constructed for the Carian city

remained somewhat undiscovered

of Caunos around 400BC to house the

by tourists, despite its impressive

bodies of deceased kings, providing

8

fascinating funeral monuments, it is these on the Dalyan Delta that are considered the most imposing and awe-inspiring tombs of the ancient region. At night time the tombs are lit up creating a dramatic, atmospheric backdrop to the delta which can be seen for miles.

Caunos itself is another fascinating attraction. The largest ancient city in the Carian era, it was constructed, according to Greek mythology, by Apollo’s grandson. Those who visit these iconic ruins can discover remains of many different parts of the old city which were uncovered during an excavation, from the ancient amphitheatre to the traditional Hellenistic and Roman temples, to name a few.

Further eastwards, Kalkan lies at the heart of some of the most impressive Lycian sites. Xanthos was a site of exceptional importance in antiquity as it is thought to have been a main centre for culture and commerce.

Extensive excavations and research of the area have led to the discovery of a selection of texts in the Lycian

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language and Greek, as well as a considerable amount of artefacts.

Iztuzu Beach

The British Museum now houses two tombs, the Nereid monument and the Tomb of Payava, both of which were discovered at the ruins. Another tomb, known as the Harpy Tomb, is still located at the remains of the city. Only 4kms south of Xanthos, positioned on the banks of the Xanthos River, is one of the most important religious centres in the region – Letoon – where the foundations of temples can be seen. A further remain – the ancient city of Patara – can also be found in this historically rich region. Excavated in the 1980s, a magnificent Roman arch can be admired, as well as an impressive theatre. Once a prosperous

Bozburun Peninsula

commercial city, the ruins are positioned just a short distance from Patara Beach – one of the most photographed beaches in the Mediterranean.

There are also a number of other smaller sites and one of the more interesting and unusual ones is nearby Kekova which is home to the semi-sunken city of Simena. Originally a fishing village, a 2nd century earthquake had devastating effects on Simena – however it left behind an exceptional historical site. Half of the ancient houses have become submerged, with staircases leading down underwater, where the foundations of the buildings and an old harbour can be found. In 1990, this region was declared a protected area, prohibiting swimming and diving.

Further north and on its own peninsula lies the unspoilt rural region of Bozburun, yet another area which is home to other interesting historical settlements located in ancient Caria. From here, you can explore the ancient Greek settlement of Knidos, located just a short drive away on the nearby Datça Peninsula, a ruin that is built partly on the mainland and partly on the Island of Triopion which, in antiquity, was connected to the mainland by a bridge.

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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9

NEW RE BROCHU W OUT NO

Christian Guild hotels provide the very best in Christian hospitality in some of the most beautiful parts of England.

Our five superb hotels o er a warm welcome are aperfect 2014and brings range places of inspiring ideas to help you to get from it all. for you and your family. choose theaway perfect holiday Christian Guild boasts five high quality hotels with first class service, from an 18th century castle to a country house hotel and a classic Georgian mansion.

YOU will always receive a warm welcome at any one of our beautiful hotels. If you’re looking for a hotel that offers comfortable accommodation, character, style and great food, then look no further.

Our hotels have been chosen to offer you easy access to some of England’s most popular tourist areas. Whether you want to explore coast or country, we’ve a hotel for you. And once you’ve finished exploring and wandering around the wonderful surroundings of our hotels, sit back and relax and enjoy fine food and the very best in Christian hospitality at each venue.

Abbot Hall Hotel Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 7BG T: 015395 32896 e: abbot@christianguild.co.uk

THEMED BREAKS If you have a hobby or want to try a new experience, then our themed breaks are renowned for offering a fun-packed holiday.

to

We have arranged a lot of new breaks for 2014, so there’s more chance for you to try a new hobby. Best of all you’ll meet like-minded people, and we’re sure you’ll make new friends.

Stay As You Please We are known for our fabulous breaks that offer a packed programme of activities. But we are now introducing our new concept Stay As You Please.

Willersley Castle Hotel Cromford, Matlock Derbyshire DE4 5JH T: 01629 582270 e: willersley@christianguild.co.uk

Sidholme Hotel Elysian Fields, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8UJ T: 01395 515104 e: sidholme@christianguild.co.uk

Lindors Country House Hotel The Fence, St Briavels, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 6RB T: 01594 530283 e: lindors@christianguild.co.uk

Treloyhan Manor Hotel St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2AL T: 01736 796240 e: treloyhan@christianguild.co.uk

This gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want, but unlike other hotels, we have staff on hand to help you plan so you don’t miss out on any local attractions.

Stay as you please is more than just booking a hotel room - we can also help you with directions on local walks and give you contact information so you can take park in local activities, such as surfing, fishing or pony trekking.

Call 01629 826531 for a copy of our Holidays & Short Breaks brochure with details of the activities organised at each hotel.

Head Office: Christian Guild, 2nd Floor, Building 10, Cromford Mills, Cromford, Derbyshire, DE4 3RQ. tel: 01629 826531 email: mail@christianguild.co.uk

Great NEW Guided Walking Holidays!

Fabulous NEW Coach Holidays!

New for 2014, Christian Guild is delighted to work in conjunction with Robinsons Holidays to offer you a range of coach holidays to our five hotels.

Robinsons Holidays have been providing affordable, quality coach holidays from its East Lancashire base for the past 90 years.

With Robinsons, passengers’ comfort and safety are a priority and their fleet of modern coaches all offer extra legroom, airconditioning, washroom and WC facilities. All of their tours also have numerous and regular comfort stops en-route to their destination.

We are pleased to announce that we will be working with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays to operate walking holidays at 2 of our fabulous locations - Treloyhan Manor Hotel in St Ives and Lindors Country House Hotel in the Wye Valley.

The original walking experts Since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays have been providing great value guided walking holidays in spectacular locations.

They are dedicated to making exploring the world on foot a fantastic experience. If you love the great outdoors and exploring, then a Ramblers Walking Holiday at Christian Guild will be perfect for you!

Robinsons have an extensive network of feeders which allow them to operate over a large geographical area, and currently pick-up in the following areas: Cumbria; Lancashire; Merseyside; Cheshire; North Wales; Greater Manchester; Staffordshire; Yorkshire; Derbyshire; Mansfield; and Nottingham.

Interchanges for Abbot Hall tours are Lymm Services (M6 J20), and Forton Services (near M6 J33). Interchanges for the other four hotels’ tours are Lymm Services and Hilton Park or Frankley Services.

Passengers can opt to join the tour coaches at the relevant interchange, but there is a car parking charge at Lymm. Robinsons operate a door-to-door service at a supplement, charged on a perperson, per-journey basis (minimum 2 people) for those who wish to be collected at home and taken directly to the relevant interchange.

Professional, passionate and experienced Each holiday will be led by Ramblers Worldwide’s very own experienced Leaders. They are fully qualified with a fountain of knowledge so you can be sure your holiday will be the best it can be.

Experienced in leading, each has their own individual style and particular talents. All are first aid trained; hold walking leader qualifications commensurate with the grade of holidays.

The tour leaders turn a good holiday into a great one. Carefully selected, they are highly experienced, all holding walking qualifications, with specialist expertise ranging from botany to archaeology. Their skills and personalities mean that they will bring your trip alive, acting as a friend and a guide to the whole group.

Walking the Wye Valley - Lindors Country House Hotel Secluded charm, ancient woodland and the majestic River Wye 22nd Feb - 1 Mar - £465; 26 Apr - 2 May - £499; 21 - 28 Jun £575; 30 Aug - 6 Sept - £575; 1-8 Nov - £575.

Offa’s Dyke - Lindors Country House Hotel A walk through an ancient fortified borderland from Kington to Chepstow 17 -24 May - £685; 2-9 Aug - £685; 27 Sept - 4 Oct - £685 St Ives & the Cornish Coast - Treloyhan Manor Hotel Walking the coast and countryside of the far west of England 21- 28 Mar - £579; 2 - 9 May - £595; 14 - 21 June - £595; 12 - 19 July - £595; 23-30 Aug - £595; 25 Sept - 1 Oct - £515; 10 - 17 Oct - £585.

For full details of any holidays or breaks please see brochure or visit the website.

01629 826531

Abbot Hall Tours Includes 3 excursions 12th- 19th July (7 Nights) - £475 28th Sept - 2nd Oct - (4 Nights) - £267

Lindors Country House Tours Includes 2 excursions 14th - 18th July (4 Nights) - £330; 5th - 10th Oct (5 Nights) £350

Sidholme Tours Includes 2 excursions 25th - 30th May (5 Nights) £369 12th - 17th Oct (5 Nights) - £337

Treloyhan Manor Tours Includes 3 excursions 21st - 28th June (7 Nights) - £637 5th - 12th July (7 Nights) - £681 6th - 13th Sept (7 Nights) - £681 22nd - 29th Nov (7 Nights Turkey & Tinsel) - £565

Willersley Castle Tours Includes 2 excursions 25th - 30th May (5 Nights) - £399 13th - 18th July (5 Nights) - £431 7th - 12th Sept 5 Nights) - £399 All tours are at half board rates in ensuite accommodation

To book contact Robinsons on freephone 0800 083 9900 or online at www.robinsons-holidays.co.uk

www.christianguild.co.uk

TRAVEL AND LEISURE And there is just so much to see and do in this country!

You can sample local ales in Devizes in Wiltshire, enjoy international arts in Salisbury and explore stone circles and Iron Age forts in the countryside.

Consider an escape to the country’s largest oak forest in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, see Dover’s stunning white cliffs or visit the beautiful cathedrals of Rochester and Canterbury.

Then there’s the glorious ancient woodland of the New Forest where William the Conqueror once hunted.

The Great British Holiday When it comes to choosing a break away many of us automatically go online or get brochures from the travel agent to look beyond our own shores to possibly sunnier climes in other parts of the world.

That blinkered approach to homegrown charms means we may not appreciate the best of what this country has to offer. But, for the discerning, The Great British Holiday has become THE way to enjoy time away from home.

Look at the basic reality: you don’t have to worry about changing money to a different currency or learning a foreign language, agonise over flight delays, spend long hours at the airport doing nothing or deal with the often baffling laws and customs of another country.

By discovering the genuine wonders of the world on your own doorstep, you plug into a much more relaxed holiday that can quickly awaken all of us to just why so many visitors from other countries converge on the UK each year as their destination of choice.

For a start, there are all kinds of holidays we can take in this country – ranging from active adventure holidays to tailor-made tourism around fascinating towns and villages, to ultrarelaxing breaks to allow mind and body to rest and re-charge to face the rest of life.

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There are few countries in the world where so many holiday choices are available. You can hire a cottage in a remote rural spot, take over a country lodge for a family break, stay in a piece of English history, or just put your trust in a reliable travel company and let a coach whisk you away on a scenic route to a super hotel home-fromhome.

When you’ve got past the family holiday style of seaside breaks or activity holiday parks, you may just love the luxury and sheer lack of responsibility of being taken on a coach tour holiday.

Matt Barnes - Barnes Coaches “You don’t have to travel outside of the British Isles for holidays that are exciting and interesting, while still being relaxing; you just need to choose a holiday with plenty included. Most people have seen the Eden Project in Cornwall, but how about timing a trip here to coincide with the Cornwall Spring Flower Show? Everyone loves a journey by train or boat; how about a holiday combining both in Devon and Cornwall, Norfolk, the Pennines or even Scotland? If scenic ferry journeys are more your thing, there are some great circular holidays to be had in Scotland; taking in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland or even all three.”

Our first National Park in the Peak District is the scenery which inspired the Brontes, or you can view Creswell Crag’s stunning Ice Age legacy. Little around the world is as beautiful as our own Lake District and Cumbria, while the Yorkshire Dales offer mile upon mile of unspoiled landscape as a feast for the eyes and the senses.

Explore the historic streets of Salisbury and Stonehenge and tuck into tasty local farmers’ produce, or wander the banks of the River Wear in Durham.

Spare some time, too, to visit its iconic cathedral there before appreciating the wild and lovely countryside of the Durham Dales.

Our cities have much to fascinate – from stunning landmarks in Norwich spanning the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras to Windsor Castle, bursting with a thousand years of history.

Soak up the atmosphere in Bath and visit the fascinating Roman baths or wonder at York’s remarkable old buildings and visit the Shambles, voted the country’s most picturesque street.

Make a pilgrimage to Canterbury and discover the bloody history behind Chaucer’s tales. Or travel to our historic seats of learning and culture to stimulate the intellect and the imagination.

Stratford upon Avon is home to all things Shakespeare; see works

by Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Picasso at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford,

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or study Charles Darwin’s specimens at the Zoology Museum in Cambridge.

Of course, holidays don’t all have to be about sitting around or simply strolling about looking at tourist spots.

You might prefer your walks brisk, exploring the Cornish coast, or hiking over the many English hills and dales.

You might be one of the thousands of people who love caravan holidays, taking your accommodation with you to the hundreds of well-organised camp sites and their useful facilities to structure your own days. You might prefer to try out well-appointed static caravans at holiday parks which also offer entertainment on your independent holiday.

Boating holidays are more popular than ever, with the country’s wonderful network of canals and rivers introduced to new fans every year.

The Lancaster Canal, for example, is one of our most scenic and gentle waterways, running for 42 lock-free miles through pleasant pasturelands, overlooked for most of the way by the foothills of the Pennines.

Today’s narrowboats come fullyequipped, some with central heating,

outdoors. Discover the Wye Valley, where you can observe the breathtaking scenery, Offa’s Dyke, a walk through an ancient fortified borderland or St Ives and the Cornish Coast, with its rugged coastlines and long sandy beaches. All lead by Ramblers very own experienced leaders, you can be sure your holiday will be the best it can be.

full-size shower and TV, appealing to all.

As Robert Foulkes of Crabtree Narrowboat Hire explained: “Last year we had people in their early 20s, grandparents with their grandkids and 50-somethings whose children had left home and this was their first holiday on their own for 20 years.”

If you’re looking for the perfect British holiday in 2014, then contact Christian Guild for a copy of their Holidays and Short Breaks brochure for details on hotels and all the activities on offer on 01629 826531 or visit www.christianguild.co.uk

Christian Guild, the UK’s premier Christian holiday and hotel company, are excited to announce their brand new brochure for 2014, bringing you a range of inspiring ideas to help you choose the perfect holiday for you and your family.

The Great British Holiday – in all its forms, price-ranges and activities or lack of them offers the freedom to choose exactly how YOU want to spend your break. And the bonus is that it’s often a brand new voyage of discovery of the fabulous place that is our country.

The company boasts five high quality hotels, from an 18th century castle, to a classic Georgia mansion, providing high class service and a warm welcome to all their customers.

They have recently announced a partnership with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, who are offering their expertise in great value walking holidays at two locations, giving customers the exciting opportunity to explore the world on foot and get out into the great

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INTERVIEW: GLORIA HUNNIFORD

Gloria’s early days, health & more...

By Angela Kelly

Gloria Hunniford was just enjoying a few weeks near Nice in France with her husband when we chatted.

It marked a particularly busy time when she had been filming more programmes for the TV hit series Ripoff Britain, which had been extended

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to cover rip-offs on holidays and on food. And Ms Hunniford, now a lovely 73 year-old with the beautiful skin and enduring looks typical of Irish people, always tries to look after herself.

“You need to keep balance, avoid being thrown off kilter,” she explains. “It’s very easy when you’re busy but I do try to take holidays and eat and sleep properly.”

She’s also a great fan of vitamins, which she takes each day, and admits

to “a certain amount of exercise”, usually walking the dogs or using her exercise bike in front of the TV. “I’ve just lost two stone, though,” she states. “It wasn’t a vanity thing – my sister was diagnosed with diabetes and I asked the doctor what I should do to avoid it. Losing weight seemed a sensible idea so I cut out both sugar and carbohydrates and the weight just dropped off.”

It feels like the popular broadcaster has always been with us. Radio and TV audiences love her, and Gloria has the enduring charm that people of all ages and both sexes find attractive and easygoing.

I once stood next to her in an aiport queue as she took a flight to her native Ireland and her fellow travellers were plainly fascinated by the VIP in their

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midst, but also very warm to her.

She was named after the actress Gloria Swanson but early on she became a singer, entertaining at her dad’s concerts. He was a newspaper man by day and a magician by night.

She spent time in Canada, singing on TV and performing listeners’ Irish song requests on the radio, then returned home where she joined ITV’s new Ulster Television as a production assistant. She continued her singing, though, and got a record in the Ulster charts in 1969.

After she was interviewed on BBC radio, the producer asked her to audition as an interviewer, then hired her for Northern Ireland’s equivalent of the Today programme.

She cut her teeth on news and current affairs, moved on to a nightly news programme and finally ended up invited to work in London. Here, her friendly Irish accident and warm manner quickly won over fans. She filled in for Jimmy Young while he was on holiday, and the banter between her and Terry Wogan – whom she already knew – at the end of the programme swiftly enhanced her reputation. People felt she was a familiar friend on the air.

She was given her own show, Gloria Hunniford’s Open House, and was a daily TV fixture for five years. She still makes appearances on The One Show and became a regular once more on our screens with another very popular series Cash in the Attic, which she loves.

“They’ve got about 20 programmes already made but they’ve also now launched an interactive website and an app which is all very exciting because you can go onto the site anytime you want to, anywhere,” she says enthusiastically.

“I love that programme – I’m a great fan of antiques and I’ve collected them myself for years. I collected so many angels and cherubs one of my sons forbade me to bring any more home!

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And I’ve also collected teapots and jewellery crosses.”

She loves the surprises that people get when items they discover go to auction, and thoroughly enjoys the celebrity version. “I’m always amazed at how generous the celebrities are in donating items that can be sold for charity,” she adds.

The Rip-off Britain series is another favourite with her. “I think we came along at just the right time with that brand,” she states. “The recession was just beginning and people felt even more aggrieved if they were being ripped off.”

She is proud of the fact that the evening version draws a regular audience of 5.5 million viewers “and the daytime programme has very respectable figures, too,” she asserts.

Work is plainly far from drying up for the evergreen presenter but she’s quick to state that she actually wants to work.

“I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to,” she adds.

She and her second husband, Stephen Way, live in Sevenoaks, Kent, and family life is obviously very important to her. Her presenter daughter, Caron Keating, died from breast cancer after a brave fight in 2004 and any parent can start to imagine the personal devastation that brought.

“I’ve had loss before, but nothing prepares you for the terrible darkness that descends when a child dies,” says Gloria. “It’s like trying to climb out of a big hole by your fingertips and, just when you think you’re at the top, something drags you back.

“I felt like that for a long time, and many of the people who contacted us when Caron died – we had more than 8,000 letters – said it never really goes away.”

But one person’s letter did strike a chord with Gloria, and showed the way ahead for her. It was someone who

“ I enjoy work, and I’d hope to keep on working for as long as people want me to” pointed out the importance of carrying Caron’s spirit forward, “I just felt then that I knew what I wanted to do,” she recalls.

Gloria founded the Caron Keating Foundation, administered by the family and with all the funds raised being used to help charities concerned with all kinds of cancer.

The result is that, over the past years, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds which have gone to projects at 47 different cancer charities all around the country.

This is obviously a source of some consolation to Gloria and her family, although you suspect that Caron is in her thoughts every day. “Someone said that people never die if they remain on the lips of the living,” she states, “and I believe that.”

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first thing that people notice about you and there are plenty of excellent treatments around. Your dentist can advise here.

It may be that you would like to ditch those specs and improve your EYESIGHT. Laser surgery has come on remarkably in the last few years, so shop around for the best and most trusted treatment.

Certainly, for many of us, our wishlist contains COSMETIC SURGERY for a crooked nose, saggy chin or to get rid of those frown lines. Choose a reputable clinic or salon and give yourself the face or other identified body part you’ve always wanted.

Make 2014 Your Year!

By Angela Kelly

Most of us treat a New Year in the same way – we mentally list all the things we want to change in the next 12 months …. but then do little about it until the next new year!

Well, here’s the chance to make 2014 YOUR year and change all those areas of your life with which you’re unhappy.

And that doesn’t necessarily just apply to your home and your job but also the shape you’re in and many of the things you might like to change about yourself if you just could.

For a start, are you happy with the shape you’re in? Even the most gorgeous celebrities or top models complain about some element of their bodies, so the rest of us are bound to have a list of “improvements”!

Weight is an obvious one. So, if you’ve been promising yourself to drop a few pounds – or a stone or two – join a slimming club now, or put yourself on a good WEIGHT-LOSS programme.

Start this journey with a quick visit to your GP, of course, to check that there’s no medical stumbling blocks involved but after that – ready, steady, slim!

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Complement your shape as the pounds disappear, too, with a new approach to your FITNESS regime.

Gym membership these days is generally very economical, especially if you attend regularly, and you’ve got the added bonus of having expert help on hand and being surrounded by likeminded people.

Make a gym visit part of your regular routine as a way of ensuring you keep happy and healthy – and trimmer – and you’ll keep that hard-won weightloss off for good.

For those with limited mobility, the risk of falling in a bathroom is high.

As we get older, falls can become a major health problem so maintaining a safe home environment is essential.

Everyday tasks that most people take for granted can become an actual danger for those with limited mobility.

Perhaps you want to try out a NEW HAIRSTYLE – a fresh, shorter look or a change of colour. Consult your hairdresser and take his or her advice on cut, condition and just what suits you.

Consider finally getting your dental work sorted out or having your TEETH WHITENED if you’re unhappy with your smile. It is, after all, often the

This may be the year that you decide to MOVE HOUSE. The housing market is definitely much more buoyant and all the signs are good for getting the home of your dreams. Local estate agents and mortgage advisors are always happy to help you with your personal home possibilities.

Or, it could be that you like your current address but want to put in an EXTENSION or CONSERVATORY. A local builder can give you a quote without charge for an extension, and it’s certainly worth talking to an architect about making the most of this planned space first. They’re the experts on coming up with clever plans and utilising extensions in the most practical way to suit your family’s lifestyle.

If you go online to see the kinds of extensions and conservatories available, you can mix and match the best of ideas to suit your plans.

Your property may just need the kind of brightening up that a good DECORATOR can provide. Sometimes, changing the colourscheme and furnishings really cheers up rooms and transforms the home.

It may be that you’re at that stage of life when you want to DOWNSIZE, perhaps realise some of the capital in your property. If you’re in those golden years and want tailor-made accommodation, it’s definitely worth considering a retirement village or sheltered accommodation.

You may decide that a New Year is just the time to change from struggling along with a large and expensive property to something more suitable and economical. There is a wealth of suitable places these days, including comfortable modern apartments

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needing the minimum of maintenance, and with staff on-site to support you daily. And the bonus is that you’re in a community of older people also determined to enjoy life!

Again, your travel can create a personal travel itinerary that will ensure you realise your dream trip, and enjoy the experience every bit as much as you thought you would.

Of course, it may be that you’ve been promising yourself that special HOLIDAY for several years. So, this could well be the time to consider going to Australia or New Zealand, Macau or Malibu. Consult a reliable travel agent for the kind of personal service you’ll need for the trip of a lifetime.

Your New Year Resolutions may be far more modest than any of these, although they may well enhance your life just as much. You may decide that in 2014 you will definitely QUIT SMOKING so take a good look at all the products around to actively help you with this – there’s everything from patches to e-cigarettes these days, hypnotherapists and local health expert support on offer so there’s really no excuse.

It may be that you’ve got a close relative or friend in a far-flung spot that you’d love to visit but never thought you could. Now is just the time to see if this is a possibility, and how it could be achieved.

Perhaps you’re determined to finally go to a special SPORTING OCCASION, like the Winter Olympics in Russia in February, the World Twenty20 cricket in Bangladesh in April or the Masters’ golf in Augusta that month.

Or you may have decided to LEARN a musical instrument or a foreign language. All it takes is that initial decision that you’re not going to leave things for another year. You’re not simply going to say “I wish I could ….”

You’re actually going to do it!

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FOOD & DRINK - LOW FAT WINTER WARMERS

Si King and Dave Myers are self-confessed food lovers.

Food isn’t just fuel to them, it’s their life. But like many of us they’ve found that the weight has crept on over the years.

Si and Dave have come up with tasty recipes that are low in calories and big in flavour, and many we have featured in 50 Plus Magazine.

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE STEW

This is real food for real people, not skinny minnies.

They are ideas for family meals.

The cider and bacon add a touch of sweetness and extra flavour to the chicken and veg, making this a lovely supper dish. Keep it low-fat by removing the skin from the chicken legs before cooking and using as little oil as possible for browning the meat and vegetables.

SERVES 4 3 tbsp plain flour 2 tsp dried thyme 4 chicken leg quarters 2 tbsp sunflower oil 4 rashers of rindless smoked back bacon, cut into 1cm-wide strips 2 medium onions, chopped 2 celery sticks, thinly sliced 150g small chestnut mushrooms, wiped and sliced or quartered if large 500ml bottle of dry cider 300ml chicken stock, (made with 1 chicken stock cube) 2 bay leaves 400g Chantenay or other small fat carrots, trimmed and peeled 2 slender leeks, trimmed and cut into 2cm slices flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper.

METHOD Mix the flour and thyme with a good pinch of salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper in a large strong 18

freezer bag. Strip the skin off the chicken legs and put them on a board.

Break the joint of each leg by bending it in the opposite direction. You may hear a small crack. Cut each leg quarter in half with a sturdy knife to give 8 chicken portions. Using a good set of kitchen scissors, trim off any visible fat.

Put the chicken portions in the freezer bag, a few at a time, and shake well until they are evenly coated in the flour.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick fying pan over a medium heat and fry the chicken, a few pieces at a time, until golden brown all over. As they are browned, transfer the chicken pieces to a large flameproof casserole dish.

Preheat the oven to 1800C/Fan 1600C/ Gas 4.

Put the bacon, onions and celery in the pan used for browning the chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring often.

Add the mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes more, then tip everything into the casserole dish with the chicken pieces. Sprinkle in any flour remaining in the freezer bag and stir well.

Pour about half the cider into the frying pan and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon to lift any sediment from the bottom. Simmer for a few seconds, then pour into the casserole. Add the rest of the cider and the stock, then stir in the carrots and bay leaves and bring to a simmer on the hob.

Cover with a lid and cook in the centre of the over for 1 hour, then remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the leeks. Pop the dish back into the oven for a further 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickened. Serve with some green beans or spring onions.

435 Calories per portion.

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LAMB, SPINACH AND POTATO CURRY This is a low-cal version of Dave’s favourite curry - saag gosht - becuase he couldn’t bear to it give it up. If you are running short of time, cut out the fresh garlic, ginger and chilli - the curry will still taste great. The recipe contains potatoes so there is no need to serve it with extra rice.

SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH SMOKED SALMON SERVES 6 600g lamb leg steaks (about 4 steaks) 1 tbsp sunflower oil 2 large onions, roughly chopped 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped 25g chunk of fresh root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped 1 plump fresh chilli, (deseeded if you like) 75g medium or mild curry paste (depending on your taste) 400g can of chopped tomatoes 350g potatoes, preferably Maris Pipers, peeled and cut into 3cm chunks 450ml water 2 bay leaves 1 tsp flaked sea salt, plus extra for seasoning the meat 1 tsp caster sugar 3 ripe medium tomatoes, quartered 100g young spinach leaves freshly ground black pepper METHOD Trim the lamb of any hard fat and cut the meat into rough chunks of about 3cm. Season with salt and pepper.

Heat a teaspoon of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the lamb in 2 batches until lightly coloured on all sides. Transfer the lamb to a plate as soon as each batch is browned.

Heat the remaining oil in a large flameproof casserole dish and add the onions. Cook over a medium heat for

6-8 minutes until they’re softened and lightly browned, stirring regularly. Turn down the heat, add the garlic, ginger, chilli and curry paste and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.

Remove from the heat and blitz the onion mixture with a stick blender until blended to a purée. Or you can let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then blend it in a food processor before tipping it back into the casserole.

Return the casserole to the hob over a medium heat. Preheat the oven to 1900C/Fan 1700C/Gas 5.

Add the browned lamb to the spiced onion purée in the dish and cook over a gentle heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring.

Add the chopped tomatoes, potatoes, water, bay leaves, teaspoon of salt and sugar. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid and place the casserole in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened. Check after 1 hour and give the contents of the casserole dish a good stir.

Take the dish out of the oven and remove the lid. Stir in the quartered tomatoes and spinach leaves. Cover once more and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and the spinach has wilted.

Serve hot with some spoonfuls of fatfree yoghurt if you fancy.

This is a treat - light but tasty and packed with protein. It takes next to no time to prepare and makes a really special weekend breakfast or brunch. Shows that you can breakfast like a king and still keep the calories under control.

SERVES 2 4 medium eggs 1 tbsp freshly snipped chives, plus a few extra to garnish(optional) 15g butter 4 slices of smoked salmon (about 75g) 1 English muffin, cut in half flaked sea salt freshly ground black pepper METHOD Beat the eggs with a pinch of flaked sea salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. Use a metal whisk and make sure you beat the eggs really well. Stir in the chives if you’re using them.

Melt the butter in a medium non-stick saucepan over a low heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and cook very gently for 2 minutes, stirring slowly until the eggs are softly scrambled.

Remove from the heat and stir for a few seconds more - the eggs will continue to cook for a while.

While the eggs are cooking, toast the muffin and put 1 half on each plate, cut side up. Spoon the scrambled eggs over the muffins, add the slices of smoked salmon and season with a little more black pepper. Garnish with extra chives if you wish. Serve immediately.

293 calories per portion.

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354 calories per portion

FEATURE

Keep your car WARM this winter with the help of a local trusted garage

We all know that we should carry out weekly checks on our cars to make sure they are roadworthy – but few of us actually do.

However, by pledging to keep your car WARM this winter, you can be sure that everything is working as it should be when you take to the road over the next few months.

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WARM is a very simple, easy-to-remember acronym that can act as a checklist for the parts of your car you should check regularly

www.MARLOWVW.co.uk VW Audi Seat Skoda PE

S

In fact, a survey carried out earlier this year by Trust My Garage found that 84% of motorists do not carry out basic, regular checks on their vehicles.

By neglecting simple tasks, such as checking oil levels and engine coolant, motorists are in danger of causing engine damage which is always a costly problem and can result in the inconvenience of having no car at all.

What does WARM mean?

Why pay Main Dealer prices?

Fully- qualified factory technicians Local collection/delivery Loan cars available

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As motorists prepare for chilly early morning starts and freezing weather conditions, nationwide independent garage scheme Trust My Garage is advising drivers in Bristol to keep their cars WARM this winter.

Unit 3, Lancaster Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe HP12 3PY

01494 459616 www.marlowvw.co.uk

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to ensure that, together with regular servicing, you are keeping your vehicle safe and fit for winter weather conditions.

W is for WIPERS...

Windscreens must be kept clear of dirt and debris for obvious reasons.

Check wipers and the windscreen are in good condition by giving them a quick examination every week.

If rain doesn’t clear from the windscreen properly or there are smears when the blades wipe from side to side, then it is time to consider changing them. The blades become worn with time and if they are used frequently, debris can eat away at the edge of the wiper.

Winter weather can also make the rubber on the wipers brittle, which means they are more prone to cracks and splits.

Reduced visibility due to badly performing windscreen wipers can jeopardise your safety – and for just a few pounds blades can easily and quickly be replaced.

A is for ANTIFREEZE...

in the engine is essential if it is to work efficiently.

Check the water coolant reservoir every week to ensure the liquid inside is at maximum level. If it begins to drop there could be a leak in the system, so it is crucial you get it checked out.

If you need to top up your antifreeze, make sure you use the type that is right for your vehicle by checking in the handbook or consulting your local Trust My Garage member.

R is for RUBBER...

Are your types correctly inflated?

Do they have the right amount of tread?

Both are important to keep you safe on the roads. Over-inflation or under-inflation can affect steering and braking, while tyres that do not have at least 1.6mm tread – the minimum legal requirement for cars and light vans – might struggle on wet or slippery road conditions, especially when braking sharply.

Having tyres with sufficient tread will also help to prevent skidding and aquaplaning, which happens in the wet when traction is lost and the car is lifted by water on the road.

M is for MAINTENANCE...

Antifreeze is a component of most but not all engine coolants. Having the right concentration of coolant

Cars are expensive pieces of equipment that most of us rely

on daily, so it doesn’t make sense to neglect their maintenance. A few basic checks every week and a regular service at your trusted dealer means that your car, whether an old banger or a top-ofthe-range sports car, can serve you for a good few miles yet.

How else can I keep my car WARM? A simple service from a local Trust My Garage (TMG) member can ensure that your vehicle is safe and fit for driving. TMG members have access to technical information and expertise to ensure that your vehicle remains roadworthy. These garages are experts and can make sure vital components of your car are operating correctly to keep you safe on the road in winter weather conditions.

Where is my local Trust My Garage member?

To locate your nearest Trust My Garage member and take advantage of quality service at an affordable price, simply log on to www.trustmygarage.co.uk and type in your postcode to see a list of Trust My Garage members in your area. Members of Trust My Garage are true professionals – local independent businesses which are part of the community. Trust My Garage is the truly independent scheme for independent garages.

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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 22

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

BEAUTY

Keeping Ageing at Bay WE long ago seem to have decided against growing old gracefully and opted to do whatever we can to keep ageing at bay.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things we can do to help ourselves, whether or not we want to resort to cosmetic surgery. In fairness, the cosmetic surgery industry in this country is generally of a very high standard. But, as in anything where you are dealing with your health and investing large amounts of money, it’s worth checking out your private clinic or hospital of choice and comparing both costs and reputations with others.

Eyebag removal, facelifts, cheek and chin implants, tummy tucks, arm lifts and thigh lifts are now all relatively common procedures – although they are all still surgery and require proper consideration and investigation beforehand.

However, there are less drastic options we can undergo that don’t involve the scalpel but can still improve our appearance. First, though, it’s worth ensuring that you’ve explored all that Mother Nature has to offer - along with your active co-operation.

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A healthy diet is vital for glowing skin and hair, and it’s important to keep your weight within a reasonable level, too. If you’re not sure whether you’re overweight or underweight, ask your doctor and take his or her advice.

Plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular, are good for health along with a certain amount of protein in meat, fish or pulses. If you’re on a specific diet – for health or other reasons – you may need a vitamin supplement to ensure you keep well and look and feel good. Consulting a nutritionist or asking your GP’s advice are good starting points here.

Exercise can also ensure our joints and muscles stay supple, which is a great aid to youthful vitality as well as improving the shape we’re in. Regular walking in the fresh air can give an outdoorsy look that’s attractive at any age, and the enjoyment of an activity that allows us to relax our faces and bodies can also hold back the years.

Having an attractive smile is surprisingly ante-ageing. In fact, your

smile is very important in this ageing battle as an unattractive smile can positively age you far more than skin can in most cases.

Missing teeth, very crooked teeth, poor gum health or very discoloured teeth or fillings will obviously not add up to a pleasant smile. Paradoxically, crowns and dentures with teeth that are too white, too straight and too uniform can also make a person look older than their years.

The key is for a natural smile of healthylooking teeth and gums that enhances and suits your face. Clever dentists can carefully add well-matched filling material to the tips of worn lower teeth these days. And it’s also easier now to get rid of a denture with fixed teeth or by fixing or stabilising a denture with implants – all of which can be a massive boost to confidence.

If you’re looking for beauty procedures with natural-looking results, try these ideas: Anti-wrinkle injections – These involve

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injecting botulinum toxin type A (the most famous brand being Botox) into facial muscles. This can actually prevent muscle action so effectively reduce frown-lines, furrowing of the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes. When this is carried out well by skilled practitioners, it not only means less wrinkles but a less tired, more relaxed look – like you’ve just been on a lovely holiday!

Dermal fillers – A major problem as we get older is the loss of volume, indeed loss of fat, in the face. Fillers are designed to be used in the face to plump up targeted areas and lines such as the naso-labial folds and the marionette lines around the nose and mouth. They are also great for correcting the turned-down mouth that can sometimes come with age.

Temporary fillers are also an effective and popular way of filling folds and lines, and for defining and augmenting lips.

If injections are complete anathema to you, think about the many treatments that the beauty industry can now offer.

Facial treatments generally, though, tend to work best on a well-cared for skin so it’s important to keep skin well hydrated inside and out.

Keeping to well-known beauty product names may well help here as you may know better what your skin reaction will be. One typically famous brand offered in some salons is Guinot, and one of their most popular treatments comes from the Hydradermie range.

The Hydradermie deep cleansing facial is, apparently, much beloved by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Coleen Rooney. This involves deep-cleansing the skin, and it also stimulates cellular renewal. The benefits are particularly felt by those with dry skin, and it also reduces the sebum level in oily skin.

The Hydradermie Lift is a machine-based facial using cutting-edge technology to treat both the skin and the facial muscles for an immediate “lifting” effect. Designed for skin that shows signs of loss of elasticity, it targets areas where fine lines are most evident – around the eyes, mouth and nose and across the forehead. It also “lifts” and firms the cheeks, jawline and neck.

Liftosome Facial – This facial treatment has been specially developed to treat the problems associated with mature skin including lack of skin tone and loss of radiance. With age or fatigue, we notice a slackening and loss of firmness of the skin, especially in the cheeks, chin and neck. This is largely caused by the deterioration of the elastic fibres of the dermis. The skin loses density and becomes dehydrated, resulting in dryness, wrinkling and slackening.

The treatment consists of three phases: the vitaminenriched serum, the thermal treatment mask and the firming massage. The facial finishes with the application of moisturisers to the face, neck and eye area.

The great thing about all facial treatments for many of us, of course, is that it’s such an enjoyable and luxurious process that we automatically come away feeling much more relaxed – and thus also much younger looking!

TOP TIPS FOR STAYING YOUNG FOR LONGER 1. Avoid and reduce stress as much as possible. Stress is one of the most common causes of premature ageing, so take time to relax and have a little humour in your life.

2. Spend as much time with your family and friends. An

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increase in social connections can help improve the quality of life and can influence life extension.

3. Oxygen is vital for keeping your body healthy. Make sure you get plenty of fresh air and ensure you have plenty of plants around you at home and at work.

4. Whilst keeping active can help fight the loss of stamina, muscle strength, balance and bone density associated with ageing. Exercising your mind is equally important to exercising your body. A healthy and active mind will help you feel younger. Try learning something new to keep your brain stimulated.

5. Having the right amount of sleep is essential to staying young. Taking a short nap can make a huge difference to thinking clearly and feeling happy, but make sure it’s just after lunch so that night sleeping is not disrupted.

6. Keep the brain active by doing something new every day – clean your teeth with the other hand or take a new route to work 7. Laughter releases endorphins thus relieving pain, reduces stress hormones and boosts the immunity system.

So put on those comedy DVDs and laugh a lot!

8. The facial feedback hypothesis suggests that facial expressions influence our emotions. So smile and feel better. It’s the greatest facelift in the world!

9. Stand tall. Good posture can make us look 10 years younger and much more confidant.

10. A suntan makes us look healthy and vibrant, but in the long run it’s terribly ageing. A little colour with the protection of sunscreen is the answer.

My Bronte Book Your autobiography captured in a beautiful, illustrated volume for your family to treasure.

Complete with a web site of your pictures and recordings of your stories. Written in Haworth, home of the Brontes.

Haworth gave birth to the historic novels of the Bronte sisters and it can become the birthplace of your personal story.

Makes a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Bronte Book will publish your personal autobiography, written and published in Haworth, to pass on as a living legacy after making detailed recordings.

Within the four month long process comes your own web site (also available separately) containing recordings, pictures and special stories. Your own living legacy which we know you will enjoy compiling.

You may choose a book and/or a web site and an e-book within the package which starts from £300 ranging to £2,750 for the full process, which can include up to 20 books. A deposit with instalment payments plan is available.

Details from www.brontebook.weebly.com or Bronte Media, brontemedia@outlook.com Tel: 01535 959002, Mobile: 07866 626090

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HEALTH 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.

Choice of Dentures There are four main quality standards in denture materials.

The denture base (gum coloured on which the denture teeth sit).

• • • • •

Standard Quality High Impact Acrylics (much stronger) Injection Pressure Formed (Premium Denture Base) Flexible (Partial Dentures) Metal Denture

The Denture Teeth

Quality dentures mean a quality lifestyle The Importance of Dentures The eyes, nose and teeth are the focal points of every face; they give the first impressions of your personality.

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.

• • • •

2 Layer Acrylic (economy) 3 Layer Acrylic (harder wearing) 4 Layer Reinforced (hard wearing, natural look) N.F.C. (Nano filled composite) premium teeth.

Of course, the materials alone will not make a good denture. In the hands of a skillful and experienced Clinical Dental Technician the best results are achieved.

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

NEW DENTURE STUDIO Relocated from 461 Bath Road near Burnham

Andrew Dougan, owner of Denture World, offers a whole new experience to denture wearers. His patients benefit from the undivided attention and creativity of an expert denture technician with over 20 years clinical experience treating patients directly, personally handcrafting every denture in his onsite laboratory.

• • • • •

True life teeth & latest materials Cosmetic denture enhancements Repairs & alterations Denture problem solving FREE car park

Andrew Dougan Dip CDT RCS (ENG) RDT GDC No. 162175

For honest, friendly advice or to book a FREE consultation

call 01628 521003

17 Straight Bit, Flackwell Heath, Bucks HP10 9LS (Opposite Costa Coffee, 1 mile from M40 J3) www.denture-world.co.uk 26

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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.

7. When you stop smiling and feel embarrassed.

set of dentures for emergencies in case of breakage.

My Dentures have become loose!

Difficulties in Constructing a Good Set of Dentures

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.

This is easily remedied by a procedure know as Re-lining. A new layer of Denture base is added to your existing Denture, improving the fit and restoring confidence.

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.

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 Clinical Dental Technician 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).

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.

Dentures with worn down teeth Teeth excessively worn, require a new set of dentures.

Dentures on Implants

This type of Denture is constructed in conjunction with the Dental Implant Surgeon. This is a very good procedure when the patient has limited control and retention of their Dentures. The finished Dentures ‘click’ into position offering the ultimate in Denture Retention.

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.

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.

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.

Should I have a spare set of Dentures made?

Yes, it is very important to have a spare

Maidenhead Denture Studio Personally made dentures direct to you Our services include: l Complete dentures l Partial dentures l Denture repair l Denture relining l Copy or spare dentures l Delicate Chrome Dentures (32 years experience) l Mouth Guards l Denture Additions All denture problems solved

MON-FRI 8am to 6pm: 01628 674221

Out of hours emergency: 07801 298977

156 Windsor Road, Bray, Maidenhead SL6 2DW

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Benefits: CLINICAL DENTAL TECHNICIAN FREE consultation FREE car parking FREE Home visits & collection ONE to ONE attention ONLY the finest materials used COMPETITIVE prices PERSONAL and discreet service

www.maidenheaddenturestudio.co.uk

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CARE

How to best support those suffering with Dementia and their families 1. When dealing with Dementia, it’s often easy to focus on the illness and lose sight of the individual. Whenever you see the person with Dementia treat them with respect and dignity to help them feel confident and valued, however advanced their Dementia may be.

3. Let the sufferer and their family know you are there for them by making sure you stay in touch. Arrange regular meet-ups or just pop round for a cup of tea and a chat – even a quick text or phone call to let the family know you’re thinking of them can make a huge difference.

2. Equally, it is important to communicate in a clear and reassuring way to help the Dementia sufferer feel at ease. Even if the person doesn’t understand what you’re saying they may pick up on nonverbal communication, so ensure your tone is warm and that your body language is open and friendly to avoid unintentionally coming across as stressed or irritated.

4. Find out as much as you can about Dementia and how it is affecting the particular person involved. That way when you talk to family and friends about it, you are in the best position to be understanding and offer the right kind of support.

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5. Be a good listener – those supporting the person suffering with Dementia often need someone to talk through things with, so ask thoughtful

questions and listen carefully, and give them time to explore their feelings freely without judgment.

6. Offer to help out with little things.

Families living with Dementia will undeniably feel the stresses of everyday life to an even greater extent and have less time, so give practical support by helping with their weekly shop, or offering to do the school run.

7. Organise a treat or outing to include the person with Dementia. Think of an appropriate activity for everyone to do together, such as a walk in the park or a trip to the seaside, and give everybody a fun day out.

8. Offer practical tips for how to make life easier for the Dementia sufferer.

Small suggestions like placing useful

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telephone numbers by the phone or labelling cupboards and drawers can make a huge difference to daily life.

9. Give the carer or family member a break – suggest a treat such as a spa weekend or theatre trip, or even just take them out for dinner or coffee as a welcome break from their everyday routine.

10. Appreciate that supporting a relative with Dementia will be hard for the whole family, and will mean changes and disruptions to everyday life. Children in particular may be more affected emotionally, so offer them a chance to express their feelings and talk things through, and don’t be surprised by small changes in behaviour such as them becoming frustrated or anxious.

By Dr Lynda Shaw www.drlyndashaw.com Cognitive Neuroscientist and Business Improvement Strategist.

Anne Inglis, Director of Bluebird Care says “Far too many times, people with dementia find themselves pigeonholed, often losing their identity, when in fact,

each is an individual. At Bluebird Care we pride ourselves on person centred care with our customers at the “heart and centre” of everything we do. The care we can provide can vary from a practical nature, help with getting up, washing or dressing or perhaps help with meals, laundry and ironing. But it may be about going out to the shops, or a walk in the park or a visit to relatives or friends.

We recognise that many people with dementia are looked after on a day to day basis by a spouse or other family member. But caring relatives need a break from time to time and this is where our ‘sitting service’ can help.

On an arranged day each week we will come and take over the role - allowing the family member time to themselves.

Some of our customers may require live-in care, which is also available.

Our live-in service provides a realistic alternative to residential care allowing people to stay at home, with familiar friends, relatives and possessions around them. Our staff are experienced in dealing with Dementia and we hold regular training updates for our care workers. This ensures that our staff understand the practical and emotional aspects of caring for people with dementia.

Choosing care is one of the most important decisions we may have to make as we become older. It is so important that when making this decision, people are aware of all the options open to them. At Bluebird Care we are more than happy to answer questions on the phone or face-to-face and if the person asking the questions has a much greater understanding of what is available and how to access what they require, we’re happy to have helped in some small way”.

CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service

Bluebird Care (South Bucks & Slough) 31 Summers Road, Burnham SL1 7EP. Telephone: 01628 605 797 www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

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.

Alternative Bluebird Care offers a realistic cost effective alternative to residential care.

With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around, Bluebird Care ‘just happens’.

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

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Who are the victims of Benefit Fraud?

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 Â fraud.investigations@wycombe.gcsx.gov.uk 24

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STARRING

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Book by JOSEPH STEIN Music by JERRY BOCK Lyrics by SHELDON HARNICK

Directed and choreographed by

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD

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