Retirement Today New Year 2020 by Amra Media Solutions

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R E T I R E M E N T

www.retirement-today.co.uk

The magazine for pre and post retirement

FINANCE•LIFESTYLE•TRAVEL•CULTURE•GARDENING•HEALTH•RECIPES

Issue 101 New Year 2020 £2.90

CONTENTS

4 The Age of Wisdom: A New Phase of Life

Unique and inspiring messages of wisdom to help you unleash your potential in later life.

WELCOME TO RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE

8 Making Bread at Home

You don’t have to have made bread before to start creating delicious loaves. Easy to follow recipes from around the world, with great results.

10 Live Well – simple ways to live a long and healthy life

Encouraging ways to add years to your life and improve your quality of living along the way.

12 Update

Failure to resolve TV licences fiasco will leave hard-up pensioners paying a high price warns Age UK; Londoners walking away from social isolation this winter; Workplace savings shouldn’t just be about pensions.

16 Footloose in Italy V

Debra Rixon shares her journey exploring some of the beautiful areas of Southern Italy and Sicily.

20 Perfect Stay

Fancy exploring Oxfordshire? The Lion at Wendlebury is the perfect stay for a relaxing break.

Middle right image: from Making Bread at Home by Jane Mason. Photography by Peter Cassidy. Published by Ryland Peters & Small Bottom left: Image from Happy Starts at Home by Rebecca West, published by CICO Books. Photography ©CICO Books

21 Cruising

Whether abroad or in the UK, cruising has become a popular holiday choice. Read about some of the reasons why so many people enjoy cruising.

36 Subscription

Subscribe and have Retirement Today delivered direct to your door.

23 Out and About

Feast & Fast: The Art of Food in Europe, 1500-1800; Leonard da Vinci: A life in Drawings; Norman Cornish: The Definitive Collection; Cézanne at The Whitworth; A fun day out for all the family at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.

25 Park Living • Published by: Amra Media Solutions Ltd The Old Lavender Mill 46a Brook Street Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire HP22 5ES • Tel: 01296 632700 • Email: info@amramedia.co.uk • www.retirement-today.co.uk • Designed by: Tom Evans Design All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. Retirement Today would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.

Park Homes are an affordable alternative to more traditional homes, making them ideal for those approaching retirement.

28 Happy Starts at Home

What does it take to be happy at home? Change your space and transform your life.

31 Volunteering in Retirement

Volunteering is not just about giving back; it can enhance your own life too. Here are some suggestions as to what you could do.

21 23

35 Making a Will

Guidance for choices and options you have when making a will.

39 Charity News

The Queen’s Nursing Institute celebrates the birth of Florence Nightingale; Where there is need, we need to be there – Christian Family Concern; Severe Flooding causes devastation at Bransby Horses’ land; Help protect primates worldwide.

40 Charity News

Does dairy increase the risk of Prostate Cancer?; National Churches Trust; Thank you for your precious gifts-Rethink.

42 Charity News

Hazel hops again – Tiggywinkles. RETIREMENT

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'In previous centuries, there was no point in seeking to mindfully shape the post-retirement years as they were so few in number'

This can be a time which provides us with a chance to experience another round of active life — wiser, more meaningful and even more enjoyable than the life we had as adults. In adulthood we are often overburdened with managing our careers, combined with the demands of building families and raising children. The post-retirement period gives us a new freedom to design and experience more fulfilling and balanced lives. I call this new period of life ‘the age of wisdom’. The name exemplifies its essential quality. In coining the name, I have followed the Jewish scriptures, which differentiate between ‘cleverness’ and ‘wisdom’. In the book of Proverbs, chapter 3, verse 13, King Solomon writes: ‘A clever person is one who knows how to learn from others. A wise person is one who knows how to go beyond what he has learned from others.’ In other words, wisdom is a quality that is extrapolated from one’s own experience and awareness. According to Benjamin Franklin, ‘Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.’ This was indeed the case until recently. However, with the extension of life a long way past retirement age, we now have the time to apply our hard-earned wisdom to enjoy this new period of our lives. Apparently, we are the only species which cannot escape awareness of our own lives, as well our inevitable end. In youth and adulthood, we are preoccupied with life and living while ignoring our inevitable end. On the other hand, in our later years, when we are all too aware of our impending death, reframing our future seems pointless. However, the rise in life expectancy has created a new phase of human existence, one where the consciousness of life and death meet. This in turn enables us to use the wisdom we have gained to ponder our lives and change direction, so that we can maximize the extra years we have been granted. The wisdom phase of our life offers us new opportunities to

The Age of Wisdom: A New Phase of Life

have suggested that people have the potential to enjoy a new and meaningful period of life between retirement and geriatric old age. Despite this prospect, we are still captured by the paradigm of three distinct phases of life: childhood, adulthood and old age. The commonly held conception is that retirement marks the passage from adulthood to old age, despite the 20-year increase in life expectancy following retirement. We do not ask ourselves whether it is natural for a human being to have twenty years of sabbatical. We all need vacations. However, when they become too long, our peace of mind slowly evaporates. In the end, even holidays can become routine and boring; we can end spending our time restlessly searching for anything to fill the void. Summing up what I have learned so far on my journey of enquiry, I again pose the question: why should we assume that we ‘officially’ enter old age when we retire? My findings have led me to conclude that the social and personal revolution inherent in the dramatic rise in life expectancy should not be viewed as a quantitatively prolonged downhill process, ending in death. Rather, it should be considered as a qualitative revolution in human life, a new period of life which provides us with new horizons we could not have imagined before. This period is inherently different from the adulthood which precedes it and the old age which follows it. In previous centuries, there was no point in seeking to mindfully shape the post-retirement years as they were so few in number. It made sense to view any post-work years as a brief bonus at the end of life. However, now most of us have been granted twenty or more post-retirement years and the new opportunities this brings. In view of current knowledge in neurology and medicine, there is no reason for us not to fully enjoy this new period and delay ‘old age’ to the very end of life.

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an opposite trend — delayed entry to the workforce. In tandem with new laws prohibiting child employment, the need for lengthier training and education gave rise to a new phase of life between childhood and adulthood — youth. Now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, we are witnessing the evolution of another new period in the human journey from life to death — the age 'Now, at the beginning of of wisdom. the twenty-first century, At the moment, very few people we are witnessing the know how to take advantage of this evolution of another new stage. There is almost no public new period in the human awareness of the implications of journey from life to the wisdom period for society and the economy. Such understanding death — the age will take time. This was also the of wisdom' case with youth: only gradually did it become recognized as a separate stage in human life with its own characteristics, needs and implications. During the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, youth become a subject of academic study and research as a separate entity. This research highlighted the importance of this stage to human development and well-being, as well as to society and the economy. Contemporary society recognizes the many benefits which the lifestage of youth has contributed to our development as individuals and as a society. Its function as a catalyst for social and economic make qualitative changes to our lives so as to enhance not development is unique. Nowadays, only our personal experience, but our surroundings and the ‘age of youth’ plays a major part society at large. in the entrepreneurial risk-taking and Unlike old age, this is a period of personal growth technological innovation undertaken rather than decline — despite the health problems we by startup companies. face, and the difficulties and losses which are inevitable The process which led to the as we get older. It opens a new, wider perspective on recognition of ‘the age of youth’ as human life. a separate stage of human life took The identification of a new stage in human life, and the many years. We can only hope that resultant opportunities for shaping our lives, goes against the social recognition of the age of the deeply entrenched belief that life is comprised of wisdom will be accomplished more three periods: childhood, adulthood and old age. rapidly, as contemporary society is However, the rejection of this traditional triadic characterized by a higher level of self-awareness and advanced division become easier to accept when we understand that youth, networking tools for the dissemination of new ideas. as a distinct and separate stage of life between childhood and In any case, it makes no sense adulthood, was only recognized less than 200 years ago. Before for us as individuals to continue that, in traditional societies, childhood ended at age thirteen, to accept the social norm when boys joined the adult hunters and when puberty made girls which views retirement as the eligible for motherhood. In Judaism, at thirteen a boy becomes beginning of old age, thereby responsible for keeping the edicts of Jewish law and is considered imprisoning ourselves within a an adult. Adulthood was the longest phase of people’s lives, lasting self-fulfilling prophecy. from about the age of ten to 40 or 45. It was followed by a short ‘old age’, ending in what we would now consider premature death. An extract from The Wisdom Years, At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, child labour unleashing your potential in later was commonplace. The transition from childhood to adulthood life by Zvi Lanir, PHD, published occurred earlier, as children 8 to 10 years old found themselves by Emotional Inheritance, an in production and assembly lines. However, as the Industrial imprint of Exisle Publishing Revolution matured, longer training periods were required for professions like engineering and accounting. This in turn triggered 6

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Making Bread at Home

Reader Offer

Retirement Today readers can buy a copy of Making Bread at Home for the special price of £12.00 (RRP £16.99). Free UK P&P. To order go to rylandpeters.com and use code MAKINGRETTOD at the checkout. Offer valid until 1 April 2020.

ou don’t have to have made bread before to start creating delicious loaves. Easy to follow recipes from around the world, with great results.

Making Bread at Home, by Jane Mason, photography by Peter Cassidy and published by Ryland Peters & Small, RSP £16.99

MILLET PANCAKES Millet is truly one of the world’s wonder foods and although it is commonly eaten in China, India and many parts of Africa, it is not so well known in the West. It is full of protein and B vitamins, making it extremely important for vegetarians, and is very ‘alkalizing’, providing an excellent balance to the acidity of much of the food we eat. Millet is naturally gluten-free and is best used to make flat breads, ie. pancakes, waffles or fritters. Alternatively, it can be used in combination with a gluten flour to make bread. 100g / 3⁄4 cup millet flour 250 ml/1 cup buttermilk, sour milk or 50% plain yogurt and 50% full-fat milk (you can sour milk with lemon juice if you do not have sour milk, yogurt, or buttermilk) 1 egg 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon melted butter, lard or coconut oil MAKES ENOUGH FOR 6–8 HUNGRY PEOPLE!

BATH BUNS

Put the flour, buttermilk, sour milk or yogurt-milk, egg and salt in a bowl and whisk with a balloon whisk to combine. Cover and allow to rest for 1 hour, either in or out of the fridge.

Do bath buns come from Bath any more than chelsea buns come from Chelsea? I have no idea, so get in touch if you have the answer! One of the things I love about bath buns is their shape: they are simply blobbed onto the baking sheet to be baked. No fancy rolling. Every bun is different and even a toddler can do it. The other thing I love about them is that you can sit for a long time and contentedly lick the sugar from the tops of these buns while you drink your tea. It’s kind of disgusting though so you may not want to do it in public.

Heat up a frying pan and, if necessary, grease it with some of the butter, lard or coconut oil. Pour the batter into the hot pan – to the size and thickness you like. I like pancakes about 10 cm/4 inches across and rather fat. Others like much larger, much thinner pancakes. It’s up to you.

Making Bread at Home

When bubbles form along the edges and on the top, flip the pancake. Make sure to cook the other side properly – 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Remove from the pan and keep warm in a warm oven while you cook the rest of the pancakes. Eat the pancakes with savoury things like lentils, stew, hummus or curry, or with sweet things like yogurt, honey, maple syrup or jam. Roll them up with a filling like goat cheese and smother them in tomato sauce; or layer them up in a stack with aubergine/eggplant purée in the middle and a simple béchamel sauce on top. There is no end to what you can do with millet pancakes.

500g / 4 cups plain/all-purpose white wheat flour

Millet has a marvellous, nutty flavour and is a delicious alternative to rice, cous cous or barley when you cook the whole grain and serve it with a meal or in a salad. It also makes great porridge. Friends of mine run a company called Conscious Food and they import millet and millet flour from organic farms in India. The gave me some to play with and I am a true convert. Nobody who eats these millet pancakes will want to go back to normal ones ever again.

50g/1⁄4 cup sugar

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2.5g / 11⁄4 teaspoons instant yeast, 5 g/13⁄4 teaspoons dry yeast, or 10 g/5⁄8 cake fresh yeast 250g / 1 cup milk, heated up to boiling point, then cooled to room temperature 10g / 21⁄2 teaspoons salt

50g / 3 tablespoons butter 2 eggs 150g / 1 cup sultanas/golden raisins 50g / 1⁄3 cup mixed candied peel rock/coarse sugar, to sprinkle deep roasting dish lined with parchment paper MAKES ABOUT 12 Making a predough Put the flour in a big bowl and make a well. Add the yeast and sugar to the well and in over the milk. Flick some flour on the milk to close the well. Cover and allow to rest for 1 hour. After 1 hour, it will be foamy and bubbling through the top of the well. If it is not, check for signs of life by simply digging through the flour on top of the well. Making the dough Sprinkle the salt around the edge of the flour, then add the butter and eggs to the well. Mix and then knead well for 10 minutes. Pop it back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Gently knead the sultanas/golden raisins and peel into the dough. Pop the dough back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel, shower hat or plastic bag and allow to rest for 2 hours until doubled in size. Shaping

CHICKPEA PUDDING

Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and they sound hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack.

Gram flour is used a great deal in Indian cooking. It is perfect for vegetarians as it is simply ground up chickpeas and so is packed full of protein. This dish is very savoury, delicious and filling – a little goes a long way. Serve with plain rice and yogurt or jazz up the rice and yogurt with spices and/or vegetables for a simple, elegant Indian meal. The alternative is to go multi-cultural and serve it with a simple salad and a glass of dry white wine.

Kneading

200g / 11⁄2 cups chickpea flour (also known as gram flour)

Once you have mixed all the ingredients in the bowl according to the recipe, scrape the dough directly onto a clean surface and knead it for a good 10 minutes or as stated in the recipe.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4.

Gluten is like a balloon and the first thing you do to a balloon before you blow it up is stretch it so you can blow it up more easily. Kneading is the same. It is simply stretching, and you can stretch the dough any way you like: one-handed, two-handed, in the air, with your knuckles, using a dough scraper, folding over and over – just be sure you give the dough a good stretch for at least 10 minutes. I like to knead and I like the results it gets. There are ‘no-knead’ methods and they have plenty of merits but in this book most recipes ask you to knead. You can knead by hand or by machine. Generally, a dough hook is a better option than a paddle unless you are kneading dough with a high rye content, in which case use a paddle and stop part-way through to turn the dough over by hand in the mixing bowl. It’s worthwhile to knead by hand the first time you do a recipe so you can feel for the texture the recipe seeks. Set a timer because it’s easy to cheat! Listen to the radio, talk to someone, dream a little and relax. While you knead, the ingredients come together and the dough begins to transform. You will observe that it changes from a sticky, ragged mess to a slightly sticky, silky, stretchy parcel of loveliness that you can pick up and stretch, bounce, wobble or swing like a rope.

1⁄2 teaspoon ground turmeric ⁄2 teaspoon garam masala

4g / 1 teaspoon salt 200g / 3⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon plain yogurt 400g / 12⁄3 cups water 1

⁄2 teaspoon fennel seeds

⁄2 teaspoon cumin seeds

pinch of ground asafoetida 23-cm / 9-inch pie dish/plate, well greased SERVES 8 Put the flour, turmeric, garam masala and salt in a bowl and blend well with your hands. Add the yogurt and the water and whisk with a balloon whisk to combine. It will be lumpy but don’t worry about that just yet. Dry fry the fennel and cumin seeds in a pan until they smell fragrant, then add the asafoetida. Scrape into the bowl of batter and blend again. Cover and allow to rest for 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge) until the flour is all absorbed and the lumps are gone. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) Gas 7. Whisk up the batter and pour it in the prepared pie dish/plate.

You want to be able to stretch it so thinly that you can see light through it. Please don’t be tempted to add more flour unless you are panicking. Sticky is good. Err on the side of sticky rather than on the side of dry. Once you have kneaded it, you pop it back into the mixing bowl to let it do its first rise. Unless this is called for, you don’t need to grease the bowl.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes or until golden and thoroughly set.

Can I over-knead?

If you make a big dish of this, it is perfect for picnics, packed lunches and parties. Simply cut it into biggish squares, pop them in a plastic box and you are good to go, amazing your friends with this great alternative to sandwiches. Cut into smallish squares and place on an elegant plate to serve as a vegetarian canapé at a smart party – original, versatile and delicious.

It is almost impossible to destroy dough at this point, especially if you are kneading by and (although one of my students who is a serious sportswoman did destroy her dough by overkneading). If your dough suddenly begins to fall apart and look a bit like spongy cottage cheese, you have over-kneaded it and you have to throw it away and start again.

Allow to cool slightly while you make rice or salad (or rice salad!) and side dishes. Serve just warm.

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Making Bread at Home

Pull the dough out of the bowl and spoon 12 blobs onto the prepared roasting dish. Sprinkle rock/coarse sugar liberally over each blob. Place a tea towel over the dish – its deep sides prevent the towel from sticking to the buns. If you don’t have a pan with deep sides, lightly flour the tea towel before placing it over the buns. Allow to rest for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Live Well simple ways to live a long and healthy life

EASTER WEEKEND 10TH - 13TH APRIL

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE

Love a Pet

Live Well – simple ways to live a long and healthy life

All you need is love, and even the love of a goldfish might do. Having a pet that you can talk to and interact with may add to the quality of your life. Studies have found that petting or being near a familiar animal can lower heart rates and blood pressure levels. One US study looked at male and female stockbrokers already taking medication to control high blood pressure. Those with pets had significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure levels, which didn’t become so raised when they were asked to do mental arithmetic and other stressful tests. This was particularly marked when the pet was nearby during the stressful event, when there was just half the increase in blood pressure compared with participants who did not own a pet. Another American study, conducted by Allen, Blascovich and Mendes in 2002, reported that, after suffering a heart attack, those people who owned a dog were six times more likely to be alive one year later than those who didn’t. People with pets visit their doctors less, and are less likely to suffer from depression. A pet may bring you new friends, too. People find companionship and comfort not just from the pets themselves, but also because they are more likely to engage with others through owning the animal.

Keep Moving

Arthritis means inflammation of the joints, bones and supporting tissue. There are more than 100 types but most common by far is osteoarthritis. If you looked closely at people over 60 you would find almost every single one had some degree of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis has a profound effect on health expectancy, causing chronic pain and reduced mobility, interfering with a person’s ability to exercise, disturbing their sleep patterns and seriously reducing quality of life. Other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis – where, in addition to joint problems, one may suffer severe inflammation of other tissues, including the heart – may more directly impinge on longevity, as well as quality of life. RETIREMENT

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• Reduce excess weight so that your joints don’t have to bear large loads. • Do regular gentle exercise to help build up the strength, stability and range of motion of your joints. But you should avoid doing high-impact exercise such as aerobics, which can put excessive strain on the joints. • If you have osteoarthritis, ask your doctor about drug treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that help to minimize joint damage. When the disease is more severe, aim to maintain mobility using drug treatments or, if it becomes necessary, surgery (joint replacements, for example).

Believe in Yourself

Confidence has a direct impact on mental and physical well-being. Some psychologists believe that confidence is a more powerful determinant of success than innate ability. It can make us more or less vulnerable to stress and depression, and it influences how far we are likely to persevere in the face of difficulties. It affects the immune system and activates endorphins, our natural painkillers. Self-confidence is a set of beliefs about yourself, not an inherent skill or personality trait.You can be very competent and capable and still feel a lack of self-confidence, but it is possible to improve your confidence level, and it is worth trying to do so. Do this by focusing on the positives in your life. Recognize what you are good at and try to implement those things more into your daily routine.

Keeping a Food Diary

Keeping a food diary, particularly if you’re on a diet, is a useful way to see what and how much you really eat. But beyond that, it’s a record that can give you accurate insight into how you eat emotionally and how the food you eat affects your body. • By recording and quantifying every item of food that passes between your lips, you make yourself more accountable for your diet. • You may be motivated to make better decisions because you can actually see where your calories are coming from and how nutritional your choices are. • Note how you are feeling before, during and after your meal, so you can pinpoint your emotional triggers and actively work to counter any negative habits. • A food diary is also a useful tool for tracking food allergies.Scribble down any reactions you have to your food, and patterns may arise that you can talk about with your doctor. Whether you use a notebook that you can carry around in your handbag or an app on your phone, choose whatever works for you and your busy life, At first you may find it difficult to maintain a food diary, but once you get used to recording your meals, you will find that they lead you to a greater understanding of your food and your body.

The case against cancer is stronger, however, as animal experiments show a reduction in colon cancer. Surveys of people who eat a lot of fibre suggest that this works for humans, too, although trials where fibre has been specifically added to the diet to prevent cancer haven’t shown an effect. Meanwhile, one study has shown that fibre from cereals and fruit may protect against breast cancer. Although the real value of this much-lauded element of our diet isn’t clear, it’s best, for now, to keep going for the grain: A long-term, high-fibre diet will increase your well-being, even if it doesn’t add years to your life.

How to add necessary fibre to your diet • Eat soluble fibre found in legumes, fruit and vegetables. It lowers cholesterol levels, helps delay absorption of foods and aids blood sugar control. • Eat insoluble fibre, from wholegrain cereals, fruit and vegetables, as it improves bowel function. An extract taken from taken from Live Well: 100 Simple Ways to Live a Long and Healthy Life by Dr Trisha Macnair, published by Modern Books, £9.99 paperback.

Reader Offer!

Until the end of February, modern books is offering readers of Retirement Today 35% off the RRP of Live Well and companion title Live Happy when purchased together as a pair. To receive both titles for the special price of £12.99 (plus postage and packaging), simply call 01235 759555 and quote the code [LIVE].

Live Well – simple ways to live a long and healthy life

How to reduce the risks of osteoarthritis

Say High to Fibre

Fibre is particularly recommended as a protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer, but tests involving a high-fibre diet have produced varying results, either suggesting an insignificant reduction in death from any cause, including heart disease, or proposing a 28 per cent reduction in the likelihood of developing heart failure. RETIREMENT

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UPDATE

Three in four employers believe workplace savings shouldn’t just be about pensions Employers recognise that pensions alone are no longer enough to support the financial wellbeing of their employees and that they need to think of the wider workplace savings landscape, including more accessible savings. In fact, 88.2% of senior HR and benefits professionals believe it is their responsibility to provide support on all aspects of financial wellbeing to their employees.

pension scheme whereby any contributions paid into the combined account structure would be distributed between a savings account and the pension pot.

But despite this, only 21.9% of companies offer any kind of workplace savings vehicle, such as an ISA, in addition to their pension scheme. While acknowledging pensions are still very important, additional savings vehicles are needed in conjunction with pensions to support other important life milestones such as purchasing a first home or having an emergency pot of funds to cover unexpected expenses.

Recent data from Smarterly, which helps employees build healthy savings habits, shows that 73% of employers believe that workplace savings should no longer just be focused around pensions. Although 58.7% of employees agree that pensions are still the priority, there is a desperate need for the way they work to change in order to accommodate the evolving needs of the workforce and incorporate other financial areas.

In light of this, 90% of employers would consider adopting the NEST sidecar approach if it is given the green light– having a savings plan attached to a

The research takes into consideration the views from 250 HR professionals working in businesses with a workforce of 300+ employees.

FAILURE TO RESOLVE TV LICENCES FIASCO WILL LEAVE HARD UP PENSIONERS PAYING A HIGH PRICE, WARNS AGE UK If current plans are allowed to go ahead to scrap free TV licences for the over-75s, Age UK is warning that the cost of funding their own licence may be too much for many pensioners – the equivalent of over three monthly gas/ electricity bills or over five monthly water bills. Currently standing at £154.50 per year, the annual charge will be a shock to the budgets of many older people across the UK who can already barely afford their regular utility bills. Age UK is urging the Government to step in before the plans come into effect from June and right the wrongs of the earlier administration that handed over responsibility for this important welfare benefit to the BBC back in 2015. Firm Government action now could ensure the continuation of the free licence for all over-75s, not just for the relatively small number who are eligible and able to apply for a concession because they are claiming Pension Credit as is set to be the case under the BBC’s plan. The Charity is warning that it will be the most vulnerable older people – those struggling on a low fixed income as well as many who are battling loneliness, ill health and disabilities – who will be hit hardest if the decision to scrap free TV licences remains in place. The Charity believes that, for many over-75s, the benefits of ready access to TV in terms of a precious window on the world, and a means of staying informed and entertained, as well as the companionship TV provides, are invaluable.

Londoners walking away from social isolation this winter The team behind the successful Cancer Research UK London Winter Run is rallying the people of London to take part in a programme of walking events designed to improve mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation this winter. The London Winter Wander, by Human Race in association with London Sport, follows a successful pilot programme last year which saw 600 people complete a four mile walk into Trafalgar Square from various starting points throughout the city. The average age of participants was 58, helping to draw older Londoners out of their homes to take part in physical activity and to build new friendships with others in their community. According to a survey of participants, 92 percent said the event inspired them to do more walks. This year, the London Winter Wander aims to reach 1,500 people with a series of walks, including the main event – a five mile walk starting at 10am in four different locations throughout central London and finishing in Trafalgar Square on the same day as the Cancer Research UK London Winter Run. Walkers will 12

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cross the finish line and be presented with a bespoke medal to celebrate their involvement in the programme. Working closely with the boroughs of London and various established walking groups in the city, the London Winter Wander will launch in January with regular walks continuing throughout February and March. Walkers will have access to Street Tag, an app utilising virtual tags which will allow them to track and record their walks, while also sharing with fellow walkers in their community. For more information or to enter go to https://www.londonwinterwander.co.uk/

I DIDN’T THINK I WAS READY. Enjoy a worry-free and active lifestyle with all the chores done for you. The Hawthorns is an all-inclusive rental model that covers your weekly housekeeping, property and garden upkeep, all dining and refreshments daily, plus your heating and hot water. “If I could speak with potential residents who aren’t sure if they are ready, I would advise them not to leave it too late, make the move whilst you are still able to enjoy all that is on offer! I’m glad that I moved here when I did. I love my apartment and all the activities that are provided.” Valerie Stokoe

What are you waiting for? Call 01603 895417 or search ‘Hawthorns Retire’ online or on

Braintree, Essex | Clevedon, Somerset | Eastbourne, Sussex | Northampton, Northamptonshire

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Time To Veg Out!

ou may be surprised to learn that there’s a charity for older vegetarians and vegans! Vegetarian for Life (VfL) was established in 2008 to promote that no-one should be forced to give up on their dietary preferences (or needs) just because they are older. The Hawthorns Group is a proud member of VfL’s directory, a 1,300 strong list of veggie-friendly organisations in the UK and have three chefs within the group recently recognised for their skills in the 2019 Finals of the Excellence in Vegetarian Care Catering. Three chefs scooped awards for Vegetarian Chef of the Year, Innovative Vegetarian/Vegan Dish of the Year, and a runner up for The Beulah Charity Trust Special Recognition Award, an accolade for that standout individual who strives to make the UK a better place for older vegans and vegetarians.

Hawthorns Group Culinary Manager, Simon Lawrence, attended the awards and was delighted with his chefs’ achievements. “I was proud to support the three finalists at this awards ceremony; it was fantastic to see the amount of care and passion they have at ensuring our vegetarian residents get the great choice, variety and balance they need and desire.” 14

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Amanda Woodvine,VfL Chief Executive, commented “The number of vegetarians and vegans has trebled in the last five years. They and their families have understandable concerns that their dietary needs and preferences can be met throughout their retirement, with food prepared separately to meat products, and a variety every day from a chef who takes the time to understand their needs.” Chefs at The Hawthorns provide first-class vegetarian and vegan options, which take into account religious and cultural dietary needs as well as resident dining preferences and awareness. Many residents enjoy that it is a lighter option to eat vegetarian, while others see its importance in reducing our dependency upon meat and moving towards a more vegetarian diet to support planet resource sustainability. In continually seeking to improve ways in which menus contain the right amount of balanced nutrition and variety, and to extend capabilities in the area of resident services, The Hawthorns have also welcomed expert dietician Helen Simpson to the organisation. Helen will help develop sets of seasonal menus that incorporate the right balance and variety and also advise on nutrition, flavours, plus carbohydrate and fibre content. She said: “We’ve combined skills to a wide-ranging and exciting dining experience for all!” With locations in coastal towns or semirural positions in the centre of England, The Hawthorns offer stylish and spacious 1-bed and 2-bed apartments and studios. They all have great restaurants, cafés, hair salons, lounges, and an active social calendar. With all your bills, dining, housekeeping, council tax, property maintenance, plus trips out in the private minibus all included, life is enjoyable and stress-free. An experienced management

team are also on hand 24/7 for your peace of mind in this safe and secure environment Enjoy outdoor living, events and activities in landscaped gardens in warmer months without the burden of upkeep and maintenance. Green-fingered residents can enjoy tending plants and growing produce used by in-house professional chefs, or the gardens can equally be enjoyed by those who want to relax and take in the sights and fragrances, or delight in dining alfresco.

Based on a rental model, there’s no survey fees, legal costs or stamp duty; no service charges, repair costs or ground rent, and importantly no exit fees should your circumstances change. There’s no binding contract either, simply 30 days’ notice. Combine all this with The Hawthorns Group holding the coveted Hospitality Assured Award at all its retirement communities for extraordinary levels of service and your active and healthy retirement is just around the corner.

For more information call 01603 895417, search ‘Hawthorns Retire’ online or see life at our communities on Facebook.

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Footloose in Italy V

The South & Sicily By Debra Rixon

his was to be our last Footloose trip to Italy, so Dave finally pulled out all the stops and hired an open top car – you will remember from the previous four Italian trips that was my forlorn cry – but it wasn’t a Lamborghini of course, it was a Cinquecento, with a dodgy Satnav. We were going to be travelling around 1500km, through the heel, instep and toe of Italy before taking the ferry to Sicily. We set off from Bari airport with the wind in my hair for a change, to the principal wine growing region of Puglia, the Valle d'Itria, famous for its hill towns and little pointed stone houses known as 'trulli'. The largest concentration of these fascinating dwellings is at Alberobello, an unashamedly touristy town where there are well over 1000 of these in the form of 'gnome-stays', shops and restaurants. We stayed in one for several nights and it made a charming base for touring the rest of Puglia, as well as visiting the amazing 5-star Trulli Resort just up the hill. In this film, we decided to show most of our accommodation, all chosen by Dave. It has to be said the Trullo house was a lovely quirky find, nice and cool from the humid 30C degree September weather outside. We drove to the first destination on our tour Otranto, a wonderful fortified and ancient port right at the heel of boot-shaped Italy.This compact resort was once a very important gateway to the Orient, but nowadays it has become a haven for Mediterranean yachters. It's the first of many UNESCO listed sites we encounter as we explore the south. With little time to relax Dave and I travelled on to Lecce which must rate as the most flamboyant Baroque town in the south of the country. Street after street is lined with ornate buildings with creamy limestone facades, breathtaking! You either love them, or hate them, and RETIREMENT

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the main square is dominated by the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. Perhaps the most mystifying place in the region is Castel Del Monte, a huge incredibly well-built 13thC octagonal castle in the middle of nowhere, defending, well, nothing really. But it does have the UNESCO seal of approval. We visited one of many ‘white’ circular hilltop towns, Loccorotondo, to sip a glass of wine and survey the valley. We instructed the Satnav for the drive to Basilicata, the instep, but it had other ideas, and it was with short tempers and several bizarre twists and turns that we arrived at another of UNESCO’s heritage sites. Matera has been in existence for thousands of years and many of its ancient homes (sassi) and churches were, and still are Debra and Dave Fiat 500

carved into the side of the limestone gorge that the town is built upon. Once a very poor, disease-ridden town after WW2, it was only in the 1950’s that the inhabitants were moved to modern accommodation. Since those days Matera's old town has evolved into what is now Basilicata's top tourist destination. From here we motored on into the Pollino National Park, the largest in Italy, known for its dramatic beauty and isolated village communities. We stayed one night at a hotel in Laino Borgo, and donned our walking boots for the afternoon to stroll beside a white-water rafting river to see what was once the highest viaduct in Europe spanning the gorge. As we walked back through the village, we chanced upon a religious procession,

Royal Palace Palermo Sicily

Footloose in Italy V The South and Sicily

'Matera has been in existence for thousands of years and many of its ancient homes (sassi) and churches were, and still are carved into the side of the limestone gorge'

The ferry terminal of Villa San Giovanni is bewildering and defies logic, but it’s well run and a short ride to Messina across the straits, which we skirted as we drove on our way down to the popular beach resort of Cefalu.The town reaches down to the shores, and it’s a pleasant stroll through narrow streets to the cathedral, and for the strong, the ‘pull’ up to the castle on the top of the cliff. From there we headed for Palermo, and stayed just outside so Dave could have a rest from driving and took the train instead. The capital is an assault on all the senses, a complete contrast to the sleepy resorts we’d relaxed in.

outing to a little place perched right at the tip of the toe: Pentedattilo, a ghost town.This poor little settlement, precariously sited under a huge rock formation, has witnessed a massacre and many earthquakes in its terrible past. Enterprising locals have reinvented this atmospheric place and it now hosts music, art and film festivals in and amongst the ruins.

We took a tuk-tuk ride that was great fun (morphing from one hour to three), seeing all the best sights, some of which were breathtaking, and the unique Arab-Norman architecture is fascinating. Palermo has a completely different feel to it, and its cuisine is making a name for itself in the worldwide food markets. We left the bustle behind for

Syracuse Greek Theatre Sicily

Agrigento and its amazing Valley of the Temples, the Temple of Concordia being the most complete anywhere outside of Greece and the jewel in the park. After, we passed through the Baroque hill town of Ragusa on our way to Syracuse. Strolling through the streets of its island Ortigia was a treat before we immersed ourselves in the antiquity of the Archaeological Park which contains the most complete ancient Greek theatre in the Mediterranean. Not far to Catania, and our last stay at popular, and pricey, Taormina. We elected to stay in a luxury b&b in Mazzaro, the cove below the town, in a totally over the top Baroque grotto of a room. We even had a precarious rooftop terrace all to ourselves, overlooking the cove. The cable car was very close, so an effortless trip up to the ancient settlement and its glorious Greek theatre – and its shops. We managed an afternoon on ‘the Godfather’ trail with a side visit to another hilltop town Savoca, to see one of the film locations – Vitelli’s Bar. Our final destination was the brooding, and active, volcano – Etna. We arranged a private tour (alongside dozens of other tours) to take us up to a crater at almost 3000 metres.With 45 miles an hour winds it was a challenge for the camera, but we were lucky enough to capture an eruption whilst we were there. I’ve never seen so many people on an active volcano. A typical Sicilian feast was laid on for lunch, before we were driven back to our grotto. A fantastic experience. For the purposes of the film we combined what should really be two holidays, for Sicily deserves one all by itself, and there were still plenty of destinations we didn’t get to see in southern Italy. We were on roads less travelled (and believe me, it felt like we were the first in some cases) and the countryside was diverse and quite different to its northern neighbours. There are no less than 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the three regions, as well as Italy’s largest national park. With careful planning, Sicily can be toured by rail, for there is still a dedicated train ferry at Messina. For further information on all the Footloose films visit www.footloose.tv

Win!

We have 5 copies of Footloose in Italy V on DVD to giveaway. For a chance to win a copy send in your details quoting ref FITV to Amra Media Solutions, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES or email info@amramedia.co.uk Closing date: 15 March 2020. RETIREMENT

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Footloose in Italy V The South and Sicily

Matera Basilicata

complete with brass band, on its way to the main church. On mostly empty roads, we crossed into Calabria which forms the 'toe' of Italy, and made a stop at the medieval town of Cosenza for a whirlwind tour, before visiting two exquisite resorts on the 'Coast of the Gods'.The colour of the sea here is unbelievable, and the whole area is known for its Ancient Greek past. Tropea is stunningly beautiful with its 'church on the rock' overlooking the beach. The old town is perched on top of the sheer cliff and is packed with piazzas, shops, bars and restaurants, and in high summer, very many Italians and Germans.This coast is a major draw for sun seekers and generally is good value for money. Although our Fiat Cinquecento was normally fun to ride in, the Satnav gave us a nightmare as we negotiated the minor Italian roads trying to reach our second resort of Scilla. I feel I have seen most back roads, unmade roads and roads that simply ended before we finally arrived at dusk and could then enjoy a two-night stay at the attractive seaside town. There's a magnificent beach here and this time a castle crowns the cliff, with a charismatic Fishermen’s harbour on the other side. There are fine views to be had across the crystal blue waters to Sicily. We were by then only a few kilometres away from the ferry. With an afternoon to spare we made an

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★ Experience the historic city of Dresden ★ Steam on the Lössnitzgrundbahn

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★ Cruise along the Elbe and Danube

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★ Guided tour of Colditz Castle ★ Sightseeing tour and vintage tram ride in Prague

★ Coffee & cake at the Panorama Restaurant at Harder Kulm ★ Stay in beautiful car-free alpine spa town of Wengen

★ Enjoy time sightseeing in Germany’s capital - Berlin

★ Bernese Oberland Pass – offering freedom of the region on your free day

★ Spend time in the UNESCO city of Potsdam with a guided tour of Sanssouci Palace & Park

★ Lunch onboard a leisurely cruise along the Vltava river ★ Discover Austria’s capital – Vienna ★ Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace

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★ Visit the Dalai Lama Temple ★ Ride on the Gatimaan Express fast train ★ Visit the Taj Mahal UNESCO world heritage

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ceremony ★ Discover the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway

★ Steam from Delhi to Rewari and visit the

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★ Private steam charter on the ZB66 class

locomotive from Palampur to Baijnath

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★ Visit some of the earliest locomotives in

America at the Mount Clare Roundhouse

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★ Spot American bald eagles from the Potomac

Eagle vintage diesel train ★ Enjoy free time in the fabulous cities of Boston,

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on the Strasburg Railroad ★ Ride on the steeply graded Western Maryland

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P E R F E C T S T AY The Lion at Wendlebury

PERFECT STAY The Lion at Wendlebury

or those who fancy exploring Oxfordshire combined with a shopping trip to one of, if not the best retail outlets in Europe, Bicester Village, there could be no better base than The Lion at Wendlebury. Just one mile from junction 9 on the M40, The Lion at Wendlebury retains all the character of a country pub alongside the ambiance and style of a boutique hotel. Bedrooms are situated in a separate building outside the main hotel. The décor is both stylish and tasteful with standard, deluxe and superior rooms available. Bedrooms being set back from the hotel meant that the normal hustle and noise normally experienced was absent making our stay especially relaxing. The room was immaculate, comfortable, complete with stylish bathroom and with what is for many an essential, coffee maker. The atmosphere throughout the hotel is informal, with a well stocked bar of real ales and fine wines making it popular with visitors and locals alike. Service comes with a smile and staff are efficient and welcoming. The menu on the Sunday night of our stay offered much to tempt the palate, I decided on the baked shell-on tiger prawns with garlic butter and chilli toast as a starter, followed by the Vegan Wellington. Both proved an excellent choice. The menu offers something for everyone plus there is an extensive wine list. Breakfast the following morning was freshly prepared with a variety of options available to suit all tastes. The Lion at Wendlebury ticks all the boxes and really is the perfect hotel for those seeking a relaxing break.

Rooms from £69 per night Tel 01869 388228 www.thelionwendlebury.co.uk

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ABTA No.Y6581

Cruising

Cruising Tips • Inside Cabins can be an absolute bargain for those on a budget but wanting exceptional itineraries. However, there is no natural light, which can play havoc with your body clock and they can be in poor locations (corridor, lift, engine or other noise) – but don’t dismiss them as an option. • Buy early or buy late. Experienced cruisers know the form. Buy early to get the best cabins in the best locations and deep discounts or hang on to the last minute to get a bargain on an underbooked cruise. Shopping around or staying with the same agent (loyalty bonuses and trusted knowledge) can both help with the price you pay. Try negotiations around the amount of

on-board spend they will credit to your room as part of any ‘deal’. • How much! Many cruises make deep profits on the price of drinks and that final day when you settle your bill can be sobering. Think about pre-paid drink packages; some cruises offer these free as an inducement. • How much (part 2)! Cruise lines also make deep profits from excursions. The bonus is that their ship probably will not leave port if your coach breaks down and you miss the scheduled departure time. On the other hand you can probably halve the cruise excursion price by going with a local alternative, and enterprising organisations have set up ‘shore excursion’ companies offering trips that mirror the cruise-company offering. A brief search on the internet will find these, but always check out the independent reviews. • Cruise from the UK or a European port? We know our lovely UK weather but who has crossed the Atlantic or the bay of Biscay when it has been rough? The passage to warmer, smoother seas may eat up four or five days of your precious holiday, so it is worth it? Or do you fly out and pick up a cruise from a Mediterranean port in the more challenging months outside the May-tomid September window? • Some useful

websites are www.whatsinport.com for overviews and hints and tips on what is in and around the port area, with maps and suggestions that may help if you don’t want to go on excursions. Another useful website is www.cruisecritic.co.uk for port and ship overviews and user reviews.

Cargo ship cruises

Seeing the world by cargo ship doesn’t offer the trappings of a conventional cruise, but being aboard a freight ship as a paying passenger is like being in another world. Many carry up to 12 non-crew members on routes from a week to months long. Securing a berth can be complicated, and periods in port tend to be brief, but life on board is uneventful – perfect for reading and writing. See the website for Cargo Ship Voyages (www.cargoshipvoyages.com).

River Cruising

This type of cruising has some similarities to ocean cruising but there are differences. Riverboats are much smaller and tend to be more intimate, which some people prefer. Because of their size there tends to be less concentration on entertainment. They do, however, give an excellent opportunity to explore inland towns and cities. Frequently the mooring is very close to the city or town centre – just step off the boat and you are there. This extract from The Good Retirement Guide edited by Allan Esler Smith is ©2019 and reproduced with permission from Kogan Page Ltd. RETIREMENT

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Cruising

he cruise market continues to break records with new and often larger ships constantly being launched. Of course, cruising does tend to be particularly attractive to the older generation. Don’t, however be put off by that as you will find a cross-section of age ranges on most cruises – perhaps particularly in the main holiday season. Cruising can take you to virtually anywhere in the world, with the real advantage that with a modern cruise ship your own first-class hotel travels along with you.You can simply relax in the sun of the Mediterranean or the Caribbean; explore a range of classic cities; get to know the Scandinavian countries or Alaska; explore the mysteries of the Far East; or visit Australia and New Zealand. The possibilities are endless, as can be seen from a quick browse of cruise brochures in any travel agents. Or get online and type in the names of a couple of cruise lines. There are various reasons why so many people enjoy cruising; many operators have ships leaving from the UK, reducing air travel; seeing multiple destinations but unpacking only once; the wide choice, as cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes. Cruise vacations are easy to plan, they are easy to plan, they are social and there are activities and entertainments galore. If you want to take a closer look at the range on offer from cruise companies, and what their individual ships are like, get hold of a copy of the Berlitz look on cruising, which is regularly updated and provides a mine of valuable and dependable information on all aspects of cruising and cruise ships.

There are just 22 like-minded guests aboard and the atmosphere is informal, so you can socialise easily without the hubbub found on the big European cruisers. The live-in crew look after everything you need, from porterage to meal service to cabin-cleaning. To avoid worries about ‘missing the boat’ you can stay at their local partner hotel the night before boarding, at special rates. English Holiday Cruises is a family-owned company established over 15 years ago. Further details and guest reviews can be found on their website www.englishholidaycruises.co.uk or you may like to call them on 01452-410411 to request their free brochure.

Cruising

CRUISE IN ENGLAND If you would like a river-cruise package holiday without a troublesome journey into Europe, look at English Holiday Cruises. They offer the only ‘small ship’ river cruise experience in England, aboard the ‘Edward Elgar’. Their cruises run out of Gloucester through the Cotswolds Severn Vale. They call at all the main ports along the way and there’s an inclusive visit or guided tour at each one, such as Berkeley Castle, the Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Tewkesbury Abbey,

Worcester Cathedral and the Severn Valley Railway. The ‘Edward Elgar’ is quite spacious, with good views from the saloon and cosy en-suite cabins with heating and air-conditioning. Visit England rate her a 4-star Hotel Boat. All meals are included, with wine, beer or soft drinks at lunch and dinner, free-flow tea/ coffee and more besides. They also cater for special diets.

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Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawings

The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh 15 March The largest group of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci shown in Scotland, marks the 500th anniversary of the artist’s death and includes 80 of the Renaissance master’s greatest drawings, selected entirely from the unrivalled holdings of the Royal Collection. The exhibition explores the full range of the artist’s interests, and provides an unparalleled insight into the workings of Leonardo’s mind, reflecting the full range of his interests, including painting, sculpture, architecture, anatomy, engineering, cartography, geology and botany. www.rct.uk

Leonardo da Vinci, The head of Leda, c.1505-8 Credit: Royal Collection Trust / (c) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019

Out&About...

A fun day out for all the family

Buckingham Railway Centre, Quainton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Looking for a First Class, vintage day out? Look no further than a Steaming Day at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. Take a trip back in time and experience a ride on a full-size steam engine, wander around their 25-acre site with lots to see and do. Take a trip on their miniature steam railway, visit their Railway Museum and their beautiful glass-roofed visitor centre with café, shop and vintage locomotives on display. They are open for steam train rides every Sunday (March-September), and Wednesdays during the school holidays. They are open other days, see website for Special Events such as 1940s weekend, and Steam Galas. Looking to treat the grandchildren? They also hold lots of family events with young children in mind. As well as a Day Out With Thomas, you can also bring your grandchildren to see Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol, plus they are holding a special Alice in Railwayland day, and their annual Emergency Services Day! Visit: www.bucksrailcentre.org for more information and to book tickets. Their Flagship Locomotive – Met 1 Tel: 01296 655720. E: office@bucksrailcentre.org Norman Cornish - 330 D Man at Bar with Dog

Norman Cornish: The Definitive Collection Bowes Museum, County Durham Until 23 February

Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Until 1 March 2020 An extraordinary collection of drawings and prints by Paul Cézanne (1839-1906). Widely considered to be one of the most influential artists of the nineteenth century, described by both Matisse and Picasso as ‘the father of us all’. Renowned for his accomplished approach to building form with colour, this exhibition focuses on his drawings and prints revealing Cézanne to be a draughtsman of great range and complexity. His lively, deeply personal drawings were never exhibited during his lifetime and were barely mentioned in his correspondence, only being discovered after his death. www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk

FEAST & FAST: The art of food in Europe, 1500 –1800 Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Until 26 April 2020

An exhibition celebrating the production, preparation, and presentation of food! Feast & Fast considers extremes of eating alongside everyday experiences and demonstrates how contemporary concerns about our relationship with food are not a modern phenomenon. ‘Eating right’ in early modern Europe was as treacherous and complex an issue as making these food choices now. Exquisite porcelain, precious silver tableware, and delicate glassware from across Europe, including Britain, are on display on three visually stunning table settings. As well as four spectacular historical reconstructions with food at their centre, including a Jacobean sugar banquet, a European feasting table and a Georgian confectioner’s workshop. www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk RETIREMENT

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Out & About

Cézanne at the Whitworth

Recreation of a Baroque feasting table 1650 by Ivan Day

Paul Cézanne, The Bathers (large plate) (1896-97) Colour Lithograph. Presented to the Whitworth by Karsten Schubert in 2019

Works by a North East artist who’s one of the most respected and best loved of the 20th century. Celebrating the centenary of the acclaimed County Durham artist’s work, almost 100 years to the day of his birth in Spennymoor. You will be able to see more than 60 of his works, some of which haven’t been seen publicly before. Included is drawings, pastels and oil paintings from both public and private collections and form the most comprehensive collection of his work ever assembled that tells the captivating story of his enduring career. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

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PARK LIVING

Introduction by ALASTAIR WALLBANKS

Killarney Homes

If your search for a park home takes you to the East Midlands, you need look no further than Willow Park. Set on the outskirts of a small village in Nottinghamshire, nestled in a beautiful sheltered valley surrounded by countryside, this park will capture your heart and make you feel at home in a community you can be proud to be a part of. Run by a friendly and approachable team of family and loyal staff, brother and sister team Alex Kellam and Sophie Brown are the third generation of the family in the business, and they now run the parks with father Gary overseeing things as managing director. Alex is focused on the park maintenance and operations whilst Sophie tends to lead on sales and marketing along with running the office on a day to day basis,

losing your independence. Residential Parks provide such a community. They are an affordable alternative to more traditional homes, making them ideal for those approaching retirement age as most parks have a minimum age restriction.The innumerable different styles and designs offered guarantees there is a park home to suit any personality or taste. A sense of community, enhanced security, (a lot of these parks have secure entrances) and hassle-free maintenance are just some of the attractions to this style of living as well as the added benefit of not having to look after a larger property.

supported by office manager Jayne Edwards. Walking through the gates at Willow Park it becomes clear how much work and planning has gone into the development of this exclusive park. Homes are specifically designed and built to combine beautiful light-filled rooms, with triple glazed windows and additional insulation coming as standard. Plots are carefully considered to make the most of the landscape, so whether it’s a south facing garden or decking extending over the lake, the private gardens and driveways give residents the space they need to enjoy independent life, but the communal atmosphere is ideal for anyone looking to take advantage of the social side of living with like-minded people. Just a mile from the village, Calverton provides all of the essential amenities

including a doctor’s surgery, dental practice as well as several pubs and restaurants. Nottingham city centre is only 10 miles away with a regular bus service stopping right outside the park gates, but if want to stay a little closer to home and try your hand at the ‘good life’ the park has a communal allotment designed for growing fruit and veg for residents, as well as chickens providing eggs and a communal composter for garden waste. Two new homes arrive this Spring; a Stately-Albion Wentwood and Badminton and some plots are still available with prices starting from £190,000. Whether you are ready to move, or want to design a bespoke home, Willow Park provides an unrivalled setting for you to enjoy your retirement in years to come.

Park Living

etiring, or approaching retirement should be a time of excitement and anticipation. A time which can provide an excellent opportunity to make a fresh start. Samantha Westwood, a Principal Risk Analyst advocates, "Establishing new schedules and routines is a great way to make the transition into retirement easier and help find a new path forward." One method of achieving this is to make a complete lifestyle change, and what better way to do that than to move to a community with likeminded people of a similar age without

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Warfield Park: Retirement Bliss

As you approach retirement age you might be thinking about your living circumstances. There has been a rapid rise in newly retired people swapping their brick and mortar homes for brand new Park homes across the UK and particularly in the South East. Retiring in the UK can be a challenge; with house prices and Stamp Duty taking huge chunks of our retirement funds we are faced with older people living inappropriately sized properties. Working hard to pay mortgages and bills should be a

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EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL & HOLIDAY PARK HOME ESTATES

thing of the past and now it’s time to cash in on your bricks and mortar and free up some of your hard earned cash. Warfield Park is one of the most desirable park home addresses in the UK, thanks to its close proximity to wide open green spaces and busy towns, full of things to keep you occupied and entertained. Warfield Park has a wonderfully busy community of likeminded people living among the greenery on the edge of Royal Windsor’s Great Park, these are just two of the factors which make Warfield Park such an attractive option for retirees. Their close

knit, welcoming community is full of people of a similar age who forge strong friendships and support networks, enriching their lives . They have 75 rental homes ranging from one to three bedrooms, which means that you can even live on the Park for a trial period to see if the lifestyle suits you. At Warfield Park they have a 42’ x 20’ custom Aspire show home available for viewing in June 2020, book your appointment by calling 01344 884666 or by email: enquiries@warfieldpark.co.uk and see what their community has to offer you in your retirement.

HERE QUALITY & W LIFESTYLE COME FIRST Please contact our Head Ofﬁce on 0118 942 8782 to discuss your residential park home or holiday lodge requirements. We can supply park homes and leisure lodge homes from any manufacturer. We have an inventory of stock homes from any of the leading manufacturers available immediately, alternatively you can place a forward order for a home of your choice with a lead time of 12 weeks delivery. Our parks are located in Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Essex with our address details listed below. We have in excess of 1200 residents living on our estates and have more than 40 years experience in the industry, with our ﬁrst park ownership in 1976.

Park Living

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our parks.

Exclusive Park Home Estates at: Garstons Park Home Village, Tilehurst, Berkshire RG31 4TS (Head Ofﬁce) California Country Park, Finchampstead, Berkshire RG40 4HT • Kingsleigh Park, Thundersley, Essex SS7 3QJ • Cambridge Lodge Park, Horley, Surrey RH6 8PR • Oxford Park Homes, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4YT • Bungalow Park, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7PJ • Robann Park, Fareham, Hamsphire • Lincoln Farm Park, Standlake, Witney OX29 7RH

T: 0118 942 8782

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23/03/2018 15:04

Specialising Specialisingin inluxury luxuryresidential residentialparks parksoffering offeringpractical, practical, Specialising in luxury residential parks offering secure secureand andcomfortable comfortableliving livingfor forthe theover over45s and comfortable living for the over 45sinin the thebeautiful beautifulNottinghamshire Nottinghamshirecountryside countryside beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside For Formore moreinformation informationplease pleasecontact: contact: For more information please contact:

info@killarneyhomes.co.uk info@killarneyhomes.co.uk|||0845 0845340 3402861 2861|||www.killarneyhomes.co.uk www.killarneyhomes.co.uk info@killarneyhomes.co.uk 0845 340 2861 www.killarneyhomes.co.uk Killarney KillarneyHomes, Homes,Moor MoorFarm, Farm,Moor MoorLane, Lane,Calverton, Calverton,Nottinghamshire NottinghamshireNG14 NG146FZ 6FZ Killarney Homes, Moor Farm, Moor Lane, Calverton, Nottinghamshire NG14 6FZ

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An extract from Happy Starts at Home by Rebecca West, published by CICO Books (£9.99) Photography © CICO Books

Happy Starts at Home If you’re serious about having a healthy lifestyle, do what it takes to create functional and pleasant spaces that help you pause and enjoy a distraction-free meal.

Happy Starts at Home

Healthy and well-rested: discover the geographical cure

Every year losing weight and getting fit ranks in the top five New Year’s resolutions. If you’re one of the many people seeking a healthier lifestyle, there are countless ways your home can help you achieve that goal. In fact, modifying your physical environment can be one of the most effective ways to change a habit and break free from self-destructive patterns. If you’ve been struggling for years to sleep better, exercise more, stop smoking, or change some other behaviour, adjusting your physical environment might be the element that finally tips the scales and makes all your effort pay off. A so-called “geographical cure” puts you in a space that changes the cues you’ve been getting that support your negative habit. What if a simple thing like changing your kitchen paint colour could wake up your subconscious and override any thoughtless habits you have formed? The important thing to understand is this: If you are ready to transform your habits and change your life, not redesigning your space can actually sabotage your best efforts. In your old space you are constantly cued to keep your old habits. In your “new” environment you’re no longer surrounded by all those reminders.You are free to create a new reality for yourself!

Short-circuit old patterns and build new habits

It should come as no surprise that it is hard to stop smoking or drinking when you keep finding yourself in the same situation in which you used to drink or smoke. Like Pavlov’s dog, you see, hear, and smell the cues and then salivate for the reward. You must change what you sense around you in order to short-circuit the system and rewire your brain for a new way of behaving. Does that mean you have to physically leave your home and move to a new neighbourhood? Not necessarily. You can create a space that will send new signals to your brain - and therefore transform your daily RETIREMENT

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patterns—just by making changes to your present environment. Remove as many obstacles as you can, and you will exponentially increase your chances of success. When you eliminate the things that trigger old habits, it’s easier to make healthy choices. If you are ready to pursue a healthier lifestyle, why not make your home a participant in (rather than an obstacle to) your success? By their very nature habits are unconscious. If new healthy choices are a priority, make changes in your home to make your patterns conscious again. Important: Make your choices conscious instead of unconscious. Do this for at least twenty-one days. It takes that long to build a new habit (or break an old one).

Get a move on

We all know we should exercise more. Nonetheless, most of us are in the habit of hitting the snooze alarm in the morning, and then at the end of the day trudging to the fridge instead of jogging to the park. If better health is a priority for you, set yourself up for success by transforming the visual and physical cues in your home. Any visual or physical cue that jogs your attention and compels you to make a decision, rather than act on habit, will work. For example, one of my clients wanted to reduce her TV-watching time, so we swapped the position of the sofa and loveseat in her living room—sitting in a new location, and having to think about where to find the remote, woke up the choicemaking part of her brain, freeing her to be more intentional about turning on the tube. In addition to creating new visual cues in your home, make sure your tools are readily accessible. If you have home gym equipment, remember

that it is not any good if you don’t use it. If you stick the treadmill in the darkest, dankest corner of your basement, will you really go down there? If you aren’t using your equipment, sell what you’ve got and find something that will work. Never waste precious home real estate on useless equipment. It will just make you feel bad and sabotage your health efforts. The small tools (running shoes, workout clothes, yoga mat, and the like) are just as important. Can you find your running shoes, or are they buried in the coat closet? When you wake up to rain, do you have a readyto-grab hat and jacket nearby? Clear out that coat closet and put back only the things that are essential for your healthy-living habits. Finally, clear out your workout clothes drawer. The clothes should all fit, and they should all make you feel good. Your exercise clothing drawer should be so organized that you could get dressed in the dark and feel confident that you’ll be leaving the house in a top, bottom, and socks that are in good repair and fit well. Change up what you see, get your tools in order, and get ready to build new habits.

Creating kitchen workspaces we enjoy encourages us to cook at home, making it easier to reach our health goals.

Even fun, artful choices around the house can speak to our values and keep our goals at the forefront of our minds. RETIREMENT

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Happy Starts at Home

When we set goals toward being healthy and well-rested, it’s important that our spaces help us reach those goals, rather than sabotage our success.

Legacy quarter page ad.pdf

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Last year we helped over 80,000 wild birds and animals like Rudolph

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Please help me get better Not only do we treat more hedgehogs than any other wildlife hospital, but our caring teams save lives every day. Our aim is simple, to treat injured British wildlife, then return them to the wild. Like Rudolph, who arrived badly injured at just five days old. Our specialist care saved this little deer and he is now facing a brighter future. But it is only with your support we can help casualties like Rudolph; please remember Tiggywinkles in your Will.

Our late friend Dame Thora Hird actively encouraged others to help us secure funding for our lifesaving work. In her words "All the little wild creatures and I thank you so very much". For more information please contact: Jenny Babb, Tiggywinkles, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8AF

01844 292 292 mail@sttiggywinkles.org.uk www.tiggywinkles.com Registered Charity No. 286447

Come and have a look around our Visitor Centre. Opening times can be found on our website www.tiggywinkles.com.

is the busiest wildlife hospital in the world.

CATASTROPHES CAT atastrophes Cat Rescue CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE RESCUE

home environment with es Cat RescueOver was set through our helped an theup years we have increasing number of the catsfreedom of the country Over the years we have helped an increasing number of cats garden sanctuary. nt in animal welfare campaigning in the and kittens in distress, by taking them intothat oursurrounds care andthe finding kittens in distress, by taking them into our care and finding s we becameand established and our “no-kill” good homes for dramatically. them. The cats we inwith have often been Ourtake work cats involves spaying and neutering ame known ourgood workhomes increased for them. The cats we take in haveferal often been rquay Torquay abandoned or badly treated, somecomplete are simply straysand whogiving have any necessary veterinary colonies e cats have been abandoned or are simply abandoned or badly treated, some are simply strays who have Feralhome. cats are returned to their site of capture a new home because never of a change in people’s had the chance of a treatment. proper caring never had the chance of a proper caring home. if long-term food shelter can be provided. If not, ces. Some have been ill treated. They arecat that is in need and weand Our aim is to help any believe in need and we to believe they are relocated a suitable farm or country home of love and care.Our aim is to help any cat that is that every cat deserves the chance ofa home a goodforhome. or have life with us with complete freedom that every cat deserves the chance of a good home. once they have settled in. s always been to help any cat regardless of We do not believe in putting animals to sleep unnecessarily rament or behaviour be in they wild animals We doproblems, not believe putting to sleep unnecessarily We believe cat deserves encourage sterilisation as aevery vital part of pet a chance to have a safe, onsequently weand tendwe to actively get desperate calls for and we actively encourage sterilisation as a vital part of pet peaceful place to live and enjoy the rest of erly, feral and ‘difficult’ to re-home cats. In ownership. Please remember uscaring in yourand will. Your donation Please remember ustheir in your will. donation lives. Its Your surprising how often the most seemingly eet these needs ownership. we have had to become a or legacy will help our work for the animals and save lives. unfriendly called ‘spiteful’ cat that arrives hissing, or legacy help our work for the animalsand andsosave lives. s well as a cat rescue andwill re-homing Visitors welcome by appointment spitting and lashing out, or has the most difficult and n. The cats in our care are given a high Contact Liz Varney Contact Liz Varney anti-social habits and behaviour, can change with love, veterinary care and we strongly believe care and lots of patience. Catastrophes believe that and neutering as a responsible part of pet life saved is worth the effort it takes and with your The catschoice that are difficult•toGreat re-home facilities areGreatevery Great oice • facilities Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, support cats in need will have a bright future. Moon Cottage, Bakers more Lane, hance to live out their days inHalf a peaceful

el hotel smallwith hotelawith big heart a big and heart and big w...view... in the in heart the of heart Torquay of Torquay Catastrophes Cat Rescue Rescue Catastrophes Catastrophes Cat Cat Rescue

HalfHeathfield, Moon Lane, Great ertainment entertainment • Great value • Cottage, Great value Dallington, EastBakers Sussex TN21 9JS

Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JS Catastrophes Cat Rescue Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JS Tel: 01435 830212 Mobile: 07912 113392 Tel: 01435 830212 Fax: 01825 768012 mes...guaranteed eat times...guaranteed For further information: Contact Liz Varney Tel: 01435 830212 Fax: 01825 768012 Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org Email:Bakers lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org Half Moon Cottage, Lane, Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 9JS Email: lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org Registered Charity Number: 1017304 00500 803 400500 Tel. 01435 830212, FaxWe’re 01825 768012, Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org Registered Charity Number: 1017304 social, join usWe’re on social, join us on Registered Charity Number: 1017304 uk w.tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk

eisure elgrave Resort, Rd, Torquay, Belgrave TQ2 Rd,5HS Torquay, TQ2 5HS 30

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Visit us on

Legacy Yearbook#TLHhotels 2018 page 22#TLHhotels

o lunteering is not just about giving back; it can enhance your own life too. A quarter of people say they volunteer so they can meet new people and make friends, almost the same proportion see it as a way of using their existing skills and one in six welcome it as a chance to learn new skills, according to a government survey. So if this appeals to you, why not give it some thought? Here are some suggestions as to what you might do.

TYPES OF WORK Clerical

Any active group is likely to need basic administrative help, from typing and stuffing envelopes to answering the telephone and organising committees. This may involve a day or so a week or occasional assistance at peak times. Many smaller charities in particular would also greatly welcome hearing from individuals with IT expertise to assist with setting up databases, a website, etc.

Fundraising

Every voluntary organisation needs money, and when donations are static or falling, more creativity and ingenuity are required to help bring in funds. Events are many and varied, but anyone with energy and experience of organising fundraising events would be welcomed with open arms as a volunteer.

qualifications and experiences – financial, legal, nursing and social work – have particular value in some circumstances, there is also a multitude of interesting and useful jobs for those without special training or with abilities like driving or computer skills. Similarly, the time commitment can vary to suit both helper and organisation. It is far better to give just one morning a month and be reliable than to promise more time than you can spare and end up cancelling or letting people down. Equally, as with a paid job, before you start you should be absolutely clear about all the terms and conditions: • What sort of work is involved? • Who will be working with you? • What is expected? • When will you be needed? • Are expenses paid? What for? How much? If you have all this mapped out in the beginning there will be less chance of any misunderstandings.

You will find that voluntary work is not only very rewarding in its own right, but also allows you to make a real contribution to the community. You will be required to have a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly called a Criminal Records Bureau or CRB check) with enhanced disclosure if you are considering working with vulnerable people (young or old). For further information about DBS checks and why they are required, see gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminalrecord. An extract from The Good Retirement Guide 2020, edited by Jonquil Lowe is ©2020 and reproduced with permission from Kogan Page Ltd.

Committee work

This can cover anything from very occasional help to a virtually full-time commitment as branch treasurer or secretary. People with business skills or financial or legal backgrounds are likely to be especially valuable, and those whose skills include minute-taking are always in demand.

Volunteering Work

RAF Marham-SSAFA

Volunteering in Retirement

Direct Work

Driving delivering ‘meals on wheels’, counselling, visiting the housebound, working in a charity shop, helping with a playgroup, respite care for carers, the list is endless and the value of the work, incalculable. While certain RETIREMENT

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Volunteering Work

VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR LOCAL ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has found that a quarter of Brits spend over seven hours a week on meaningless tasks, such as scrolling on their phone, making cups of tea and waiting for the bus. Of all the trivial tasks listed by the public, washing up was the most common – with over 60% of Brits spending their time on this. Over 55’s spent the most time washing up – with 71% stating this was their biggest menial task. Over half of Brits surveyed said that tea-making is high on their list of trivial tasks – with these respondents spending 49 minutes week on this activity. However, 41% agree that they wish they spent more time doing meaningful activities and over a quarter agree that they feel like they don’t have a sense of purpose in life. The charity is calling on the public to use this time wasted on these menial tasks to sign up to be a volunteer this January to help support their local military veteran communities. SSAFA is calling on the public to use invest their time more wisely by signing up to become a volunteer caseworker for SSAFA this January. With a network of over 91 SSAFA branches all needing volunteers right across the country, it’s easier than you might think to make a difference. Volunteering for your local SSAFA branch is a brilliant way to meet new people and use your skills, knowledge and life experiences to help those in need from the Armed Forces family.You’ll be on-the-ground providing practical, financial and emotional support for veterans and their families across the UK. A commitment of just a few hours per week is required and access to a vehicle is preferred. To start your journey making a difference with SSAFA, visit ssafa.org.uk/volunteer RETIREMENT

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VOLUNTEERING WITH ANIMALS – HELP MAKE THEIR DREAMS COME TRUE

When you retire, the question inevitably arises of how should I spend my time? When Rosemary Wenzerul retired, she volunteered at the National Animal Welfare Trust, Watford, and has never looked back. Wendy says, ‘The most rewarding part about volunteering is seeing the difference it makes to the animals.’ The NAWT welcomes volunteers with open arms, whether you are young/old, male/female, there will always be a place for you! You can help by stroking cats, walking dogs, or Billy – NAWT on open days, in the café, shop or reception, and much more. In addition to cats/dogs, the NAWT has small animals for adoption. A new boarding cattery opened in October and together with their dog/ small animal boarding provides the Centre with an income as it is not state funded and relies entirely on public donations. You don’t have to rehome an animal to look around – members of the public can find out about the animals at their Interactive Rescue Centre and meet/feed them. The Centre holds ‘petting’ days’ which is ideal for families with children who can meet/stroke the animals, open days and fun dog shows. Finally, if you are elderly, living alone and well enough, why not consider adopting an older dog/cat? You will never feel lonely and your best friend will always be there to greet you. For further information tel 020 8950 0177 (option 2) www.nawt.org.uk

REGULARS | RESERVES | VETERANS | FAMILIES

BE A VETERANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HERO Every day our teams of SSAFA volunteers are making a lasting difference to the lives of serving personnel, veterans and their families. Do something extraordinary and join us. To find out more and discover what volunteering roles are available in your local area, visit:

ssafa.org.uk/volunteer

ssafa.org.uk Registered as a charity in England and Wales Number 210760 in Scotland Number SC038056 and in Republic of Ireland Number 20202001. Established 1885.

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If we don’t, who will? You and I know what it’s like to try and navigate the healthcare system to get the help we need. We’ve lived through the anger and frustration. And we don’t want other families to have to face it alone. Rethink Mental Illness help stop people with mental illness falling through the gaps in the system, but they rely on gifts in wills to fund their Advice and Information Service, peer support groups and campaigning work.

We know that mental illness isn’t necessarily a popular cause. So because of those we’ve lost. And because of those we’ve saved, it’s down to us. We can change how mental illness is treated, by leaving a legacy to Rethink Mental Illness. If you’d like a little more information first, visit rethink.org/wewill to request a free guide or call Dan Walshe on 020 7840 3032.

Leave a legacy to change how mental illness is treated Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for the millions of people affected by mental Illness. For 40 years they have brought people together to support each other through their services, groups and campaign. Rethink Mental Illness Registered Office 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP United Kingdom email: info@rethink.org Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered Charity Number 271028 34

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Making a will Home-made wills are not generally recommended. People often use ambiguous wording which, while perfectly clear to the individual who has written it, may be less obvious to others. This could result in the donor’s wishes being misinterpreted, and could also cause considerable delay in settling the estate. The wording of a will is important, including a formal revocation of any earlier wills. It’s also important to think beyond your basic wishes and address questions such as what if a beneficiary dies before you, what if you and your partner (if you have one) die together or within a short space of time of each other? Few people would start writing a will from scratch – templates are available from stationers and can be downloaded from the internet. They are not perfect, however, and still leave considerable margin for error, especially if your circumstances or your estate are complicated. Two witnesses are needed, and an essential point to remember is that witnesses and their spouses cannot be beneficiaries of a will, so if they do witness it they will be automatically disinherited. In certain circumstances, a will can be rendered invalid. There will also be confusion if part of a will seems to be missing, so, if you do need to change your will, it’s best to start from scratch with a new one rather than staple an amendment (called a codicil) that might become detached. A sensible precaution for those doing it themselves is to have it checked by a solicitor, in which case it will usually be simpler and cheaper to use a solicitor from the start.

Banks

Advice on wills and the administration of estates is given by the trustee companies of most of the major high street banks. In particular, the services they offer are to provide general guidance, to act as executor and to administer the estate.They will introduce clients to a solicitor and can arrange other related advice on tax planning and financial advice. As with using a solicitor (see below), an advantage of

using a bank is that they can keep a copy of the will – plus other important documents – in their safe, avoiding the risk of these documents being mislaid or lost in, say, a house fire. However, the contract for services is between you and the bank, so after you have died, your heirs have very little leverage to get the bank to speed up if it is taking a long time administering the estate or to control what the bank charges.

Solicitors

Solicitors are the traditional professional to use to draw up a will. You can also appoint them to act as executors and administer the estate, though as with banks this is not necessarily a good idea since your heirs will have no control over the speed or cost of the solicitor’s services in this capacity. Like banks, solicitors will also retain a copy of your will in safekeeping and most will not charge for this. If you do not have a solicitor, friends or family may be able to recommend one, or you can find a member of one of the legal professional bodies: • the Law Society: use its Find a Solicitor service to find legal advice in England, Wales and Scotland, solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk; • Law Society of Northern Ireland: lawsoc-ni.org/solicitors.aspx. A simple will could normally start at about £150. Couples sometimes make ‘mirror wills’ leaving

everything on broadly the same terms, and there may be a discount for doing both at the same time. However, many solicitors take part in special schemes where they partner with charities and offer free writing of simple wills. The schemes include: • Free Wills Month. During the campaign months (March and October), people aged 55 and over can have a will written by a solicitor for free. Participating charities hope you will leave them a legacy in your will although you cannot be forced to do so. See freewillsmonth.org.uk. • Make a Will Week. Participating solicitors write your will for free in return for you making a suggested donation to a partner charity. The week has been in May in recent years, and the charities involved advertise if they are taking part. • National Free Wills Network is a partnership where participating charities pay for solicitors to write free wills for their supporters. Again, the hope is that you will leave a legacy to the charity, but that is up to you. See nationalfreewills.net. • Will Aid is a partnership between solicitors and nine charities. The solicitors write your will for free, but suggest a voluntary donation to Will Aid which then supports the work of the charities. See willaid. org.uk/will-makers/find-a-solicitor. RETIREMENT

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Making a will

Doing it yourself

You have four choices: you can do it yourself, you can ask your bank to help you, hire a solicitor or use a will-writing service.

The schemes work because solicitors earn extra where it turns out you need more than just a simple will or decide to buy other services. For the charities, the schemes bring in donations and legacies that exceed their outlay to the solicitors. If you make an immediate donation, you might not be saving money, but what you do spend goes to the charity you want to support. If you leave a legacy, you are in effect paying later for the will you have drawn up today, but again through a donation to the charity of your choice. Many charities rely heavily on legacies to fund their work, and to support this they provide guidance on their websites and can put you in touch with solicitors who may draw up a will for you at a reduced cost. Charities do this in the hope that you will include a legacy to them in your will, but they cannot make it a requirement of using their services, they do not have access to the will that you have written, and the solicitor involved is working for you not the charity. For individuals with sight problems, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has produced a comprehensive guide to making or changing a will and offers a number of options, including free will writing through the National Free Wills Network. RNIB also offers a free service to transcribe your will into large print size, Braille or audio. See rnib.org.uk (the section on Help writing or amending a will). Age UK is a partner in the Will Aid scheme and its website has a lot of useful information about writing a will: ageuk.org.uk.

Transform a child’s life

Will-writing services

A will-writing service is a sort of halfway house that is generally more reliable than a DIY will, but cheaper than a solicitor. Will-writers take you through a questionnaire to find out your needs and are trained to be able to draw up simple wills. But they are not professionally trained in the law as solicitors are and they are not regulated to the same degree, so do not use a will-writing service if your affairs are at all complex. Do make sure that any will-writer you use belongs to one of the following selfregulating bodies which requires members to abide by a code of conduct including having a formal complaints procedure and professional indemnity insurance: • Institute of Professional Willwriters: ipw.org.uk/directory; • The Society of Will Writers: willwriters.com/members/.

Making a will

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Every child should grow up safe and happy. But in the UK today, vulnerable children are being ignored, left to face abuse and neglect, poverty and poor mental health. These children don’t choose their childhoods. But we can choose to help. Last year, gifts in wills helped Action for Children change the lives of 387,000 children, young people and families in the UK. The charity did this through 476 local services, in schools and online. Sue* has pledged to leave a gift in her will to Action for Children. “I witnessed horrendous domestic abuse growing up,” she explains. “When I was nine, me and my mum were brave enough to leave. Even though times were tough, we were safe and together. I’ve left a gift in my will to Action for Children because I want my story to be more than escaping child abuse. I want to be part of something that helps to build a better future for so many children. I don’t want them to experience what I did.” A gift in your will has the power to change the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children. You could keep children safe. Make sure they’re happy. And help them to achieve incredible things. To find out how you can transform a child’s life, call 0300 123 2112 or visit actionforchildren.org.uk/RT

Never underestimate the power of hearing “there is a new type of treatment available”

2020: International Year of the Nurse and Midwife

Louise Milne, PCRC supporter

Registered charity 213128

LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL GIVE MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES A FUTURE

The Queen’s Nursing Institute is the world’s oldest nursing charity* that champions and supports the work of community nurses. •

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We help community nurses in financial trouble due to adverse life events, such as serious illness. This help changes lives, enabling many nurses to return to the workforce. We encourage social interaction between current and retired nurses (who are often housebound) through our telephone project, ‘Keep in Touch’. We provide educational grants to support community nurses’ continued training.

We believe in creating a better future for men with prostate cancer. Help us fund outstanding research and make this future a reality. By including a gift to the Prostate Cancer Research Centre in your will you will be funding world-class research that will help us find effective therapies for men with advanced prostate cancer.

Donations in the form of gifts in Wills or legacies are crucial in enabling the QNI to continue supporting these nurses who look after us all in our time of need.

To find out more: www.qni.org.uk 020 7549 1400 mail@qni.org.uk

If you would like to speak to someone about leaving a gift in your will please email Gordon at info@pcr.org.uk or call 0203 735 5445. Suite 2, Prostate Cancer Research Centre, 23-26 Great James Street, London, WC1 3ES; Registered charity number 1156027

*as certified by the Guinness World Records

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Transform a child’s life with a gift in your will Legacy gifts helped us change the lives of 387,000 children, young people and their families last year. But more still need our help. Your gift could help us reach the UK’s most vulnerable children. You’ll make safe and happy childhoods a reality – now and for generations to come. actionforchildren.org.uk/leave-a-legacy 0300 123 2112 Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092. Company no. 4764232. 1328.

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The Psychiatry Research Trust Mental illness and brain disease affects everyone – one in four of us directly. The sole objective of The Psychiatry Research Trust is to raise funds for research into these devastating conditions at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (KCL) and its associated Maudsley and Bethlem Royal Hospitals.

Your legacy is our future

The research is aimed at prevention and informed detection as well as new and better treatments throughout the whole range of mental health topics, including Alzheimer’s and Motor Neurone Disease, Eating Disorders, Psychotic Illness, Addictions and Childhood Problems. We especially help young researchers with new ideas, to obtain their first support grants. For further information, or to make a donation, contact The Psychiatry Research Trust. All donations are of necessity subject to a small annual charge to cover the cost of administration, including fundraising.

The Psychiatry Research Trust

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PO 87, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF Tel: 0207 703 6217 www.psychiatryresearchtrust.co.uk Email: psychiatry_research_trust@kcl.ac.uk Donate on line at www.justgiving.com/psychiatryresearchtrust Registered Charity Number 284286

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The Animal Health Trust is the leading veterinary and scientiﬁc research charity dedicated to the health and welfare of your animal.

Registered charity no. 209642

LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL to the National Churches Trust isn’t just a gift, it’s an investment.

For people who love church buildings

Some gifts are easily forgotten. Yours will last for generations.

Many of the UK’s historic churches, chapels and meeting houses are fighting a battle against the ravages of time. Leaving a gift in your Will helps us keep these precious buildings alive for future generations.

St Peter, Winterbourne Stoke, Wiltshire

To find out how you can help keep the UK’s churches alive, please call Claire Walker on 020 7222 0605, email legacy@nationalchurchestrust.org visit nationalchurchestrust.org/legacy or send the coupon below to the National Churches Trust, 7 Tufton Street, London SW1P 3QB (please affix a stamp).

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If you would like to receive information about the work we do, and how you could leave a gift in your Will please complete the form below.

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Address Postcode If you would prefer to receive information by email, please provide your email address instead: Please see our privacy policy at www.nationalchurchestrust.org/privacy as to how we hold your data securely and privately. You will not be added to our mailing list and we will only use your details to send you this specific information.

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Registered charity number 1119845

Charity N E W S The Queen’s Nursing Institute celebrates Severe Flooding causes devastation at the birth of Florence Bransby Horses’ land Nightingale Lincolnshire-based equine charity, Bransby Horses, now has almost 1,000 equines in their care. Nearly 400 live on sites at Bransby and Langworth near Lincoln, and more than 530 live in foster homes across the country. Many of the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules have been rescued from mistreatment and neglect, the charity works hard to give them a second chance at life. Sadly, severe flooding of Bransby Horses’ land occurred in November 2019 when, after unprecedented levels of rain, over 150 acres were flooded. This resulted in 100 horses having to be moved at short notice, and the landscape changing for the charity for years to come. By supporting Bransby Horses, you are helping them continue their work but also push through what is proving to be, the most challenging time in their history. When you leave a legacy for the Charity, know that you are making a huge difference to this caring, hard-working charity and all the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules they look after. Your support means the world to them.

2020 marks the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth and to commemorate this, the World Health Organisation has nominated 2020 to be the first ever International Year of the Nurse and Midwife in a bid to shine a light on this invaluable profession. The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) is the oldest nursing charity in the world, having supported community nurses since its foundation in 1887. They have a host of plans to celebrate community nursing in this special year, including an event to be held in Liverpool - the birthplace of district nursing - in June 2020. Do keep checking their website, www.qni.org.uk for updates. As well as providing educational grants, funding nurse-led projects and their telephone project, Keep in Touch, for retired, socially isolated community nurses, they also offer financial assistance to nurses in financial trouble due to adverse life events. One latest beneficiary was a 44 year old practice nurse who was diagnosed with rapid onset Motor Neurone Disease, after becoming unwell at work. They were able to contribute towards a holiday for her with her family so they could make memories together.

Where there is need, we Help protect need to primates be here… worldwide

Next Steps… If you would like to remember these equines in your will, please contact the Legacy Team on 01427 788464 or email legacy@bransbyhorses.co.uk for a free Leaving a Legacy Pack.

For some species, it is too late. The future of all that remains lies in our hands, so leaving a legacy to Wild Futures is the gift of life and a future for primates and our wonderful planet. Wild Futures’ holistic approach makes them unique – providing sanctuary to rescued monkeys, supporting projects overseas, campaigning for primate welfare, educating to protect primates worldwide and promoting a sustainability and ethical ethos. They receive no government funding, so the generosity of those that remember Wild Futures is essential to enable them to continue their work. A legacy can be the gift of a life worth living and a wild and safe future for all. For more information call 01503 262532, email giving@wildfutures.org or visit the website at www.wildfutures.org.

It was originally set up in the East End of London to help homeless orphans and single mums who had no support at that time. Over the years they have run an adoption agency, maternity homes and children’s homes. Today they continue to reach out to the more disadvantaged in society, but their services have adapted to reflect its changing needs. They currently provide supported accommodation for homeless young mums, a day nursery and a counselling service. Imagine a 17 year old girl who finds herself pregnant: her family have turned against her, she has nowhere to live and doesn’t know who to turn to. This is the situation some young women still find themselves in today, and they have a long history of helping such individuals and providing support for them and their babies at a time of need and uncertainty. The social workers and other health professionals who they work with say that their service is unique, so their accommodation is always in demand. As long as there is a need, they hope to always be here. www.christianfamilyconcern.org.uk RETIREMENT

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Charity News

Wild Futures rescues and offers sanctuary to monkeys who have suffered abuse and neglect. They are dedicated to protecting primates and their habitats worldwide – primates are endangered due to climate change, habitat destruction and the bush-meat and pet trades.

Christian Family Concern is a small charity based in south London which has been supporting vulnerable families for over 125 years.

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Does Dairy Increase the Risk of Prostate National Churches Trust Cancer? Churches chapels and meeting houses are some of the most beautiful and important buildings in the UK.

You may have seen recent headlines claiming that dairy food leads to a higher risk of prostate cancer. These headlines were based on a study from the Mayo Clinic, where researchers conducted a review of 47 studies investigating diet and prostate cancer. They found a weak link between an individual’s dairy consumption and their prostate cancer risk. However, before we all cut dairy from our diets, there are some important factors to consider. Dairy is known to have many health benefits: it has been shown to be important for bone health and is full of vital nutrients. Previous studies linking dairy and prostate cancer have been inconsistent, with some finding no link, some connecting dairy with an increased risk, and some even linking dairy with a reduced risk. There is currently not enough evidence to prove that dairy consumption leads to increased risk of prostate cancer.

As Bill Bryson, one of our best loved authors puts it: “Nothing else in the built environment has the emotional and spiritual resonance, the architectural distinction, the ancient, reassuring solidity of a parish church.”

The National Churches Trust exists to support churches, chapels and meeting houses so that they remain at the heart of the communities for which they were built and can continue to play an integral part in all our lives. They help people who look after church buildings by providing grants to keep them in good condition and with modern community facilities such as toilets and kitchens so they can be used for activities such as lunch clubs, pre-school nurseries and concerts and exhibitions.

By signing up to Prostate Cancer Research Centre’s free newsletter, Lifeline, you can read more about this, other updates on the latest research, find out about the Charity’s incredible research, exciting events, and read patient and supporter stories. Visit www.pcr.org.uk

As an independent charity which receives no financial support from government, they remain reliant on the generosity and support of our donors to carry out their work. However you choose to support the National Churches Trust, whether it is by becoming a Friend, making a donation, volunteering, attending an event, spreading the word about their work, or simply by enjoying visiting churches in your spare time – thank you.

THANK YOU for your precious gifts Dan Walshe from Rethink Mental Illness reflects on the charity’s most recent Christmas appeal. Precious gifts this Christmas helped to improve the lives of people whose severe mental illness made them homeless.

Charity News

Dan says ‘Our housing service provides a lifeline to people with conditions such as schizophrenia, OCD, bipolar disorder and depression: But a lack of funds means many of our tenants move to an empty property. Many of our residents lack the essential things we all take for granted: things like warm bedding, cooking utensils or the crockery and cutlery. A few home essentials may not seem like much, but for someone who has nothing, and maybe no family members or friends, they can mean absolutely everything.

Our tenant Lee tells his story: “When I ended up homeless and living in a tent with the rain pouring in, I knew I had hit rock bottom. I’m sure I would be dead now if I hadn’t been referred to the tenancy support service. I’ve also really benefitted from the starter pack I was given. It had everything in it for the kitchen. There’s no way I’d have been able to save up for those things after paying my bills and buying some food.” Their starter packs – funded by generous supporters like you – make all the difference to tenants like Lee. www.rethink.org RETIREMENT

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Find out more at www.nationalchurchestrust.org or telephone 020 7222 0605

Helping others with High Blood Pressure Have you thought of Blood Pressure UK in your Will? Finding out that you have high blood pressure is traumatic, particularly if you are young. Most people don’t know anything about the condition and worry about how it will affect themselves and those around them. But Blood Pressure UK is here to help, and with our information

the blood pressure charity

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packs, range of leaflets and our helpline, we provide reassurance and support to sufferers and their families. But all of this work is expensive and while membership subscriptions and general donations help enormously, leaving a gift in your Will can help us make a bigger difference. It isn’t complicated as you think, doesn’t have to be a large amount and will give you the reassurance that our work helping fellow sufferers will continue once you have gone. Obviously, providing for your family and friends comes first, but once that is done please consider a gift to Blood Pressure UK in your Will.

We have put together a simple leaflet to guide you through the process and you can get a copy by telephoning: (020) 7882 6255, visiting the website: www.bloodpressureuk.org, or by writing to: Blood Pressure UK, Wolfson Institute, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ.

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Charity N E W S Hazel Hops Again

This beautiful rabbit was rushed into Tiggywinkles by a caring member of the public who had rescued her from the road. It is not known what happened to this poor rabbit but it is presumed she had been clipped by a car. The triage nurse quickly got her settled with initial first aid to make sure she was not in pain. Wild rabbits can be quite nervous animals, so it was important to try and keep her as calm as possible – the poor rabbit was already quite shaken after her ordeal. As she was found in Hazlemere (Bucks) – and so, of course had to be named Hazel! Once the vet examined Hazel, it was found that she had fractured her right hind leg – thank goodness the kind passer by stopped to help her, as she would have really struggled to survive in the wild with this sort of injury; rabbits need full use of those powerful back legs to be able to run fast and escape danger. The vet decided the best course of action would be to operate on Hazel and, using their miniature locking plate system, stabilise the leg to enable the bones to heal. The locking plates provide rigid internal fixation to the bones – meaning speedier healing times, allowing the patient to be mobile much faster compared to using a cast.

surgery and soon enough, she was up and able to carefully move around her cage – perhaps the big bowl of fresh greens helped encourage her to her feet!

Rabbits can be tricky patients, but Hazel proved to be one tough bunny. After the surgery she was settled into their small mammal ward to recover. Tiggywinkles’ amazing nursing team kept a close eye on Hazel whilst she recovered from the

www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk

LEAVE A LEGACY

ANCESTORS Discover Your Ancestors

It’s been 51 years since our founder, Peter Hunt, rescued his first horse, Sally.

Let our professional genealogists trace your family history nationally and internationally.

Half a century on, we’re just as committed to rescuing horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules from abandonment and abuse. We now care for almost 1000 equines.

We have thirty years experience in family history research. Free evaluations available. Prices tailored to suit your budget.

Money back guarantee

Generous gifts left to our charity in Wills are our lifeline.

For the best, most economical services write to:

Charity News

Thank you!

To speak to our Legacy Team call 01427 788464 or email: legacy@ bransbyhorses.co.uk

ASE PLE A LIFE G VE LEA ANGIN H T C GIF Y! A D TO

www.bransbyhorses.co.uk I Charity No: 1075601 Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676

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Hazel went from strength to strength and after just 6 weeks she was suitable for release back to the wild.

Ancestorsgenealogy.co.uk 11 Crosbie Road, Harborne, Birmingham B17 9BG (RT)

0121 2464260

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