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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•COMPETITIONS•HEALTH•RECIPES
Issue 94 Spring ‘18 2.90
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RETIREMENT
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CONTENTS
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4 Tracing your Ancestors Mike Francis looks at just how fascinating and unpredictable tracing ancestors can be and why genealogy has become such a popular and engrossing hobby.
WELCOME TO RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE
6 Update Benslow Music-courses and concerts; Perfect Profiles-look and feel great; POP Telecom’s broadband.
8 Easy Recipes for effective weight loss Easy recipes to kick start your metabolism for immediate health gains or to achieve longer-term sustained weight loss.
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13 Desert Detour
17 Out and About GROW London;Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography Queen Victoria in Paris; Cheltenham Jazz Festival;Victoria Crowe: Beyond Likeness
Read how reaching retirement age is something many people look forward to, but how it can also be a major lifestyle change.
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20 Subscribitons Subscribe and have Retirement Today delivered direct to your door
22 Arthritis – Diet and Exercise There isn’t a day that goes by without hearing about the latest fad, superfood or celebrity diet. However, learn how certain foods and some exercise can help suffers of arthritis.
Amra Media Solutions Ltd The Old Lavender Mill 46a Brook Street Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire HP22 5ES • Tel: 01296 632700 • Email: info@amramedia.co.uk
26 Trays and Tabletops
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Retire in Europe, Luxury Apartments, Flexible accommodation when downsizing.
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31 The benefits of leaving a Legacy Alistair Wallbanks takes a look at why making a will is so important and how charities can benefit from leaving a legacy in your will.
35 Charity News
• www.retirement-today.co.uk
Keeping in Touch; Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland; Mental Health Awareness Week.
• Designed by: Tom Evans Design
36 Charity News
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.
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Trays can play a useful yet meaningful role in decorating your home, and add a new way of displaying objects.
29 Property News • Published by:-
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18 Personal Relationships
Louise Hagger
Hedgehogs released back where they belong; Bransby Horses Crowned ‘Hidden Gem’ by Visit England; Meet the rarest bear in the world.
38 Competitions A chance to win tickets to see The King And I at the London Palladium.
WIN8
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Cico Books Ltd 2018
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Top left: Image courtesy of Staying for Free.com Middle right: Photo from How to lose weight well by Stacie Stewart (Quadrille) Photo: © Louise Hagger Image bottom left: Photo from Vintage French Style by Carolyn Westbrook (Cico Books) Photo: ©Cico Books Ltd
Darren Harbar
The latest in a series of adventures in housesitting from Staying For Free.com
38 Book Reviews A review of some of the best books currently available.
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TRACING YOUR ANCESTORS by Mike Francis
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hat can you do to while away the extra hours that retirement brings? If you have ever watched the popular Who Do You Think You Are? tv programme you will know just how fascinating and unpredictable tracing ancestors can be and why genealogy has become such a popular and engrossing hobby. When I first retired I decided to trace both lines of my family back as far as possible to see if some of the tall tales told about some of the members were really quite so tall.What I didn't expect to find en route were the fascinating little bits of history from each family's perspective, the frustrating blind alleys you meet, getting to know your ancestors as flesh and blood rather than as a cold statistic on a family tree.
DIGGING INTO THE FAMILY TREE
Like most things you have to start somewhere. My particular journey began when I came across a yellowing press cutting about one of my great-great-uncles who died in the early 1900's. It had obviously been cherished by my grandmother and from it I was able to go backwards in time with information gleaned from regular visits to the births, AncestorsProfessional_B704303_1lp.indd 1 23/11/2017 15:44 marriages and deaths registry which was conveniently situated near ] LITTLE VENICE ] LONDON ZOO ] CAMDEN LOCK where I lived. I would order a relevant certificate and collect it a few Cruises along the peaceful days later. The time sped by as I became increasingly engrossed in Regents Canal, through Regents this detective work and dug deeper into the family tree. I discovered Park, the Maida Hill tunnel and that one side of the family started out as farmers on the east coast London Zoo. Trips on traditional as one of the living a healthy outdoor life away from the pestilence in the towns canal largest boats, one selections way or return, of retirement homes s today towith discuss your needs and building walls to stop watery creeks from invading the farmland. a stopover to shop in theon 01488 668655. lively bustle of Camden Lock or a Consequently, my great-great-great grandfather died in 1847 at 76 SYLVANER COURT, picnic in the tranquil elegance ofBASINGSTOKE, HAMPSHIRE years old, a good age for those early times.
Tracing your ancestors
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COINCIDENCE, CONFUSION, CALAMITY
Subsequently the family became grocers and opened four branches in the Midlands. By coincidence the other side of the family were also grocers in Cambridge. Along the way I stumbled across confusing or
handwriting very often containing personal comments which can add extra dimension to your research.The common practice in those days for parents, grandparents and children to live together in the same or nearby households helps make your detective work easier. Nowadays you can do the family research quite easily on your computer, get access to a particular census and download material as long as you pay a fee.
PARISH REGISTERS AND GRAVESTONES
Churches can be a useful addition to your army of fact finding tools. Parish Registers can provide records as far back as the 1500's and if you locate a church near where your ancestor lived you might be able to find the name on their register. You need to be on the alert for anything you might find there. One of the churches I visited had a stained-glass window in the porch bequeathed by an ancestor of mine with his name proudly engraved in the center. Gravestones can also help fill in the gaps of family history. A gentle walk round the churchyard could be worth the few minutes it takes if you find a relative buried there although allow some time to decipher the etching on the stone which may have faded over the years.
FULL CIRCLE
While out hunting for signs of my family’s history in Suffolk I came across a village graveyard. The first grave on the right as I entered was my great-great-uncle's. Because of his importance to the local community he had been given the most prominent position in the graveyard and it was his death recorded on a yellowing press cutting that had inspired my genealogical adventure.
ANCESTORS PROFESSIONAL GENEALOGY SERVICE
Tracing your ancestors
distressing events that often occur in family histories. If the first born in a family died then the second child of the same sex would be given the same name.When a mother of 3 died unexpectedly the father was unable to look after the children and the family suddenly separated. One of them landed up in a workhouse.
For those of you happy to hand over the amateur sleuthing work to the professionals help can be given by the Ancestors Professional Genealogy Service. This firm of qualified genealogists and family historians have been in the business for 26 years helping people discover their ancestral roots. For an agreed fee beforehand, they will do whatever research you require.You may need their service for both sides of the family tree, for just one side, or for a specific piece of research into a special set of records. Request their Discovery pack and you will receive a family tree chart which they ask you to fill in with known details of your family to give them an idea where their research should start from. They are the only professional research company to give you a total peace of mind guarantee. As long as the starting point is in the 20th century they guarantee to extend one surname line by at least 3 generations in the first round of research or you get your money back. The research weapons in their armoury is considerable. They own a full microfiche copy of the birth, marriage and death index between 1837 and 1997. As well as the usual sources they can access military records, house histories and wills which can give fascinating insights into the lives and possessions of the people who made them. At the end of their investigations they will present you with a comprehensive personal report of their findings together with copies of original documents and an assessment of the prospects for future research. According to Ancestors Research Manager Janet Carter well over 3,000 people have used their service so far which can often work out cheaper than subscribing to several online sources. Free quotations and valuations can be made on request n
WHAT'S IN THE CENSUS?
If like me you want to find out where you fit into the family picture the census is the first port of call and can give useful information about the name, gender, age, occupation and birthplace of your ancestor.The first census to give personal information was in 1841.The 1911 census is the latest you can obtain information from at the moment because of the 100-year privacy rule and was the first written in the relative's
For further information:
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UPDATE
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BENSLOW MUSIC Courses and Concerts “It’s like a retreat with music, I’ve been three times now and find the courses, food and accommodation superb.”
At Benslow Music they offer a huge variety of informal residential and day courses to musicians of all abilities on a wide range of instruments and voices at their beautiful campus in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. They boast ten designated rehearsal rooms, including two recital halls, good quality accommodation and in-house catering for up to fifty guests at any one time. Their tranquil four-acre gardens are an integral part of the Benslow Music experience and provide an inviting space in which to relax and re-gather energies between sessions. Whether your musical taste is for classical, jazz, popular or folk, Benslow Music has a music course to suit you. They run over 200 residential music courses annually and their tutors are the best in the business! From their Baroque Opera project, Late Starter String Orchestra, wind quintet courses to their Big Band Summer School, there is something for you! If you would like to extend your stay, explore Hitchin’s historical town or just pop into London (direct line to Kings Cross is just 30 minutes), they offer very competitive Bed and Breakfast rates. In connection with their courses, they host a fantastic season of world-class chamber concerts throughout the year across many genres. Tickets cost from just £15 and they offer free entry for under 27s and carers accompanying disabled ticket holders. Pre-concert dining opportunities are also available to make your evening concert experience even more special. Two courses and a glass of wine or soft drink costs £20pp. For further information visit www.BenslowMusic.org or tel 01462 459446
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With many reaching retirement age earlier than ever, there is a higher need for a change in pattern of internet usage. Previously from occasional use to a new more relaxed but consistent use to fit their new lifestyle. POP Telecom delivers a package that removes the uncertainty of increasing line rental and can offer an amazing tariff with the guarantee of zero price increases in contract life.
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Easy recipes for effective weight loss
Whether you’re seeking to kick start your metabolism for immediate health gains, or achieve longer-term sustained weight loss, Stacie Stewart’s recipes are quick and easy to follow
SALMON WITH CHEAT’S CREAMY CUCUMBER & DILL SALAD
How to Lose Weight Well The Complete Diet Plans by Stacie Stewart (Quadrille, £15) Photography ©Louise Hagger
This recipe is inspired by the 5-factor diet from the TV show, which promises weight loss by preparing meals in 5 minutes, with 5 ingredients and eating 5 times a day. I love the promotion of balance in this diet: protein, complex carbs, fibre and good fats in every meal. The cucumber salad in this is a winner as it contains no fat. FAT (g): 13.3 | PROTEIN (g): 29.1 | CARBS (g): 15 | FIBRE (g): 2.8 | CALORIES: 302 SERVES: 2 “Most supermarkets sell ready-to-eat poached salmon fillets if you don’t feel confident cooking fish.”
BANANA BREAD Another hit from my Eat Naked café, this is high in fibre and slow-release carbohydrates – wonderful for breakfast or after you have trained to help replace glycogen stores. Keep your portion control strict and maybe bulk out with some Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. This is suitable for freezing, as I don’t expect you to eat all 12 slices in one go. It’s also wonderful toasted. FAT (g): 16.7 | PROTEIN (g): 6.7 | CARBS (g): 19.2 | FIBRE (g): 2.1 | CALORIES: 258 MAKES: 12 SERVINGS
How to Lose Weight Well
6 tbsp coconut oil, melted 4 eggs 100g Sukrin (a sugar substitute that contains no carbs and is available from most supermarkets and healthfood shops) 4 tbsp coconut cream 1 tsp vanilla extract pinch of salt ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 125g wholegrain gluten-free flour 125g ground almonds 5 medium over-ripe bananas (about 600g) total mashed 4 tbsp flaked almonds
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Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 and grease a 700g loaf tin with a tiny amount of the melted coconut oil. Beat the eggs and Sukrin for a few minutes until pale and thick using electric beaters or a freestanding electric mixer. Add the coconut oil, coconut cream, vanilla and salt and beat briefly to combine. Fold in the bicarbonate of soda, flour, ground almonds and the mashed bananas. Spoon the mixture into the prepared loaf tin until it is about 1cm from the top of the tin. Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top and bake in the oven for 50 minutes but check it after 40 minutes. The loaf should be well risen, golden and a skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean. Remove the tin from the oven and run a knife around the loaf while it’s still warm to make it easier to take out of the tin. Leave to cool for a few minutes, then remove from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. If freezing, wrap well in clingfilm and defrost on a plate in the fridge overnight. RETIREMENT
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2 x 200g salmon fillets, skin removed, if you prefer 2 slices of lemon salt and pepper 160g new potatoes with skins, halved unless small 1 cucumber, halved lengthways, watery seeds scraped out and thinly sliced 2 tbsp chopped dill finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional) 100g no-fat soured cream or Greek yogurt Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and line a baking tray with foil. Place the salmon on the prepared baking tray with a slice of lemon on top and a good grind of salt and pepper and cook in the oven for 12–15 minutes. You can pop your potatoes in 10 minutes before (drizzled with 1 tsp olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt) and leave them in to roast with the salmon or you can steam them for 20–25 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, make the salad. Toss the cucumber, dill, lemon zest and juice, smoked paprika, if using, salt and pepper and the soured cream or yogurt together in a large bowl. Serve the salmon and potatoes hot for a comforting dinner or cold for a picnic-style lunch, along with the salad.
5-A-DAY SPANISH BRAISED CHICKEN & CHORIZO STEW This contains lots of hidden veggies, contributing heavily to your 5-a-day. Serve to your guests with a mezze board and chunky bread for dipping. For yourself, savour and enjoy the flavours! If you’re on the Shapeshifter or Transformer meal plans, feel free to add 100g canned cannellini beans to turn this into a hearty broth. A speed-up tip here is to use pre-cut chorizo. Most supermarkets sell it packaged and ready diced; it’ll save you time skinning and chopping a whole chorizo, plus they are usually in 70g pouches. This is a low-carb, high-protein and high-fibre dish so it’s great for Kickstarters and it’s good on fasting days, too. FAT (g): 16.7 | PROTEIN (g): 55.2 | CARBS (g): 20 | FIBRE (g): 7.8 | CALORIES: 467 SERVES: 2
HERBY LOW- CARB MEATBALLS IN MARINARA When I first tried these on the TV show I was so sceptical – cauliflower as a binding agent in meatballs? But the cauliflower reduces the carbs to practically nothing while keeping the fibre and contributing towards your 5-a-day, and t hey are baked too, so are much healthier than fried. Freezing these is a top tip, so this recipe is for six portions – two to have now, and four to freeze. They are also good on their own, or with courgetti for a low-carb meal. “Don’t be tempted to load up with more cheese – a few herbs and chilli flakes are excellent garnishes with no calories added.” FAT (g): 15.9 | PROTEIN (g): 56.2 | CARBS (g): 14 | FIBRE (g): 4.9 | CALORIES: 436 SERVES: 3 low-cal fry spray or a little oil for the tin 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets 600g lean beef mince 50g Parmesan cheese, grated 1 small bunch of basil and/or parsley, finely chopped, plus extra to serve 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika salt and pepper 1 garlic clove, crushed or grated 1 egg, beaten ½ red onion, very finely diced ½ quantity hot marinara sauce recipe
60g chorizo, diced 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp smoked paprika 400g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4–5) 400g can chopped tomatoes about 100ml water salt and pepper 1 red pepper, chopped into chunks 1 tsp olive oil 2 small courgettes, chopped into chunks 1 bunch of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped, to garnish Heat a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the chorizo and fry for a few minutes to release the tasty juices. There’s no need to add extra oil here, as enough comes from the chorizo. Reduce the heat to low, add the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes, stirring to make sure the chorizo doesn’t burn. Add the cumin, oregano and paprika and stir until everything is coated. Increase the heat and add the chicken. Stir briefly, then add the tomatoes, water and salt and pepper. Cover with a lid, bring it to the boil briefly, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is super tender. Five minutes before the end of cooking, add the pepper. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a separate pan over a medium heat, then sauté the courgette for 10 minutes until golden on all sides. Add the courgette to the chicken just before serving. Divide the broth between 2 bowls and garnish with parsley.
How to Lose Weight Well
Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6 and line a large baking tin or ovenproof dish with foil, then spray with low-cal fry spray or rub with a tiny amount of oil, just to stop the meatballs sticking. Grate the cauliflower or pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice, then transfer to a large bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and scrunch together with your hands to combine. Alternatively, remove the cauliflower from the food processor, tip the rest of the ingredients except the sauce into the processor and blend to combine, then scrunch through the cauliflower in the bowl. Using your hands, roll the mixture into 21 balls, about 5cm in diameter, and place in the prepared tin in a single layer. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden and browned all over. Serve with the marinara sauce and some basil. For the marinara sauce ½ tsp olive oil or low-cal fry spray 1 small onion, thinly sliced 680g jar of best-quality tomato passata 1 tsp dried oregano For the marinara sauce, heat the oil or low-cal fry spray in a saucepan over a low-medium heat and sauté the onion for at least 8 minutes until soft. Increase the heat, add the passata and oregano and simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Season, then remove from the heat. RETIREMENT
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HOW FOLLOWING A TREND CAN BOOST YOUR RETIREMENT POT
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hen we think of trends, we might think of things like fashion, cuisine, interior decoration or garden design. Not many of us think of trends and funds in the same sentence. And we should, says Douglas Chadwick, 75, a retired furniture manufacturer and the creator of the UK's first trend investing system designed for the lay investor. Douglas, from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, spent his formative early years in the Merchant Navy. This experience was to give him the knowledge of seamanship terminology used in his proprietary fund performance data system, Saltydog Investor, founded many years later. After his time at sea he went to Sussex University, as a mature student, where he gained a degree in theoretical physics. In 1975, after various production roles in UK manufacturing businesses, he formed his own company New Horizon Furniture Ltd, which was eventually sold 10 years later. In 1998 he launched another furniture company selling flat-pack furniture to companies like IKEA, MFI, Argos and Tesco, as well as significant sales contracts in Europe and America. After successfully selling his first furniture business, Douglas invested in a couple of investment bonds. Fifteen years later he made an appointment to visit his IFA to see how his investment portfolio had performed over the years. It had not. Douglas was livid, and so he set about figuring out what had gone wrong. After considerable delving and research, he became acquainted with the teachings of the American investment guru Jessie Livermore. Livermore was arguably the father of trend, or momentum, investing, and made a vast fortune. Examining Livermore's approach to successful investing, he came to the realisation that his portfolio manager had been passively rather than actively managing his portfolio. Funds that had been invested in early on, had underperformed and were still sitting, stagnant, in his portfolio. Douglas realised that the solution was to take matters into one’s own hands and become an active rather than passive manager of one's own investments. But where to get the data? Accessing lists of pre-sorted funds (by performance, sector and volatility) was not really viable for non-professional investors in the UK before 2010. Enter algorithm expert and a former colleague of Chadwick's, Richard Webb. Webb designed a series of algorithms that sift through the thousands of funds available
Douglas Chadwick
to UK investors. It top-slices the best performing funds, sorts them into industry sectors and then finally groups them by volatility. The results are presented in an easy to read weekly online newsfeed. Trend or Momentum Investing has been around since the previously mentioned American investment guru Jessie Livermore expounded its merits back in the 1930's. The basic premise is investors buy into funds trending upwards and then switch into safer, less volatile waters, as soon as the numbers
start to trend in the wrong direction. The thought process involved with the founding of Saltydog Investor was simply about producing a process and a supply of fund performance numbers that would be easy for lay people to access and use for the enhancement of their savings. Saltydog enables lay investors to choose their risk or volatility levels from the funds that have already been grouped for them. The homework has already been done, the findings presented on a silver platter. Douglas Chadwick feels that the financial markets should be demystified. The Saltydog team is on a mission to empower retirees and all lay investors, young and older, to take control of their finances. The trick is consistency - weekly monitoring, even just ten minutes per week - and then action: switching funds or not as necessary. Avoid the big drops in the market surf the upward trending funds. The rise of the internet has enabled cheap trading via online platforms such as Interactive Investor and Hargreaves Lansdown. The combination of inexpensive trading platforms and access to pre-sorted fund performance data has the potential to revolutionise investing. By taking a few minutes a week to look at their investments, investors can switch from underperforming funds to those performing well at the click of a mouse. Trend investing can be a fascinating, rewarding and educational hobby as well as a serious means to make money in the long term. Following the market trends and sticking to simple trend investing protocols is one more step towards a fulfilling and enriched retirement. n www.saltydoginvestor.com
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How following a trend can boost your retirement pot
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Desert Detour The latest in a series: Adventures in Housesitting by Staying For Free.com
The Hurricane Hustle
Further down the track, we flicked on TV and stared at scenes of wildfires raging out of control across the famed Napa Valley wine region. As the heat index soared, warm winds fanned several smaller fires into one. While ash fell on the city of San Francisco, about an hour away in Napa County, mandatory evacuations were enforced. Back in our part of California, a landslide caused us to detour from the Pacific Coast Highway. Eventually arriving in Los Angeles we agreed, with each visit LA looks better ignoring the fact that from a vantage point at the Getty Arts Centre, it was difficult to pick out the shimming skyscrapers downtown, due to smog. Driving from LA to Palm Springs traffic was stop and go. Beyond the
large Welcome to Palm Desert sign a torrential downpour brought red tails lights to a complete stand still. The next morning we shelved plans to enjoy local events when severe flash floods caused downtown Palm Springs to cancel activities and Joshua Tree National Park, that straddles the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, closed to deal with flood waters. It was like driving with the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, but the WWW was just getting started. While on the road, a friend from Colorado emailed to say: Detour from Houston ... fatal flooding on the way. Several days later, her name popped up on the screen again, this time to say: Detour from Florida ... horrendous hurricane on the way.
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Summer found us not housesitting, but renting a cute converted Grade II listed barn in Devon, steps from the South West Coast Path, that runs for 630 miles and takes in some of England’s finest costal scenery. The location was spot on, but the weather, oooh, the weather... let’s just say that for week after week, it was not exactly all we had hoped for and leave it at that. We hit the find sunshine button on the laptop and decided to head for our base in California, USA. To celebrate being back behind the wheel of our own car we planned a road trip, a long, slow drive across America. Starting on the West coast we would aim the steering wheel towards the East coast, stopping at anything of interest along the way and calling at the Houston Space Centre, Texas, before dropping down into Florida for a laid back winter in the Sunshine State. Departing Heathrow we left behind mist and cold, landing in California to a blue sky and heat; lot’s of heat. In the time it took for us to prep ourselves, and the car, for the trip, the mercury continued to climb. Across the San Francisco Bay Area temperatures reached record highs. We had to bite our tongue before asking... is it me, or is this just too warm? Beach brollies packed, our first stop was Pacific Grove, between Monterey and Carmel, where Clint Eastwood was once Mayor and where the sight of migrating blue whales, basking in the exceptionally warm sunshine, made our day.
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WWW. Last year we renamed it Worlds Wild Weather and it followed us wherever we went.
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Ah yes, the Florida hurricane hustle - we’ve been blown off this course before. Last time we visited Florida, something similar happened. One minute we were happily lazing on a beach, the next - with talk of a major hurricane heading our way - we packed up and left town. The hurricane warning was later downgraded to a tropical depression, the likes of which we see on many a wet weekend back in our native hometown of Manchester. We confess to being a bit skeptical about our friends latest weather warning. So, from sunny LA, we typed our reply... Still on track for Florida... and hit enter. We received an instant response. TURN ON THE TV! And NOT BBC America... pick an American Channel. Irma, a devastating category 5 hurricane, was barreling down on Florida and before making landfall, she blew a hole straight through our plan. Our response was: Oh! How awful! Our reply read: Thanks for the warning. As luck would have it, our personal weather watcher just happens to have a holiday hideaway in Arizona, where, for the past year or so, the only visitors have been gardeners, pool guy’s, housekeepers and a property manager. Her next email was a lifeline: You can hold up at my place... avoid Florida for a while. Without hesitation we typed back: Brilliant. THANK YOU! So, here we are - blown off course, but safe and warm in Arizona.
Seasonal Lifestyle
We plumped up pillows on the sun loungers and from the edge of a shimmering pool, soaked in the dry desert surroundings. It wasn’t long before we gave our new route two thumbs up and it wasn’t long before we entered into an unexpected conversation with our friends, the absentee homeowners. Arizona is a seasonal lifestyle state, popular with North American Snowbirds looking to escape winter woes in the cold northerly states. The allure of playing golf in the winter sunshine eventually wears thin and priorities change - resulting in a steady stream of luxurious homes in gated golf course communities, where the lights are on, but nobody’s home. We know from experience, a home that feels lived
in and cared for is likely to appeal more than one visited solely by service providers, and it often sells for a better price too. Adding on-site attention and immediate vacant possession to the endless mountain views, our friends ceased the opportunity. They asked: Fancy staying in Arizona a while longer? We answered: Why not. We would love to. In the wake of billion dollar disasters across Florida, Texas and neighbouring California, grey clouds that have loomed large over the Arizona property market are beginning to clear and home sales are on the up - keeping us busy preparing the house for an increasing number of viewings by out of state buyers. We enjoy the tranquility of the desert and the novelty of being surrounded by giant saguaro cactus. As for the weather - in the excitable
delivery style that American TV presenters have perfected - night after night we hear that Arizona has smashed another record for warm winter weather, which suits us just fine... but the forecast is changing. Our friends now have a couple of offers on the table - so it’s a good time to start planning our next move. Whatever the weather may throw at us - we are ready for pastures new. If you are on the lookout for reliable housesitters, we would love to hear from you. We are keen to give southern England another try, so if you are heading off for a lengthy holiday, drop us a line and, if you are wondering how to manage a vacant property overseas - we are open to flexing our passports - Portugal, Italy and Andalucia top our wish list. And, although rare snow falls recently made Floridians shiver - yes, Florida is still on our list. Check out our housesitting website, and if we look like a good fit, please feel free to get in-touch. In the meantime, wishing you blue skies and sunshine ahead n
Les & Lee
Desert Detour
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Luxury retirement apartments -now available to buy A selection of
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Sanctuary Group is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.
010402564 NC (H) 185mm x (W) 135mm with crops Retirement Today magazine 2017 v2.indd 1
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The sunny South West of France awaits you
Quality self-catering houses and gĂŽtes in the peaceful countryside around the Lot valley, famed for Cahors wines and food production. Enjoy the orchard blossom and wild flowers in spring, or the beauty of autumn colour at great weekly rates
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With over 500 courses on offer, there’s Something for Everyone 8th July to 4th August 2018 01672 892388 | summerschool.co.uk
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For more information contact us: Email: marketing@bucksrailcentre.org Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Station Road, Quainton, Nr Aylesbury HP22 4BY Tel: 01296 655720 www.bucksrailcentre.org
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www.benslowmusic.org +44 (0)1462 459446 • info@benslowmusic.org Benslow Music, Benslow Lane, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG4 9RB A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No 408404. Reg Charity No 313663
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Out&About... Queen Victoria in Paris
Watercolours from The Royal Collection 24 March – 24 June The Bowes Museum is one of only four venues in the UK to show an exhibition of watercolours commissioned by the monarch as a souvenir of her momentous 10-day state visit to Paris in August 1955. The paintings provide both a fascinating record and a lasting legacy of the opulence, pomp and pageantry surrounding the trip. Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018 As a passionate collector of watercolours since the early 1950s, those featured in this exhibition were either commissioned by the Queen or presented as gifts by the artists as a souvenir of her visit. Queen Victoria was herself a keen watercolourist and three of her own works made during the Paris tour are also on show. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham 2-7 May Stars from all corners of the globe will once again descent on the Regency town of Cheltenham for the return of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Boasting a unique programme packed with UK debuts, one-off performances and exclusively curated concerts, see a mix of the best classic and contemporary jazz, soul, blues and pop on offer from an array of international acts and the brightest emerging talent. Joining an impressive raft of names for this year’s festival include Kamasi Washington, Donny McCaslin, Beth Hart, Nigel Kennedy, visionary singer-songwriter Van Morrison, multi-million-selling Corinne Bailey Rae, and many more. Artistic Curator Jamie Cullum has once again selected some of his stand-out acts for the festival, with Mercury-nominated prog jazzers Dinosaur, cinematic nu-jazz outfit Portico Quartet, and the first ever UK performance from Christian McBride’s Big Band among his top picks. www.cheltenhamjazzfestivals.com
stillmovingmedia.com
Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography
National Portrait Gallery, London Until 20 May
This exhibition shows for the first time, portraits by Oscar Rejlander, Lewis Carroll, Julia Margaret Cameron and Lady Clementina Hawarden. The four created an unlikely alliance. Rejlander was a Swedish émigré with a mysterious past; Cameron was a middle-aged expatriate from colonial Ceylon (now Sri Lanka); Carroll was an Oxford academic and writer of fantasy literature; and Lady Clementina was a member of the landed gentry, the child of a Scottish naval hero and a Spanish beauty, 26 years younger. Yet, all three briefly studied under Rejlander, and maintained lasting associations, exchanging ideas about portraiture and narrative. Drawn from private and public collections around the world, this exhibition features some of the most breath-taking images in photographic history, including many that have not been seen in Britain since they were made. www.npg.org.uk/victoriangiants
Unidentified Young Woman by Oscar Rejlander
Victoria Crowe: Beyond Likeness
National Galleries of Scotland 12 May – 18 Nov
Victoria Crowe (b. 1945) Large Tree Group, 1975 Oil on board, 91.4 x 111 cm Collection: National Galleries of Scotland. Presented by Mr and Mrs John Butters through the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland 2015 ©Victoria Crowe
This exhibition brings together a group of the best portraits by the distinguished artist Victoria Crowe, who aims to represent something of the inner life – the experiences and preoccupations of the individuals depicted, rather than just record the outward appearance of a person. The exhibition aims not only to demonstrate the exceptional skill of a remarkable painter, but also to tell her story, both professional and personal, through her art. The portraits selected represent a journey for the artist and include many depictions of outstanding people from the worlds of the arts and science. www.nationalgalleries.org
GROW London
Presenting a wealth of inspiration to lovers of alfresco living as well as expert and novice gardeners alike, GROW London will give green fingered enthusiasts everything they need to transform their outdoor spaces this Summer. Featuring over 50 exhibitors, showcasing fresh garden ideas, modern accessories, outdoor furniture, together with plants and planters for all types of gardens. An extensive programme of free talks will enable visitors to glean expert advice, discover emerging garden trends for urban and traditional garden designs and pick up wisdom from some of the country’s best growers. The event takes place at the House & Garden Festival, alongside HOUSE fair, the Spirit of Summer and The Art & Antiques Fair Olympia. Creating an all-encompassing definitive destination for stylish living and interiors, visitors can expect an eclectic array of pieces and products ranging from antiquity to present day. www.houseandgardenfestival.com RETIREMENT
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Out & About
House & Garden Festival, Olympia, London 20-24 June
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Collioure
‘Jewel of the Côte Vermeille’ An opportunity to rent a delightful period house in a historic small fishing town in the heart of the French Catalan region of the Mediterranean coast. Set in a sheltered bay at the foot of the Pyrenées with spectacular views out to sea. • Completely refurbished and equipped to very high standard • Sleeps four people – arranged over three floors • Ideally situated just 100 metres from the beach, restaurants and bars • Let on a weekly basis • Free to rent all year round • Private rental • Wi-fi available To request a brochure or for further information on availability and pricing Please email: chezedig@gmail.com
Personal
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eaching retirement age is something many people look forward to, but it is a major lifestyle change. According to Relate, 91 per cent of people aged over 50 in the UK said that a close personal relationship is as important as good health and financial security. This emphasizes the fact that as we grow older we find that strong and healthy personal relationships count for even more. This covers the spectrum from former work colleagues to your partner, your children, your parents and other friendship groups. It may come as a big surprise but your retirement brings a change in these dynamics and this means that some may change, some may be lost and some new ones will be found. With some warning and preparation there shouldn’t be too many bumps along the way but adjusting will take a little time.
Work
Personal relationships
The chances are that most people will have spent a great deal of their time in a working environment where they will have established a whole series of relationships. Those will include working colleagues, fellow professionals, customers and suppliers; some of those colleagues may well have become close friends. Once you retire, those contacts and relationships will become much less significant in your life. While individual circumstances can vary, the general advice on retirement is that you should not seek to return to While individual circumstances your old working can vary, the general advice on retirement is that you should environment. You may initially be not seek to return to your old tempted to drop in working environment.
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need to sit down and work out how responsibility for undertaking all those everyday but necessary tasks might have to be readjusted. These very personal relationships will be a key factor in how happy your retirement years are likely to be. So grab some time out and a cup of tea and sit down as a couple, talk through how best to work through what will be a new relationship, and be prepared to accept that it may take a little time to adjust to your new situation. But generally you should find that things eventually do fall fairly neatly into place. Should the need arise, the following organizations can offer help and advice: • Marriage Care: www.marriagecare.org.uk; • The Spark (formerly Scottish Marriage Care): www.thespark.org.uk; • Relate: www.relate.org.uk.
Children
You may also find that you have more time to devote to those wider family relationships. Your children will in all probability have moved on to start developing their own families, but it is likely they will continue to value whatever support you can give them. This may involve the occasional – or in some cases regular – babysitting duties. This can be a great bonus to both parties: you establish a closer bond with your grandchildren and your own children get a bit more freedom at an important stage of their own life. Also, if they are finding it difficult to get a foot on the property market, and you now find yourself with some available capital, you may want to discuss the possibility of giving or loaning them a helping hand to get started. But a word of warning: you should not impose yourself, your ideas of how things should be done or how to spend a gift –‘give and let go’ could be a useful phrase here. As in all things, a sensible balance is needed and don’t forget that you need to retain your own freedoms to do as you wish within reason. After all, you have worked hard for what you have now got and are entitled to enjoy it.
relationships to see how things are going and to have a quick chat with old friends, but generally it is not a great idea to do so. Things can change very quickly, as can personnel, and life moves on. Whatever your previous role may have been and however important it was you will now be seen as an outsider. People in work will want to get on with the job in hand and will have little time for chit chat – just think how you may have reacted when you were actually working. So unless you have agreed some very specific role with your old organization it is probably best to stay away right from the very start. That is not to say that you should not stay in contact with people with whom you were particularly friendly. But do so on the basis of an old boys’ or old girls’ network outside the actual working environment.
Partner
At the other end of the age spectrum your own or your partner’s parents may now be getting to the stage where they may need some support or even just a little more of your time. Again, you need to tread carefully to avoid imposing your solutions on their problems and to ensure that they don’t become overly dependent on you.
Friends
You will probably already have a wide circle of social friendships and that is unlikely to change on retirement. Indeed, it is important to retain and even develop those links now that you have more time to do so. You should also take every opportunity to develop new acquaintanceships as you start to get involved with all of those activities you never had time to pursue during your working life. So the general message is that an active social life, combined with building on those personal and family relationships, is a sure-fire way of enhancing your retirement years. Some people may stay as
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The other major change will be with those nearest and dearest to you. No one wants to join the ranks of the ‘silver splitters’, those whose relationships fracture after the age of 60. If you are a couple you will now spend much more time together, and indeed this is something which you both may have been looking forward to. But you may need a little time to adjust to this new life balance and you need to be careful not to get under each other’s feet. You may just need to give each other a bit of personal space.. Also, if only one partner has retired you may
Parents
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Personal relationships
If you are a couple you will now spend much more time together
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This extract from The Good Retirement Guide 2018 by Allan Esler Smith is ©2018 and reproduced with permission from Kogan Page Ltd. Get a copy with 20% off from www.koganpage. com/GRG18 with the discount code GRG20
Personal relationships
friends and some may come and go but the true friends tend to stick around through the highs and lows of life; sharing these events and getting through them is all part and parcel of your personal relationship ‘network’ and as a species we can be a resilient bunch! n
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Arthritis Diet and exercise
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doesn’t count if you cover it in batter and deep fry it. Some eggs and bread advertise themselves as being rich in omega-3 oils. Borage oil, evening primrose oil and linseed oil also contain omega-3 oils. Supplements do exist and can be sourced from high street health food stores and many supermarkets. The much touted Mediterranean diet has been shown to have a variety of health benefits and it is
Whatever diet you follow, make sure you don’t get too heavy.
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Arthritis: Diet and exercise
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here isn’t a day that goes by without hearing about the latest fad, superfood or celebrity diet. It seems that the only qualifications needed to advise us on our diet are having been on the TV. If a celebrity chef advises on an ingredient, it sells out from the supermarkets in the blink of an eye. If someone vaguely famous is selling a piece of exercise equipment, you’re guaranteed to find it selling in large numbers. Whether their advice or piece of kit is any good is less certain. I think we probably know what a bad diet is. Living out of the local take-away is probably bad for us, unless it sells nothing but salad and oily fish. Packaged convenience foods, fast food, high-sugar snacks and fizzy drinks are not the stuff of a long and happy life. Fat probably isn’t the demon we once thought it to be; sugar certainly isn’t great.The moral of this story – moderation – just like your granny told you. The question is, what is good for us if we suffer from arthritis? Whatever diet you follow, make sure you don’t get too heavy. Keep your weight within healthy limits, with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m². If you’re trying to lose weight, make sure you do it slowly and steadily. Slow, steady and small changes to your diet will be more sustainable than radical changes. We’ve already mentioned that the mainstay of treatment of gout is to adopt a low purine diet. If your dinner table looks like that of Henry VIII, with rich meats and plenty of ale, you’re eating the wrong food. The challenge is, the diet that’s good for gout isn’t quite compatible with the diet that’s good for rheumatoid arthritis. There’s a growing body of evidence that shows that fish oils are beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis. Oily fish can be high in purines, so if you’ve got both rheumatoid arthritis and gout then you’re a but stuck. Fish rich in oil include sardines, mackerel, herring, fresh tuna, salmon and snapper. These are rich in the omega-3 oils that have been shown to help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) recommends two portions of oily fish a week. A portion is a small fillet, or about 140g. I’m pretty sure it
also recommended for rheumatoid arthritis.This is a diet rich in oily fish, vegetables and fruit, peas, beans, nuts and seeds. According to the BDA, ensuring adequate iron intake may help with fatigue caused by low iron levels. Lean red meat in moderation; eggs (again in moderation); leafy green vegetables such as spinach; pulses; and some fortified breakfast cereals (although choose wisely as I’m sure the garish, brightly boxed, brightly coloured sugar-coated stuff my kids crave is that good for you). As the BDA point out, vitamin C helps us absorb iron, so citrus fruits and vitamin C rich vegetables might help. Bone strength is important for all of us, so try and ensure a good calcium intake. This includes skimmed, green leafy veg (there’s a pattern developing here), yoghurt and a little cheese, as well as nuts, sardines and pilchards.A little vitamin D, either in a supplement or with a little moderate sun exposure might help. Be way, though, as DMARDs, the drugs taken for rheumatoid arthritis, can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. In terms of research, a recent study called the TOMORROW study suggests that monounsaturated fatty acids (found in olive oil, avocados and nuts) may play a role in the suppression of inflammation found in rheumatoid arthritis. In terms of osteoarthritis, keeping a sensible weight is key in reducing symptoms. Again, the Mediterranean diet may well help with this, but
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more so in terms of keeping your weight down than any direct effect on the disease. There is variable research for a variety of herbal remedies, and certain foods such as green tea, turmeric, ginger and pomegranate might have anti-inflammatory properties. In terms of evidence, it’s a bit dicey, so I would probably suggest a healthy balanced diet, based on the Mediterranean diet, and don’t go too mad with the ginger. I mean I like it, but I wouldn’t add it to everything I eat in the hope it might help with osteoarthritis. I’d be better off losing a few pounds than having a gingerbread man. Exercise is another lifestyle intervention that helps arthritis in general. Granted, you won’t want to run a marathon during a flare-up of gout, but exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. It cannot be underestimated how good a bit of physical activity can be. The research talks about land-based exercise and waterbased. Land-based exercise includes supervised exercise, be it individual or in groups, or self-directed exercise programmes. In general, supervised exercise seems to yield better results, but something is better than nothing. Water-based exercise is exactly that. It might include supervised hydrotherapy with a physiotherapist, or simple
swimming or aqua aerobics. It takes the load off the joints due to the buoyancy provided by the water. It might not be quite as good as landbased exercise in terms of improving cardiovascular fitness or aiding weight loss, but everything you do will help over time. The best form of exercise is the one you’re doing. Exercise, be it a walk around the block, or a visit to the gym, has beneficial effects. It’s good for the heart, helps keep the weight down, gets you out and about, and helps with depression. Depression isn’t uncommon in long-term illness and we know that physical exercise improves mood. In terms of what sort of exercise, how much and when, I would suggest a pragmatic approach. Work within your limits. If it hurts too much, ease up. Start gradually, then build up. Lowerimpact exercise might benefit your joints better than high-impact exercise. Walking and cycling tend to reduce the amount of strain placed on the load-bearing joints such as the hips and knees, whereas running and jogging might be better for the heart, but you’ll know about it later when your knees remind you of their existence. In terms of inflammatory arthritis, you might want to wait for a flare-up to settle before you exercise in any major way. But once settled, regular exercise will help. This is particularly the case for the other structures that make up the joints. Keeping your muscles strong and keep moving are key to staying well and living an independent life. The advice is, do what you can, as often as you can. Physiotherapy is a very effective way of learning what exercises may benefit your joints. Physiotherapists
Arthritis: Diet and exercise
Exercise is another lifestyle intervention that helps arthritis in general.
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can provide tailored advice to help you manage your condition. Focused regimes aimed at improving function and reducing pain can do just that. Physiotherapy availability varies depending on your location. You might have a rapid access clinic, they might be the first person you see instead of your GP, they might be the person you meet before you are seen by the orthopaedic surgeon. In terms of efficacy, mainly, it comes down to you. I prescribe tablets and give advice. With physiotherapy, the improvement comes from you. A tablet might ease the pain for a short while, but physio may help in the long term. If you’re given a list of exercises, you would be wise to do them. If you’re having any difficulties with them, mention it to your physiotherapist who will be able to advise. In general terms, the sorts of exercises you will get offered are functional in nature. They use everyday movements that you need to carry out your life and expand on them. Exercises such as standing from a seated position unaided, or squats, are valuable in keeping the thigh muscles strong. Exercises based on reaching up help strengthen the shoulders. One well-tested exercise regime is the Otago exercise programme. Developed by Professor John Campbell and Clare Robertson at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, this regime aims to improve strength and balance in those at risk of falls, or who have fallen. There are many potential causes of falls, and arthritis is one of them. Classes are available in many places around the UK, with supervised trained instructors. They may even be offered as part of a structured falls clinic n An extract from ‘everything your GP doesn’t have time to tell you about…’ arthritis by Dr Matt Piccaver, published by Shelton Press. ISBN 978-1-84709-463-6. Available from Amazon.
Why Buy and Lose Money?
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ecent evidencebased research by the BBC in a report has identified that retirement property purchase may not be the investment that general housing could be and has been. It makes for interesting reading for anyone weighing up their retirement options. It stated, “Around half of new build retirement homes sold during a 10-year period were later re-sold at a loss.” The 2017 BBC article revealed compelling evidence that an exceptionally high number of retirement properties are reselling at a lower price.The research was conducted by the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) charity stated that “…falls in value could be more than 50%; it looked at thousands of Land Registry records for resale of homes built between 1998 and 2012.” The research evidence wasn’t limited to older properties; behind the new exteriors and freshly painted walls, the new builds are similarly affected.The article found that “Of new build properties sold between 2005 and 2007, and then resold between 2012 and 2014, more than 80% fell in value, with an average loss for these properties of 25%.” With such a drastic decline in resale value, it is no wonder that many retirees are searching for other options. Instead of finding clarity and solution, they mostly find only small print and inflexibility when it comes to property purchases. Sebastian O’Kelly, director of BetterRetirementHousing.com, said,
“Something is seriously wrong with the business model that these flats fall so drastically in value.” By contrast,The Hawthorns retirement communities ensures that there are no extra service costs, maintenance charges and importantly no exit fees, which can be quite punitive with some developers and operators. You can move in straightaway with a rental and rent out your existing property until sold, or as The Hawthorns are so confident that you’ll love the community and lifestyle you can also use the one-month trial offer (Try Before You Rent), giving you full flexibility around your personal preferences; again, something else you can’t do with a property purchase. If you wish to change apartments or downsize, there are no agent’s sales fees, survey costs or conveyancing charges, just a single charge to reflect that apartments always come freshly redecorated and with new carpets where required. Unlike some other more recent rental offerings coming to the market, there is no fixed term initial contract at The Hawthorns, just 30 days’ notice, so you can enjoy life without worrying that you are tied in to a solution in case you decide that it is not for you.The genuinely all-inclusive package has no hidden extra costs, and instead provides a transparent and easy-to-manage option. There is no need to tie up your money in another purchase and it allows you greater flexibility and freedom of choice to ensure you find exactly the right solution. To make life really simple and worryfree there are no property repairs, gardening upkeep, Council Tax or weekly housekeeping costs.They even do your bedlinen laundry each week.With no
utility bills as well you can use as much hot water or central heating as you like to stay warm throughout even the coldest spell. Staff are on hand around the clock in case of emergencies, and each apartment has a call system, so you can feel safe, secure and looked after. We know that quality of dining is important, and The Hawthorns has a team of professional chefs that freshly prepare nutritionally balanced meals with choices in each of three courses, including wine at lunchtimes, again all-inclusive.There are three waitress-served restaurant meals a day and free refreshments available throughout day to include tea, coffee and juices, home baked cakes and biscuits, and a variety of fresh fruit.There is a comprehensive Wellbeing Programme that supports you staying healthier and independent for longer and a daily entertainment and activities schedule both within the community and on trips out in our own private minibus. Rather than worry about reselling property at a loss for you and your family, retirement should be about enjoying your health and well-being in an environment that supports your independence and your assets.
The Hawthorns: For more call 0800 1143504 or Search ‘Hawthorns Retire’ on-line or on Facebook. The full BBC article is at: bbc.co.uk/news/business-41200686 RETIREMENT
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ABOVE. Silver trays make the perfect platform for tabletops, ottomans, or just about anywhere. Here a pair of vintage bookends featuring a handsome pair of lions takes centre stage, enclosing two leather-bound books. The wicker echoes the colour of the books’ bindings, while a beautiful miniature bouquet of ferns, white roses, and hydrangeas completes this vignette.
Vintage French Style Trays & Tabletops
Vintage French Style TRAYS & TABLETOPS
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rays can play a useful yet meaningful role in decorating your home. The tray instantly makes objects seem more special by giving them a platform and a defined space, and the tray options are practically endless. I have called this “tray art” as it does create such an artful vignette. I use trays of every kind, including mirrored, ornate vintage silver, wooden, shiny, matte, patterned or plain surfaces, and then top them with serving pieces, pitchers of iced tea,
ABOVE. A butler’s pantry is styled in a way that not only allows easy access, but also draws attention to the varied sizes of silver trays that are visually so pleasing. RETIREMENT
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bouquets of flowers, or special objects that deserve to be displayed. The trays will also give you the option of displaying items at a different height, which is always useful when creating a vignette. I constantly use trays as a way to show off objects that I collect, placing them on a coffee table or a console table to be admired by all. I have a passion for interesting vintage leather-bound books, and by interesting I don’t mean just the contents of these volumes, but the amazing bindings that can be found on these old treasures. Books are a great means of creating varied display heights within a collection simply by stacking and then topping them with interesting pieces, or even just letting the books stand alone. They can be beautiful works of art without even cracking the cover. A small vase filled with beautiful flowers adds an instant beauty to any room and always looks wonderful on a tray.
This extract from Vintage French Style by Carolyn Westbrook is published by CICO Books. Text ©Carolyn Westbrook 2018. Photography ©CICO Books 2018. Tray art can also include a culinary twist, for example with a cheese tray that is as delicious to look at as it is to eat. Something as simple as a cutting board can become a stunning visual when layered with herbs, meats, soft cheeses, olives, and a wonderful array of fruits. Herbs of all kinds are essential for the keen cook and also smell divine as their aromas drift about the kitchen - try gathering together pots or pitchers of herbs and placing them near the stove. Fig leaves make for a beautiful backdrop for cold meats or pâté, and a trip to the garden for a ripe pear or some summer blooms can add that special something to any food tray, elevating the visual to another level.
I adore a bar cart or a bar tray, especially one stacked with antique glass decanters. You don’t need to limit their use to the dining room - rather than using them only to serve a fine French brandy, try siting them in the bathroom and fill the decanter with anything from liquid soap to mouthwash. The decanters can bring a touch of elegance and class to mundane, everyday products - I have a transferware pedestal tray placed next to my kitchen sink and fill it with a small vase of fresh herbs, a beautiful decanter of dishwashing soap, and the sponge for cleaning. Not only does it look charming, it is also totally functional for keeping cleaning supplies handy. I hope the photographs in this chapter will inspire you to use trays in a whole new way for entertaining and for decorating your home. A tray of any shape or size is so useful in elevating the look of any object it is topped with, no matter if it is a small statue that was discovered tucked away in a Parisian brocante or a generous wheel of Brie cheese, warmed in the oven and ready to be spread across a crusty loaf of bread and served with fi g jam. The choices and uses are unlimited, so go ahead, experiment, and create your very own tray art n RIGHT. This party tray has a bright orange accent with brilliant tiger lily blossoms and an old French glass jar filled with clementine oranges that spill out on to a small plate, with the label on the wine bottle also picking up on the orange theme. BELOW RIGHT. This tray sits atop a beautiful vintage tufted leather bench. The tray is topped with an amazing array of Vincent Peach Jewellery that is displayed in an interesting way alongside antique leather-bound books and an old candlestick. Thinking outside of the box and repurposing vintage items are key to outstanding display.
Vintage French Style Trays & Tabletops
BELOW. A stunning collection of Florentine trays in an array of shapes, sizes, and jewel-like colours makes a dazzling display.
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New development of 30 bungalow style park homes, nearly all sold at Garstons Park, last few remaining. Prices from £145.000. All prices on all our parks include Landscaped Garden & Driveway. Private Residential Estates for the over 45s. New Stateley Albion Topaz 45x20 available at California Country Park Homes for July 2015. Price £295,000 New Stately Albion Badminton 32x22 available at Upton Cross Park for May 2015. Price £190,000 One of our parks receive a new park home each month of the year! We have a pre-booked build slot in place with various manufacturers to guarantee you minimal wait time for your new park home.
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NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE TO ASSIST IN CHOOSING YOUR RETIREMENT DESTINATION
FRANCE – SPAIN – PORTUGAL – CYPRUS – MALTA - MOROCCO TELL US YOUR RETIREMENT DREAM AND WE WILL DO THE REST.
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Italy
France
Portugal
Retirement apartments in Italy
Retirement bungalows in France
Retirement villas in Portugal
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PROPERTYNews RETIRE IN EUROPE
Having spent many years researching the Retirement Market in Europe and elsewhere, Leisure & Land & Retire in Europe’s conclusion is that many people are forced to accept a solution based on what they need, rather than on what they want. Retirement should be an exciting phase of our lives, especially if we have the chance to be healthy enough to travel and enjoy the World. “It is not the years in our life, but the life in our years” It is totally natural to want to stay independent for as long as possible, yet with the knowledge that someone is on hand in case of a problem. In our modern World, children are often far away, too busy fighting to offer their family a safe and secure future and all too often, “no news is good news” as far as parents are concerned. At Leisure & Land & Retire in Europe they have spent years looking at options and solutions for retirement and they are now at the beginning of a new adventure. The Concept “La DIFFERENCE” offers the ultimate solution for the over 60’s. Independence, security, service and a village environment. France, Portugal, Spain and more to follow. www.residencesladifference.com www.retireineurope.property. www.leisureandland.com Contact Richard@leisureandland.com for more information.
Luxury Apartments Nestled in the heart of Cheltenham’s desirable Montpellier District is New Court; a collection of luxury retirement apartments with impressive on-site features exclusively available for the over 65s to buy now. These beautiful one and two bedroom apartments are spread across two adjoining aspects, one of which is a stunning Grade II listed building. The homes have been expertly designed to deliver light, spacious living combined with effortless style and character.
For more information, visit their marketing suite and stunning show apartments at New Court, open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm. Contact them on either 01242 572 676 or sales@newcourtcheltenham.co.uk
Flexible accommodation when downsizing Earlier in the year, research by Prudential suggested that up to 4 million people over-55 years old in the UK could be looking to downsize, with convenience rather than cash being their main motivation. Gillian Girling, Chief Executive of Girlings Retirement Rentals says ‘many older people are choosing to downsize and rent in purpose built retirement developments as they are often centrally located, close to amenities and because they no longer want the burden and cost of property upkeep and maintenance. Girlings offers the majority of properties to rent on Assured Tenancies, which provide tenants with the same level of security as home ownership, which is a major attraction of renting in retirement. Gillian says, “For retired couples downsizing and renting a more manageable property gives them the freedom to just get on with enjoying their retirement, without looking after a large home. Renting on an Assured Tenancy offers the chance to move to a new location, perhaps by the coast or city centre, without the commitment of buying or being outpriced of popular retirement hotspots, and then being able to live there for as long as you want to. Girlings currently have a range of two-bedroom properties in desirable locations throughout the UK. For further information visit www.girlings.co.uk or for general enquiries tel. 01823 346800 RETIREMENT
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Property News
As well as enjoying the benefits of New Court’s excellent central Cheltenham location, homeowners are able to take full advantage of the welcoming onsite facilities and landscaped gardens. Whether it be relaxing in the Owners Lounge, enjoying wine or a soft drink with friends in the Strand Bar or appreciating a delicious meal in the Shapland Restaurant, there is something for everyone. Whatever you choose, New Court’s highly trained and friendly staff are on-hand 24-hours-a-day, 7 days a week.
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A future we can all look forward to At Friends of the Elderly, we know just how vital relationships are to our wellbeing – every day, we support older people who are struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones, and the loneliness that follows. That’s why we understand that your loved ones must come first. Once you have provided for those who matter most, will you remember Friends of the Elderly with a gift in your Will? In the future, your gift will help fund incredible work to give vulnerable, frail, sick or lonely older people the companionship, support, and care they will need.
For more information 020 7730 8263 legacies@fote.org.uk www.fote.org.uk. Friends of the Elderly is a registered charity, number 226064.
VOLUNTEERING CHANGES LIVES Volunteering with the British Heart Foundation can change more lives than you think. You will help raise the money that drives our life saving research whilst meeting great people and being part of a friendly team. Whether you can give just a few hours or a few days, every minute of your time is valuable to us. Find out more at bhf.org.uk/volunteer or call 0300 330 3322
Registered charity numbers 225971 & SC039426
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THE BENEFITS OF LEAVING A LEGACY There are gifts you can make during your lifetime, known strangely enough as Lifetime Gifts, which are not taxable As previously stated, leaving a legacy to charity can have a number of benefits, from the selfish point of view it can save you paying Inheritance Tax. There is nothing illegal in avoiding Inheritance Tax, (IHT) in fact there are several ways to quickly reduce your potential liability which are perfectly acceptable to the Capital Taxes Office (the Government department responsible for collecting Inheritance Tax). Then, from the altruistic point of view it can be of enormous benefit to your chosen charity. 74% of the UK population support charities during their lifetimes, and when asked, 35% of people said they’d happily leave a gift in their Will once family and friends had been provided for. (Source - The Jonas Centre). Also, research by “Remember a Charity” campaign has shown that almost 70% of the general public regularly give money to charity during their lifetime,
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but just over 4% leave a charitable donation in their will, consequently because legacies to charities are exempt from inheritance tax, your entire gift will go directly to the charity of your choice. On your death your estate will be valued for Inheritance Tax, many people may be liable to IHT without realising it. If due, IHT must be paid before probate, that is before anything left in your Will can be distributed. The current threshold above which you will be liable to pay this Tax is a 40% charge on any assets above the nil rate band, which is your personal allowance. This allowance currently stands at £325,000 per person, meaning that if on your death, your estate is less than £325,000, you will not pay Inheritance Tax. You may well then ask, “why not just give everything away so that your estate is below the threshold”? There are gifts you can make during your lifetime, known strangely enough as Lifetime Gifts, which are not taxable and can reduce your estate therefore are worth considering. Conversely there are other gifts which can be caught under rules aimed at stopping people giving away everything shortly before they die to avoid Inheritance Tax. More information on this topic can be RETIREMENT
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The benefits of leaving a legacy
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he thought of sitting down and making your Will is a subject that many people, understandably, shy away from because of the somewhat macabre connotations associated with the process. However, for a great number of reasons, it is something we should all consider. Making a Will gives the testator the opportunity to have his or her estate disposed of in such a manner as to perhaps reflect the way in which they lived and would like to be remembered, for example by leaving a legacy to charity. The great majority of charities rely heavily, some entirely, on donations and bequests left in peoples Wills. American entrepreneur and author, Jim Rohn, said, “All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.” One way to achieve that I believe is to leave a legacy or gift to a charity. This is tax free and can reduce the amount of tax you pay on your entire estate. It is also an excellent way of leaving something to a charity you have supported in your life time and an easy method of providing long term support for that charity after you’ve gone.
By Alastair Wallbanks
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The benefits of leaving a legacy
found on the web site GOV.UK. Only one in three donors part with their cash tax effectively. There are a number of ways in which you can be more cost effective when donating to charity, for instance if you pay tax in the UK you can give the charity of your choice a simple Gift Aid declaration this allows the charity to reclaim the tax on your gift. The manner in which Gift Aid works is, the Charity takes your donation, money on which you’ve already paid tax, and then reclaims the tax on its ‘gross’ equivalent, that is its value before tax was deducted. This will guarantee that if you give £10 to a charity using this scheme, the gift is actually worth £12.82 to the charity. Donating through Gift Aid means charities and community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give. It won’t cost you any extra. Charities can claim Gift Aid on most donations, but there are some payments which don’t qualify. In certain circumstances, some payments made to charities which are not strictly gifts, like membership subscription paid to a charity, may be treated as donations for Gift Aid purposes. If any donor or person connected to the donor benefits significantly from their donation, it doesn’t qualify for Gift Aid.
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There are a number of lifetime gifts which are exempt under the current tax rules which means that you won’t be charged Inheritance Tax There are a number of different ways you can leave a legacy or gift in your Will.There is a residuary gift where you choose to leave a share or the whole of whatever is left in your estate after all other payments and legacies have been made, or a pecuniary bequest which is a cash gift where you choose to make a gift of a fixed amount of money to a charity. Unfortunately the value of pecuniary legacies decrease over time, as the cost of living increases. Then there is a specific legacy which is where you choose to leave a particular asset to a charity in the form of property, or a personal possession. Another form of legacy is a contingent gift. This is a donation which has certain conditions attached. For instance the donation to the charity may only apply if other beneficiaries named in the will die before the testator, that is the person making the will. There are a number of lifetime gifts which are exempt under the current tax rules which means that you won’t be charged Inheritance Tax on any gifts which
fall within these rules. For example gifts between a husband and wife or civil partners resident in the UK. Gifts to UK charities can also cut the percentage of Inheritance Tax if you leave at least 10% of your estate to a charity in your will. You can normally avoid Inheritance Tax altogether if you leave everything to your spouse or civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports club. To be philosophical about it, as Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” The recurrent theme with all legacies is that their importance in the form of gifts to charities cannot be over stated, they are absolutely crucial to their on-going survival. A legacy no matter how small or substantial will make a real difference to a charity n
Protection. It’s important. We support and protect over 370,000 vulnerable children and young people in the UK, every year. We step in early to stop abuse and neglect. We find loving foster homes. We support young carers. But to continue our vital work we need your help.
Leave us a gift in your Will, and you’ll protect vulnerable children for years to come.
actionforchildren.org.uk/legacies legacies@actionforchildren.org.uk 0300 123 2112 Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092. Company no. 4764232. Produced by Action for Children 0510.
Reflect & remember A gift in memory of a loved one will directly benefit the lives of thousands of people in your area struggling with lung disease, heart disease or recovering from a stroke. Help us make sure no-one faces their condition alone.
0300 1212 555 | gifts@chss.org.uk | www.chss.org.uk/sapphirefunds CHSS Advice Line Nurses | 0808 801 0899 | adviceline@chss.org.uk (Free from landlines and mobiles)
Scottish Charity Number SC018761 RETIREMENT
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Bianchina, 8 years old, Palermo LNDC kennel
She cannot find the Words WE CAN For over 60 years AISPA has been the voice of those who do not have a voice. Thanks to your support we can help animal welfare projects in Italy to rescue, lovingly look after and find a new home for thousands of animals. Please help our projects to do more and to do it better. Please check out our website www.aispa.org.uk Email us at info@aispa.org.uk or fill out the form below and return it to us by post. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA I enclose a donation of £ ............................... (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to: AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. AISPA will send you Gift Aid information Name ............................................................................................................................................................ Address ........................................................................................................................................................ .................................................................................... Post Code ................................................................
AISPA, Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals 30-34 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6BJ page ad.pdf 1 20/04/2012 UK registered Legacy charity no. quarter 208530
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Aquaplancton
Voted Home and Garden “Product of the Year” Aquaplancton Pondbefore before Pond
Votedhas Home Garden “Product of the Year” algae, Aquaplancton been and clearing ponds of blanket weed, duckweed, Aquaplancton has been clearing of blanketfilters, weed,for duckweed, green water, sludge, slime, odourponds and clogged over 20 algae, years.green People water, sludge, odour and clogged filters, forfor over 20safe, years.natural People remedy. re-order re-order timeslime, and time again which says a lot this time and time again which says a lot for this safe, natural remedy.
www.aquaplancton.co.uk www.aquaplancton.co.uk Tel: 214003 Tel:01298 01298 214003
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Last year we helped over 80,000 wild birds and animals like Rudolph
Pond Pondafter after
COME AND MEET MORE THAN 400 RESCUED HORSES AND DONKEYS!
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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. 34
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Café
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FREE ADMIS SION OPE N SEV EN DA YS A WE EK, 10A M- 4PM
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Picn ic Area
PL EA SE CH EC K OU R W EB SI TE FO R AC TI VI TI ES AN D EV EN TS TH RO UG HO UT TH E YE AR
Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH www.bransbyhorses.co.uk | 01427 788464 Registered Charity No: 1075601 | Registered Company No: 3711676
Charity N E W S
KEEPING IN TOUCH
Friends of the Elderly research shows that 1 in 3 older people are affected by loneliness – this is a growing epidemic as our population ages. One contributing factor to feelings of loneliness and isolation is lack of digital know how and access to technology. With family and friends dispersed across the globe, technology is a wonderful way to retain relationships and to help older people feel connected. Charity, Friends of the Elderly runs a grants programme to help older people on low incomes to embrace technology. Funds are given towards the cost of laptops, tablets and broadband to encourage older people to get online. The charity can also signpost so recipients can learn how to get the most out of their new technology. Friends of the Elderly grants are available to those over state retirement age who are not care home residents, and who are living on a low income. As well as to support digital inclusion, grants are towards utility bills, household repairs and adaptations; the purchase of mobility aids and the replacement of essential daily items, such as essential furniture or household appliances, like cookers. To find out more, call 0330 332 1110 or visit www.fote.org.uk
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Mental Health Awareness Week Did you know that 75% of adults with mental health issues first experienced them in childhood? This year May 8th – 14th is Mental Health Awareness Week and Action for Children will be working to highlight how parents, grand-parents or in fact anyone who cares for or about a young child, can recognise that they may be struggling with their mental health. With 1 in 10 children experiencing mental health problems, if you suspect something isn’t quite right, the sooner you can start a conversation the better. Just letting them talk about how they’re feeling and why they might be feeling that way can be enough to help – start by asking them about their day and open the lines of communication. In a world that’s increasingly dominated by technology and social media, it’s more important than ever to make time to talk as a family. If you do suspect that something may need to be addressed, the charity will also be raising awareness of ways in which you can support your child and how to go about getting any extra help needed. For more information about mental health visit actionforchildren.org.uk/sooner and to find out about remembering Action for Children in your Will to support the work they do with vulnerable young children, go to actionforchildren.org.uk/legacies or call 0300 123 2112 today.
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Charity News
In 2004 Ian began to feel tightness in his chest and he became very breathless. His GP told him he had COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and said the years of smoking had badly affected his lungs. The condition hadn’t really been explained to him before and the diagnosis hit Ian really hard. Ian said, “I felt depressed and unable to cope. Would I still be around to see my grandchildren grow up? After a visit to my local practice nurse I attended Pulmonary Rehabilitation for myself and my well-being began to improve. I learned more about my condition and how to cope with it, and the combination of exercise, education and support was fantastic. Ian soon realised that it would be better if there was a peer support group closer to home, so with the help of a start-up grant from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and the support of the local Respiratory Team in Angus, he set one up! Ian explained, “Now, our ‘Forfar Airways’ Group meets every week. We’re like a family and support each other through the good times and bad. And it’s so reassuring to know that CHSS is there for us, providing all the practical support we need.” Donations to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are vital in helping people like Ian to live the lives they want to lead. Call CHSS’ Donor Care Team today on: 0131 225 6963 Email: gifts@chss. org.uk or visit www.chss.org.uk/sapphirefunds
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Charity N E W S
Hedgehogs released back where they belong At Tiggywinkles they care for all manner of British wildlife, everything from tiny mice to fallow deer and sparrows to swans; although they are probably best known for helping Britain’s favourite mammal the hedgehog. They always know they will be busy with hedgehogs during the winter, many of them are too small to survive hibernation. Ordinarily they have around 500 hedgehogs to overwinter, however this year they have taken in over 1,000 hedgehogs! Each of these wonderful little mammals will get all the TLC they need to give them the best chance of recovery and release. They have a full veterinary Hospital on site and their veterinary team are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to make sure their patients get the best possible care. Now Spring is here they are delighted to be releasing many of their hedgehogs back into the wild where they belong. Sadly, the wild hedgehog population is in decline, so every single one of these hedgehogs is incredibly precious. They are so grateful to their supporters for helping them to continue to be here for wildlife in need – thank you, and here’s to another busy year! For further information visit www.tiggywinkles.com
Meet the rarest bear in the world
Central Italy is the last den of the Marsican Bear. Today a British charity is fighting for its survival Unknown to most outside of Italy, the Marsican Brown Bear is on the brink of extinction and it is listed as Critically Endangered on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This subspecies of European brown bear has lived in the isolation of the Apennine Mountains of Central Italy for over 500 years. These magical bears are smaller, friendlier and whilst omnivorous, maintain a mainly vegetarian diet. Although they once used to populate the Apennines of Central Italy, the loss of habitat, poaching and human interference by means of livestock contagion have decimated the population. Within the last four decades, 93 bears have died and more recently car accidents have further decreased their number. The latest genetic census has traced fewer than 50 individuals. Today, the Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals (AISPA) in co-operation with the Italian wildlife organisation “Salviamo l’Orso” (Save the Bear), is fighting against time to raise awareness and to ensure the survival of the species. AISPA is a British based charity which raises funds worldwide in support of grassroots animal welfare projects in Italy, and with your financial support AISPA can work to enable the rarest of bears to survive in the National Parks of Central Italy. For further information www.aispa.org.uk
Charity News
Bransby Horses Crowned ‘HIDDEN GEM’ by Visit England
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Bransby Horses is delighted to announce the charity has been awarded the Visit England ‘Hidden Gem’ 2017 Award for the East Midlands region. The Visit England awards are designed to celebrate excellence within the visitor attraction sector by showcasing businesses and organisations in the quality scheme that go the extra mile to provide a high quality day out. This is a tremendous achievement for Bransby Horses and another success for the charity during its 50th Anniversary year. Just eight miles from Lincoln, Bransby Horses Visitor Centre Team Leader, Louise Wass, has a gift shop, café, play park and picnic with donkey Bluey. area for visitors to enjoy. There are more than 400 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules for people of all ages to meet and learn about. Bransby Horses is open seven days a week from 10am – 4pm. Admission is free but donations are gratefully received. Bransby Horses would like to thank supporters for their continued support over the years, as without public donations and gifts in wills the charity would not be able to continue working to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome equines in need. For further information please contact Bransby Horses on 01427 788464 or visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk. RETIREMENT
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Emergency Winter Appeal There has always been a need for SWEP to be there for moorland ponies but winter has hit them hard this year, and they are struggling to keep up with the ponies needing their care. They are full to capacity but, following a period of extreme weather, increasing numbers of wild ponies are arriving at our yard seeking care and support. They may be emaciated, sick, or have been injured. The weather has left them with little grass in their fields and they have sustained weather damage to their fencing and field shelters. They currently have an increasing number of ponies with medical issues, meaning higher vet bills and long-term medication costs, and an increase in running costs, particularly farrier bills. They still respond to welfare reports and provide the necessary care for any pony in an emergency situation, but in order to continue to do this, they desperately need your help. You can donate by phone (01822 854823) online (www.swep.org.uk) by post (Unit B4, Yelverton Business Park, Crapstone, PL20 7PE) or perhaps you would like to hold a fundraiser for them. Every bit of help will make a difference.
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The Psychiatry Research Trust Mental illness and brain disease affects everyone – one in four of us directly.
Registered charity number: 1087579
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.
Please help us secure the future of wild moorland ponies by remembering us in your will
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
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 gow. Donate on line at day! Project2:Layout 1 17/4/13 12:51 Page 1 www.justgiving.com/psychiatryresearchtrust
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Registered Charity Number 284286
Ponies are an iconic part of Dartmoor and Bodmin moor, grazing the commons since 2,000 BC, and are a priceless part of our heritage. We need to remain a lifeline for these incredible animals. A gift in your will could help us to safeguard the future of all moorland ponies For more information call 01822 854823 or online at www.swep.org.uk Unit B4, Yelverton Business Park, Crapstone, PL20 7PE
atastrophes Cat Rescue CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE
home environment with the freedom of the country es Cat Rescue was set up through our Over the years we have helped an increasing number of garden that surrounds thecats sanctuary. nt in animal welfare campaigning in the kittens in distress, by taking them into our care and finding s we becameand established and our “no-kill” Ourtake work cats involves spaying and neutering ame known ourgood workhomes increased for dramatically. them. The cats we inwith haveferal often been complete colonies and giving any necessary veterinary e cats have been abandoned or are simply Torquay Torquay abandoned or badly treated, some are simply strays who have treatment. Feral cats are returned to their site of capture a new home because of a change in people’s never had the chance of a proper caring home. if long-term food and shelter can be provided. If not, ces. Some have been ill treated. They are 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 or have a home for 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 rament or behaviour be in they wild animals to sleep unnecessarily We doproblems, not believe putting We believe every cat deserves a chance to have a safe, onsequently we tend to get desperate calls for and we actively encourage sterilisation as apeaceful vital partplace of pet caring and to live and enjoy the rest of derly, feral and ‘difficult’ to re-home cats. In remember ustheir in your will. donation lives. Its Your surprising how often the most seemingly eet these needs ownership. we have hadPlease to become a 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 spitting and lashing out, or has the most difficult and n. The cats in our care are given a high 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 every life saved is worth the effort it takes and with your The cats that are difficult to re-home are hoice Great choice • Great facilities • Great facilities support more cats in need will have a bright future. hance to live out their days in a peaceful
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Legacy Yearbook 2018 page 22
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BOOK REVIEWS
Melanie Ward chooses a selection of newly published books to enhance any coffee table
Book reviews
100 BOOKS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Scott Christianson and Colin Salter Batsford, £14.99 Anyone who seriously loves books will tell you there is one particular book that has meant more to them than any other. In 100 Books that Changed the World the authors highlight exceptional works that have had a profound effect on history. Books covered include: The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer, On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin, 1984, George Orwell, The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank, A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking. Beautifully illustrated throughout, highlighting the world’s most iconic and important books.
INSPIRING TINY HOMES Creative living on land, on the water, and on wheels Gill Heriz CICO Books, £19.00 Today more and more people are looking towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of living. For many living in a small space ticks all the boxes. In this book the writer highlights a collection of unique small homes which allow their owners the chance to move away from the material world. A wide range of homes are featured, from a Mongolian yurt, a log cabin to a mountainside bothy, all provide the owners a way to live a simple life.
PERFECT ENGLISH TOWNHOUSE
Ros Byam Shaw Ryland Peters & Small, Hardback £30 The English interior, a timeless classic that many people aspire to. Highlighting Georgian, Victorian and contemporary townhouses the author showcases homes that have achieved that classic style yet also incorporates the personalities of the people who live there. Great inspiration for those aspiring to achieve a similar look with 14 distinctive properties featured.
A LIFE LESS ORDINARY Interiors and inspirations Zoe Ellison & Alex Legendre Thames & Hudson Cico Books, £25.00 One of the new breed of unique homeware and clothing stores is i gigi in Brighton, where the authors Zoe Ellison and Alex Legendre are showcasing an inspirational shopping experience. This book is a privileged window into their world, recreating their fabulous interiors. Beautiful photography throughout.
COMPETITIONS THE KING AND I
For a chance to win, send in your name, address and tel no (quoting reference code) to: Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES or email: info@amramedia.co.uk
WIN PREMIUM TICKETS TO SEE AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM ‘I DOUBT I’LL EVER SEE A BETTER PRODUCTION IN MY LIFETIME’
Competitions
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
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The multi-award winning and critically acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King And I will be playing at London's iconic Palladium from 21st June until 29th September. Making their West End debuts are the original Broadway stars; reprising her Tony Awardwinning performance, Kelli O’Hara (Anna) and Tony and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (The King). Directed by Bartlett Sher, fresh from London's critical smash hit production of Oslo, The King and I is set in 1860s Bangkok. The King & I tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. With one of the finest scores ever written including; Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You, and Shall We Dance, and featuring a company of over 50 world-class performers, The King and I is a testament to the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theatre. A once in a lifetime opportunity to see the greatest musical from the golden age of musicals tipped to be the Hot Ticket of 2018. For more information and to book tickets to 29th September visit kingandimusical.co.uk For a chance to win send in your details, quoting TKAI. Closing date: 7th May 2018 Terms and Conditions: Two readers will win a pair of Premium tickets, valid for Monday to Wednesday performances from 21st June to 21st July, excluding 3rd July and subject to availability. No cash alternative. Travel and Accommodation not included. RETIREMENT
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