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R E T I R E M E N T
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VENETIAN RIVIERA Staying in Lido Di Jesolo
Highlights - Staying in Lido di Jesolo with included excursions to Venice, Cortina and the Dolomites, Lake Garda and Verona.
Departs, May, September & October 2016
CLASSICAL CITIES OF ITALY Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Orvieto and Siena
Highlights - Staying in Rome, Lido Di Jesolo and the Tuscan coast/Montecatini Terme with included excursions to Rome, Florence, Venice, Orvieto and Siena.
Departs, 12 June & September 2016
ITALIAN RIVIERA The Cinque Terre and Tuscany
Highlights - Staying in Forte dei Marmi or Lido di Camaiore with included excursions to Florence, Portofino, Santa Margherita, Pisa, Lucca and the Cinque Terre.
Departs, April, May, June, September & October 2016
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Regular departures throughout 2016
BARCELONA & THE CATALONIA COAST
Monastery of Montserrat, Dali’s Birthplace and Malgrat Highlights - Staying in Malgrat with included excursions to Barcelona, Montserrat, a Cava Vineyard, Besalu, the Salvador Dali Museum and the Costa Brava.
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Departs, April, May, September & October 2016 was from £809pp
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HIGHLIGHTS OF ANDALUCIA
Granada, Seville, Ronda, Cordoba, Gibraltar and Torremolinos Highlights - Staying in Torremolinos, Seville and Granada with included excursions to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Gibraltar, Ronda and Cordoba.
Departs, May, September & October 2016
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CONTENTS
5 Charity begins at Christmas Charities work hard all year providing help and support. Alastair Wallbanks writes about some of the ways you can help this Christmas.
WELCOME TO RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE
8 Update The beautiful coastal town of Llandudno; The easiest remote you’ll ever own; Over-50s making their biggest contribution to the UK workforce since records began; Now is the time to hit the slopes; The rise of the grown up gapper.
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10 Winter Cabin Cooking
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Winter is the perfect time to take a break from the frenzied pace of modern life, slow down and savour a nourishing home-cooked meal.
Middle right: image from Selina Lake Winter Living, photography Debi Trelor, (Ryland Peters & Small) Bottom left: image from Winter Cabin Cooking by Lizzie Kamenetzk, photography by Nassima Rothacker (Ryland Peters & Small)
13 Footloose in Tallinn Continuing the Footloose series, Debra Rixon visits the friendly city of Tallinn.
17 Out and About Read about events taking place nationally.
18 Competitions
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Enter our competitions for a chance to win some fantastic theatre tickets and the latest Mauve Binchy book.
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20 Winter Living Selina Lake inspires to transform your home into an elegant and welcoming haven motivated by the magical charm of winter.
22 Beer and Food Beer has been enjoyed with food for thousands of years, yet only now is it being appreciated as the perfect companion to many recipes. Here are a couple to try.
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• Email: info@amramedia.co.uk • www.retirement-today.co.uk • Designed by: Tom Evans Design All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. Retirement Today would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.
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24 Animal Adoption This year let’s do our utmost to give the high street a miss and look at animal adoption as an alterative Christmas gift.
26 Cats Galore A beautiful compendium of the muchloved cat depicted as the protagonist in well-known cultural scenes.
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29 Charity News Read what’s happening within the charity world.
30 Book Reviews Coffee table books – some of the best! RETIREMENT
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BY ALASTAIR WALLBANKS
C
hristmas should be an opportunity to extend our generosity beyond immediate family and friends to the wider community who need and deserve a little extra help. This can be achieved with very little effort, something as simple as online shopping at the many stores who offer gift ideas and donate a percentage of the purchases to charity. Which leads me nicely on to charities themselves. While many of us manage to have time off to enjoy the festive season, charities continue to labour tirelessly carrying on their good deeds, for many their work load increases at this time of year. East Park School in Glasgow is a residential school for children with support needs such as autism, learning disabilities and physical and sensory impairments. Founded during the reign of Queen Victoria, the original building is unrecognisable today but their philosophy hasn’t changed, merely adapted to reflect current legislation, best practice and a commitment to excellence as they continue to work with disadvantaged and excluded children and young people across Scotland. East Park have been supporting children and families for 140 years and the need for places at the school and residential accommodation is growing. There are children who have been excluded from mainstream and other specialist services who need their help. Children, who East Park believe, have the right to learn and reach their potential. East Park has embarked on an ambitious development of new classrooms, a residential home and respite centre. They are now reaching out to the community to help them raise the final £50,000 needed to complete the development so they can welcome new children to East Park in the New Year. This Christmas, you can help give more children the opportunity to live and learn in a nurturing environment and to lead a happy and fulfilling life. Another charity dedicated to children is Children in Distress. They are concerned primarily with helping children who are incurably and terminally ill, suffering from HIV, AIDS or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
For many of us, Christmas is special, a time for family, for giving and receiving, an excuse for a little excess in good food, and the company of friends. They concentrate predominately on children in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, “Europe’s Forgotten Children”, who face a daily challenge for life. For many of us, Christmas is special, a time for family, for giving and receiving, an excuse for a little excess in good food, and the company of friends. However, for the kids in the respite, palliative care and end of life beds provided by Children in Distress, life will of go on as usual with doctors and nurses proving TLC, treatment and therapy. CID aims to allow these, often abandoned or orphaned children, to experience life to the full and to know a little of the joy of Christmas, that you and I take for granted.
EastPark
By making a donation as part of your Christmas Giving you will offer help, hope and a little happiness to children, who often have little or none. For a small paediatric care charity like Children in Distress, with its philosophy of care, maximising potential and helping children lead as normal a life as possible, yours can be the gift that changes lives, not just for Christmas, but for months to come. Your gift will secure specialist nursing care, essential medication, nutrition, tailored therapy and even, for some, relief from pain. In the UK today it is estimated there are around 8000.000 people suffering from dementia, two thirds being women. Because people are living longer that number is increasing, it is estimated that by the end of the decade it will have risen to around 1 million. (Source Alzheimer’s Society.) One registered charity that provides funding for research into Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is BRACE, Bristol Research into Alzheimer’s and Care of the Elderly. Their role is to help medical science understand the causes of dementia, find ways of diagnosing it earlier and develop more effective treatments. Their ultimate goal is to help beat dementia. Mark Poarch, Chief Executive of BRACE told me, “We have always sold Christmas cards and calendars as one method of fundraising, we get some valuable income from them, and it’s also a great way of spreading awareness that we are here and doing our best to fight dementia through science.” A growing proportion of their cards now goes out by mail order as a result of people visiting their website. The bigger funds needed come in through year round activity, but Christmas is a good time to remind people that they are here and need their help. Mark hopes the New Year will bring a new round of “charity of the year” adoptions by businesses. He says, “Without this sort of help and the kindness of many individual supporters, we won’t make much of a dent in the dementia research funding shortfall. For every £10 spent on dementia in the UK, only 8 pence goes on research, we need to find ways to prevent dementia or, once it starts, to stop it in its tracks after earlier diagnosis. What a Christmas present that would be!” Remaining with charities dedicated to improving quality of life, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland is RETIREMENT
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Charity begins at Christmas
CHARITY BEGINS AT CHRISTMAS
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CHSS Xmas card - Och Aye’The Coo
Charity begins at Christmas
Scotland’s health charity whose objective is to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness. The quality Christmas cards on offer from CHSS this year include traditional Christmas cards as well as a wonderful Scottish collection. The designs range from iconic Scottish landmarks, as well as traditional themes, right through to animals and more humorous cards all with a touch of tartan festive spirit! All money raised helps to fund vital services for people in the community living with effects of chest, heart and stroke illness. It also helps fund over £500,000 of vital research a year and allows CHSS to help people access Personal Support Grants totalling over £200,000 of support. With coronary heart disease as one of the UK’s biggest killers, stroke the main cause of disability, and chest illness the biggest single reason people use the health service, your cards could mean more than a festive wish to many. CHSS funds research into all aspects of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and the social impact of chest heart and stroke illness. This research plays a vital role in providing the evidence base for reducing the incidence and prevalence of respiratory illness, heart disease and stroke. It’s not only people’s charities that are important, charities dedicated to protecting the environment are equally as crucial particularly at a time when there is great concern for our wildlife and its habitat. Consider how vital trees are, among other things they filter our air, cool our cities, purify our water and support numerous forms of wildlife. One charity dedicated to preserving our heritage woodlands is The Woodland Trust. It is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and remains at the forefront
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Winter in Newark, NottinghamshireWTPL/Phil Lockwood RETIREMENT
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of the struggle to not only protect, plant and restore our woodlands but to campaign for those under threat. Every Christmas it releases a range of products including Woodland Trust Christmas cards, calendars, diaries, jigsaws and gifts all available on their online shop. Each purchase helps protect UK woodland and wildlife for future generations. They also offer a different product. If you’re struggling to think of what to buy for the person “who has everything” why not consider a Woodland Trust dedication product, ‘Dedicate a Tree’ or a ‘Woodland Dedication’? These are unique gifts in which a tree or area of woodland is dedicated to someone, often for a special occasion. Dedicators can choose from a range of woods all over the UK in which to dedicate. In return, they receive a fulfilment pack that includes a certificate and information about their chosen wood. Coral Banks of the Woodland Trust said, “We find the popularity of these dedication products increases around Christmas as they’re great last-minute gifts and perfect for nature lovers who would appreciate something a little different. These products are also frequently bought for such occasions as birthdays, Christenings and births, weddings, and as retirement presents.” Proceeds from all Woodland Trust products help support their vital work protecting and conserving UK woodland cover. For animal lovers The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) is a charity operating rehoming centres across the south of England. They find homes for dogs, cats and rabbits to poultry and field animals while promoting responsible ownership through information sheets on their website and online webinars. Stephanie Kaufman, Marketing and Trading Assistant says, “Pet owners
NAWT Xmas Card -SnugglePup
know caring for animals is a 365 day job and this festive season staff and volunteers at NAWT will be taking time out from celebrations with loved ones to ensure the animals in their care receive plenty of cuddles and their very own Christmas dinner on December 25th!” Funds for the special pet friendly Christmas dinners are raised through a variety of winter events, from quiz nights and fairs to animal blessings and carol concerts. Stephanie goes on to say, “You can help make this Christmas extra special for a homeless pet by treating them to a gift through the National Animal Welfare Trust’s Amazon Wishlist scheme.” Each of their centres has their own list with gift ideas, from cat toys to dog treats, which are sent directly to the charity and given to the animals that will benefit from them the most. For some last minute greetings cards or gift ideas the Trust’s online shop stocks a range of charity Christmas cards, diaries, calendars, home ware and pet accessories. With all proceeds contributing to charity’s rehoming work, you can shop safe in the knowledge that you’re supporting a good cause.
For further information: East Park Tel. 0141 946 2050. www.eastpark.org.uk Children in Distress Tel. 0141 559 5690 www.childrenindistress.org Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Tel. 0300 1212555 www.shopchss.org.uk. Brace Tel. 0117 414 4831 www.alzheimers-brace.org The Woodland Trust Tel.0330 333 5302 www.woodlandtrustshop.com/RT National Animal Welfare Trust Tel. 0208 950 0177 www.nawt.org.uk
We care every Christmas because of you No animal should ever spend Christmas in a rescue home. And yet thousands do. Please help those animals still waiting for a loving new home. A gift today from you could last many seasons. Visit www.nawt.org.uk, call 0208 950 0177 (option 1) or text NAWT33 £3 to 70070
Our Online Shop is open for Christmas cards & gifts
Can you offer the “gift” of life? Mihai was a Christmas baby; he had a difficult birth, experiencing oxygen starvation during delivery, which has resulted in brain developmental and motor problems and neo-natal seizures. He struggles with a further range of congenital cardiac and renal issues, infantile malnutrition and hypochromic anaemia. Mihai has very special medical care requirements but his teenage parents are totally destitute and simply cannot offer him the intensive care he needs. In July, the specialist team at St Margaret’s offered Mihai a little respite and all
the tender loving care he needs in a new three bed intensive cardiac care unit within CID’s children’s hospice. There are challenges galore, the initial worry is registering Mihai’s birth, obtaining a birth certificate, completing his comprehensive assessment and delivering a personal care and therapy plan to help this tiny little boy maximise his potential. Please help Mihai and the other twenty incurably and terminally ill children in the St Margaret’s family, hold tight to life. Just a little gift from you will mean a lot.
Please visit www.childrenindisteress.org to donate at Just Giving online, or call 0141 559 5690 to discuss your donation, or forward a donation to: Children in Distress, Ladywell Business Centre, 94 Duke Street, Glasgow G4 0UW. Registered Charity Number: 1001327. Scottish Registered Charity Number: SCO 39383
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UPDATE
NOW IS THE TIME TO HIT THE SLOPES
More and more retired people are discovering or rediscovering a passion for skiing. For some, skiing with the family during school holidays became prohibitively expensive. For others, work simply made a winter break difficult to fit in. Significant technical advances have also made skiing much more accessible to all ages: boots are more comfortable, skis easier to turn and people are also taking to the slopes indoors before heading out to the real stuff. Indeed a passion for skiing is a great motivation to get “ski fit” and keep fit year-round. The Alps are so much more inviting and the pistes so much emptier when children are back in their classrooms, leaving skiers to enjoy the stunning scenery rather than getting caught up in the crowds. For beginners and returning skiers alike, the ideal ski holiday should include full-time instruction or guiding in small classes with fellow skiers of their own age. Skiing is very sociable and shared experiences on and off the slopes make for memorable holidays. Helen Macintosh from the Classic Alpine Ski Club, which caters specifically for skiers over 50 and beyond, explains: “Our aim is to offer great skiing, fine food and good company in an atmosphere that’s welcoming, inclusive and fun. Groups are never larger than 20 people, so it’s easy to get to know everyone. Guests tend to be a mix of those who are travelling alone, in couples or with a few friends”.
RETIRING IN FRANCE If you are looking to retire in Europe, France must be on the list of potential places? The space, the weather, the wine, and one of the most efficient health services in Europe. LEISURE & LAND Ltd is proud to announce the launch of the first lifestyle village tailor- made for young and not so young retirees. RESIDENCES LA DIFFERENCE offers the perfect environment to make the most of your retirement. Security, hotel style services, village atmosphere, new, low-energy bungalows with private gardens and communal facilities. The first village is at St Jean D’Angely, between La Rochelle and Cognac in the Charente Maritime, France. Other sites are planned for 2016. If you are thinking of retiring to France, give us a call?
www.residences-ladifference.com E-mail: Richard@leisureandland.com Tel: 0033546268065
The Easiest Remote You’ll Ever Own If you’ve ever struggled to set up your remote control or simply watched an older relative or friend fumble with all their different remotes until they become utterly confused and fed up, then, you’re not alone. The new One For All TV Zapper is a simplified, easy TV remote featuring only the keys you actually need but still performs the functions of a universal remote control. And it has a really comfortable grip and guaranteed stability on your or your loved one’s side table. With big buttons for channel and volume controls, this remote has been twinned with an optional wrist strap so it doesn’t go missing down the side or back of the easy chair or sofa. At a very affordable price, the One For All TV Zapper (URC 6810) retails at £12.99 online from the One For All web shop.
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Over-50s making their biggest contribution to the UK workforce since records began Over-50s are making their biggest contribution to the UK workforce since records began with many significantly boosting their incomes and overall savings, analysis from Aviva shows. A review of Aviva’s Real Retirement research from 2011, along with data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), provides a clear picture of the overwhelming contribution the over-50s are making to working life in the UK.
The Beautiful Coastal Town of Llandudno By Jean Liggett
The Victorians and Edwardians loved Llandudno. They called it the ‘Queen of the Welsh Resorts’ and graced it some of the most elegant architecture in Britain. American travel writer Bill Bryson says it’s his favourite seaside town in the UK and it’s mine too. I have visited Llandudno many times and the town is invariably busy. In fact, I have been there most months of the year, and it has been busy every time – proof that Llandudno receives tourists and business people all year round. This has been the case since the 1860’s! Llandudno has been a popular destination since it was built mid-Victorian times specifically as a holiday resort. The wide, curving promenade on the North Shore is a fine example of Victorian architecture as is the Grade II listed pier which was built in 1878. At 2,295 feet, it is the longest in Wales. There are a number of factors to consider when investing and I carry out the same research and due diligence when deciding on what developer I choose to work with. I take the time out to find proof of the desirability of the area, its population, capital appreciation, yields, the developers reputation and of course, if all the figures they have given truly add up. Jean Liggett is the Managing Director at Properties of the World, a property consultancy based in St John’s Wood, London. The team offer a number of investment opportunities to meet all budgets. They are committed to helping new and seasoned investors make informed buying decisions
ONS figures show a record 302 in every 1,000 adults employed* during Q1 and Q2 2015 were aged 50+ in comparison to just 213 adults in every 1,000 employed in early 1992, representing an increase of 42%. Meanwhile, the total number of 50-64s in work in Q2 2015 reached a new high of 8.24m. This is in part due to the changing demographics, including the baby boomer generation now all aged over 50, and that people are generally living longer. However, this number has also been helped by the abolition of the Default Retirement Age (DRA) from 1 October 2011, which meant employers could no longer force their staff to retire at 65 on the grounds of age alone. *People in employment include employees, self-employed people, unpaid family workers and people on government supported training and employment programmes. Unpaid family workers are people who work in a family business who do not receive a formal wage or salary but benefit from the profits of that business.
THE RISE OF THE GROWN UP GAPPER
Time rich, experience hungry midlifers are swapping gardening for a gap year
The Midlife crisis could be banished to the annals of time thanks to the rise of the Midlife Gapyear. According to Homestay, one in every 10 bookings is made by 60 year olds and over, who are opting to relieve their youth and embark on an adventure abroad filled with culture and new cuisine.
Research from Homestay, the online accommodation website for hosted stays, reveals 80 per cent of 50 year olds want to hit the road and gain an increased knowledge of the place they’re visiting. Forty per cent want to learn the local lingo and culture of a new destination with a further quarter (22 per cent) keen to gain experience of the local attractions on offer as well as mingle with the locals. RETIREMENT
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Homestay.com’s research reveals the emergence of the ‘Grown Up Gapper’ who is swapping cruises and caravans for a holiday of discovery, happy to set out on their own, visiting new places and making new friends.
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Winter Cabin Cooking
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inter is the perfect time to take a break from the frenzied pace of modern life, slow down and savour a nourishing home-cooked meal.
Recipes taken from Winter Cabin Cooking by Lizzie Kamenetzk. Photography by Nassima Rothacker. Published by Ryland Peters & Small.
CELERIAC AND PARSNIP VELOUTÉ I adore velouté, which means ‘velvety’ in French. It is smooth and creamy and, well, like velvet in the mouth. A big bowl of steaming velouté will cling enticingly to your bread as you dunk it. 1 celeriac (about 500 g), scrubbed 2 parsnips (about 350 g), scrubbed 2 small onions, 1 halved and 1 finely chopped Reader offer: 2 garlic cloves, crushed Winter Cabin Cooking 5 fresh thyme sprigs is available to readers 100 g unsalted butter for the special price of 100 g cooked peeled chestnuts £13.99 including postage 100 ml whole milk & packaging (rrp£19.99) 2 tablespoons Madeira by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 a squeeze of lemon juice and quoting the reference sea salt and ground black pepper double cream, to serve
GLR EB6
SERVES 4 Peel the celeriac and parsnip (reserving the peel) and finely chop the flesh. Put the peel and 100 g of each vegetable into a pan with the halved onion, the garlic and half the thyme. Add 1.2 litres water and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Strain the stock. Heat the butter in a pan, add the finely chopped onion and fry for 10 minutes until soft. Add the remaining parsnip and celeriac, the chestnuts and the remaining thyme. Add the stock and milk and simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
TARTIFLETTE One of the most iconic mountain recipes, tartiflette is beloved by skiers and non-skiers alike. Melting Reblochon cheese smothering firm, waxy potatoes makes this a bubbling dish of heaven. Traditionalists would insist that the dish contains just cheese, potatoes and bacon, but I like to add a good glug of cream, which loosens the dish and gives it extra-creamy depth. 1 kg large waxy potatoes, unpeeled a knob of unsalted butter 200 g smoked bacon lardons 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 75 ml dry white wine 200 ml double cream 300 g Reblochon cheese, thickly sliced sea salt and ground black pepper
Winter Cabin Cooking
SERVES 6
10
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) Gas 5. Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 10–12 minutes, until just tender. Drain, thickly slice and set aside. Heat the butter in a frying pan and fry the lardons until starting to crisp. Add the garlic and wine and bubble until the wine is almost gone. Season, remove from the heat and stir through the cream and potato slices. Layer the potato mixture with most of the cheese slices in a large ovenproof dish, pouring over any remaining cream from the pan at the end, before topping with a final layer of cheese. Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling. RETIREMENT
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Strain, reserving the liquid and then whiz the solids in a blender until smooth (you will get a smoother soup this way than if you blend in the pan with a hand blender). Return the puréed vegetables to the pan through a sieve and add enough of the cooking liquid to form a rich velouté. Season to taste and add the Madeira and a little squeeze of lemon. Bring back to a simmer then serve with a good swirl of double cream.
ORANGE CAKE WITH RUM DRIZZLE One of the most important rituals of skiing holidays is tea and cake when you come in off the pistes, cheeks glowing and feeling deserving of a treat. This cake reminds me of that: something sweet and sticky to eat with a warming cup of tea. 1 large orange 1 lemon 100 ml extra virgin olive oil 180 g caster sugar 4 eggs 25 g plain flour 150 g ground almonds 2 teaspoons baking powder FOR THE DRIZZLE 10 tablespoons caster sugar freshly squeezed juice of 2 oranges 3 cloves 120 ml rum 20-cm/8-in. loose-bottomed cake pan, greased and lined SERVES 6 Put the whole orange and lemon in a pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes until soft. Drain and allow to cool.
BUTTER TARTS A wonderful Canadian speciality, these tarts are a little like a treacle tart but without the breadcrumbs. Everyone I asked had their own recipe, but this is my version, simple and sweet with a rich hint of maple syrup and a hit of nuts. I like these warm with a drizzle of cream. 250 g plain flour, plus extra to dust 2 tablespoons caster sugar a good pinch of fine sea salt 100 g cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes 75 g cold lard, cut into cubes 1 egg yolk 2–3 tablespoons ice-cold water FOR THE FILLING 2 eggs 100 g light muscovado sugar 75 ml maple syrup 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 100 ml double cream 60 g unsalted butter 50 g chopped walnuts or pecan nuts 125 g (dark) raisins
Halve the cooked fruit and remove the pips, then whiz them in a food processor until they form a purée. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4. Beat the oil, sugar and eggs together until light and fluffy. Fold in the flour, almonds and baking powder, then add the puréed fruit. Pour into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and risen, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Meanwhile, make the drizzle. Melt the sugar with the orange juice in a small pan, then add the cloves, bring to the boil and bubble until it becomes syrupy. Add the rum. Pierce the cake all over with a skewer and pour over half the drizzle while the cake is still warm. Allow to cool then serve with the rest of the drizzle.
2 x 12-hole tart pans MAKES 24
Winter Cabin Cooking
Mix the flour with the sugar and salt. Either in a food processor or with your fingertips, rub in the cold butter and lard until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and then add enough cold water to bring the mixture together. Knead briefly into a smooth dough then shape into a disc and chill for 10 minutes. Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut out 24 discs 7.5 cm in diameter using a fluted cutter. Line the tart pans with the pastry and chill in the fridge while you make the filling. Preheat the oven to 190°C Gas 5. Beat the eggs with the sugar, syrup, vanilla and cream. Pour into a pan, add the butter and cook over a low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Remove from the heat. Stir in the nuts and raisins. Divide between the tart shells. Bake for 16–18 minutes until the filling is set and golden. Cool for a few minutes before turning out. Serve warm or cold. RETIREMENT
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ew g! f st inin a L a m re
Jones Homes in Aughton, near Ormskirk, West Lancashire
Available with our Homemovers Package^
Helping you make your dream move to the country
All reservations before September 30th will receive:
Set in a tranquil area with tree lined roads, just five minutes from the train station and charming village centre of Aughton, the apartments at Priory Gate are everything you’ve always wished for.
Legal Fees up to £500 paid
With 2 double bedrooms, bathroom and en suite, and a luxurious specification including floor coverings, they really must be seen to be believed. Home to sell? Don’t worry, we can remove all the stress and hassle of selling your current home with Part Exchange*. And with our Homemovers Package^ also available, your dream home is closer than you think!
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*Part Exchange facilitated through Jones Homes nominated partner. Please ask our Sales Advisor for full terms and conditions. ^Carpets, curtains, light fittings and wardrobes to bedroom 1, subject to use of nominated Jones Homes suppliers; Stamp Duty paid and Legal Fees up to £500 for any reservations taken before September 30th 2015 at Priory Gate. Price correct at time of going to press. Images for illustrative purposes only. Internal photography may show upgraded specification. Ask Sales Advisor for details.
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Footloose in Tallinn by Debra Rixon
T Medieval girl
allinn has to be the friendliest city we have visited in a long time - we were greeted at the airport by Mall, our Tourism official, with a small bouquet of cornflowers and white daisies, the colours of their national flag. And that set the tone, really. Estonia is so unashamedly basking in their identity, it makes you smile. They are so enthusiastic about showing the visitor who they are and everything there is to see. Everything is in dual language - English and Estonian, and then almost as an afterthought, Russian. Tourism is embraced warmly, and unfortunately encourages further laziness as everyone speaks English - well. They are galloping at an enormous rate away from Russia; to place as much distance economically, culturally and nationality-wise as they can - and yet they are exhibiting the kind of canniness that invented Skype: don’t bury Russia, exploit it. So, there are tours around the city to show you the remnants of Russian rule; and a simple glass plaque
outside the former KGB HQ, above the bricked-up basement windows where torture and executions were carried out, is chilling in its simplicity. Your imagination (and all the antiRussian literature you have ever read) does the rest - very clever. An Estonian tram will take you to the once aristocratic seaside suburb of Tallinn - Kadriorg. This is the start of our trail back into the old fairytaleturreted city centre. Before stepping out you can gaze across the sea at the wonderful spires of Tallinn’s old town and the huge cruise liners bringing thousands of visitors across the Baltic Sea to its deepest and best ice-free port. Kadriorg Palace in the park is well worth a look, built by Peter the Great at the start of the first Russian occupation of Estonia three centuries ago. His cottage nearby, houses a very personal little museum and gives an insight to the character of the young Russian Tsar. A short walk away takes us to the impressive Song Bowl Grounds, so important to Estonia’s identity, where, during Russian occupation, city folk were allowed to sing their
own folk songs. I found the idea of the Song Festivals intriguing; this is apparently a singing nation. In fact, they call their independence the Singing Revolution - under Soviet rule they were not allowed to have a national anthem, and the festivals had a heavily Russian bias, but the Estonians slipped in, here and there, their own folk songs which were kept alive by Finnish radio. ‘My Fatherland’ has a haunting melody that the Finns liked as well. It was in the Festival grounds that 300,000 Estonians (this is not a huge populace) gathered in 1989 to sing ‘My Fatherland’ before their emissaries informed Moscow that they wished to be free. Mall had arranged for us to meet and hear Bonzo, a national pop/folk star, who sang ‘My Fatherland’ at the grounds. Knowing all the background, I found it very moving, and was surreptitiously wiping my eyes and sniffing hurriedly into my handkerchief as he sang; simply and unaccompanied. When you have had enough of this elegant suburb it would be time to take the trail into the heart of Tallinn. The 3km walk through leafy streets RETIREMENT
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Footloose in Tallinn
Estonia is so unashamedly basking in their identity, it makes you smile.
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been that long since that Estonians won their freedom. Nearby St. Olav’s church has a lookout balcony below its massive pointed spire, which was used as a radio aerial by the KGB. The upper town, or Toompea, is home to the Estonian government buildings and many embassies. Kadriorg Palace Toompea castle, in a bright shade of lined with wooden houses, changes quite quickly. You can pink, houses many government offices. now witness the contrast between the old Soviet concrete Right opposite, and still dominating monstrosities and the shiny new symbols of modern Estonia. the hilltop, is the Alexander Nevsky They like to call their downtown Manhattan. Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which Our trail leads us to the magnificent medieval walled possesses the most impressive peal of city gate, and from here it’s just a wander on a delightful bells that I have ever heard. Nineteen haphazard trail through the Upper and Lower Towns, bells pealed in a complex mathematical admiring the countless spires and red turrets. pattern that is truly amazing to hear. Dozens of superb hanseatic merchants’ houses rise above The church is unmistakable - looking a web of cobbled streets. A number of them are authentic like a refugee from Moscow - with restaurants like Old Hansa in the Lower ornate exterior and Dozens of Town, serving traditional dishes with even onion domes, and serves bear on the menu! We made a special trip to superb hanseatic the sizable RussianKatariina Gild because it seemed to embody merchants’ houses speaking population. It the entrepreneurial spirit of this fast-growing rise above a web isn’t very popular with nation. The Gild is run by women, and Pille Estonians, and is one of enthusiastically explained to us how she and of cobbled street the youngest buildings her colleagues stripped out the old, hastily erected interior facades that the Russians had put up to discover fantastic medieval architecture beneath. And this seems to be the trend in Tallinn - released from being just another outpost in the USSR, they are discovering their past as they slowly renovate and restore old buildings that had been neglected or misused under Communism. You cannot escape this business of Russian rule; Estonia gained independence in 1991, only 24 years ago, and the first few of those were nervous. The small Museum of Occupation is a real eye-opener. This had a different feel to Eastern Bloc satellite countries - this had actually been part of the Soviet Union. Forced deportation of Estonians and forced importation of Russians left the country with 40% of its population Russian, and the stark evidence is exhibited in this museum. Videos in English and Russian play at the visitor’s instigation, showing Estonians talking about their experiences. Tallinn pic of Debra Empty suitcases ring the central hall as a sobering reminder of all those political arrests - in the old town. Opposite it, perhaps echoing the poignancy of the bronze shoes scattered along rather unfortunately, is an ‘infamous’ the Danube in Budapest of the lost Jewish deportees. To public toilet - a modern contraption understand the Estonians’ sense of release, you have to bearing a passing resemblance to an visit this museum. Estonia was occupied by the Nazis for old jukebox that cost the Estonian taxa couple of years during WW2, so Hitler gets a mention as payers 2 million Krune, and apparently, well – there is even-handedness here! hardly ever works. Russification surrounds the Old Town, and the sinister A delightful walk through parkland KGB HQ at 59 Pikk is a sharp reminder that it has not outside the Rapunzel-turreted city
passes the comforting bulk of the tower known as Fat Margaret, which houses the Maritime Museum. There is a dedication to the Royal Navy for the war-time food convoys that kept the population going. If you have the time, go and find the Maritime Museum’s museum ships. On the walk, you pass the enormous decaying Soviet-era Festival Hall, a monument to concrete. Next is the boardedup (only recently vacated) prison complete with watch-towers - by the sea, but best of all, you also pass some of the original old wooden houses that Tallinn was once famous for. In the shadow of yet another enormous (they certainly believed in big) empty hangar-like boatshed that is a listed building (they don’t know what to do with it) there is a flotilla of museum ships, and a chance to go inside an icebreaker, or ‘Lembit’, a British-built submarine for the Estonian Navy. Even if you aren’t particularly nautical they are interesting, and it really is the one and only time anyone will ever get me in a submarine. Finally it is just a kilometre or so back toward the Old Town and its port, Estonia’s window on the west - here you can look back on the fairytale towers of Tallinn at the end of our city trail. In the swanky new port there is an old restaurant ship, and we spent our last night having dinner on board, as we had ended our walking trail at the port. It didn’t really get dark until about 11pm, which rather extends your filming day a bit, despite attempts to track time to be able to clock-off. Luckily hunger came to the rescue on that head, but it was weird walking back to the hotel still wearing sunglasses at 10pm. Debra and David flew to Tallinn. English is widely spoken, and buses and trams are easy to use. There are also ferries to Finland and the Baltic cruises make a stop here. After David took early retirement from the BBC, he and Debra have focussed on their own productions, and for ten years have been renowned for their walking films in Europe. For information and previews of all the Footloose films, take a look at www.footloose.tv.
Footloose in Tallinn
Win
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City wall and turrets RETIREMENT
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We have 5 copies of Footloose in Tallinn to giveaway. For a chance to win a copy send in your details quoting ref FIT to: Amra Media Solutions, The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES. Closing date: 10 December 2015
please contact Sean Carey on:
scarey@thehighlandclub.co.uk www.thehighlandclub.co.uk
Christmas Card Appeal Every year the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society pays over £1m in grants to the dependants of those lost at sea, as well as sick, disabled and retired seafarers struggling to make ends meet. Please help us to continue this important work.
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e-mail: general@shipwreckedmariners.org.uk
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Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society
Reg Charity No 212034 Inst. 1839
Supporting the seafaring community for over175 years
Reservations: 01444 390242 Reservations: www.classicalpine.com
01444 390242 RETIREMENT today www.classicalpine.com
SOCIABLE SKIING HOLIDAYS FOR DISCERNING OVER 50’s
“Great skiing, fine food
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AVALON COURT
Horndean Road, Emsworth, Hampshire One bedroom first floor apartment £175,000
Avalon Court is a purpose built retirement development with 21 apartments built in 1991 in a single building off Horndean Road and opposite the park and is set in mature landscaped gardens with visitors’ parking. Facilities include a visiting scheme manager, lift, communal lounge and kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities, large storage and buggy room, laundry and alarm and intercom system in each property. Age covenant 60+. Fifty5plus Retirement Property Search – one of the leading search companies with probably the best selection across the complete spectrum of retirement developments in the UK. For sale or rent. Personalise your search on line www.fifty5plus.com or telephone 01488 668655
For 200 years , The National Benevolent Charity has been a lifeline to people who have fallen into poverty and distress and who have nowhere else to turn. People like nurse Leah, 58, and her artist husband David, 63. They wanted a happy retirement together but Leah became crippled with
SHRIPNEY GARDENS CARAVAN PARK
arthritis and cannot walk. David is dedicated to his wife and cares for her full time. But, the loss of earned income has been devastating, and they are poverty-stricken. Despite state benefits, sickness, disability and old age can still mean a life of awful hardship. For Leah and David and hundreds of people like them, The National Benevolent Charity can help. The National Benevolent Charity Peter Hervé House, Eccles Court, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8EH For more info visit www.thenbc.org.uk or telephone 01666 505500 Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales Registered Charity Number 212450
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RETIREMENT
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Small, select site of caravans in beautiful W. Sussex countryside. Non-letting holiday park, open 12 months. Homes fully serviced, pets welcome.
PARK EXTENSION! 6 luxury caravans for sale, full c/h & d/g used caravans from £7500
Tel. 01243 823479 Mob. 07940 354424
www.shripneygarden.co.uk
Near Chichester, Arundel & South Downs. 1.5 miles from Bognor Regis and Sea
Out&About...
Giant Dandelion Sculptures at Trentham Gardens Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire Standing at an impressive five metres tall with pretty seed heads over a metre wide, these stunning works of art at Trentham Gardens are the brainchild of Trentham’s very own ‘Fairy Man’ Robin Wight, whose playful garden fairies gained global attention after a visitor photo posted online instantly resulted in millions of hits! Created by his daughter Amy, these latest sculptures are impossible to miss situated alongside the lake and the colourful and ever changing Wildflower Meadow, inspiring a captivating focal point which is sure to become a favourite photo spot for visitors to Trentham. Amy explains: “We began work on the dandelions about three months ago, although our inspiration came when we installed Wishes at Trentham back in 2014. “It’s really hard to appreciate the full scale of the dandelions until you’re up close. The stems are huge poles and I was able to climb right inside the head of one when we were assembling them”. Tel. 01782 646646 www.trentham.co.uk
ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE
Ronald Searle ‘Obsessed with Drawing’
From Caledonia to the Continent
The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse Until 7 February 2016
John Pettie, Bonnie Prince Charlie Entering the Ballroom at Holyroodhouse, 1891-2 Royal Collection Trust / (C) Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2015
From romantic Highland landscapes to exotic scenes of the Continent, the exhibition presents some of the finest works by many of Scotland’s most celebrated artists, including Allan Ramsay and Sir David Wilkie, and is the first dedicated to Scottish art in the Royal Collection. Bringing together over 80 works of art acquired by monarchs from George III to Her Majesty The Queen, it tells the story of royal patronage and of the emergence of a distinctive Scottish school of art. Tel. 0303 123 7306 www.royalcollection.org.uk
JULIA MARGARET CAMERON
supported by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation V&A Museum, London 28 November – 21 February 2016 To mark the bicentenary of the birth of Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879), one of the most important and innovative photographers of the 19th century, the V&A is showcasing more than 100 of her photographs from the Museum’s collection. The exhibition will offer a retrospective of Cameron’s work and examine her relationship with the V&A’s founding director, Sir Henry Cole, who in 1865 presented her first museum exhibition and the only one during her lifetime. She began her photographic career when she received her first camera as a gift from her daughter at the age of 48, and quickly and energetically devoted herself to the art of photography. Within two years she had sold and given her photographs to the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A) and in 1868, the Museum granted her the use of two rooms as a portrait studio, likely making her the Museum’s first ‘artist-in-residence’. Tel.0207 942 2000 www.vam.ac.uk/juliamargaretcameron
Out & About
Scottish Artists 1750 - 1900:
Mapplethorpe (1946–89) is known for a vast, provocative and powerful body of work which has established him as one of the most important artists of the late twentieth century. His exquisitely composed black and white photographs are remarkable as much for their technical virtuosity as for their sometimes controversial subject matter. His work has often been described as a unique combination of beauty and salaciousness. Portraiture was central to his creative output, and Mapplethorpe established his reputation in the 1970s and 80s with photographs of his circle of friends and contemporaries from the New York cultural scene – artists, musicians, socialites, and members of the New York underground. This exhibition concentrates on the concepts of musicians, artists and classical poses and feature a selection of portraits of these influential figures, including Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Mapplethorpe’s close companion, singer and poet, Patti Smith. Tel. 01833 690606 www.bowesmuseum.org.uk Patti Smith, 1975
Highlighting the versatility, range and meticulous working habits of one of Britain’s most popular and celebrated graphic satirists. Searle had one of the longest, most productive and wide ranging career of any 20th century caricaturist, working in book and magazine illustration, travel reportage, war reporting, political caricature, theatre, film and medal design. This exhibition explores his incredibly elaborate and painstaking working methods and displays a selection of his art materials and preparatory documents alongside his cartoons. This exhibition is complemented by a concurrent exhibition on caricature in Britain featuring artists such as Hogarth, Gillray and Rowlandson. Tel. 01223 332900 www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
Bowes Museum, County Durham 28 November 2015 – 24 April 2016
Peace, Julia Margaret Cameron, 1864, ©V&A Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge Until 31 January 2016
A sphere projecting against a plane 1792, James Gillray
And companion exhibition: Cradled in Caricaturevisual humour in satirical prints and drawings
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COMPETITIONS 5 copies to giveaway!
A Few of the Girls
More than forty of Maeve Binchy’s short stores are brought together for the very first time in ‘A Few of the Girls’, out now. Maeve’s bestselling novels not only tell wonderful stories, they reveal how Ireland has changed over the decades, but how people remain the same; they still fall in love, sometimes unsuitably; they still have hope and dreams; they have deep, long-standing friendships, and some that fall apart. ‘A Few of the Girls’ is a glorious collection full of the warmth, charm and humour that has always been an essential part of Maeve’s writing. ISBN 978-1-4091-6141-7 www.orionbooks.co.uk details quoting ref. FOTG your in send For a chance to win a copy, 2015. Closing date 10 December
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 1 of 3 pairs of tickets to see BLOOD BROTHERS at the Broadway Theatre, Peterborough! Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS. Bill Kenwright’s production surpassed 10,000 performances in London’s West End, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the ‘Standing Ovation Musical’, as inevitably it “brings the audience cheering to its feet and roaring its approval” (The Daily Mail). The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. ‘A TRIUMPHANT EVENING...UNMISSABLE AND UNBEATABLE’ THE SPECTATOR
‘EXHILARATING...ONE OF THE BEST MUSICALS EVER WRITTEN’ SUNDAY TIMES
‘GRITTY, GRIPPING, SUPERB... IT’S A MUST!’ MAIL ON SUNDAY
Blood Brothers, The Broadway Theatre, Peterborough 12th – 16th January 2016 Box Office: 01733 822225
Terms and conditions apply. Prize is valid for Mon-Thursday performances between the 12th – 16th January 2016. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered. Subject to availability.
For a chance to win send in you details quoting ref. BB Closing date: 10 December 2015
Competitions
Win 1 of 3 pairs of tickets to Guys and Dolls!
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Don’t miss the ‘scintillating revival’ (Financial Times) this Christmas as the highly acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre production of Guys and Dolls heads to the West End for a strictly limited run, at the Savoy Theatre in London. The sizzling New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers will leave you ‘exhilarated’ (The Guardian) with a glorious evening featuring some of Broadway’s greatest show- stopping tunes, including Luck Be A Lady, Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat and My Time Of Day. Along with dazzling choreography by world-renowned Cuban ballet star Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright (Singin’ in the Rain and Barnum); direction from the celebrated New Yorker, Gordon Greenberg, this is one feel-good show you won’t want to miss. Tickets from £25 Book Tickets/0844 871 7687 10th December 2015 – 12th March 2016 Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Prize is valid for Monday – Thursday performances until the 31/01/16, excluding performances between the 18/12/15 and 06/01/16. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. For a chance to win send in your details quoting ref. GD Closing date: 10 December 2015 RETIREMENT
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WIN 1 OF 3 PAIRS OF TICKETS TO SEE JENNY ECLAIR AT A TOUR VENUE NEAR YOU!
Jenny Eclair: How To Be A Middle Aged Woman (Without Going Insane).
Professional grumpy old woman, Splash survivor, amateur soup maker, and novice knitter, Jenny Eclair is younger than Madonna but eats crisps and likes wine. Semi –bearded and suffering from outbreaks of gout and hysteria, Eclair puts middle age under the microscope and decides whether to laugh, cry or buy a dachshund! You are most welcome to join her, just button your cardi up properly and wipe that lipstick off your teeth. For more information and to book tour tickets please visit www. jennyeclair.com Terms and conditions apply. Prize is valid at Epsom, Selby, Swindon, Bexhill, Milton Keynes, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow and Norwich. Subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered.
For a chance to win send in your details quoting ref. JE Closing date 10 December 2015
Win a pair of tickets to see
The Railway Children
ºat King’s Cross Theatre – 3 January 2016!
ALL ABOARD! Don’t miss your last chance to see this stunning adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic novel The Railway Children at LONDON’S KING’S CROSS THEATRE. Set in a purpose built 1,000 seat venue, this breath-taking show features a stage built around a real train track, and a vintage 60-tonne locomotive that steams into the theatre! A truly unique theatrical experience, The Railway Children has been delighting audiences of all ages at King’s Cross Theatre since last November, after previously winning the Olivier Award for BEST ENTERTAINMENT at Waterloo. Treat your family to the theatrical gift of a lifetime, and join Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis as they tell the story of how they became The Railway Children! Extra matinees added for Half Term & Christmas! Last chance to see – final performance 3rd January 2016. Tickets from £25 Book tickets: 0844 871 7604 www.railwaychildrenlondon.com
Life has changed over the years...
Terms and Conditions apply: Prize cannot be exchanged or refunded and there is no cash alternative. The Prize is non-transferable. Subject to availability. Prize is valid for 3rd January 2016 only.
Win 1 of 3 pairs of tickets to see The Railway Children, send in your details quoting ref. RC Closing date 10 December 2015.
NUTCRACKER
in London
We’re offering you the chance to win tickets to watch English National Ballet’s magical Christmas ballet at the London Coliseum this winter. Over 100 dancers and musicians bring Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live. We have tickets up for grabs for 4 people to see this spectacular production – the perfect Christmas treat to take the grandchildren to. On a sparkling Christmas Eve in a frost-dusted Edwardian London, Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll discover a magical world, where she battles with the Mouse King and meets a handsome stranger. As the air grows colder, Clara and her valiant Nutcracker take a hot air balloon ride across London to the glistening Land of Snow where her adventure really begins. From the sound of the orchestra tuning up, to the final bows and cheers, a trip to English National Ballet’s Nutcracker in the splendour of the London Coliseum is an unforgettable festive experience. Nutcracker returns following hugely successful performances in 2014, when over 70,000 audience members – young and old – made it part of their holiday celebrations. For more information visit www.ballet.org.uk/nutcracker Terms and conditions apply. 4 x tickets valid for Mon-Thurs performances from 16 Dec
2015 – 7 Jan 2016. Subject to availability, no cash alternative and non-transferable. Tickets are not for re-sale. Additional expenses are the responsibility of the prize winner. If the winner does not claim their prize withn 10 days of being notified then the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be selected.
For a chance to win 4 tickets send in your details quoting ref. BN Closing date 10 December 2015
...and so have we. For over 70 years we have helped people in Scotland make the most of later life and although our name may have changed during this time our commitment remains as strong today as ever.
Almost half of our work helping older people, who may be facing issues like loneliness and isolation, would not be possible without the kindness of people remembering Age Scotland with gifts in their wills. After you have taken care of your loved ones, if you are able to - please consider leaving a gift in your will to Age Scotland. Together we can help everyone in Scotland love later life. Find out more about what Age Scotland does at: www.agescotland.org.uk
Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number: SC010100 Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR. RETIREMENT
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Competitions
Win 4 tickets to see English National Ballet’s
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Winter Living Faded Grandeur
Seeing beauty in something old and tatty is at the heart of the faded grandeur style. Exposed bare plaster walls, peeling vintage wallpaper, chipped ornate frames and well-worn curtains/drapes may not be everyone’s go-to decorating and style choices, but teamed with something grand like an antique crystal chandelier or a glamorously dressed bed, and you have a faded grandeur space full of character.
An extract from Selina Lake Winter Living, by Selina Lake. Photography by Debi Treloar and published by Ryland Peters & Small.
Winter Living
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reating a faded grandeur space or celebrating a wornout but beautiful room involves a rich mix of textures. The whole style, in fact, is all about discovering rough, interesting and unexpected textures and tones. Architectural details are often enhanced with paint or clever lighting, and rich velvets, sumptuous throws and delicate lace are the go-to textiles. You can buy accessories from antique fairs and junk shops – look for pretty but worn items as well as those ‘wow factor’ pieces. Most of the textures evolve over time for this look, but there are a few tricks you can try to speed things along, such as leaving textile items in the sun over the summer months to bleach and fade them, experimenting with paint effects on wooden furniture, and creating your own grand floral displays with winter flowers and large antique vases.
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When I was growing up, my parents did all the decorating throughout their house themselves, and one of the highlights for me was helping them strip the walls of wallpaper; I loved discovering the layers of old wallpaper and exposing the fabric of the house. Of course, when I was younger, I probably didn’t appreciate the beauty of the exposed walls, as I couldn’t wait to cover them up with posters of my favourite pop stars. A few years down the line and now the proud owner of a Victorian house, I have been rediscovering the original plaster walls and have left a few exposed. As a tip, instead of spending money on a plasterer to skim your walls perfectly, strip the walls of their current coverings yourself using a wallpaper stripper and stripping knife from your local do-it-yourself store. It will require elbow grease, but it will be worth it to discover what’s been hiding underneath!
To create a romantic ambience choose classic pillar candles or scatter tealights along shelves or mantlepiece.
An ornate French picture frame pairs well with this pretty peach lampshade with its faded embroidery floral design and a vase of orange and pink snapdragons
Reader Offer:
Winter Living
Sumptuous silky cushions/pillows and throws make this bed luxurious and inviting
Selina Lake Winter Living is available to readers for the special price of ÂŁ13.99 including postage & packaging (rrpÂŁ19.99 by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting the reference GLR DZ8
Scented candles work well in living rooms and bathrooms. I like musky scents with a nod to the past. RETIREMENT
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Beer & Food
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Citrus and hazelnut crusted halibut with bière blanche sauce
he Beer and Food Companion is set to become a classic reference for anyone wishing to pair beer with food or food with beer, to cook with beer or to discover the delights of both the traditional and modern art of beer cuisine. Beer has been enjoyed with food for thousands of years, yet only now is it being appreciated as the perfect companion, ideal with main courses, sublime with desserts and better than wine with cheese.
Serves 4 1 orange, zest and juice 1 lemon, zest and juice 120ml (4fl oz) Belgian-style wheat beer 4 shallots, finely chopped
pork ribs with beer and chocolate
1 tsp peppercorns 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 tbsp ground coriander ½ tsp cayenne pepper 60g (2oz) hazelnuts, toasted and crushed
Serves 4–6
salt and pepper to taste
1kg (2.2lbs) pork ribs
1 egg white
350g (12oz) onion, diced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt, white pepper to taste
25g (1oz) olive oil
600ml (20fl oz) dunkel, brown ale, Scotch ale or strong dark ale
4 x 170g (6oz) portions halibut
2 tbsp butter
170g (6 oz) unsalted butter, cut into 1.25cm (½ in) cubes
1 tbsp brown sugar 50g (2oz) bittersweet chocolate 1 A minimum of 12 hours in advance, combine the onion, salt and pepper and half the beer in a sealable container, then add the ribs. Seal and leave to refrigerate for at least 12 hours, shaking occasionally to recoat the ribs with the marinade.
Beer and Food
2 When ready to cook, preheat oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Remove ribs from the marinade and place on a greased baking sheet. Place in oven to start cooking.
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Recipes taken from The Beer & Food Companion by Stephen Beaumont, published by Jacqui Small
3 To make the basting sauce using a sieve, separate the onion and the marinade, being careful to reserve the liquid. In a deep saucepan on medium heat, sauté the onion until very soft, gradually adding the marinade and remaining beer bit by bit as you do. When the onion is almost completely cooked down, add the butter and sugar, lower the heat to medium low and continue to cook until reduced by half. Add the chocolate and stir until melted, taking care not to let the mixture boil. 4 Use the sauce to baste the ribs as they continue to cook – they will need 80-90 minutes in total until they are tender and cooked through. RETIREMENT
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1 Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. 2 In a small non-reactive saucepan combine the orange juice, lemon juice, wheat beer, shallots, peppercorns, thyme and half of the cayenne and coriander. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer and allow to reduce to about 120ml (4fl oz) of liquid. 3 While the sauce reduces, chop the orange and lemon zest finely and combine it with the remaining coriander, cayenne and the hazelnuts. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. 4 In a bowl, whisk together the egg white, the Dijon mustard and a dash of water. Season the halibut portions on both sides with salt and pepper and place them on a pan that you have thinly covered with olive oil. Lightly brush the top of each piece of halibut with the egg white mixture and then cover with the hazelnut crust. Roast until nicely browned, about 10–12 minutes. 5 While the fish cooks, check on the sauce reduction. When fully reduced, strain to remove the shallots and seasonings and return the liquid to the pan. Whisk in the butter and season to taste with salt and pepper. 6 Serve the crusted halibut and sauce with a tossed salad, a loaf of hearty bread and the remaining ale.
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An alternative Christmas Gift
“Ruby” the Robin - image courtesy of Tiggywinkles
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An alternative Christmas Gift
This is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift
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his Christmas – what do you get the person who has everything? The decision to know what to buy friends and family seems to get harder each year – traipsing through the shopping malls during the pre-Christmas rush, looking for a present that is a little different. Presents received can then become quickly discarded, put to the back of a drawer, or even re-sold on auction sites. Giving the money to worthy charitable causes is a great alternative, and an ideal gift for any animal lover is Animal Adoption. This is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift, and at the same time making a wonderful contribution to animal welfare. Not just for Christmas, but for birthdays and special occasions too. It really is a gift that keeps on giving. It can be a great choice for children and adults who for whatever reason are unable to keep a pet at home, and it can also build a lifetimes relationship with a charity. An animal is adopted or sponsored for a period of time and in return the adoptee gets the opportunity to follow the development of the chosen animal or perhaps where possible visit. The details of animal adoption vary slightly but the essentials remain the same. The recipient receives a certificate, picture of their adopted animal and in some cases a cuddly toy, all helping to create that special bond with their adopted animal.
Here is an example as a great choice for potential adoptees – take a look and why not make this year a truly giving Christmas.
Tiggywinkles
Every year in Britain over five million wild animals and birds are injured as a direct result of their encounters with man’s world. Tiggywinkles is a specialist hospital caring for sick and injured hedgehogs, badgers, wild birds, foxes, even reptiles and amphibians. Their main aim is to return all their recovered patients back to the wild. However, sadly some are left disabled by their injuries and would not be able to cope. Ruby the Robin came to Tiggywinkles in a tiny cardboard box. She was lifeless, dehydrated and very
underweight, in fact life was looking very bleak for this little robin. After life-saving warmed fluids, medication and a heated cage for the night, Ruby was a little happier but still had trouble with flying – the diagnosis was head trauma. She was given more medication and physiotherapy on her wings but still couldn’t fly in a straight line. Ruby now lives happily in Tiggywinkles outdoor garden bird enclosure where she shares her home with other small garden birds – with a good supply of maggots and a tree to roost in! Why not consider adopting one of the animals at Tiggywinkles. For further information visit www.tiggywinkles.org.uk
At a Glance – Adopt today and get: • Photo of your chosen animal • Adoption Certficate • Detailed history of your chosen animal • Factsheet • Fridge Magnet • The Chronicle (History of Tiggywinkles) • One free entry to Visitor Centre
www.monkeyworld.org
Your legacy is our future
Join our family & adopt a primate at:
Near Wool, Dorset BH20 6HH FREE Info Line: 0800 456600 E: apes@monkeyworld.org
If you have ever loved an animal you will know how important their health is. Everything the Animal Health Trust does has the health and welfare of companion animals at its heart.
With over 250 primates of more than 20 different species, Monkey World is the largest ape and monkey rescue centre in the world! From just £20 a year, adoptive parents receive a FREE admission pass to the park for one year, year a photograph, certificate and three editions of the ‘Ape Rescue Chronicle’ newsletter magazine! Buy online, by phone or at the park!
Thanks to previous legacy gifts, the AHT is constantly finding new ways to prevent and reduce the suffering of present and future generations.
For your FREE Legacy Guide please call: 01638 555648 or email us: legacies@aht.org.uk or visit us online: www.aht.org.uk (please quote reference RT15) Registered charity number: 209642
Call 01929Legacy 401012 or visit www.monkeyworld.org/primate-adoptions quarter page ad.pdf 1 20/04/2012 15:22
Last year we helped over 80,000 wild birds and animals like Rudolph
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Our Friends can’t help but smile and who can blame them. Our Friends receive unlimited free access to all exhibitions throughout the year, fasttrack entry, invitations to exclusive events and 10% discount in all of our cafés. Become our Friend online at nationalgalleries.org/friends George P. Lewis, Women Ropeworkers in an Unidentified Factory, Probably in Dundee, about 1918 (detail). Commissioned by the Gallery in 2004 from negatives held by the Imperial War Museum. Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
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Please help me get better Not only do we treat more hedgehogs than any other wildlife hospital, but our caring teams save lives every day. Our aim is simple, to treat injured British wildlife, then return them to the wild. Like Rudolph, who arrived badly injured at just five days old. Our specialist care saved this little deer and he is now facing a brighter future. But it is only with your support we can help casualties like Rudolph; please remember Tiggywinkles in your Will.
Our late friend Dame Thora Hird actively encouraged others to help us secure funding for our lifesaving work. In her words "All the little wild creatures and I thank you so very much". For more information please contact: Jenny Babb, Tiggywinkles, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8AF
01844 292 292 mail@sttiggywinkles.org.uk www.tiggywinkles.com Registered Charity No. 286447
Come and have a look around our Visitor Centre. Opening times can be found on our website www.tiggywinkles.com.
is the busiest wildlife hospital in the world. RETIREMENT
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CATS GALORE!
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ats have become a cultural obsession. Once known for their standoffish character, they have become the much-loved entertainers of the internet, the inspiration for fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and the muse for Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Cats having just returned to the stage. Cats have infiltrated the cultural world and we can’t get enough! A beautiful compendium of the much-loved cat depicted as the protagonist in well-known cultural scenes.
Extracts from Cats Galore, by Susan Herbert, published by Thames & Hudson at £14.95. All images Susan Herbert
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JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID, Monsieur Seriziat (1795)
Cats galore!
Cary Grant in NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
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JEAN-HONORÉ FRAGONARD - The Swing (c.1767)
VINCENT VAN GOGH - Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear and Pipe (1889)
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW - Act III, Scene II RETIREMENT
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Cats galore!
LEONARDO DA VINCI - Mona Lisa (1503-6)
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DO YOU KNOW THAT SENDING GOODS TO AUCTION CAN INCUR SIGNIFICANT CHARGES. EVEN IF YOUR GOODS DON’T SELL OR MEET THE RESERVE YOU WILL OWE THE AUCTION HOUSE MONEY.
Discreet lady antique dealer – available to visit client in own home, fair and honest prices given. Interested in a wide range of antique, vintage, and 20th century items. Tel 01296 632706 and speak to Wendy Cummings in the first instance or email chilternvintage@gmail.com
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Reflect and remember a loved one All gifts in memory have a real and positive impact on what we are able to achieve each year. As Scotland’s Health Charity, our vital work directly benefits the lives of people in Scotland affected by chest heart or stroke illness. We care about those left behind following the death of a loved one from these conditions, and we are here to offer support at a sensitive time.
For more information please contact us on 0131 225 4800 or email gifts@chss.org.uk
We are Scotland’s Health Charity Registered with and regulated by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (no SC018761), Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is a wholly Scottish charity. It also operates as CHSS and is registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee, no SC129114. 28
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Charity N E W S
SCOTLAND’S HEALTH CHARITY • Research • Support • Action A huge amount of progress has been made in improving the future of Scotland’s health as a result of the tireless efforts of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland – through research, treatment care and prevention of these devastating illnesses. Every gift given to their cause (whether as a donation or following a funeral service) helps improve and save the lives of people in Scotland. • By funding innovative research studies in Scotland’s University medical schools, they offer hope for the future. • By ensuring their Advice Line is FREE to everyone, they are there at what may be a difficult time (open 9.30am to 4.00pm Mon-Fri 0808 801 0899). • By providing valuable support through their groups, clubs and befriending services, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland gives people a lifeline, reducing the isolation caused by these illnesses. • By raising awareness and influencing services, they are giving a voice to people in Scotland affected by these conditions. For further information T: 0131 225 4800 www.chss.org.uk
AGE SCOTLAND’S BRAND NOW & NEXT LAUNCHES
‘Planning for Later Life’ WORKSHOPS
Are you thinking about or approaching retirement and wondering how you will the extra spend 40 hours a week it will give you? Are you concerned about having enough savings to cover your expenses and enjoy a full and happy later life? Are you prepared for the change that retirement will bring? Now & Next’s ‘Planning for Later Life’ workshops provide relevant information to get you thinking and prepared about what you need to do now to ensure you have a happy and healthy retirement. Now & Next knows that the more thoughtful and planned you are about preparing yourself mentally, emotionally and financially for later life, the healthier and happier the experience will be. Have you recently retired and looking for an exciting, challenging and rewarding volunteering opportunity? Now & Next’s workshops are facilitated by recently retired volunteers who can provide insight into their own experience and share with delegates their personal aspirations and fears for later life. This is an exciting role that allows you to help prepare people to step into retirement and inspire attendees with positive encouragement of the transition into later life. For more information on workshops or volunteering please contact Stacey Kitzinger on stacey.kitzinger@agescotland.org.uk or 0333 323 2400. www.nowandnext.scot
BRACE is a small charity doing big things and for nearly 30 years it has built up a formidable network of world class dementia researchers and their pioneering work continues to bring us hope for a future without dementia. This year saw the launch of their fun social media campaign to raise much needed awareness and support. Their ‘headband wearing’ DEFEAT DEMENTIA #UseYourHead’ campaign was embraced by sports stars and celebrities alike including economics expert, Robert Peston. He said: “I’m delighted to ‘Use My Head’ to support the important research funded by BRACE. Apart from the devastating human cost, dementia is one of the biggest economic challenges we face today. The estimated cost to the UK economy is £26.3 billion, but just £74 million - or 0.28% of the probable cost - is spent on research to defeat it. Painstaking research is the best route to transform the outlook for those who live with and those who will live with dementia in the future. That is why I applaud the work of BRACE.” www.alzheimers-brace.org RETIREMENT
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Charity News
BRACE exists to defeat dementia
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Coffee Table Christmas Book Guide
Justine Cummings highlights some of the best books to enhance any coffee table this Christmas, plus some for the kitchen
Victoria Cross Heroes of World War One Robert Hamilton Atlantic Publishing, RRP £40 (hardback) This book tells the inspiring and uplifting stories of all 627 Victoria Cross recipients, and is a moving tribute to the bravery of these British and Commonwealth heroes. The book offers a unique look at World War I and the men who risked their lives, many paying the ultimate price. Illustrated throughout.
The Age Of Empire Britain’s Imperial Architecture from 1880 - 1930 Clive Aslet Aurum Press, RRP £35.00 (hardback) The book cronicles the golden age of the British empire, from the New Imperialism of the 1800’s to the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Iconic buildings appeared everywhere, new town halls, bath houses, banks, churches, many featured in this book. Among those celebrated are Harrods, The London Coliseum and The Ritz Hotel, not to mention lesser known buildings. Beautifully illustrated throughout.
British Silver Boxes 1640 – 1840
The Importance of Elsewhere
The Lion Collection John Culme Antique Collector Club, RRP £45 (hardback) A 270 paged volume cataloguing the most unique and collectable boxes of the Lion Collection assembled over several years. Charting the development of silver boxes over two centuries this lavishly photographed book is a must for any collector.
Philip Larkin’s Photographs Richard Bradford Frances Lincoln, RRP £25.00 (hardback) Philip Larkin is Britain’s preeminent post-war poet. For the first time 200 of his photographs held at the Larkin archive in Hull have been reproduced in this book. In two parts, Before Hull and Hull and Elsewhere, offering a fascinating insight into the poets life and those close to him.
Shepard’s War E H Shepard Compiled by James Campbell Michael O’Mara Books, RRP £25 (hardback) This is an intimate portrait of life as a frontline officer in the trenches of World War I, as told by Ernest Howard Shepard best remembered for his illustrations for Winnie the Pooh. The illustrations in the book are mostly unpublished works and give a unique picture of daily life at a time of great hardship.
Everything In Its Place storage for stylish homes Rebecca Winward Ryland Peters & Small, RRP £19.99 (hardback) With the New Year approaching, now is the time to clear the clutter and give our homes a makeover. In this book, the author Rebecca Winward offers a stylish and practical guide to creating an elegant home through decluttering and creating efficient storage that is also decorative.
Coffee Table Christmas Book Guide
The World’s Most Expensive Watches
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Ariel Adams Antique Collectors Club, RRP £55 (hardback) A beautifully illustrated collection of the worlds most expensive watches over 323 pages. Featuring iconic brands such as Cartier to lesser known watch makers, all having one thing in common. Totally out of reach to most pockets so own the book instead!
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Vintage Home 20th Century Design for Contemporary Living Judith Miller Jacqui Small, RRP £30 (hardback) A buyers guide which covers everything from iconic collectables to the more affordable everyday objects that have found a new lease of life in modern day homes. The writer Judith Miller takes a fresh and unique look at what should be desirable to the modern day buyer.
CHRISTMAS Gordon Ramsay Quadrille, RRP £15 (hardback) With Christmas approaching many will be looking at creating seasonal dishes to inspire and impress. Look no further than this updated edition by superstar chef Gordon Ramsay. 75 recipes are featured allowing you to create the perfect Christmas meal.
A Year in Cheese Alex and Leo Guarneri Frances Lincoln, RRP £20.00 (hardback) A cook book with a difference as each cheese recipe offered by the writer is seasonal. The recipes come from the artisan fromagerie Aundrouet, their passion for cheese shining through on each and every page.
A Musical Tribute to the Battle of Britain as we honour those brave and courageous heroes of the day and celebrate their legacy with the men and women of today’s Royal Air Force who ‘Secure our Skies’ OCTOBER Wednesday 21 Friday 23 Sunday 25 Thursday 29
BASINGSTOKE HARROGATE GATESHEAD MANCHESTER
The Anvil Royal Hall Sage Gateshead Bridgewater Hall
HIGH WYCOMBE LONDON NOTTINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BRISTOL SOUTHEND
Wycombe Swan Cadogan Hall Royal Concert Hall Symphony Hall Colston Hall Cliffs Pavilion
BELFAST IPSWICH NORWICH EASTBOURNE POOLE
Waterfront Ipswich Regent Theatre Royal Congress Theatre Lighthouse
NOVEMBER Sunday 1 Thursday 12 Saturday 14 Sunday 15 Tuesday 17 Wednesday 25
DECEMBER Tuesday 1 Friday 4 Sunday 6 Wednesday 9 Thursday 10
The programme of music includes Bernstein’s Mambo, Holst’s Mars and Goodwin’s Battle of Britain March
Featuring:
The Bands of the Royal Air Force
Conductor: Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs Compered by either: Ken Bruce, Alan Dedicoat or Lynn Bowles Vocalist: Emer McParland
For more information please go to: rafinconcert.com
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THE SONGS. THE SOUND. THE STORY.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE OPENS FEBRUARY 2016 020 7379 5399 | MotownTheMusical.co.uk | Shaftesbury Theatre Motown™ is a trademark of UMG Recordings, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries, and is used under license.