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Issue 97 Winter/ New Year 2.90
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To become a DIY trend investor, you just need to follow a few simple steps: • Take advantage of the low–cost fund supermarkets and discount brokers. • Use tax-efficient wrappers like ISAs, SIPPs and Investment Bonds. • Manage risk. By understanding how different funds are classified it is possible to tailor your portfolio to match your own appetite for adventure. • Monitor your progress and be prepared to change tack as conditions vary. You will also need a source of clear well-presented fund and asset sector performance data. At Saltydog we analyze thousands of funds and present a summary on a weekly basis in a way designed to help private investors see which sectors are currently performing well, and importantly which are the best performing funds within these sectors. The homework has been done and the findings are presented to you on a silver platter. We combine the Investment Association asset sectors into our own proprietary Saltydog Groups which are: • Safe Haven. • Slow Ahead.
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he ‘Brexit’ negotiations dominated the UK headlines in 2018 and with the departure date set for March 29th this year, the story will continue to remain hot news for the next few months. Even then it will be far from a done deal. Next our attention will be turned to the trade talks as we head into the transition period, set to last until the end of 2020 at the earliest. There will no doubt be significant implications for our investments but it’s hard to know exactly what these will be. Immediately after the referendum the pound fell by 19% pushing up the value of any overseas investments (including the overseas earnings of the large international companies in the FTSE100). Will there be another dramatic currency movement as the details of the trade deals start to take shape? Further afield, Trump's trade wars and his 'America First' policies have had a significant effect on global markets, especially in China where the Shanghai Composite lost over 20% of its value during the year. The US Federal Reserve has also started to reverse the quantitative easing program whereby it bought $4.5 trillion of bonds to try to stimulate the economy. The Fed is increasing interest rates and bond yields are starting to rise.These trends seem likely to continue. In 2018 there were two “corrections” where markets around the world fell steeply. Between the middle of January and the end of March the FTSE100 fell by over 10%, and in ‘red’ October it fell by around 8%. RETIREMENT
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Who knows what we’ll see in 2019? Many speculators feel that we have been in ‘bubble’ territory for some time and that a major fall is on the cards. In the last 20 years there have been two market crashes of 48% or more - the dotcom bust of 2001 and the financial crisis of 2008. Are we do another one? We don’t know, but we do know of a tried and tested method of reducing the impact of significant downturns in the market, while still taking advantage when prices are going up. Like most great ideas, the principles of trend investing are very straightforward. The greater the amount of money that is being invested into a fund, or asset class, the quicker its value will rise. This in turn will attract further investment, pushing the price even higher. Obviously, the opposite also applies. As a fund or asset class loses investors, the upward momentum ceases and it will reverse, gaining impetus in the opposite direction. Time to move your money and exit stage left.
• Steady as She Goes. • Full Steam Ahead-Developed Markets. • Full Steam Ahead-Emerging Markets. The nautical names of these groups give an easily recognisable indication of the volatility of the sectors and funds which are allocated to the groups. Using the performance data it is easy to see whether the increased risk associated with the more volatile funds is then being rewarded. The recent growth in on-line trading has been astonishing. The way we shop, bank, arrange our insurance, book our holidays and choose our utility providers has changed forever. Surely now is the time that our approach to our pensions and savings should follow suit? These will impact on your future and nobody else should have a stronger desire to see them perform well than yourself. I am not particularly computer literate, I do not come from the investment industry and I do not have formal financial training - yet my own investments have consistently outperformed the market. The time has come for the D.I.Y. investor, and if I can do it, then so can you. n
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CONTENTS
4 Decluttering – create calm from chaos
Clutter drains you of energy, steals your time and robs you of storage space. Read how to begin to tackle the clutter mountain and even have fun doing it.
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8 Tracing your Ancestry
WELCOME TO RETIREMENT TODAY MAGAZINE
Learning about your genealogy can reveal fascinating information as you explore and discover your family history.
10 New Year, New You
In the New Year, why not try something new and consider learning a new skill or taking up a new past-time. Read about some examples of ow you can learn and have fun too!
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13 Update
Want a new lease of life? Grandparenting could be the answer; Volunteering for British Heart Foundation; How to get the best price for family heirlooms in a time of economic uncertainty.
14 Norweigan inspired recipes
Mouth-watering recipes from the Heart of Norway
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Middle right North Wild Kitchen Nevada Berg (Prestel)
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Nevada Berg
17 About Britain
Lest we forget?; Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cézanne; Royal Women; Four new exhibitions at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art; 100 Years of Scottish Pottery 1740-1840.
17 Footloose in London – Undiscovered and Unusual
Debra Rixon writes about some unusual destinations in London that people may have heard about but not yet had the opportunity to go to.
23 Park Homes
Mike Francis looks at Park Homes as an alternative dwelling and ideal for those approaching retirement.
27 Animal Adoption
Animal adoption or sponsorship is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift and at the same time making a great contribution to animal welfare.
• Published by: Amra Media Solutions Ltd The Old Lavender Mill 46a Brook Street Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire HP22 5ES • Tel: 01296 632700 • Email: info@amramedia.co.uk • www.retirement-today.co.uk • Designed by: Tom Evans Design All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. Retirement Today would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.
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29 Book Reviews
A review of some of the best books currently available.
31 Charity begins at Christmas
Alistair Wallbanks takes a look at ways you can help charities starting this Christmas and into the New year.
37 Charity News
31 40
BREAK celebrates 50 years; Former RSPCA inspector will leave a gift in her Will to help animals; Rethink cares about those suffering with mental illness; Diabetes Research & Wellness foundation celebrate their 20th Anniversary
39 Charity News
This Christmas, make your legacy, the gifts of life; Do you know someone who needs financial support this winter?; Milestone reached by new charity; 20,000 reasons to share your love this Christmas
40 Farmyard Friends
A celebration of farmyard animals in beautiful illustrations with some unusual facts.
42 Subscriptions
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C
lutter drains you of energy, steals your time, robs you of storage space and fills up your weekends with things that need cleaning, mending or putting away. At its worst, it can induce feelings of guilt, shame and panic, which mean you’d rather welcome a hungry alligator into your home than a friend who just happens to pop by. Pretty joyless, isn’t it? In this chapter, I am going to show you how to begin to tackle the Clutter Mountain, one certain – if imperfect – step at a time. No matter how daunting the task ahead appears, everything you do, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, will help to build towards your goal of a more peaceful, organized life. Small steps also help to build those de-junking muscles: as these new habits take hold and become second nature, they will, ultimately, make the goal of a calmer life a lot more possible. If you’ve ever stayed in a beautiful hotel, think about how calm and relaxed that made you feel. If you’ve never had that chance, spend a minute imagining your hotel room of dreams – give it as much detail as you can. What colour is the bed cover, how does the carpet feel under your feet, what does the room smell like, what can you see from the window? Of course, that holiday feeling of relaxation comes from being in a special place, perhaps with some gorgeous person you care about, and hot and cold running room service. But it also comes from having just enough. Just enough soap in the bathroom, perfect fluffy towels warming on a rack, that one book you really want to read on the nightstand, just enough clothes in the wardrobe, and each piece something you really want to wear.This is real clean living, away from the engulfing stress of too many possessions. What if you could carry that sense of ease and lightness over from your holiday self into your real-life self? Well, I am here to tell you that you can. And, as nothing banishes anxiety and doubt quite as swiftly as action, don’t wait until you’re ‘ready’. Start now. This chapter will show you how.
Feelings, wo-oh-oh-oh feelings
What’s holding you back? It’s not just that decluttering’s boring and hard. It can be both of those things, but it can also be exhilarating – fun, even. For many of us, it’s not lack of time or energy that stops us getting started, it’s fear. Fear of the poignant, difficult and sometimes flat-out heartbreaking emotions that divesting ourselves of our possessions can bring to the surface – all those feelings that we’ve kept
I realize a notebook is something of an anachronism in these days of laptops and tablets and phones smarter than a whole planet,but even if you’re wedded to your keyboard or your touchscreen, hear me out for a minute. I admit that gorgeous stationery is my weakness (My name is Debora,it is six days since I bought a nice notebook, stroke that paper, go on, I know you want to), but the reason I suggest you physically journal your decluttering process, to drag a pen across a page, is not just that personally I find that more powerful, but also because there is scientific evidence that your brain processes information more effectively when you handwrite it as opposed to typing it.You retain that information better. Writing down your worries and goals also helps you to clear your mind and reduces your stress levels, both of which will help you as you embark on this process.
Start by making a list of the reasons why you want to get rid of your clutter. as neatly buried as if we had piled a year’s worth of newspapers on top of them. In some cases, that’s quite literally what we have done. Martha Beck, the American author and life coach, says, ‘Our living spaces are basically three-dimensional portraits of our inner lives.You can’t declutter your living space without decluttering your inner life and vice versa.’ So to an extent, you need to be prepared for the feelings decluttering may release in you. If things were just things, it would be easy to ditch them. Often, they come fully loaded with emotional baggage. But simply beginning brings its own dynamism, and you can take this at a pace that is comfortable for you. Focus on the sense of freedom you will enjoy when you’re not chained to the past by all that stuff which you no longer love or need. Now I am going to do something that I will rarely do again. I am going to tell you to buy something. I want you to buy a special notebook, one that instantly appeals to you, one with a beautiful cover and good, smooth paper. (Ideally, not a basic old exercise book, unless you are one of those people who absolutely loved school and really does believe they were the happiest days of your life.) It needs to be small enough for you to carry about easily in a pocket or bag and sturdy enough to take a battering.This is going to be your decluttering journal. The reason you need to pick a nice one is you’re going to be spending a lot of time together, making notes on your progress, your feelings, the number of bags you’ve taken to the charity shop or tip, and keeping a record of the rewards you plan for yourself when you are done.
Start by making a list of the reasons why you want to get rid of your clutter. Don’t think about it too hard. What do you want most? It’s almost impossible to create the life of your dreams if you don’t know what that is and what it looks like. For most of us, peace, freedom and tranquillity in our own homes are what we want – not that lime-green salad bowl, slightly chipped on the rim, that Auntie Jean brought back from the Algarve in 1987. Don’t trade your tranquillity for a chipped salad bowl. Write the first five things that come into your head. This will help you to focus on what you’re making more space for. Write your five things in the front of your book, where you’ll see them often. These were my five, to give you an idea: Spending more time with people I love Enjoying my home, rather than feeling burdened by it Having more time to do the things I enjoy Becoming calmer, less hassled Saving money Remember, don’t think about it too hard, just scribble. And don’t forget to add a list of things you might do when you’re not shackled to your mess to keep you going. Your list might include a trip to the beach or walking in the hills, simply sitting in your favourite armchair lost in a book, without the nagging feeling that you should be doing something else, pottering about in the garden, exploring a market, meeting a friend for lunch, or taking a really long bath while listening to a play or some great music. In order to get there, you need to be able to visualise what there looks like. But it’s also important that you don’t put off living till you’re done decluttering. Pencil some of these pleasures into your journal right now.
The surprising burden of possessions
Is having more important than being? Is buying more important than doing? Many of us crave, or think we crave, that soft pillow of abundance represented by full cupboards and wardrobes and shelves, but it can be an artificial comfort. Every new possession you bring through the door of your home is a responsibility, something new to care for, to clean, to tidy up and to put away. Make sure it’s worth it. In his excellent, thought-provoking book Stuffocation: Living More With Less, James Wallman writes,‘The best place to find status, identity, meaning, and happiness is in experiences.’ Relax into your real life; don’t blunt your feelings with stuff, or trade the rich experiences life can offer you for more things. Less cleaning, more living.
Making a plan
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I love a list. Lists are like everyday poetry to me. And they were essential as I worked on my own decluttering process. They kept me focused and stopped me faffing about. RETIREMENT
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DECLUTTER – create calm from chaos
Using your journal
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If the floor is covered in stuff and you’re low on time or energy, just do as much as you can in ten minutes. As you embark on each new part of your home, write a list in your journal of what you would like to achieve and break it down into smaller tasks.You will probably have a master list (tackle that pile of 20 years’ worth of Horse & Hound that’s blocking out all the light) and a short-term list (do what I can do today to make enough space to have people round for tea). Assign an approximate amount of time to each task. Be as detailed as you can – this will help you to be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have – but don’t allow the list to become another form of procrastination. What is the point of the perfect, bullet-pointed, colourcoded list if, an hour later, you’re still sitting there surveying room-ma-geddon? Here is a sample list to give you some idea:
DECLUTTER – create calm from chaos
Sitting room: 30 minutes
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• Tidy up anything that’s on the floor. If the floor is covered in stuff and you’re low on time or energy, just do as much as you can in ten minutes. Work quickly. Don’t think about it too much. You are
making progress and you can come back to it later. • Take three decent-sized rubbish bags. Fill one with things that need to go into other rooms, one with anything you can recycle or sell, and one with rubbish, including anything that’s in the wastepaper basket. Ten minutes. • Do a quick sweep of the coffee table. Remove any dirty cups, glasses and plates. Put remote controls together. Toss any newspapers or magazines in the recycling or stack neatly if you’re genuinely not finished with them (Newsflash: You’re probably finished with them). Five minutes. • Tidy up a coffee-cup zone. Five minutes n Extract taken from: Declutter by Debora Robertson. Published by Kyle Books.
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the same place for generations. Most people were poor, and the Poor Laws would not allow the movement of people between towns and villages without documentation, so it was easier for most people to stay in the town or village where they were born. Some people would have had trades, such as the blacksmiths and bakers and these trades would have been passed down from father to son. It is likely that they would have provided for the same town or village through generations. Most however, would have been casual labourers working farms and earning what they could when it was available. Agricultural work was seasonal and often poorly paid. With the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, things began to change. New machinery on farms could do the work of a dozen men and many moved from the rural areas into the ever-expanding towns and cities, their already precarious choice of living made even harder. Factory jobs employed men, women and children all year round, so despite the often squalid and cramped conditions of urban life, it was considered preferable to starvation. Consequently, the population movement within England became far more common. Other factors that lured people to the towns and cities were the better chance of education for their children in Sunday Schools and the belief that the houses were better built. As well as people moving within England, there also began to be more migration. This was sometimes due to the transportation of criminals, sometimes through necessity and sometimes through choice. There was a whole new world waiting for them across the oceans and many took a chance From the early 19th century the Irish had been coming to England and the USA, and the potato blight of the 1840s saw an estimated 1 million Irish leave their shores for a new life. During the late 18th and into the middle of the 19th centuries the Scottish Land Clearances, which saw tenant farmers being forced from their homes, meant that the Scots too were forced to flee. Many emigrated to Australia, New Zealand or Canada, but some moved across the border to England. Between 1700 and 1750, the population of England stayed
relatively stable.Then, between 1750 and 1850, it more than doubled. This however, was not just due to the arrival of the Scots and Irish. Indee during this time many English families were emigrating to the British Colonies themselves, which would, to a degree, have counteracted it. In fact, the combined population of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in 1801 was an estimated 18 million; by 1851 it was 27 million. The death rate was decreasing as children were more likely to survive infancy and as a better awareness of the need for sanitation grew, along with the introduction of some inoculations. Another factor was that people were beginning to marry younger. With a steadier income it was easier for people to set up home together and earlier marriages meant more children. So, there were simply more people being born than were dying. In 1700 an estimated 17% of the English population lived in urban areas, by 1801 this had increased to around 28%, and by 1851 over half lived in the towns and cities. Of course, one thing that made movement from one place to another much easier was the great advancements in transportation. With the building of the railways, a journey that would have taken days could be done in hours. Prior to the increase in geographical mobility following the Industrial Revolution, other factors played a part. For centuries religious belief had led to discrimination against both Protestants and Catholics depending on the monarch at any given time, and in the early 18th century more than 50,000 French Protestants or Huguenots fled to our shores to escape their own persecution. Whilst on the subject of religion, it is worth mentioning here that parish records for English Catholics are not the easiest to find online.
As mentioned before, villages and towns are not always within the same county or boundary over time. Make allowances for this. A useful source for checking historical counties is ‘Great Britain, Atlas and Index of Parish Registers’ on Ancestry. One last website worth mentioning if you want to know more about the places and times that your ancestors lived is www.british-history.ac.uk. Indeed this site has a wealth of information from primary and secondary sources relating to British history from 1300 onwards including maps and gazetteers, and it can help to give you a real insight into the lives of those who came before n An extract from Grow Your Own Family Tree – A Comprehensive Guide to Tracing Your Ancestory, By Pauline Golds, published by Emerald Publishing.
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Tracing Your Ancestry
Ancestry and Find My Past have a few, as does www.thegenealogist. co.uk but it is more likely that local research will be of further use on this subject, although the websites www.catholic-history.org.uk and www.catholics. wordpress.com may also be of some help. If you are looking for Jewish ancestors, then there are a couple of very useful websites at www.jewishgen.org and www.jgsb.org.uk To sum up, there has always been some mobility within, as well as to and from England, but prior to 1800, you are much more likely to have ancestors that stayed put. If you can trace a surname back to the 1851 census where it first gives a place of birth, then there is a reasonable chance that you may have found the village or at least an adjoining village or town where your ancestors had lived for generations. Of course, as with any other research, take care. Forenames were not very varied, and your line might have married and moved away, with a cousin with the same name still residing in the one you are looking at.
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n the New Year, why not try something new and consider learning a new skill or taking up a new pastime? Whether purely for pleasure or with an anticipated qualification at the end, it’s a great way to keep the mind active and at the same time a good opportunity to socialise and meet new people. There are many organisations and establishments available to assist you, and here are some examples.
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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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Retirement Today - Spring.indd 1
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The best moment was … “…when I realised I was enjoying playing again and could actually do it” “Gaining the confidence to play with others and being able to find my place in the music after making a mistake” (Introduction to Wind Chamber Music, August 2018) They love it when people find motivation through their courses and discover or rediscover their love of music. That is why they are there. 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, they have a music course to suit you. They run over 250 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! “It took me a while to realise what I got from the course because to be honest, I struggled all weekend to keep up. Today the answer
LCCH International
Learning is a lifelong endeavour, never more so when one has stepped into an active retirement. Many people fear that as they age, their ability to learn diminishes. This is patently untrue as research has repeatedly shown that age-related decreases in perception and learning are reversed in older people when they regularly engage in active learning. If you think about it, the brain is a bit like a muscle, and as such the old adage “use it or lose it” comes very much into play. Basically, if you keep your mind fit and active you will enhance your memory and mental acuity. And what better way to do so than by learning a skill that will not only help you to do this as you become more relaxed and motivated, but allows you to help others young and old? Used for centuries, hypnotherapy involves being guided into a deeply relaxed trance-like state, during which an experienced therapist encourages positive changes to help overcome life-challenges and improve well-being.You can also learn how to do it to yourself using self-hypnosis, a wonderful way to relax and take more control of your life. Many people think hypnotherapy is only a method to help people stop smoking or lose weight. However, it has many applications and here some that you might not have realised it can help with: 1. Dealing with stress 2. Coping with IBS 3. Pain management 4. Healing trauma 5. Overcoming phobias and bad habits 6. Improving focus and concentration 7. Coping with bereavement 8. Overcoming loneliness 9. Helping to motivate and engage people with rehabilitation advice given by medical professionals As it grows in popularity, demand is growing for well-trained practitioners, especially those with life experience. So why not use your life experience and learn to become a hypnotherapist in order to help others on a voluntarily basis, or to perhaps gain a little extra income and to keep your mind fresh and healthy? LCCH International has training centres across the UK offering a variety of courses.
Manor House and Ashbury Hotels
You can’t help but be impressed by the Manor House and Ashbury hotels, situated on the breathtaking foothills of Dartmoor National Park in Devon and boasting a range of craft, sport & leisure facilities that they believe are without equal anywhere in the UK! Their hotels offer a wide selection of facilities free of charge to guests staying at either hotel. They are incredibly proud of their sport and leisure facilities; there really is something for everyone. They have great free leisure facilities including, 3 swimming pools, 10 lanes of 10 pin bowling and a fantastic selection of dance and exercise classes including: Street dancing, Salsa Dancing and Tai Chi. plus you can enjoy their state of the art Hydro Spa - the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of activities. Entry into the spas is free and a choice of over 20 health and beauty treatments are
available at great value prices. The sports they offer free include: bowls, indoor and outdoor tennis, badminton, squash, snooker, table tennis, target sports and many more. golf is also included free on a choice of 99 holes. plus their FA and WRU accredited 3G sports pitch is perfect for a variety of team sports. Their 2 unique craft centres offer 18 tutored crafts including pottery, glass engraving and woodwork - all tutoring is free so you only pay minimal material costs. There’s always plenty for the grandchildren to do too, with a 300m2 soft adventure Fun House, indoor/outdoor play area, games zones, waterslides, pedal karts and our 18 hole adventure golf course. All breaks are full board and with generous group discounts you are guaranteed a great value break that you’ll never forget.
Field Studies Council
Field Studies Council, FSC, is an environmental education charity providing informative and enjoyable opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, explore, and understand the environment. FSC provides over 200 arts courses which includes a wide range of walking, photography, painting and craft holidays. From stained glass inspired by birds, to fine botanical drawings or baskets woven with hedgerow materials, there are many ways the plants and animals around influence the creativity on our holidays. The courses take place in stunning locations across the UK with over 17 different locations to choose from. Comfortable sole occupancy accommodation is available and holidays are led by skilled tutors with a genuine passion for their subject. “Great course led by Jem Bowden. Enthusiastic, considered and well-balanced course delivered via a mix of demonstrations, exercises and constructive feedback of work completed during the week. I learnt a lot, improved a bit and it was great fun. The staff at Flatford Mill were friendly, helpful and provided us with wholesome food, leaving us with plenty of time to devote to the course.” Inspired and Direct Watercolour Landscapes at Flatford Mill, April 2018.” n
For further information: BENSLOW MUSIC: www.BenslowMusic.org tel. 01462 459446 LCCH INTERNATIONAL: www.lcchinternational.co.uk tel. 0203 603 8535 MANOR HOUSE AND ASHBY HOTELS: www.sportsandleisurebreaks.co.uk tel. 0800 458 3026 FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL: www.field-studies-council.org/arts tel. 01743 852100 RETIREMENT
New Year, New You
came to me – it was courage. I realised that we use the sheet music as a crutch and we just have to ditch the score and play as best we can. It is the only way to let our ears take over as the dominant sense and when we do that and trust in ourselves, good things start to happen!” (Folk Fiddling by Ear, September 2018)
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Course categories:
Exploring the Natural World Painting, Drawing & the Arts Crafts & Traditional Skills Photography
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How to get the best price for family heirlooms in a time of economic uncertainty WhereToSell.co.uk is a new website designed to help you navigate the complex world of antiques and collectables, bringing together consumers with goods to sell, and specialist buyers and intermediaries. With the antiques and collectables landscape ever changing, and the popularity of different items and their associated values in a constant state of flux, consumers are often at a loss as to how to sell for the best possible price. For those wanting to maximise the sale price, a seller might consider an auction house. But to achieve an item’s true value, you not only have to find an auction house that specialises in selling that particular item, but one able to reach the most appropriate buyer or collector. The site is easy to use and free to consumers. If you are interested in selling a specific item all you do is go to the ‘Make An Enquiry’ page and tick the appropriate box. With over 300 categories there will be one which is just right for you. The site will provide you with a list of contact details of appropriate potential buyers or intermediaries, either based on distance or by level of interest in the item, and with one click can email them on behalf of the enquirer. WhereToSell.co.uk also offers a specialist service where a panel of experts suggests the best buyer or intermediary for you to contact. Chaired by John Bly, the panel’s members have specialist and current knowledge of the market in one or more of the site’s Specific Advice categories.
Want a new lease of life? Grandparenting could be the answer Here come the Granennials – grandparenting the millennial way. A new online survey carried out by Age UK reveals that the majority of grandparents who responded (71%) believed that having grandchildren had given them a new lease of life. The survey demonstrated that reciprocity across the generations is key to 21st century grandparenting – nearly all the of the grandparents who took part in the survey said they felt it is important that younger and older generations learn from each other. Over a third said their grandchildren had introduced them to new songs, music and TV programmes, while more than a fifth revealed they had learnt new languages or phrases, either from their grandchildren or from young people in the lives. Sitting down together to watch TV, cartoons or films topped the poll of most popular activities to do together, closely followed by going to the park, and reading books, and nearly a quarter said they had learned new dance moves such as ‘The Floss’! As well as learning how to floss, understanding FOMO and knowing who Cardi B is, many who took part in the research said they had picked up techy tips from their grandchildren and almost half acknowledged that the younger people in their lives had helped them to use or make better use of their mobile phone, computers and tablets.
Volunteering for British Heart Foundation Following 10 years as a bus driver, Bryan, 60, first signed up to volunteer at the British Heart Foundation in February 2016, after suffering four strokes in quick succession. As a result of his strokes, Bryan lost both of his driving licences, meaning he could no longer continue his job and saw volunteering as way of giving him a sense of purpose. Bryan went through a long and difficult recovery, having to learn how to walk and talk again - and still has limited use of his right arm, but has found volunteering a great way of keeping him active. It’s also been a great way to meet new people. Bryan now oversees the shop’s price labels and takes great pride in learning how much the shop has raised at the end of each day. Bryan is so popular with the BHF shop team, that his friends and family even invited the staff and volunteers to his surprise 60th birthday in early 2018, making it an emotional day for him.
Update
Bryan says; ‘volunteering has been massive in getting me out of the house - if I’d spent the last two and a half years indoors, I don’t know where I would be!’ Get involved at www.bhf.org.uk/volunteer RETIREMENT
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Norwegian-inspired recipes
Mouth-watering recipes from the Heart of Norway
'North Wild Kitchen: Home Cooking from the Heart of Norway' by Nevada Berg and published by Prestel. All recipes and images courtesy of ©Nevada Berg.
Cauliflower Soup Topped with Fried Fennel
BLOMKÅLSUPPE MED FENNIKEL This is a classic, everyday Norwegian soup. I like that it isn’t too fancy and that it’s all about the cauliflower. It’s also simple to make, especially since the stock used is just the water the cauli-flower is boiled in. I enjoy it topped with sautéed fennel and a drizzle of cream. • serves 4 2 pounds (900 g) cauliflower, roughly chopped ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, plus more for serving Salt and white pepper 1 large fennel bulb with fronds 1 tablespoon lightly salted butter 1 tablespoon mild-flavored oil, plus more for serving
Rice Porridge
RISEN GRYNSGRØT
Norwegian-inspired recipes
When rice porridge was first introduced to Norway in the thirteen hundreds, it was reserved for the wealthy and elite. It became customary to serve rice porridge on Christmas Eve, as a symbol of status, though it was typically eaten on Saturdays as well. In the eighteen hundreds, rice porridge spread to the working classes, who also prepared it on Saturdays and Christmas Eve.
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Norwegians still serve rice porridge for Christmas Eve lunch and it’s traditional to hide an almond in one of the bowls. Whoever finds the almond receives a prize, usually a small pig made of marzipan. As for non-holiday porridge, it’s now enjoyed any day of the week, not just Saturday. While rice porridge seems simple, it is memorable and comforting, like a soul-satisfying bowl of goodness. Slow cooking makes for incredibly creamy porridge, while adding cinnamon, sugar, and butter on top, makes it completely irresistible. There’s a reason this dish has been a steady favorite for so long • serves 4 RETIREMENT
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5½ cups (1.3 l) whole milk ½ vanilla bean, split and scraped ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons (180 g) Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice Lightly salted butter, cinnamon, and sugar, for serving. In a medium, heavy saucepan, combine the milk with the vanilla bean and seeds and place over medium heat. When the milk is warm to the touch, remove from the heat. Place the rice in a separate medium, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add about 1 cup (240 ml) of the warm milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Stirring frequently, continue simmering until most of the milk is absorbed by the rice. Repeat this process, adding milk, 1 cup (240 ml) at a time, and maintain a gentle simmer until all the milk is added and the rice is creamy and thick but not too thick. Discard the vanilla bean. Divide the porridge among bowls, top with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and serve immediately.
In a large, heavy pot, combine the cauliflower with enough cold salted water to cover and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until the cauliflower can be easily pierced with a knife.
Drain the cauliflower, reserving the cooking water. In a food processor or blender, purée the cauliflower, adding some of the reserved cooking water as needed to make it smooth—you’ll need about half of the water. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Keep warm. Cut off and discard the stalks from fennel bulbs, reserving the fronds for garnish. Slice the fennel bulb lengthwise into thin strips. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter and oil over medium high heat. Add the fennel and sauté until starting to brown and caramelize, with some crispy pieces. Divide the soup among bowls and top with the sautéed fennel. Drizzle with a little heavy cream or oil, garnish with the fennel fronds, and serve.
Venison Stew with Wild Mushrooms
VILTGRYTE
• serves 4 2 tablespoons mild-flavored oil, plus more as needed 1¾ pounds (800 g) venison steak, cut into chunks 3 tablespoons lightly salted butter, divided 1 large onion, finely chopped ½ pound (225 g) chanterelles or other wild mushrooms 6 dried juniper berries, crushed ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 2 cups (480 ml) game or beef stock ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream 3 tablespoons sour cream ½ pound (225 g) Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and outer leaves removed Lingonberries (optional) Fresh thyme leaves In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the
oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches and adding more oil as needed, sear the venison, turning, for 2 minutes or until brown on all sides. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes or until just softened. Add the mushrooms, juniper berries, salt, and pepper and sauté for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft and most of their juices evaporate. Return the venison and any juices from the bowl to the saucepan. Add the stock and bring to a boil then lower the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour or until the meat is tender. Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream and bring to a gentle boil. Continue cooking, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. While the stew is simmering, in a large, heavy frying pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and a pinch of salt and shake the pan. Lower the heat to medium, cover, and cook, shaking the pan occasionally, for 10 minutes or until the sprouts begin to crisp and look slightly charred. Divide the stew among bowls then top with Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with lingonberries and thyme. Serve with boiled or mashed potatoes.
Apple Cake
EPLEKAKE Parts of Norway seamlessly transform into striking orchards in the autumn, with branches full of sweet yet tart, and incredibly crisp apples. The history of apples in Norway and northern Europe stretches back at least as far as the Stone Age and findings from the Oseberg Viking ship, the, revealed fifty-four wellpreserved wild apples. One of Norway’s most beloved apple desserts is eplekake, a simple and unassuming cake that’s not overly sweet or too heavy. The sweetness of the sponge cake is complemented by the tangi-ness of the apples and you get just a hint of cinnamon and crunch from the brown sugar– almond topping • serves 8 to 10 2 cups (240 g) sifted all-purpose flour 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar ¾ cup (150 g) lightly salted butter, at room temperature, plus more for topping 3 large eggs, at room temperature ½ cup (120 ml) milk 3 to 4 tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced ⅓cup (33 g) sliced almonds
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, incorporating each egg before adding the next one, and beat for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and creamy. Add the flour mixture and blend. Slowly add the milk and beat just until well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the apple slices on top of the batter, arranging them in tightly overlapping concentric circles and gently pressing them into the batter. Sprinkle with the almonds, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Arrange a couple dabs of butter on top and bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top of the cake is golden brown with a few dark spots from the cinnamon. Cool slightly in the pan before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
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Norwegian-inspired recipes
Viltgryte, which translates to “wild stew,” is made with wild meat, typically moose, reindeer, or venison. It’s a classic hunting season dish, and features flavors from the forest, such as juniper berries, wild mushrooms, and wild berries. Rich and creamy, viltgryte is more like a gravy than a stew, and should always be served with a side of potatoes. If you can’t find lingonberries, substitute red currants, huckleberries, or bilberries.
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LITTLE SISTERS OF Royal School THE POOR
of Needlework
The Psychiatry Research Trust Mental illness and brain disease affects everyone – one in four of us directly.
The Little Sisters of the Poor is a Congregation of religious sisters dedicated to the service of the elderly of modest means, regardless of nationality or creed. Founded in France in 1839 by Jeanne Jugan, established in Britain in 1851, our work is today carried out among the elderly in thirty-one countries on five continents, with 12 Homes throughout England, Ireland and Scotland. In providing total care we believe in enabling Residents to fulfil their physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs. We have at heart to recognise their dignity, desire of being respected, esteemed and loved and their longing to feel themselves useful. With your help we wish to respond to their need for • companionship, Join us for exciting hand embroidery Day Classes security in health as in sickness, until death, in a family atmosphere. • All levels are welcome from beginners to advanced We really do count on you for support to enable us to continue • Learn from our expert Tutors to a high technical standard our care of the elderly. We greatly appreciate DONATIONS – GIFT AID – LEGACIES • Study traditional hand embroidery techniques on our flexible Certificate & Diploma courses Thank you
• Classes are held at Hampton Court Palace as well as our LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR satellite centres in Exeter, Rugby, Bristol, Durham and Glasgow. Superior Provincial, 2a Meadow Road, London SW8 1QH Tel: 020 7735 0788 020 7582 0973 holiday! Summer Intensives makeFax: a great stitching Email: mp.lond@lsplondon.co.uk www.royal-needlework.org.uk/learn www.littlesistersofthepoor.co.uk OnlineT: donation gratefully accepted 020 3166 6938 Registered Charity No. 234434
RCN 312774
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. 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 Donate on line at www.justgiving.com/psychiatryresearchtrust Registered Charity Number 284286
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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Out&About... 100 Years of Scottish Pottery 1740-1840
Scottish East Coast panel Tullochgorum jug © Lorenzo Ali
Museum of Edinburgh Until 24 February 2019
Featuring examples of 18th and early 19th century Scottish East Coast pottery from Scotland’s foremost private collection. This wonderful collection has been assembled over more than 20 years and many of the pieces have never previously been on public display. Some of the most fascinating pieces are those which also convey a story such as a teapot celebrating the marriage of James Peddie, an important Sterling clockmaker, to Janet Brown in 1778 and a jug depicts scenes from the Gentle Shepherd, an 1825 ballad opera by the Scottish writer Alan Ramsay. www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk
Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cézanne
National Gallery, London Until 20 January 2019 NG3289 Paul Gauguin. A Vase of Flowers, 1896 Oil on canvas 64 x 74 cm © The National Gallery, London
This exhibition of over forty works is centred around the loan of 26 masterpieces from the Courtauld Gallery, which is closed temporarily for major refurbishment. These are shown alongside paintings from the National Gallery’s own collection which the businessman and philanthropist financed and helped acquire. The exhibition is arranged in 12 sections – each devoted to a different artist – and includes the works of such key figures as Maumier, Manet, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat and Bonnard. It also focuses on the vision, taste and motivation of Courtauld as he shaped two collections; one for his and his wife’s own enjoyment, and the other for the nation, with equal tenacity and dedication. www.nationalgallery.og.uk
Four new exhibitions at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art
Royal Women
Fashion Museum, Bath Until 28 April 2019
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London Until 17 March
Royal Women is a ‘family tree’ exhibition looking at the clothes worn by Queen
Olga Makrushenko @ Shirley Sherwood Collection. Deep Pink Magnolia by Olga Makrushenko, mixed media on paper. RGB Kew
There is so much to do and see at Kew Gardens, including unique landscapes and iconic architecture, as well as the largest and diverse collection of living plants in the world and interesting exhibitions. Continuing an exciting year in celebration of its tenth anniversary, the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Arts at Kew is currently displaying four remarkable exhibitions. From Mark Frith’s striking exploration of Britain’soaks to the Rankafu masterpieces of Japanese woodblock prints of orchids on display for the first time outside of Japan. The gallery comes alive with impeccably detailed works of art, in four distinct styles. www.kew.org
Lest We Forget Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret. Wives and daughters, sisters and mothers; none of them were regnant yet they all played a key role in the British monarchy. The exhibition examines their sartorial lives, looking at each woman’s unique style, the role they played within the monarchy and how that was reflected in their choice of dress. Features exquisite items of dress from the Fashion Museum collection, as well as a major loan from the Royal Collection, generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen. www.fashionmuseum.co.uk
IWM North, Manchester 6 Until 24 February 2019
IWM Art.IWM ART 1460. John Singer Sargent, Gassed, 1919. Oil on canvas 2310 mm x 6111 mm
©
This exhibition explores how commemoration of the First World War has endured for a century and at times sparked controversy – from a national monument made permanent by popular demand to poppies sewn into football shirts, and from the Unknown Warrior to the two minute silence. It explores how the war’s human cost was remembered in homes, communities, countries and in culture. Exhibition highlights include John Singer Sargent’s iconic painting Gassed, which will return home from its two-year international tour, and an original Joey puppet from the National Theatre production of War Horse. Complementing this exhibition, is a ‘Big Picture Show’, using immersive surround sound and 360 degree projection to bring people’s experiences of conflict to life. www.iwm.org.uk RETIREMENT
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Out & About
Fashion Museum, Bath
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Rental Retirement Property? Then Talk To The Experts.
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he Hawthorns retirement communities have been established in the UK since 1994, and they focus on all-inclusive rental retirement living. It’s their core business and they like to think that their established and successful model means they are experts in their field. Many other larger retirement property providers are now seeking to offer a rental option, although with some catches. Some will only offer rental on the basis that you have to buy at some point, and others are offering a rental model but with some significant additional costs and contractual restrictions.The Hawthorns have always done it differently. The Hawthorns have always had a really different approach to high quality retirement living, in being All-Inclusive and a Rental Model; compared to purchase there’s no need to tie up your money and assets and still incur the costs of maintaining a property. Purchase does not also automatically give you the lifestyle and community included at The Hawthorns, where for example all your dining, refreshments and entertainment are provided. The new entrants in to the rental retirement property market are generally seeking a minimum one year contractual commitment, whereas the Hawthorns is just 30 days’ notice. If you are seeking to try out retirement living then you may not want to be tied in for so long, or if your circumstances change, give you the flexibility and choice that you deserve. Many are also
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charging extra for services and maintenance, and provide nothing in the way of dining and entertainment. So it pays to check the small print and to work out the real costs of retirement living. In contrast the all-inclusive Hawthorns Rental model with its transparent single monthly fee offers certainty, easy planning, and flexibility.To make life simple and worry-free there are no property repairs, gardening upkeep, Council Tax or weekly housekeeping costs.They’ll even do your bedlinen and towels 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 first responder call system, so you can feel safe, secure and looked after. The Hawthorns knows that quality of dining is important, and they have a team of professional chefs that freshly prepare nutritionally balanced meals with choices in each of three courses, including wine at lunchtimes, again all included.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 Well-being Programme that supports you to stay healthier and independent for longer and a daily entertainment and activities schedule both within the community and on trips out in their own private minibuses. There’s as much or as little as you want to join in with, as well as the peace and quiet behind your own front door.
If you prefer a different outlook or you wish to downsize apartment there are no sales fees, purchase costs, stamp duty, legal charges or delays; with just a single charge to reflect that their apartments always come freshly decorated and with new carpets where required you just move and pay the new monthly rent. Property purchase or longterm contractual rental won’t give you that flexibility, choice or service. Keeping in contact with family and friends is easy with the free wi-fi in the common areas as well as a resident’s PC station, so you can maintain your connections over social media, e-mail and Skype. If you’d like to receive family or friends you can use the private dining room for lunch or dinner or for special occasions; there’s even a guest suite for those who have some distance to travel to stay over. So check out the detail and check out The Hawthorns. As a proven offering it has stood the test of time in retirement property as the market leader in rental and all-inclusive senior living.
The Hawthorns: For more information Search ‘Hawthorns Retire’ online or on Facebook, or call any of the services direct – and talk to the experts. Eastbourne | Clevedon Braintree | Northampton
Footloose in London 2 – Undiscovered and Unusual By Debra Rixon
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Novelty Automation Mad Dog
Passage in St James's
of this interactive museum; ironically it tells the history of our beloved Royal Mail which probably doesn’t match up with today’s service, but it is fascinating
The Arcade’s creator Tim Hunkin tells us about the inspirations for his creations and there are some fun things to try, like putting your own head on a stamp of the realm. I added a tiara to mine. Across the road, under the Sorting Office is the Mail Rail experience, and that really was a treat. You ride on the narrow gauge rail for a 15 minute trip, with some stunning projections on the tunnel walls and ‘platforms’ – again, I loved it and felt it was well worth the money. We had to go ‘down the East End’ even if it isn’t all Cockney rhyming slang anymore, and visit three wonderful street markets. Until we researched the area, I had no idea of its rich cultural history and in Brick Lane, we arranged a chat with an authentic Pearly Queen and King, and learned the origins of their unique organisation. The street art was amazing, and being Brick Lane, we had to end the day with a curry – but which one? There are around 45 curry houses, and all claiming to be the best! Our next destination is a chance RETIREMENT
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Footloose in London 2 – Undiscovered and Unusual
‘print palaces’ – the Old Bell Tavern was constructed by Christopher Wren to house and ‘nurture’ his workers as he was building St Bride’s church. Ye Old Cheshire Cheese in Wine Office Court claims to be one of the oldest pubs in London (1667) and also provided sustenance to literary luminaries as well as latter day Fleet Street ‘hacks’. The Old Bank of England is a veritable palace with a lofty banking hall now serving food and drink, including pies that conjure up uneasy connotations, for Sweeney Todd’s lover Mrs Lovett’s pie shop was in the adjoining Bell Yard! From this wonderful street we head up to Bloomsbury, through Red Lion Square which has a chequered history encompassing Oliver Cromwell’s body (but not necessarily his head) and visit the amusing and strange Novelty Automation Arcade. The Arcade’s creator Tim Hunkin tells us about the inspirations for his creations, from the decidedly strange ‘Chiropodist’ to the ‘Test Your Nerve’ machine that involves a panting mastiff with eerie red eyes. My favourite was by far the ‘Micro Break’, which is a 3-minute holiday on a simulator that had me laughing throughout. It’s just a mad way to spend a couple of hours, but very enjoyable. Not far away is the amazing Postal Museum across from the Mount Pleasant Sorting Office. It’s not cheap, but full entrance fee will get you a ticket for a ride underground on the reopened Mail Rail as well. I loved every minute
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his spring we had no need to go in search of the sun and stayed at home to bring you Footloose in London II. We live close to London, so it’s always been a handy place to visit, take family and visitors but it seems we always go to the ‘usual’ places, the guaranteed ‘wow’ factor attractions that have been tried and tested. With the unprecedented good weather this spring and summer, some suggestions from faithful viewers and our own curiosity, we decided to try to find some unusual destinations that people may have heard about but not yet had the opportunity to go to. Our first stop was Fleet Street, and what an historic and fascinating street it is, even without the newspapers! We could ‘walk through time’ and find out the story behind the print, the press and the pubs, like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and the Old Bank of England. The Magpie Murals on Magpie Alley are a fabulous record of this ancient thoroughfare, but they are hidden away down a side street. Wonderful depictions on tile of the beginnings of the print industry, through its heyday to its demise cover an entire wall of the alley, which then leads you to the remains of a Carmelite monastery crypt that are curiously enclosed in glass in the foundations of a modern building. The pubs on Fleet Street are every bit as important as the old
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WalkieTalkie Sky garden
Footloose in London 2 – Undiscovered and Unusual
Gibbet at Wapping
to take a look at somewhere else whilst having gazed at the majesty of Buckingham Palace.We stroll down St James’s, window shopping where the Royals and the rich and famous go. The smallest public square in London is situated here, right beside three incredibly old trading premises that are sited on Henry VIII’s old tennis courts! It’s a great way to round off a visit to the palaces. We take the tube to Rotherhithe and Wapping in London’s Docklands, which might not strike you at first as somewhere interesting to explore. But there is a wealth of history here too, and we visit the Brunel Museum to find out more about both Isambard Brunels (father and son) and the first tunnel built under water in the world (and still in use today). Luckily right across from the Museum is the Mayflower pub, and in the heat, it was a welcome and fascinating rest stop Passage in St James's
Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe
We stroll down St James’s, window shopping where the Royals and the rich and famous go. (that’s my excuse). The tide was out, so we could mudlark about on the foreshore from which the famous ship Mayflower set sail in 1620. Dave assures me that all the best history is to be found in the pubs, and certainly there are some in Wapping, having come through the aforementioned famous tunnel on the Overground train. Pretty gruesome doings in the past, and a noose hanging from the rear of the Prospect of Whitby was a grim reminder. We step out for a micro-beano in Hampstead, with a four mile walk through a hidden pergola garden to find the old Bull and Bush pub before we walk back through the Heath with its ancient Health Ponds and stunning view of London’s skyline. Although from the look of the supposed ‘health’ ponds, I can see why ‘small beer’ was the preferred option to water for a century or two. We drop in at Twinings’ historic Debra at Twinings flagship store on the Strand to experience tea tasting. One of the Brand Ambassadors Julia gave us a terrific understanding of how this venerable tradition came to be common in most households. I had a mini masterclass in tea making and learned that slurping is positively encouraged – my grandmother would be shuddering at
the thought, along with elbows on the table. Our last trip is to the Walkie Talkie building to ride up 35 floors to the Sky Garden on the roof – an amazing free public space with panoramic vistas of our capital. Your first glance coming out of the lift is of the Shard, and glorious views of all the best ‘sights’, the historic Thames snaking distinctively throughout it all. You do have to book a ticket online ahead, but if you book a table in the restaurant, you have access to the terraces as well. With the demise of the garden above Derry and Toms Department Store in Kensington and the high price of the Shard rooftop terrace, I think the Sky Garden is the best public space so far! This film has given us a real taste of unusual London and I’ve no doubt we’ll continue to root out some other strange but fascinating places in such a richly historic city n For information on all the Footloose films, take a look at www.footloose. tv or watch previews of the walks on Youtube. Got a smart TV? Watch in HD on Amazon Prime Instant Video!
WIN!
We have 5 copies of Footloose in London 2 on DVD to giveaway. For a chance to win a copy send in your details quoting ref FIT to Amra Media Solutions, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES, or email info@ amramedia.co.uk Closing date: 10 February 2019 20
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£6 TR O 5 IAL NE PE O M R F O DA FE NT Y RF H AL R L OM IN CL .
DISCOVER A NEW STYLE OF RETIREMENT THIS WINTER Sector leading Well-being Programme • Exercise classes • Activities Gardening club • Hair Salon • Café • Library • Snooker room Enjoy a worry-free and active lifestyle with all the chores done for you. The all-inclusive rental model covers your weekly housekeeping, property and garden upkeep, all fine dining and refreshments daily, plus all your heating and hot water. It even includes your Council Tax, internet access and daily activities. So don’t worry – just retire!
A warm welcome awaits at our lovely retirement communities.
Call 0800 114 3504
Search ‘Hawthorns Retire’ online or on Braintree, Essex | Clevedon, Somerset | Eastbourne, Sussex | Northampton, Northamptonshire RETIREMENT
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J J COOPER & SONS
EXCLUSIVE RESIDENTIAL & HOLIDAY PARK HOME ESTATES
HERE QUALITY & W LIFESTYLE COME FIRST Please contact our Head Office on 0118 942 8782 to discuss your residential park home or holiday lodge requirements. We can supply park homes and leisure lodge homes from any manufacturer. We have an inventory of stock homes from any of the leading manufacturers available immediately, alternatively you can place a forward order for a home of your choice with a lead time of 12 weeks delivery. Our parks are located in Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Essex with our address details listed below. We have in excess of 1200 residents living on our estates and have more than 40 years experience in the industry, with our first park ownership in 1976.
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our parks.
Exclusive Park Home Estates at: Garstons Park Home Village, Tilehurst, Berkshire RG31 4TS (Head Office) California Country Park, Finchampstead, Berkshire RG40 4HT • Kingsleigh Park, Thundersley, Essex SS7 3QJ • Cambridge Lodge Park, Horley, Surrey RH6 8PR • Oxford Park Homes, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4YT • Bungalow Park, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7PJ • Robann Park, Fareham, Hamsphire • Lincoln Farm Park, Standlake, Witney OX29 7RH
T: 0118 942 8782
A home of your own in the country
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E: garstonspark@outlook.com
23/03/2018 15:04
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By Mike Francis
ith retirement just around the corner you may be thinking about what your new life may offer and how it will change from the existing one. No more the mad dash to work at the same time as everyone else, repetitive work, a hurried lunch, a tired return journey after an exhausting day at the office. Retirement gives you the chance to do what you want at your own pace in your own space. Spreading your wings doing your favourite things. As you no longer have to commute to work you may consider swapping the convenience of urban life for the peace of a rural retreat somewhere near or far away.
RURAL RETREATS
SOCIAL CHIT CHAT
parks exclusively for the over 45s. According to Director Sophie Brown ‘people who buy park homes are generally those close to retirement or thinking about making that final move. Their children have flown the nest and they want to downsize and clear out the clutter’. The 35 acres of peaceful surrounding countryside at Killarney Park was formerly the happy hunting ground of Robin Hood and Lord Byron and spectacular views of the county can be seen from the front door of every park home each built at reasonable distance from the next-door neighbours. Tee off
JJ Cooper, a family run business, has been running exclusive park home estates since 1975 and looks after 8 parks spanning 6 counties in attractive areas in the South of England some within easy reach of London. Each park has its own identity. At Tilehurst near Reading there are well established mature trees with little avenues of Victorian style lamps. At California Country Park roadways reflect the pastoral setting with tall pine trees overlooking village green areas with a short walk to a large lake and woodland. In Cotswold country at Lincoln Farm Park there’s an open aspect with flowering cherry trees, newly planted bushes, smartly kept gardens and an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym complex. And at Kingsleigh Park you’re only 20 minutes from Southend on Sea and a bracing walk on the 1.34 mile pier, the longest in the world. Parks have a no children rule and are lived in by like-minded people of similar ages with a 50/50 split between semi-retired and retired people. Most have
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Park Homes are increasingly fashionable luxury styled bungalows found in residential parks overlooking some of the most picturesque parts of the countryside. On the outside the bungalows blend into the local landscape with their own special look, a driveway to park the car, a picket fence for privacy, a garden to exercise green fingers. Once inside the front door there are no steps to negotiate and you can appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms fully furnished to luxury standards. After a long walk in the woods there’s nothing better than to sink into a deep settee in the setting summer sunlight or bask in the central heating as the double or triple glazed windows keep out the wintry weather. Although most homes are for all round residency some can be used as holiday homes and rented out when you’re not there to bring in a little extra income.
JJ COOPER PARK ESTATES
Killarney Homes
The club lounge is always a good starting point for making new friends. Having a chinwag, a bite to eat and a drink is a good way of finding them leading to other indoor pursuits like bingo, petanque and themed supper evenings. The great outdoors is never far away of course and a walk in the woods by yourself or with friends can remind you of some of nature’s best sounds and views. A bird singing at the end of a branch, soft rain falling on leaves, a distant tractor ploughing a farmer’s field. Some of these moments you may have forgotten while you were slavishly working over a hot desk.
KILLARNEY HOMES
Killarney Homes have been running residential parks in Nottinghamshire for over 50 years with three RETIREMENT
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A home of your own in the country
A HOME OF YOUR OWN IN THE COUNTRY
from several golf courses within 3 miles, put on your hiking boots for some country walks, exercise your wallet at shops nearby. One of their newer developments is at Willow Park a gated area on the outskirts of Calverton north east of the county. Sandwiched between a picturesque golf course and stunning countryside it has its own communal allotment for growing your own fruit and veg and is near basic amenities of pubs, shops, doctor, library and post office. A regular bus service stops just outside the park and a courtesy bus takes residents to the local town and village.
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Coopers, Windsor Park Home
gated entry some with CCTV. ‘Park homes are proving to be an increasingly good investment’ says co-director James Cooper. ‘20 years ago, I sold my first park home for £88,000, Now the same property would be worth £250,000.’
WYLDECREST RESIDENTIAL PARKS
This is the goliath of park home businesses with 75 sites stretching from Helston in Cornwall to Margate in Kent and from Conway in Wales to Montrose in Scotland. Park home specialists for the over 50s since 2001 Wyldecrest Residential Parks have open days throughout their parks so the interested visitor can see at first hand the atmosphere and layout of individual homes. They also have
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For representation purposes only and not the actual home on the park
a useful step by step guide taking you through the various stages from helping you to decide which home is the best fit for you, to eventual delivery of furniture and moving in day. They can organise a range of packages, finance to help with the purchase of property, lifestyle featuring pamper days to travel destinations and retail therapy to spice up your shopping sprees. Fishing, shopping, bowling greens, restaurants, mobile libraries, and clubhouses are some of the features catered for on their sites. They have unique relationships with major manufacturers and can even organise a bespoke park home tailored to your specific needs. In their holiday parks they have luxury lodges for the whole family. In fact, they have everything for downsizing your home and upsizing your life.
Wyldecrest Park Homes
BIRD OF PRAY
In the Norfolk coastal village of Cley Next The Sea I came across a clutch of birdwatchers and photographers animatedly surrounding a tiny bird chirping away on a small leafless tree. A visitor from the USA, the white crowned swallow was 3,000 miles away from its usual habitat and only the fourth sighting in the UK. It spent 10 weeks in the area and birdwatchers from all over the world collected over £6,000 to restore the west window of the church which contains a lifesize replica of the sparrow. Country life never ceases to surprise n
For further information: Killarney Homes www.killarneyhomes.co.uk JJ Cooper Park Estates www.jjcoopergroup.com Wyldecrest Residential Parks www.wyldecrestparks.co.uk
One Mission Society, a registered Christian Charity, works internationally to spread the Gospel, show Christian love and compassion in many different countries. Through a donation in your will you will be partnering with us to: Spread the Gospel, train local Church leaders, assisting in humanitarian aid and medical work to give the underprivileged an education and hope through trust, sharing love and Faith in Jesus Christ.
An International School in Mozambique
Charity No SC042930
www.onemissionsociety.org.uk info-uk@onemissionsociety.org A refuge in Columbia for rescued Street Children
Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation Are you, or someone you know, living with diabetes? For less than £1 per month (£10 per year), subscribe today to receive our monthly publication Diabetes Wellness News. Diabetes Wellness News is packed full of educational articles, research updates, personal stories and lots more! Also included is a FREE Diabetes Awareness Necklace and FREE Patient Information Leaflets on all aspects of living with diabetes Debra Peett, Network Administrator, Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation, Building 6000, Langstone Technology Park, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1SA Email: debra.peett@drwf.org.uk Telephone: 023 9263 6131
www.drwf.org.uk Registered in England
Charity Number 1070607
Company Number 03496304 RETIREMENT
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Animal Adoption
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truggling to come up with yet more interesting ideas as gifts for friends and family? Whether at Christmas, as a birthday present, or for a special occasion, animal adoption or sponsorship is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift and at the same time making a great contribution to animal welfare. Presents received can become quickly discarded and often forgotten about, but animal adoption really is the gift that keeps on giving. It can be a great alternative, especially for children and adults alike who for whatever reason are unable to keep a pet, or larger animal such as a horse, and it can also encourage them to develop an interest in wildlife conservation too. Animal adoption is a very important method of fund-raising and can also build a lifetimes relationship with a charity. Here are some examples as great choices for potential adoptees – take a look and this year why not give a truly giving gift.
Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre
Monkey World-Ape Rescue Centre Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6HH
www.monkeyworld.org
Animal Adoption – the alternative gift
ADOPT A HORSE OR DONKEY
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Adoptions are the perfect gift for any horse or donkey lover and help Bransby Horses to rescue and care for more animals in need. To find out more or buy online please visit www.bransbyhorses.co.uk/shop
Bransby Horses, Bransby, Lincoln, LN1 2PH www.bransbyhorses.co.uk | 01427 788464 Bransby Horses is a Registered Charity No: 1075601. Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No: 3711676.
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Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Set in 65 acres of Dorset countryside, the sanctuary works in conjunction with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of apes and monkeys, as well as rescuing primates from abuse and neglect from the UK and abroad. At the park, they are rehabilitated to live in natural family groups of their own kind, with specialist care. You can support Monkey World by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. This scheme enables them to create additional reserves and a safe haven for the many primates whose lives are still in danger around the world. Your adoption/donation money goes into a 100% fund, which is used solely for the rescue and rehabilitation of primates. Prices start from £25 (+P&P) for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year! Their apes can all be adopted individually, and the monkeys by group- more for your money! The woolly monkeys are great to adopt, as the only on-show species who are a breeding group. In 2018, they welcomed two youngsters, Layla and Lemmy to their group- visitors can see them being carried around on the back of their mothers, their prehensile tails anchoring them in place! www.monkeyworld.org
At a Glance
Adopt today and get: Free entry pass to the park for one year Adoption certificate Photo of your chosen primate or group Newsletter 3 times a year
– the alternative gift Bransby Horses
Tiggywinkles is a wildlife hospital dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating all species of British wildlife. All wild animal casualties brought to the hospital are treated completely free of charge and are released through a controlled programme, back to the wild, when they are fully fit. Any animal or bird unable to be released back to the wild is maintained at the hospital, in as natural conditions as possible. Marvin is one of the many patients at Tiggywinkles that cannot be released back into the wild. He arrived at Tiggywinkles this summer when a concerned member of the public spotted him out during the day walking around in circles. This is unusual behaviour for hedgehogs as they are strictly nocturnal. Sadly, the nurses at the hospital found that Marvin was missing his right eye. It is impossible to tell how he sustained this injury but his impaired sight would explain why he was out during the daytime. Unfortunately a hedgehog with partial sight would struggle to survive in the wild so Marvin was given a new home with the other permanent hedgehogs at Tiggywinkles. He lives in the visitor centre and aside from exploring the garden during the day, he enjoys an otherwise ordinary life. Marvin is one of several animals living at Tiggywinkles available for adoption. Donations such as adoptions allow them to care for the thousands of animal casualties that pour through their doors every year. www.tiggywinkles.org.uk
At a Glance
Adopt today and get: Photo of your chosen animal Adotpion Certificate Detailed history of your chosen animal Factsheet Fridge magnet The Chronicle (history of Tiggywinkles) One free entry to Visitor Centre
At a Glance
Adopt today and get: Colour Certificate Postcard together with background information/ characteristics of your chosen animal Leaflet on the charity Two newsletters
Catastrophes Cat Rescue
Catastrophes Care Rescue, is based in East Sussex and was originally set up through involvement in animal welfare in the 1970s. Their aim is to help any cat that is in need and they believe that every cat deserves the chance of a good home. Many of the cats at their sanctuary have been abandoned or need a new home because of a change in their owner’s circumstances and are sometimes difficult to rehome for various reasons. In this instance, they are given the chance to live out their days in a peaceful, idyllic environment with the
freedom of the country garden that surrounds the sanctuary in beautiful East Sussex. Many of the cats need regular medication for ailments or illness, some are on special diets, because of age or health, all of our which need funding as well as finding additional funds to expand the ‘cat accommodation’. Help unwanted cats by sponsoring one in the care of Catastrophes and receive an update on your chosen cat. An ideal gift for any cat lover. www.catastrophescats.org RETIREMENT
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Animal Adoption – the alternative gift
Tiggywinkles Wildlife and Teaching Hospital
Horses, donkeys and mules at equine rescue and welfare charity, Bransby Horses, need your help this Christmas. It costs just £10 to support a horse, donkey or mule, for a whole year and adoptions make wonderful Christmas gifts. The adoption scheme is a great way for you to support the animals in the charity’s care, and also for you to have a special friend to visit or read about in updates. You will receive an A5 colour certificate with a beautiful postcard picture of your chosen animal.This certificate has information about your horse, donkey or mule, including their height, age, the reason they came to Bransby Horses and their likes and dislikes. You will also receive an information leaflet on the charity. All this comes in a presentation folder of your choice. In addition to this, Bransby Horses will send you two newsletters a year updating you on your adopted animal and the latest charity news. The toughest part is choosing which adorable animal you are going to adopt! To find out more please visit the online shop at www.bransbyhorses.co.uk.
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30-34 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6BJ page ad.pdf UK registered Legacy charity no. quarter 208530
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Last year we helped over 80,000 wild birds and animals like Rudolph
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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.
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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.
Project2:Layout 1 17/4/13 12:51 Page 1 To find out more, please email jeni.lawes@break-charity.org
is the busiest wildlife hospital in the world.
Registered Charity No. 286650
atastrophes Cat Rescue CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE 34
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RT94.indd 34
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 rquay Torquay complete colonies and giving any necessary veterinary e cats have been abandoned or are simply 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 caring home. ifproper 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 life saved is worth the effort it takes and with your The catschoice that are difficult•toGreat re-home facilities areGreatevery Great oice • facilities support more cats in need will have a bright future. hance to live out their days in a peaceful
el hotel smallwith hotelawith big heart a big and heart and ew... big view... in the in heart the of heart Torquay of Torquay Catastrophes Cat Rescue
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mes...guaranteed eat times...guaranteed For further Varney Tel: 01435 information: 830212 Fax:Contact 01825 Liz 768012 Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 9JS Email: lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org 00500 803 400500 Tel. 01435 830212, Fax 01825 768012, Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org
Registered Charity Number: 1017304 uk w.tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk Visit us on We’re social, join usWe’re on social, join us on
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BOOK REVIEWS Melanie Ward chooses a selection of newly published books to enhance any coffee table
FASHION IMAGE REVOLUTION The art and technique of Brian Dowling
Prestel £45, hardback In a tribute to Brian Dowling’s studio, this book highlights some of the most ground breaking and iconic fashion photography of the late 90’s. Page by page some of the most remarkable fashion images of the last century are shown in all their glory. A fabulous book that would grace any coffee table.
Photography by Derry Moore Text by David Mlinaric and an introduction by Emily Tobin Prestel £39.99, hardback Takes an armchair view of some of the most iconic interiors in a selection of the countries most iconic Castles, Stately Homes and Public Buildings. There are far too many beautiful interiors that justify a mention but some of my favourites include Waddesdon Manor, Houghton Hall and Apsley House. Beautifully photographed throughout, a great gift for Christmas or any other occasion.
Thames & Hudson £29.95, hardback In the midst of dreary winter days what better way to escape and plan future travel plans is by flicking through this lovely coffee table book showcasing some of the worlds most beautiful hotel bedrooms, courtesy of bespoke hotel booking site Mr & Mrs Smith. Hotels in every corner of the planet are covered, including information on dress code, food and drink, and the local area in beautiful photographs throughout. If luxury travel is in your plans for 2019 then this is the book for you!
YVES SAINT LAURENT Dreams of the Orient
Thames and Hudson £28.00, hardback Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most iconic and influential designers of the 20th century was always intrigued by Asian art and culture. Some of his most unforgettable designs from the period are reflected in this book, full of memorable Asian-inspired couture. The book is a visual feast of the designers work with his unique designs catalogued throughout. A must have book for those who love fashion.
Book reviews
GREAT ENGLISH INTERIORS
mr & mrs smith presents THE WORLD’S SEXIEST BEDROOMS
Eva cured her snoring
Eva had no idea she snored: it came to light when she went on a trip with a friend. – It was embarrassing when she needed to nudge me to wake me, I didn’t know that women often snored. Eva is a retired nurse and should maybe have known that 40% of women over 40 years old snore, and 60% of men. Snorers can disturb partners’ sleep too, with separate bedrooms being a possible consequence. She visited her doctor and he said that Eva was neither overweight nor had high blood pressure, therefore there was reduced danger of it developing into sleep apnoea. But, he warned, all people get weakened, slackened musculature as they get older, and that Obstructive Sleep Apnoea can have serious consequences. – But I was only 55! says Eva indignantly. Eva still wanted to solve
her secret problem and when she saw an advertisement for neuromuscular training device for snorers, she acted. In November, Eva began training with IQoro®, in January she went on a skiing holiday with her children, and they confirmed that she had stopped snoring completely. – What a relief! In March, Eva travelled on a new journey with her friend, and this time there was no need to nudge her at all. – The treatment method is simple and easy to perform and, as an extra bonus, my neck has become smoother, and my double chin has reduced. We’re all a bit vain, aren’t we?
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Breathe. Eat. Smile. Talk.
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For children living in extreme poverty,
Christmas is just another day. Children like Diana who comes from the slums of Mexico. Abandoned by her father to the care of distant relatives. There was little money for food or education, her daily concern was survival and her young life was spent in constant fear. Until earlier this year when we were able to offer Diana a place at the Sisters of Mary school in Chalco, Mexico. Safe in the care of the Sisters, she now has three meals a day and is learning vocational skills to help her find employment. Thriving in her studies, she is growing in confidence and so excited for her first Christmas! The Sisters of Mary provide 20,000 children every year with the chance of a proper childhood and the comforts of a home. With your love and support this Christmas, all these children can experience a little of the festive joy that so many take for granted.
Will you help us give these children something special to look forward to on Christmas Day? To support our Christmas appeal please visit www.worldvillages.org.uk, call us on 020 7629 3050 or write to us at World Villages for Children, Sackville House, 40 Piccadilly, London W1J 0DR. A registered charity no. 1058973 Registered Charity Charity NumberNumber 271028. Registered 271028.
‘No parent should lose their child ‘No parent should lose their child down a hole in the healthcare system’ down a hole in the healthcare system’ by Sue Sheppard
by Sue DAUGHTER Sheppard CHARLOTTE LOST HER LIFE WHEN SHE WAS JUST 19 YEARS OLD SUE’S SUE’S DAUGHTER CHARLOTTE LOST HER LIFE WHEN SHE WAS JUST 19 YEARS OLD MY DAUGHTER Charlotte was for therapy was so long that for so get longanthat MY DAUGHTER was shetherapy couldn’twas even a real characterCharlotte and so bright. Find out couldn’t even getonan22nd a real character and so bright. she appointment. Sadly Find out She started self-harming at 13, appointment. Sadly 22nd how you February 2009, she on self-harmed She self-harming at 13, but itstarted took five years for her to how you February 2009, she self-harmed but it took five years for her to can remember and lost her life. be diagnosed with Borderline
can remember Rethink Mental Mental Rethink Illness in in your your Illness will will
be diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Personality Disorder (BPD). Other than than aa short short spell spell in in aa Other private hospital, hospital, thanks thanks to to my my private limited work work benefit, benefit, Charlotte Charlotte limited had no no help. help. The The waiting waiting list list had
and lost her life. There are so many holes in There are so many holes in the system system and and Charlotte Charlotte fell fell the through all all of of them. them. through After her her death, death, II found found Rethink Rethink After Mental Illness. Illness. They They help help people people Mental
like Charlotte to get the care
like get the theyCharlotte need, buttomuch of care this work they but much of this work reliesneed, on legacies. relies on legacies. Any gift you can give in your Any gift you can give in your Will can make a difference. Will can make a difference. don’t want want another another young young II don’t person to to suffer suffer or or aa parent parent to to person lose their their child. child. Please Please will will you you lose help me me change change the the way way mental mental help illness is is treated? treated? Thank Thank you. you. illness
Leave Leave aa legacy legacy to to change change how how mental mental illness illness is is treated. treated.
If If we we don’t, don’t, who who will? will?
For a free guide, please return this coupon. Simply write ‘For the attention For a free guide, please return this coupon. Simply write ‘For the attention of Dan Walshe, Freepost Rethink London’ on the envelope and it will get of us. DanYou Walshe, Freepost Rethink London’ on the envelope and it will get to don’t need a stamp.
to us. You don’t need a stamp.
Name
Name
Address
Postcode
Rethink Mental Illness will not contact you about anything other than this. Postcode Charlotte Sheppard 1989 – 2009
Charlotte Sheppard 1989 – 2009
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Rethinkus Mental not contact youor about anything other than this. Call on Illness 020will 7840 3032 visit rethink.org/wewill
Call us on 020 7840 3032 or visit rethink.org/wewill
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Address
By Alastair Wallbanks
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every single child has a present under the tree, tagged with their name. It costs about £12 to create a special Christmas package for each child, to bring them joy that so many take for granted and show them the love and compassion they deserve. Is that not 20,000 reasons to share your love this Christmas. Another charity dedicated to children is Children in Distress. It is a relatively new charity dependent on the generosity and support of individuals to offer help, hospice care and to save and change lives. Since their first aid transports
s
his Christmas, instead of struggling to think of what to buy for the person who as everything why not make your gift to someone a donation to a charity? For innocent children living in poverty around the world, Christmas is just another day. With no hope for the future, the joy of Christmas passes them by. World Villages for Children offers hope for these children by funding places at the Sisters of Mary schools. Here they receive warmth, care and an education to transform their lives and give them the chance to enjoy a proper childhood with a festive treat at Christmas. The Sisters of Mary care for 20,000 children in their schools around the world and that means wrapping 20,000 Christmas gifts! It takes months of planning to ensure
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Charity begins at Christmas
Charity begins at Christmas
rolled out in 1990, they have cared for children in Albania, Belarus, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and other emergent states of the former Yugoslav Republic. The Charity is dedicated to helping children who are incurably and terminally ill, those with HIV AIDS or Autistic Spectrum Disorders, the physically handicapped and those who face a daily challenge for life as a result of infection, genetic or birth defects. They care for “Europe’s Forgotten Children” and community programmes encompass the educational, emotional, spiritual and physical needs of children. Teachers provide inspirational learning, whilst therapists teach control and relaxation. A combination of care that generates confidence and wellbeing in the children. Children in Distress could not continue to provide their vital care without their Volunteers prepared to share their skills and give generously of their time. For as little as 50p a day you can change the life of one of these forgotten and abandoned children. Action for Children are passionate about being by the side of vulnerable children across the UK. Their 7000 staff work tirelessly to break the patterns of disadvantage, neglect and emotional distress. One pledger, Sue, witnessed horrendous domestic abuse when she was growing up. “I was 9 when me and my mum where brave enough to leave. Although times where tough, with no money, we were safe and together. Action for Children does a huge amount with children who witness domestic violence. They help children come to terms with what they saw, not to feel guilty that they couldn’t stop it, rebuild trust and most importantly be safe and feel loved. That is why I have left a legacy.” They succeed by doing what’s right for the 300,000 children and families they support. In a world where one thing often leads to something worse, they prove how it can lead to something much, much better. You can support them by visiting their online shop which sells a vast range of goods including women and men’s clothing, toys, books and seasonal items. By shopping with amazonsmile, they will make a donation for every eligible product bought, likewise, by selling on ebay you can donate a percentage of your profit to the charity. The National Benevolent Charity was formed in the 19th
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A future we can all look forward to Every day is a gift. Sadly, many older people don’t have access to the friendship, support and physical care they need. At Friends of the Elderly, we are dedicated to ending that loneliness, and want to ensure every older person has a future to look forward to. Together, we can ensure more vulnerable, frail, sick or lonely older people have access to the vital care and support they need. To ďŹ nd out how a gift in your Will could help transform the life of a lonely older person please contact Friends of the Elderly to receive a copy of our free Will writing guide. For more information 020 7730 8263 legacies@fote.org.uk
www.fote.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 226064
SHOW E S U O H OPEN
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. According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 668,000 households, containing 1,252,000 people, of whom 312,000 were children were www.residencesladifference.com destitute* in 2015.
contact@residencesladifference.com www.retireineurope.property *Destitution defined as Visit by appointment: lacking two or more of 0845 303 7385 --- +33 (0)5 26 80shelter; 65 the46 following:
food; heating; lighting; clothing and basic toiletries.
Saint Jean d’AngÊly Hotel service from the comfort of your home ‌. Le Clos des Granges Charente-Maritime, France
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Despite the welfare state sickness, disability,
Is a concept developed for old over redundancy, low pay and age60s can in stillan mean a life environment ideal for adestitution. serene retirement of hardship or even Services
The National Benevolent Charity
Cycling Pool Bar Peter HervĂŠ House, Eccles Court,
Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8EH Mini-bus Car Hire
For more info visit www.natben.org.uk
or telephone 0 1 6 6 6 5 0 5 5 0 0 Home help Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales Registered Charity Number 212450 Caterer Gardening
Sports ground
turning on the heating or having money for a hot meal, which is such a relief.” As a charity, the RSPCA has been rescuing animals from neglect and cruelty since 1824. Last year, the charity rescued 114,584 animals that's roughly one every five minutes. The RSPCA works hard to give those rescued animals all the veterinary treatment and attention they need to begin their recovery and find their forever home. That means that pets who might only have ever known suffering will enjoy treats, toys, food and comfy beds this Christmas. You can also help the RSPCA deliver kindness to all animals. Most people are surprised to learn that over half of the charity's vital work
is funded by gifts in Wills. Pledging to leave a gift, however small, is one of the most important things you can do to support a cause you care about. You can also help by making a donation, taking items to your local animal centre and helping to Stock the Sleigh, or visiting the RSPCA's online shop.The shop is a great place to buy Christmas presents and to stock up with pet products. Every time you shop you'll be supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of vulnerable animals. The RSPCA is encouraging everyone to be kind to all animals this Christmas, whether that's by making wildlife-friendly reindeer food, feeding garden birds or simply helping to ensure your pets feel safe and calm during the festivities n
For further information: World Villages for Children www.worldvillages.org.uk Children in Distress www.childrenindistress.org Action for Children www.actionforchildren.org.uk The National Benevolent Charity www.natben.org.uk Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland www.chss.org.uk Friends of the Elderly www.fote.org.uk RSPCA www.rspca.org.uk RETIREMENT
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Charity begins at Christmas
century by Peter Hervé, a Huguenot living in England deeply concerned by the plight of the poor. Poverty is very much a 21st century problem and charities like the NBC offer financial support to young families and middle-aged people who, through no fault of their own, cannot make ends meet or afford the necessities of life. Some have been made redundant and unable to find another job. Then there are those that have been left penniless after separation or divorce, through bankruptcy, or for some other unavoidable reason. Just one of the families to benefit, are Geoff, 34, and Karen, 35, from Teesside and their children aged 12 and 9, not their real names. Geoff, a fitter, made redundant and Karen only able to work part time as a dental nurse were reduced to living on basic benefits and relying on food banks are given £350.00p for living costs. The National Benevolent Charity can make grants to meet essential needs, purchase and arrange delivery of household items and supply vouchers for goods and services. Occasionally, the charity can make a weekly payment to supplement a meagre income and help the beneficiary through a difficult period. They also offer assistance to elderly and retired people. Across Scotland families are having their worlds turned upside down after a diagnosis of chest or heart conditions or a stroke. One charity committed to giving support to these families is Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. Their strategy is to make sure that everyone affected by heart and chest conditions can live life to the full ensuring everyone has the best recovery possible. They provide vital services to support people who are living with these conditions. One of the ways you can support CHSS is to leave a gift in your Will. This type of gift can be eligible for gift aid which means the charity receives an extra 29p for every pound donated but this only applies to personal donations not money donated from multiple individuals. This also applies to goods handed in to their stores for re-sale. They calculate a bag of donations is worth about £15, so if you sign up to Gift Aid £15 from unwanted goods can turn into £18.75, it’s a great way of increasing the value of your donation at no cost to you, CHSS also have an online store which sells Christmas cards and gifts. Giving in memory is another way of remembering the life of someone special, while helping support thousands of other people. Friends of the Elderly offer grants to older people in England and Wales, who are over the state retirement age and living on low incomes. One of their beneficiaries, Martin, 76, a social worker had to stop working when his eyesight started deteriorating. He has multiple health conditions and can no longer get out and about. He uses an electric bed and hoist every day. This raised his electricity bills and forced him to make difficult decisions to reduce costs. He said, “Many times I have had to choose to turn the heater off and wrap up warm”. Six years ago, Martin was awarded a grant for a new oven he applied for through The Royal National Institute of Blind People. Since then, Friends of the Elderly has been providing Martin with support in the form of an annual allowance. Martin continued, “Before I received support from Friends of the Elderly, I was having a hard time keeping on top of my bills. The grants I’ve received are a lifeline; I don’t have to worry about
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Brenda started to become forgetful at the age of 68. She was referred to a memory clinic and diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Three years later, Brenda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Stephen said:
For our 55th anniversary and Brenda’s 75th we decided to celebrate with a party. We couldn’t believe the generosity from our family and friends when we asked for donations instead of gifts. We made over £1,600 – it was wonderful to be able to make a difference on our special day. Raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK is so important because we want to make research breakthroughs possible and this can only be done by taking part in research and raising money so that the studies can take place. There are several ways to collect donations: • •
Set up an online giving page, select Alzheimer’s Research UK as your charity and choose “Give in Celebration”. Order some of our fundraising envelopes for your next celebration. Fill in our online form to order some today: alzres.uk/give
To chat through your special event or to find out more about how you can support, call our fundraising team on 0300 111 5555. 34
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Make your big day even better Are you organising a big celebration, perhaps a birthday or a milestone anniversary? Instead of presents this year, why not ask your friends and family to make a donation to Alzheimer’s Research UK? Our scientists are making incredible research discoveries and with your support, we can turn those discoveries into life-changing preventions and treatments for a future free from dementia.
Every gift will bring us closer to a breakthrough. Now that’s something to celebrate!
www.alzheimersresearchuk.org Registered charity numbers 1077089 and SC042474
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Is writing your Will still on your ‘to do’ list?
Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092. Company no. 4764232. AfC 0738
Having a Will is a chance for you: - to protect your friends and family - to make your wishes known - to support the causes closest to your heart A gift in your Will not only creates an incredible lasting legacy, it also has financial benefits: the value of whatever you leave is deducted from your estate before Inheritance Tax is worked out. Did you know that you can have your Will written free of charge? At Action for Children, we know how important it is to provide your loved ones with the safety and security they deserve. That’s why we are offering a free Will writing service through our partners, Farewill and The Goodwill Partnership.
For more information on how to access this offer: actionforchildren.org.uk/freewilloffers legacies@actionforchildren.org.uk 0300 123 2112
TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THE ENDING. When Gordon’s wascan diagnosed Through a gift indad yourSandy will you make sure with heartliving failure, theasupport the whole family everyone with chest, heart or stroke received from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland condition in Scotland gets the help they need. was, in their words – priceless. After you have taken care of your loved ones, Through a Gift inleaving his Will, Gordon is making please consider a Gift in your Will to sure everyone living with our conditions Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. continues to get the help they need.
www.chss.org.uk
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Charity N E W S If we don’t, who will?
It’s our 20th Anniversary!
Debra has worked for the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) for 19 years. This year they are celebrating their 20 year anniversary. Like many charities, DRWF was borne out of a very personal connection with a debilitating health condition and a deep desire to help others. Did you know there are currently more than 3.8 million people with diabetes in the UK? For every 10 people with diabetes, 1 has Type 1 which is unpreventable. The remaining 9 people have Type 2 which in many cases can be prevented. It is estimated that around a further 500,000 adults have Type 2 and don't know it. With only a small group of 10 staff, the charity is committed to delivering the very best information and support programmes to enable people with diabetes to feel supported and empowered in their self-management strategies; after all, 90% of diabetes care is self-delivered so education and support are crucial! They are working to ensure that people with diabetes are ‘Staying well until a cure is found….’ To find out more about them why not take a look at their advertisement in this magazine or visit their website www.drwf.org.uk.
BREAK celebrates 50 YEARS
On 28th November 2018, children’s charity Break celebrates 50 years of changing young lives. Over the summer, Break presented the GoGoHares 2018 sculpture trail in partnership with Wild in Art as part of the charity’s 50th anniversary celebrations. When they delivered the GoGoGorilla trail in 2013 little did they realise that it would result in two further trails, comprising of 200 large sculptures, over 350 smaller school group and community sculptures and an estimated three million extra visitors to Norwich in 5 years! Thanks to their sponsors, artists and volunteers they have brought fun, education and creativity to Norwich and the county of Norfolk while raising almost £1million for Break. Funding that really is making a huge difference to so many vulnerable young people across East Anglia every single day. In October the GoGoHares went to auction and raised an incredible £409,600 for Break’s Moving on Team. The team guide and support young care leavers when they leave the formal care system at just 18. This could be the simple things we take for granted like teaching young people to cook, pay bills, live independently and continue in education or training. www.break-charity.org
Former RSPCA inspector will leave a gift in her Will to help animals As a former inspector, Val knows just how important the work of the RSPCA is which is why she wanted to leave the charity a gift in her Will. Val Fantom, 63, started working as an inspector for the RSPCA in 1989. There were only three other female inspectors out of 16 joining that year across the country, there were only a few animal centres to take in animals in need and they had old car radios to communicate with each other so things were very different. She worked as an inspector for 15 years before ill-health meant that she had to leave in 2004. Inspector Steele, as she was known then, has seen first-hand the huge impact the RSPCA can have on the lives of animals who have been neglected, abused or abandoned and wanted to make a lasting legacy to ensure the RSPCA can continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in desperate need of care. Val, who lives in Kent with her husband Lionel, their dog Foxy and cat Heckerty, said: “The vital work that the RSPCA does is incredible, if it wasn’t for the RSPCA there would be no animal welfare legislation anywhere in the world. “I wanted to give something back and make sure the money goes to something useful.” Last year, legacies like Val’s raised £77.1 million which funds over half of the charity’s vital work. For more information visit: www.rspca.org.uk/leavealegacy or call 0800 121 8280 RETIREMENT
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Charity News
You and I know what it’s like to try and navigate the healthcare system to get the help we need. We’ve lived through the anger and frustration. And we don’t want other families to have to face it alone. We know that mental illness isn’t necessarily a popular cause. So because of those we’ve lost. And because of those we’ve saved, it’s down to us. We can change how mental illness is treated, by leaving a legacy to Rethink Mental Illness. Rethink Mental Illness help stop people with mental illness falling through the gaps in the system, but they rely on gifts in wills to fund their Advice and Information Service, peer support groups and campaigning work. If your brother or sister, family member or friend has a mental illness, you’ll know that this kind of help is priceless. Few of us can afford to make a generous gift to Rethink Mental Illness right now, but there is something we can do easily. We can remember Rethink Mental Illness in our wills. If you’d like a little more information visit www.rethink.org/wewill to request a free guide or call Dan Walshe on 020 7840 3032.
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Help us keep our promise to protect animals, always. Call 0800 121 8280 for your free guide to leaving a gift in your Will.
Thank you rspca.org.uk/leavealegacy
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS. The RSPCA helps animals in England and Wales. Registered charity no. 219099. ŠRSPCA 2017. All rights reserved.
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Charity N E W S This Christmas, make your legacy, the gifts of life
The Charity’s community education, child development and welfare programmes reach out to change the lives of tens of thousands of those living with disabilities, social discrimination and or the most disadvantaged economic backgrounds. A donation from you or legacy bequest, means palliative care for infants born with complex multiple health challenges: who need constant 24/7, 360 day to survive. Many children, depend on the Charity’s highly trained hospice and therapy care teams. That makes Children in Distress and perhaps your support, the last and only hope for so many children. Donate online at http://www.childrenindistress.org/
Milestone reached by new charity
An innovative new charity reached a milestone this summer, when it awarded 102 Scholarships to exceptional young students starting at university. Set up by three friends just 3 years ago, The Reading List Foundation helps exceptional students from lower-income households in England succeed at university, by awarding Scholarships of £250 to pay for their textbooks in the first year of study. From a standing start in 2016, the charity this year helped students from Newcastle to Penzance, who are now studying subjects ranging from English Literature to Chemical Engineering, and Medicine to Midwifery. 2018 marked a significant milestone, and the charity hopes to continue growing to support over 150 young students next summer. “We’ve struck a chord with a number of our donors, many of whom graduated in the era before tuition fees were introduced” said Alan Terry, one of the charity’s co-founders. “We have donors supporting Scholarships at their old school, or in the area they grew up in, or at their local school or college. They’re delighted to be able to help a young person following in their footsteps.” If you would like to find out more about what The Reading List Foundation does, visit www.readinglistfoundation.org or email info@readinglistfoundation.org.
20,000 reasons to share your love this Christmas
For innocent children living in poverty around the world, Christmas is just another day. Living with nothing and with no hope for the future, the joy of Christmas passes these children by. Donor support for World Villages for Children offers new hope for these children by funding places at the Sisters of Mary schools. Here they receive warmth, care and an education to eventually help them find employment and transform their lives and they get the chance to enjoy a proper childhood with a festive treat at Christmas. The Sisters of Mary care for 20,000 children in their schools around the world and at Christmas time that means they need to wrap 20,000 christmas gifts! It takes months of planning to ensure every single child has a present under the tree, tagged with their name and personalised to them. It costs about £12 to create a special Christmas package for each child, to bring them the joy that so many take for granted and to show them the love and compassion they deserve. If you would like to help them support more vulnerable children this Christmas or learn about any other aspect of their vital work please visit www.worldvillages.org.uk or call 0207 629 3050.
Do you know someone who needs financial support this winter? We believe that no one should face having to keep the heating switched off when temperatures drop. Friends of the Elderly offer grants to older people living on low incomes. If you are over the state retirement age, you can apply for financial support towards your home essentials, bills and household repairs. We can also provide training or equipment to get you online, helping you to stay connected. Martin*, 76 lives with multiple health conditions and uses an electric bed and hoist. This means that his electric bills are very high. A grant from us, Friends of the Elderly, went towards paying his electric bills and meant that he could afford to keep his heating switched on during winter. Martin said “The grants I’ve received are a lifeline; I don’t have to worry about turning on the heating or having money for a hot meal, which is such a relief.” To find out how you, or someone you know, can apply through a referrer for a grant from Friends of the Elderly, call 033 0332 1110 or email hello@fote.org.uk. You can also visit www.fote.org.uk/our-charity-work/grants. *Names have been changed to protect identities RETIREMENT
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Charity News
For a small charity like Children in Distress, legacies can literally mean the difference between life and death for the sixty or so infants, children and young adults living in the Hospices and sheltered independent living delivered by Children in Distress. This pioneering little charity sets the standard in palliative, respite and end of life care for children with the most profound genetic disorders, birth defects or conditions arising from accident, heredity or infection. Uniquely, the Charity also still innovates in the treatment of infant and juvenile HIVAIDS resulting from transfusion, inoculation or direct mother-child transfer.
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Farmyard Friends Cochin
The Cochin is best known for its abundance of fabulous, fluffy feathers, adorning not just its body but its feet as well. The hen isn’t a prolific egg producer, but more than makes up for this with her gentle and sweet personality and she makes a wonderful pet. Given the chance, a Cochin will swiftly become part of the family, often padding into the kitchen on her feathery feet in search of a treat. The Cochin originated in China but made its way to Europe and the UK in the 1840s. Queen Victoria is said to have been a fan of this beautiful breed, which led to a surge in the popularity of keeping poultry.
Berkshire
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Shetland Pony
The diminutive Shetland Pony is instantly recognisable and much loved. The sturdy little pony has a thick coat and is well equipped to thrive in the tempestuous weather conditions of its original home on the Shetland Islands. Able to pull twice its own body weight, the Shetland is the strongest of all horse and pony breeds weight for weight, and their pony power has been exploited extensively in the past when they were used to pull carts carrying peat and coal. This intelligent little horse can also be used as a ‘guide pony’, fulfilling the same role as a guide dog.
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Farmyard Friends
A
marvellous celebration of favourite farmyard animals – complied by award-winning artist Hannah Dale. Britian’s beautiful landscape abounds in farmyard friends – from the pigs wallowing in muddy fields to the sheep and goats grazing in the pastures. These animals offer an insight into Britain’s cultural and historical heritage, and in Hannah’s words, ‘are as important as any historical building or landscape’. Combining Dale’s signature quirky and characterful illustration with descriptions that capture the spirit and personality of the breeds will open your eyes to the true diversity of the British countryside and to those breeds that risk exctinction. Here are a few of our favourite illustrations, with unusual facts to accompany them.
The Berkshire has enjoyed some fame over the years, starring in George Orwell’s Animal Farm as the notorious Napoleon and, rather more flatteringly, as Pig Wig in Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Pigling Bland. It was oddly known as the Lady’s Pig, perhaps due to its friendly and curious nature and good looks; Queen Victoria is said to have been a fan of the breed.
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Aylesbury Duck
The Aylesbury Duck was originally known as the White English Duck until 1815 when it was renamed after its place of origin – the town of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. Immortalised by Beatrix Potter as Jemima Puddle Duck, Aylesbury ducks were bred for their meat and feathers. The part of the town in Aylesbury where the ducks were reared, often in people’s homes, was known as Duck End. In recent years, the popularity of the Aylesbury Duck has declined, and the breed is now critically endangered.
Friesian
The beautiful black and white Friesian has become synonymous with the countryside pastures it makes its home. It originated in an area called Frisia in the north of Holland, where the rich land produced some of the best grass in the world. Famous as the most prolific dairy cow in the world, the handsome Friesian arrived in Britain in the 18th century. The Friesian is often crossed with the Holstein to create the similar but larger Holstein-Friesian.
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An introduction to Heavenly Hybrid golf clubs
Scottish Blackface
Extracted from The Farmyard Set by Hannah Dale. Published by Batsford
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• Easy to hit • More forgiving • Shank proof • And that’s exactly what we asked ourselves when we were designing these clubs, as we wanted to produce a set irons which brought the enjoyment back to YOUR game and looked fantastic in your bag. With sales at record levels (making us the UK’s number one) now is a great time to purchase your set of Heavenly Hybrid full hybrid irons, and start enjoying your game to the max. Clubs available from 3 iron to sand iron and can be purchased separately or as a full set from £79 plus postage per club
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Farmyard Friends
The Scottish Blackface is the most common breed of domestic sheep in the UK and, unsurprisingly, most are found in Scotland. They are one of the hardiest sheep breeds, with their thick, dense coat protecting them against the worst of Highlands’ weather. Although its origins are unknown, there are records from monasteries in the 12th century that make reference to a ‘blackfaced’ breed of sheep n
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A GREAT WAY TO FIGHT POVERTY
CARE/Emma Howard
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING At CARE International, we know that sometimes, all people need is a little investment to change their lives forever. That’s why we’ve set up this revolutionary way to help some of the world’s poorest people work their own way out of poverty with dignity. It’s called lendwithcare.org – instead of a donation lendwithcare.org allows you to lend as little as £15 to fund a small business overseas. And this Christmas, if you buy a lendwithcare.org gift voucher, you can give your friends or family the chance to choose which business they want to fund, and then when their loan is paid back they can either withdraw the £15 or re-lend it again and again to other hard working entrepreneurs.
How does it work? 1
Buy a gift voucher at www.lendwithcare.org/gift_vouchers Vouchers can be printed or emailed.
2
The voucher recipient chooses who to lend their £15 to.
3
The entrepreneur’s business begins to grow.
4
The loan is paid back to your friend or relative and they choose what to do next.
5
You have helped someone in a developing country improve the lives of their whole family and both you and your friend get a nice warm feeling.
Visit www.lendwithcare.org today and give the gift of opportunity this Christmas.
Microloans from CARE International CARE International UK. Registered charity no 292506. CARE, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP
BROUGHT TO YOU BY CARE INTERNATIONAL UK
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89mm
89mm
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